Oil removal system for a gear box

Abstract

A gear case including a gear and a groove. The gear is rotatable in a rotational direction about a rotational axis. The gear has a radial direction and an axial direction, and the gear discharges oil radially outward when the gear rotates. The groove is located radially outward of the gear in the radial direction of the gear to collect the oil discharged by the gear when the gear rotates. The groove includes an axial surface, a plurality of radial surfaces including a first radial surface and a second radial surface, and at least one opening that allows oil collected in the groove to flow therethrough. Each of the first radial surface and the second radial surface is oriented in a direction that intersects the axial surface, and the at least one opening is formed on the axial surface and one of the first radial surface and the second radial surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to gearboxes, and more specifically, to oil removal systems for rotary gear systems (e.g., rotary gear systems used in gas turbine engines of aircraft). Background Technology

[0002] Oil is used in power gearboxes (including gearboxes with planetary gear trains) to lubricate the gears and bearings within the gearbox. In planetary gear trains, oil can be supplied to lubricate the meshing between the gears. As the gears in a planetary gear train rotate during operation, the oil is expelled outward by inertial (or centrifugal) force. The oil can be collected by grooves located radially outward of the gears. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides:

[0004] A gearbox includes an oil system, at least one gear, and at least one groove. The oil system is configured to supply oil to the gearbox. The gear rotates about an axis of rotation in a rotational direction. The gear has a radial direction and an axial direction. When the gear rotates, the gear discharges oil radially outward. The groove is positioned radially outward of the gear in the radial direction to collect the oil discharged by the gear when the gear rotates. The groove includes an axial surface, a plurality of radial surfaces, and at least one opening. The plurality of radial surfaces includes a first radial surface and a second radial surface. Each of the first radial surface and the second radial surface is oriented in a direction intersecting the axial surface. The at least one opening allows the oil collected in the groove to flow through it. The at least one opening is formed on the axial surface and one of the first and second radial surfaces.

[0005] The gearbox according to the foregoing clause further includes a plurality of openings. Each of the openings is formed on the axial surface and one of the first radial surface and the second radial surface.

[0006] The gearbox according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the slot has a trapezoidal shape. Each of the first radial surface and the second radial surface forms an angle with the axial surface.

[0007] The gearbox according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the first radial surface and the second radial surface extend outward from the axial surface in the axial direction.

[0008] The gearbox according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the gear is a double helical gear having a plurality of teeth. Each of the plurality of teeth includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are angled relative to the axial direction of the gear to converge at an apex.

[0009] A gearbox according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the gear includes a gap between the first portion and the second portion. The apex lags behind the direction of rotation of the gear. The width of the axial surface of the at least one slot is greater than the gap between the first portion and the second portion.

[0010] According to any of the foregoing clauses, in a gearbox, the apex leads the direction of rotation of the gear. The width of the slot is greater than the width of the gear.

[0011] The gearbox according to any of the foregoing clauses further includes a planetary gear train and a plurality of the at least one slot. The planetary gear train includes a plurality of the at least one gear and a sun gear. The plurality of the at least one gear are a plurality of planetary gears. The sun gear is configured to receive torque and rotate about an axis of rotation. The sun gear engages with each of the plurality of planetary gears to rotate each planetary gear. The ring gear engages with each of the plurality of planetary gears. Each of the plurality of the at least one slot is a partial slot.

[0012] According to any of the foregoing clauses, in a gearbox, each local slot is positioned between adjacent planetary gears such that the local slot collects oil from each of the adjacent planetary gears. A first portion of the local slot collects oil from one planetary gear. A second portion of the local slot collects oil from an adjacent planetary gear.

[0013] According to any of the foregoing clauses, in a gearbox, each local slot further includes a cavity formed between the first portion and the second portion of the local slot. The opening is fluidly connected to the cavity.

[0014] The gearbox according to any of the foregoing clauses further includes a carrier. The planetary gears are rotatably connected to the carrier, wherein the plurality of planetary gears are capable of rotating together about the rotational axis of the sun gear. As the plurality of planetary gears rotate together, the carrier rotates about the rotational axis of the sun gear.

[0015] A gearbox includes a planetary gear train, a plurality of local slots, and a global slot. The planetary gear train includes a sun gear, a plurality of planetary gears, a carrier, and a ring gear. The sun gear is configured to receive torque and rotate about an axis of rotation. Each planetary gear engages with the sun gear to be rotated by the sun gear. The plurality of planetary gears are capable of rotating together about the axis of rotation of the sun gear. The planetary gears are rotatably connected to the carrier. As the plurality of planetary gears rotate together, the carrier rotates about the axis of rotation of the sun gear. The ring gear engages with each of the plurality of planetary gears. An oil system is configured to supply oil to the gearbox. Each local slot is positioned radially outside the planetary gear in the radial direction to collect oil discharged by the planetary gear as it rotates. The plurality of local slots are connected to the carrier to rotate together with the carrier. The global slot surrounds the plurality of planetary gears such that the global slot is located radially outside the plurality of planetary gears to collect oil discharged by the plurality of local slots as they rotate.

[0016] The gearbox according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein each local slot is formed in the bracket.

[0017] According to any of the foregoing clauses, in the gearbox, each local slot further includes a cavity and at least one local slot outlet fluidly connected to the cavity. When the carrier rotates, the oil is discharged outward through the local slot outlet.

[0018] The gearbox according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the global slot is integrally formed in the gear ring.

[0019] According to any of the foregoing clauses, in a gearbox, each local slot is positioned between adjacent planetary gears such that the local slot collects oil from each of the adjacent planetary gears. A first portion of the local slot collects oil from one planetary gear. A second portion of the local slot collects oil from an adjacent planetary gear.

[0020] According to any of the foregoing clauses, in a gearbox, each local slot further includes at least one opening and a cavity. The at least one opening allows the oil collected in the local slot to flow through it. The cavity is formed between the first portion and the second portion of the local slot. The opening is fluidly connected to the cavity.

[0021] A gas turbine engine includes a core, an output element, and a gearbox according to any of the preceding clauses. The core includes a compression section, a combustion section, and a turbine section. The gearbox is coupled to the core to transmit torque and power from the core to the output element.

[0022] The gas turbine engine according to any of the foregoing clauses further includes a fan. The fan includes a fan rotor and a plurality of fan blades extending radially outward from the fan rotor. The fan rotor is the output element.

[0023] The gas turbine engine according to any of the foregoing clauses further includes a propeller assembly. The propeller assembly includes a propeller shaft and a plurality of propeller blades extending outwardly from the propeller shaft. The propeller shaft is the output element. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals generally denote the same, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a turbofan engine using a gearbox according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a turboprop engine using a gearbox according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The line 3-3 in the middle is cut off Figure 1 The gearbox shown is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view.

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Detailed view of detail 4 in the image shows the method used in... Figure 3 The oil nozzle shown is for injecting oil into the gearbox.

[0029] Figure 5 It is an illustrative representation of... Figure 3 The table shows the axial flow of oil in different vertex directions of the gears used in the gearbox.

[0030] Figure 6A , 6B Figure 6C shows that when the apex of a bihelical planetary gear lags behind the direction of rotation of the planetary gear... Figure 3 The diagram shows the construction of a partial groove in the double-helix planetary gear in the gearbox. Figure 6A It is a three-dimensional view of a partial groove, in which the planetary gears and the sun gear are shown in dashed lines. Figure 6B It shows Figure 3 The location of a local slot in the gearbox is shown.

[0031] Figure 6CThis is a schematic diagram of a partial groove positioned above the planetary gear.

[0032] Figure 7A , 7B Figure 7C shows that when the apex of the double-helix planetary gear leads the direction of rotation of the planetary gear... Figure 3 The diagram shows the construction of a partial groove in the double-helix planetary gear in the gearbox. Figure 7A It is a three-dimensional view of a partial groove, in which the planetary gears and the sun gear are shown in dashed lines. Figure 7B It shows Figure 3 The location of a local slot in the gearbox is shown. Figure 7C This is a schematic diagram of a partial groove positioned above the planetary gear.

[0033] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 The line 3-3 in the middle is cut off Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the planetary gear carrier in the gearbox shown.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a portion of the groove in the bracket, showing... Figure 8 Detail 9 in the text.

[0035] Figure 10 It is along Figure 2 The line 10-10 is cut off Figure 3 The above-ground cross-sectional view of the gearbox shows a global groove formed as part of the gear ring.

[0036] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A three-dimensional view of half of the gear ring shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The features, advantages, and embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, accompanying drawings, and claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that the following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the claimed disclosure.

[0038] Various embodiments are discussed in detail below. Although specific embodiments are discussed, they are for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other components and constructions can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0039] As described above, oil used to lubricate the gears of a planetary gear train can be discharged radially outward. The planetary gears can include a sun gear and planetary gears. In some embodiments, the planetary gears rotate individually about an axis and collectively about the sun gear. As discussed further below, the planetary gears can be double-helix gears that discharge oil in the axial direction of the planetary gears. Local oil grooves are positioned in the carriers of the planetary gears to collect the oil discharged from the planetary gears. These local grooves include openings positioned to account for the axial movement of oil from the double-helix planetary gears, thereby effectively removing oil to prevent oil buildup, which can lead to higher wind resistance losses or oil turbulence in extreme cases. Global grooves surrounding the gears of the planetary gear train can have openings designed similarly to the local grooves to collect oil discharged from the collective rotation of the planetary gears.

[0040] The slot design discussed in this article is applicable to gearboxes used in aircraft engines (especially gas turbine engines). Figure 1 and Figure 2 Two gas turbine engines that can be used to propel an aircraft are shown. Figure 1 The gas turbine engine shown is a high-bypass turbofan engine 100. Figure 2 The gas turbine engine shown is a turboprop engine 102. Both the turbofan engine 100 and the turboprop engine 102 include a gearbox 200 with a slotted arrangement according to this disclosure, which will be discussed further below. Although the following description refers to the turbofan engine 100 and / or the turboprop engine 102, this disclosure is also applicable to wind turbines and turbomachinery, generally including, for example, propeller fan gas turbine engines, turbojet gas turbine engines, and turbine shaft gas turbine engines, including marine turbine engines, industrial turbine engines, and auxiliary power units. Furthermore, the slotted arrangement discussed herein can be used in any suitable gearbox, including those with a planetary gear train.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the turbofan engine 100 has an axial direction A (extending parallel to the longitudinal centerline 104), a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction. The circumferential direction ( Figure 1(Not depicted) extends in a direction of rotation about a longitudinal centerline 104. The turbofan engine 100 may include an engine core 106 (also referred to as a turbine) and a fan assembly 140. The engine core 106 may typically include a compressor section 110, a combustion section 120, and a turbine section 130 arranged in a series flow configuration. The compressor section 110 may define one or more compressors, such as a low-pressure compressor 112 and a high-pressure compressor 114. The turbine section 130 may define one or more turbines, such as a high-pressure turbine 132 and a low-pressure turbine 134. In various embodiments, the compressor section 110 may also include an intermediate-pressure compressor. In other embodiments, the turbine section 130 may also include an intermediate-pressure turbine. In wind turbine applications, the engine core 106 may typically be defined as one or more generators.

[0042] The low-pressure compressor 112 and high-pressure compressor 114 in compressor section 110, and the high-pressure turbine 132 and low-pressure turbine 134 in turbine section 130, may each include one or more rotors. In one embodiment, the rotor includes one or more shafts connecting compressor section 110 to turbofan engine 100 of turbine section 130. In other embodiments, the rotor typically defines a disk extending at least partially in a radial direction R and a plurality of airfoils arranged circumferentially adjacent to each other and extending outward from the disk in the radial direction R. In one embodiment, one or more rotors may be individually connected together. For example, each rotor of turbine section 130 or compressor section 110 may be connected by mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts, nuts, screws, and / or rivets) or by a joining process (e.g., welding, friction joining, diffusion joining, etc.). In various embodiments, one or more compressors of compressor section 110 may be connected to and rotate with one or more turbine drives of turbine section 130 via one or more shafts. For example, the rotor of the low-pressure compressor 112 can be connected to and driven by the rotor of the low-pressure turbine 134 via the low-pressure shaft 122, and the rotor of the high-pressure compressor 114 can be connected to and driven by the rotor of the high-pressure turbine 132 via the high-pressure shaft 124.

[0043] Fan assembly 140 typically includes a fan rotor 142. The fan rotor 142 includes a plurality of blades 144 coupled to the fan rotor 142 and extending outwardly from the fan rotor 142 in a radial direction R. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the fan rotor 142 may extend in the axial direction A from the reduction gearbox or power gearbox 200 (referred to herein as "gearbox 200") toward the front end. The fan assembly 140 also includes a coupling shaft 126, which is coupled to the gearbox 200 and extends toward the rear end of the turbofan engine 100. The coupling shaft 126 may connect the engine core 106 to the gearbox 200. Figure 1For clarity, the outer casing of gearbox 200 is omitted.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the gearbox 200 of this embodiment includes a planetary gear train 202, which includes a sun gear 210 and a plurality of planetary gears 222. The sun gear 210 is axially mounted to and concentrically attached to a connecting shaft 126, such that the sun gear 210 is attached to or integral with the connecting shaft 126. As will be discussed further below, the sun gear 210 is driven by (receiving torque from) an engine core 106 to rotate about a rotation axis 212, which in this embodiment coincides with a longitudinal centerline 104. The sun gear 210 includes a plurality of teeth that engage (or mesh with) a plurality of teeth formed on each of the plurality of planetary gears 222. A ring gear 230 (or annular gear) engages with and surrounds the plurality of planetary gears 222. More specifically, the ring gear 230 includes a plurality of teeth that engage (or mesh with) a plurality of teeth formed on each of the plurality of planetary gears 222.

[0045] In this embodiment, the ring gear 230 is stationary. The plurality of planetary gears 222 not only rotate about their respective axes of rotation 224, but also collectively rotate about the axis of rotation 212 of the sun gear 210. The planetary gears 222 are rotatably connected to a carrier 226, and the carrier 226 rotates about the axis of rotation 212 of the sun gear 210 as the plurality of planetary gears 222 rotate together. The plurality of planetary gears 222 can be rotatably connected to the carrier 226 via various bearings (e.g., roller, ball, or other bearing types, such as journal bearings). The carrier 226 is further connected to an output element 227 to allow rotation and transmission of power and torque from the sun gear 210 through the plurality of planetary gears 222. For example, the carrier 226 can be coupled to or otherwise integrated with the fan rotor 142. Each of the plurality of planetary gears 222 engages with the sun gear 210 to rotate through the sun gear 210. Each planetary gear 222 is configured to receive power and torque from the sun gear 210.

[0046] In other embodiments, the plurality of planetary gears 222 may be fixed such that the axis of rotation 224 of each planetary gear 222 is fixed relative to the sun gear 210. In such an arrangement, the ring gear 230 rotates about the axis of rotation 212 of the sun gear 210 and is connected to an output element 227 (e.g., fan rotor 142) to allow rotation and transmission of power and torque from the sun gear 210 through the plurality of planetary gears 222. The ring gear 230 engages with each of the plurality of planetary gears 222 to be rotated by the plurality of planetary gears 222. The ring gear 230 is configured to receive power and torque from the plurality of planetary gears 222. In various embodiments, the gearbox 200 may further include additional planetary gears radially disposed between the plurality of planetary gears 222 and the sun gear 210, or between the plurality of planetary gears 222 and the ring gear 230. The various gears may be of various suitable gear designs (e.g., helical gears), and in the case of the planetary gears 222, stepper gears may be included.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, coupling shaft 126 is connected to engine core 106 to transmit torque and power from engine core 106 to sun gear 210, and then to fan rotor 142 via planetary gear train 202. Fan rotor 142 may be connected to bracket 226 or ring gear 230 to receive torque from sun gear 210 and transmit torque to drive fan assembly 140. As power is transmitted from engine core 106, gearbox 200 provides torque to fan rotor 142 at an output speed that is more appropriately adjusted for fan assembly 140. For example, gearbox 200 may reduce the speed of fan rotor 142 relative to engine core 106 by two times or more. According to one embodiment, gearbox 200 reduces the rotational speed from engine core 106 (e.g., compressor section 110 or turbine section 130) and provides the desired amount of torque and rotational speed to fan assembly 140.

[0048] During operation of the turbofan engine 100, a certain amount of air (inlet air 12), as schematically indicated by arrow 12, enters the turbofan engine 100. As the inlet air 12 passes through the fan blades 144, a portion of the air (bypass air 14), as schematically indicated by arrow 14, is directed or directed to the outside of the engine core 106 to provide propulsion. Additionally, another portion of the air, as schematically indicated by arrow 22 and referred to as core air 22, is directed or directed through the associated inlet 108 into the compressor section 110. The core air 22 is gradually compressed as it flows toward the combustion section 120 through the compressor section 110 (e.g., through the low-pressure compressor 112 and the high-pressure compressor 114). The now compressed air 24 (as schematically indicated by arrow 24) flows into the combustion section 120, where fuel is introduced, mixed with at least a portion of the compressed air 24, and ignited to form combustion gases 26. Combustion gas 26 flows into turbine section 130, causing the rotating components of turbine section 130 to rotate and supporting the operation of rotating components respectively connected in compressor section 110 and / or fan assembly 140, as discussed above.

[0049] As mentioned above, Figure 2 A turboprop engine 102 is shown, which may be equipped with a gearbox 200 having the slot arrangement discussed herein. Figure 1 The discussion of the turbofan engine 100 shown also applies to Figure 2 The turboprop engine 102 is shown. Identical or similar components between the turbofan engine 100 and the turboprop engine 102 are referred to by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of these components are omitted. Figure 2 In the arrangement shown, inlet 108 is located at the rear end of turboprop engine 102, and core air 22 flows in the forward direction. However, other arrangements of turboprop engine 102 can also be used, in which inlet 108 is located at the front end of turboprop engine 102. Instead of... Figure 1 The fan assembly 140 described herein, and the turboprop engine 102 include a propeller assembly 150. The propeller assembly 150 includes a plurality of propeller blades 152, which are coupled to a propeller shaft 154 and extend outwardly from the propeller shaft 154 in a radial direction R. Figure 1 Similar to the fan rotor 142, the propeller shaft 154 is connected to the gearbox 200 to receive torque and power from the engine core 106 via the planetary gear system 202. The propeller shaft 154 can be connected to the planetary gear system 202 in a manner similar to that of the fan rotor 142, as discussed above. Figure 2 For clarity, the housing and global slot of gearbox 200 are omitted.

[0050] Figure 3This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the gearbox 200 according to an embodiment. Figure 3 The cross-sectional view is along Figure 1 The line 3-3 shown is cut off. As discussed above, gearbox 200 includes a planetary gear train 202, which includes a sun gear 210, a plurality of planetary gears 222 rotatably connected to a carrier 226, and a ring gear 230. Oil can be used to lubricate the rotating components of gearbox 200, including the sun gear 210, planetary gears 222, and ring gear 230. Oil system 240 is configured to supply oil to gearbox 200. In this embodiment, oil system 240 includes an oil pump 241 that draws oil from reservoir 243 (or oil collection tank). Oil pump 241 pressurizes and drives the oil flow to be injected by at least one oil nozzle 245. Oil can be injected downstream (in the direction of rotation) of the backlash formed between meshing (engaging) gears. Figure 3 As shown, for example, oil nozzle 245 is fluidly connected to reservoir 244 and configured to inject oil into the tooth gap formed between one of the planetary gears 222 and the ring gear 230. In this embodiment, the tooth gap is where the teeth of the planetary gear 222 mesh with the teeth of the ring gear 230. Multiple oil nozzles 245 may be used, for example, at each tooth gap formed between the planetary gear 222 and the ring gear 230.

[0051] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A detailed view of detail 4 shows an oil nozzle 245 injecting oil into the converging side of the tooth gap between one of the planetary gears 222 and the ring gear 230. The oil nozzle 245 is preferably located upstream of the tooth gap and injects oil in a direction toward the tooth gap as indicated by the arrow labeled 246. Other suitable supply devices can be used and oil can be supplied to the planetary gear train 202 at other locations, including, for example, the tooth gap formed between the planetary gear 222 and the sun gear 210.

[0052] Figure 5This is a table schematically illustrating the axial flow of oil with respect to different vertex directions of the sun gear 210 and planetary gears 222. The sun gear 210, the plurality of planetary gears 222, and the ring gear 230 may be double helical gears. The following discussion of one of the planetary gears 222 also applies to the other planetary gears 222, the sun gear 210, and the ring gear 230. The planetary gear 222 has an axial direction (direction of the axis of rotation 224), a radial direction, and a circumferential direction (direction of rotation). The width of the gear is in the axial direction. The planetary gear 222 includes a plurality of teeth 250, wherein each tooth 250 on the double helical gear has a first portion 252 and a second portion 254. Each of the first portion 252 and the second portion 254 is angled relative to the axial direction of the gear. The angles of the first portion 252 and the second portion 254 intersect such that the first portion 252 and the second portion 254 converge at a vertex 256. In some embodiments, the vertex 256 may be at the center of the width of the gear. In some embodiments, the double helical planetary gear 222 may be formed of two separate helical gears coupled together to operate as planetary gear 222. In these embodiments, the first portion 252 and the second portion 254 are shown as being in phase, but other arrangements of the double helical gears may also be used, such as the second portion 254 being angularly displaced from the first portion 252, for example, by half a tooth pitch or a quarter tooth pitch. As the planetary gear 222 rotates about the axis of rotation 224, oil is discharged radially outward by inertial (or centrifugal) force and collected by a local groove 260 connected to the carrier 226. In this embodiment, the local groove 260 is integrally formed in the carrier 226 (see...). Figure 8 ).

[0053] Due to the helical nature of these gears, in addition to the circumferential component of travel, the oil also has an axial component. Figure 5 The table identifies the axial component of the oil discharge direction and the direction of the force acting on the two halves of the gear based on the rotational effect of the gears. The center line indicates the position of the vertex, which in this embodiment is the center of the double helix gear. For example, in the oil direction column, an arrow pointing to the center line indicates that the axial component of the oil discharged from the two halves of the double helix gear is towards the center, while an arrow away from the center line indicates that the axial component of the oil discharged from the two halves of the double helix gear is away from the center. The force column is similar—an arrow pointing to the center line indicates that the force on the two halves of the double helix gear acts towards the center, while an arrow away from the center line indicates that the force on the two halves of the double helix gear drives the two halves apart. The table lists the oil and force directions of the sun gear 210, planet gear 222, and ring gear 230 according to the position of the vertex relative to the rotational direction of the gears. Figure 5As shown, when vertex 256 is behind the rotation direction of planetary gear 222, the oil will travel toward vertex 256 in the axial and circumferential directions of planetary gear 222, and when vertex 256 is ahead of the rotation direction of planetary gear 222, the oil will travel away from vertex 256 in the axial and circumferential directions of planetary gear 222.

[0054] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The configuration of the local slot 260 is shown when the vertex 256 is behind the rotational direction of the planetary gear 222. Figure 6A This is a perspective view of a partial groove 260, in which planetary gear 222 and sun gear 210 are shown in dashed lines. Figure 6B The location of a local groove 260 in the planetary gear train 202 is shown. The local groove 260 is mounted on a bracket 226, close to the planetary gears 222 and the sun gear 210. The local groove 260 rotates together with the bracket 226. The local groove 260 is positioned between adjacent planetary gears 222 such that it collects oil from each of the adjacent planetary gears 222.

[0055] The local groove 260 of this embodiment has a trapezoidal cross-section with an axial surface 262 and a plurality of radial surfaces 264. In this embodiment, the local groove 260 includes two radial surfaces, a first radial surface and a second radial surface. The local groove 260 may have other shapes, such as a U-shape. Although shown as generally flat surfaces, the axial surface 262 and the plurality of radial surfaces 264 may have other suitable shapes (e.g., curved shapes) or be divided into multiple segments. In this embodiment, the axial surface 262 is oriented in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 224 of the planetary gear 222. Each radial surface 264 is oriented in a direction intersecting the axial surface 262. In this embodiment, each radial surface 264 forms an angle with the axial surface 262 and extends outward from the axial surface 262 in the axial direction, but in some embodiments, each radial surface 264 may be perpendicular to the axial surface 262. A plurality of openings 266 are formed in the local groove 260 to allow oil collected in the local groove 260 to flow from the local groove 260 at the openings and into the cavity 268 (see also). Figure 8 The shape of the local groove 260 and the position of the opening 266 are positioned for effective removal and utilization of oil. As described above, when the apex 256 is behind the rotational direction of the planetary gear 222, the oil travels toward the apex 256 in the axial direction of the planetary gear 222, for example in... Figure 6A and 6B In the configuration shown, the oil has a radial component and an axial component, and each opening 266 is formed on an axial surface 262 and a radial surface 264.

[0056] Figure 6C Is Figure 6A and 6B The diagram illustrates a partial groove 260 positioned above planetary gear 222 in the arrangement shown. Because oil travels towards apex 256, the axial width of the partial groove 260 does not need to be greater than the width of planetary gear 222. The double-helix planetary gear 222 may have a gap 258 (or groove) formed between a first portion 252 and a second portion 254. The edges of the partial groove 260 are positioned such that the partial groove 260 at least covers the gap 258. In this embodiment, the width of the partial groove 260 is the width of the gap 258 or greater. The width of the axial surface 262 may also be at least the width of the gap 258, and in some embodiments, is smaller than the width of planetary gear 222.

[0057] Figure 7A , 7B Figures 7C and 7C show the configuration of the local slot 260 when the vertex 256 leads the rotational direction of the planetary gear 222. Figure 7A This is a perspective view of a partial groove 260, in which planetary gear 222 and sun gear 210 are shown in dashed lines. Figure 7B The location of the local groove 260 in the planetary gear system 202 is shown. Figure 7C Is Figure 7A and 7B A schematic diagram of a partial groove 260 positioned above the planetary gear 222 in the arrangement shown. The partial groove 260 has the same characteristics as the one referenced above. Figure 6A and 6B The discussed local groove 260 has the same general shape and components, but its dimensions differ. As described above, when the apex 256 leads the rotational direction of the planetary gear 222, oil travels away from the apex 256 in the axial direction of the planetary gear 222. In this case, the oil tends to eject axially away from the apex 256. Therefore, it is necessary to capture the oil on both sides of the planetary gear 222. To capture the ejected oil, the axial surface 262 covers the width of the planetary gear 222, and the radial surface 264 extends outward beyond the width of the planetary gear 222 to cover at least a portion of the side surface. The edge of the local groove 260 is located at least at the outer edge of the tooth 250, and preferably extends beyond the outer edge of the tooth 250. In this embodiment, the width of the local groove 260 is at least the width of the planetary gear 222, and preferably greater than the width of the planetary gear 222. In some embodiments, the width of the axial surface 262 is the same as the width of the planetary gear 222.

[0058] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of bracket 226 taken by line 3-3 in the figure, and Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view, showing Figure 8 Detail 9 in the text. Figure 8 and Figure 9 A local groove 260 in the bracket 226 is shown. As described above, the oil collected in the local groove 260 flows out of the local groove 260 and into a cavity 268 formed in the local groove 260. Here, the first part of the local groove 260 originates from a planetary gear 222 (see...). Figure 3 Oil is collected from the adjacent planetary gear 222, and a second portion of the local groove 260 collects oil from the adjacent planetary gear 222. A cavity 268 is formed between them. Cavity 268 includes a gear ring 230 (see [link to document]) formed on the carrier 226. Figure 3 The local groove outlet 269 (opening) is on the surface 228 of the bracket. When the bracket 226 rotates, the oil is discharged outward through the local groove outlet 269 under the action of inertial (or centrifugal) force, and is then discharged into the global groove 247 ( Figure 3 )collect.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the global groove 247 surrounds the gears of the planetary gear train 202 such that the global groove 247 is located radially outward of the bracket 226. In this embodiment, the global groove 247 is shown as having a U-shape, but the global groove 247 can have any shape suitable for collecting oil therein. The global groove 247 includes a purge port 249. Oil collected in the global groove 247 can be removed at the purge port 249. The purge port 249 is located at the bottom of the global groove 247 so that gravity can help the oil flow to the purge port 249. The purge port 249 is fluidly connected to the reservoir 243, and oil is purged from the global groove 247 and returned to the reservoir 243 through the purge port 249. Therefore, the reservoir 243 is configured to receive oil from the purge port 249.

[0060] Figure 10 It is along Figure 2 The three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the upper part of the gearbox 200, taken by line 10-10, and Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The image shows a perspective view of one half of the gear ring 230. As described above, the gear ring 230 can be stationary and, in this embodiment, has an integral global groove 290. The integral global groove 290 is integrally formed in the gear ring 230. The gear ring 230 of this embodiment is formed of two halves in the axial direction. Each half includes a flange 232, and the flanges 232 of each half are fastened to each other by suitable fasteners (e.g., bolts).

[0061] Each half also includes multiple teeth 234. For example... Figure 10As shown, when the gear ring 230 is assembled, an integral global groove 290 is formed between each half of the teeth 234. The integral global groove 290 in this embodiment is U-shaped, having an axial surface 292 and two radial surfaces 294. Multiple openings 296 are also formed in the integral global groove 290. Similar to the openings 266 of the local groove 260 discussed above, the openings 296 of the integral global groove 290 are strategically placed, and each opening 296 is formed on the axial surface 292 and one radial surface 294. The openings 296 allow oil collected in the integral global groove 290 to flow from the integral global groove 290 at the openings and into the cavity 298 formed between the gear ring 230 and the housing 204 of the gearbox 200. In this configuration, it is generally similar to... Figure 3 A clean port (not shown) for clean port 249 may be formed in housing 204. The clean port is located at the bottom of housing 204, so gravity can help the oil flow to clean port 249.

[0062] Although the foregoing description is directed to preferred embodiments, other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, features described in connection with one embodiment may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

Claims

1. A gearbox, characterized in that, include: An oil system configured to supply oil to the gearbox; At least one gear, the at least one gear being rotatable about a rotation axis in a rotational direction, the gear having a radial direction and an axial direction, and discharging oil radially outward when the gear rotates; as well as At least one groove, positioned radially outward of the gear in the radial direction, for collecting oil discharged from the gear as the gear rotates, the groove comprising: Axial surface; A plurality of radial surfaces, including a first radial surface and a second radial surface, each of the first and second radial surfaces being oriented in a direction intersecting the axial surface; and At least one opening, the at least one opening allowing the oil collected in the groove to flow through it, the at least one opening being formed on the axial surface and one of the first radial surface and the second radial surface.

2. The gearbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a plurality of openings, each of which is formed on the axial surface and one of the first radial surface and the second radial surface.

3. The gearbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The groove has a trapezoidal shape, and each of the first radial surface and the second radial surface forms an angle with the axial surface.

4. The gearbox according to claim 3, characterized in that, in, The first radial surface and the second radial surface extend outward from the axial surface in the axial direction.

5. The gearbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The gear is a double helical gear with multiple teeth, each of the multiple teeth including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being angled relative to the axial direction of the gear to converge at the apex.

6. The gearbox according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, The gear includes a gap between the first portion and the second portion, and the vertex lags behind the direction of rotation of the gear. The width of the axial surface of the at least one groove is greater than the gap between the first portion and the second portion.

7. The gearbox according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, The vertex leads the direction of rotation of the gear, and the width of the slot is greater than the width of the gear.

8. The gearbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: A revolving gear system, comprising: The plurality of at least one gear, wherein the plurality of at least one gear is a plurality of planetary gears, A sun gear, configured to receive torque and rotate about a rotation axis, engages with each of the plurality of planetary gears to rotate each planetary gear; and A gear ring, which engages with each of the plurality of planetary gears; and The plurality of at least one slot, each of the plurality of at least one slot being a local slot.

9. The gearbox according to claim 8, characterized in that, in, Each local slot is positioned between adjacent planetary gears such that the local slot collects oil from each of the adjacent planetary gears, a first portion of the local slot collects oil from one planetary gear, and a second portion of the local slot collects oil from the adjacent planetary gears.

10. The gearbox according to claim 9, characterized in that, in, Each local groove further includes a cavity formed between the first portion and the second portion of the local groove, the opening being fluidly connected to the cavity.

11. The gearbox according to claim 9, characterized in that, The device further includes a bracket to which the planetary gears are rotatably connected, wherein the plurality of planetary gears are capable of rotating together about the axis of rotation of the sun gear, and the bracket rotates about the axis of rotation of the sun gear as the plurality of planetary gears rotate together.

12. A gas turbine engine, characterized in that, include: The core comprises a compression section, a combustion section, and a turbine section; Output components; as well as The gearbox of claim 1, wherein the gearbox is coupled to the core to transmit torque and power from the core to the output element.

13. The gas turbine engine according to claim 12, characterized in that, It further includes a fan, the fan comprising a fan rotor and a plurality of fan blades extending radially outward from the fan rotor, the fan rotor being the output element.

14. The gas turbine engine according to claim 12, characterized in that, It further includes a propeller assembly comprising a propeller shaft and a plurality of propeller blades extending outward from the propeller shaft, the propeller shaft being the output element.

15. A gearbox, characterized in that, include: A revolving gear system, comprising: A sun gear, which is configured to receive torque and rotate about a rotation axis; Multiple planetary gears, each planetary gear engaging with the sun gear to be rotated by the sun gear, the multiple planetary gears being capable of rotating together about the rotation axis of the sun gear; A bracket, wherein the planetary gears are rotatably connected to the bracket, and the bracket rotates about the axis of rotation of the sun gear as the plurality of planetary gears rotate together; and A gear ring, which engages with each of the plurality of planetary gears; An oil system configured to supply oil to the gearbox; Multiple local slots, each positioned radially outward of one of the planetary gears in the radial direction of the planetary gears, collect oil discharged from the planetary gears as they rotate; the multiple local slots are connected to the bracket to rotate with the bracket; and A global groove, surrounding the plurality of planetary gears such that it is located radially outside the plurality of planetary gears, collects oil discharged from the plurality of local grooves as they rotate, the global groove comprising: Axial surface; A plurality of radial surfaces, including a first radial surface and a second radial surface, each of the first and second radial surfaces being oriented in a direction intersecting the axial surface; and At least one opening, the at least one opening allowing the oil collected in the global groove to flow through it, the at least one opening being formed on the axial surface and one of the first radial surface and the second radial surface.

16. The gearbox according to claim 15, characterized in that, in, Each local groove is formed in the bracket.

17. The gearbox according to claim 15, characterized in that, in, Each local slot further includes a cavity and at least one local slot outlet fluidly connected to the cavity, through which oil is discharged when the bracket rotates.

18. The gearbox according to claim 15, characterized in that, in, The global groove is integrally formed in the gear ring.

19. The gearbox according to claim 15, characterized in that, in, Each local slot is positioned between adjacent planetary gears such that the local slot collects oil from each of the adjacent planetary gears, a first portion of the local slot collects oil from one planetary gear, and a second portion of the local slot collects oil from the adjacent planetary gears.

20. The gearbox according to claim 19, characterized in that, in, Each local slot further includes: At least one opening, said at least one opening allowing the oil collected in the local tank to flow through it; and A cavity is formed between the first portion and the second portion of the local groove, and the opening is fluidly connected to the cavity.

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