Drainage device provided with a disengagement device

Abstract

The invention relates to a draining device (10) comprising: - a body (11) having at least one fluid inlet opening (12, 15) and at least one fluid discharge opening (13), - a valve (30) provided with at least one lug (37), and - a disengagement means (43) comprising: - a fixed guide (44) which can be mounted fixed relative to the body (11), - a movable guide (45) comprising at least one housing (38) for receiving the lug (37), - the fixed guide (44) and / or the movable guide (45) comprising at least one protrusion (48) and / or at least one recess (49), in particular the at least one recess having a complementary shape to the protrusion (48), and - a pressure spring (50) which can bias the movable guide (45) against the fixed guide (44) such that the protrusion (48) cooperates with the recess (49).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an emptying device provided with a disengaging device which can be actuated in the event of excessive torque, which may occur during an emptying operation or during a seal replacement operation in the emptying device. The invention finds particularly advantageous application in the field of aircraft cases, such as airplane or helicopter cases. Background Art

[0002] The function of such an emptying device is in particular to allow condensate and / or contaminants having a density greater than kerosene to be emptied from the lower part of the tank.

[0003] In a manner known per se, the emptying device comprises a body having at least one fluid inlet opening and one fluid discharge opening, in particular for emptying the reservoir. For this purpose, the emptying device comprises a valve mounted for translational and rotational movement relative to the body.

[0004] The emptying device is in particular capable of adopting a closed position, in which the valve head closes the fluid discharge opening, and an open position, in which the valve head is pushed back relative to the fluid discharge opening to allow fluid to pass through the emptying device, in particular for emptying the reservoir.

[0005] The transition from the closed position to the open position for draining the tank is performed manually, firstly by pushing the valve axially so as to push the valve head translationally away from the discharge opening for draining, and secondly by rotating the valve a fraction of a turn.

[0006] During the axial pushing process, the projection of the valve comes out of the housing in the main body and then, after rotation, abuts against the end face of the main body in order to hold the valve in a stable open position.

[0007] The emptying device is closed by reverse rotation, and the return spring ensures that the valve moves to the closed position.

[0008] There is also a maintenance location for replacing the seal around the valve head.

[0009] Prior art evacuation devices are reliable if the operator follows the operating instructions. However, if the operating instructions are not followed during the opening phase, the operator can apply an uncontrolled torque to the valve without first causing the valve to translate. Applying such a torque while the valve lug is still in the housing can cause it to break.

[0010] Because the emptying operation is performed on a full tank, a failure of the internal mechanism of the emptying device requires a maintenance shutdown. During this shutdown, the tank in question is completely emptied, at least one "manhole" is opened to allow an operator to pass through it to inspect the tank, and several maintenance operators with special equipment are involved to dismantle and remove the faulty emptying device in order to replace it with a new one. The "manhole" must then be closed and the tank and emptying device tested for leaks.

[0011] The above operation is lengthy and requires the aircraft to be immobilized until the operation is fully performed. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to effectively remedy the above-mentioned drawbacks by proposing an emptying device comprising:

[0013] a body having at least one fluid inlet opening and at least one fluid discharge opening, in particular at least one fluid discharge opening for emptying the reservoir, and

[0014] - a valve mounted for translational and rotational movement relative to the body, said valve comprising at least one projection.

[0015] Furthermore, the emptying device further comprises a disengagement device, the disengagement device comprising:

[0016] a fixed guide which can be mounted so as to be fixed relative to the body,

[0017] - a movable guide comprising at least one receiving housing for said projection,

[0018] the fixed guide and / or the movable guide comprises at least one protrusion and / or at least one recess, in particular the shape of the at least one recess being complementary to the shape of the protrusion, and

[0019] A pressure spring capable of urging the movable guide against the fixed guide such that the projection cooperates with the recess.

[0020] Thus, the pressure spring can be compressed to allow the movable guide to rotate relative to the fixed guide when excessive torque is applied to the valve while the projection is still inside the receiving housing. Since the disengagement device is activated before the operator applies a critical torque that could damage the emptying device, the present invention can prevent the valve projection from being placed under tension and thus prevent the internal mechanism of the emptying device from breaking due to improper operation by the operator.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, a return spring is arranged between the shoulder of the valve and the movable guide.

[0022] Furthermore, the fixing guide may include an annular portion, and the recessed portion may be formed in one end of the annular portion of the fixing guide.

[0023] Furthermore, the fixed guide may include at least one protrusion to cooperate with a correspondingly shaped slot in the body.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the annular portion of the fixed guide and the inner surface of the main body respectively include a first groove and a second groove facing each other.

[0025] In this configuration, the rod can mate with the first and second grooves.

[0026] Furthermore, the movable guide comprises a cylindrical portion which is inserted into the hollow inner space in the fixed guide and comprises a receiving housing for the projection.

[0027] According to this embodiment of the invention, the movable guide comprises an annular shoulder extending radially from the outer face of the cylindrical portion.

[0028] In this configuration, the protrusion is formed on the upper face of the annular shoulder of the movable guide.

[0029] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion of the movable guide comprises at least one through-opening which is angularly offset with respect to a receiving housing for the lug, in particular allowing the valve to be brought into a maintenance position.

[0030] The invention also relates to an aircraft box comprising an emptying device as described above, and an aircraft comprising such an aircraft box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will emerge on reading the following detailed description, including an embodiment given for illustrative purposes with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are presented by way of non-limiting examples and which may serve to complete the understanding of the description of the invention and its implementation and ultimately contribute to its definition, in which:

[0032] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an emptying device according to the present invention.

[0033] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the emptying device according to the present invention, without the return spring and the pressure spring;

[0034] [ Figure 3a ] Figure 3ais a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the emptying device according to the present invention in the closed position;

[0035] [ Figure 3b ] Figure 3b is a longitudinal sectional view of the emptying device according to the present invention in the open position;

[0036] [ Figure 3c ] Figure 3c is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the emptying device according to the present invention in a position for replacing a seal;

[0037] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an emptying device according to the invention associated with a mounting device;

[0038] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an emptying device according to the present invention mounted on a tank wall;

[0039] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a disengaging device integrated into an emptying device according to the invention.

[0040] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 It is composed Figure 6 A perspective view of a fixed guide of a disengagement device.

[0041] as well as

[0042] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 It is composed Figure 6 A perspective view of a movable guide member of a disengagement device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings, structural and / or functional elements common to different embodiments may have the same reference numerals. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, these elements have the same structure, size and / or material properties.

[0044] Relative terms such as "upper" or "lower" are used with reference to the emptying means on the housing, which correspond in particular to the Figure 5 Orientation of the emptying device shown.

[0045] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view and an exploded perspective view of an emptying device 10 according to the present invention are shown respectively.

[0046] The emptying device 10 comprises a body 11 having an annular shape extending along an axis of extension X. The body 11 comprises at least one fluid inlet opening 12 , 15 and at least one fluid discharge opening 13 .

[0047] More specifically, according to the exemplary embodiment presented, the body 11 comprises at least one central opening 12 and at least one lateral opening 15 (advantageously several lateral openings 15 ) as fluid inlet openings 12 , 15 able to allow the entry of fluid.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the embodiment shown, the body 11 comprises a discharge opening 13, serving as a fluid discharge opening 13. The fluid inlet openings 12, 15 and the fluid discharge opening 13 (i.e. the central opening 12, the side openings 15 and the discharge opening 13) are in communication with one another via a through-channel 14. The end flange 17 is arranged to bear against the outside of a tank wall 18, in particular an aircraft tank.

[0049] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 , these figures are respectively a perspective view of the emptying device 10 associated with a mounting device which allows ensuring that the emptying device 10 can be mounted on the tank wall 18 and a cross-sectional view of the emptying device 10 mounted on the tank wall 18 .

[0050] More specifically, the mounting device may include a nut 20 , a locknut 21 , and a spacer 22 .

[0051] A spacer 22 is arranged around the body 11. More particularly, the spacer 22 has an annular shape extending along the extension axis X. Furthermore, the spacer 22 may be provided with at least one port 23, preferably several ports 23. In particular, the port 23 is arranged to be aligned with the lateral opening 15 so as to define a fluid passage.

[0052] The mounting of the emptying device 10 is ensured by tightening the mounting means by means of the nut 20 and the locknut 21 , so that the tank wall 18 is clamped between the spacer 22 and the flange 17 of the body 11 of the emptying device 10 .

[0053] In order to ensure the sealing of the assembly of the emptying device 10 , a seal 25 can be arranged in a groove 26 in one face of the flange 17 of the emptying device 10 so as to be pressed against the outer face of the tank wall 18 .

[0054] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3a , Figure 3a is a longitudinal section through the emptying device 10 in the closed position, the valve 30 being mounted for translational and rotational movement relative to the body 11 .

[0055] To this end, the valve 30 extends along an axis coinciding with the axis of extension X of the body 11 .

[0056] Furthermore, the valve 30 includes a stem 31 and a valve head 32 located at one end of the stem 31 on the side of the fluid discharge opening 13 of the emptying device 10 to empty the tank. Furthermore, the valve 30 may include a seal 33, such as Figure 3a The seal 33 is arranged in a groove 34 , preferably in the outer periphery of the valve head 32 .

[0057] The emptying device 10 can take:

[0058] a closed position in which the valve head 32 closes the fluid discharge opening 13 in the emptying device 10 , in this case the discharge opening 13 according to the exemplary embodiment provided, which allows emptying of the tank, and

[0059] an open position in which the valve head 32 is pushed back relative to the fluid discharge opening 13 in the emptying device 10 , in this case the discharge opening 13 according to the exemplary embodiment provided, which allows emptying of the tank.

[0060] Furthermore, the emptying device 10 can also adopt a maintenance position in which the seal 33 can be replaced, as explained below.

[0061] Furthermore, the valve 30 comprises at least one projection 37. The projection 37 may extend in a radially protruding manner relative to the outer surface of the stem 31 of the valve 30. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the valve 30 comprises two projections 37 which are diametrically opposed to each other.

[0062] The projection 37 is configured to mate with a correspondingly shaped receiving housing 38 in a fixed guide 44 of the valve 30 , as further described below.

[0063] Especially Figure 3a As shown, the valve 30 may include at least one return spring 40. Preferably, the return spring 40 may be arranged between the shoulder 35 of the rod 31 and the body 11 of the emptying device 10. Alternatively, the return spring 40 may be arranged between the shoulder 35 of the rod 31 and a fixed element relative to the body 11 of the emptying device 10, such as, for example, a fixed guide 44 of the valve 30.

[0064] The valve 30 may further include a sealing shoulder 41. The sealing shoulder 41 is configured to contact an inner surface 42 of the body 11 of the emptying device 10. According to another embodiment, the sealing shoulder 41 may have a frustoconical surface. In particular, the inner surface 42 of the body 11 of the emptying device 10 may be frustoconical, its shape corresponding to the frustoconical surface of the sealing shoulder 41. Bringing the frustoconical surface of the sealing shoulder 41 into contact with the frustoconical inner surface 42 of the body 11 of the emptying device 10 ensures that the emptying device 10 is sealed when the seal 33 is replaced.

[0065] Now special reference Figure 3b and 3c as well as Figure 6 , Figure 3b and 3c are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the emptying device 10 in the open position and in the position for replacing the seal 33, Figure 6 is a perspective view of a disengaging device 43 integrated into the emptying device 10 .

[0066] The disengaging device 43 can be activated if an excessive torque is applied to the emptying device 10 during an emptying operation. For this purpose, the disengaging device 43 comprises a fixed guide 44 which can be mounted so as to be fixed relative to the body 11, and a movable guide 45 which can be mounted so as to be movable relative to the fixed guide 44, in particular in rotation and in translation.

[0067] The movable guide 45 comprises at least one receiving housing 38 for a projection 37. In the example shown, the movable guide 45 comprises two receiving housings 38, diametrically opposed to each other, for two diametrically opposed projections 37 on the stem 31 of the valve 30. Of course, the number of receiving housings 38 is adjusted according to the number of projections 37 on the stem 31 of the valve 30.

[0068] According to the first embodiment, the fixed guide 44 comprises at least one protrusion 48 . The movable guide 45 comprises at least one recess 49 , the shape of which is complementary to that of the protrusion 48 .

[0069] According to the second embodiment, the movable guide 45 comprises at least one protrusion 48 . The fixed guide 44 comprises at least one recess 49 , the shape of which is complementary to that of the protrusion 48 .

[0070] According to another alternative embodiment, the fixed guide 44 and the movable guide 45 respectively include at least one protrusion 48 and at least one recess 49 , and the shape of the recess 49 is complementary to that of the protrusion 48 .

[0071] Especially Figures 3a to 3cAs shown, the compression spring 50 urges the movable guide 45 against the fixed guide 44 so that the protrusion 48 cooperates with the correspondingly shaped recess 49 .

[0072] As presented, the compression spring 50 bears on the one hand against a bearing surface 51 , in particular a shoulder, of the body 11 , in particular in the inner face of the body 11 , and on the other hand against an end face of the movable guide 45 .

[0073] The bearing surface 51 may be defined by a difference in the inner diameter of the body 11 .

[0074] Preferably, and as presented in the exemplary embodiment, the disengaging means 43 comprises a plurality of protrusions 48 and a plurality of recesses 49. Alternatively, the disengaging means 43 comprises a single protrusion 48 and a plurality of recesses 49.

[0075] Advantageously, the disengagement device 43 comprises a plurality of recesses 49 with a regular angular distribution.

[0076] Thus, when a torque less than a threshold torque is applied to the valve 30 while the projection 37 is located inside the receiving housing 38, the force applied by the compression spring 50 forces the one or more protrusions 48 into the one or more corresponding recesses 49. As a result, the movable guide 45 remains fixed relative to the fixed guide 44.

[0077] When the protrusion 37 applies a torque greater than a threshold torque (also referred to as excessive torque in this specification) to the valve 30 while inside the receiving housing 38, the pressure spring 50 is able to compress and no longer confine one or more protrusions 48 in one or more corresponding recesses 49, so as to allow the movable guide 45 to rotate relative to the fixed guide 44.

[0078] Preferably, the movable guide 45 rotates at least a fraction of a turn relative to the fixed guide 44 so that the one or more protrusions 48 can mate with one or more corresponding recesses 49 adjacent to the recess 49 into which the one or more protrusions 48 were initially inserted.

[0079] The threshold torque value may be adjusted according to the setting of the compression spring 50 .

[0080] In the case where the disengagement device 43 includes a single protrusion 48 and a single recess 49 , a 360 degree rotation is achieved when the movable guide 45 is disengaged from the fixed guide 44 .

[0081] More precisely, as in Figure 2 and 6 as well as Figure 7 As can be seen in Figure 7 yes Figure 6A perspective view of the fixed guide 44 of the disengagement device 43 in FIG, the fixed guide 44 comprising an annular portion 54 and at least one protruding portion 55, the annular portion 54 advantageously extending along the extension axis X so as to define a portion of the tubular sleeve form, and the protruding portion 55 preferably extending radially from the annular portion 54 relative to the extension axis X.

[0082] The protruding portion 55 of the fixed guide 44 is arranged to cooperate with a correspondingly shaped slot 56 in the body 11 of the emptying device 10. This configuration allows ensuring that the fixed guide 44 remains in rotation relative to the body 11 of the emptying device 10.

[0083] In this case, the fixing guide 44 includes two protruding portions 55 that are radially opposite to each other. Alternatively, the fixing guide 44 may include a plurality of protruding portions 55 that are greater than two protruding portions or a single protruding portion 55.

[0084] according to Figure 3a In the embodiment shown, the fixed guide 44 is held in position relative to the body 11 of the emptying device 10 by a ring 58 cooperating with at least a first groove 59 and a second groove 60 facing each other in the outer face of the annular portion 54 of the fixed guide 44 and in the inner face of the body 11, respectively.

[0085] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fixed guide 44 comprises a recess 49 in one end of the annular portion 54 .

[0086] Preferably, the recesses 49 are angularly spaced in a regular manner along the circumference of the annular portion 54. Alternatively, the angular spacing between the recesses 49 is not regular.

[0087] like Figure 2 and 6 as well as Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The movable guide 45 comprises a cylindrical portion 62 extending along the extension axis X. More specifically, the cylindrical portion 62 is insertable into the hollow interior space in the fixed guide 44 delimited by the annular portion 54 .

[0088] Preferably, a receiving housing 38 for the lug 37 is formed in the cylindrical portion 62 of the movable guide 45 .

[0089] Furthermore, the movable guide 45 may include an annular shoulder 63 extending radially from the exterior of the cylindrical portion 62 .

[0090] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the movable guide 45 comprises a projection 48 on the upper face 64 of the annular shoulder 63 , opposite the end of the annular portion 54 comprising the recess 49 .

[0091] The upper face 64 extends in a radial plane relative to the axis of extension X. Preferably, the projections 48 are angularly spaced in a regular manner along the periphery of the cylindrical portion 62. Alternatively, the angular spacing between the projections 48 is not regular.

[0092] The protrusions 48 and the recesses 49 have complementary shapes, which may be circular, such as, in particular, semicircular, triangular, rectangular, square or any other shape suitable for the application.

[0093] like Figure 8 As can be seen in particular in FIG, at least one through-opening 67 is provided in the cylindrical portion 62. More particularly, the through-opening 67 is angularly offset relative to the one or more receiving housings 38 for the one or more corresponding lugs 37. The through-opening 67 is provided in a face that is axially offset by a few millimeters relative to the bottom of the receiving housing 38 for the lug 37.

[0094] The through-openings 67 allow the passage of the corresponding projections 37 , thus allowing the emptying device 10 to be brought into a maintenance position.

[0095] The various components of the emptying device 10 may be made of a plastic material. Alternatively, the components of the emptying device 10 may be made of a metallic material, a composite material or any other material suitable for the application.

[0096] Under normal operation, Figure 3a The closed position shown in Figure 3b The transition to the open position shown in is performed manually by pushing axially along the axis of extension X, followed by a rotation of the valve 30 .

[0097] More specifically, the operator performs:

[0098] - pushing axially along the axis of extension X of the valve 30 in order to push the valve head 32 back relative to the fluid discharge opening 13 and disengage the projection 37 from the receiving housing 38,

[0099] The valve 30 is then rotated by a fraction of a turn, in particular by 90 degrees, by applying a torque to the valve 30 , so that the projection 37 is angularly offset relative to the receiving housing 38 to bear against the end face of the movable guide 45 .

[0100] The return spring 40 is then in a compressed state. The valve head 32 moves away from the fluid discharge opening 13. The emptying device 10 is then in a stable open position, allowing the tank to be emptied, such as Figure 3b shown.

[0101] To return the emptying device 10 to the closed position, the operator rotates it in the opposite direction by a fraction of a turn until the projection 37 is aligned with the receiving housing 38. The return spring 40 can then be decompressed so that the projection 37 moves against the bottom of the receiving housing 38. The valve head 32 then closes the fluid discharge opening 13. The emptying device 10 is then in a stable closed position, as shown in FIG. Figure 3a shown.

[0102] When excessive torque is applied to the valve 30 while the projection 37 is still received in the housing 38 due to improper operation by the operator, the movable guide 45 may be slightly moved rearward relative to the fixed guide 44 by compressing the pressure spring 50 and rotate a fraction of a turn relative to the fixed guide 44. The projection 48 then engages with the recess 49 which is angularly adjacent to the recess 49 into which the projection 48 was initially inserted.

[0103] Such manipulation thus allows excessive torques to be absorbed without any risk of damaging the internal mechanisms of the emptying device 10. When the movable guide 45 is moved relative to the fixed guide 44, the emptying device 10 remains in the closed position.

[0104] In order to remove the emptying device 10 from Figure 3a Move to the closed position shown Figure 3c In the maintenance position shown, the operator pushes the valve 30 a few millimeters until the projection 37 is at the same level as the face of the movable guide 45 , in which a correspondingly shaped through-opening 67 is provided.

[0105] The operator then rotates the valve 30 so that the projections 37 are aligned with the corresponding through openings 67. The return spring 40 is then decompressed until the frustoconical surface of the sealing shoulder 41 bears against a correspondingly shaped frustoconical surface 42 in the body 11.

[0106] In this configuration, the valve head 32 extends outside of the body 11. The operator can then replace the seal 33 around the valve head 32 which can then be accessed.

[0107] By the reverse operation of pushing the valve 30 axially and rotating it so that the projection 37 engages the receiving housing 38 , the operator returns the emptying device 10 to the closed position.

[0108] The invention also relates to an aircraft tank comprising an emptying device 10 according to the invention and to an aircraft comprising such a tank.

[0109] Of course, different features, variants and / or embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various combinations, as long as they are not mutually compatible or do not exclude one another.

[0110] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and is provided by way of example only. It includes various modifications, alternative forms and other variations that can be thought of by those skilled in the art in the context of the present invention, and in particular, any combination of the above-mentioned various operating modes can be adopted individually or in combination.

Claims

1. An emptying device (10), comprising: a body (11) having at least one fluid inlet opening (12, 15) and at least one fluid discharge opening (13), and - a valve (30) mounted so as to be movable in translation and rotation relative to the body (11), the valve (30) comprising at least one projection (37), Wherein, the emptying device (10) further comprises a disengaging device (43), wherein the disengaging device comprises: a fixed guide (44) capable of being mounted fixedly relative to the body (11), a movable guide (45) comprising at least one receiving housing (38) for said projection (37), - the fixed guide (44) and / or the movable guide (45) comprises at least one protrusion (48) and / or at least one recess (49), and a pressure spring (50) capable of urging the movable guide (45) against the fixed guide (44) so ​​that the projection (48) cooperates with the recess (49), Thus, when excessive torque is applied to the valve (30) while the projection (37) is still inside the receiving housing (38), the pressure spring (50) can be compressed to allow the movable guide (45) to rotate relative to the fixed guide (44).

2. The emptying device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The shape of the recessed portion is complementary to the shape of the protruding portion (48).

3. The emptying device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: A return spring (40) is arranged between the shoulder (35) of the valve (30) and the movable guide (45).

4. Emptying device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The fixed guide (44) includes an annular portion (54), and the recess (49) is provided in one end of the annular portion (54) of the fixed guide (44).

5. The emptying device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The fixed guide (44) includes at least one protruding portion (55) to cooperate with a correspondingly shaped slot (56) in the body (11).

6. The emptying device (10) according to claim 4, wherein: The outer surface of the annular portion (54) of the fixed guide (44) and the inner surface of the main body (11) respectively include a first groove (59) and a second groove (60) facing each other.

7. The emptying device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The ring (58) cooperates with the first groove (59) and the second groove (60).

8. The emptying device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The movable guide (45) comprises a cylindrical portion (62) which is inserted into the hollow inner space in the fixed guide (44) and comprises the receiving housing (38) for the projection (37).

9. The emptying device (10) according to claim 8, wherein: The movable guide (45) includes an annular shoulder (63) extending radially from the exterior of the cylindrical portion (62).

10. The emptying device (10) according to claim 9, wherein: The protrusion (48) is formed on the upper face (64) of the annular shoulder (63) of the movable guide (45).

11. The emptying device (10) according to claim 8, wherein The cylindrical portion (62) of the movable guide (45) comprises at least one through-opening (67) angularly offset relative to the receiving housing (38) for the lug (37).

12. An aircraft tank comprising an emptying device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. An aircraft comprising the aircraft box according to claim 12.

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