RU2575224C2 - Aircraft power plant drive system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transport.

SUBSTANCE: power plant drive comprising nacelle, turbojet and channel for air circulation there between has the housing, connectors, first airflow control shutter first member and transmission means. Said connectors allow attachment of said housing to said nacelle and its displacement relative thereto and about two rotational axes. First airflow control shutter actuator extends from the housing and comprises the first point for attachment of the first actuator to said shutter. Second thrust reverser shutter actuator extends from the housing and comprises the second point for attachment of the second actuator to said shutter. Note here that said housing is arranged between said first and second attachment points. Transmission means comprise the input, first output connected therewith and second output connected with the second actuator. Said means can selectively transmit the motion fed to the first output for airflow control shutter displacement or to second output for thrust reverser airflow control shutter displacement. Another invention of the set relates to power plant including aforesaid drive system.

EFFECT: decreased overall dimensions, reduced strains originating between the housing and actuators.

14 cl, 5 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a drive system for movable shutters of an aircraft power plant, as well as to a power plant containing such a system.

State of the art

An aircraft power plant generally comprises a nacelle attached to an aircraft wing and a turbojet engine attached to a nacelle. In the case of a turbojet engine with outflow of primary and secondary air, the turbojet engine contains a compressor, a combustion chamber, a high pressure turbine that allows the compressor to be driven, and a low pressure turbine that allows the blower to rotate. The blower allows you to accelerate the flow of cold air circulating in the annular channel enclosed between the turbojet engine and the nacelle to generate traction necessary for moving the aircraft.

Power plants are equipped with various systems embedded between the outer shell of the nacelle and the turbojet engine.

In particular, power plants contain a thrust reversal system, or a TRAS system (from the English “Thrust Reverse Actuation System”, that is, a thrust reversal inclusion system), which allows reverse thrust at the landing stage in order to provide more efficient braking of the aircraft. Such a system contains a set of movable dampers driven by power cylinders connected to them, which allows you to block the annular channel and direct the flow of cold air into the front of the nacelle, thereby creating a reverse thrust, the action of which enhances the effect of wheel braking.

In the case of the so-called thrust reversal system “with doors”, the nacelle is equipped with movable dampers (called “doors”) that are rotated relative to the structure of the nacelle between the retracted position in which they allow air to flow in the channel towards the rear of the nacelle and the extended position in which the dampers block the flow of air and deploy it in the direction of the front of the nacelle.

In the case of the so-called thrust reversal system “with gratings”, the nacelle is equipped with movable dampers that slide along the guides between the retracted position in which they allow air to flow in the channel towards the rear of the nacelle and the extended position in which they open the gratings of the exhaust blades located in the gondola body.

In the General case, both in one and in another embodiment, to move the movable shutters provide a set of designed for this power cylinders.

In addition, the drive system may include an airflow control system or a VFN system (from the English "Variable Fan Nozzle", i.e. a variable-section fan nozzle) designed to optimize fuel consumption. This system allows you to adjust the flow of cold air circulating in the annular channel, depending on the speed of the aircraft. Typically, such a system comprises movable shutters driven by power cylinders to change the cross-sectional area of the circulation channel.

To obtain additional fuel economy, aircraft manufacturers seek to minimize the frontal aerodynamic drag created by the power plant. This problem can be solved, in particular, by reducing the thickness of the nacelle. Such a solution leads to a decrease in volume, which can be used to install various systems placed between the outer shell of the nacelle and the turbojet engine.

Patent document FR 2922059 describes a linear double-acting drive mechanism that enables independent movement of the inner and outer parts of the casing relative to the nacelle. The drive mechanism comprises a base adapted to be attached to the nacelle, a first rod made with the possibility of translational movement relative to the base and attached to the inner part of the casing, and a second rod also made with the possibility of translational movement relative to the base and attached to the outer part of the casing.

The drive mechanism proposed in this document allows you to move one or the other of the parts of the casing using a single engine, which allows selective control of the thrust reversal system or air flow regulation system.

In the drive mechanism proposed in this document, the first and second rods are formed by pipes that can be telescopically retracted one into another. As a result of this, since during the movement of one or another part of the casing, three points of attachment of the mechanism (the point of attachment of the base to the nacelle, the point of attachment of the first rod to the inner part of the casing and the point of attachment of the second rod to the outer part of the casing) can cease to be aligned, voltage.

Disclosure of invention

The problem to which the present invention is directed is to propose a drive system for the movable dampers of a power plant, which is small in size and allows to limit the stresses arising in the system.

To solve the problem in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a drive system for a power plant comprising a nacelle, a turbojet engine and an air circulation channel located between the nacelle and the turbojet engine, the drive system comprising:

- the housing and connecting means for attaching the housing to the nacelle, and the connecting means provide the ability to move the housing relative to the nacelle around two axes of rotation,

- the first body of movement of the air flow control flap circulating in the channel, the first body moving away from the body and contains a first attachment point of the first body to the flap,

- a second body for moving the throttle reverse flap, the second organ moving away from the body and contains a second attachment point of the second organ to the damper, the housing being located between the first attachment point and the second attachment point,

and transmission means comprising an input, a first output connected to the first body and a second output connected to a second body, the transmission means being capable of selectively transmitting the input movement to the first output to move the flow control damper or to the second output for move the throttle reverse flap.

Thanks to such a drive system, the flow control damper and the draft reverse damper are controlled by the same drive system, which reduces the amount of equipment occupied in the power plant.

Since the attachment points are located on opposite sides of the housing, and the housing is configured to move relative to the nacelle with two degrees of freedom, the housing itself occupies a position that ensures alignment of the three mounting points of the system. This makes it possible to limit the stresses arising between the housing and the moving organs.

In addition, the proposed drive system may have the following characteristics:

- the connecting means comprise a double hinge, the first moving member and the second moving member are made with the possibility of translational movement relative to the housing in parallel directions,

- the first moving body is made with the possibility of translational movement relative to the housing between the retracted position and the extended position in the first extension direction, and the second moving body is made with the possibility of translational movement relative to the housing between the retracted position and the extended position in the second extension direction, opposite the first extension direction,

- the device contains a power cable passing between the nacelle and the housing to provide power to the drive system, the cable being bent to form two cable sections made with the possibility of translational movement relative to each other to compensate for movement of the housing relative to the nacelle

- the device comprises an engine connected to the input of the transmission means for supplying movement to the input,

- transmission means contain an epicycloid mechanism containing a sun gear at the input, as well as a ring gear and carrier at the first and second outputs,

transmission means contain locking means to ensure the immobility of the first exit when allowing the movement of the throttle reverse flap,

- in particular, the locking means comprise an electromagnetic brake,

- transmission means contain locking means to ensure the immobility of the second output while allowing the movement of the flow control damper,

- in particular, the locking means comprise a locking pin adapted to move between the retracted position in which the throttle reverse flap is released for movement and the extended position in which the pin prevents the thrust reverse flap from moving,

- the system contains synchronization means for synchronizing the first output with the first output of another drive system of the power plant,

- synchronization tools contain a flexible rod connecting the first output to the first output of another drive system of the power plant.

In accordance with the invention also provides a power plant containing:

- gondola,

- turbojet engine,

- air circulation channel located between the nacelle and the turbojet engine,

- damper regulating the air flow circulating in the channel,

- throttle reverse flap and

- the drive system defined above for selectively moving the flow control damper or the thrust reverser damper relative to the nacelle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and not imposing any restrictions, containing links to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

- figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a drive system according to one embodiment of the invention;

- figure 1 bis schematically shows another embodiment of the drive system of figure 1;

- figure 2 schematically shows the connecting means for attaching the housing of the drive system to the nacelle;

- figure 3 schematically shows a power plant containing several drive systems;

- figure 4 schematically illustrates a possible violation of the alignment of the three mounting points of the drive system.

The implementation of the invention

Figure 1 presents the drive system 100, comprising a housing 10 and connecting means 20 for attaching the housing 10 to the power plant.

The system also includes an electric motor 30 and transmission means 40 located inside the housing 10.

In addition, the system includes a first rod 50 that is movable relative to the housing 10 and allows to move the flow control damper 60, and a second rod 70 that is movable relative to the housing 10 and allows the throttle reverse flap 80 to be moved.

The first rod 50 is movable relative to the housing 10 along the direction indicated by the X axis between the retracted position and the extended position.

The second rod 70 is also configured to translate relative to the housing 10 between the retracted position and the extended position along a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the first rod 50.

More specifically, the first rod 50 is movable between the retracted position and the extended position in the first extension direction, and the second rod 70 is movable between the retracted position and the extended position in a second extension direction opposite to the first extension direction.

Thus, the housing 10 is located between two rods 50 and 70, and these two rods protrude from the housing 10 in opposite directions.

The connecting means 20 are a double swivel, allowing the housing 10 to rotate relative to the nacelle around two mutually perpendicular axes of rotation.

The transmission means 40 is a mechanical unit with one input and two outputs, allowing selective transfer of the movement that it receives to the input from the electric motor 30, to the first output to provide movement of the first movable rod 50, or to the second output to provide movement of the second movable rods 70.

More precisely, the transmission means 40 comprise an epicycloid mechanism 41 consisting of a sun gear 42 connected to the engine input, a carrier 43 connected to the second output, a ring gear 44 connected to the first output, and satellites 45 mounted between the sun gear 42 and the ring gear 44 and supported by ledges drove 43.

The electric motor 30 includes a stator 31, fixed relative to the housing 10, and a hollow rotor 32, which can be rotationally driven about the X axis when power is supplied to the motor. The rotor 32 is rigidly attached to the sun gear 42, which forms the input element of the transmission system. Thus, the engine can drive the sun gear 42 into rotation about the X axis relative to the housing 10.

The first movable rod 50 is connected to the ring gear 44 by means of a screw-nut transmission type coupling device 90, which allows the rotational movement of the ring gear 44 around the X axis to translate the forward movement of the first rod 50 in a direction parallel to the X axis. Thus, the ring gear 44 forms the first output element of the transmission means 40.

Similarly, the second movable rod 70 is connected to the carrier 43 by means of a screw-nut transmission type connecting means 110, which allows the rotational movement of the carrier 43 around the X axis to be converted into the translational movement of the second rod 70 in a direction parallel to the X axis. Thus, the carrier 43 forms the second output element of the transmission means 40.

Transmission means 40 also comprise an electromagnetic brake 46, which can be actuated to stop the movement of the ring gear 44 relative to the housing 10.

Transmission means 40 also comprise locking means 47 that can be actuated to selectively lock or release the throttle reverse flap 80. To this end, the locking means 47 comprise a pin 48 configured to translate in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction of movement of the throttle reverse flap 80. The pin 48 is movable between the retracted position in which it releases the throttle reverse flap 80 and the extended position in which it enters the corresponding socket 88 of the throttle reverse flap 80 and thereby prevents its movement.

Transmission means 40 also include a power cable 49 connecting the engine 30 to a power source. The housing 10 comprises an internal channel 11 in which the power cable 49 passes. The inner channel 11 is in the form of “hairpins” and contains two parallel sections 13 and 14. The housing 10 contains a dividing wall 12 separating two parallel sections 13 and 14 of the inner channel. Thus, the power cable 49 is folded in half in the shape of the channel 11 and forms two sections located on both sides of the dividing wall 12. In the case of movement of the housing 10 relative to the nacelle, the dividing wall 12 is moved relative to the nacelle and translational movement of each of the sections of the cable 49 relative to the other without damage to the cable.

In addition, the transmission means 40 also comprise a mechanical output 91 connected to the ring gear 44 and allowing synchronization of the movements of the flow control damper 60 with the movements of other power plant flow control flaps. The system 100 includes a flexible transmission rod, providing the ability to connect all the mechanical outputs 91 of the drive systems 100 of the power plant.

At a given speed of rotation of the engine 30, the drive system 100, shown in FIG. 1, allows for a high speed of movement of the air flow control flap 60 and a low speed of movement of the thrust reverse flap 80.

Figure 1 bis schematically shows one of the embodiments of the drive system 100 of figure 1.

According to this embodiment, the sun gear 42 is still connected to the motor inlet. However, the carrier 43 is connected to the first exit (the movable bar 50), and the ring gear 44 is connected to the second exit (the mobile bar 70).

Thus, at a given speed of rotation of the engine, the drive system provides a low speed of movement of the air flow control flap 60 and a high speed of movement of the thrust reverse flap 80.

Figure 2 schematically shows the connecting means 20 for attaching the housing of the drive system to the nacelle.

The connecting means 20 are a double swivel comprising a first swivel 21 and a second swivel 22.

The first swivel 21 comprises a first fork 211 rigidly attached to the nacelle, an intermediate member 212 and a second fork 213. The intermediate member 212 is rotatably mounted, on the one hand, relative to the first fork 211 about the first axis, and on the other hand, relative to the second fork 213 about a second axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis.

Similarly, the second swivel 22 comprises a first fork 221 rigidly attached to a second fork 213 of the first swivel 21, an intermediate member 222, and a second fork 223 rigidly attached to the housing 10 of the drive device. The intermediate element 222 is mounted for rotation, on the one hand, relative to the first fork 221 around the first axis, and on the other hand, relative to the second fork 223 around the second axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis.

Such connecting means 20 provide the ability to move the housing 10 of the drive device relative to the nacelle to compensate for possible misalignment of the three mounting points of the drive device, in particular, if the airflow control damper 60 and the thrust reversal damper are simultaneously in the extended position.

Point 1 corresponds to the attachment point of the housing 10 to the nacelle. Point 2 corresponds to the attachment point of the first rod 50 to the airflow control damper 60. Point 3 corresponds to the attachment point of the second rod 70 to the throttle reverse flap 80.

As shown in figure 4, the mounting of the housing 10 of the drive system to the nacelle by means of connecting means 20 with a double hinge allows a violation of the alignment of the three mounting points of the system, respectively, to the air flow control damper (point 2), to the nacelle (point 1) and to the damper thrust reverse (point 3). In particular, these three points may not be located in the same plane.

Figure 3 schematically shows a power plant 200 containing a nacelle 201 and several drive systems 100. In the event of a failure of electrical synchronization, flexible rods 101 connecting all mechanical outputs of the drive systems 100 provide mechanical synchronization of the drive systems 100.

The drive device 100 may be used in accordance with the following two modes of operation.

Airflow Regulation Mode

This operating mode can only be used in flight.

In this operating mode, the second output (carrier 43) of the transmission means 40 is blocked by means of the locking means 47. The movable pin 48 is moved to the extended position and inserted into the socket 88 of the throttle reverse flap, which excludes any movement thereof.

An electromagnetic brake 46 is actuated to release the first output (ring gear 44) of the transmission means 40.

When the electric motor 30 is brought into rotation, the rotational movement is transmitted from the input (sun gear 42) of the transmission means 40 to the first output (ring gear 44) of the transmission means. The rotational movement of the ring gear 44 is converted into the translational movement of the first rod 50 by means of connecting means 90 of the type screw-nut transmission.

Thus, the first rod 50 is moved relative to the housing 10 of the drive system 100, which causes a corresponding movement of the flow control damper 60.

The "airflow control" function allows you to move the first rod 50 between the retracted position, in which the distance between points 1 and 2 is minimal, and the extended position, in which the distance between points 1 and 2 is maximum, while maintaining a constant distance between points 1 and 3.

Thrust reverse mode

When the conditions necessary to activate the function of "reverse thrust", the first rod 50 is fixed in the extended position using the electromagnetic brake 46.

The blocking means 47 is actuated to release the blocking of the second exit (carrier 43) of the transmission means 40. More specifically, the locking pin 48 is withdrawn to release the throttle reverse flap 80 and to enable its movement.

When the electric motor 30 is brought into rotation, the rotational movement is transmitted from the input (sun gear 42) of the transmission means 40 to the second output (carrier 43) of the transmission means 40. The rotational movement of the carrier 43 is converted into the translational motion of the second rod 70 by means of connecting means 110 of a screw-nut transmission type.

Thus, the second rod 70 is moved relative to the housing 10 of the drive system, which causes a corresponding movement of the throttle reverse flap 80.

The “reverse thrust” function allows you to change the distance between points 1 and 3 while maintaining a constant distance between points 1 and 2.

Claims (14)

1. A drive system (100) for a power plant comprising a nacelle, a turbojet engine and an air circulation channel located between the nacelle and a turbojet engine, the drive system (100) comprising:
- the housing (10) and connecting means (20) for attaching the housing (10) to the nacelle, and the connecting means (20) provide the ability to move the housing relative to the nacelle around two axes of rotation,
- the first organ (50) for moving the shutter (60) for regulating the air flow circulating in the channel, the first organ (50) moving away from the body (10) and contains the first point (2) of fastening the first organ to the shutter (60),
- a second body (70) for moving the flap (80) of the reverse thrust, the second organ (70) moving away from the body (10) and contains a second point (1) of attachment of the second body to the flap (80), and the body (10) is located between the first the attachment point (2) and the second attachment point (1), and
- transmission means (40) containing an input (42), a first output (44) connected to the first body (50), and a second output (43) connected to the second body (70), and the transmission means (40) made with the ability to selectively transmit the movement of the input to the input to the first output to move the flow control damper or to the second output to move the throttle reverse flap. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means (20) contain a double hinge. 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first body (50) of movement and the second body (70) of movement are made with the possibility of translational movement relative to the housing (10) in parallel directions. 4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that:
- the first body (50) of movement is made with the possibility of translational movement relative to the housing (10) between the retracted position and the extended position in the first direction of extension, and
- the second body (70) of movement is made with the possibility of translational movement relative to the housing (10) between the retracted position and the extended position in the second direction of extension, opposite the first direction of extension. 5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains a power cable (49) passing between the nacelle and the housing (10) to provide power to the drive system (100), the cable (49) being bent to form two cable sections made with the possibility of translational movement relative to each other to compensate for the movements of the housing (10) relative to the nacelle. 6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains an engine (30) connected to the input (42) of the transmission means (40) for supplying movement to the input. 7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission means (40) comprise an epicycloid mechanism (41) containing a sun gear (42) at the input, as well as a ring gear (44) and a carrier (43) at the first and second outputs . 8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (40) of the transmission contain blocking means (46) to ensure the immobility of the first output (44) while allowing movement of the throttle (80) reverse thrust. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the locking means (46) comprise an electromagnetic brake. 10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (40) of the transmission contain blocking means (47) to ensure the immobility of the second output (43) while allowing the movement of the shutter (60) to control the flow. 11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the locking means (47) comprise a locking pin (48) that is movable between the retracted position in which the throttle reverse flap (80) is released to move and the extended position in which the pin (48) prevents the throttle flap (80) from moving. 12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains means (91, 101) of synchronization for synchronizing the first output (44) with the first output of another drive system of the power plant. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the synchronization means (91, 101) comprise a flexible rod (101) connecting the first output (44) to the first output of another drive system of the power plant. 14. A power plant (200), comprising:
- gondola (201),
- turbojet engine,
- air circulation channel located between the nacelle and the turbojet engine,
- a damper (60) for regulating the air flow circulating in the channel,
- throttle reverse (80), and
- a drive system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for selectively moving the flow control flap (60) or the throttle reverse flap (80) relative to the nacelle (201).

Images