Sound-absorbing structure comprising a honeycomb structure and at least one partition tube having at least two flats connected to walls of the honeycomb structure

The integration of partition tubes with flats and notches in honeycomb structures addresses the challenges of mass, complexity, and flexibility in sound absorption systems, achieving efficient sound wave attenuation across multiple frequency bands with simplified manufacturing.

EP4593005B1Active Publication Date: 2026-03-11AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
View PDF 4 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-10
Publication Date
2026-03-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing sound absorption structures in aircraft propulsion systems face challenges such as increased mass, complex manufacturing processes, and difficulty in shaping due to numerous connections and alignment requirements, particularly in honeycomb structures with multiple resonators, which complicate drainage systems and limit flexibility.

Method used

A honeycomb structure with integrated partition tubes featuring flats and notches, allowing for simplified attachment and improved strength, flexibility, and efficient sound wave attenuation across multiple frequency bands by incorporating Helmholtz and quarter-wave resonators within each cell.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a lightweight, easily manufacturable sound absorption structure that effectively attenuates sound waves across a wide frequency range while maintaining structural integrity and flexibility, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the need for multiple drainage systems.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure IMGF0001
    Figure IMGF0001
  • Figure IMGF0002
    Figure IMGF0002
  • Figure IMGF0003
    Figure IMGF0003
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention relates to an acoustic absorption structure comprising at least one alveolar structure, interposed between an acoustically resistive layer and a reflective layer, which comprises a multitude of cells (60) as well as at least one partition tube (62) positioned in one of the cells (60) and configured to delimit in the cell (60) two cavities forming two resonators, the partition tube (62) comprising at least two flats (72, 72'), the walls which delimit the cell (60) in which the partition tube (62) is inserted comprising at least first and second planar fixing walls against which the flats (72, 72') of the partition tube (62) are pressed and fixed as well as at least two distant walls spaced from the side wall (74) of the partition tube (62).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sound absorption structure comprising a honeycomb structure and at least one partition tube which has at least two flats connected to walls of the honeycomb structure.

[0002] According to a prior art embodiment, an aircraft propulsion system comprises a nacelle and a turbofan engine positioned inside the nacelle. The nacelle has a primary exhaust duct at its rear through which the exhaust gases from combustion are discharged. This primary exhaust duct includes, on its surface, a sound-absorbing structure to attenuate noise across several frequency bands, such as combustion noise (300-1000 Hz) and turbine operation noise (4000 Hz or higher).

[0003] In a first embodiment, a sound-absorbing structure comprises at least one honeycomb structure positioned between an acoustically resistive layer in contact with a medium through which sound waves propagate and a reflective layer. This embodiment provides a quarter-wave resonator suitable for attenuating sound waves with high frequencies. According to this embodiment, the frequency range of the attenuated sound waves depends on the height of the cells in the honeycomb structure.

[0004] According to a second embodiment visible on the figure 1 and described in document FR094668, an acoustic absorption structure 10 comprises first and second honeycomb structures 12, 14 positioned between an acoustically resistive layer 16 in contact with a medium in which acoustic waves propagate and a reflective layer 18. This acoustic absorption structure 10 comprises a separation layer 20 intercalated between the first and second honeycomb structures 12, 14, the first honeycomb structure 12 being intercalated between the acoustically resistive layer 16 and the separation layer 20, the second honeycomb structure 14 being intercalated between the reflective layer 18 and the separation layer 20.

[0005] According to this second embodiment, the separation layer 20 includes orifices 22 allowing communication between the cells of the first alveolar structure 12 and those of the second alveolar structure 14, each orifice 22 being extended by a tube 24 positioned in the second alveolar structure 14.

[0006] The acoustic absorption structure 10 allows two types of resonators to be obtained, a first Helmholtz type resonator at the level of the cells of the first alveolar structure 12, adapted to attenuate low frequency sound waves, and a second ¼ wave type resonator at the level of the cells of the second alveolar structure 14, adapted to attenuate high frequency sound waves.

[0007] According to this second embodiment, each tube 24 is connected by a link 24.1 to the separation layer, and then the first and second alveolar structures 12, 14 are connected by links 12.1, 14.1 to the separation layer 20. The cells of the first and second alveolar structures 12, 14 must be perfectly aligned so that each cell of the first alveolar structure 12 communicates only with one cell of the second alveolar structure 14.

[0008] Although this second embodiment allows for the attenuation of sound waves over a wider frequency range, it is not entirely satisfactory because the large number of connections increases the mass of the acoustic absorption structure 10 and complicates its manufacturing process. This process is further complicated by the fact that the cells of the first and second honeycomb structures must be perfectly aligned for optimal performance. Another drawback is that such an acoustic absorption structure requires at least two drainage systems, one for each of the first and second honeycomb structures 12, 14, which further complicates the structure. Finally, shaping the acoustic absorption structure 10 into a curved profile proves difficult due to the connections 12, 1, 14.1 which connect the ends of the walls delimiting the cells of the first and second alveolar walls 12, 14 with the separation layer 20.

[0009] Document US2022 / 0049657 A1 discloses an acoustic treatment panel for the absorption of sound waves. An acoustic absorption cell comprises a back wall extending in a plane orthogonal to an axial direction, an enclosure having a first axial end fixed to the back wall, and an acoustic horn extending inside the enclosure between a first orifice of the horn and a second orifice of the horn smaller than said first orifice, the horn being fixed to a second axial end of the enclosure opposite the first axial end.

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to an acoustic absorption structure comprising at least one honeycomb structure interposed between an acoustically resistive layer and a reflective layer, the honeycomb structure comprising a first face in contact with the acoustically resistive layer, a second face in contact with the reflective layer and a multitude of cells opening each at the level of the first and second faces, each cell being delimited by walls.

[0012] According to the invention, the honeycomb structure comprises at least one partition tube, positioned in one of the cells, having a first conduit extending between first and second ends and having a first section between first and second ends, a second conduit extending between first and second ends and having a second section between first and second ends, the second section being smaller than the first section, and a junction wall connecting the second ends of the first and second conduits; the first end of the first conduit being sealed by a first layer among the acoustically resistive layer and the reflective layer, the first end of the second conduit being separated by a second layer, different from the first layer, among the acoustically resistive layer and the reflective layer.In addition, the first conduit of the partition tube has at least two flats and at least one side wall, the walls which delimit the cell in which the partition tube is inserted having at least first and second flat fixing walls against which the flats of the partition tube are pressed and fixed as well as at least two distant walls spaced from the side wall of the partition tube.

[0013] This solution allows for a honeycomb structure with two types of resonators configured to attenuate sound waves across a wide frequency band or multiple frequency bands. The inclusion of a partition tube with at least two flat surfaces fixed against the first and second flat walls of the cell simplifies the tube's attachment, improves the strength of the connection between the partition tube and the honeycomb structure, and allows the honeycomb structure to retain some flexibility for shaping.

[0014] According to another characteristic, the sound absorption structure includes at least a first drainage network which has first and second openings through the first and second fixing walls and at least a second drainage network which has third and fourth openings through third and fourth walls opposite the first and second fixing walls.

[0015] According to another characteristic, each cell wall in which the partition tube is positioned has first and second end edges located at the first and second faces of the alveolar structure. Additionally, the first, second, third, and fourth openings are located at the first or second end edges of the walls where the first end of the first duct of the partition tube is positioned.

[0016] According to another feature, the partition tube includes at least one notch extending from the first end of the first conduit, said notch being configured to clear at least the first and second openings when the partition tube is fixed to the first and second fixing walls.

[0017] According to another feature, the partition tube includes a unique notch that clears the first and second openings.

[0018] According to another characteristic, the notch is delimited by a first edge as well as second and third edges, connecting the first edge and the upper end of the first conduit, away from the side wall.

[0019] According to another feature, the first and second fixing walls are connected by a common lateral edge, the partition tube comprising an intercalated area which separates the two flats, spaced from the common lateral edge of the first and second fixing walls.

[0020] According to another characteristic, each flat extends from the first end to the second end of the first conduit.

[0021] According to another characteristic, the side wall comprises two parallel flat parts connected to the flats and a curved part connecting the two flat parts, the flat and curved parts of the side wall being spaced away from the walls of the cell in which the partition tube is positioned.

[0022] According to another characteristic, in a given area, each cell of the alveolar structure comprises a partition tube connected to first and second fixing walls traversed by first and second openings and spaced from third and fourth walls opposite the first and second fixing walls and traversed by third and fourth openings. In addition, the first and second fixing walls of the cells are connected to each other so as to form, in top view, at least one first broken line, the partition tubes being positioned on either side of the first broken line and connected to the first and second fixing walls, the third and fourth walls of the cells being connected to each other so as to form, in top view, at least one second broken line spaced from the first broken line.

[0023] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which: [ Fig. 1 ] is a schematic cross-section of a sound-absorbing structure illustrating a prior art embodiment, [ Fig. 2 ] is a side view of an aircraft, [ Fig. 3 ] is a longitudinal section of part of an aircraft propulsion assembly, [ Fig. 4 ] is a longitudinal section of part of a sound-absorbing structure illustrating one embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 5 ] is a longitudinal section of part of a sound-absorbing structure illustrating another embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 6 ] is a schematic representation of the different stages of a manufacturing process for a sound-absorbing structure illustrating one embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 7 ] is a schematic representation of the different stages of a manufacturing process for a sound-absorbing structure illustrating another embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 8 ] is a side view of a partition tube without a notch illustrating one embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 9 ] is a perspective view of the partition tube visible on the figure 8 , [ Fig. 10 ] is a top view of the partition tube, visible on the figure 8 , positioned in a cell of an alveolar structure illustrating an embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 11 ] is a side view of a part comprising two partition tubes illustrating one embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 12 ] is a side view of a partition tube illustrating one embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 13 ] is a perspective view of the partition tube visible on the figure 12 , [ Fig. 14 ] is a perspective view of a cell of an alveolar structure and a partition tube, before and after assembly, illustrating one embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 15 ] is a perspective view of several cells of an alveolar structure and several partition tubes, during assembly, illustrating one embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 16 ] is a perspective view of part of an alveolar structure illustrating one embodiment of the invention.

[0024] On the figure 2 We have represented an aircraft 30 which has a fuselage 32, two wings 34, arranged on either side of the fuselage 32, and propulsion assemblies 36 fixed under the wings 34. Each propulsion assembly 36 comprises a nacelle 38 and a turbomachine 40 positioned inside the nacelle 38.

[0025] According to an embodiment visible on the figure 3 , the turbomachine 40 includes, at the rear, a primary ejection conduit 42, through which exhaust gases escape from the turbomachine 40, which is delimited on the outside by an outer wall 44 and on the inside by an inner wall 46 extended by a nozzle cone 48.

[0026] According to one configuration, the outer and inner walls 44, 46 each include at least one sound-absorbing structure 50.

[0027] Each sound absorption structure 50 comprises an outer surface SE in contact with a medium in which sound waves propagate and an inner surface SI opposite to the outer surface SE.

[0028] Although described as applied to a primary discharge duct 42, the invention is not limited to this application. Thus, the acoustic absorption structure 50 can be positioned on walls having an external surface SE in contact with a medium in which sound waves propagate.

[0029] Each sound-absorbing structure 50 comprises at least one honeycomb structure 52 interposed between an acoustically resistive layer 54 permeable to sound waves and a reflective layer 56 impermeable to sound waves. The acoustically resistive layer 54 has a first face 54.1 corresponding to the outer surface SE and a second face 54.2 oriented towards and connected to the honeycomb structure 52. The reflective layer 56 has a first face 56.1 corresponding to the inner surface SI and a second face 56.2 oriented towards and connected to the honeycomb structure 52.

[0030] The acoustically resistive layer 54, the reflective layer 56, the connection between the acoustically resistive layer 54 and the alveolar structure 52, and the connection between the reflective layer 56 and the alveolar structure 52 are not further described as they may be identical to those of the prior art.

[0031] The honeycomb structure 52 extends between a first face 52.1 in contact with the acoustically resistive layer 54 and a second face 52.2 in contact with the reflective layer 56 and comprises a multitude of substantially rectangular walls 58.1 to 58.6, each of which has first and second edges positioned respectively at the level of the first and second faces 52.1, 52.2. These walls 58.1 to 58.6 are connected to each other so as to delimit cells 60 opening at the level of the first and second faces 52.1, 52.2.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the alveolar structure 52 is a honeycomb structure. As illustrated in the figure 10 Each cell 60 is delimited by six walls 58.1 to 58.6 and has a hexagonal cross-section with six identical sides of width L60. Each hexagonal cell 60 includes an inscribed circle of cell diameter D60. The cell diameter D60 is between 9.6 and 19.1 mm. Each cell 60 has a cell height H60 (visible on the figure 14 ) which corresponds to the distance separating the first and second faces 52.1, 52.2. The cell height H60 is between 30 and 70 mm. Each rectangular wall 58.1 to 58.6 has a length equal to the cell height H60, between 30 and 70 mm, and a width between approximately 5 and 12 mm.

[0033] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the cells 60. Each of them opens at the level of first and second ends closed respectively by the acoustically resistive layer 54 and the reflective layer 56. Each of them is delimited by flat walls 58.1 to 58.6 of which two fixing walls 58.1, 58.2.

[0034] The alveolar structure 52 comprises at least one partition tube 62 positioned in a cell 60. According to one configuration, the alveolar structure 52 comprises several partition tubes 62, each positioned in a cell 60. According to one arrangement, in at least one area of ​​the alveolar structure 52, the latter comprises a partition tube 62 in each cell 60, as illustrated in the figures 4 And 5 .

[0035] As illustrated on the figures 8 And 10Each partition tube 62 comprises a first conduit 64 extending between first and second ends 64.1, 64.2 and having a first section S1 between the first and second ends 64.1, 64.2, a second conduit 66 extending between first and second ends 66.1, 66.2 and having a second section S2 between the first and second ends 66.1, 66.2, the second section S2 being smaller than the first section S1, and a junction wall 68 connecting the second ends 64.2, 66.2 of the first and second conduits 64, 66. According to one configuration, the second section S2 is 25% smaller than the first section S1, preferably 15% smaller.

[0036] Each partition tube 62 is made in one piece, the first and second conduits 64, 66 as well as the joining wall 68 being made during the same manufacturing step.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first section S1 is constant over a first height H1, between the first and second ends 64.1, 64.2. Thus, the first conduit 64 has a first axis A64. The first height H1 is between 1 and 20 mm. In one arrangement, the first height H1 is between 25% and 75% of the cell height H60. In another configuration, the first height H1 is approximately equal to half the cell height H60.

[0038] In one embodiment, the second section S2 is constant over a second height H2, between the first and second ends 66.1, 66.2. Thus, the second conduit 66 has a second axis A66. In another embodiment, the second section S2 is circular. In one configuration, the second section S2 is between 0.15 mm² and 20 mm², corresponding to diameters of approximately 0.5 mm and 5 mm, respectively. The second height H2 is between 10 and 25 mm.

[0039] According to an arrangement, the first and second axes A64 and A66 are aligned.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the junction wall 68 is located in a plane perpendicular to the first axis A64, i.e. substantially perpendicular to the first conduit 64. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the junction wall 68. The latter could not be planar and be frustoconical for example.

[0041] According to a first embodiment visible on the figure 4 The first end 64.1 of the first duct 64 is positioned at the first face 52.1 of the honeycomb structure 52 so as to be sealed by the acoustically resistive layer 54 and connected to it in a hermetic manner. The first end 66.1 of the second duct 66 is spaced from the reflective layer 56 and the second face 52.2 of the honeycomb structure 52 by a distance of between 0.5 mm and 70% of the cell height H60.

[0042] According to a second embodiment visible on the figure 5 The first end 64.1 of the first conduit 64 is positioned at the first face 52.2 of the honeycomb structure 52 so as to be sealed by the reflective layer 56 and connected to it in a hermetic manner. The first end 66.1 of the second conduit 66 is spaced from the acoustically resistive layer 54 and the first face 52.1 of the honeycomb structure 52 by a distance between 0.5 mm and 70% of the cell height H60.

[0043] Regardless of the embodiment, the partition tube 62 splits the cell 60 in which it is positioned into first and second cavities 70.1, 70.2, the first cavity 70.1 being located inside the partition tube 62 and delimited by the partition tube 62 and a first layer between the resistive acoustic layer 54 and the reflective layer 56, the second cavity 70.2 being located outside the partition tube 62 and delimited by the walls 58.1 to 58.6 of the alveolar structure 52; The partition tube 62, the reflective layer 56, and the acoustically resistive layer 54, along with the first and second cavities 70.1 and 70.2, communicate via the second conduit 66. Thus, one of the cavities 70.1 and 70.2 forms a first Helmholtz-type resonator adapted to attenuate low-frequency sound waves. In addition, the other cavity 70.1 and 70.2 forms a second quarter-wave resonator adapted to attenuate high-frequency sound waves.

[0044] This solution makes it possible to obtain an acoustic absorption structure configured to attenuate sound waves over a wide frequency band or over several frequency bands.

[0045] According to the embodiment shown on the figure 4 The first cavity, 70.1, forms a Helmholtz resonator adapted to attenuate low-frequency sound waves. In addition, the second cavity, 70.2, forms a quarter-wave resonator adapted to attenuate high-frequency sound waves.

[0046] According to a feature of the invention visible on the figures 12 à 16 , the first conduit 64 of the partition tube 62 includes at least two flats 72, 72' pressed against at least of the first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 adjacent among the walls 58.1 to 58.6 of the cell 60 and fixed to the latter as well as at least one lateral wall 74 distant from the other walls 58.3 to 58.6 of the cell 60, called distant walls.

[0047] Each flat 72, 72' is fixed to a fixing wall 58.1, 58.2 by any suitable means, such as gluing, welding, stapling or others, depending on the nature of the elements to be assembled.

[0048] According to one configuration, each flat 72, 72' extends over the entire height of the first conduit 64, from the first end 64.1 to the second end 64.2.

[0049] According to one embodiment, each wall 58.1 to 58.6 of the cell 60 comprises a first end edge 58a located at the second face 52.2 of the alveolar structure 52, a second end edge 58b located at the first face 52.1 of the alveolar structure 52, and lateral edges 58c, 58d connecting the first and second end edges 58a, 58b. The first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 are connected by a common lateral edge 58c.

[0050] Since cell 60 has a hexagonal cross-section, the fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 form an angle of 120° with each other. In addition, the flats 72, 72' form an angle of approximately 120° with each other so as to be pressed against the first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2. Each flat 72, 72' has a width less than that of the corresponding first or second fixing wall 58.1, 58.2.

[0051] Each side wall 74 is spaced from the distant walls 58.3 to 58.6 of the cell 60 by a substantially constant distance. According to one embodiment, the side wall 74 comprises two parallel flat parts 74.1, 74.2 connected to the flats 72, 72' and a curved part 74.3 connecting the two flat parts 74.1, 74.2.

[0052] According to one arrangement, the curved part 74.3 of the side wall 74 is a cylindrical portion having an axis coinciding with the first axis A64 of the first conduit 64.

[0053] Each flat 72, 72' forms an angle of approximately 120° with the flat part 74.1, 74.2 of the adjacent side wall 74.

[0054] The flat and curved parts 74.1, 74.2, 74.3 of the lateral wall 74 are spaced from the third, fourth, fifth and sixth distant walls 58.3 to 58.6 facing them by a distance between 5% and 50% of the diameter D60 of the circle inscribed in the first section S1.

[0055] According to one configuration, the partition tube 62 includes an intercalated zone 76, separating the two flats 72, 72', spaced from the lateral edge 58c common to the first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2. According to one arrangement, this intercalated zone 76 is flat and extends over the entire height of the first conduit 64, from the first end 64.1 to the second end 64.2. The intercalated zone 76 forms an angle of approximately 150° with each flat 72, 72' and has a width (dimension taken perpendicular to the first end 64.1) of approximately a few millimeters, less than half the width of a flat 72, 72'.

[0056] According to the invention, the partition tube 62 is connected to at least two fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 of the cell 60 in which the partition tube 62 is positioned, and at most to four distant walls 58.3 to 58.6. Thus, the cell 60 comprises at least two adjacent first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 to which the partition tube 62 is connected, as well as at least two distant walls 58.3 to 58.6 spaced away from the partition tube 62. Insofar as the partition tube 62 is not connected to all the walls 58.1 to 58.6 of the cell 60, the honeycomb structure 52 retains a certain degree of flexibility. Therefore, the honeycomb structure 52 retains a degree of flexibility that allows it to be shaped. The flexibility of the alveolar structure 52 is all the more important when the number of walls to which the partition tube 62 is connected is small.

[0057] According to a first embodiment visible on the figure 6 A method for manufacturing a sound-absorbing structure includes a step of producing a honeycomb structure 52 comprising first and second flat faces 52.1, 52.2, and a step of placing the acoustically resistive layer 54 on the first face 52.1 of the honeycomb structure 52 as illustrated in part (A) of the figure 6 , a step of inserting each partition tube 62 into a cell 60 as illustrated in part (B) of the figure 6 , a step of fixing the partition tube 62 inserted into the cell 60 to at least two fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 of the cell 60 as illustrated in part (C) of the figure 6 , a possible step of forming the honeycomb structure 52 as well as a step of placing the reflective layer 56 on the second face 52.2 of the honeycomb structure 52 as illustrated in part (D) of the figure 6 .

[0058] According to a second embodiment visible on the figure 7 A method for manufacturing a sound-absorbing structure includes a step of producing a honeycomb structure 52 comprising first and second flat faces 52.1, 52.2, and a step of placing the reflective layer 56 on the second face 52.2 of the honeycomb structure 52 as illustrated in part (A) of the figure 7 , a step of inserting each partition tube 62 into a cell 60 as illustrated in part (B) of the figure 7 , a step of fixing the partition tube 62 inserted into the cell 60 to at least two fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 of the cell 60 as illustrated in part (C) of the figure 7 , a possible step of forming the alveolar structure 52 as well as a step of placing the acoustically resistive layer 54 on the first face 52.1 of the alveolar structure 52 as illustrated in part (D) of the figure 7 .

[0059] According to another embodiment, a method for manufacturing an acoustic absorption structure includes a step of producing a honeycomb structure 52 comprising first and second flat faces 52.1, 52.2, a step of inserting each partition tube 62 into a cell 60, a step of fixing the partition tube 62 inserted into the cell 60 to at least two fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 of the cell 60, a step of forming the honeycomb structure 52 as well as steps of placing an acoustically resistive layer 54 and a reflective layer 56 carried out after the step of fixing the partition tubes 62 in the cells 60 of the honeycomb structure 52.

[0060] The insertion step of partition tubes 62 can be done individually, partition tube after partition tube, or in several steps, with several partition tubes being inserted simultaneously.

[0061] The insertion step of the partition tubes 62 can be mechanized and / or carried out before or after the forming step.

[0062] According to one operating procedure, during the fixing step of each partition tube 62, at least one centering element is used to keep the partition tube 62 spaced away from the distant walls 58.3 to 58.6.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the honeycomb structure 52 can be metallic or made of composite material. The partition tubes 62 can be metallic, made of composite material, or made of plastic.

[0064] When made of plastic, partition tubes 62 can be produced by a process such as extrusion blow molding, injection molding or stamping.

[0065] According to one operating procedure, the manufacturing process includes a step of cutting at least one partition tube from a part 78.

[0066] Thus, as illustrated on the figure 11 Two partition tubes 62, 62' can be cut from a single piece 78. This piece 78 comprises a central section 80 with a cross-section identical to that of the first conduit 64 of each partition tube 62, 62', and two secondary sections 82, 82' positioned on either side of the central section 80 and extending it. Each of the secondary sections 82, 82' has a cross-section identical to that of the second conduit 66 of each partition tube 62, 62'. The central section 80 has a length L80 greater than the sum of the lengths of the first two conduits 64. Thus, this central section 80 comprises the first two conduits 64 of two partition tubes 62, 62' and an additional length 80.1. In addition, each secondary section 82, 82' has a length L82, L82' greater than that of the second conduit 66 of the partition tubes 62, 62'.Thus, each secondary section 82, 82' comprises a second conduit 66 of a partition tube 62, 62' and an additional length 82.1, 82.1'. According to this embodiment, from a single piece 78 made in one piece, it is possible to cut two partition tubes 62, 62', each of them having a first conduit 64 with a suitable length that may differ from one partition tube to the other. Furthermore, it is possible to cut the two secondary sections 82, 82' in order to adjust the length of the second conduit 66 of each of the partition tubes 62, 62'.

[0067] Of course, the invention is not limited to this method of production for repair tubes.

[0068] According to a feature of the invention visible on the figure 16 , the acoustic absorption structure 50 includes at least a first drainage network 84 intersecting with the first cavity 70.1 located inside the partition tube 62 positioned in a given cell 60 and at least a second drainage network 86 intersecting with the second cavity 70.2 located outside the partition tube 62, between the partition tube 62 and the cell 60.

[0069] The first drainage network 84 comprises, at the level of a cell 60, first and second openings 84.1, 84.2 passing through the first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2. In addition, the second drainage network 86 comprises, at the level of cell 60, third and fourth openings 86.1, 86.2 passing through the third and fourth walls 58.3, 54.4 opposite the first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.4. The first, second, third and fourth openings 84.1, 84.2, 86.1, 86.2 are located at the first or second end edges 58a, 58b of the walls 58.1 to 58.6 at which the first end 64.1 of the first conduit 64 of the partition tube 62 is positioned.

[0070] To ensure continuity between the first and second openings 84.1, 84.2, the partition tube 62 includes at least one notch 88 extending from the first end 64.1 of the first conduit 64, said notch 88 being configured to clear at least the first and second openings 84.1, 84.2 when the partition tube 62 is fixed to the first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2. According to a first configuration, the partition tube 62 includes two notches, one for each of the first and second openings 84.1, 84.2. According to a second configuration visible on the figures 9 And 12 à 16The partition tube 62 comprises a single notch 88 which exposes the first and second openings 84.1, 84.2 and extends over the two flat surfaces 72, 72' and the intermediate zone 76. This notch 88 is delimited by a first edge 88.1 substantially parallel to the first end 64.1 of the first conduit 64, as well as by the second and third edges 88.2, 88.3, ​​substantially perpendicular to the upper end 64.1, connecting the first end 64.1 and the first edge 88.1, close to the two flat portions 74.1, 74.2 of the lateral wall 74 and distant from the lateral wall 74. The notch 88 is distant from the lateral wall 74, in particular from the two flat portions 74.1, 74.2 of the lateral wall 74. Thus, the flat surfaces 72, 72' each comprise a strip of material 72.1 which extends to the first end 64.1 of the first conduit 64 so that the two strips of material 72.1 of the flats 72, 72' are pressed and fixed against the first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 up to the first end 64.1 on either side of the notch 88.

[0071] The fact that the partition tube 62 is connected to first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 and includes at least one notch 88 clearing the first and second openings 84.1, 84.2 provided at the level of the first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 makes it possible to isolate the first drainage network 84 from the second drainage network 86.

[0072] According to one embodiment, in a given area, each cell 60 of the alveolar structure 52 comprises a partition tube 62. The first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 are connected to each other so as to form, in top view, at least one first broken line 90. In parallel, the third and fourth walls 58.3, 58.4 are connected to each other so as to form, in top view, at least one second broken line 92 spaced from the first broken line 90 and connected to the latter by fifth and sixth walls 58.5, 58.6 parallel to each other and not notched.

[0073] The partition tubes 62 are positioned on either side of the first broken line 90 and connected to the first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2. Thus, each of the first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 is connected to two partition tubes 62 positioned on either side of the fixing wall 58.1, 58.2.

[0074] According to this embodiment, the honeycomb structure 52 comprises several first drainage networks 84, each of them positioned on either side of a first broken line 90 and comprising the first and second openings 84.1, 84.2 provided at the level of the first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 which form the first broken line 90, as well as the first cavities 70.1 of the partition tubes 62 connected to the first and second fixing walls 58.1, 58.2 which form the first broken line 90. In addition, the honeycomb structure 52 comprises several second drainage networks 86, each of them positioned on either side of a second broken line 92 and comprising the third and fourth openings 86.1, 86.2 provided at the level of the third and fourth walls 58.3, 58.4 which form the second broken line. 92 as well as the second cavities 70.2 of the cells 60 positioned on either side of the second broken line 92.

[0075] According to one operating method, the manufacturing process of an acoustic honeycomb structure 52 includes at least one grooving step to create the openings 84.1, 84.2, 86.1, 86.2 of the first and second drainage networks 84, 86. This grooving step is carried out before the insertion steps of the partition tubes 62 and the steps of placing the acoustically resistive layer 54 and the reflective layer 56.

[0076] Of course, the invention is not limited to these embodiments for the first and second drainage networks 84, 86. The scope of the present invention is defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. Acoustic absorption structure comprising at least one cellular structure (52) which is interposed between an acoustically resistive layer (54) and a reflective layer (56), the cellular structure (52) comprising a first face (52.1) in contact with the acoustically resistive layer (54), a second face (52.2) in contact with the reflective layer (56) and a plurality of cells (60), each leading to the region of the first and second faces (52.1, 52.2), and each cell (60) being delimited by walls (58.1 to 58.6); the cellular structure (52) comprising at least one partition tube (62), which is positioned in one of the cells (60), comprising a first tube section (64) which extends between the first and second ends (64.1, 64.2) and has a first section (S1) between the first and second ends (64.1, 64.2), and a second tube section (66) which extends between the first and second ends (66.1, 66.2) and has a second section (S2) between the first and second ends (66.1, 66.2), the second section (S2) being smaller than the first section (S1) and a joining wall (68) connecting the second ends (64.2, 66.2) of the first and second tube sections (64, 66), the first end (64.1) of the first tube section (64) being sealed by a first layer, from either the acoustically resistive layer (54) or the reflective layer (56), and the first end (66.1) of the second tube section (66) being spaced apart from a second layer, which is different from the first layer, from either the acoustically resistive layer (54) or the reflective layer (56), characterized in that the first tube section (64) of the partition tube (62) comprises at least two flat sides (72, 72') and at least one lateral wall (74), the walls (58.1 to 56.6) which delimit the cell (60) into which the partition tube (62) is inserted comprising at least first and second planar fixing walls (58.1, 58.2) against which the flat sides (72, 72') of the partition tube (62) are placed and fixed, and at least two remote walls (58.3 to 58.6) which are spaced apart from the lateral wall (74) of the partition tube (62).

2. Acoustic absorption structure according to Claim 1, characterized in that the acoustic absorption structure comprises at least one first drainage network (84) which comprises first and second openings (84.1, 84.2) passing through the first and second fixing walls (58.1, 58.2) and at least one second drainage network (86) which comprises third and fourth openings (86.1, 86.2) passing through third and fourth walls (58.3, 54.4) opposing the first and second fixing walls (58.1, 58.4).

3. Acoustic absorption structure according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each wall (58.1 to 58.6) of the cell (60) in which the partition tube (62) is positioned comprises first and second end edges (58a, 58b) located in the region of the first and second faces (52.1, 52.2) of the cellular structure (52) and in that the first, second, third and fourth openings (84.1, 84.2, 86.1, 86.2) are located in the region of the first or second end edges (58a, 58b) of the walls (58.1 to 58.6), the first end (64.1) of the first tube section (64) of the partition tube (62) being positioned in the region thereof.

4. Acoustic absorption structure according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the partition tube (62) comprises at least one notch (88) which extends from the first end (64.1) of the first tube section (64), said notch (88) being configured to open up at least the first and second openings (84.1, 84.2) when the partition tube (62) is fixed to the first and second fixing walls (58.1, 58.2).

5. Acoustic absorption structure according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the partition tube (62) comprises a single notch (88) which opens up the first and second openings (84.1, 84.2).

6. Acoustic absorption structure according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the notch (88) is delimited by a first edge (88.1) and second and third edges (88.2, 88.3), connecting the first edge (88.1) and the upper end (64.1) of the first tube section (64), remote from the lateral wall (74).

7. Acoustic absorption structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second fixing walls (58.1, 58.2) are connected by a common lateral edge (58c) and in that the partition tube (62) comprises a spacer zone (76), separating the two flat sides (72, 72'), spaced apart from the lateral edge (58c) which is common to the first and second fixing walls (58.1, 58.2).

8. Acoustic absorption structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each flat side (72, 72') extends from the first end (64.1) to the second end (64.2) of the first tube section (64).

9. Acoustic absorption structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lateral wall (74) comprises two planar parts (74.1, 74.2) which are parallel to one another and connected to the flat sides (72, 72') and a curved part (74.3) connecting the two planar parts (74.1, 74.2), the planar and curved parts (74.1, 74.2, 74.3) of the lateral wall (74) being spaced apart from the walls (58.3 to 58.6) of the cell (60) in which the partition tube (62) is positioned.

10. Acoustic absorption structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a given area, each cell (60) of the cellular structure (52) comprises a partition tube (62) which is connected to the first and second fixing walls (58.1, 58.2), which is passed through by the first and second openings (84.1, 84.2), and spaced apart from third and fourth walls (58.3, 58.4) opposing the first and second fixing walls (58.1, 58.2) which are passed through by third and fourth openings (86.1, 86.2), in that the first and second fixing walls (58.1, 58.2) of the cells (60) are connected to one another so as to form, when viewed from above, at least one first broken line (90), the partition tubes (62) being positioned on either side of the first broken line (90) and connected to the first and second fixing walls (58.1, 58.2), and in that the third and fourth walls (58.3, 58.4) of the cells (60) are connected to one another so as to form, when viewed from above, at least one second broken line (92) which is spaced apart from the first broken line (90).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Acoustic treatment panel for a turbojet engine

    US20220049657A1

  • Acoustic absorber cell for a turbojet, and an associated acoustic treatment panel

    US20180313273A1

  • Lightweight honeycomb panel structure

    US5445861A

  • FR094668