Air turbine starter with lubricated bearing assembly

Abstract

An air starter for starting a turbine engine includes a housing, a turbine component, a drive shaft, and at least one bearing assembly. The housing may define an interior space in which the turbine is coupled to a drive shaft rotatably supported by at least one bearing assembly. The lubricant passage may provide lubrication to the at least one bearing assembly.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on January 15, 2021, with application number 202110053284.0 and invention title "Air Turbine Starter with Lubricated Bearing Assembly". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a lubricated bearing assembly for an air turbine starter, and more particularly to a lubricated bearing assembly having at least one component for guiding lubricant. Background Technology

[0003] Turbine engines, such as gas turbine engines, routinely operate air turbine starters. Air turbine starters are typically mounted to the engine via a gearbox or other transmission assembly. The transmission transfers power from the starter to the engine to assist in starting the engine. The internal components of both the turbine engine and the air turbine starter rotate together, making the air turbine starter usable for starting the engine. Due to the high rotational speed during startup, the temperature of the internal rotating parts of the air turbine starter reduces its lifespan and efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0005] In one aspect, this disclosure generally relates to an air turbine starter, including a housing defining an exterior, an interior, an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path extending through the interior between the inlet and the outlet; a turbine member having a rotor portion journal-supported within the housing and disposed within the flow path; a drive shaft operatively coupled to the turbine member; a stationary member having a body forming a bearing cavity; a first bearing assembly configured to rotatably support the drive shaft or the turbine member; a lubricant passage extending transversely from the exterior of the stationary member to the bearing cavity; and a gear located near the outlet of the lubricant passage and operatively coupled to the turbine member for rotation with the turbine member, the gear being configured to direct lubricant toward the first bearing assembly.

[0006] In another aspect, this disclosure generally relates to an air turbine starter, comprising a housing defining an inner housing; a turbine component having a rotor portion journaled within the housing; a drive shaft operatively coupled to the turbine component; a hollow fixed structure located within the housing and having a body defining a bearing cavity; a channel extending through at least a portion of the hollow fixed structure, the channel having an inlet for splashing oil and a basin, the inlet being at least upper in the hollow fixed structure, the basin being defined lower in the hollow fixed structure, and wherein the basin is fluidly coupled to the bearing cavity; a first bearing assembly located within the bearing cavity, the first bearing assembly being configured to rotatably support the drive shaft; and at least one member located within the bearing cavity and configured to guide lubricant in the basin toward the first bearing assembly.

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be better understood by referring to the following description and the appended claims. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The specification sets forth a complete and feasible disclosure of the invention for those skilled in the art, including its preferred mode, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a turbine engine with a starter motor, based on the various aspects described in this article.

[0010] Figure 2 It may include, based on the various aspects described herein. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary starter.

[0011] Figure 3 It is based on the various aspects described in this article. Figure 2 A 3D view of the starter gear.

[0012] Figure 4 It may include, based on the various aspects described herein. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary starter.

[0013] Figure 5 It may include, based on the various aspects described herein. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary starter.

[0014] Figure 6 It is based on the various aspects described in this article. Figure 5 A 3D view of the starter motor's wheels.

[0015] Figure 7 It is based on the various aspects described in this article. Figure 6 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the wheel.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a turbine engine and starter in a vehicle or structure. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The aspects of this disclosure described herein relate to a turbine engine having an air turbine starter, the turbine engine including a first bearing assembly configured to rotatably support the air turbine starter on a drive shaft or turbine component. A lubricant passage provides lubricant to an outlet adjacent to a gear operably coupled to the turbine component, causing the gear to rotate. The gear guides the lubricant to the first bearing assembly. Alternatively, the passage may provide lubrication to a hollow fixed structure including at least one component that can lift or guide the lubricant to the first bearing assembly. For illustrative purposes, this disclosure will be described with respect to an air turbine starter for an aircraft turbine engine. This disclosure may be applicable, for example, to other vehicles or engines and may provide benefits in industrial, commercial, and residential applications, such as… Figure 8 As further shown.

[0018] As used herein, the term "upstream" refers to the direction opposite to the direction of fluid flow, and the term "downstream" refers to the direction in the same direction as the fluid flow. The terms "in front" or "forward" mean in front of something, while "behind" or "back" means behind something. For example, in the context of fluid flow, "forward" or "forward" can indicate upstream, and "behind" or "backward" can indicate downstream.

[0019] Additionally, as used herein, the term "radial" or "radially" refers to a direction away from a common center. For example, in the context of a turbine engine, radial refers to the direction of a ray extending between the engine's central longitudinal axis and its outer circumference. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "group" or "set" of elements can refer to any number of elements, including only one.

[0020] All directional references (e.g., radial, axial, proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, upstream, downstream, backward, forward, backward, etc.) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader's understanding of this disclosure and do not impose limitations, particularly on the location, orientation, or purpose of the aspects disclosed herein. Unless otherwise stated, connection references (e.g., attachment, coupling, fixing, fastening, joining, and engagement) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between sets of elements as well as relative movement between elements. Therefore, connection references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and have a fixed relationship with each other. Exemplary figures are for illustrative purposes only, and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative dimensions reflected in the accompanying figures may vary.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the air turbine starter motor or air turbine starter 10 is coupled to the accessory gearbox (AGB) 12, also known as the transmission housing, and together they are schematically shown as being mounted to a turbine engine 14 (e.g., a gas turbine engine). This assembly is commonly referred to as an integrated starter / generator gearbox (ISGB). The turbine engine 14 includes an intake with a fan 16 that supplies air to a high-pressure compression zone 18. The intake with fan 16 and the high-pressure compression zone are collectively referred to as the "cold section" upstream of the combustion turbine engine 14. The high-pressure compression zone 18 supplies high-pressure air to the combustion chamber 20. Inside the combustion chamber, the high-pressure air is mixed with fuel and burned. Before exiting the turbine engine 14, the hot and pressurized combustion gases pass through a high-pressure turbine zone 22 and a low-pressure turbine zone 24. As the pressurized gases pass through the high-pressure turbine (not shown) of the high-pressure turbine zone 22 and the low-pressure turbine (not shown) of the low-pressure turbine zone 24, the turbines extract rotational energy from the gas flow passing through the turbine engine 14. The high-pressure turbine in high-pressure turbine region 22 can be connected via a shaft to the compression mechanism (not shown) in high-pressure compression region 18 to power the compression mechanism. The low-pressure turbine can be connected via a shaft to the fan 16 at the air inlet to power the fan 16.

[0022] The AGB12 is coupled to the turbine engine 14 via a mechanical power take-off unit 26 at either the high-pressure turbine region 22 or the low-pressure turbine region 24. The mechanical power take-off unit 26 includes multiple gears and means for mechanically coupling the AGB12 to the turbine engine 14. Under normal operating conditions, the mechanical power take-off unit 26 transfers power from the turbine engine 14 to the AGB12 to power aircraft accessories such as, but not limited to, fuel pumps, electrical systems, and cabin environmental controls. The air turbine starter 10 can be mounted externally to the air intake region containing the fan 16, or on the core near the high-pressure compression region 18.

[0023] like Figure 2 Yes, it can be included in Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary air turbine starter 10 is shown. Typically, the air turbine starter 10 includes a housing 30 defining an interior 31 and an exterior 33. An inlet 32 ​​and an outlet 34 may also be defined by the housing 30. A flow path 36 through the interior 31 is schematically shown with arrows. The flow path 36 extends between the inlet 32 ​​and the outlet 34 to allow a fluid flow, including but not limited to gases, compressed air, etc., to pass through it. In a non-limiting example, the fluid is air, such as pressurized air, supplied from a pressurized air source, including but not limited to a ground-operated air cart, an auxiliary power unit, or a cross-exhaust starter from an already operating engine.

[0024] The housing 30 can be formed in any suitable manner, including but not limited to, the housing 30 can be composed of two or more parts joined together or otherwise connected, or it can be integrally formed as a single piece. The stator 38 can be included in the flow path 36. The stator 38 can be coupled to the housing 30 or formed as part of the housing 30, and includes a permeable portion 40. The permeable portion 40 allows air in the flow path 36 to pass through the inlet 32, through the stator 38, and to the turbine component 42.

[0025] The turbine component 42 can be journal-supported within the interior 31 of the housing 30. The turbine component 42 can be arranged within the flow path 36 to rotatably extract mechanical power from the airflow along the flow path 36. The turbine component 42 may include a rotor portion 44.

[0026] Drive shaft 50 is coupled to rotating turbine member 42, enabling drive shaft 50 to provide rotational output. Output gear assembly 52 coupled to drive shaft 50 allows mechanical power to be transmitted from turbine member 42 to output gear assembly 52 via the rotational output of drive shaft 50. Turbine member 42, drive shaft 50, or a portion of output gear assembly 52 may rotate about axis of rotation 54.

[0027] The output gear assembly 52 may be or include a gear train 56. The output shaft 60 is operatively coupled to the turbine member 42 via the gear assembly 52 including the gear train 56. It is conceivable that the output gear assembly 52 of the gear train 56 may include an output gear 62.

[0028] The first bearing assembly 64 rotatably supports the drive shaft 50. Alternatively, the second bearing assembly 66 may rotatably support either the drive shaft 50 or the output shaft 60. The second bearing assembly 66 may be located downstream of the first bearing assembly 64. As a non-limiting example, the second bearing assembly 66 may be adjacent to the gear train 56 or the gear assembly 52.

[0029] The fixing member 72 includes a body 74 that can be included within the interior formed by the housing 30. The fixing member 72 may be formed or coupled together with the housing 30, or the stator 38, or any other suitable part of the air turbine starter 10. In the illustrated example, the fixing member 72 is shown having a separate body 74a and a portion 74b. However, it is understood that only a single body may be used, or that portion 74b may be used alone.

[0030] It is conceivable, as a non-limiting example, that at least a portion of the retaining member 72 may form part of the bearing housing of the first bearing assembly 64. A bearing cavity 78 may be formed or defined by at least a portion of the body 74 and receive the first bearing assembly 64 therein. In this way, the first bearing assembly 64 is radially positioned between a portion of the retaining member 72 and the drive shaft 50. At least one bearing 80 included in the first bearing assembly 64 may be located within the bearing cavity 78. <0}

[0031] A passage or lubricant channel 82 may extend from or traverse the exterior 84 of the body 74 of the fixture 72 into the bearing cavity 78. In this way, the lubricant channel 82 extends at least partially radially. It can be anticipated that the lubricant channel 82 extends radially inward as indicated by the lubricant flow arrow 85. The lubricant channel 82 may connect an inlet 86 located at the exterior 84 of the body 74 to an outlet 88 located at the bearing cavity 78. The radial distance of the inlet 86 measured from the axis of rotation 54 may be greater than the radial distance measured from the axis of rotation to the outlet 88. The inlet 86 of the lubricant channel 82 may be connected to a conduit or to a chamber or cavity on the exterior 84 of the body 74 so that lubricant is received at the inlet 86. For example, splashed oil may be received on the upper exterior portion 79 of the fixture 72 to form lubricant received at the inlet 86.

[0032] Gear 90 may be axially positioned between the first bearing assembly 64 and the gear assembly 52. ​​Gear 90 is radially positioned between the drive shaft 50 and the stationary member 72, and is adjacent to the outlet 88 of the lubricant passage 82. Gear 90 is positioned and configured to guide lubricant from the outlet 88 to the first bearing assembly 64.

[0033] Gear 90 is operatively coupled to drive shaft 50. Gear 90 can be driven by drive shaft 50 and rotates together with drive shaft 50 about axis of rotation 54. No part of gear 90 is operatively coupled to another gear. That is, gear 90 is separate from, spaced apart from gear train 56 and gear assembly 52, or otherwise independently operable.

[0034] As a non-limiting example, gear 90 could be a bevel gear. Figure 3An example of a gear 90 is shown, which has a gear body 92 and a plurality of helical teeth 94 projecting from the gear body 92. The gear body 92 and the plurality of helical teeth 94 may be formed integrally. The plurality of helical teeth 94 may be tilted at an angle relative to the axis of rotation 54. A non-limiting example of tilting relative to the axis of rotation 54 may be radial tilting. That is, the plurality of helical teeth 94 are at a radial angle greater than zero relative to the axis of rotation 54. This can be illustrated by measuring the upstream outer diameter 96 and the downstream outer diameter 98 of the gear body 92. If the first bearing assembly 64 is upstream of the gear 90, as shown, the upstream outer diameter 96 is smaller than the downstream outer diameter 98. However, it is conceivable that, based on the position of the first bearing assembly 64 relative to the gear 90, the upstream outer diameter 96 may be greater than or equal to the downstream outer diameter 98.

[0035] Another non-limiting example of inclination relative to the axis of rotation 54 is axial inclination. That is, the peak line 100 of at least one of the plurality of helical teeth 94 is not parallel to the axis of rotation 54 in the axial direction. The peak line 100 can be drawn axially through the entirety of each helical tooth 94 at the point where it protrudes the maximum distance radially from the gear body 92.

[0036] During operation, and refer again Figure 2 and Figure 3 Compressed air is supplied at the inlet 32 ​​of the air turbine starter 10. The compressed air is guided by the stator 38 through the flow path 36. The turbine component 42 in the flow path 36 rotates as the compressed air flows. The turbine component 42 is operatively coupled to a drive shaft 50, which provides a rotational output that starts the turbine engine 14.

[0037] Lubricant, delivered via normal operation of the air turbine starter 10, is splashed or otherwise transferred to the inlet 86 of the lubricant passage 82. The lubricant flows through the lubricant passage 82 to the outlet 88. A gear 90 located near the outlet 88 receives lubrication flowing over or splashing onto the gear body 92. In the example shown, the plurality of helical teeth 94 are angled away from the first bearing assembly 64, causing the lubricant to travel downwards toward the first bearing assembly 64. The drive shaft 50 rotates the gear 90. As the drive shaft 50 rotates, the gear 90 reaches a position where lubricant flows from between the plurality of helical teeth 94 toward the first bearing assembly 64. The lubricant delivered to the first bearing assembly 64 can cool and lubricate the first bearing assembly 64.

[0038] Figure 4This is another example of a schematic cross-sectional view of an air turbine starter 110 that can be used in a turbine engine 14. The air turbine starter 110 is similar to the air turbine starter 10; therefore, similar parts will be identified by similar numbers incremented by 100. It should be understood that the description of similar parts to the air turbine starter 10 applies to the air turbine starter 110, unless otherwise stated.

[0039] Typically, the air turbine starter 110 includes a housing 130 that defines an interior 131 and an exterior 133. An inlet 132 and an outlet 134 may also be defined by the housing 130. A flow path 136 through the interior 131 is schematically shown with arrows. The flow path 136 extends between the inlet 132 and the outlet 134 to allow a fluid flow (including, but not limited to, gas, compressed air, etc.) to pass through it. A stator 138 may be included in the flow path 136. The stator 138 may be coupled to or formed as part of the housing 130 and includes a permeable portion 140. The permeable portion 140 allows air in the flow path 136 to pass through the inlet 132, through the stator 138, and to the turbine component 142.

[0040] The turbine component 142 can be journal-supported within the interior 131 of the housing 130. The turbine component 142 can be arranged within a flow path 136 to rotatably extract mechanical power from the airflow along the flow path 136. The turbine component 142 may include a rotor portion 144.

[0041] Drive shaft 150 is coupled to rotating turbine component 142, enabling drive shaft 150 to provide rotational output. Gear assembly 152 coupled to drive shaft 150 allows mechanical power to be transmitted from turbine component 142 to gear assembly 152 via the rotational output of drive shaft 150. Turbine component 142, drive shaft 150, or a portion of gear assembly 152 can rotate about axis of rotation 154.

[0042] Gear assembly 152 may be or include gear train 156. Output shaft 160 may be operatively coupled to turbine member 142 via gear assembly 152 or gear train 156. It is conceivable that gear assembly 152 or gear train 156 may include output gear 162.

[0043] The first bearing assembly 164 rotatably supports the drive shaft 150. Alternatively, the second bearing assembly 166 may rotatably support either the drive shaft 150 or the output shaft 160. The second bearing assembly 166 may be located downstream of the first bearing assembly 164. As a non-limiting example, the second bearing assembly 166 may be included in the gear train 156 or the gear assembly 152.

[0044] The hollow fixing structure or hollow fixing member 172 may be formed together with or connected to the housing 130 or stator 138. The first bearing assembly 164 is radially located between a portion of the hollow fixing member 172 and the drive shaft 150. It is conceivable, as a non-limiting example, that at least a portion of the hollow fixing member 172 may be part of the bearing housing.

[0045] The hollow retaining member 172 includes a body 174b that at least partially defines a bearing cavity 178. The bearing cavity 178 includes a first bearing assembly 164. At least one bearing 180 may be located in the bearing cavity 178. Although illustrated as a separate component, the body 174b may be integrally formed with the hollow retaining member 172.

[0046] The passage or channel 182 may extend through at least a portion of the hollow fixed member 172. An oil inlet 186 for splashing oil may be defined at the upper portion 187 of the hollow fixed member 172. An oil outlet 188 of the channel 182 may be defined at the lower portion 189 of the hollow fixed member 172. The channel 182 may extend circumferentially through at least a portion of the hollow fixed member 172 from the inlet 186 to the outlet 188. Although not fully shown, the channel 182 substantially extends from the inlet 186 to... Figure 4 On the page, and returns to the reader at exit 188. That is, channel 182 at least partially restricts drive shaft 150, so that lubricant flows circumferentially about axis of rotation 154 from inlet 186 through channel 182 to outlet 188.

[0047] The basin 191 may be fluidly connected to the outlet 188. The basin 191 may be at least partially defined by the lower portion 189 of the hollow retaining member 172. The basin 191 may be adjacent to or otherwise fluidly connected to the bearing cavity 178. The basin 191 may also be formed by at least one member located within the bearing cavity 178 and configured to guide lubricant in the basin 191 toward the first bearing assembly 164. For example, the first portion 201 may be radially received by an adjacent hollow retaining member 172. At its lower end, the first portion 201 includes a lower surface 193 forming a portion of the basin 191. The lower surface 193 is inclined toward the first bearing assembly 164, forming at least one member configured to guide lubricant in the basin 191 to the first bearing assembly 164. Alternatively, it may be conceivable that the shape of the bearing cavity 178 itself may be used to form such an inclined basin.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, at least one seal 197 may extend from the first portion 201. At least one seal 197 may be located at a first end 195 of the basin 191. At least one seal 197 may be axially positioned between the bearing cavity 178 and the gear assembly 152 or gear train 156. A labyrinth seal having a set of protrusions 199 may at least partially define at least one seal 197.

[0049] The hollow retaining member 172 is expected to include one or more internal radial components, such as, but not limited to, internal radial components 173 that can be coupled to or formed together with the hollow retaining member 172. The internal radial components 173 may partially define a channel 182, an inlet 186, an outlet 188, a basin 191, or at least one seal 197.

[0050] In operation, channel 182 is fluidly connected to receive splashed oil on the upper outer portion 179 of the hollow retaining member 172. That is, lubricant is delivered, splashed, or otherwise transferred to the inlet 186 of channel 182. The lubricant flows from inlet 186, through channel 182, and exits through outlet 188. The lubricant can then flow or accumulate in basin 191 in the lower portion 189 of the hollow retaining member 172. Basin 191 includes a sloped or angled lower surface 193 such that the lubricant is guided into the first bearing assembly 164. Seal 197 (which may be a labyrinth seal) may include a set of protrusions 199 to further prevent lubricant from leaving basin 191 from the rear, thereby encouraging lubricant entry into the first bearing assembly 164. The lubricant delivered to the first bearing assembly 164 can cool and lubricate the first bearing assembly 164, thereby enabling drive shaft 150 to provide rotational output, which will result in the starting of turbine engine 14.

[0051] Figure 5 This is yet another example of a schematic cross-sectional view of an air turbine starter 210 that can be used with the turbine engine 14. The air turbine starter 210 is similar to the air turbine starter 10 and the air turbine starter 110; therefore, similar parts will be identified by similar numbers plus 100. It should be understood that the description of similar parts of the air turbine starters 10 and 110 applies to the air turbine starter 210 unless otherwise stated.

[0052] Typically, the air turbine starter 210 includes a housing 230 that defines an interior 231 and an exterior 233 of a housing 230. An inlet 232 and an outlet 234 may also be defined by the housing 230. A flow path 236 through the interior 231 is schematically shown with arrows. The flow path 236 extends between the inlet 232 and the outlet 234 to allow a fluid flow (including, but not limited to, gas, compressed air, etc.) to pass through it. In a non-limiting example, the fluid is air, such as pressurized air, supplied from a pressurized air source, including but not limited to, a ground-operated air cart, an auxiliary power unit, or a cross-exhaust starter for an already running engine.

[0053] The housing 230 can be formed in any suitable manner, including but not limited to, it can be formed by connecting or otherwise joining two or more parts together, or it can be integrally formed as a single piece. The stator 238 can be included in the flow path 236. The stator 238 can be coupled to or formed as part of the housing 230 and includes a permeable portion 240. The permeable portion 240 allows air in the flow path 236 to pass through the inlet 232, through the stator 238, and to the turbine component 242.

[0054] The turbine component 242 may be journal-supported within the interior 231 of the housing 230. The turbine component 242 may be disposed within a flow path 236 for rotatably extracting mechanical power from the airflow along the flow path 236. The turbine component 242 may include a rotor portion 244.

[0055] Drive shaft 250 is coupled to rotatable turbine component 242, allowing drive shaft 250 to provide rotational output. Gear assembly 252 coupled to drive shaft 250 allows mechanical power to be transmitted from turbine component 242 to gear assembly 252 via the rotational output of drive shaft 250. Turbine component 242, drive shaft 250, or a portion of gear assembly 252 can rotate about axis of rotation 254.

[0056] Gear assembly 252 may be or include gear train 256. Output shaft 260 may be operatively coupled to turbine member 242 via gear assembly 252 or gear train 256. It is conceivable that gear assembly 252 or gear train 256 may include output gear 262.

[0057] The first bearing assembly 264 rotatably supports the drive shaft 250. Alternatively, the second bearing assembly 266 may rotatably support either the drive shaft 250 or the output shaft 260. The second bearing assembly 266 may be located downstream of the first bearing assembly 264. As a non-limiting example, the second bearing assembly 266 may be included in the gear train 256 or the gear assembly 252.

[0058] The hollow retaining member 272 may be formed together with or connected to the housing 230 or the stator 238. The first bearing assembly 264 is radially located between a portion of the hollow retaining member 272 and the drive shaft 250. It is anticipated that at least a portion of the hollow retaining member 272 may form part of the bearing housing.

[0059] The hollow fixing member 272 may include a body 274 radially located within the hollow fixing member 272 and may at least partially define a bearing cavity 278. The bearing cavity 278 includes a first bearing assembly 264. At least one bearing 280 may be located within the bearing cavity 278. Although shown as a separate component, the body 274 may be integrally formed with the hollow fixing member 272.

[0060] The passage or channel 282 may extend through at least a portion of the hollow fixed member 272. An inlet 286 for splashing oil may be defined at the upper portion 287 of the hollow fixed member 272. An outlet 288 of the channel 282 may be defined by the lower portion 289 of the hollow fixed member 272. The channel 282 may extend circumferentially from the inlet 286 through at least a portion of the hollow fixed member 272 to the outlet 288.

[0061] The basin 291 may be fluidly connected to the outlet 288. The basin 291 may be at least partially defined by the lower portion 289 of the hollow retaining member 272. The basin 291 may be adjacent to or otherwise fluidly connected to the bearing cavity 278. At least one member is located within the bearing cavity 278 and configured to guide lubricant in the basin 291 toward the first bearing assembly 264. As a non-limiting example, at least one member may be a rotatable member 265.

[0062] A rotatable member 265 may be coupled to a drive shaft 250, wherein the rotatable member 265 and the drive shaft 250 rotate together about a rotation axis 254. The rotatable member 265 may be a shovel wheel, which, when rotated, can lift lubricant from a basin 291. At least one blade 267 is located on the shovel wheel or the rotatable member 265 to direct fluid to at least one fluid outlet 269 laterally adjacent to at least one blade 267.

[0063] Figure 5 A rotatable member 265 or a shovel wheel with blades 267 is also shown. Lubricant flow arrow 285 indicates that during the rotational movement of the rotatable member 265, as guided by at least one blade 267, lubricant flows into the rotatable member 265 and exits via at least one fluid outlet 269. A rear wall 271 seals the downstream side of the rotatable member 265 to ensure that lubricant exits through at least one fluid outlet 269 fluidly connected to the bearing cavity 278.

[0064] Figure 6 The diagram shows a cross-section of the rotatable member 265, further illustrating a shovel or blade 267. At least one blade 267 may include a shovel portion 273 that guides fluid from the basin 291 into the rotatable member 265. As the rotatable member 265 rotates, a guide portion 275 of the at least one blade 267 guides the fluid. The guide portion 275 may define at least one cavity 277 capable of containing fluid. The shovel portion 273 guides fluid from the at least one cavity 277 to a bearing cavity 278 via at least one fluid outlet 269. Although illustrated with four blades 267, it is conceivable that any number of blades or other methods of shoveling fluid may be used in the rotatable member 265.

[0065] In operation, compressed air is supplied to the inlet 232 of the air turbine starter 210. The compressed air is guided by the stator 238 through the flow path 236. The turbine component 242 in the flow path 236 rotates in response to the compressed air flow. The turbine component 242 is operatively coupled to the drive shaft 250.

[0066] Channel 282 is fluidly connected to receive splashed oil on the upper outer portion 279 of the fixed member 272. That is, lubricant is delivered, splashed, or otherwise transferred to the inlet 286 of channel 282. The lubricant flows from the inlet 286 through channel 282 and exits at the outlet 288. The lubricant can then flow or accumulate in the basin 291 of the lower portion 289 of the hollow fixed member 272.

[0067] The lubricant in basin 291 is scooped up or otherwise lifted by a rotatable member 265, which is operatively coupled to and rotates together with drive shaft 250. At least one impeller 267 includes a scooping wheel portion 273 that guides fluid from basin 291 to a guide portion 275 (such as...). Figure 7 The lubricant is contained in at least one cavity 277 of the rotatable member 265 defined by the rear wall 271. As the rotatable member 265 rotates, the lubricant is lifted upward and overflows from at least one fluid outlet 269. After leaving the rotatable member 265 at at least one fluid outlet 269, the lubricant flows into the bearing cavity 278.

[0068] The lubricant delivered to the first bearing assembly 264 can cool and lubricate the first bearing assembly 264, thereby enabling the drive shaft 250 to provide rotational output, which will cause the turbine engine 14 to start.

[0069] In addition to the examples and configurations shown in the accompanying drawings, this disclosure envisions many other possible examples and configurations. Furthermore, the design and arrangement of various components, such as AGB 12 or air turbine starter 10, can be rearranged to enable many different configurations.

[0070] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the turbine engine 14 and the starter motor 10. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 As shown, the turbine engine 14 can be in the vehicle or structure 300. As a non-limiting example, the vehicle or structure 300 can be a helicopter or other aircraft, a boat or other watercraft, or a car or other land vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle or structure 300 can be, but is not limited to, an offshore power plant, a wind turbine, or a small power plant. Further, the turbine engine 14 can be any engine required for the vehicle or structure 300 to incorporate the turbine starter / generator 10.

[0071] One benefit relevant to this disclosure is that the reduction in temperature within the first bearing assembly can extend component life. Additionally, lowering the operating temperature within the first bearing assembly extends the overall operating time of the air turbine starter.

[0072] The reduced temperature in the first bearing assembly also allows the drive shaft to rotate more quickly. This faster rotation increases the power output from the air turbine starter. This allows a smaller air turbine starter to provide the power needed to start a wider variety of turbine engines.

[0073] The reduced temperature in the first bearing assembly also allows for a longer run time of the air turbine starter. This longer run time allows the turbine engine to attempt to start multiple times using the air turbine starter before performing the cooling cycle.

[0074] Further aspects of the invention are provided by way of the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0075] 1. An air turbine starter, comprising: a housing defining an exterior, an interior, an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path extending through the interior between the inlet and the outlet; a turbine member having a rotor portion journaled within the interior of the housing and disposed within the flow path; a drive shaft operatively coupled to the turbine member; a stationary member having a body forming a bearing cavity; a first bearing assembly configured to rotatably support the drive shaft or the turbine member; a lubricant passage extending transversely from the exterior of the body of the stationary member into the bearing cavity; and a gear located near the outlet of the lubricant passage and operatively coupled to the turbine member to rotate with the turbine member, the gear being configured to direct lubricant toward the first bearing assembly.

[0076] 2. According to any air turbine starter in the preceding paragraph, wherein the lubricant passage extends at least partially in the radial direction.

[0077] 3. According to any air turbine starter in the preceding paragraph, wherein it further includes a gear assembly operatively connecting the turbine component and the drive shaft, and being separate from the gear near the outlet.

[0078] 4. According to any air turbine starter in the preceding paragraph, wherein the gear assembly is a gear train including an output gear that provides driving force to the output shaft.

[0079] 5. According to any air turbine starter in the preceding paragraph, wherein the gear comprises a plurality of helical teeth that are inoperably coupled to another gear.

[0080] 6. According to any air turbine starter in the preceding paragraph, wherein the gear rotates about a rotation axis and the plurality of helical teeth are inclined at an angle relative to the rotation axis.

[0081] 7. According to any air turbine starter in the preceding paragraph, wherein the gear comprises a bevel gear mounted to the drive shaft.

[0082] 8. The air turbine starter according to any of the preceding paragraph, wherein it further includes a second bearing assembly configured to rotatably support the drive shaft downstream of the first bearing assembly.

[0083] 9. According to any air turbine assembly in the preceding paragraph, wherein the lubricant passage is fluidly connected to receive splashed oil on the upper outer portion of the stationary member, thereby forming the lubricant.

[0084] 10. An air turbine starter, comprising: a housing defining an interior; a turbine member having a rotor portion journaled within the interior of the housing; a drive shaft operatively coupled to the turbine member; a hollow fixed structure located within the housing and having a body defining a bearing cavity, a channel extending through at least a portion of the hollow fixed structure, the channel having an inlet for splashing oil and a basin, the inlet being at least upper in the hollow fixed structure, the basin being defined lower in the hollow fixed structure, and wherein the basin is fluidly coupled to the bearing cavity; a first bearing assembly located within the bearing cavity, the first bearing assembly being configured to rotatably support the drive shaft; and at least one member located within the bearing cavity and configured to guide lubricant in the basin toward the first bearing assembly.

[0085] 11. According to any air turbine starter in the preceding paragraph, wherein the passage extends circumferentially from the inlet located at the upper part of the fixed housing to the outlet located at the lower part of the hollow fixed housing, and wherein the outlet is fluidly connected to the basin.

[0086] 12. According to any air turbine starter in the preceding paragraph, wherein it further includes a seal at a first end of the basin, the seal being located between the hollow fixed structure and the drive shaft.

[0087] 13. According to any air turbine starter in the preceding paragraph, wherein the seal is a labyrinth seal having a set of protrusions.

[0088] 14. According to any air turbine starter in the preceding paragraph, wherein the surface of the seal is inclined toward the first bearing assembly and forms the at least one component.

[0089] 15. According to any air turbine starter under the preceding paragraph, wherein the at least one component includes a rotatable member located within the bearing cavity, at least a portion of the rotatable member being radially outside the first bearing assembly, and wherein the rotatable member is configured to lift lubricant from the basin.

[0090] 16. According to any air turbine starter in the preceding paragraph, wherein the rotatable member is a shovel wheel having a set of blades.

[0091] 17. According to any air turbine starter in the preceding paragraph, wherein the shovel wheel further includes at least one fluid outlet laterally adjacent to the set of blades.

[0092] 18. According to any air turbine housing in the preceding paragraph, wherein the fluid outlet is fluidly connected via the impeller to a void formed in the shovel wheel.

[0093] 19. According to any air turbine assembly in the preceding paragraph, wherein the lubricant passage is fluidly connected to receive splashed oil on the upper outer portion of the stationary member, thereby forming the lubricant.

[0094] 20. The air turbine starter according to any of the preceding paragraph, wherein it further includes a second bearing assembly configured to rotatably support the drive shaft downstream of the first bearing assembly.

[0095] This written description uses examples to illustrate the aspects of this disclosure, including best practices, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the aspects of this disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined methods of operation. The patent scope of the aspects of this disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples fall within the scope of the claims if they have no difference from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ materially from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. An air turbine starter, characterized in that, include: A housing that defines an exterior, an interior, an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path extending through the interior between the inlet and the outlet; A turbine component having a rotor portion disposed within the flow path; A drive shaft, which is operatively connected to the turbine component; A fixing member having a body having a cavity through which the drive shaft extends, the cavity including a bearing cavity and a gear cavity; A first bearing assembly is located within the bearing cavity and rotatably supports the drive shaft; A lubricant channel extends transversely from the outside of the body of the fixing member into the bearing cavity; and A gear, located within the gear cavity and mounted to the drive shaft, wherein the gear receives lubricant from the outlet of the lubricant channel and guides the lubricant toward the first bearing assembly.

2. The air turbine starter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lubricant channel extends at least partially in the radial direction.

3. The air turbine starter according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a gear assembly operatively connecting the turbine member and the drive shaft, and being separate from the gear near the outlet.

4. The air turbine starter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gear assembly is a gear system, which includes an output gear that provides driving force to the output shaft.

5. The air turbine starter according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The gear includes multiple helical teeth.

6. The air turbine starter according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gear rotates about a rotation axis, and the plurality of helical teeth are inclined at a certain angle relative to the rotation axis.

7. The air turbine starter according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The gear includes a bevel gear, which is mounted to the drive shaft.

8. The air turbine starter according to claim 7, characterized in that, It further includes a second bearing assembly configured to rotatably support the drive shaft downstream of the first bearing assembly.

9. The air turbine assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The lubricant channel is fluidly connected to receive splashed oil on the upper outer portion of the fixed member, thereby forming the lubricant.

10. An air turbine starter, characterized in that, include: A housing that defines an interior; A turbine component having a rotor portion located within the interior of the housing; A drive shaft, which is operatively connected to the turbine component; A hollow fixed structure is located within the housing and has a body defining a bearing cavity and a gear cavity. A channel extends through at least a portion of the hollow fixed structure and has an inlet and a basin for splashing oil. The inlet is at least in the upper part of the hollow fixed structure, the basin is defined in the lower part of the hollow fixed structure, and wherein the basin is fluidly connected to the bearing cavity. A first bearing assembly, located within the bearing cavity, is configured to rotatably support the drive shaft; and At least one gear, located within the gear cavity, receives lubricant from the inlet and is operatively coupled to the turbine assembly to rotate therewith, and configured to direct the lubricant in the basin toward the first bearing assembly.

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