Propulsion unit for an aircraft

Abstract

The invention relates to a propulsion unit (10) for an aircraft, said propulsion unit (10) comprising: - an engine pylon (12), - a turbine engine (14) fixed to the engine pylon (12) and comprising a fluidic system (18), - a cowling (16) which comprises at least one panel (20) pivotably connected to the engine pylon (14) and carrying at least one surface heat exchanger (26) which comprises a fluid circuit (26') connected to the fluidic system (18), characterised in that the fluid circuit (26') is connected to the fluidic system (18) by at least one swivel joint (30, 30') which is centred on the swivel axis of the corresponding panel (20).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: PROPULSION UNIT FOR AN AIRCRAFT

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a propulsion assembly for an aircraft.

[0005] Technical background

[0006] The state of the art includes in particular document FR-A1 -3 094 750, US-A1- 2020 / 049028, US-A1 -2021 / 078380, FR-A1-2 567 081 and CN-U,207 854 371. Figure 1 illustrates a propulsion assembly 10 for an aircraft.

[0007] In the present application, the term propulsion unit 10 for an aircraft means an assembly comprising a reactor mast 12, a turbomachine 14 and its cowling 16.

[0008] The engine pylon 12 is a solid part that allows a turbomachine 14 to be attached to an aircraft, and for example to a wing of the aircraft. The engine pylon 12 therefore comprises elements for attachment to the aircraft and elements for attachment to the turbomachine 14. The engine pylon 12 has a generally elongated shape and extends along a first axis A.

[0009] In the present application, the turbomachine 14 is located under the engine pylon 12 or next to the engine pylon. The turbomachine may be suspended from the engine pylon 12 under the wing of the aircraft. Alternatively, the turbomachine may be installed at the rear of the fuselage of the aircraft.

[0010] The turbomachine 14 has a general shape elongated along a second axis B which can be parallel to the first axis A. The first and second axes A, B are located in the same plane P. This plane P can be vertical or inclined relative to the vertical.

[0011] The positions of parts around the second axis B are designated by 12h (for 12 hours) and 6h (for 6 hours), by analogy with the dial of a clock when looking at the assembly from the rear. The 12h position is located in the plane P and at the level of the engine pylon 12, and the 6h position is located in the plane P under the turbomachine 14.

[0012] The turbomachine 14 comprises a lubrication system 18 which in particular makes it possible to lubricate bearings of the turbomachine by circulating lubricating oil.

[0013] The cowling 16 surrounds the turbomachine 14 and extends along the second axis B. The cowling 16 may comprise several pieces and comprises two panels 20 of generally semi-circular shape which extend on either side of the aforementioned plane P. These panels 20 comprise upper longitudinal edges 22 which are fixed to the engine pylon 12 and arranged on either side of the plane P, close to the 12 o'clock position, and lower longitudinal edges 24 which are generally fixed to each other and are therefore located at the 6 o'clock position.

[0014] These panels 20 are hinged by their upper edges 22 to be able to open the cowling 16 and intervene in the turbomachine 14 during a ground maintenance operation for example. This articulation is made possible by hinges 25 for fixing the upper edges 22 of the panels 20 to the engine pylon 12. Each of the panels 20 is hinged around a third axis C which can be parallel to the second axis B for example, from a closed position in which its lower edge 24 is at the 6 o'clock position, to an open position in which its lower edge 24 is away from the 6 o'clock position.

[0015] The cowling 16 may carry at least one surface heat exchanger 26. An exchanger 26 of this type comprises an oil circuit 26' connected to the lubrication system 18, and an exchange surface which is exposed to a flow of cooling air. An exchange of calories between the surface and the oil circuit 26' of the exchanger makes it possible to cool the oil coming from the lubrication system 18 before returning it to this lubrication system 18, as illustrated by the dotted arrows in FIG. 1.

[0016] At least a portion of the cowling 16 may internally define an annular flow vein for an air flow around the turbomachine 14, such as a flow vein for a secondary flow or other. In this case, the exchange surface of the surface exchanger 26 is therefore swept by this air flow.

[0017] The exchanger 26 carried by the cowling 16 is connected to the lubrication system 18 by fluid connection means which must allow the opening of the panels 20 and in particular their pivoting, without necessarily requiring the exchanger 26 to be disconnected from the lubrication system 18.

[0018] In the current technique, these connection means are flexible and supple pipes 28, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Each of these pipes 28 comprises an end 28a secured to a panel 20 and intended to be connected to the exchanger 26 carried by this panel 20, and an opposite end 28b secured to the reactor mast 12 and intended to be connected to the lubrication system 18 of the turbomachine 14. Whatever the position of the panel 20, the oil circuit 26' of the exchanger 26 remains connected to the lubrication system 18 thanks to the flexibility of the pipes 28. FIG. 2 shows two distinct states of deformation of the same pipe 28 for two different positions of a panel 20.

[0019] This technology has drawbacks. First, it is necessary for the environment around the pipes 28 to remain free so as not to hinder the movement of the pipes 28 when opening and closing the panels 20. The pipes 28 also have a relatively long length to allow their bending without causing stresses leading to rupture or permanent deformation. This technology is therefore relatively bulky. Furthermore, these pipes 28 are oversized to be sufficiently resistant and in particular have a large diameter due to the presence of a thick protective layer around these pipes 28 in order to resist fire and other attacks. Finally, this technology is relatively expensive and of significant mass. Furthermore, climate change is a major concern for many legislative and regulatory bodies around the world.Indeed, various states have adopted, are currently adopting, or will adopt various carbon emission restrictions. In particular, an ambitious standard applies to both new aircraft types and those currently in operation, requiring the implementation of technological solutions to comply with current regulations. For several years now, civil aviation has been working to contribute to the fight against climate change. Technological research efforts have already led to significant improvements in the environmental performance of aircraft.The Applicant takes into consideration the impact factors in all phases of design and development to obtain less energy-intensive, more environmentally friendly aeronautical components and products whose integration and use in civil aviation have moderate environmental consequences with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of aircraft. Consequently, the Applicant is constantly working to reduce its negative climate impact by using methods and operating virtuous development and manufacturing processes and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions to the minimum possible to reduce the environmental footprint of its activity.This sustained research and development work focuses on new generations of aircraft engines, the weight reduction of aircraft, particularly through the materials used and lighter on-board equipment, the development of the use of electrical technologies to ensure propulsion, and, as an essential complement to technological progress, aeronautical biofuels.

[0020] The present invention provides a simple, effective and economical solution to at least some of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

[0021] Summary of the invention The invention is the result of technological research aimed at significantly improving the performance of aircraft and, in this sense, contributes to reducing the environmental impact of aircraft.

[0022] The invention relates to a propulsion assembly for an aircraft, this propulsion assembly comprising:

[0023] - a reactor mast extending along a first axis,

[0024] - a turbomachine attached to the reactor mast, this turbomachine extending along a second axis, the first and second axes extending in the same plane, the turbomachine comprising a fluidic system,

[0025] - a cowling which extends along and around the second axis, the cowling comprising at least one panel of generally semi-circular shape which extends around said second axis, said at least one panel comprising a longitudinal edge which is fixed to the engine pylon by hinges which define a third pivot axis of the panel, from a closed position in which it extends around the turbomachine to an open position in which it is spaced from the turbomachine, said at least one panel carrying at least one surface heat exchanger which comprises a fluid circuit connected to said fluidic system, characterized in that the fluid circuit is connected to the fluidic system by at least one rotating joint which is centered on the third axis and which is connected by a first rigid tube to the fluid circuit and by a second rigid tube to the fluidic system, this rotating joint comprising a first member rigidly fixed to the first tube,and a second member rigidly attached to the second tube, the first and second members being assembled so as to be able to rotate relative to each other about the third axis and to provide fluid communication between the first and second tubes regardless of the position of the first and second members about the third axis.,

[0026] The invention thus proposes to connect the fluid circuit of the panel exchanger to the fluidic system of the turbomachine, by means of at least one rotating joint. A first specific feature of this rotating joint is that it is centered on the third axis, that is to say on the articulation axis of the corresponding panel. There is therefore no particular force undergone by the joint insofar as it follows the movements of the panel during its movements. Another specific feature of the rotating joint is that it is formed of rigid elements unlike the pipes of the prior art. It comprises rigid tubes and members for connecting and articulating these rigid tubes. The fluidic connection between the fluid circuit and the fluidic system is ensured continuously regardless of the position of the panel.

[0027] The propulsion assembly according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation from one another, or in combination with one another:

[0028] - each of the first and second members comprises an internal L-shaped passage, a first end of which is connected to the corresponding tube, and a second end of which is connected to the other member;

[0029] - one of the first and second members comprises a male end piece which is engaged along the third axis in a female end piece of the other of the first and second members;

[0030] - at least one seal or sealing means is mounted between the male and female ends;

[0031] - the fluid circuit is connected to the fluid system by two rotating joints centered on the third axis, a first of these rotating joints being connected to an inlet of said fluid circuit, and a second of these rotating joints being connected to a fluid outlet of said circuit;

[0032] - the first and second rotating joints are at a distance from each other;

[0033] - the first and second rotating joints are joined;

[0034] - at least one valve is mounted between the fluid system and the second rigid tube of the or each rotating joint;

[0035] - said at least one panel comprises an internal concave surface on which said at least one exchanger is located; - said plane in which the first and second axes extend is vertical or inclined relative to the vertical;

[0036] - said fluid circuit is an oil circuit or a coolant circuit;

[0037] - the fluid circuit is connected to the fluidic system by at least one double rotating joint which includes:

[0038] - the first rigid tube extending between the fluid circuit and the first member of a first joint,

[0039] - the second rigid tube extending between the second member of the first articulation and a third member rigidly fixed to one end of this second tube,

[0040] - a third rigid tube extending between the fluid system and a fourth member rigidly fixed to one end of this third tube, the third and fourth members forming a second rotating joint and being assembled so as to be able to rotate relative to each other around a fourth axis parallel to the third axis and to ensure fluid communication between the second and third tubes regardless of the position of the third and fourth members around the fourth axis,

[0041] - the cowling surrounds at least part of the turbomachine,

[0042] - the cowling comprises two panels of generally semi-circular shape which extend on either side of said main axis,

[0043] - each of these panels has an upper and lower longitudinal edge,

[0044] - the upper longitudinal edge of the or each panel is fixed by the hinges,

[0045] - the other of the panels carries another heat exchanger or another type of fluidic equipment,

[0046] - the turbomachine extends under the reactor mast or next to the reactor mast, -- the or each panel has a generally semi-circular shape.

[0047] Brief description of the figures Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the following description of a non-limiting embodiment of the invention with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0048] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a partial schematic perspective view of a propulsion unit for an aircraft,

[0049] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of means for fluidic connection of a heat exchanger to a fluidic system, according to the technique prior to the invention,

[0050] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the technology used for the fluid connection means within the framework of the present invention,

[0051] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a schematic axial sectional view of fluid connection means within the framework of the present invention,

[0052] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a half schematic view in axial section of a propulsion assembly for an aircraft, and illustrates a first embodiment of the invention,

[0053] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a half schematic axial sectional view of a propulsion assembly for an aircraft, and illustrates a second embodiment of the invention, and

[0054] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a half schematic axial sectional view of a propulsion assembly for an aircraft, and illustrates a third embodiment of the invention.

[0055] Detailed description of the invention

[0056] Figures 1 and 2 have already been described in the above.

[0057] Figure 1 can be considered as illustrating a propulsion assembly 10 within the meaning of the invention, therefore the preceding description in relation to this figure 1 can be considered as also relating to the invention.

[0058] The propulsion unit 10 may be located under the wing of the aircraft or at the rear of the fuselage of the aircraft, for example. Furthermore, the propulsion unit 10 may be of any type, for example a double- or triple-flow turbojet, a turbomachine with a ducted or unducted fan, a turboprop, an open rotor, etc.

[0059] Figure 2 illustrates the connection means of the prior art, between the fluid circuit 26' of a heat exchanger 26 carried by a cowling panel 20, and the lubrication system 18 of the turbomachine 14. These connection means comprise flexible pipes 28 and have the drawbacks described above.

[0060] The present invention proposes a different technology for connecting the fluid circuit 26' of an exchanger 26 to a fluidic system 18 of the turbomachine 14.

[0061] The fluid system 18 is for example a lubrication system but could alternatively be a cooling system. The fluid circuit 26' is for example an oil circuit but could alternatively be a coolant circuit.

[0062] The principle of this technology is illustrated in Figure 3 and consists of using one or more rotating joints 30. Figure 3 shows three rotating joints 30a, 30b, 30c which are connected to each other by rigid tubes.

[0063] A first rigid tube 32 extends between a valve 33 or tap and a first joint 30a. A second rigid tube 34 extends between the first joint 30a and a second joint 30b. A third rigid tube 36 extends between the second joint 30b and a third joint 30c. Finally, a fourth rigid tube 38 extends between the third joint 30c and a fluid outlet 40.

[0064] Each of the articulations 30a, 30b, 30c comprises two members which are rigidly fixed to the corresponding tubes and which are coupled to each other to, on the one hand, ensure the fluid connection between the tubes, and on the other hand, allow rotation of the tubes relative to each other around an axis D. The member 42 fixed to the end of the first tube 32 is thus coupled to the member 44 fixed to the end of the second tube 34. The members 42, 44 form the first rotating articulation 30a around a first axis D1, and are capable of ensuring fluid communication between the tubes 32, 34 regardless of the position of the members 42, 44 and the tubes 32, 34 with respect to the axis D1.

[0065] The member 46 fixed to the other end of the second tube 34 is coupled to the member 48 fixed to the end of the third tube 36. The members 46, 48 form the second rotating articulation 30b around a second axis D2, and are capable of ensuring fluid communication between the tubes 34, 36 regardless of the position of the members 46, 48 and the tubes 34, 36 with respect to the axis D2.

[0066] The member 50 fixed to the other end of the third tube 36 is coupled to the member 52 fixed to the end of the fourth tube 38. The members 50, 52 form the third rotating articulation 30c around a second axis D3, and are capable of ensuring fluid communication between the tubes 36, 38 whatever the position of the members 50, 52 and the tubes 36, 38 with respect to the axis D3.

[0067] The axes D1, D2, D3 are parallel.

[0068] Figure 4 shows the rotating joint 30a in section, the other rotating joints 30b, 30c being similar.

[0069] The tube 32 comprises an internal passage 32a for the circulation of a fluid, which extends over its entire length and is connected to one end of an internal passage 42a of the member 42. The internal passage 42a of the member 42 has a general L-shape and its end, opposite the tube 32, is connected to one end of the L-shaped internal passage 44a of the other member 44. The tube 34 comprises an internal passage 34a which extends over its entire length and is connected to the opposite end of the internal passage 42a of the member 42.

[0070] An L-shaped passage comprises two perpendicular portions, namely a first portion which extends in one direction and a second portion which extends in a direction perpendicular to the first, the two portions being in fluid communication. The members 42, 44 can be assembled by a male-female type fitting for example, as illustrated in the drawing. The fitting is carried out along the axis D1 and makes it possible to form the articulation 30a around this axis. In the example shown, the member 42 comprises a female end piece 42b which is crossed by the passage 42a and which receives a male end piece 44b of the member 44, this male end piece 44b also being crossed by the passage 44a of this member 44.

[0071] Sealing means, such as one or more annular seals 54, may be mounted at the end pieces 42b, 44b.

[0072] Figure 5 illustrates a first embodiment of a propulsion assembly 10 according to the invention. As mentioned above, this propulsion assembly 10 comprises:

[0073] - a 12 reactor mast,

[0074] - a turbomachine 14 comprising a fluidic system 18, and

[0075] - a cowling 16 which can surround the turbomachine 14, as in the example shown.

[0076] In the example shown, the cowling 16 comprises two panels 20 of generally semi-circular shape which extend on either side of the aforementioned plane P and which comprise upper longitudinal edges 22 which are fixed to the engine pylon 12 by hinges 25. These upper edges 22 are situated substantially in a 12 o'clock position while being separated from each other by the engine pylon 12.

[0077] In the example shown, there are three hinges 25 arranged one behind the other along the axis C. It can therefore be considered that there is an upstream hinge, an intermediate hinge and a downstream hinge. Preferably, two of these hinges are mounted fixed and the third is mounted floating so as to have perfect alignment.

[0078] Each of the panels 20 is articulated around a third axis C (defined by the hinges 25) which can be parallel to the second axis B for example, from a closed position in which its lower edge (not visible) is substantially at the 6 o'clock position, to an open position in which its lower edge is away from the 6 o'clock position. The angular movement between the two positions is for example greater than 30° around the axis C.

[0079] Each of the panels 20 carries at least one surface heat exchanger 26 which comprises a fluid circuit 26' connected to the fluidic system 18, and an exchange surface which is exposed to a flow of cooling gas 4.

[0080] In the example shown, the exchanger 26 is located on a concave curved surface of the panel 20, which is oriented towards the axis B, and which is therefore an internal surface of the panel. This position is not limiting. Alternatively, the exchanger 26 could for example be on an external convex surface of the panel 20.

[0081] Indeed, in the context of the present invention, the panel 20 may be an internal or external panel of the turbomachine and of the propulsion assembly, and may be swept by a gas flow passing inside or outside the panel (in particular a secondary flow or flow external to the turbomachine). The exchanger 26 is therefore located inside or outside the panel 20, and therefore positioned on an internal or external surface of this panel 20.

[0082] The fluid connection means of the fluid circuit 26' of each exchanger 26 to the fluid system 18 comprise at least one rotating joint 30 as described above.

[0083] In the example shown, the fluid circuit 26' comprises a fluid inlet 26a and a fluid outlet 26b. The fluid system 18 comprises a fluid inlet 18a and a fluid outlet 18b.

[0084] The fluid inlet 26a of the circuit 26' is connected to the fluid outlet 18b of the system 18 by a first articulation 30 which is centered on the pivot axis C of the panel 20 which carries the exchanger 26 with this circuit 26'. This first articulation 30 is connected by rigid tubes 32, 34 respectively to the inlet 26a and to the outlet 18b or to pipes connected to this inlet and this outlet. In the example shown, it can be seen that the first articulation is located next to one of the hinges 25, which is the intermediate hinge 25a in the example shown. A valve 33 is advantageously inserted between the articulation 30 and the outlet 18b, therefore just upstream of the articulation 30. This valve 33 can also be centered on the axis C. In the drawing, it can be seen that the hinge 25a is located between the valve 33 and the articulation 30.

[0085] The fluid outlet 26b of the circuit 26' is connected to the fluid inlet 18a of the system 18 by a second articulation 30' which is centered on the pivot axis C of the panel 20 which carries the exchanger 26 with this circuit 26'. This second articulation 30' is connected by rigid tubes 32, 34 respectively to the outlet 26b and to the inlet 18a or to pipes connected to this outlet and to this inlet. In the example shown, it can be seen that the second articulation is located next to another of the hinges 25, which is the downstream hinge in the example shown. A valve 33 is advantageously interposed between the articulation 30' and the inlet 18a, therefore just downstream of the articulation 30'. This valve 33 can also be centered on the axis C. In the drawing, we see that the hinge 25b is located between the valve 33 and the articulation 30'.

[0086] The joints 30, 30' are therefore at a distance from each other, along the axis C.

[0087] The valve(s) 33 make it possible to isolate the fluid circuit for the purpose, for example, of dismantling the exchanger 26 or the panel 20 during a maintenance operation.

[0088] The variant embodiment of figure 6 differs from the previous embodiment in particular by the fact that the two articulations 30, 30' are here joined together and no longer at a distance from each other.

[0089] As illustrated in the drawing, the member 42 of the first articulation 30 is interposed between the member 44 of this articulation 30 and the member 42' of the second articulation 30'.

[0090] The articulations 30, 30' are here arranged at the level of the first hinge 25a, on one side of this hinge 25a. The valve 33 associated with the first articulation 30 is located on the other side of the hinge 25a, and the articulations are located between the hinge 25a and the other valve 33. The embodiment variant of figure 7 differs from the previous variant in that it uses not a simple rotating articulation, for each fluid connection, but a double rotating articulation which makes it possible not to have the obligation to align on the same axis of rotation as the hinges 25.

[0091] The fluid inlet 26a of the circuit 26' is connected to the fluid outlet 18b of the system 18 by a double articulation which comprises articulations 30a and 30b of the type of that of figure 3 for example. The first articulation 30a is centered on the axis C and the second 30b is centered on an axis parallel to the axis C.

[0092] The invention has many advantages, including:

[0093] - the tubes are rigid, which is advantageous in terms of cost, mass and maintenance,

[0094] - the diameter of the tubes is optimized and does not need to be oversized, which facilitates the integration of the rotating joint into the environment,

[0095] - there are no relative movements of the joints except in the case of the last variant and the use of a double rotating joint,

[0096] - the length of the rotating joint is also optimized,

[0097] - maintenance is simplified and less expensive because dismantling the fluid circuit is simpler and faster,

[0098] - the last variant allows for misalignments with respect to the axis

[0099] C hinges.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Propulsion assembly (10) for an aircraft, this propulsion assembly (10) comprising: - a reactor mast (12) extending along a first axis (A), - a turbomachine (14) fixed to the reactor mast (12), this turbomachine (14) extending along a second axis (B), the first and second axes (A, B) extending in the same plane (P), the turbomachine (14) comprising a fluidic system (18), - a cowling (16) which extends along and around the second axis (B), the cowling (16) comprising at least one panel (20) which extends around said second axis, said at least one panel (20) comprising a longitudinal edge (22) which is fixed to the engine pylon (14) by hinges (25) which define a third axis (C) of pivoting of the panel, from a closed position in which it extends around the turbomachine (14) to an open position in which it is spaced from the turbomachine (14), said at least one panel (20) carrying at least one surface heat exchanger (26) which comprises a fluid circuit (26') connected to said fluidic system (18), characterized in that the fluid circuit (26') is connected to the fluidic system (18) by at least one rotating joint (30, 30') which is centered on the third axis (C) and which is connected by a first rigid tube (32) to the fluid circuit (26') and by a second rigid tube (34) to the fluidic system (18),this rotating articulation (30, 30') comprising a first member (42) rigidly fixed to the first tube (32), and a second member (44) rigidly fixed to the second tube (34), the first and second members (42, 44) being assembled so as to be able to rotate relative to each other around the third axis (C) and to ensure fluid communication between the first and second tubes (32, 34) whatever the position of the first and second members (42, 44) around the third axis (C)., 2. Propulsion assembly (10) according to claim 1, in which each of the first and second members (42, 44) comprises an internal passage (42a, 44a) in L of which a first end is connected to the corresponding tube (32, 34), and of which a second end is connected to the other member (44, 42).

3. Propulsion assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in which one of the first and second members (42, 44) comprises a male end piece (44b) which is engaged along the third axis (C) in a female end piece (42b) of the other of the first and second members (44, 42).

4. Propulsion assembly (10) according to claim 3, in which at least one seal or sealing means (54) is mounted between the male and female ends (42b, 44b).

5. Propulsion assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the fluid circuit (26') is connected to the fluidic system (18) by two rotating joints (30, 30') centered on the third axis (C), a first of these rotating joints (30) being connected to an inlet (26a) of said fluid circuit (26'), and a second (30') of these rotating joints being connected to a fluid outlet (26b) of said circuit (26').

6. Propulsion assembly (10) according to claim 5, in which the first and second rotating joints (30, 30') are spaced from each other.

7. Propulsion assembly (10) according to claim 5, in which the first and second rotating joints (30, 30') are joined together.

8. Propulsion assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one valve (33) is mounted between the fluidic system (18) and the second rigid tube (34) of the or each rotating joint (30, 30').

9. Propulsion assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the fluid circuit (26') is connected to the fluidic system (18) by at least one double rotating joint (30a, 30b) which comprises: - the first rigid tube (32) extending between the fluid circuit (26') and the first member (42) of a first articulation (30a), - the second rigid tube (34) extending between the second member (44) of the first articulation (30a) and a third member (46) rigidly fixed to one end of this second tube (34), and - a third rigid tube (36) extending between the fluidic system (18) and a fourth member (48) rigidly fixed to one end of this third tube (36), the third and fourth members (46, 48) forming a second rotating articulation (30b) and being assembled so as to be able to rotate relative to each other around a fourth axis parallel to the third axis (C) and to ensure fluid communication between the second and third tubes (34, 36) whatever the position of the third and fourth members (46, 48) around the fourth axis.

10. Propulsion assembly (10) according to claim 5, wherein said at least one panel (20) comprises an internal concave surface on which said at least one exchanger (26) is located.

11. Propulsion assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which said plane (P) in which the first and second axes extend is vertical or inclined relative to the vertical.

12. Propulsion assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which said fluid circuit (26') is an oil circuit or a coolant circuit.

13. Propulsion assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cowling (16) comprises two panels (20) of generally semi-circular shape which extend on either side of said main axis, each of these panels has an upper (22) and lower (24) longitudinal edge, the upper longitudinal edge of the or each panel is fixed by the hinges (25).

14. Propulsion assembly (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the other of the panels (20) carries another heat exchanger or another type of fluidic equipment.

15. Propulsion assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the or each panel (20) has a generally semi-circular shape.

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