IMPROVED LIQUID-SUPPLY TURBOMACHINE HOUSING

Abstract

The invention relates to a turbomachine casing (10) configured to contain liquid, comprising, inside the casing, a liquid suction member (12) intended to suction liquid present in the casing under the action of a liquid pumping device.The suction device comprises a vertically oriented pendulum having two opposing ends, upper (12a) and lower (12b). The pendulum is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation (14) attached to the housing (10) and passing through the upper end (12a). The pendulum is configured so that its center of gravity is located closer to the lower end (12b) than to the upper end (12a) of the pendulum, enabling it to orient itself vertically by rotation about the axis of rotation (14) under the effect of gravity when the housing is inclined at a radial angle relative to the axis of rotation of the pendulum. The pendulum includes a liquid suction point (12b1) located near the lower end (12b). (See Fig. 1 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: IMPROVED LIQUID-INDUCTION TURBOMACHINE HOUSING technical field

[0001] The present description relates to a turbomachine casing configured to contain liquid and which includes a liquid suction device. Previous technique

[0002] In the aeronautical industry, turbomachine housings capable of containing a liquid are found. This liquid, sometimes called working fluid (for example, oil), is drawn from the housing to be conveyed to a point of use.

[0003] These housings can be, for example, reservoirs, mechanical power transmission housings...

[0004] In aircraft, the orientation of housings configured to contain liquid is generally likely to vary depending on the different flight attitudes of the aircraft. For this reason, turbomachine housings are generally equipped with several suction points arranged inside these housings so as to be able to draw in liquid for most aircraft flight attitudes and, in particular, for extreme attitudes involving rotational or translational accelerations in multiple directions.

[0005] However, the presence of several suction points in a turbomachine housing configured to contain liquid generally necessitates a dedicated pump for each suction point. Thus, the more liquid suction points there are in the housing, the more complex and cumbersome the liquid circuit becomes due to the various pumping points and piping required.

[0006] Furthermore, since the fluid intake points are generally arranged to cover the extreme flight attitudes of the aircraft, the fluid volume in the sump (retention volume) for intermediate attitudes can be significant. It is therefore necessary to increase the quantity of fluid (e.g., oil) in the sump to address this situation.

[0007] In view of the foregoing, it is proposed to remedy at least one of the disadvantages presented above by means of a turbomachine casing configured to contain liquid and equipped with a liquid suction device adapted to overcome the disadvantages described above. Description of the invention

[0008] The invention thus relates to a turbomachine casing configured to contain liquid, comprising, inside the casing, at least one liquid suction device which is intended to draw liquid from the crankcase under the action of a liquid pumping device, characterized in that said at least one liquid suction member comprises a vertically oriented pendulum having two opposite upper and lower ends, the pendulum being mounted freely to rotate about a principally horizontal axis of rotation attached to the crankcase and passing through the upper end of the pendulum, the pendulum being configured to have a center of gravity located closer to the lower end than to the upper end of the pendulum so as to be able to orient itself vertically by rotation about the axis of rotation, under the effect of gravity, when the crankcase is inclined along a radial angular orientation relative to the axis of rotation of the pendulum, the pendulum comprising at least one liquid suction point located near the lower end of the pendulum.

[0009] This pendulum suction device, or pendulum, ensures that, for all flight attitudes of an aircraft equipped with such a turbomachine casing, a low suction point is always in contact with the liquid thanks to the natural orientation of the pendulum under the effect of gravity. This low suction point is therefore naturally located in the part of the casing where the liquid has also moved under the effect of gravity during the casing's tilt, in order to be immersed in the liquid accumulated in that part. The volume of liquid in the casing can thus be optimized and, consequently, reduced compared to the prior art, since the suction device positions itself by following the liquid's movement within the casing. It should be noted that the low suction point is generally located near the bottom of the casing by design, both in terms of the arrangement of the suction device within the casing and the device itself.The suction device is mounted "free to rotate" around the axis of rotation, meaning it is free to rotate around this axis, which is fixed to the housing, when the latter changes orientation in a plane perpendicular to the axis. The liquid pumping device is generally external to the housing and separate from it.

[0010] According to other possible characteristics: -the pendulum is mounted and guided to rotate around its axis of rotation; -the mounting of the pendulum around the axis of rotation includes a sealing device between the axis of rotation and the pendulum; -the casing has a predominantly vertical wall from which the axis of rotation of the pendulum extends perpendicularly and away from the wall, the pendulum thus being able to move in rotation around the axis of rotation in a predominantly vertical manner; -the pendulum includes an internal liquid suction channel which extends from said at least one liquid suction point to the upper end of the pendulum, the axis of rotation including an internal passage which communicates fluidly with the internal channel of the pendulum; -at least one suction point is located at the lower end of the pendulum; -the said at least one suction point includes at least one suction hole which is formed in one face of the pendulum; -the face of the pendulum in which said at least one suction hole is formed opens at the lower end of the pendulum opposite the axis of rotation; -the pendulum comprises a front face, an opposite rear face oriented opposite the wall of the casing, two opposite lateral faces and an end face substantially perpendicular to the front, lateral and rear faces of the pendulum, said at least one suction hole being formed in the front face and / or in one and / or the other of the two opposite lateral faces and / or in the end face of the pendulum; -the casing includes a resistive force device which is configured to introduce a mechanical or fluidic resistive force during a rotational movement of the pendulum relative to the casing; -the crankcase is chosen from a power transmission housing and a tank.

[0011] The invention also applies to an aircraft comprising a turbine housing configured to contain liquid as briefly described above. Such an aircraft may be an airplane, a helicopter, a multi-rotor aircraft, a drone, etc. Brief description of the drawings

[0012] Other features and advantages of the subject matter of this presentation will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0013] [Fig-1] The [Fig. 1] is a partial schematic general view of a pendulum liquid container according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0014] [Fig. 2A-2C] Figures 2A-2C represent, in enlarged schematic front view, different possible positions of the pendulum of the [Fig.l] respectively when the casing is in normal position, for a first extreme flight attitude and for a second extreme flight attitude;

[0015] [Fig. 3A-3C] Figures 3A-3C are enlarged partial schematic views in cross-section of the assembly of the upper end of the pendulum on the axis of rotation respectively according to three embodiments;

[0016] [Fig. 4A-4C] Figures 4A-4C are schematic perspective views tivement of the pendulum of [Fig.1], of another pendulum configuration with front suction hole and of another pendulum configuration with front suction hole;

[0017] [Fig. 5A-5C] Figures 5A-5C are schematic cross-sectional views respectively of the pendulum in figures 4A-4C;

[0018] [Fig.6] Fig.6 illustrates a pendulum configuration according to another mode of rea- publication of the invention;

[0019] [Fig. 7A-7B] Figures 7A-7B are schematic views respectively in perspective and axial section of a pendulum turbomachine housing according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0020] [Fig.8] Fig.8 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a double-ended system turbomachine casing and double pendulum according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0021] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is a partial schematic axial cross-sectional view of an improved configuration suction-hole pendulum;

[0022] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a schematic front view of another pendulum configuration. Detailed description

[0023] As shown in [Fig. 1] and designated by the general reference numeral 10, a turbomachine casing configured to contain liquid, in particular a working liquid such as oil, includes within the casing a liquid intake 12 comprising a pendulum having a vertical orientation (under the effect of gravity) along a predominantly vertical wall 10a, here a rear wall, of the container. It should be noted that the casing or container 10 is here mounted on board an aircraft.

[0024] The pendulum-shaped suction member 12 (also called a pendulum suction member, pendulum member or pendulum) has a generally elongated shape and has two opposite ends arranged along its length, namely: - an upper end 12a which is mounted to rotate freely around an axis of rotation or pivoting 14 substantially or mainly horizontal linked to the housing; the axis 14 is here more particularly linked to the wall 10a and extends substantially or mainly perpendicularly to the latter and away from it; - and an opposite lower end 12b which is positioned near a wall 10b of the housing, adjacent to the bottom wall 10a and which is here perpendicular to the latter. At least one suction point 12bl ([Fig.l]) is arranged in the lower part of the pendulum, near the lower end 12b, here at the lower end itself, so as to be able to draw liquid from the housing when this suction point is immersed in the liquid.

[0025] The wall 10b is here a lower wall of the housing which is arranged opposite an upper wall 10c also positioned adjacent to the bottom wall 10a and at a distance from the lower wall 10b so as to define the height of the housing between the lower wall 10b and the upper wall 10c. A front wall of the housing, not shown, has been omitted for clarity. The lower wall 10b has a generally curved shape (as does the upper wall 10c) which, in Figures 1 and 2A, takes on the appearance of a basin whose bottom or lowest part is that near which the lower end 12b of the pendulum is naturally positioned in this position / orientation of the casing. For another position / orientation of the casing, as will be seen in Figures 2B and 2C, the lower end 12b of the pendulum is positioned near another part of the lower wall 10b.

[0026] The pendulum 12 has a conformation such that its center of gravity is located in the lower part of the pendulum, at a distance from the upper end 12a and, more specifically, closer to the lower end 12b than to the upper end of the pendulum. As shown in Figures 2A-C, the pendulum 12 has a cross-section that widens towards the lower end 12b in order to concentrate most of the pendulum's mass towards its lower part, which will naturally favor the vertical orientation of the pendulum under the effect of gravity. The part of the pendulum 12 that is located below the upper end 12a (which is hub-shaped) and extends to the lower end 12b has a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front (as in Figure 2A). Generally, the pendulum must be as light as possible in order to limit as much as possible the mass carried on board the aircraft.Pendulum 12, for example, here has the general shape of a keyhole, but the shape of the pendulum's outline can of course vary, as we will see later.

[0027] In general, the pendulum 12, which is able to pivot freely around the axis of rotation 14 fixed to the housing 10 and to move substantially or mainly parallel to the wall 10a (here vertical), can adopt the different positions illustrated in figures 2A-C according to the different positions / orientations adopted by the housing according to the different flight attitudes of the aircraft.

[0028] The lower wall 10b of the housing has a generally concave shape (e.g., bowl-shaped) which reduces the volume of liquid present in the housing compared to a flat bottom. Furthermore, the configuration of the pendulum 12, in particular its length, the position of the pendulum 12 relative to the axis of rotation 14, and the various rotational positions it can adopt depending on the different movements of the housing, are defined jointly with the shape of the lower wall 10b so that the lower end 12b of the pendulum can move freely near this wall during the various movements, remaining as close to it as possible in order to draw liquid through the pendulum's lowest suction point(s), even if the volume of liquid in the housing is relatively small.It should be noted that the rotation / pivoting amplitude of the pendulum 12 is limited, firstly, by the different flight attitudes of the aircraft, which result in limited amplitude movements of the housing, and secondly, by the internal dimensions of the housing. The pendulum 12 can, of course, be arranged in a part of the housing where the internal dimensions offer a greater amplitude of angular movement.

[0029] Thus, Figure 2A represents the casing 10 in its normal flight position with the pendulum 12 in its normal position, denoted '12(PN)', and oriented vertically above the axis of rotation 14, under the effect of its own weight (gravity). The other pendulum positions used in Figures 2B and 2C are also shown for comparison purposes in order to appreciate the possible angular amplitude of movement relative to the internal environment of the casing.

[0030] In Figure 2B, the container 10 has changed orientation following a change in the aircraft's flight attitude, for example, following a bank to perform a turn. In this extreme flight attitude position, denoted PE1, where the housing 10 has tilted to the right of the figure, the pendulum 12 is still oriented vertically above the axis of rotation 14, under the effect of gravity (as a result of an adapted rotation around the axis 14), but it adopts the position denoted '12(PE1)' relative to the housing.

[0031] Similarly, when the housing 10 changes orientation and tilts to the left as shown in Figure 2C, following an extreme opposite position of flight attitude of the aircraft denoted PE2, the pendulum 12 adopts the position denoted '12(PE2)' relative to the housing, again by natural orientation of the pendulum under the effect of gravity and by rotation around the axis 14.

[0032] As already mentioned above, the lower end 12b of the pendulum 12 moves along the concave lower wall 10b according to changes in the orientation / angular position of the housing. This allows the lower end 12b to remain as close as possible to the lower wall 10b over time, thus increasing the probability of remaining immersed in the liquid present in the housing, which also follows the movements of the latter.

[0033] As shown in [Fig. 1], the pendulum 12 includes an internal suction channel 12c extending along almost the entire length of the pendulum, from the lower end 12b, equipped with its suction inlet 12bl, to the upper end 12a of the pendulum, where the latter is pivotally mounted about the axis of rotation 14. The axis of rotation 14, also hollow, includes an internal passage 14a which, although not shown in [Fig. 1], communicates fluidly with the internal suction channel 12c of the pendulum (this arrangement will, however, be illustrated in other figures described later). The internal suction channel 12c opens here at the lower part, at the suction inlet 12b, but it can alternatively open laterally relative to the lower end 12b.The shape of the internal suction channel 12c can be adapted to facilitate liquid flow according to the geometries of the surrounding parts. Note that a strainer can be added to the pendulum if filtration is required.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the housing 10 includes a suction conduit 16 fixed to the bottom wall 10a and running along it from an end 16a fixed to the axis of rotation 14. The inside of the suction line 16 thus communicates with the internal passage 14a of the axis of rotation 14. A suction device (not shown) separate from the housing such as a liquid pumping device (e.g. pump) is for example connected to an opposite end not shown of the suction line 16 in order to draw / take liquid present in the housing via respectively the suction hole 12bl, the internal channel 12c, the internal passage 14a and the suction line 16.

[0035] Figures 3A-C illustrate three possible mounting configurations of the pendulum 12 around the axis of rotation 14, allowing the pendulum to be mounted with rotational guidance around the axis, while ensuring a seal between this axis and the pendulum. Other sealing devices, not shown, can be used alternatively. Generally, the technological choices for implementing these guidance and sealing functions depend on the application and its specific characteristics: available space, target service life, temperatures, tilting speed, etc. Before describing the examples in Figures 3A-C, it should be noted that, generally, the rotational guidance function can be achieved by bearings, plain bearings, or simple sliding centering. Similarly, the sealing function can be achieved by lip seals, which may or may not be integrated into bearings, by O-rings, or by labyrinth seals.

[0036] Figure 3A illustrates a first embodiment in which the upper end 12a of the pendulum is drilled through its thickness and fitted onto the rotation axis 14 until it abuts against a radial shoulder 14b of this axis, located at one end of the latter. This shoulder may be part of the housing, in particular the wall 10a. A retaining ring 14c is, for example, mounted radially around the second opposite end of the axis 14 to ensure the rotational guidance of the upper end 12a and to axially secure the latter (in order to prevent it from coming off the axis 14). A sealing device is provided between the upper end 12a and the rotation axis 14 in the form of two O-rings J1, J2 arranged around the axis 14 and spaced apart.More specifically, the upper end 12a has a hub shape with two spaced internal annular grooves 12al, 12a2 arranged on the inner face of the hub opposite the axis 14, extending from the wall of the pendulum that surrounds the internal channel 12c (on either side of it in Figure 3A). The two O-rings J1, J2 are placed in the two respective grooves 12al, 12a2 to ensure the pendulum-axis of rotation assembly remains sealed when liquid flows through the pendulum during suction, despite possible rotational movements of the pendulum relative to the axis 14 (and the housing). As shown in Figure 3A, two radial openings 01, 02 diamé . trally opposites are made in the wall of the axis of rotation in order to put the inside of the axis in communication with the internal pipe 12c.

[0037] Figure 3B illustrates a second embodiment for the connection between the pendulum and the housing in which the axis of rotation 14 remains unchanged, but the configuration of the upper end 12a' of the pendulum 12' has been modified. The two internal annular grooves of Figure 3A have been replaced by two friction rings B1, B2 interposed between the external surface of the axis 14 and the internal surface of the hub-shaped upper end 12a'. Both rings B1, B2 are provided with an external shoulder located outside the upper end 12a', between the shoulder 14b and the upper end 12a' for ring B1, and between the ring 14c and the upper end 12a' for ring B2.

[0038] Figure 3C illustrates a third embodiment for the connection between the pendulum and the housing in which the configuration of the rotation axis 14' and the upper end 12a' of the pendulum 12' of Figure 3B have been modified. More specifically, the two rings B1, B2 of Figure 3B have been replaced by two sealed bearings R1, R2 and the retaining ring 14c has been replaced by a nut 14c'. The rotation axis 14' has been modified to incorporate at its end the thread required for the nut 14c' and the upper end 12a' now incorporates two internal shoulders to ensure axial retention of the outer rings of the bearings.

[0039] Figures 4A-C illustrate three possible pendulum configurations and Figures 5A-C illustrate, through longitudinal sections, the three corresponding internal configurations of the same pendulum.

[0040] The pendulum in Figures 4A and 5A is the one already described with reference to the preceding figures. It has a single suction point formed by a suction hole 12b located at the lower end 12b, in line with the internal channel 12c and communicating with it. As will be seen below, the position and number of suction points or holes can vary.

[0041] Generally, the pendulum 12 may have several faces, one of which, called the rear face, is oriented opposite the wall 10a of the container where the axis of rotation is fixed. The suction point(s) or hole(s) with which the pendulum is provided are not located on this rear face (12d in [Fig. 1]) because its proximity to the wall 10a would impair efficient liquid suction. The pendulum has, for example, a front face 12e, opposite the rear face 12d, two opposing lateral faces 12f, 12g, and an end face 12h substantially perpendicular to the other faces and located at the lower end 12b.

[0042] In the example of figures 4A and 5A, the suction point or hole 12b 1 is formed in the end face 12h and is thus directed towards the lower wall 10b ([Fig.l]).

[0043] In the example of Figures 4B and 5B, the 12” pendulum has a single point suction formed by a suction hole 12bl” located in the front face 12e”, near the lower end 12b” (the suction hole 12b 1” thus opens externally into the front face 12e”, opposite the axis of rotation 14). This suction hole 12b 1” opens internally into the internal channel 12c” (fig. 5B) with which it communicates fluidly.

[0044] In the example of figures 4C and 5C, the pendulum 12'” has three suction points or holes 12bl'”, 12b2'”, 12b3'” formed respectively in the front faces 12e'' and the opposite lateral faces 12f' ”, 12g'' near the lower end 12b'”. Each hole opens internally into the internal channel 12c'' (fig. 5C) with which it communicates fluidly.

[0045] It should be noted that other arrangements of suction holes are alternatively conceivable, in particular with a different number, shapes and dimensions. The suction hole(s) or orifice(s) may also differ in combination with a modification of the shape of the pendulum.

[0046] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 6], the 12” pendulum of Figures 4B and 5B further comprises a resistive force device configured to introduce a fluidic resistive force during a rotational movement of the pendulum relative to the housing. Such a device prevents pendulum swing phenomena in the event of high accelerations or excitation phenomena by introducing a resistive force which, in this case, is generated by fluid friction between the liquid (e.g., oil) of the housing and the pendulum during the latter's movement, thus slowing the pendulum.

[0047] This device here takes the form of a longitudinal rib 12i” arranged on the front face 12e’” above the suction hole 12bl” and aligned with the longitudinal extension of the pendulum. The two large opposite faces of the rib extend in a vertical plane containing the direction of the pendulum's axis of rotation. Alternatively, another configuration or shape of pendulum adapted to dampen its motion in the liquid may be used.

[0048] As an alternative (not shown), a mechanical resistive force device, i.e., one capable of generating a mechanical resistive force to brake the rotational movement of the pendulum in the pendulum-axis of rotation assembly, may be considered. This could, for example, be O-rings such as those in Figure 3A or another type of mechanical device capable of generating mechanical friction during the rotational movement of the pendulum.

[0049] The housing 10 is, for example, here a power transmission unit comprising various gears E1 to E4 engaged in mechanical cooperation with each other, as shown in Figures 1 and 2A-C, and which are each capable of rotating around an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the pendulum. It should be noted that, in the example shown in the figures, the pendulum 12 is arranged between two consecutive gears E2 and E3 and the possible angular amplitude of its movement is limited by the two axes on which these two gears are mounted to rotate, as illustrated by the two extreme positions '12(PE2)' and '12(PE1)' of figure 2A. The power transmission housing 10 has in front view (partially shown in figure 2A) a general banana or bean shape well known from the prior art.

[0050] The turbomachine housing can be a liquid reservoir 20 according to another embodiment, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0051] The pendulum suction device or pendulum 12 is identical to that of [Fig. 1] for the sake of simplicity, but its shape may of course vary. The different configurations described above also apply to the reservoir 20 except in cases of incompatibility, particularly due to differences in the shape of the housings. The reservoir here has a general disc shape, the bottom wall 20a of which, here circular, includes the axis of rotation 14 and against which the pendulum 12 is mounted for rotation about this axis. The reservoir 20 includes a wall 20b adjacent to the bottom wall 20a and extending peripherally relative to the latter, here in the form of an annular band. The front wall 20c of the reservoir opposite the bottom wall 20a is, for example, shown as a transparent wall, although it may be opaque or partially transparent.

[0052] As shown in the axial cross-sectional view of Figure 7B passing through the axis of rotation 14, an external suction line 22 extends along the outer face of the bottom wall 20a (external to the reservoir). The axis of rotation 14 passes through this wall so as to connect the interior of the pendulum 12 (internal channel 12c) with the interior of the suction line 22 via the internal passage 14a.

[0053] Fig. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment in which a system 30 is formed of two turbomachine housings each configured to contain liquid with a pendulum or pendulum suction device in each of them (double pendulum system).

[0054] More particularly, the system 30 comprises the housing 10 with the pendulum 12 of [Fig. 1] (oil transmission housing) and the housing 20 with the pendulum 12 of Figures 7A-B (oil reservoir) backed against the container 10 by means of a common wall 32. The two pendulums 12 present in the two housings are both mounted for rotation on the same axis of rotation 34 passing through the thickness of the common bottom wall 32 to which it is fixed and are thus arranged opposite each other, on either side of the wall 32. The axis of rotation 34 is traversed by an internal passage which is separated into two portions 34a, 34b by a central separating partition 34c.

[0055] Two suction pipes 36, 38 fixed respectively to the two opposite faces of the common bottom wall 32 each communicate with an internal passage portion 34a, 34b of the rotation axis 34 which itself communicates with the internal channeling of the pendulum concerned.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the left pendulum 12 draws oil from the casing 10 and the right pendulum 12 draws oil from the casing 20 (reservoir) to convey it to a lubrication system. More specifically, the oil drawn into the crankcase 10 by the pendulum 12 on the left flows through the pipe 36, then through a pump and an exchanger (not shown) located downstream of the pipe 36, before being introduced into the reservoir 20. The oil from the reservoir 20 is then drawn by the pendulum 12 on the right, flows through the pipe 38, then through an oil pump and injector located downstream of the pipe 38 before being injected into the crankcase 10. Thus, a first stage of the pump draws the oil from the crankcase 10 and injects it into the reservoir 20, and a second stage of the pump draws the oil from the reservoir 20 and injects it into the crankcase 10.A cooling device may be present in the loop to dissipate heat.

[0057] Figure 9 illustrates a possible configuration of a suction hole tl formed in the end face of the pendulum, such as that shown in Figures 4A-5A. In a longitudinal cross-sectional view, the suction hole tl has a generally flared shape extending from the internal channel 12c of the pendulum outwards. More specifically, the generally flared shape may include a flared conical portion tl1 connecting the hole to the internal channel 12c, and then a rounded terminal portion tl2 joining the end face of the pendulum, where the hole opens onto the outside of the pendulum. It should be noted that the angle and length of the conical portion tl1, as well as the radius of the rounded terminal portion tl2, can be adapted as required. The shape of the suction hole described above promotes oil collection by the pendulum by allowing better oil flow thanks to the shapes of portions tl 1 and 112.The described form can also be applied in whole or in part to other pendulums on which the suction hole(s) are arranged differently.

[0058] Figure 10 illustrates a possible configuration of a pendulum P having a more refined shape compared to the pendulums in the preceding figures in order to reduce the mass carried. Everything described above with respect to the other pendulums can also be applied to the pendulum in Figure 10 and vice versa.

[0059] The pendulum P comprises two opposing ends Pa (upper) and Pb (lower) connected to each other by a body Pc. The upper end Pa is mounted articulated about an axis not shown, like the pendulum 12 of [Fig. 1]. The body Pc comprises an internal channel c, like the channel 12c of the pendulum 12 of [Fig. 1], and opens into a suction hole t2, which is similar to hole 12b (it should be noted, however, that the hole may take the form of hole t1 of [Fig. 9] and / or that other suction holes can be arranged in the lower end (Pb).

[0060] The distinctive feature of pendulum P lies in its thinner profile compared to previous pendulums, particularly at its upper end Pa and at its body Pc. Conversely, the lower end Pb forms a substantial protrusion relative to the rest of the pendulum, thus concentrating a large portion of the pendulum's weight in its lower section. The lower end Pb has a convex end face (the face where the suction hole opens) that generally conforms to the shape of the bottom of the housing (it should be noted that the pendulums in the preceding figures may alternatively have such an end face). More specifically, the lower end Pb may have a flared shape towards the end face. For example, the lower end Pb has the shape of an angular sector in a longitudinal cross-section.

[0061] By way of example, an aircraft incorporating any of the housings described above is an airplane. Alternatively, it could be a helicopter. On a helicopter, one of the housings with a pendulum-type suction device according to any of the embodiments described above can be applied to a reduction gear such as the one located between the turbine and the main gearbox.

[0062] Generally, a turbomachine housing with a pendulum suction device or pendulum according to the invention (the pendulum is mounted to rotate freely around an axis of rotation fixed to the housing so as to orient itself naturally by gravity as it rotates around the axis, thanks to the offset of its center of gravity towards the lower part of the pendulum, so that the lowest suction / sampling point(s) of this pendulum can always be located in the part of the housing where the liquid is found) makes it possible to reduce the number of pumping points required to draw the liquid regardless of the aircraft's flight attitude. The pumping device required to draw the liquid is therefore lighter and more compact.

[0063] Furthermore, the volume of fluid retained in the crankcase can be reduced as explained above since the pendulum is naturally positioned vertically under the action of gravity, with the lower suction point(s) of this pendulum in the crankcase fluid. This thus makes it possible to reduce the aging of the working fluid (e.g., oil) and to reduce the size of the crankcase, particularly the reservoir.

Claims

Demands

1. Turbomachine casing (10) configured to contain liquid, comprising, inside the casing (10), at least one liquid suction member (12) intended to suction liquid present in the casing under the action of a liquid pumping device, characterized in that said at least one liquid suction member comprises a vertically oriented pendulum having two opposite upper (12a) and lower (12b) ends, the pendulum being mounted to rotate freely about a predominantly horizontal axis of rotation (14) connected to the casing (10) and passing through the upper end (12a) of the pendulum, the pendulum being configured to have a center of gravity located closer to the lower end (12b) than to the upper end (12a) of the pendulum so as to be able to orient itself vertically by rotation about the axis of rotation (14), under the effect of gravity,when the housing is inclined along a radial angular orientation relative to the axis of rotation of the pendulum, the pendulum comprising at least one liquid suction point (12bl; 12bl”; 12bl”', 12b2”', 12b3’”) disposed near the lower end (12b) of the pendulum, the housing comprising a resistive force device (12i”) which is configured to introduce a mechanical or fluidic resistive force during a rotational movement of the pendulum relative to the housing.

2. Turbomachine housing (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pendulum (12) is mounted guided in rotation about its axis of rotation (14).

3. Turbomachine housing (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the mounting of the pendulum around the axis of rotation comprises a sealing device (Jl, J2; Bl, B2; RI, R2) between the axis of rotation (14) and the pendulum (12).

4. Turbomachine housing (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing comprises a predominantly vertical wall (10a) from which the axis of rotation (14) of the pendulum extends perpendicularly and away from the wall, the pendulum thus being able to move in rotation around the axis of rotation in a predominantly vertical manner.

5. A turbomachine housing (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pendulum comprises an internal liquid suction channel (12c) extending from said at least one point liquid suction (12b 1; 12bl”; 12bl'”, 12b2'”, 12b3'”) up to the upper end (12a) of the pendulum, the axis of rotation (14) comprising an internal passage (14a) which communicates fluidly with the internal channel of the pendulum (12c).

6. Turbomachine housing (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said at least one suction point (12bl; 12bl”; 12bl’”, 12b2’”, 12b3’’) is disposed at the lower end (12b) of the pendulum.

7. Turbomachine housing (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said at least one suction point (12bl; 12bl”; 12bl’”, 12b2’”, 12b3’’) comprises at least one suction hole which is formed in a face of the pendulum.

8. Turbomachine housing (10) according to claims 4 and 7, characterized in that the face of the pendulum in which said at least one suction hole is formed opens at the lower end of the pendulum opposite the axis of rotation (14).

9. Turbomachine housing (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the pendulum comprises a front face (12e), an opposite rear face (12d) oriented opposite the wall (10a) of the container, two opposite lateral faces (12f, 12g) and an end face (12h) substantially perpendicular to the front, lateral and rear faces of the pendulum, said at least one suction hole (12bl; 12bl”; 12bl”’, 12b2’”, 12b3’”) being formed in the front face and / or in one and / or the other of the two opposite lateral faces and / or in the end face of the pendulum.

10. Turbomachine housing (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the housing is selected from a power transmission housing (10) and a tank (20).

11. Aircraft, characterized in that it comprises a turbomachine casing (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images