Abstract:
Housing a conduit of a thermal protection system of a rigid structure of an attachment pylon in an aircraft propulsion assembly within a box of the rigid structure, so as to take advantage of the volume within the rigid structure. The elements forming the conduits thus form an integral part of the rigid structure and can thus play a structural role.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of French patent application No. 1454183 filed on May 9, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by way of reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of engine attachment pylons designed to be interposed between an aircraft wing and an engine, and more particularly to a propulsion assembly comprising such an attachment pylon. 
         [0003]    The invention can be used on any type of aircraft equipped for example with jet engines or turboprops. 
         [0004]    This type of attachment pylon, also called “EMS” (Engine Mounting Structure), makes it possible, for example, to hang an aircraft engine beneath the wing of the aircraft, or to mount such an engine above the wing. 
         [0005]    In general, such an attachment pylon is provided in order to constitute the connection interface between an aircraft engine and the wing of the aircraft. It allows the forces generated by the engine to be transmitted to the structure of the aircraft, and also makes it possible to route fuel, electrical, hydraulic and air systems between the engine and the airframe of the aircraft. 
         [0006]    In order to ensure the transmission of forces, the attachment pylon comprises a rigid structure, also called the “primary structure,” which is in general of the “box” type, that is to say formed by an assembly of upper and lower closing spars and of two closing panels or sidewalls. These elements are in general connected to one another via the intermediary of transverse stiffening ribs, when the dimensions of the box justify this. 
         [0007]    In addition, the attachment pylon is provided with a mounting system interposed between the engine and the rigid structure of the attachment pylon. This mounting system comprises, overall, at least two engine attachments, generally a forward attachment and an aft attachment. 
         [0008]    Moreover, the mounting system comprises in general a device for taking up the thrust forces generated by the engine. In the prior art, this device takes the form, for example, of two lateral struts connected, on one hand, to an aft part of the hub of the intermediate casing arranged in the continuation of the fan casing of the jet engine, or to a forward part of the casing surrounding the core of the jet engine, and, on the other hand, to the aft engine attachment fixed to the casing of the latter. 
         [0009]    In the same manner, the attachment pylon also comprises a second mounting system interposed between the rigid structure of this pylon and the wing of the aircraft, this second system habitually consisting of multiple attachments. 
         [0010]    Finally, the attachment pylon is provided with a secondary structure which separates and holds the systems while supporting aerodynamic fairings, of which the aft aerodynamic fairing habitually projects rearwards beyond the trailing edge of the wing. 
         [0011]    Furthermore, the propulsion assembly is generally equipped with a thermal protection system to protect the box of the rigid structure of the attachment pylon from the heat given off by the engine. Such a thermal protection system comprises a conduit arranged beneath the box to allow a flow of relatively fresh air between the box and the engine, so as to maintain a moderate temperature within the primary structure, in particular with respect to the systems housed within this structure. 
         [0012]    However, the arrangement of this conduit beneath the box results in the need to assign a specific volume to the conduit when designing and dimensioning the propulsion assembly. By contrast, it is desirable for aircraft designers to be able to break free from this restriction. 
         [0013]    Moreover, such an arrangement of the conduit results in an increase in mass, which is not desirable. 
         [0014]    The applicant&#39;s international application WO 2007/036521 describes an example of a known type of propulsion assembly, illustrating the problems explained above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The invention aims, in particular, to provide a simple, economical and effective solution to these problems, making it possible to at least partially avoid the abovementioned drawbacks. 
         [0016]    The invention proposes, to that end, a propulsion assembly for an aircraft, comprising an engine and an attachment pylon designed for attaching the engine to the wing of an aircraft, the attachment pylon comprising: 
         [0017]    a rigid structure comprising a box comprising a first closing spar, a second closing spar opposite the first closing spar, two closing sidewalls each having a first end fixed to the first closing spar and a second end fixed to the second closing spar, and an internal spar having lateral ends connected to said closing sidewalls, said internal spar extending between said first closing spar and said second closing spar; 
         [0018]    a mounting system attaching the engine to the box, and 
         [0019]    a thermal protection system comprising a conduit forming a thermal barrier to protect the box from the heat of the engine. 
         [0020]    According to the invention, said conduit is housed within said box and is delimited by the first closing spar, by the internal spar, and by the closing sidewalls. 
         [0021]    Thus, the internal volume of the box is used to house the conduit of the thermal protection system, such that the latter no longer requires specific volume to be taken into account when designing the propulsion assembly. 
         [0022]    By integrating into the rigid structure the elements forming the conduit, these elements can be used to aid in transferring the engine support and thrust forces to the wing of the aircraft. These elements can thus have a structural function in addition to their function of delimiting an air flow duct. 
         [0023]    Preferably, said mounting system comprises an aft engine attachment, and said rigid structure of the attachment pylon comprises a structural block comprising: 
         [0024]    a fixing plate pressed against said first closing spar and fixed to the latter by means of fasteners passing through the first closing spar and said internal spar, and 
         [0025]    a fixing interface for said aft engine attachment. 
         [0026]    Preferably, said thermal protection system comprises spacers connecting said first closing spar to said internal spar, passing through said conduit, each spacer including at least one orifice for one of said fasteners to pass through said structural block. 
         [0027]    Preferably, a first region of said conduit, located facing said structural block, has a cross section which is widened in the direction from said first closing spar towards said internal spar. 
         [0028]    Said widened cross section of said first region of the conduit is advantageously dimensioned such that the effective air passage cross section is constant along the length of said conduit. 
         [0029]    Preferably, a second region of said conduit, through which there passes an air supply duct designed to be connected to the airframe of an aircraft, has a cross section which is widened in the direction from said first closing spar towards said internal spar. 
         [0030]    Said widened cross section of said second region of the conduit is advantageously dimensioned such that the effective air passage cross section is constant along the length of said conduit. 
         [0031]    Preferably, said mounting system comprises a forward engine attachment having a fixing plate pressed against said first closing spar and fixed to the latter. 
         [0032]    Preferably, said thermal protection system comprises a longitudinal partition wall which extends between said first closing spar and said internal spar and which is connected to said closing sidewalls, so as to partition a central region of the conduit into two parts. 
         [0033]    Preferably, said box comprises a forward closing rib connecting a forward end of said first closing spar to a forward end of said second closing spar. 
         [0034]    Preferably, said box comprises an aft closing rib connecting an aft end of said first closing spar to an aft end of said second closing spar. 
         [0035]    Preferably, said box comprises internal stiffening ribs having one end connected to said internal spar and an opposite end connected to said second closing spar. 
         [0036]    Preferably, said thermal protection system comprises at least one air inlet connected to said conduit and opening through one of said closing sidewalls or through said first closing spar. 
         [0037]    Preferably, said thermal protection system comprises at least one air outlet connected to said conduit and opening through one of said closing sidewalls or through said first closing spar. 
         [0038]    Preferably, said thermal protection system comprises longitudinal ribs for stiffening against buckling, said longitudinal ribs forming heat exchange fins. 
         [0039]    The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one propulsion assembly of the type described hereinabove. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0040]    The invention will be better understood, and other details, advantages and features thereof will emerge from reading the following description given as a non-limiting example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: 
           [0041]      FIG. 1  is a partial schematic view in axial section of a propulsion assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 2  is a partial schematic view in axial section of a box belonging to a rigid structure of an attachment pylon of the propulsion assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of the detail IV of  FIG. 2  showing part of a forward end of the rigid structure of the attachment pylon; 
           [0044]      FIG. 4  is a partial schematic view in perspective of the part of the forward end of the rigid structure of the attachment pylon; 
           [0045]      FIG. 5  is a partial schematic view in perspective of a variant embodiment of the part of the forward end of the rigid structure of the attachment pylon; 
           [0046]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of the detail VII of  FIG. 2  showing a part of an aft end of the rigid structure of the attachment pylon; 
           [0047]      FIG. 7  is a partial schematic exploded view in perspective of the rigid structure of the attachment pylon of the propulsion assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 8  is a partial schematic view in transverse section of the rigid structure of the attachment pylon of the propulsion assembly of  FIG. 1 , showing a first region of the box of  FIG. 2 , located facing the structural block; 
           [0049]      FIG. 9  is a partial schematic view in transverse section of a variant embodiment of the rigid structure of the attachment pylon of the propulsion assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 10  is a partial schematic view in transverse section of the box of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 11  is a partial schematic view in transverse section of a variant embodiment of the box of  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
       [0052]    In all of these figures, identical references can designate identical or similar elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0053]      FIG. 1  illustrates an aircraft, more particularly a propulsion assembly  1  fixed beneath a wing  3  of this aircraft. Overall, the propulsion assembly  1  comprises an engine  2  such as a jet engine and an attachment pylon  4 , the latter comprising in particular a rigid structure  10  and a mounting system  11  comprising a plurality of engine attachments  6 ,  8  and a device for taking up thrust forces  9 . The mounting system  11  is interposed between the engine  2  and the rigid structure  10 . By way of indication, the propulsion assembly  1  is designed to be surrounded by a nacelle (not shown in this figure), and the attachment pylon  4  comprises another set of attachments (not shown) by means of which it is possible to hang the propulsion assembly  1  beneath the wing  3  of the aircraft. 
         [0054]    In the following description, the X direction is the longitudinal direction of the attachment pylon  4 , which can also be considered to coincide with the longitudinal direction of the jet engine  2 , this X direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis  5  of this jet engine  2 . Furthermore, the Y direction is the direction oriented transversely with respect to the pylon  4 , and can also be considered to coincide with the transverse direction of the jet engine  2 , and the Z direction is the vertical or height direction, these three directions X, Y and Z being mutually orthogonal. 
         [0055]    Furthermore, the terms “forward” and “aft” are to be considered with respect to a direction of flight of the aircraft, encountered as a consequence of the thrust exerted by the jet engine  2 , this direction being represented schematically by the arrow  7 . 
         [0056]    The jet engine  2  has, at the front, a large fan casing  12  delimiting an annular fan duct  14 , and comprises, towards the rear, a smaller central casing  16  which encloses the core of the jet engine. Finally, the central casing  16  extends rearwards by an exhaust casing  17  which is larger than the central casing  16 . The casings  12 ,  16  and  17  are of course secured to one another. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the plurality of engine attachments comprises a forward engine attachment  6  and an aft engine attachment  8  for example formed of two aft half-attachments, in a manner which is well known. The device for taking up thrust forces  9  takes the form for example of two lateral struts (only one being shown because of the side view) connected on one hand to an aft part of the hub of the intermediate casing arranged in the continuation of the fan casing  12 , and furthermore to a spreader  20  which is itself mounted on the rigid structure  10 . 
         [0058]    The forward engine attachment  6 , secured to the fitting  15  of the rigid structure  10  and to the fan casing  12 , is conventionally designed so as to be able to take up only forces generated by the jet engine  2  in the Y and Z directions, and thus not those acting in the X direction. By way of indication, this forward attachment  6  preferably enters a circumferential end portion of the fan casing  12 . 
         [0059]    The aft engine attachment  8  is generally interposed between the exhaust casing  17  and the rigid structure  10  of the pylon. As indicated above, it is preferably designed so as to be able to take up forces generated by the jet engine  2  in the Y and Z directions, but not those acting in the X direction. 
         [0060]    Thus, with the isostatic mounting system  11 , the forces acting in the X direction are taken up with the aid of the device  9 , and the forces acting in the Y and Z directions are taken up conjointly with the aid of the forward attachment  6  and the aft attachment  8 . 
         [0061]    Furthermore, the moment acting about the X direction is taken up vertically with the aid of the attachment  8 , the moment acting about the Y direction is taken up vertically with the aid of the aft attachment  8  in conjunction with the attachment  6 , and the moment acting in the Z direction is taken up transversely with the aid of the attachment  8 , in conjunction with the attachment  6 . 
         [0062]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the rigid structure  10  has a box  24  extending in the X direction from one end of the rigid structure  10  to the other, and thus forms a torsion box, sometimes called “main box,” of the structure. This box  24  is formed by a first closing spar  26 , also termed “lower spar” when the propulsion assembly is designed to be mounted beneath the wing as in the example shown, a second closing spar  28 , also termed “upper spar” in this case, and by two closing sidewalls  30  (only one being visible in  FIG. 1 ), each one extending in the X direction, substantially in a plane XZ. In the case of a propulsion assembly designed to be mounted above the wing, the first closing spar  26  forms an “upper spar” while the second closing spar  28  forms a “lower spar.” 
         [0063]    Within the box  24 , transverse stiffening ribs  32 , arranged substantially in planes YZ and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, reinforce the stiffness of the box  24 . By way of indication, each one of the elements  26 ,  28  and  30  may be created in one piece or, as a variant, each one may be formed from an assembly of adjacent panels, which may be slightly inclined with respect to one another. 
         [0064]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the rigid structure  10  further comprises a structural block  34  mounted in a fixed manner on the outer surface of the first closing spar  26 . The structural block  34  has a fixing interface  36  for the aft engine attachment  8 , this interface  36  being thus located beneath the plane in which is located the spar  28 . This fixing interface  36  comprises for example devises  38  on which are articulated shackles also designed to be articulated on fittings secured to the engine, in a manner known per se. The set of shackles then forms the aft engine attachment  8 . 
         [0065]    Moreover, the structural block  34  comprises a fitting for fixing the spreader  20 , arranged preferably forward of the fixing interface  36 . 
         [0066]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , the attachment pylon  4  comprises a thermal protection system  58  for the box  24 , comprising principally a conduit  60  housed within the box  24 . This conduit  60  is designed for a flow of relatively fresh air to flow through it so as to form a thermal barrier with respect to the hotter gases from the engine. 
         [0067]    The conduit  60  is delimited by the first closing spar  26  and by an internal spar  62 . This internal spar  62  has lateral ends connected to the closing sidewalls  30  and extends parallel to the first closing spar  26 , between the first closing spar  26  and the second closing spar  28 . Moreover, the conduit  60  is delimited laterally by each one of the closing sidewalls  30 . The internal spar  62  is arranged closer from the first closing spar  26  than from the second closing spar  28 . Generally speaking, the internal spar  62  is arranged sufficiently close to the first closing spar  26  for the air flowing through the conduit  60  to form an efficient thermal barrier. 
         [0068]    Furthermore, the thermal protection system  58  comprises a longitudinal partition wall  64  which extends between the first closing spar  26  and the internal spar  62 . This longitudinal partition wall  64  is connected, by its lateral ends, to the closing sidewalls  30 , so as to partition a central region of the conduit  60  into two parts  66   a ,  66   b . The longitudinal partition wall  64  makes it possible, in particular, to split the flow of relatively fresh air into two layers of air, so as to increase the effectiveness of the thermal barrier. Moreover, dividing the flow of air into two parts makes it possible to provide redundancy such that, in the event of a fault, such as partial or total obstruction of one of the parts  66   a ,  66   b  of the conduit  60 , the other part continues to provide the thermal protection function of the system  58 . Such redundancy is frequently termed a “fail-safe function.” 
         [0069]    As shown also in  FIG. 2 , the conduit  60  comprises a first region  70 , located facing the structural block  34 , and having a cross section which is widened in the direction from the first closing spar  26  towards the internal spar  62 , that is to say in a direction orthogonal to the first closing spar  26 . The widening of the conduit  60  at this first region  70  makes it possible to ensure that the effective air passage cross section is substantially constant within the conduit  60  in spite of the presence of fasteners of the structural block  34  within the conduit, as will be made clearer below. 
         [0070]    Similarly, the conduit  60  has a second region  72 , which is for example located forward of the abovementioned first region  70 , and which also has a cross section which is widened in the direction from the first closing spar  26  towards the internal spar  62 . The widening of the conduit  60  at this second region  70  makes it possible to ensure that the effective air passage cross section is substantially constant within the conduit  60  in spite of the presence of an air supply duct  74  which is designed to have its outlet connected to the airframe of the aircraft and its inlet connected to a heat exchanger fitted to the engine, in particular in order to condition and pressurize the air within the cabin of the aircraft. 
         [0071]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 , the thermal protection system  58  moreover comprises two air inlets  76 , which for example take the form of two bent tubes, each one being connected to the conduit  60  through the internal spar  62 , and opening respectively through said closing sidewalls  30  of the box  24 , preferably forward of a forward end of the longitudinal partition wall  64 . 
         [0072]    As a variant, the thermal protection system  58  may comprise a different number of air inlets, for example a single air inlet. 
         [0073]    As another variant, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the air inlets may take the form of orifices  78  created respectively in the closing sidewalls  30  facing the conduit  60 . These orifices are preferably extended towards the exterior of the box  24  by means of air bleed tubes  80 . 
         [0074]    In the example shown, the air inlets are connected to respective conduits (not shown) which open through the fan casing  12 , in the secondary flow duct of the engine. 
         [0075]    As a variant, the air inlets may be connected to respective conduits which open through the central casing  16 , in the primary flow duct of the engine, within a compressor of the engine. 
         [0076]    As a variant, the air inlets may be connected to a cooling air circuit also designed to supply a heat exchanger for cooling the air flowing in the air supply duct  74  which is designed to be connected to the airframe of the aircraft. 
         [0077]      FIGS. 2 to 4  show, moreover, a forward closing rib  82  of the box  24 . This rib  82  connects a forward end of the first closing spar  26  to a forward end of the second closing spar  28 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 3  also shows a part of the forward engine attachment  6 , more precisely a fixing plate  84  belonging to this engine attachment and pressed against the first closing spar  26 , and fixed to the latter by means of through fasteners  86 . In the example shown, these fasteners make it possible to fix the forward engine attachment  6  simultaneously to the first closing spar  26  and to a base  88  of the forward closing rib  82 . 
         [0079]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the thermal protection system  58  moreover comprises two air outlets, which for example take the form of orifices  88  which are adjacent in the Y direction and are created in the first closing spar  26  facing the conduit  60 , aft of an aft end of the longitudinal partition wall  64 . These orifices are preferably extended towards the exterior of the box  24  by means of respective air guiding tubes  90 . In  FIG. 6  showing a side view of the box  24 , one of the air outlets is concealed by the other air outlet. 
         [0080]    In the example shown, the air outlets open, via the intermediary of the air guiding tubes  90 , within an aft aerodynamic fairing (not shown) of the attachment pylon  4 , of the type frequently termed “APF” or “Aft Pylon Fairing.” 
         [0081]    As a variant, the air outlets may open beneath such an aft aerodynamic fairing, at a small distance from a lower heat shield of this fairing, so as to form an air film along this heat shield. 
         [0082]      FIG. 6  moreover shows an aft closing rib  92  of the box  24 , connecting an aft end of the first closing spar  26  to an aft end of the second closing spar  28 . 
         [0083]      FIGS. 7 and 8  show more particularly the abovementioned first region  70  of the conduit  60  and the structural block  34  arranged facing this region  70 . In the example shown, the conduit is widened in the first region  70  by means of a setback  94  formed in the internal spar  62 . This setback  94  comprises a portion of the spar projecting outwards from the conduit  60 , that is to say, in the opposite direction from the first closing spar  26 . 
         [0084]    The structural block  34  comprises a fixing plate  96  pressed against the first closing spar  26  and fixed to the latter by means of fasteners such as tension bolts passing through the first closing spar  26  and the internal spar  62 . In  FIG. 8 , these fasteners are symbolized by their respective axes  98 . In the example shown, the fasteners moreover pass through the longitudinal partition wall  64 . The fasteners are for example distributed in five longitudinal rows, each one comprising three fasteners. 
         [0085]    Advantageously, the fasteners are guided within spacers  100  extending within the conduit  60 , generally from the first closing spar  26  to the internal spar  62 . To that end, the spacers  100  comprise orifices  101  or bores for the fasteners to pass through. 
         [0086]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , these spacers  100  are for example formed from first portions  102  integrated into the first closing spar  26  and projecting towards the internal spar  62 , up to the longitudinal partition wall  64 , and from second portions  104  integrated into the internal spar  62  and projecting towards the first closing spar  26 , also up to the longitudinal partition wall  64 . Each one of these spacers  100  advantageously has forward  106  and aft  108  ends which are tapered ( FIG. 7 ) so as to optimize the airflow around each spacer. To that end, it is to be noted that the spacers  100  are spaced apart from one another. 
         [0087]    As a variant, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the conduit  60  may be widened in the first region  70  by means of a setback  94   a  formed in the first closing spar  26 . In this case, the setback  94   a  comprises a portion of the first closing spar  26  projecting in the opposite direction from the internal spar  62 . 
         [0088]    The conduit  60  may also be widened in the second region  72  by means of a setback formed in the internal spar  62  and/or in the first closing spar  26 . In the example shown, this widening of the conduit  60  in the second region  72  is effected by means of two setbacks respectively formed in the internal spar  62  and in the first closing spar  26 . 
         [0089]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 10 , the first closing spar  26 , the internal spar  62  and the longitudinal partition wall  64  preferably comprise longitudinal stiffening ribs  110  extending within the conduit  60 . In addition to a stiffening function in order to remedy buckling problems, these longitudinal ribs  110  make it possible to improve the thermal exchanges between the air flowing in the conduit  60  and the spars  26  and  62 . The longitudinal ribs  110  thus constitute heat exchange fins. 
         [0090]      FIGS. 7 and 10  make it possible to show the assembly of these elements, for example by means of bolts. 
         [0091]    To that end, the first closing spar  26  comprises for example lateral end fins  112  extending orthogonally to the spar, and provided at their respective free ends with respective rims  114  extending parallel to the spar and pressed against lateral edges  115  of the longitudinal partition wall  64 . 
         [0092]    Similarly, the internal spar  62  comprises for example lateral end fins  116  extending orthogonally to the spar, and provided at their respective free ends with respective rims  118  extending parallel to the spar and pressed against the lateral edges of the longitudinal partition wall  64 . 
         [0093]    The lateral edges of the longitudinal partition wall  64  are thus sandwiched between the rims  114  and  118 , and the assembly thus formed is secured by means of bolts, or equivalent devices, defining fixing axes  119 . 
         [0094]    In the example shown, the lateral end fins  116  of the internal spar  62  also extend beyond this spar  62  towards the second closing spar of the box, and are connected respectively to lateral panels  120  of the box, for example by means of bolts defining fixing axes  121 . 
         [0095]    Thus, the sidewalls  30  of the box each comprise a lateral panel  120  (or several adjacent panels), and of the lateral end fins  112  and  116  which extend substantially in the continuation of this lateral panel  120 . 
         [0096]    It is to be noted that the spars  26 ,  28 ,  62 , the closing sidewalls  30 , and the longitudinal partition wall  64  are preferably made of metal, for example aluminum, titanium, steel, or a titanium-based alloy. These elements may be created by machining from solid, or by means of parts assembled by welding and possibly re-machined. 
         [0097]      FIG. 11  illustrates a variant embodiment in which the above-described elements are assembled by means of fishplates  122 , each one in the form of a plate. Each fishplate  122  comprises a first portion  124  fixed to a corresponding lateral panel  120  of the box, and a second portion  126  extending beyond the lateral panel  120 . The lateral end fins  112  of the first closing spar  26  have no rims and are directly pressed against and fixed to the respective second portions  126  of the fishplates  122 . This is also the case with respect to the lateral end fins  128  of the longitudinal partition wall  64 . The lateral end fins  116  of the internal spar  62  are directly pressed against and fixed to the respective first portions  124  of the fishplates  122 . 
         [0098]    The fishplates  122  may be planar. As a variant, when the lateral panels  120  of the box are slightly inclined as in the example shown, the fishplates  122  may form a slight angle between their respective first and second portions  124 ,  126 . 
         [0099]    In operation, the relatively fresh air bled by means of the air inlets  76  flows within the conduit  60  and leaves the latter through the air outlets  90 . The airflow within the conduit  60  makes it possible to protect the box  24  of the rigid structure  10  of the attachment pylon  4  from the heat radiated by the core of the jet engine. 
         [0100]    The thermal protection system also makes it possible to fulfil a firewall function in case of an engine fire, so as to contain the fire in a dedicated zone called the “fire zone.” 
         [0101]    In order to further improve the effectiveness of the thermal protection system  58 , it may moreover comprise a thermal protection blanket arranged beneath the first closing spar  26 , that is to say on that face of the latter which is located on the outer side of the box  24 . Such a thermal protection blanket is made of insulating materials (of the microporous, aerogel, etc. type) and makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of the thermal protection system. 
         [0102]    Other manners of assembling the above-described elements are of course possible without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0103]    While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms “a” or “one” do not exclude a plural number, and the term “or” means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.