An air filter, an aircraft engine, and an aircraft

Abstract

This invention relates to an air filter, an aero-engine, and an aircraft, belonging to the field of aerospace technology. It solves the problem that existing air filters, located externally to the cabin, have weak drainage capabilities in rain and snow, limiting aircraft usability. The invention includes a support and drive unit and multiple guide plates; wherein the support and drive unit includes a support member; multiple guide plates are circumferentially arranged on the support member, and the guide plates are rotatable relative to the central axis of the support member to displace rainwater. This invention improves the drainage performance of the air filter in rain and snow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerospace technology, and more particularly to an air filter, an aircraft engine, and an aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] When vehicle engines are used in aircraft, the high temperatures inside the aircraft cabin necessitate placing the air intake system outside the aircraft skin. In vehicle engines, the air filter and intake system are located inside the cabin and have a protective casing, preventing direct contact with rainwater. However, in aircraft, the air filter and intake system are located outside the cabin, lacking a protective casing and having weaker drainage capabilities. This can lead to abnormal engine shutdowns in rainy or snowy weather, posing safety risks to the aircraft. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on the above analysis, the present invention aims to provide an air filter, an aircraft engine, and an aircraft to solve the problem that existing air filters are located outside the cabin, have weak drainage capacity in rain and snow, and thus limit the use of aircraft.

[0004] This invention is achieved through the following scheme: In a first aspect, the present invention provides an air filter including a support and drive unit and a plurality of guide plates; The support and drive unit includes a support member; Multiple guide plates are arranged circumferentially on the support member, and the guide plates are rotatable relative to the central axis of the support member to throw rainwater away from the guide plates.

[0005] Furthermore, the support and drive unit also includes a drive assembly disposed on the support member, the drive assembly being used to drive the plurality of guide plates to rotate.

[0006] Furthermore, the guide plate includes a mounting portion, which includes a gear and a rotating shaft; The drive assembly includes a gear ring disposed on the upper part of the support member; the rotating shaft is rotatably disposed on the support member, and the gear meshes with the gear ring.

[0007] Furthermore, the guide plate also includes a plate body portion; the plate body portion is disposed on the upper part of the mounting portion, and the plate body portion is inclinedly disposed on the support member.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a clamp and a drainage assembly, the drainage assembly including a drainage pipe; the drainage pipe is connected to the lower part of the support member through the clamp.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner wall of the drain pipe is provided with a spiral groove, which extends spirally along the central axis of the drain pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer wall of the drain pipe is provided with a drain outlet, which is used to drain rainwater from the spiral groove.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a drain control valve, which is located at the drain outlet.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a control unit, and the drive assembly further includes a motor; The control unit is electrically connected to the motor and the drain control valve.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention provides an aircraft engine including the aforementioned air filter.

[0014] A third aspect of the invention provides an aircraft including the aforementioned aircraft engine.

[0015] Furthermore, the sheet body is provided with multiple grooves from top to bottom, which are used to adsorb water droplets in the air.

[0016] Furthermore, the upper end of the support member is provided with an annular water storage tank, which corresponds to the lower part of the guide plate, and the water storage tank is used to collect rainwater flowing down the ditch.

[0017] Furthermore, a drain outlet is provided circumferentially on the outer side of the water storage tank, and the drain outlet penetrates the side wall of the water storage tank.

[0018] Furthermore, the support also includes a protective net covering the upper part of the water storage tank to prevent debris from entering the water storage tank.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve at least one of the following beneficial effects: 1. Compared with the prior art, the present invention sets the guide plate to rotate relative to the central axis of the support, thereby changing the flow direction of the intake airflow and causing the incoming air to swirl. In rainy or snowy weather, the larger water droplets carried in the intake air are thrown away from the guide plate under the action of centrifugal force, so as to efficiently separate rainwater, protect the air filter and the engine, and improve the life of the air filter and the safety of the engine.

[0020] 2. The present invention uses a rack and pinion structure to drive the guide plate to deflect, thereby achieving precise control of the guide plate rotation angle, improving the stability and reliability of air filter drainage, and providing efficient and smooth transmission.

[0021] 3. The present invention is equipped with a water drainage component, including a water drainage pipe with a spiral groove. The water drainage pipe rotates synchronously with the support component to throw out a large amount of rainwater. The pipe wall is provided with a water outlet. By utilizing centrifugal force and spiral guidance, the water in the intake air is efficiently separated and discharged, preventing water from entering the filter element and improving the reliability and intake stability of the air filter in rainy and snowy weather.

[0022] 4. In this invention, the guide plate has multiple grooves along its length to guide water droplets to flow down to the water storage tank at the bottom of the grooves. A drain outlet is opened on one side of the water storage tank. In the case of less rain, water droplets adhere to the grooves and flow down the grooves into the water storage tank, and are discharged from the drain outlet, forming a multi-stage drainage structure, which improves the drainage effect of the air filter in the case of less rain.

[0023] 5. The present invention includes a protective net installed on the upper part of the water storage tank. The protective net allows water to flow through and enter the water storage tank, while effectively blocking flying insects and other large particles from entering, thereby improving the cleanliness of the device and enabling the air filter to operate normally.

[0024] In this invention, the above-described technical solutions can be combined with each other to achieve more preferred combinations. Other features and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the following description, and some advantages may become apparent from the description or be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained from what is particularly pointed out in the description and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the air filter in Example 1; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the outer shell of Example 1; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the support and drive unit of Embodiment 1; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the air filter in Example 1; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the guide plate in Example 1; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the guide plate and the support and drive unit in Embodiment 1; Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the connection between the guide plate and the gear ring in Example 1; Figure 8 This is a partial structural diagram of the water storage tank and drain outlet in Example 1; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the protective netting structure in Example 1; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the air filter with a drain pipe installed in Example 1. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the drain pipe in Example 1; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the air filter with a drain control valve in Example 1; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the drain control valve in Example 1; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the air filter installed on the aircraft in Example 3.

[0026] Figure label: 1-Air filter; 11-Support and drive unit; 111-Support component; 1111-Water tank; 1112-Drain outlet; 1113-Protective net; 1114-Mounting hole; 112-Gear ring; 1121-Gear-shaped structure; 12-Guide plate; 121-Plate body; 1211-Groove; 122-Mounting part; 1221-Rotating shaft; 1222-Gear; 13-Drainage assembly; 131-Drainage pipe; 1311-Helical groove; 1312-Drain outlet; 132-Drainage control valve; 14-Clamp; 15-Outer shell; 2-Aircraft body. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this application and are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to illustrate the principles of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0028] Example 1 This embodiment discloses an air filter 1, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a support and drive unit 11 and multiple guide plates 12.

[0029] The support and drive unit 11 includes a support member 111.

[0030] Multiple guide plates 12 are arranged circumferentially on the support member 111, and the guide plates 12 can rotate relative to the central axis of the support member 111 to change the direction of the air intake airflow and cause rainwater to be thrown away from the guide plates 12.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, in order to solve the problem of weak drainage performance of air filter 1 in rainy weather, this embodiment sets the guide plate 12 to be rotatable relative to the central axis of the support member 111, thereby changing the flow direction of the intake airflow and causing the incoming air to swirl. In rainy or snowy weather, the heavier rainwater carried in the intake air is thrown away from the guide plate 12 under the action of centrifugal force, so as to efficiently separate the rainwater, improve the drainage performance of air filter 1, protect air filter 1 and engine, and extend the life of air filter 1 and engine safety.

[0032] Specifically, it also includes the outer casing 15. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the outer casing 15 is a conical shell used to protect the filter element and to perform preliminary air filtration.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the support and drive unit 11 includes a support member 111. The support member 111 is a ring-shaped structure and serves as the mounting base for the entire air filter 1. The inner wall of the support member 111 is provided with internal threads for detachable and fixed connections with other components via threaded engagement.

[0034] The support and drive unit 11 also includes a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a gear ring 112 and a motor. The gear ring 112 is disposed at the upper end of the support member 111. After the motor powers the gear ring 112, the gear ring 112 can rotate controllably around the central axis of the support member 111. The inner wall of the gear ring 112 is provided with toothed structures 1121 evenly distributed circumferentially. The toothed structures 1121 are used to mesh with the mounting portion 122 of the guide plate 12 to transmit rotational driving force.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, guide plates 12 are circumferentially spaced on the support member 111. Exemplarily, multiple guide plates 12 are provided, and the guide plates 12 are radially and uniformly distributed around the central axis of the support member 111. Each guide plate 12 is inclined on the support member 111, so that the overall structure of the multiple guide plates 12 is conical and diffused from top to bottom. The top of the guide plate 12 converges towards the center, and the bottom opens outward, thereby forming a guide cone surface in the airflow channel to guide the flow direction of the intake airflow.

[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the guide plate 12 includes a plate body 121 and a mounting part 122. The plate body 121 has a plate-like structure and is used to directly contact the airflow. The mounting part 122 is provided at the bottom of the plate body 121 and is mounted in the mounting hole 1114 correspondingly opened in the support member 111.

[0037] The mounting section 122 consists of a rotating shaft 1221 and a gear 1222. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the rotating shaft 1221 is rotatably inserted into the mounting hole 1114. The gear 1222 is fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft 1221 and meshes with the toothed structure 1121 of the gear ring 112. When the gear ring 112 is energized and rotates, the toothed structure 1121 drives the gear 1222 to rotate, which in turn drives the rotating shaft 1221 to rotate around its own axis within the mounting hole 1114. The rotation of the rotating shaft 1221 drives the guide plate 121 to deflect at a certain angle relative to the central axis of the support member 111. In this embodiment, a rack and pinion structure is used to drive the guide plate 12 to deflect, achieving precise control of the rotation angle of the guide plate 12, improving the stability and reliability of the air filter 1's drainage, and providing efficient and smooth transmission.

[0038] Furthermore, the deflection angle of the guide vane 12 can be dynamically adjusted in real time according to the real-time flight attitude of the aircraft and the operating conditions of the engine, so as to optimize the rainwater separation effect and adapt to the air intake requirements in different environments.

[0039] Furthermore, in order to solve the problem of poor drainage performance of air filter 1 during light rain, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, multiple grooves 1211 are provided on the sheet portion 121 of the guide plate 12, and the grooves 1211 are arranged from top to bottom along the length direction of the sheet portion 121. When air containing water flows over the surface of the sheet portion 121, the grooves 1211 can increase the contact area between the airflow and the sheet portion 121, and effectively adsorb and trap small water droplets in the airflow through surface tension. The trapped water droplets flow downward along the grooves 1211 under the action of gravity, and finally collect at the support member 111.

[0040] Furthermore, in order to quickly drain the accumulated water, such as Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, an annular water storage tank 1111 and a drain outlet 1112 are provided on the support member 111. The water storage tank 1111 is located below the guide plate 12 and is opened on the upper end surface of the support member 111, used to collect rainwater flowing down from the plate body 121. A drain outlet 1112 is opened on one side of the water storage tank 1111, and the drain outlet 1112 penetrates the side wall of the water storage tank 1111, used to discharge the accumulated water in the water storage tank 1111 outward. Preferably, multiple drain outlets 1112 are arranged circumferentially on the outer side of the water storage tank 1111 to improve drainage efficiency and reliability.

[0041] In this embodiment, the guide plate 12 has multiple grooves 1211 along its length to guide water droplets to flow down to the water storage tank 1111 at the bottom of the grooves 1211. A drain outlet 1112 is opened on one side of the water storage tank 1111. In the case of light rain, water droplets adhere to the grooves 1211 and flow down the grooves 1211 into the water storage tank 1111, and are discharged from the drain outlet 1112, forming a multi-stage drainage structure and improving the drainage effect of the air filter 1 in the case of light rain.

[0042] To prevent external debris, especially flying insects, from entering the water storage tank 1111 with rainwater, such as Figure 9 As shown, a protective net 1113 is installed on the upper part of the water storage tank 1111. The protective net 1113 is a mesh structure that is detachably installed over the opening of the water storage tank 1111. The protective net 1113 allows water to flow into the water storage tank 1111 while effectively blocking flying insects and other large particles from entering, thus improving the cleanliness of the device and enabling the air filter 1 to operate normally.

[0043] Furthermore, in order to further improve drainage efficiency during heavy rain, such as Figure 10 As shown, the air filter 1 in this embodiment also includes a water drain assembly 13. The water drain assembly 13 includes a water drain pipe 131. Figure 11 As shown, the drain pipe 131 is a hollow tubular structure, which is fixedly installed at the lower part of the support member 111 by a clamp 14. Figure 12 As shown, the clamp 14 is a ring-shaped fastener used to fasten the drain pipe 131 to the support member 111, so that the drain pipe 131 rotates together with the support member 111.

[0044] like Figure 11 As shown, the inner wall of the drain pipe 131 is provided with a spiral groove 1311, which extends spirally along the inner wall of the drain pipe 131. A drain outlet 1312 is provided on the outer side of the drain pipe 131, and the drain outlet 1312 is a through hole penetrating the pipe wall. When the support member 111 drives the drain pipe 131 to rotate, rainwater rotates along the spiral groove 1311 under the action of centrifugal force and is eventually thrown to the drain outlet 1312 for discharge. This utilizes the centrifugal force generated by rotation to achieve active drainage, improving drainage efficiency.

[0045] Furthermore, such as Figure 12 As shown, a drain control valve 132 is installed at the drain outlet 1312. (As indicated...) Figure 13 As shown, the drain control valve 132 is a solenoid valve. The drain control valve 132 is installed at the drain outlet 1312 and is used to control the opening and closing of the drain outlet 1312. By controlling the opening degree of the drain control valve 132, the drainage volume can be adjusted according to the actual working conditions.

[0046] This embodiment includes a water drainage component 13, comprising a water drainage pipe 131 with a spiral groove 1311. The water drainage pipe 131 rotates synchronously with the support member 111 to throw out a large amount of rainwater. A water outlet 1312 is provided on the pipe wall. By utilizing centrifugal force and spiral guidance, the water in the intake air is efficiently separated and discharged, preventing water from entering the filter element and improving the reliability and intake stability of the air filter 1 in rainy and snowy weather.

[0047] Furthermore, a control unit is also included. The control unit is electrically connected to the motor and the drain control valve 132. The control unit is able to control the motor to rotate the gear ring 112 and control the drain control valve 132 to open and close the drain port 1312 to drain water.

[0048] It should be noted that the components of the air filter 1 in this embodiment are separate and detachable, which can save costs and facilitate maintenance.

[0049] The air filter 1 provided in this embodiment uses a motor-driven gear ring 112 to rotate the guide plate 12. By adjusting the angle of the guide plate 12 and setting the groove 1211 structure, the active guidance of the intake airflow and efficient separation of rainwater are achieved. At the same time, through the coordination of the water storage tank 1111, the drain outlet 1112, the protective net 1113 and the water drainage component 13, the separated rainwater is smoothly discharged and the device operates stably, improving the adaptability of the air filter 1 in complex environments.

[0050] Example 2 This embodiment discloses an aircraft engine, including the air filter 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0051] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the aircraft engine in this embodiment are the same as those of the air filter 1 in embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0052] Example 3 This embodiment discloses an aircraft, including the aircraft engine of Embodiment 2.

[0053] Furthermore, such as Figure 14 As shown, it also includes the aircraft body 2, and the air filter 1 is located on the outside of the aircraft body 2.

[0054] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the aircraft in this embodiment are the same as those of the aero engine in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0055] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air filter, characterized in that, Includes a support and drive unit (11) and multiple guide plates (12); The support and drive unit (11) includes a support member (111). Multiple guide plates (12) are arranged circumferentially on the support member (111), and the guide plates (12) can rotate relative to the central axis of the support member (111) to change the flow direction of the air intake airflow and cause rainwater to be thrown away from the guide plates (12).

2. The air filter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support and drive unit (11) further includes a drive assembly disposed on the support (111) and is used to drive the plurality of guide plates (12) to rotate.

3. The air filter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide plate (12) includes a mounting part (122), which includes a gear (1222) and a rotating shaft (1221). The drive assembly includes a gear ring (112) disposed on the upper part of the support member (111); the rotating shaft (1221) is rotatably disposed on the support member (111), and the gear (1222) meshes with the gear ring (112).

4. The air filter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guide plate (12) also includes a plate body (121); the plate body (121) is disposed on the upper part of the mounting part (122), and the plate body (121) is inclinedly disposed on the support member (111).

5. The air filter according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a clamp (14) and a drain assembly (13), the drain assembly (13) including a drain pipe (131); the drain pipe (131) is connected to the lower part of the support (111) through the clamp (14).

6. The air filter according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner wall of the drain pipe (131) is provided with a spiral groove (1311), which extends in a spiral shape along the central axis of the drain pipe (131).

7. The air filter according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer wall of the drain pipe (131) is provided with a drain outlet (1312), which is used to drain rainwater from the spiral groove (1311).

8. The air filter according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a drain control valve (132), which is located at the drain outlet (1312).

9. An aircraft engine, characterized in that, Includes the air filter as described in any one of claims 1-9.

10. An aircraft, characterized in that, Including the aircraft engine as described in claim 10.

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