DEVICE FOR EMPTYING AN AIRCRAFT WASTEWATER TANK

Description

technical field

[0001] This application relates to a wastewater tank draining device comprising a plug equipped with a pressure balancing system and to an aircraft comprising at least one such draining device. State of the art

[0002] In one embodiment, an aircraft includes at least one tank for storing wastewater, a vacuum system for generating a vacuum in the tank, and a draining device configured for emptying the tank. This draining device includes a drain pipe having an upstream end opening into the tank and a downstream end opening outside the aircraft fuselage, to which a discharge pipe may be connected, and a drain valve positioned between the upstream and downstream ends of the drain pipe and configured to be in a forward state in which the drain valve allows flow in the drain pipe from the upstream end to the downstream end, and a closed state in which the drain valve prevents any flow in the drain pipe.

[0003] Over time, wear and tear on the drain valve can cause slight leaks of wastewater. To prevent any flow at the downstream end of the drain pipe outside of scheduled emptying periods, the drain device includes a plug configured to cooperate with the downstream end of the drain pipe and occupy a closed position in which the plug seals the downstream end of the drain pipe and an open position in which the plug unblocks the downstream end of the drain pipe.

[0004] During draining operations, it can be very difficult for an operator to open the cap. US4690296 discloses a draining device for an aircraft tank, including a drain line, a valve, and a cap. Description of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a draining device for an aircraft tank comprising: a drain conduit having an upstream end, configured to open into the tank, and a downstream end, a drain valve positioned between the upstream and downstream ends of the drain conduit, a plug configured to occupy a closed position in which the plug seals the downstream end of the drain conduit and an open position in which the plug clears the downstream end of the drain conduit, the plug separating, in the closed position, an outer zone and an inner zone located in the drain conduit between the drain valve and the plug in the closed position, the plug having an inner face oriented towards the inner zone and an outer face oriented towards the outer zone.

[0007] According to the invention, the draining device comprises a pressure balancing system having at least one through orifice connecting the inner and outer faces of the plug and at least one balancing valve supported by the plug and configured to occupy an open state in which the balancing valve allows the inner and outer zones to communicate with each other via the through orifice(s) and a closed state in which the balancing valve prevents the inner and outer zones from communicating with each other.

[0008] The balancing system helps to equalize the pressures on both sides of the cap, which helps to facilitate opening the cap.

[0009] According to another characteristic, the balancing valve is positioned in the inner area and has a first face oriented towards the inner face of the plug and a second face opposite to the first face, the first face being pressed against the inner face of the plug in the closed state.

[0010] According to another feature, the plug includes a hole through it. In addition, the balancing valve includes a stem configured to fit into the hole, the stem having a cross-section substantially identical to that of the hole, a first end connected to the first face of the balancing valve and a free end opposite the first end.

[0011] According to another characteristic, the hole has an axis substantially perpendicular to the inner face of the plug, the stem being substantially perpendicular to the first face of the balancing valve and centered with respect to this first face.

[0012] According to another feature, the stem is longer than the thickness of the plug so that the free end of the stem is accessible and operable from the outside. According to another feature, the balancing valve includes, on its first face, at least one recess that forms a cavity between the plug and the balancing valve when the latter is in the closed state.

[0013] According to another feature, the drainage device includes several through ports and a single balancing valve, the through ports and the balancing valve being configured and positioned relative to each other so that each through port opens directly into a recess when the balancing valve is in the closed state.

[0014] According to another characteristic, the hollow forms an annular groove that extends all around the stem.

[0015] According to another feature, the recess is distant from the stem so that the first face of the balancing valve forms a shoulder between the recess and the stem.

[0016] According to another feature, the recess is distant from the second face of the balancing valve over the entire circumference of the balancing valve, the first face of the balancing valve forming, between the recess and the second face, a peripheral edge, which extends over the entire circumference of the balancing valve, configured to be in contact with the inner face of the plug when the balancing valve is in the closed state.

[0017] According to another characteristic, the balancing valve includes a collar, located between the recess and the second face of the balancing valve, which extends to the peripheral edge. In addition, the balancing valve is made of a material that allows the collar to deform elastically between a first undeformed state, corresponding to the closed state of the balancing valve, in which the peripheral edge is in contact with the inner face of the plug around the entire circumference of the balancing valve, and a second elastically deformed state, corresponding to the open state of the balancing valve, in which the peripheral edge is away from the inner face of the plug.

[0018] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising a drainage device according to one of the preceding characteristics.

[0019] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description of the invention which follows, a description given by way of example only, with regard to the attached drawings. Brief description of the figures

[0020] There figure 1 is a perspective view of the rear portion of an aircraft and a detailed view of an area of ​​the aircraft fuselage including a drainage device, illustrating one embodiment of the invention. figure 2 is a longitudinal section of a drainage device illustrating one embodiment of the invention, The figure 3 is a longitudinal section of a pressure balancing system in a closed state illustrating one embodiment of the invention, The figure 4 is a longitudinal section of the pressure balancing system visible on the figure 3 in an open state. Detailed description of some implementation methods

[0021] According to an embodiment visible on the figure 1, an aircraft 10 includes a fuselage 12, at least one tank 14 configured to store wastewater and a draining device 16 configured to communicate the tank 14 with an external area of ​​the fuselage 12.

[0022] This draining device 16 includes a drain conduit 18 which has an upstream end opening into the tank 14 and a downstream end 18.1, opening outside the fuselage 12, to which can be connected a discharge conduit as well as a drain valve 20 positioned between the upstream and downstream ends of the drain conduit 18. This drain valve 20 is configured to occupy an open state in which the drain valve 20 allows flow into the drain conduit 18, from the upstream end to the downstream end, and a closed state in which the drain valve 20 prevents any flow into the drain conduit 18.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the drain valve 20 has a spherical plug and a control 20.1 that can be operated by an operator to switch the drain valve from the closed state to the open state or vice versa.

[0024] The drain device 16 includes a plug 22 configured to cooperate with the downstream end 18.1 of the drain conduit 18 and occupy a closed position (visible on the figure 2 ) in which the plug 22 seals the downstream end 18.1 of the drain conduit 18 and an open position in which the plug 22 clears the downstream end 18.1 of the drain conduit 18.

[0025] The downstream end 18.1 of the drain conduit 18 is configured to connect a drain conduit in a removable manner when the plug 22 is in the open position.

[0026] According to one configuration, the fuselage 12 comprises an outer surface S12, at least one housing 24, recessed relative to the outer surface S12, and a movable hatch 26 between an open position (visible on the figure 1 ) in which the hatch 26 exposes the housing 24 and a closed position in which the hatch 26 closes the housing and presents an outer surface in line with the outer surface S12 of the fuselage 12.

[0027] Housing 24 is sized to accommodate at least the downstream end 18.1 of the drain pipe 18 equipped with the plug 22 as well as the control 20.1 of the drain valve 20. All these elements are not described further as they may be identical to those of the prior art.

[0028] Regardless of the embodiment, the plug 22, in the closed position, separates an outer zone Ze and an inner zone Zi located in the drain channel 18 between the drain valve 20 and the plug 22. The plug 22 has an inner face 22.1 oriented towards the inner zone Zi and an outer face 22.2 oriented towards the outer zone Ze, substantially parallel to the inner face 22.1.

[0029] The drain device 16 includes a pressure balancing system 28 having at least one through orifice 30, connecting the inner and outer faces 22.1, 22.2 of the plug 22, and at least one balancing valve 32 supported by the plug 22 and configured to occupy an open state in which the balancing valve 32 allows the inner and outer zones Ze, Zi to communicate with each other via the through orifice(s) 30 and a closed state in which the balancing valve 32 prevents the inner and outer zones Ze, Zi from communicating with each other.

[0030] When the plug 22 is in the closed position and the balancing valve 32 is in the open position, the inner and outer zones Ze, Zi are connected, and the pressures in these zones Ze, Zi are balanced. Since the pressures are balanced on both sides of the plug 22, an operator can easily open it.

[0031] According to one configuration, the balancing valve 32 is positioned in the inner area Zi and pressed against the inner face 22.1 of the plug 22 in the closed state.

[0032] According to one arrangement, the pressure balancing device 28 comprises a single balancing valve 32 and several through ports 30 cooperating with the balancing valve 32.

[0033] The balancing valve 32 has a first face 32.1 oriented towards the inner face 22.1 of the plug 22 and a second face 32.2 oriented towards the inner area Zi.

[0034] According to one configuration, the balancing valve 32 has a truncated conical shape and has a large cylindrical face which corresponds to the first face 32.1 of the balancing valve 32, a small cylindrical face as well as a lateral face connecting the large and small cylindrical faces, the small cylindrical face and the lateral face corresponding to the second face 32.2 of the balancing valve 32.

[0035] The pressure balancing system 28 includes a link 33 connecting the balancing valve 32 and the plug 22. In one embodiment, this link 33 includes a hole 34 provided in the plug 22 and a rod 36 integral with the balancing valve 32 and configured to fit into the hole 34. In one configuration, the hole 34 is through-hole, connects the inner and outer faces 22.1, 22.2 of the plug 22, and has an axis substantially perpendicular to the inner face 22.1 of the plug 22. In addition, the rod 36 is substantially perpendicular to the first face 32.1 of the balancing valve 32, centered with respect to this first face 32.1, and has a cross-section substantially identical to that of the hole 34, a first end connected to the first face 32.1 of the balancing valve 32, and a free end 36.1 opposite the first end. The rod 36 and the balancing valve 32 form a single, unified piece.

[0036] According to this configuration, the rod 36 and the balancing valve 32 can translate relative to the plug 22 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inner face 22.1 of the plug between a first position, corresponding to the closed state of the balancing valve 32, in which the first face 32.1 is in contact with the inner face 22.1 of the plug 22 and a second position, corresponding to the open state of the balancing valve 32, in which the first face 32.1 of the balancing valve 32 is away from the inner face 22.1 of the plug 22.

[0037] According to one arrangement, the rod 36 has a length greater than the thickness of the plug 22 (distance separating the inner and outer faces 22.1, 22.2). Thus, its free end 36.1 is accessible and operable from the outer area Ze.

[0038] According to another feature, the balancing valve 32 includes, at its first face 32.1, at least one recess 38 which forms a cavity between the plug 22 and the balancing valve 32 when the latter is in the closed state. The through ports 30 and the balancing valve 32 are configured and positioned relative to each other such that each through port 30 opens directly into a recess 38 when the balancing valve 32 is in the closed state.

[0039] According to one configuration, the recess 38 extends over the entire circumference of the balancing valve 32, all around the stem 36 and forms an annular groove, recessed relative to the first face 32.1 of the balancing valve 32. In addition, each through orifice 30 of the plug 22 opens into a ring-shaped area of ​​the inner face 22.1 of the plug 22, said ring being coaxial with the hole 34 and having inner and outer diameters equal to those of the recess 38.

[0040] In the presence of a stem 36 and a recess 38 in the form of an annular groove, the balancing valve 32 has an umbrella shape.

[0041] According to one arrangement, the recess 38 is distant from the stem 36 such that the first face 32.1 of the balancing valve forms a shoulder 40 between the recess 38 and the stem 36. This shoulder 40 prevents the balancing valve 32 from being pressed over its entire surface against the inner face 22.1 of the plug 22.

[0042] The recess 38 is distant from the second face 32.2 of the balancing valve 32 over the entire circumference of the balancing valve 32 so that the first face 32.1 of the balancing valve forms, between the recess 38 and the second face 32.2 of the balancing valve 32, a peripheral edge 42, which extends over the entire circumference of the balancing valve 32, configured to be in contact with the inner face 22.1 of the plug 22 when the balancing valve 32 is in the closed state.

[0043] According to one feature, the balancing valve 32 comprises a flange 44, located between the recess 38 and the second face 32.2 of the balancing valve 32, which extends to the peripheral edge 42. The balancing valve 32 is made of a material allowing the flange 44 to deform elastically between a first undeformed state, visible on the figure 3, corresponding to the closed state of the balancing valve 32, in which the peripheral edge 42 is in contact all around the balancing valve 32 with the inner face 22.1 of the plug 22, as well as a second elastically deformed state, visible on the figure 4 , corresponding to the open state of the balancing valve 32, in which the peripheral edge 42 is moved away from the inner face 22.1 of the plug 22.

[0044] During operation, when the aircraft is in flight, the pressure in the outer zone Ze is significantly lower than that in the inner zone Zi. Since the outer zone Ze communicates with the recess 38 via the through ports 30, there is a pressure difference between the inner zone Zi and the recess 38 which tends to strongly press the balancing valve 32, and more specifically its peripheral edge 42, against the inner face 22.1 of the plug 22, thus reinforcing the seal between the balancing valve 32 and the plug 22, as illustrated in the figure. figure 3 .

[0045] When the aircraft is on the ground, the pressure in zone Ze is greater than or equal to that in the inner zone Zi. Since the outer zone Ze communicates with the recess 38 via the through ports 30, the pressure in the recess 38 is greater than or equal to that in the inner zone Zi. If the pressures are balanced on both sides of the balancing valve 32, the plug 22 can open easily. If the pressure in the recess 38 is greater than that in the inner zone Zi, then the peripheral edge 42 of the balancing valve moves away from the plug 32 so that the pressures on both sides of the balancing valve 32 automatically equalize. With the pressures now balanced on both sides of the plug 32, the plug can open easily.

Claims

1. Drainage device for an aircraft (10) tank (14) comprising: - a drain pipe (18) which has an upstream end configured to open into the tank (14) and a downstream end (18.1), - a drain valve (20) positioned between the upstream and downstream ends of the drain pipe (18), - a plug (22) configured to occupy a closed position in which the plug (22) closes the downstream end (18.1) of the drain pipe (18) and an open position in which the plug (22) clears the downstream end (18.1) of the drain pipe (18), the plug (22) separating, in the closed position, an outer zone (Ze) and an inner zone (Zi) located in the drain pipe (18) between the drain valve (20) and the plug (22) in the closed position, the plug (22) having an inner face (22.1) oriented towards the inner zone (Zi) as well as an outer face (22.2) oriented towards the outer zone (Ze), characterised in that the drainage device (16) comprises a pressure balancing system (28) including at least one through-hole (30) connecting the inner and outer faces (22.1, 22.2) of the plug (22), as well as at least one balancing valve (32) supported by the plug (22) and configured to be in an open state in which the balancing valve (32) allows communication between the inner and outer zones (Ze, Zi) via the through-hole(s) (30), and a closed state in which the balancing valve (32) prevents communication between the inner and outer zones (Ze, Zi).

2. Drainage device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the balancing valve (32) is positioned in the inner zone (Zi) and has a first face (32.1) oriented towards the inner face (22.1) of the plug (22) and a second face (32.2) opposite the first face (32.1), with the first face (32.1) pressed against the inner face (22.1) of the plug (22) when in the closed state.

3. Drainage device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the plug (22) comprises a hole (34) passing through it and in that the balancing valve (32) comprises a rod (36) configured to fit into the hole (34), the rod (36) having a cross-section that is substantially identical to that of the hole (34), with one end connected to the first face (32.1) of the balancing valve (32) and a free end (36.1) opposite the first end.

4. Drainage device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the hole (34) has an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the inner face (22.1) of the plug (22), and in that the rod (36) is substantially perpendicular to the first face (32.1) of the balancing valve (32) and centred relative to this first face (32.1).

5. Drainage device according to either one of Claims 3 or 4, characterised in that the plug (22) has a thickness corresponding to a distance separating the inner and outer faces (22.1, 22.2) of the plug (22) and in that the rod (36) has a length greater than the thickness of the plug (22) so that the free end (36.1) of the rod (36) is accessible and operable from the outer zone (Ze).

6. Drainage device according to one of Claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the balancing valve (32) comprises, on its first face (32.1), at least one recess (38) that creates a cavity between the plug (22) and the balancing valve (32) when the latter is in the closed state.

7. Drainage device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the drainage device comprises a plurality of through-holes (30) and a single balancing valve (32), the through-holes (30) and the balancing valve (32) being configured and positioned relative to one another such that each through-hole (30) opens into a recess (38) when the balancing valve (32) is in the closed state.

8. Drainage device according to either one of Claims 6 or 7, characterised in that the recess (38) forms an annular groove that extends completely around the rod (36).

9. Drainage device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the recess (38) is spaced apart from the rod (36) such that the first face (32.1) of the balancing valve (32) forms a shoulder (40) between the recess (38) and the rod (36).

10. Drainage device according to either one of Claims 8 or 9, characterised in that the recess (38) is spaced from the second face (32.2) of the balancing valve (32) around the entire circumference of the balancing valve (32), with the first face (32.1) of the balancing valve (32) forming, between the recess (38) and the second face (32.2), a peripheral edge (42) that extends around the entire circumference of the balancing valve (32), configured to be in contact with the inner face (22.1) of the plug (22) when the balancing valve (32) is in the closed state.

11. Drainage device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the balancing valve (32) comprises a collar (44), positioned between the recess (38) and the second face (32.2) of the balancing valve (32), which extends to the peripheral edge (42), and in that the balancing valve (32) is made from a material that allows the collar (44) to deform elastically between a first non-deformed state, corresponding to the closed state of the balancing valve (32), in which the peripheral edge (42) is in contact with the inner face (22.1) of the plug (22) around the entire circumference of the balancing valve (32), and a second elastically deformed state, corresponding to the open state of the balancing valve (32), in which the peripheral edge (42) is spaced away from the inner face (22.1) of the plug (22).

12. Aircraft comprising a drainage device according to one of the preceding claims.