Lubrication system for gear assembly

Abstract

A lubrication system for a gear assembly. The gear assembly includes a first gear and a second gear. The first gear and the second gear mesh with each other at a meshing portion. The lubrication system includes one or more lubricant injectors. The one or more lubricant injectors include one or more first lubricant outlets that are directed to the engagement portion. One or more first lubricant outlets supply a first portion of lubricant to the engagement portion. The one or more lubricant injectors include one or more second lubricant outlets that are directed to a different position than the engagement portion. The one or more second lubricant outlets supply a second portion of the lubricant to a different location than the engagement portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to lubrication systems for gear assemblies, such as those used in turbine engines. Background Art

[0002] A turbine engine typically includes a fan and a core section arranged in flow communication with each other. The gear assembly transfers torque and power from one rotating component to another rotating component (e.g., from the core section to the fan, or to power auxiliary components of the turbine engine or portions of the aircraft). The lubrication system provides lubricant to one or more components of the gear assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The foregoing and other features and advantages will be apparent from the following more particular description of various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in the drawings, in which like reference numerals generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements.

[0004] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a turbine engine according to the present disclosure, taken along a longitudinal centerline axis of the turbine engine.

[0005] Figure 2 According to the present disclosure Figure 1 A schematic axial end cross-sectional view of a lubrication system for a gear assembly, taken at detail 2-2 in FIG.

[0006] Figure 3 According to the present disclosure Figure 1 Details from 3 locations Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of a gearbox assembly.

[0007] Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic side view of a portion of a lubrication system for a gear assembly according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Features, advantages and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth or apparent through consideration of the following detailed description, drawings and claims.In addition, the following detailed description is exemplary and is intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the present disclosure as claimed.

[0009] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below. Although specific embodiments are discussed, this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of each component.

[0011] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to relative directions relative to the flow of a fluid in a fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid is flowing, and "downstream" refers to the direction toward which the fluid is flowing.

[0012] The terms "front" and "rear" refer to relative positions within a turbine engine or vehicle, and refer to the normal operating attitude of the turbine engine or vehicle. For example, with respect to a turbine engine, front refers to a position closer to the engine inlet, while rear refers to a position closer to the engine nozzle or exhaust.

[0013] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached," "connected," and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, attachment, or connection as well as indirect coupling, fixing, attachment, or connection through one or more intermediate components or features.

[0014] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0015] As used herein, the terms "axial" and "axially" refer to directions and orientations extending substantially parallel to the centerline of the turbine engine. Additionally, the terms "radial" and "radially" refer to directions and orientations extending substantially perpendicular to the centerline of the turbine engine. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "circumferential" and "circumferentially" refer to directions and orientations extending in an arc around the centerline of the turbine engine.

[0016] As used herein, the term "mesh" or "mesh" refers to the location between two gears where the gear teeth of the two gears are interwoven or otherwise mated.

[0017] As used herein, the term "in-mesh" or "in-mesh side" refers to the position of the mesh between two gears where, depending on the direction of rotation of the gears, the gear teeth of the two gears approach and enter the meshing point (e.g., enter the meshing portion). When in-mesh lubrication is used, the lubricant contacts the gear teeth before the gear teeth mesh.

[0018] As used herein, the term "out-of-mesh" or "out-of-mesh side" refers to the position of a mesh between two gears where, depending on the direction of rotation of the gears, the gear teeth of both gears are away from the mesh point (e.g., separated from the mesh). When out-of-mesh lubrication is used, the lubricant contacts the gears after the gear teeth have separated from the mesh point.

[0019] As used herein, the "friction" of two rotating parts occurs at the contact interface between the two rotating parts and is the result of the two rotating parts sliding and rolling relative to each other. Friction is a function of geometric configuration and operating conditions (e.g., the power transmitted through the two rotating parts).

[0020] As used herein, "windage" of a rotating component occurs due to the interaction of the rotating component with a fluid (such as air or lubricant) surrounding the rotating component. Windage is caused by the resistance of the rotating component within the fluid and is a function of geometric configuration and operating conditions. One of the main drivers of windage is the amount of lubricant interacting with the rotating component.

[0021] The gear assembly of a turbine engine or other application is used to transfer power and motion from one rotating part to another rotating part. For example, a turbine engine may include a gearbox assembly that transfers power from the shaft of the core turbine engine to the fan of the turbine engine. However, the efficiency of the rotating part (e.g., gear) is not 100%. During the operation of the gear assembly, the gears and bearings generate power losses due to friction (F) (e.g., between the gear teeth of the gear) and the interaction of the rotating parts with the fluid (e.g., lubricant) in the gear assembly. The interaction of the rotating parts with the fluid is called windage (W) and is caused by the resistance of the rotating parts in the fluid. Friction and windage generate heat in the gear assembly that needs to be dissipated. Lubricants (e.g., as a non-limiting example, oil) can be used to lubricate and cool the gear assembly components (e.g., gears and bearings) by a dedicated lubricant flow directed to the meshing points of the bearings and gears. The required amount of lubricant is determined based on the maximum Δ temperature (dT) that each component can withstand before damage (e.g., wear). For example, the maximum delta temperature (dT) is based on the material properties of the components, and the amount of power lost (e.g., fluid losses) from heating the components (e.g., increasing the temperature of the components) from friction and windage. Heat from friction in the mesh is localized to the mesh, but windage is not localized, but rather is more dispersed in the environment surrounding the gear. The mesh power losses are determined based on the power losses from friction and windage. Power losses from friction are a function of geometry and operating conditions (e.g., transmitted power). Power losses from windage are primarily driven by geometry, operating conditions, and the amount of lubricant interacting with the gear teeth at the engagement mesh point. For standard power and epicyclic gear trains, typically the amount of lubricant (measured in mass flow rate) is The heat (e.g., power) loss (e.g., friction + windage) of the meshing part, the specific heat capacity (C p ) and a maximum delta temperature (dT), which is set to avoid gear damage. For example, the mass flow rate By (F+W) / (C p *dT) is given.

[0022] Current lubrication systems are typically constructed to deliver lubricant to the meshing side, which means that the entire lubricant flow enters inside the meshing point, thereby increasing the power loss due to windage. The lubricant is delivered through a dedicated nozzle, which is usually arranged radially or tangentially relative to the gear tooth surface. For a standard power gear train, a possible solution to reduce the power loss due to windage is to split the lubricant flow to the meshing part between the meshing side (e.g., for lubrication) and the disengagement side (e.g., for cooling) so that only the meshing part of the lubricant flow contributes to the increased windage. For an epicyclic gear train, since the space between the rotating gears is highly restricted, it is not possible to confirm the appropriate difference between the meshing side and the disengagement. For example, in an epicyclic gear train including two or more planetary gears meshing with a sun gear, the disengagement lubrication of the first sun planet meshing part can be regarded as the meshing lubrication of the second sun planet meshing part according to the gear rotation.

[0023] Thus, the present disclosure provides an improved lubrication system in which the lubricant required to remove frictional heat is provided to the meshing points, while windage cooling lubricant is provided elsewhere. The gears are cooled by convection and conduction with the surrounding environment and components, while avoiding excess lubricant from interacting with the gear teeth at the meshing points. Compared with a lubrication system without the benefits of the present disclosure, this construction of the lubrication system reduces the losses caused by the gear teeth interacting with less fluid. Windage cooling lubricant can be provided to one or more different areas or different components of the gear assembly (e.g., the side of the gear, the rotating shaft (e.g., the input shaft and / or output shaft of the gear assembly), the gear assembly housing, the bearing, etc.), or to other components (e.g., a reservoir). The lubrication system of the present disclosure can be used for any type of gear assembly. In some embodiments, the lubrication system is used for a power gearbox in which the bearing speed is high (e.g., the pitch line speed (PLV) of the bearing is greater than 65m / s). As a non-limiting example, the lubrication system disclosed herein provides an efficiency of 0.1% to 0.3% for every 0.2% windage / power ratio. For example, if the windage generated by the lubrication system without the benefit of the present disclosure is 0.2% of the total amount of power passing through the gear assembly, the lubrication system provides a 0.1% to 0.3% efficiency improvement in the gear assembly compared to the lubrication system without the benefit of the present disclosure. Thus, the lubrication system disclosed herein provides increased gear performance and, therefore, reduces engine fuel consumption, gear assembly weight, and overall engine weight compared to a gear assembly and engine without the benefit of the present disclosure.

[0024] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1is a schematic cross-sectional view of a turbine engine 10 taken along a longitudinal centerline axis 12 of the turbine engine 10 according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the turbine engine 10 defines an axial direction A (extending parallel to a longitudinal centerline axis 12 for reference) and a radial direction R perpendicular to the axial direction A. Generally, the turbine engine 10 includes a fan section 14 and a core turbine engine 16 disposed downstream of the fan section 14 .

[0025] The depicted core turbine engine 16 generally includes a casing 18 that is substantially tubular and defines an annular inlet 20. Figure 1 As shown schematically, the casing 18 encloses, in serial flow relationship: a compressor section 21, which includes a supercharger or low pressure (LP) compressor 22, followed downstream by a high pressure (HP) compressor 24; a combustion section 26; a turbine section 27, which includes a high pressure (HP) turbine 28, followed downstream by a low pressure (LP) turbine 30; and an injection exhaust nozzle section 32. A high pressure (HP) shaft 34 or spool drivingly connects the HP turbine 28 to the HP compressor 24 so that the HP turbine 28 and the HP compressor 24 rotate in unison. A low pressure (LP) shaft 36 drivingly connects the LP turbine 30 to the LP compressor 22 so that the LP turbine 30 and the LP compressor 22 rotate in unison. The compressor section 21, the combustion section 26, the turbine section 27, and the injection exhaust nozzle section 32 together define a core air flow path.

[0026] for Figure 1 In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 , fan section 14 includes a fan 38 (eg, a variable pitch fan) having a plurality of fan blades 40 coupled to a disk 42 in a spaced-apart manner. Figure 1 As depicted in FIG, fan blades 40 extend outwardly from disk 42 generally in radial direction R. Each fan blade 40 is rotatable relative to disk 42 about pitch axis P by virtue of fan blades 40 being operably coupled to actuation members 44, which are configured to collectively and uniformly change the pitch of fan blades 40. Fan blades 40, disk 42, and actuation members 44 are rotatable together about longitudinal centerline axis 12 via fan shaft 45, which is powered by LP shaft 36 across a power gearbox (also referred to as gearbox assembly 46). Gearbox assembly 46 is Figure 1 The gearbox assembly 46 includes a plurality of gears for adjusting the rotational speed of the fan shaft 45 and, therefore, the rotational speed of the fan 38 relative to the LP shaft 36 .

[0027] Still reference Figure 1In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, disk 42 is covered by a rotatable fan hub 48 that is aerodynamically shaped to facilitate airflow through a plurality of fan blades 40. In addition, fan section 14 includes an annular fan case or nacelle 50 that circumferentially surrounds fan 38 and / or at least a portion of core turbine engine 16. Nacelle 50 is supported relative to core turbine engine 16 by a plurality of circumferentially spaced outlet guide vanes 52. In addition, a downstream section 54 of nacelle 50 extends over an outer portion of core turbine engine 16 to define a bypass airflow passage 56 therebetween.

[0028] During operation of the turbine engine 10, a quantity of air 58 enters the turbine engine 10 through the nacelle 50 and / or the inlet 60 of the fan section 14. As the quantity of air 58 passes through the fan blades 40, a first portion of air 62 is directed or directed into the bypass airflow passage 56, while a second portion of air 64 is directed or directed into an upstream section of the core air flow path, or more specifically, into the annular inlet 20 of the LP compressor 22. The ratio between the first portion of air 62 and the second portion of air 64 is generally referred to as a bypass ratio. The pressure of the second portion of air 64 is then increased to form compressed air 65, and the compressed air 65 is directed through the HP compressor 24 and into the combustion section 26, where the compressed air 65 is mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases 66.

[0029] The combustion gases 66 are directed into and expanded through the HP turbine 28, wherein a portion of the thermal and / or kinetic energy from the combustion gases 66 is extracted via successive stages of HP turbine stator blades 68 coupled to the casing 18 and HP turbine rotor blades 70 coupled to the HP shaft 34, thereby rotating the HP shaft 34, thereby supporting operation of the HP compressor 24. The combustion gases 66 are then directed into and expanded through the LP turbine 30. Here, a second portion of the thermal and / or kinetic energy is extracted from the combustion gases 66 via successive stages of LP turbine stator blades 72 coupled to the casing 18 and LP turbine rotor blades 74 coupled to the LP shaft 36, thereby rotating the LP shaft 36, thereby supporting operation of the LP compressor 22 and rotation of the fan 38 via the gearbox assembly 46.

[0030] The combustion gases 66 are then directed through the jet exhaust nozzle section 32 of the core turbine engine 16 to provide propulsive thrust. At the same time, the pressure of the first portion of air 62 is significantly increased, also providing propulsive thrust, as it is directed through the bypass airflow passage 56 before being discharged from the fan nozzle exhaust section 76 of the turbine engine 10. The HP turbine 28, the LP turbine 30, and the jet exhaust nozzle section 32 at least partially define a hot gas path 78 for directing the combustion gases 66 through the core turbine engine 16.

[0031] Figure 1 The turbine engine 10 depicted in the drawings is only an example. In other exemplary embodiments, the turbine engine 10 may have any other suitable configuration. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the fan 38 may be configured in any other suitable manner (e.g., as a fixed pitch fan), and may also be supported using any other suitable fan frame configuration. In addition, in other exemplary embodiments, any other suitable number or configuration of compressors, turbines, shafts, or combinations thereof may be provided. In other exemplary embodiments, aspects of the present disclosure may be incorporated into any other suitable turbine engine (e.g., a turbofan engine, a propfan engine, a turbojet engine, a turboprop engine, and / or a turboshaft engine). Even further, aspects of the present disclosure may be used in any suitable system or component including a transmission.

[0032] Figure 2 According to the present disclosure Figure 1 Detail 2-2 of FIG. 2 shows a schematic axial end cross-sectional view of a lubrication system 200 for a gearbox assembly 46. The gearbox assembly 46 includes a housing 202 (e.g., Figure 2 Schematically shown in FIG), storage tank 203 (in Figure 2 202 and the gear assembly 204. The reservoir 203 is a reservoir within the housing 202 that collects and stores lubricant discharged from the gear assembly 204 or from the bearings of the gear assembly 204. The reservoir 203 includes a reservoir line 205 for discharging lubricant from the reservoir 203.

[0033] The gear assembly 204 includes a first gear 206, one or more second gears 208, and a third gear 210. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the first gear 206 is a sun gear, the one or more second gears 208 are planetary gears, and the third gear 210 is a ring gear. The gear assembly 204 is a star type or a rotating ring gear type gear assembly (e.g., the third gear 210 is rotating, and the planet carrier 212 (in Figure 2 ) is fixed and stationary). In such an arrangement, the fan 38 ( Figure 1) is driven by the third gear 210. In this manner, the third gear 210 is an output of the gear assembly 204. However, other suitable types of gear assemblies may also be employed. In one non-limiting embodiment, the gear assembly 204 is a planetary arrangement in which the third gear 210 is held stationary and the planet carrier 212 is allowed to rotate. In such an arrangement, the fan 38 is driven by the planet carrier 212. In this manner, one or more second gears 208 (e.g., the planet carrier 212) are outputs of the gear assembly 204. In another non-limiting embodiment, the gear assembly 204 may be a differential gear assembly in which both the third gear 210 and the planet carrier 212 are allowed to rotate.

[0034] Input shaft 230( Figure 3 ) is coupled to first gear 206. Input shaft 230 is coupled to turbine section 27 ( Figure 1 For example, the input shaft 230 may be coupled to the LP shaft 36 ( Figure 1 ). In some embodiments, the input shaft 230 forms a single integral component with the LP shaft 36. Radially outwardly of the first gear 206 and meshing therewith are one or more second gears 208, which are coupled together and supported by a planet carrier 212 (shown schematically). The first gear 206 and the corresponding second gear 208 mesh with each other at the meshing portion 219. The planet carrier 212 supports and constrains the one or more second gears 208 so that the one or more second gears 208 can rotate about their own corresponding axes without rotating about the periphery of the first gear 206. Radially outwardly of the one or more second gears 208 and meshing therewith is a third gear 210, which is an annular ring gear. The third gear 210 is connected to the output shaft 232 ( Figure 3 ) is connected to the fan 38 ( Figure 1 ), and rotates to drive the fan 38 ( Figure 1 ) about the longitudinal centerline axis 12. For example, the output shaft 232 is coupled to the fan shaft 45 ( Figure 1 In some embodiments, the output shaft 232 and the fan shaft 45 form a single, integral component.

[0035] In operation, the LP shaft 36 ( Figure 1 ) rotates and causes the input shaft 230 ( Figure 3 ) rotates, and the input shaft 230 causes the first gear 206 to rotate in a first gear rotation direction 207. The first gear 206 meshing with the one or more second gears 208 causes the one or more second gears 208 to rotate in a second gear rotation direction 209 about their corresponding rotation axes. The second gear rotation direction 209 is opposite to the first gear rotation direction 207. Figure 2In the embodiment of the present invention, the first gear rotation direction 207 is clockwise and the second gear rotation direction 209 is counterclockwise. However, the rotation direction can be any direction as desired. For example, the first gear rotation direction 207 can be counterclockwise and the second gear rotation direction 209 can be clockwise. When the gears rotate, the position where the gear teeth of the first gear 206 and the gear teeth of one or more second gears 208 begin to engage with each other at the meshing portion 219 is referred to as the meshing side 220. When the gears rotate, the position where the gear teeth of the first gear 206 are separated from the gear teeth of one or more second gears 208 (for example, separated from the meshing portion 219) is referred to as the disengagement side 222. The one or more second gears 208 each include one or more bearings 211, and the one or more bearings 211 are disposed in the one or more second gears 208 and are connected to the planet carrier 212, so that the one or more second gears 208 rotate relative to the one or more bearings 211. In Figure 2 In an embodiment where the third gear 210 is also rotating, the third gear 210 rotates in a third gear rotation direction opposite to the second gear rotation direction 209. For example, the third gear rotation direction is clockwise. However, the third gear rotation direction can be counterclockwise. The meshing portion between the gear teeth of one or more second gears 208 and the third gear 210 also includes an engaging side and a disengaging side.

[0036] The lubrication system 200 includes a lubricant supply 234, a lubricant supply line 236, a lubricant pump 238, and one or more lubricant injectors 240 for supplying lubricant to the gear assembly 204. The lubricant supply 234 includes a lubricant tank for storing lubricant (e.g., oil) therein, and supplies lubricant to the gear assembly 204 through the lubricant supply line 236. The one or more lubricant injectors 240 are in fluid communication with the lubricant supply line 236, so that the lubricant supply 234 supplies lubricant to the one or more lubricant injectors 240 through the lubricant supply line 236. The lubricant pump 238 pumps lubricant from the lubricant supply 234 to the one or more lubricant injectors 240 through the lubricant supply line 236 for supplying lubricant to the gear assembly 204. In some embodiments, lubrication system 200 supplies lubricant from lubricant supply 234 to one or more lubricant injectors 240, for example, by gravity or by centrifugal force due to the rotation of planet carrier 212 in the planetary configuration of gear assembly 204, without requiring a lubricant pump. Lubricant is discharged from gear assembly 204 and enters sump 203. Lubricant in sump 203 is discharged from sump 203 through sump line 205. For example, sump line 205 can be fluidly coupled to lubricant supply 234, and lubricant pump 238 (or a separate sump pump) pumps lubricant from sump 203 through sump line 205 and recirculates the lubricant to lubricant supply 234. In this way, the lubricant can be reused to lubricate the gears of gear assembly 204, bearings of gear assembly 204, other components of gearbox assembly 46, or turbine engine 10 ( Figure 1 ) other parts.

[0037] The one or more lubricant injectors 240 include one or more first lubricant outlets 242 for supplying lubricant to the gears of the gear assembly 204. For example, the one or more first lubricant outlets 242 are positioned to supply a first portion of lubricant 243 to the meshing portion 219 of the first gear 206 and the one or more second gears 208. In this manner, the first portion of lubricant 243 lubricates and cools the meshing area of ​​the first gear 206 and the one or more second gears 208, and removes heat generated by friction between the gear teeth of the first gear 206 and the gear teeth of the one or more second gears 208, as described in further detail below. The one or more first lubricant outlets 242 include an orifice (e.g., a hole) disposed through the one or more lubricant injectors 240 for directing the first portion of lubricant 243 from the one or more lubricant injectors 240 through it to supply the first portion of lubricant 243 to the meshing portion 219 of the first gear 206 and the one or more second gears 208. In some embodiments, the one or more first lubricant outlets 242 may be converging nozzles to increase the flow rate of the lubricant therethrough. In some embodiments, the one or more first lubricant outlets 242 may be diverging nozzles to reduce the flow rate of the lubricant therethrough. In some embodiments, the one or more first lubricant outlets 242 are oriented to supply the first portion of the lubricant 243 to the meshing side 220 (e.g., Figure 2 ), supplied to the disengagement side 222, or supplied to both the engagement side 220 and the disengagement side 222.

[0038] The size (e.g., diameter) of the one or more first lubricant outlets 242, the number of the one or more first lubricant outlets 242, and / or the location of the one or more first lubricant outlets 242 on the one or more lubricant injectors 240 are selected to control the pressure loss within the one or more lubricant injectors 240, and thus control the flow rate of lubricant to the meshing portion 219 (e.g., to the meshing side 220, to the disengagement side 222, or to both the meshing side 220 and the disengagement side 222). The pressure loss is also based on the geometric configuration (e.g., size) of the one or more lubricant injectors 240. For example, the pressure loss within the one or more lubricant injectors 240 is controlled by selecting a specific size of the one or more lubricant injectors 240 or by selecting a specific size, a specific number, or a specific location of the one or more first lubricant outlets 242.

[0039] The total mass flow rate of lubricant within the one or more lubricant injectors 240 Controlled by lubricant pump 238. Total mass flow rate is a function of the power loss due to friction (F) and the power loss due to windage (W). In particular, the total mass flow rate Equal to the first mass flow rate With the second mass flow rate The first mass flow rate is determined based on the power loss due to friction (F), and the second mass flow rate is determined based on the power loss due to windage (W), as further detailed below.

[0040] First mass flow rate is the power loss due to friction (F) at the meshing portion 219 (e.g., between the gear teeth of the first gear 206 and the gear teeth of the second gear 208), the specific heat capacity of the lubricant (C p ), and a maximum temperature (dT) that the first gear 206 and the second gear 208 (e.g., at the meshing portion) can withstand before being damaged (e.g., based on the material properties of the first gear 206 and the second gear 208). The first mass flow rate is given by the relationship (1):

[0041]

[0042] The power loss due to friction (F) is a function of the size of the turbine engine. p ) and the maximum delta temperature (dT) are functions of the lubricant type and the temperature generated within the gear assembly 204. In a non-limiting example, the power loss due to friction is in the range of one kilowatt to one hundred kilowatts (1 kW to 100 kW), and the specific heat capacity (C p ) is in the range of one kilojoule / kilogram Kelvin to three kilojoules / kilogram Kelvin (1000 J / kg*K to 3000 J / kg*K), and the maximum delta temperature (dT) is from one degree Celsius to sixty degrees Celsius (1° C. to 60° C.). The first mass flow rate is in the range of zero point one kilogram / second to five kilograms / second (0.1 kg / s to 5 kg / s). The ranges provided herein are exemplary only, and the values ​​of friction, specific heat capacity, maximum delta temperature, and first mass flow rate may differ from the provided ranges (e.g., be higher or lower than the ranges) based on the specific application, lubricant type, or engine size.

[0043] Figure 3 According to the present disclosure Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the gearbox assembly 46 is shown in detail 3 of FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the one or more lubricant injectors 240 also include one or more second lubricant outlets 244. The one or more second lubricant outlets 244 are oriented and positioned to supply a second portion of lubricant 245 to the meshing portion 219 ( Figure 2). For example, the one or more second lubricant outlets 244 are oriented and positioned to supply the second portion of the lubricant 245 to the first axial side 213 of the first gear 206, the second gear 208, or the first gear 206 and the second gear 208. The one or more second lubricant outlets 244 are also oriented and positioned to supply the second portion of the lubricant 245 to the second axial side 215 of the first gear 206, the second gear 208, or the first gear 206 and the second gear 208. In this manner, the one or more second lubricant outlets 244 are oriented and positioned to supply the second portion of the lubricant 245 to a location separate and different from the first portion of the lubricant 243 (e.g., a location different from the meshing portion 219 between the first gear 206 and the second gear 208). The second axial side 215 is opposite to the first axial side 213. The first axial side 213 is defined by the first side of the first gear 206 and the second gear 208, and the second axial side 215 is defined by the second side of the first gear 206 and the second gear 208.

[0044] The one or more second lubricant outlets 244 include orifices (e.g., holes) disposed through the one or more lubricant injectors 240 for operably directing a second portion of lubricant 245 from the one or more lubricant injectors 240 therethrough to supply the second portion of lubricant 245 to the gearbox cavity 250 within the gearbox assembly 46 (e.g., to the first axial side 213 and the second axial side 215 of the first gear 206 and the one or more second gears 208). In some embodiments, the one or more second lubricant outlets 244 may be converging nozzles to increase the flow rate of the lubricant therethrough. In some embodiments, the one or more second lubricant outlets 244 may be diverging nozzles to reduce the flow rate of the lubricant therethrough.

[0045] The size (e.g., diameter) of the one or more second lubricant outlets 244, the number of the one or more second lubricant outlets 244, and / or the location of the one or more second lubricant outlets 244 on the one or more lubricant injectors 240 are selected to control the pressure drop within the one or more lubricant injectors 240 and, therefore, control the lubricant to the meshing portion 219 ( Figure 2) at a location. The pressure loss is also based on the geometric configuration (e.g., size) of the one or more lubricant injectors 240. For example, the pressure loss within the one or more lubricant injectors 240 is controlled by selecting a specific size of the one or more lubricant injectors 240 or by selecting a specific size, a specific number, or a specific location of the one or more second lubricant outlets 244. The size of the one or more lubricant injectors 240 on which the one or more second lubricant outlets 244 are positioned may be different from the size of the one or more lubricant injectors 240 on which the one or more first lubricant outlets 242 are positioned. In some embodiments, the size, number, or location of the one or more second lubricant outlets 244 may be different from the size, number, or location of the one or more first lubricant outlets 242 ( Figure 2 In this way, one or more lubricant injectors 240, one or more first lubricant outlets 242, and one or more second lubricant outlets 244 are selected based on the desired pressure loss within the one or more lubricant injectors 240 to achieve the desired diversion of the first portion of lubricant 243 to the meshing portion 219 and the second portion of lubricant 245 to a location other than the meshing portion 219.

[0046] Second mass flow rate is the power loss caused by the wind resistance (W) between the first gear 206 and the second gear 208 and the lubricant, the specific heat capacity (C p ), and a maximum temperature (dT) that the first gear 206 and the second gear 208 can withstand before being damaged (e.g., based on the material properties of the first gear 206 and the second gear 208). Second mass flow rate It is given by relation (2):

[0047]

[0048] The power loss due to windage is a function of the geometry of the gearbox assembly 46, the operating conditions of the gearbox assembly 46, and the amount of lubricant interacting with the gears. p ) and the maximum delta temperature (dT) are functions of the lubricant type and the temperature generated within the gear assembly 204. In a non-limiting example, the power loss due to friction is in the range of one kilowatt to one hundred kilowatts (1 kW to 100 kW), and the specific heat capacity (C p) is in the range of one kilojoule / kilogram Kelvin to three kilojoules / kilogram Kelvin (1000 J / kg*K to 3000 J / kg*K), and the maximum delta temperature (dT) is from one degree Celsius to sixty degrees Celsius (1° C. to 60° C.). The second mass flow rate is in the range of zero point one kilogram / second to five kilograms / second (0.1 kg / s to 5 kg / s). The ranges provided herein are exemplary only, and the values ​​of windage, specific heat, maximum delta temperature, and second mass flow rate may differ from the provided ranges (e.g., be above or below the ranges) based on the specific application, lubricant type, or engine size.

[0049] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In operation, the gearbox assembly 46 operates as detailed above to transfer torque and power from the input shaft 230 to the output shaft 232. The lubrication system 200 supplies lubricant from the lubricant supply 234 to one or more lubricant injectors 240 via a lubricant supply line 236. Total mass flow rate is based on the first mass flow rate and the second mass flow rate The first mass flow rate is determined by the sum of Determined by the relation (1), and the second mass flow rate The lubricant pump 238 pumps lubricant through the lubricant supply line 236, thereby passing the lubricant through one or more lubricant injectors 240 at a total mass flow rate of Supplied to one or more lubricant injectors 240 .

[0050] The one or more lubricant injectors 240 divide the lubricant into a first portion of lubricant 243 and a second portion of lubricant 245. The one or more lubricant injectors 240 supply the first portion of lubricant 243 to the meshing portion 219 of the first gear 206 and the second gear 208 through the one or more first lubricant outlets 242 (e.g., supplied to the meshing side 220, supplied to the disengagement side 222, or supplied to both the meshing side 220 and the disengagement side 222). The amount of lubricant supplied to the meshing portion 219 is based on the size of the one or more lubricant injectors 240 and the size, number and / or position of the one or more first lubricant outlets 242, as described in detail above.

[0051] The one or more lubricant injectors 240 supply the second portion of lubricant 245 to a location different from the meshing portion 219 (e.g., to a location not at the meshing portion 219) through the one or more second lubricant outlets 244. For example, the one or more lubricant injectors 240 supply the second portion of lubricant 245 within the gearbox cavity 250, such as, as a non-limiting example, to the first axial side 213, the second axial side 215, or a combination thereof of the first gear 206, the second gear 208, or a combination thereof through the one or more second lubricant outlets 244. The amount of lubricant supplied to the one or more components is based on the size of the one or more lubricant injectors 240 and the size, number, and / or location of the one or more second lubricant outlets 244, as described in detail above.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the second portion of lubricant 245 may be supplied to one or more components of the gearbox assembly 46, including the input shaft 230, the output shaft 232, the planet carrier 212, the housing 202 of the gearbox assembly 46, the planet carrier 212, one or more bearings 211 of the gear assembly 204, the sump 203 of the gearbox assembly 46, or some combination thereof. In this manner, the one or more lubricant injectors 240 may be oriented to supply the second portion of lubricant 245 to other components in addition to or in lieu of the first axial side 213 and / or the second axial side 215. Furthermore, while a power gearbox assembly in an epicyclic configuration is described in detail herein, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with other types of gearbox assemblies or gear assemblies, including, for example, a power gear train, a non-episodic gearbox assembly, an accessory gearbox assembly (e.g., for providing power to a turbine engine or an accessory of an aircraft or other vehicle), or any type of gear assembly.

[0053] Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic side view of a portion of a lubrication system 400 and a gear assembly 404 according to another embodiment. Figure 4 Examples and Figures 1 to 3 The embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Figure 4 The gear assembly 404 is shown to include a first gear 406 and a second gear 408. The first gear 406 and the second gear 408 include a first axial side 413 and a second axial side 415 opposite the first axial side 413. The first axial side 413 is defined by a first side of the first gear 406 and the second gear 408, and the second axial side 415 is defined by a second side of the first gear 406 and the second gear 408. The first gear 406 and the second gear 408 mesh with each other at a meshing portion 419. The meshing portion 419 includes an engaging side 420 and a disengaging side 422. The gear assembly 404 can include any number of gears or any configuration as desired.

[0054] The lubrication system 400 includes a lubricant supply 434, a lubricant supply line 436, a lubricant pump 438, and one or more lubricant injectors 440. The one or more lubricant injectors 440 are in fluid communication with the lubricant supply 434 via the lubricant supply line 436. The one or more lubricant injectors 440 include one or more first lubricant outlets 442 and one or more second lubricant outlets 444. The one or more first lubricant outlets 442 are oriented and positioned to supply a first portion of lubricant 443 to the meshing portion 419. For example, the one or more first lubricant outlets 442 are oriented and positioned to supply a first portion of lubricant 443 to the meshing portion 419 (e.g., to the meshing side 420, to the disengagement side 422, or to both the meshing side 420 and the disengagement side 422).

[0055] The one or more second lubricant outlets 444 are oriented and positioned to supply the second portion of the lubricant 445 to a location other than the meshing portion 419. For example, the one or more second lubricant outlets 444 are oriented and positioned to supply the second portion of the lubricant 445 to the first axial side 413 of the first gear 406, the first axial side 413 of the second gear 408, or the first axial sides 413 of the first gear 406 and the second gear 408. The one or more second lubricant outlets 444 are also oriented and positioned to supply the second portion of the lubricant 445 to the second axial side 415 of the first gear 406, the second axial side 415 of the second gear 408, or the second axial sides 415 of the first gear 406 and the second gear 408. In this manner, the one or more second lubricant outlets 444 are oriented and positioned to supply the second portion of the lubricant 445 to a location separate and different from the first portion of the lubricant 443 (e.g., a location other than the meshing portion 419 between the first gear 406 and the second gear 408).

[0056] The one or more lubricant injectors 440 include one or more first lubricant injector portions 446 and one or more second lubricant injector portions 448. The one or more first lubricant injector portions 446 extend transversely (e.g., axially) across the first gear 406 and the second gear 408. One or more first lubricant outlets 442 are disposed in the one or more first lubricant injector portions 446 and are oriented to supply lubricant to the meshing portion 419 (e.g., at the meshing side 420) of the first gear 406 and the second gear 408. For example, the one or more first lubricant outlets 442 are oriented to supply lubricant circumferentially (e.g., radially and / or tangentially) from the one or more first lubricant injector portions 446. The one or more first lubricant outlets 442 are spaced axially along the one or more first lubricant injector portions 446.

[0057] The one or more second lubricant injector portions 448 each include one or more axially extending portions 447 and one or more tangentially extending portions 449. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the one or more second lubricant injector portions 448 include two second lubricant injector portions 448, such that there are two axially extending portions 447 and two tangentially extending portions 449 (e.g., one each on each axial side of the first gear 406 and the second gear 408). The one or more axially extending portions 447 extend axially from the first lubricant injector portion 446. The one or more tangentially extending portions 449 extend substantially tangentially from the one or more axially extending portions 447 relative to the circumferential direction C. In this manner, there are respective second lubricant injector portions 448 oriented and positioned at the first axial side 413 of the first gear 406 and the second gear 408, and respective second lubricant injector portions 448 positioned at the second axial side 415 of the first gear 406 and the second gear 408. Each of the one or more tangentially extending portions 449 includes one or more second lubricant outlets 444, which are radially or circumferentially spaced apart along the respective tangentially extending portions 449. In this manner, the one or more second lubricant injector portions 448 of the one or more lubricant injectors 440 are oriented to supply the second portion of lubricant 445 to a location other than the meshing portion 419. For example, the one or more second lubricant injector portions 448 are oriented to supply the second portion of lubricant 445 to the first axial side 413 and the second axial side 415.

[0058] The size of the one or more first lubricant injector portions 446 and the size of the one or more second lubricant injector portions 448 are selected based on the desired pressure loss within the one or more first lubricant injector portions 446 and the one or more lubricant injector portions 448 to provide the desired split of the first portion of lubricant 443 and the second portion of lubricant 445. In some embodiments, the size (e.g., diameter) of the one or more first lubricant outlets 442, the number of the one or more first lubricant outlets 442, and / or the location of the one or more first lubricant outlets 442 on the first lubricant injector portion 446 are selected to provide the desired split of the first portion of lubricant 443 to the meshing portion 419, as described above with respect to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Similarly, the size (e.g., diameter) of the one or more second lubricant outlets 444, the number of the one or more second lubricant outlets 444, and / or the location of the one or more second lubricant outlets 444 on the second lubricant injector portion 448 are selected to provide a desired diversion of the second portion of the lubricant 445 to a location other than the meshing portion 419.

[0059] In some embodiments, one or more second lubricant injector portions 448 are separated from one or more first lubricant injector portions 446 such that one or more second lubricant injector portions 448 do not extend from one or more first lubricant injector portions 446, and one or more second lubricant injector portions 448 are connected to the lubricant supply 434 separately from one or more first lubricant injector portions 446.

[0060] The operation of lubrication system 400 and gear assembly 404 is substantially similar to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The lubrication system 200 and the gear assembly 204. In this way, the lubrication system 400 provides a total mass flow rate (m) based on the first mass flow rate (m1) and the second mass flow rate (m2), as described in detail above. One or more first lubricant injector portions 446 supply a first portion of lubricant 443 to the meshing portion 419 through one or more first lubricant outlets 442. One or more second lubricant injector portions 448 supply a second portion of lubricant 445 to a position different from the meshing portion 419 through one or more second lubricant outlets 444. One or more lubricant injectors 440 may include any number of first lubricant injector portions 446 and / or second lubricant injector portions 448 for providing the desired flow split of the first portion of lubricant 443 and the second portion of lubricant 445, respectively. One or more second lubricant injector portions 448 may include any number of axially extending portions 447 and / or any number of tangentially extending portions 449 for providing the second portion of lubricant 445.

[0061] The lubrication systems 200, 400 described herein provide separate control to the meshing portions 219, 419 and to the gearbox assembly 46 or turbine engine 10 ( Figure 1) or other areas or other components. One or more lubricant injectors 240, 440 supply the first portion of lubricant 243, 443 to the meshing portion 219, 419, and supply the second portion of lubricant 245, 445 separately to a location different from the meshing portion 219, 419 to avoid or minimize the interaction of the second portion of lubricant 245, 445 with the meshing portion 219, 419. For example, the second portion of lubricant 245, 445 is supplied to other components or areas of the gearbox assembly 46 (e.g., the gearbox cavity 250, the input shaft 230, the output shaft 232, the planet carrier 212, the housing 202 of the gearbox assembly 46, one or more bearings 211 of the gearbox assembly 46, the sump 203 of the gearbox assembly 46, and / or other components of the gearbox assembly 46). In this manner, the lubrication system 200, 400 provides a reduction in the total amount of lubricant that needs to be supplied to the mesh 219, 419 of the first gear 206, 406 and the second gear 208, 408 to adequately lubricate and cool the area of ​​the mesh 219, 419, while reducing the amount of power lost due to windage (e.g., due to the reduced amount of lubricant) compared to a lubrication system without the benefit of the present disclosure. In this manner, the total mass flow rate of lubricant through the one or more lubricant injectors 240, 440 is reduced compared to a lubrication system without the benefit of the present disclosure. Thus, the lubrication system 200, 400 provides an increased efficiency of the gear assembly 204, 404 compared to a gear assembly without the benefit of the present disclosure, as detailed above.

[0062] Furthermore, when used in an engine (e.g., a turbine engine), the lubrication system 200, 400 provides an increase in engine efficiency and a reduction in fuel consumption of the engine compared to a lubrication system without the benefit of the present disclosure. The lubrication system 200, 400 provides the above benefits for all engine platforms and industrial systems having high speed and large size gearboxes. Thus, the amount of lubricant provided to the gear assembly 204, 404, and therefore the amount of power lost due to friction and windage, is reduced compared to a gear assembly without the benefit of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is applicable to any type of gear assembly, and is particularly applicable to epicyclic gear trains.

[0063] Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0064] A lubrication system for a gear assembly, the gear assembly comprising a first gear and a second gear meshing with each other at a meshing portion. The lubrication system comprises: one or more first lubricant outlets, the one or more first lubricant outlets being directed to the meshing portion, the one or more first lubricant outlets supplying a first portion of lubricant to the meshing portion; and one or more second lubricant outlets, the one or more second lubricant outlets being directed to a position different from the meshing portion, the one or more second lubricant outlets supplying a second portion of lubricant to the position different from the meshing portion.

[0065] The lubrication system of the preceding clause, further comprising a lubricant supply that supplies the lubricant to the one or more lubricant injectors.

[0066] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more first lubricant outlets are oriented to supply the first portion of lubricant to a meshing side of the meshing portion.

[0067] A lubrication system as described in any preceding clause, the one or more lubricant injectors comprising one or more first lubricant injector portions, and the one or more first lubricant outlets being positioned on the one or more first lubricant injector portions.

[0068] A lubrication system as described in any preceding clause, the one or more lubricant injectors comprising one or more second lubricant injector portions, and the one or more second lubricant outlets being positioned on the one or more second lubricant injector portions.

[0069] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more lubricant injectors are sized to provide the lubricant at a total mass flow rate within the one or more lubricant injectors.

[0070] The lubrication system of the preceding clause, wherein the size of the one or more lubricant injectors is based on a flow split between the first portion of lubricant and the second portion of lubricant.

[0071] A lubrication system as in any preceding clause, the total mass flow rate being determined based on a first mass flow rate and a second mass flow rate.

[0072] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, wherein the first mass flow rate is a function of power losses due to friction at the mesh of the first gear and the second gear, a specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and a maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0073] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, wherein the second mass flow rate is a function of power losses due to windage generated by interaction of the gear assembly with the lubricant, a specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and a maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0074] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the first portion of lubricant supplied to the meshing portion has a different amount of lubricant than the second portion of lubricant supplied to the location other than the meshing portion.

[0075] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, wherein the gear assembly comprises an epicyclic gear assembly, the epicyclic gear assembly comprising the first gear, the second gear and a third gear, the first gear being a sun gear, the second gear being a planet gear, and the third gear being a ring gear.

[0076] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the second portion of lubricant is supplied separately from the first portion of lubricant.

[0077] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the location of the gear assembly other than the meshing portion comprises one or more components of the gear assembly.

[0078] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more components comprises a gearbox cavity of the gear assembly.

[0079] According to a lubrication system as described in any of the preceding clauses, the first lubricant injector portion extends generally axially across the first gear and the second gear at the meshing portion of the first gear and the second gear, and the one or more first lubricant outlets are oriented on the first lubricant injector portion to supply the first portion of lubricant to the meshing portion.

[0080] According to a lubrication system as described in any of the preceding items, the second lubricant injector portion extends generally tangentially relative to the circumferential direction of the first gear and the second gear, and the one or more second lubricant outlets are oriented on the second lubricant injector portion to supply the second portion of lubricant to the one or more components of the gear assembly.

[0081] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, the one or more second lubricant outlets comprising a number, size or position different from the number, size or position of the one or more first lubricant outlets.

[0082] A lubrication system as in any preceding clause, wherein the location other than the meshing portion comprises at least one of a first axial side of the first gear and the second gear or a second axial side of the first gear and the second gear.

[0083] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the gear assembly comprises an input shaft and an output shaft.

[0084] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the gear assembly is comprised in a gearbox assembly.

[0085] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the gearbox assembly comprises a housing.

[0086] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, the gearbox assembly comprising a sump.

[0087] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the gear assembly comprises one or more bearings disposed within the second gear.

[0088] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, said location other than said meshing portion comprising at least one of said input shaft, said output shaft, said housing, said sump or said one or more bearings.

[0089] A lubrication system as described in any preceding clause, wherein the second lubricant injector portion extends from the first lubricant injector portion.

[0090] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the second lubricant injector portion comprises one or more axially extending portions and one or more tangentially extending portions.

[0091] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein said one or more axially extending portions extend generally axially from said first lubricant injector portion.

[0092] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more tangentially extending portions extend substantially tangentially from the one or more axially extending portions.

[0093] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more first lubricant outlets are apertures arranged through the first lubricant injector portion.

[0094] A lubrication system as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more second lubricant outlets are apertures arranged through the second lubricant injector portion.

[0095] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, wherein the first mass flow rate is equal to F / (C p*dT), F is the power loss due to friction, C p is the specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and dT is the maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0096] A lubrication system according to any preceding clause, wherein the second mass flow rate is equal to W / (C p *dT), W is the power loss caused by wind resistance, C p is the specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and dT is the maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0097] A component includes a lubrication system and a gear assembly. The gear assembly includes a first gear and a second gear meshing with each other at a meshing portion. The lubrication system includes: one or more first lubricant outlets, the one or more first lubricant outlets are directed to the meshing portion, the one or more first lubricant outlets supply a first portion of lubricant to the meshing portion; and one or more second lubricant outlets, the one or more second lubricant outlets are directed to a position different from the meshing portion, the one or more second lubricant outlets supply a second portion of lubricant to the position different from the meshing portion.

[0098] An assembly as recited in the preceding clause, further comprising a lubricant supply that supplies the lubricant to the one or more lubricant injectors.

[0099] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more first lubricant outlets are oriented to supply the first portion of lubricant to a meshing side of the meshing portion.

[0100] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, the one or more lubricant injectors comprising one or more first lubricant injector portions, and the one or more first lubricant outlets being positioned on the one or more first lubricant injector portions.

[0101] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, the one or more lubricant injectors comprising one or more second lubricant injector portions, and the one or more second lubricant outlets being positioned on the one or more second lubricant injector portions.

[0102] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more lubricant injectors are sized to provide the lubricant at a total mass flow rate within the one or more lubricant injectors.

[0103] The assembly of the preceding clause, said size of said one or more lubricant injectors being based on a flow split between said first portion of lubricant and said second portion of lubricant.

[0104] An assembly as in any preceding clause, the total mass flow rate being determined based on a sum of the first mass flow rate and the second mass flow rate.

[0105] An assembly as described in any preceding clause, the first mass flow rate being a function of power losses due to friction at the mesh of the first gear and the second gear, a specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and a maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0106] An assembly as described in any preceding clause, wherein the second mass flow rate is a function of power losses due to windage generated by interaction of the gear assembly with the lubricant, a specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and a maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0107] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the first portion of lubricant supplied to the meshing portion has a different amount of lubricant than the second portion of lubricant supplied to the location other than the meshing portion.

[0108] An assembly according to any preceding clause, the gear assembly comprising an epicyclic gear assembly, the epicyclic gear assembly comprising the first gear, the second gear and a third gear, the first gear being a sun gear, the second gear being a planet gear, and the third gear being a ring gear.

[0109] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the second portion of lubricant is supplied separately from the first portion of lubricant.

[0110] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the location of the gear assembly other than the meshing portion comprises one or more components of the gear assembly.

[0111] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more components comprises a gear housing cavity of the gear assembly.

[0112] According to an assembly as described in any of the preceding clauses, the first lubricant injector portion extends generally axially across the first gear and the second gear at the meshing portion of the first gear and the second gear, and the one or more first lubricant outlets are oriented on the first lubricant injector portion to supply the first portion of lubricant to the meshing portion.

[0113] According to an assembly described in any of the preceding clauses, the second lubricant injector portion extends generally tangentially relative to the circumferential direction of the first gear and the second gear, and the one or more second lubricant outlets are oriented on the second lubricant injector portion to supply the second portion of lubricant to the one or more components of the gear assembly.

[0114] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more second lubricant outlets comprise a number, size or position different from the number, size or position of the one or more first lubricant outlets.

[0115] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the second mass flow rate is substantially equal to the first mass flow rate.

[0116] An assembly as in any preceding clause, said location other than said meshing portion comprising at least one of a first axial side of said first gear and said second gear or a second axial side of said first gear and said second gear.

[0117] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, the gear assembly comprising an input shaft and an output shaft.

[0118] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the gear assembly is comprised in a gearbox assembly.

[0119] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, the gearbox assembly comprising a housing.

[0120] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, the gearbox assembly comprising a sump.

[0121] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, the gear assembly comprising one or more bearings disposed within the second gear.

[0122] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, said location other than said meshing portion comprising at least one of said input shaft, said output shaft, said housing, said sump or said one or more bearings.

[0123] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the second lubricant injector portion extends from the first lubricant injector portion.

[0124] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, the second lubricant injector portion comprising one or more axially extending portions and one or more tangentially extending portions.

[0125] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein said one or more axially extending portions extend generally axially from said first lubricant injector portion.

[0126] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more tangentially extending portions extend substantially tangentially from the one or more axially extending portions.

[0127] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more first lubricant outlets are apertures provided through the first lubricant injector portion.

[0128] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more second lubricant outlets are apertures provided through the second lubricant injector portion.

[0129] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein said first mass flow rate is equal to F / (C p *dT), F is the power loss due to friction, C p is the specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and dT is the maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0130] An assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein said second mass flow rate is equal to W / (C p *dT), W is the power loss caused by wind resistance, C p is the specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and dT is the maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0131] A turbine engine includes a fan, a core turbine engine, a gear assembly, and a lubrication system. The gear assembly includes a first gear and a second gear meshing with each other at a meshing portion. The lubrication system includes: one or more first lubricant outlets, the one or more first lubricant outlets are directed to the meshing portion, the one or more first lubricant outlets supply a first portion of lubricant to the meshing portion; and one or more second lubricant outlets, the one or more second lubricant outlets are directed to a position different from the meshing portion, and the one or more second lubricant outlets supply a second portion of lubricant to the position different from the meshing portion.

[0132] The turbine engine according to the preceding clause, further comprising a lubricant supply which supplies the lubricant to the one or more lubricant injectors.

[0133] A turbine engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more first lubricant outlets are oriented to supply the first portion of lubricant to a meshing side of the meshing portion.

[0134] A turbine engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more lubricant injectors include one or more first lubricant injector portions, and wherein the one or more first lubricant outlets are positioned on the one or more first lubricant injector portions.

[0135] A turbine engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more lubricant injectors include one or more second lubricant injector portions, and wherein the one or more second lubricant outlets are positioned on the one or more second lubricant injector portions.

[0136] A turbine engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more lubricant injectors are sized to provide the lubricant at a total mass flow rate within the one or more lubricant injectors.

[0137] The turbine engine according to the preceding clause, said size of said one or more lubricant injectors being based on a split between said first portion of lubricant and said second portion of lubricant.

[0138] A turbine engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the total mass flow rate is determined based on a sum of the first mass flow rate and the second mass flow rate.

[0139] A turbine engine according to any preceding clause, wherein the first mass flow rate is a function of power losses due to friction at the mesh of the first gear and the second gear, a specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and a maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0140] A turbine engine according to any preceding clause, wherein the second mass flow rate is a function of power losses due to windage generated by interaction of the gear assembly with the lubricant, a specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and a maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0141] A turbine engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the first portion of lubricant supplied to the meshing portion has a different amount of lubricant than the second portion of lubricant supplied to the location other than the meshing portion.

[0142] A turbine engine according to any preceding clause, the gear assembly comprising an epicyclic gear assembly, the epicyclic gear assembly comprising the first gear, the second gear and a third gear, the first gear being a sun gear, the second gear being a planet gear, and the third gear being a ring gear.

[0143] A turbine engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the second portion of lubricant is supplied separately from the first portion of lubricant.

[0144] A turbine engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the location of the gear assembly other than the meshing portion comprises one or more components of the gear assembly.

[0145] A turbine engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein said one or more components include said gearbox cavity of said gear assembly.

[0146] According to a turbine engine described in any preceding clause, the first lubricant injector portion extends generally axially across the first gear and the second gear at the meshing portion of the first gear and the second gear, and the one or more first lubricant outlets are oriented on the first lubricant injector portion to supply the first portion of lubricant to the meshing portion.

[0147] According to a turbine engine as described in any preceding clause, the second lubricant injector portion extends generally tangentially relative to the circumferential direction of the first gear and the second gear, and the one or more second lubricant outlets are oriented on the second lubricant injector portion to supply the second portion of lubricant to the one or more components of the gear assembly.

[0148] A turbine engine as described in any preceding clause, the one or more second lubricant outlets comprising a number, size or location that is different from the number, size or location of the one or more first lubricant outlets.

[0149] A turbine engine as in any preceding clause, said location other than said meshing portion comprising at least one of a first axial side of said first gear and said second gear or a second axial side of said first gear and said second gear.

[0150] A turbine engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the gear assembly comprises an input shaft and an output shaft.

[0151] A turbine engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the gear assembly is comprised in a gearbox assembly.

[0152] A turbine engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the gearbox assembly comprises a casing.

[0153] A turbine engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the gearbox assembly comprises a sump.

[0154] A turbine engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the gear assembly includes one or more bearings disposed within the second gear.

[0155] A turbine engine as claimed in any preceding clause, said location other than said meshing portion comprising at least one of said input shaft, said output shaft, said casing, said sump or said one or more bearings.

[0156] A turbine engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein the second lubricant injector portion extends from the first lubricant injector portion.

[0157] A turbine engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the second lubricant injector portion comprises one or more axially extending portions and one or more tangentially extending portions.

[0158] A turbine engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein said one or more axially extending portions extend generally axially from said first lubricant injector portion.

[0159] A turbine engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein said one or more tangentially extending portions extend substantially tangentially from said one or more axially extending portions.

[0160] A turbine engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein said one or more first lubricant outlets are apertures disposed through said first lubricant injector portion.

[0161] A turbine engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein said one or more second lubricant outlets are apertures disposed through said second lubricant injector portion.

[0162] A turbine engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein said first mass flow rate is equal to F / (C p *dT), F is the power loss due to friction, C p is the specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and dT is the maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0163] A turbine engine according to any preceding clause, wherein said second mass flow rate is equal to W / (C p *dT), W is the power loss caused by wind resistance, C p is the specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and dT is the maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0164] A method of supplying lubricant via a lubrication system for a gear assembly. The gear assembly includes a first gear and a second gear meshing with each other at a meshing portion. The method includes: supplying a first portion of lubricant to the meshing portion through one or more first lubricant outlets of one or more lubricant injectors, the one or more first lubricant outlets being directed to the meshing portion; and supplying a second portion of lubricant to a location other than the meshing portion through one or more second lubricant outlets of the one or more lubricant injectors, the one or more second lubricant outlets being directed to the location of the gear assembly other than the meshing portion.

[0165] A method as described in the preceding clause, further comprising supplying the lubricant to the one or more lubricant injectors via a lubricant supply.

[0166] A method according to any preceding clause, further comprising supplying the first portion of lubricant to a meshing side of the meshing portion through the one or more first lubricant outlets of the one or more lubricant injectors.

[0167] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising supplying the first portion of lubricant through the one or more first lubricant outlets positioned on one or more first lubricant injector portions of the one or more lubricant injectors.

[0168] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising supplying the second portion of lubricant through the one or more second lubricant outlets positioned on one or more second lubricant injector portions of the one or more lubricant injectors.

[0169] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising providing the lubricant at a total mass flow rate within the one or more lubricant injectors, the one or more lubricant injectors being sized to provide the total mass flow rate.

[0170] The method of the preceding clause, wherein the size of the one or more lubricant injectors is based on a flow split between the first portion of lubricant and the second portion of lubricant.

[0171] A method as in any preceding clause, the total mass flow rate being determined based on a sum of a first mass flow rate and a second mass flow rate.

[0172] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the first mass flow rate is a function of power losses due to friction at the mesh of the first and second gears, a specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and a maximum delta temperature of the first and second gears.

[0173] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the second mass flow rate is a function of power losses due to windage created by interaction of the gear assembly with the lubricant, a specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and a maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0174] A method as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the first portion of lubricant supplied to the meshing portion has an amount of lubricant which is different from an amount of lubricant supplied to the second portion of lubricant which is different from the meshing portion.

[0175] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the second portion of lubricant is supplied separately from the first portion of lubricant.

[0176] A method as in any preceding clause, supplying the second portion of lubricant to the location of the gear assembly other than the mesh comprises supplying the second portion of lubricant to a gear case cavity of the gear assembly through the one or more second lubricant outlets.

[0177] A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the gear assembly comprises an epicyclic gear assembly, the epicyclic gear assembly comprising the first gear, the second gear and a third gear, the first gear being a sun gear, the second gear being a planet gear, and the third gear being a ring gear.

[0178] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the location of the gear assembly other than the meshing portion comprises at least one of a first axial side of the first gear and the second gear or a second axial side of the first gear and the second gear.

[0179] A method as in any preceding clause, the gear assembly comprising an input shaft and an output shaft.

[0180] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the gear assembly is comprised in a gearbox assembly.

[0181] A method as described in any preceding clause, the gearbox assembly comprising a housing.

[0182] A method as in any preceding clause, the gearbox assembly comprising a sump.

[0183] A method as in any preceding clause, the gear assembly comprising one or more bearings disposed within the second gear.

[0184] A method as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the location of the gear assembly other than the meshing portion comprises at least one of the input shaft, the output shaft, the housing, the sump or the one or more bearings.

[0185] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the second lubricant injector portion extends from the first lubricant injector portion.

[0186] A method as in any preceding clause, the second lubricant injector portion comprising one or more axially extending portions and one or more tangentially extending portions.

[0187] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more axially extending portions extend generally axially from the first lubricant injector portion.

[0188] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more tangentially extending portions extend substantially tangentially from the one or more axially extending portions.

[0189] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more first lubricant outlets are apertures disposed through the first lubricant injector portion.

[0190] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more second lubricant outlets are apertures disposed through the second lubricant injector portion.

[0191] A method as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the first mass flow rate is equal to F / (C p *dT), F is the power loss due to friction, C p is the specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and dT is the maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0192] A method as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the second mass flow rate is equal to W / (C p *dT), W is the power loss caused by wind resistance, C p is the specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and dT is the maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

[0193] Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, other changes and modifications are apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the features described in conjunction with one embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

Claims

1. A lubrication system for a gear assembly, the gear assembly comprising a first gear and a second gear meshing with each other at an engagement portion, characterized in that: The lubrication system comprises: One or more lubricant injectors, the one or more lubricant injectors comprising: one or more first lubricant outlets directed to the meshing portion, the one or more first lubricant outlets supplying a first portion of lubricant to the meshing portion; and One or more second lubricant outlets are directed to a location different from the meshing portion, the one or more second lubricant outlets supplying a second portion of lubricant to the location different from the meshing portion.

2. The lubrication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Further included is a lubricant supply that supplies the lubricant to the one or more lubricant injectors.

3. The lubrication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, The one or more first lubricant outlets are oriented to supply the first portion of lubricant to a meshing side of the meshing portion.

4. The lubrication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, The one or more lubricant injectors include one or more first lubricant injector portions, and the one or more first lubricant outlets are positioned on the one or more first lubricant injector portions.

5. The lubrication system according to claim 4, characterized in that: in, The one or more lubricant injectors include one or more second lubricant injector portions, and the one or more second lubricant outlets are positioned on the one or more second lubricant injector portions.

6. The lubrication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, The one or more lubricant injectors are sized to provide the lubricant at a total mass flow rate within the one or more lubricant injectors.

7. The lubrication system according to claim 6, characterized in that: in, The size of the one or more lubricant injectors is based on a flow split between the first portion of lubricant and the second portion of lubricant.

8. The lubrication system according to claim 6, characterized in that: in, The total mass flow rate is determined based on a sum of the first mass flow rate and the second mass flow rate.

9. The lubrication system according to claim 8, characterized in that: in, The first mass flow rate is a function of power losses due to friction at the mesh of the first gear and the second gear, a specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and a maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

10. The lubrication system according to claim 8, characterized in that: in, The second mass flow rate is a function of power losses due to windage created by interaction of the gear assembly with the lubricant, a specific heat capacity of the lubricant, and a maximum delta temperature of the first gear and the second gear.

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