FR3111389A1 - System for controlling the fluid in a relay box - Google Patents

Abstract

Insert (20) configured to be arranged in a relay box (100), the insert comprising a body (22) extending between a first end (24) and a second end (26), the body being configured to occupy a volume (110), an open cell array (28) included in the body, the open cell array extending from the first end to the second end, and wherein the open cell array is configured to direct a fluid (15) present in the volume from the first end to the second end. Figure 1

Description

System for controlling fluid in a relay box

Domain

This disclosure relates generally to the field of lubrication systems in a relay box. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the control of fluid flow in an accessory relay box.

Context

An aircraft turbine engine typically includes an accessory relay box to actuate mechanically driven accessory systems, such as fuel pumps, hydraulic pumps and electrical generators, which are essential for the operation of the engine and of the aircraft. As described by French patent application FR2977280A1 (hereafter "the '280 application"), the accessory relay box can usually comprise one or more gear trains. Each gear train can usually be made up of a plurality of sprockets which can be rotated to drive accessories through a drive shaft. The transmission shaft can be coupled to a shaft of the turbine. Each accessory may include an accessory drive shaft including a gear having a set of splines which meshes with a set of splines of a corresponding gear of a corresponding sprocket to be driven thereby. Additionally, the driveshaft may include a gear having a set of splines that meshes with a set of splines of a corresponding gear of a corresponding cogwheel to drive the cogwheels of the gear train.

In operation, the use of oil to quickly lubricate the moving parts in the relay housing, such as gears and bearings, is necessary to cool, reduce friction and thus optimize the functionality and life of the housing of relays. However, one result of using oil in a rapidly moving environment is that oil is squirted, introduced and poured around the relay box. Thus, oil can accumulate in undesirable areas due to dynamic effects and/or geometry of the relay box, in addition to the general bulk amount of oil that can accumulate in a crankcase of the relay box. The gears may knock, pump, or move oil around the relay housing (swirl). Also, the gears can swirl air and/or an air-oil mixture around the relay housing (drift). Viscous drag, such as drift and swirl, on the gears reduces the efficiency of the relay box. Additionally, moving fluids can negatively impact the proper drainage (draining) of the relay box, further causing unwanted buildup of oil inside the relay box, thus further reducing efficiency. of the relay box and the oil system.

Currently available structures for controlling fluid flow in a relay box include the use of baffles and end shields constructed with a solid material design. Solid material design baffles and shrouds typically include solid surfaces constructed from castings, stampings and/or sheet metal fabrications. However, solid surfaces may not necessarily provide sufficient viscous damping of fluid flows. Additionally, fluid may bounce off solid surfaces and back into the airflow and/or undesired locations in the relay box. Therefore, solid surfaces may not sufficiently control or direct the airflow.

It is desirable to provide an improved system for directing fluid flow in a relay box to solve one or more of the technical problems described above.

Summary

According to aspects of the disclosure, an insert configured to be arranged in a relay box comprises a body extending between a first end and a second end, the body being configured to occupy a volume, an open cell matrix included in the body, the open cell array extending from the first end to the second end, and wherein the open cell array is configured to direct a fluid present in the volume, from the first end to the second end.

According to aspects of the disclosure, each open cell of the array of open cells extends contiguously with one or more open cells from the first end to the second end.

According to aspects of the disclosure, each open cell of the open cell array is surrounded by a wall extending between the first end and the second end.

According to aspects of the disclosure, each wall of each open cell of the open cell array is configured to be shared by one or more contiguous open cells.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the thickness of each wall is in a range between 0.005 mm and 5 mm.

According to aspects of the disclosure, each open cell of the open cell array comprises a polygonal geometry.

According to aspects of the disclosure, each open cell of the open cell array extends vertically.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the first end of the body defines a clearance.

According to aspects of the disclosure, a frame may be configured to extend around and support the body.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the insert is configured to be fixed in the volume in order to maintain the positioning in the volume.

According to aspects of the disclosure, a system for controlling fluids in a relay box includes an insert according to the aspect described above, a relay box defining a volume and including a gear configured to rotate about an axis of rotation in the volume and a drain port in communication with the volume, a fluid in the volume being able to come into contact with the gear, and in which the fluid flowing in the volume is directed away from the gear to desirable drain areas and/or the insert body drain port.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the insert defines the play described above and the gear can rotate through the play.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the insert is configured to be positioned between the gear and housing areas and the drain port(s).

In the manner described and in the aspects illustrated herein, the insert and system are configured to control and/or direct the flow of fluid(s) through a relay housing, while damping fluid flow and reducing the possibility of fluid bouncing off a solid surface – thereby improving coalescence of the fluid(s) and promoting efficient venting and emptying behavior.

The aspects of an embodiment are described with reference to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals designate the same elements:

Figure 1 is a side perspective view of an insert of a system for controlling fluid in a relay box (hereafter "the system") according to aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a partially enlarged view of the insert of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the insert of Figure 1, taken on line III of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a side sectional view of the system according to aspects of the disclosure;

Figure 5 is a front sectional view of the system of Figure 4, taken on line V of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a partial side sectional view of the system according to aspects of the disclosure;

Figure 7 is a front sectional view of the system of Figure 6, taken on line VII of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a front sectional view of the system according to aspects of the disclosure;

Figure 9 is a partial side sectional view of the system according to aspects of the disclosure, showing an alternative arrangement of the open cells of the system;

Figure 10 is a front sectional view of the system according to Figure 9, taken on line X of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a front sectional view of the system according to aspects of the disclosure; And

Figure 12 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the insert, showing an alternate arrangement of the open cells of the system.

detailed description

An embodiment of a system for controlling fluid flow in a relay box (hereinafter "the system") according to aspects of the disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 1 through 12, in which like numerals represent the same parts, and is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. In particular, an insert 20 of system 10 for use in a relay box according to aspects of the disclosure is described. Although system 10 and insert 20 are described with reference to specific examples, it should be understood that modifications and changes may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope defined by the claims. In particular, the individual characteristics of the different embodiments shown and/or mentioned here can be combined in additional embodiments. Accordingly, the description and the drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, illustrate illustrative aspects and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The illustrative aspects shown are intended for exemplary purposes only.

The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal”. While aspects of the disclosure are favorable to various modifications and alternate forms, their specifics have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular embodiment(s) described. Rather, the intent of this disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and variations within the scope of the disclosure.

Various materials, methods of construction and methods of attachment will be discussed in the context of the described embodiment(s). Those skilled in the art will recognize known substitutes for materials, methods of construction, and methods of attachment, all of which are contemplated to be compatible with the disclosed embodiment(s) and are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "un", "une" and "le", "la" include plural referents unless otherwise indicated. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and/or" unless otherwise specified.

Throughout the description, including the claims, the terms "comprising a", "including a" and "having a" are to be understood as being synonymous with "comprising one or more", "including one or more" and " having one or more” unless otherwise specified. In addition, any range presented in the description, including the claims, should be understood to include its end value(s), unless otherwise specified. Specific values for the elements described should be understood to be within accepted manufacturing or industrial tolerances known to those skilled in the art and any use of the terms "substantially", "approximately" and "generally" should be understood to be within such accepted tolerances.

Where an element or feature is referred to herein as being "on", "engaged with", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or feature, it (it) may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to another element or feature, or intermediate elements or features may be present. In contrast, when an element or feature is referred to as being "directly on", "directly engaged with", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" a other element or characteristic, there may be no intermediate elements or characteristics. Other terms used to describe the relationship between elements or features shall be interpreted in an identical manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.) .

Spatial terms, such as "top", "bottom", "middle", "inner", "outer", "below", "below", "lower", "above", "superior", and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one feature or feature to another feature(s) or feature(s) ), as shown in the drawings. Space terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of a device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned upside down, then the elements described as being "below" or "below" the other elements or features are oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term exemplary "under" can encompass both top and bottom orientation. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated at 90 degrees or other orientations) and the spatial descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe different elements, components, regions, layers, sections and/or parameters, such elements, components, regions, layers, sections and/or parameters shall not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed here can be qualified as a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4-5, system 10 is configured for use in an accessory relay box (hereinafter "the relay box") 100 of an aircraft engine (not shown). However, it is contemplated that system 10 may be configured for use in a non-accessory relay box. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that system 10 may be configured for use in a non-aerospace application. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that system 10 may be configured for use in an application not intended for a relay box, such as controlling fluids in other housing applications (a bearing housing, a machining center, or similar). Relay housing 100 includes housing 102 configured to surround moving parts, such as gears, bearings, and drive shafts. In the described embodiment, the relay box 100 is rectangular. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other geometries, such as a square shape or a curved shape, may be compatible with system 10. Referring to Figure 4, relay box 100 has a duty cycle wherein one or more gears 104 rotate about an axis of rotation A _R in the relay box 100. In the described embodiment, there are a plurality of gears 104 and each gear 104 can rotate about a same axis of rotation or a different axis of rotation A _R , however, for purposes of description, reference is made herein to "the gear", unless specification of the plurality of gears 104 is necessary . During the cycle of operation, fluid 15 (see Figures 4-5) may be supplied to relay housing 100. Fluid 15 may contact gear 104. In the described embodiment, fluid 15 is an oil configured to lubricate moving parts in relay housing 100, such as gears 104 and bearings 114. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that fluid 15 may have a two-phase flow consisting of a mixture of air-oil. As illustrated by Figures 4-5, relay housing 100 may include housing 106 configured to collect fluid 15. Fluid 15 collected by housing 106 is no longer used once it reaches housing 106. Housing 106 may be positioned at a lower and/or bottom area of relay housing 100. Relay housing 100 may include a drain port 108 configured to return fluid 15 to a fluid reservoir (not shown). for recycling. Drain port 108 may be in communication with housing 106, such that fluid collected in housing 106 is directed and returned to drain port 108.

As shown in Figures 4-8, insert 20 of system 10 is configured to occupy a volume 110. In the described embodiment, insert 20 is configured to occupy a volume 110 defined by housing 102 of the relay 100. Insert 20 is configured to protect housing 106 from high velocity fluid 15 present in volume 110. Additionally, insert 20 is configured to direct fluid 15 present in volume 110 away from the gear 104 and to housing 106 and/or drain port 108 and/or other preferred locations for fluid collection and drainage 15. Thus, insert 20 may be configured to be positioned between gear 104 and housing 106 and/or between gear 104 and drain port 108. Alternatively, insert 20 may be configured to be positioned within housing 106. Insert 20 may also be configured to mount in close proximity to gear 104, to restrict and remove fluid 15 from the en Gear 104. Directing Fluid 15 to Housing 106 of Relay Housing 100, while damping Fluid 15, reduces drift and swirl, thereby increasing the efficiency of Relay Housing 100.

As shown in Figures 1-3, insert 20 includes a body 22 configured to occupy volume 110. Body 22 may be formed in geometries matching the geometry of relay housing 100 and/or positioning of moving parts. in relay box 100. Body 22 may be constructed of materials such as metals, polymers, reinforced polymers and/or other composites depending on chemical and thermal compatibilities. Additionally, it is contemplated that body 22 may be fabricated by methods such as molding/casting, machining, fabrication, 3D printing, extrusion, hydroforming, and/or other suitable methods. . Body 22 is configured to be secured within volume 110 to maintain positioning within volume 110. Preferably, body 22 is secured to relay box 100. Insert 20 may include frame 34 that extends around the body 22. Additionally or alternatively, frame 34 may be configured to be attached to relay box 100. As shown in Figures 2-3, body 22 includes a first end 24 and a second end 26. The body 22 extends between the first end 24 and the second end 26. As shown in Figures 4 to 5, the first end 24 is positioned opposite the gear 104 and / or in the immediate vicinity of the gear 104 to limit and removing fluid 15 from gear 104. Second end 26 is positioned opposite housing 106 to direct fluid 15 to housing 106.

As shown in Figures 1-3, body 22 is arranged in an open cell "cellular" configuration. Thus, the body 22 comprises an array and/or series of open cells 28. The array of open cells 28 is configured to direct the fluid 15 present in the volume 110 from the first end 24 of the body 22 to the second end 26 of the body. 22. Thus, each open cell 28a of the array of open cells 28 extends from the first end 24 of the body 22 to the second end 26 of the body 22. In addition, each open cell 28a is open at the first end 24 and the second end 26 of the body 22. Thus, the first end 24 can serve as an inlet for the fluid 15 and the second end 26 can serve as an outlet for the fluid 15. Each open cell 28a can extend substantially vertically from the first end 24 to the second end 26 – to improve the direction of the fluid 15 due to gravity. It is contemplated that the term "substantially vertical" as used herein may be understood to mean that each open cell 28a extends at an angle in the range of 75° to 105° from a horizontal plane. Additionally or alternatively, each open cell 28a may extend vertically from first end 24 to second end 26. It is contemplated that the term "vertically" as used herein may be understood to mean 90° +/- 5° in relation to a horizontal plane. Additionally, open cell array 28 may be included throughout body 22 and/or insert 20. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in Figures 8-11, one or more open cells 28a may be oriented at other angles to better receive and direct the flow of fluid 15 as needed, within the relay housing 100. Thus, one or more of the open cells 28a may extend in directions other than the substantially vertical and /or vertical towards the second end 26 of the body 22, in order to direct the flow of the fluid 15 towards or away from the desired locations and/or the desired directions. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that the orientation of the one or more open cells 28a may be different depending on the corresponding locations in the relay box 100. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that one or more of the open cells 28a may be able to bend and/or shape into a desired shape with a corresponding cell orientation, which flexibly adjusts to first end 24 and/or second end 26 of body 22.

In the described embodiment, each open cell 28a of the array of open cells 28 may have a polygonal geometry. Specifically, each open cell 28 may have a hexagonal geometry. Thus, it is contemplated that the array of open cells 28 forms a "honeycomb" configuration of the body 22. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that each open cell 28a may have a non-polygonal geometry, such as a annular and/or any other shape suitable for directing fluid flow 15 (see Figure 12). In the described embodiment, the array of open cells 28 is arranged along an entire length and/or width of the body 22. Each open cell 28a extends contiguously with one or more open cells 28a. In the described embodiment, each open cell 28a extends contiguously with a plurality of open cells 28a. In this arrangement, each open cell 28a is surrounded by a wall 30. Each wall 30 of each open cell 28a extends from the first end 24 of the body 22 to the second end 26 of the body 22. It is contemplated that the flow of fluid 15 along wall 30 causes the steering and damping effects discussed above. Each wall 30 of each open cell 28a may have the same thickness or the thickness of each wall 30 may vary depending on the design of the insert 20 and/or the material and manufacturing process of the insert 20. In the described embodiment, each wall 30 can have a thickness in a range between 0.005 mm and 5 mm. Preferably, each wall 30 may have a thickness of less than 1 mm. It is contemplated that the thickness may also depend on the material of the insert 20 and/or the geometry of the insert 20. Each wall 30 is configured to be shared by one or more contiguous open cells 28a. In the described embodiment, each wall 30 is configured to be shared by a plurality of contiguous open cells 28a.

The open cell matrix 28 increases the possibility that fluid 15 will be captured by insert 20 and/or body 22, to drain to housing 106 and reduces the possibility that fluid 15 can bounce off a solid surface. from the first end 24 of the body 22. Thus, the open cell matrix 28 reduces the possibility that the fluid 15 will bounce in a direction away from the intended direction of the fluid 15 toward the housing 106 and/or that the fluid 15 will be entrained again into the moving air in the relay box 100. The open cell matrix 28 causes more fluid 15 to dampen and/or coalesce while being directed to the housing 106. The flow fluid 15 is damped due to the absorption of kinetic energy from fluid 15, when fluid 15 experiences viscous friction as fluid 15 is directed toward housing 106. In addition, any kinetic flow of fluid 15 that goes through the matrix of cell Open cells 28 are directional and localized due to the flow straightening effect of the orientation of each open cell 28a.

Referring to Figures 5 through 11, first end 24 may additionally define clearance (recess) 32 to allow at least a portion of gear 104 to rotate therethrough. Thus, clearance 32 may be defined at an outer diameter of gear 104 and/or at the side faces of gear 104. Clearance 32 may increase the ability of body 22 to remove and/or restrict fluid 15 of gear 104. In the described embodiment, backlash 32 may contain between none of the gear and substantially all of the gear 104 to sufficiently reduce drift. Preferably, backlash 32 may contain a portion of gear 104 to sufficiently reduce drift, as determined analytically and/or experimentally. As shown in Fig. 8, clearance 32 may extend from a position below gear 104 to a position above gear 104. In the described embodiment, the set 32 may extend radially to accommodate gear 104. In this arrangement, the open cells 28a of open cell array 28 extending from and/or adjacent to set 32 may extend a angle (see Figure 8) or at a variety of angles depending on the position of the insert 20 in the relay box 100. In this arrangement, each open cell 28a can extend to any angle or any variety of angles relative to a horizontal or vertical plane. As shown in Figures 6 and 9, it is contemplated that body 22 may include a plurality of backlashes 32 for rotation of multiple gears 104. Backlash 32 and/or first end 24 may be configured to restrict fluid flow 15 within volume 110. Specifically, clearance 32 and/or first end 24 may be configured to restrict the flow of fluid 15 to gear 104. Additionally, clearance 32 and/or first end end 24 may be configured to entrap fluid 15. Once fluid 15 is entrapped by clearance 32 and/or first end 24, fluid 15 is directed away from gear 104 by clearance 32 and/or the first surface 24 through the open cell matrix 28. Additionally or alternatively, the body 22 may comprise a plurality of cell orientations, as may be determined to be preferable for local control of the flow of the fluid 15.

In operation, the insert 20 is placed in the relay box 100 according to the aspects described here. Insert 20 is fixed in relay box 100 to maintain positioning. Fluid 15 is supplied to relay housing 100 via fluid supply line 112 (see Fig. 4) during the operating cycle of relay housing 100. Fluid 15 contacts gears 104 and drops onto the first end 24 of insert 20. Fluid 15, at first end 24, passes through the one or more open cells 28a of open cell array 28 and travels from first end 24 to second end 26 Passing through open cell matrix 28 along walls 30 of open cell matrix 28 directs the flow of fluid 15 and dampens the flow of fluid 15. Fluid 15 is discharged from the second end 26 to sump 106. Fluid 15 discharged into sump 106, flows into drain port 108, where fluid 15 is returned to the fluid reservoir for recycling. In this arrangement, insert 20 of system 10 serves to control and/or direct the flow of fluid 15 into relay housing 100, while damping the flow of fluid 15 to second end 26 of insert 20. and reducing the possibility of fluid bouncing off housing 102, bearings 114, or gears 104.

Although the present disclosure has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are only illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure.

It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only, with the true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

In addition, all the described characteristics of a device can be transposed, alone or in combination, to a process and vice versa.

Claims (13)

Insert (20) configured to be arranged in a relay box (100), the insert comprising:
a body (22) extending between a first end (24) and a second end (26), the body (22) being configured to occupy a volume (110);
an open cell array (28) included in the body (22), the open cell array (28) extending from the first end (24) to the second end (26); And
wherein the open cell array (28) is configured to direct fluid (15) present in the volume (110) from the first end (24) to the second end (26). An insert (20) according to claim 1, wherein each open cell (28a) of the array of open cells (28) extends contiguously with one or more open cells from the first end (24) to the second end ( 26). An insert (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein each open cell (28a) of the array of open cells (28) is surrounded by a wall (30) extending between the first end (24) and the second end (26). An insert (20) according to claim 3, wherein each wall (30) of each open cell (28a) is configured to be shared by one or more contiguous open cells. An insert (20) according to any of claims 3 to 4, wherein the thickness of each wall (30) is in a range between 0.005mm and 5mm. An insert (20) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein each open cell (28a) of the array of open cells (28) comprises a polygonal geometry. An insert (20) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein each open cell (28a) of the array of open cells (28) extends vertically. Insert (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first end (24) of the body (28) defines a clearance (32). An insert (20) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein a frame (34) is configured to extend around and support the body (22). An insert (20) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the insert (20) is configured to be secured within the volume (110) to maintain positioning within the volume. A system (10) configured to direct fluids into a relay box (100), the system comprising:
an insert (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10;
a relay box (100) defining a volume (110) and including a gear (104) configured to rotate about an axis of rotation (A _R ) within the volume and a drain port (108) in communication with the volume (110);
a fluid (15) flowing in the volume (110) capable of coming into contact with the gear (104); And
wherein fluid (15) in the volume (110) is directed away from the gear (104) to the drain port (108) through the body (22) of the insert (20). A system (10) according to claim 11, wherein the insert (20) is according to claim 9 and the gear (104) rotates through the clearance (32). A system (10) according to any of claims 11 to 12, wherein the insert (20) is configured to be positioned between the gear (104) and the drain port (108).