Triple-skin duct, aircraft comprising at least one such triple-skin duct

Abstract

Triple-skin duct, aircraft comprising at least one such triple-skin duct The invention relates to a triple-skin duct (10) comprising: a main section (12) which comprises internal, intermediate and external tubes (34, 40, 46) extended respectively by internal, intermediate and external end pieces (36, 42, 48), at least one connector (14) which comprises a through-hole (20) as well as junction tubes (22, 24) which surround the through-hole (20) and face at least one surface of the internal, intermediate and external end pieces (36, 42, 48), at least one first sealing system inserted between the internal end piece (36) and one of the junction tubes of the connector (14), at least one second sealing system inserted between the intermediate end piece (42) and one of the junction tubes of the connector (14), at least one third sealing system inserted between the external end piece (48) and one of the connector junction tubes (14).The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one triple-skin duct. Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Triple-skin duct, aircraft comprising at least one such triple-skin duct

[0001] The present application relates to a triple-skin duct as well as to an aircraft comprising at least one such triple-skin duct.

[0002] According to one embodiment, an aircraft powered by hydrogen comprises at least one hydrogen tank as well as hydrogen pipes connecting the hydrogen tank to hydrogen turbojets or to fuel cells powering electric motors.

[0003] These hydrogen pipes must be configured to convey hydrogen in liquid form, at a temperature of around -270°C, and be perfectly sealed to avoid any contact between the hydrogen and the oxygen.

[0004] According to one embodiment, the hydrogen is conveyed in double-skinned conduits each comprising an outer tube and an inner tube positioned in the outer tube, a first connector to which the inner and outer tubes are rigidly connected, a second connector which has a junction tube inserted between the inner and outer tubes as well as seals inserted between the junction tube and the inner and outer tubes to ensure a seal between the junction tube and the inner and outer tubes. Thus, the second connector is not connected to the inner and outer tubes by a rigid connection, but by a connection which allows slight rotational movements along three axes and a translational movement between the second connector and the inner and outer tubes. This connection makes it possible to compensate for possible deformation and / or expansion phenomena between the first and second connectors.

[0005] The present invention aims to reinforce the sealing of a double-skinned conduit.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a triple-skin conduit comprising: a. a main section which includes: i. an internal tube extended by at least one first internal end piece having internal and external surfaces, ii. an intermediate tube extended by at least one first intermediate end piece having inner and outer surfaces, iii. an outer tube extended by at least one first outer end piece having inner and outer surfaces, b. at least one connector which has a through-hole and junction tubes, which surround the through-hole, positioned one inside the other, each of the junction tubes having a portion which faces at least an inner or outer surface of the first internal, intermediate and external ends of the main section, c. at least one first sealing system interposed between the inner or outer surface of the first internal end piece and one of the connector junction tubes, d. at least one second sealing system inserted between the inner or outer surface of the first intermediate end piece and one of the connector's junction tubes, e. at least one third sealing system interposed between the inner or outer surface of the first external end piece and one of the connector junction tubes.

[0007] According to the invention, a triple-skinned conduit comprises three sealing systems in series between the inside of the inner tube and the outside of the outer tube, which contributes to increasing safety compared to a double-skinned conduit.

[0008] According to another characteristic, the connector comprises only first and second junction tubes.

[0009] According to another characteristic, the first junction tube is positioned inside the first internal end piece or the second junction tube is positioned outside the first external end piece.

[0010] According to another characteristic, the connector comprises a first junction tube positioned inside the first internal end piece as well as a second junction tube positioned between the first intermediate and external end pieces.

[0011] According to another characteristic, the main section comprises first and second internal end pieces extending the internal tube on either side, first and second intermediate end pieces extending the intermediate tube on either side, first and second external end pieces extending the external tube on either side. In addition, the triple-skin conduit comprises a first connector cooperating with the first internal, intermediate and external end pieces of the main section as well as a second connector cooperating with the second internal, intermediate and external end pieces of the main section.

[0012] According to another characteristic, the main section comprises at least two junction walls connecting two by two the internal, intermediate and external tubes and / or the internal, intermediate and external end pieces.

[0013] According to another characteristic, the main conduit comprises at least one first junction wall, connecting the intermediate and external end pieces, which has an inner edge connected to the intermediate end piece and an outer edge connected to the external end piece as well as at least one second junction wall, connecting the internal and intermediate end pieces, which has an inner edge connected to the internal end piece and an outer edge connected to the intermediate tip.

[0014] According to another characteristic, the main section comprises second and third junction walls, connecting the internal and intermediate end pieces, spaced apart from each other.

[0015] According to another characteristic, each sealing system comprises two peripheral grooves spaced apart so as to delimit between them an annular groove as well as an O-ring housed at least partially in the annular groove and compressed between the main section and the connector.

[0016] According to another characteristic, the two peripheral grooves are integral with a junction tube of a connector.

[0017] According to another characteristic, each peripheral groove comprises a frustoconical or curved peripheral face, the diameter of the peripheral face decreasing or increasing as it moves away from the annular groove to allow angular movement between the main section and the connector.

[0018] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one triple-skin duct according to one of the preceding characteristics.

[0019] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings, among which:

[0020] [Fig. 1] is a longitudinal section of a triple-skinned conduit illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

[0021] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal section illustrating in detail zone ZII of [Fig. 1],

[0022] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the triple-skin duct visible in [Fig. 1] at the disassembled state,

[0023] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal section of a main section of the triple-skin duct visible in [Fig.l],

[0024] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the main section visible in [Fig.4] from a first end,

[0025] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the main section visible in [Fig.4] from a second end,

[0026] [Fig.7] is a longitudinal section of part of the main section visible on the [Fig.4] after a first assembly step,

[0027] [Fig.8] is a longitudinal section of a part of the main section visible on the [Fig.4] after a second assembly step,

[0028] [Fig.9] is a longitudinal section of part of the main section visible on the [Fig.4] after a third assembly step,

[0029] [Fig. 10] is a longitudinal section of a part of the main section visible in [Fig.4] after a fourth assembly step,

[0030] [Fig. 11] is a longitudinal section of a part of the main section visible in [Fig.4] after a fifth assembly step,

[0031] [Fig. 12] is a longitudinal section of the main section visible in [Fig.4] after a sixth assembly step.

[0032] According to an embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, a triple-skin duct 10 comprises a main section 12 which has an axis of revolution A12 and extends between first and second ends 12.1, 12.2 as well as first and second connectors 14, 16 which cooperate respectively with the first and second ends 12.1, 12.2 of the main section 12. The main section 12 is thus arranged between the first and second connectors 14, 16.

[0033] According to one application, an aircraft comprises at least one hydrogen supply system comprising at least one triple-skin conduit for channeling hydrogen.

[0034] For the remainder of the description, a longitudinal direction is parallel to the axis of revolution A12.

[0035] The first and second connectors 14, 16 are substantially identical.

[0036] Each of the first and second connectors 14, 16 comprises: a. a plate 18 which has a first surface Fl8 also called a support surface, a second surface F18' opposite the first surface Fl8 and oriented towards the main section 12 as well as a through hole 20 which opens at the level of the first and second surfaces F18, Fl8', b. a first junction tube 22 coaxial with the through-orifice 20, positioned around the latter projecting at least relative to the second surface F18' in the direction of the main section 12, c. a second junction tube 24 coaxial with the first junction tube 22, positioned around the latter projecting at least relative to the second surface Fl8' in the direction of the main section 12.

[0037] Each of the first and second connectors 14, 16 comprises at least one seal 26, 26' (visible in [Fig.l] only for the second connector 16), preferably two concentric seals 26, 26', located at the first surface F18. For each seal 26, 26', each of the first and second connectors 14, 16 has a groove 28, 28' (visible in [Fig.l] only for the second connector 16) hollow relative to the first surface F18, substantially coaxial with the through-orifice 20 and configured to partially house a seal 26, 26'. These seals 26, 26' have a sealing function between the first or second connector 14, 16 and an external device (not shown in the figures) to which the triple-skin conduit 10 is intended to be connected.

[0038] Each of the first and second junction tubes 22, 24 has an axis of revolution A22, A24 substantially perpendicular to the first surface F18. The axes of revolution A22, A24 are coincident, the first and second junction tubes 22, 24 being coaxial. The axes of revolution A22, A24 are coincident with the axis of revolution A12 of the main section 12 when the triple-skinned conduit 10 is assembled.

[0039] According to a configuration shown in [Fig. 1], the first junction tube 22 extends on either side of the plate 18 and has a first end 22.1 projecting relative to the second surface F18' as well as a second end 22.2 projecting relative to the first surface F18. According to another configuration not shown in the figures, the first junction tube 22 may extend only in the direction of the main section 12 and not be projecting relative to the first surface F18.

[0040] The second tube 24 has a first end 24.1 distant from the plate 18, the second end of the second tube 24 being connected to and merged with the plate 18.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first and second junction tubes 22, 24 have lengths (distances separating for each of them the first end 22.1, 24.1 from the plate 18) that are substantially identical. Of course, one of the first or second junction tubes 22, 24 could be longer or shorter than the other of the first or second junction tubes 22, 24.

[0042] Each of the first and second junction tubes 22, 24 comprises, at its first end 22.1, 24.1, a first or second head 30, 32 configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the main section 12.

[0043] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the first junction tube 22 comprises a substantially cylindrical internal surface 19 which has a diameter D22 (visible in [Fig. 1]) or a radius R22 (visible in [Fig. 2]) substantially equal to that of the through-orifice 20 as well as a substantially cylindrical external surface 21 outside the first head 30. At the first head 30, the first junction tube 22 comprises two peripheral protrusions 30.1, 30.2, projecting relative to the external surface 21, spaced apart (longitudinally along the axis of revolution A22) so as to delimit between them an annular groove 30.3 configured to at least partially house an O-ring 30.4. The first end 22.1, the two peripheral protrusions 30.1, 30.2 as well as the annular groove 30.3 form the first head 30 of the first junction tube 22. According to one arrangement, each peripheral protrusion 30.1, 30.2 comprises a peripheral face F30.1, F30.2 (the face of the peripheral protrusion 30.1, 30.2 furthest from the external surface 21 relative to the axis of revolution A22) frustoconical or curved, the diameter of the peripheral face F30.1, F30.2 decreasing as it moves away from the annular groove 30.3. More pre . Specifically, the peripheral face F30.1, F30.2 extends with an angle a relative to an axis Al parallel to the axis of revolution A22 (the angle a being arranged radially below the axis Al relative to the axis of revolution A22), the angle a being between 0.5° and 5°, preferably around 2°, in order to maintain degrees of freedom in rotation of the connector 14, 16 relative to the main section 12, and therefore in the triple-skin conduit 10.

[0044] The second junction tube 24 comprises a substantially cylindrical inner surface 23, outside the second head 32, which has an inner diameter D24 (visible in [Fig. 1]) or an inner radius R24 (visible in [Fig. 2]) as well as a substantially cylindrical outer surface 25, outside the second head 32, which has an outer diameter D24' (visible in [Fig. 1]) or an outer radius R24' (visible in [Fig. 2]). At the second head 32, the second junction tube 24 comprises: a. at its internal surface 23, two internal peripheral protrusions 32.1, 32.2, projecting relative to the internal surface 23, spaced apart (longitudinally along the axis of revolution A24) so ​​as to delimit between them an internal annular groove 32.3 configured to at least partially house an internal O-ring 32.4 and, b. at its external surface 25, two external peripheral protrusions 32.1', 32.2', projecting relative to the external surface 25, spaced apart (longitudinally along the axis of revolution A24) so ​​as to delimit between them an external annular groove 32.3' configured to at least partially house an external O-ring 32.4'.

[0045] The first end 24.1 of the second conduit 24, the internal and external peripheral protrusions 32.1, 32.2, 32.1', 32.2' as well as the internal and external annular grooves 32.3, 32.3' form the second head 32 of the second junction tube 24.

[0046] According to one arrangement, each internal peripheral protrusion 32.1, 32.2 comprises a peripheral face F32.1, F32.2 (the face of the internal peripheral protrusion 32.1, 32.2 closest to the axis of revolution A24) which is frustoconical or curved, the diameter of the peripheral face F32.1, F32.2 increasing as it moves away from the internal annular groove 32.3. More specifically, the inner peripheral face 32.1, 32.2 extends with an angle [3 relative to an axis A2 parallel to the axis of revolution A24 (the angle [3 being arranged radially above the axis A2 relative to the axis of revolution A24), the angle [3 being between 0.5° and 5°, preferably around 2°, in order to maintain degrees of freedom in rotation of the connector 14, 16 relative to the main section 12, and therefore in the triple-skinned conduit 10. In addition, each outer peripheral protrusion 32.1', 32.2' comprises a peripheral face F32.1', F32.2' (the face of the outer peripheral protrusion 32.1', 32.2' furthest from . the external surface 25 relative to the axis of revolution A24) frustoconical or curved, the diameter of the peripheral face F32.1', F32.2' decreasing as it moves away from the external annular groove 32.3. More precisely, the external peripheral face 32.1', 32.2' extends with an angle y relative to an axis A3 parallel to the axis of revolution A24 (the angle y being arranged radially below the axis A3 relative to the axis of revolution A24), the angle y being between 0.5° and 5°, preferably around 2°, in order to maintain degrees of freedom in rotation of the connector 14, 16 relative to the main section 12, and therefore in the triple-skinned conduit 10. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a connection which allows a slight angular movement between the first or second connector 14, 16 and the main section 12.

[0047] According to one embodiment, each of the first and second connectors 14, 16 is metallic and obtained by machining. Of course, the invention is not limited to this material and to this manufacturing technique.

[0048] As shown in [Fig.l], the main section 12 comprises an internal tube 34, which extends between first and second ends 34.1, 34.2, extended by a first internal end piece 36 secured to the first end 34.1 and by a second internal end piece 38 secured to the second end 34.2; an intermediate tube 40, which extends between first and second ends 40.1, 40.2, extended by a first intermediate end piece 42 secured to the first end 40.1 and by a second intermediate end piece 44 secured to the second end 40.2; as well as an external tube 46, which extends between first and second ends 46.1, 46.2, extended by a first external end piece 48 secured to the first end 46.1 and by a second external end piece 50 secured to the second end 46.2.

[0049] The inner, intermediate and outer tubes 34, 40, 46 are substantially coaxial. The inner tube 34 is arranged in the intermediate tube 40, which is itself arranged in the outer tube 46. In other words, the outer tube 46 is arranged around the intermediate tube 40, which is itself arranged around the inner tube 34. The main section 12 comprises spacers 52 for keeping the inner, intermediate and outer tubes 34, 40, 46 spaced apart. The number and positioning of the spacers 52 are determined as a function of the length of the inner, intermediate and outer tubes 34, 40, 46.

[0050] The internal tube 34 has an internal diameter substantially identical to that of the first junction tube 22.

[0051] The inner, intermediate and outer tubes 34, 40, 46 may be metallic or made of composite material.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first internal, intermediate and external end pieces 36, 42, 48 are distinct and substantially coaxial.

[0053] Each of the first internal, intermediate and external tips 36, 42, 48 comprises: a. a first tubular part 36.1, 42.1, 48.1 connected in a sealed manner to the first end 34.1, 40.1, 46.1 of the corresponding internal, intermediate or external tube 36, 40, 46, b. a second tubular part 36.2, 42.2, 48.2 which cooperates with the first or second head 30, 32 of the first or second junction tube 22, 24 of a first connector 14 and has an internal diameter greater than that of the first tubular part 36.1, 42.1, 48.1, c. an intermediate part 36.3, 42.3, 48.3, of generally frustoconical shape, connecting the first and second tubular parts 36.1, 36.2, 42.1, 42.2, 48.1, 48.2.

[0054] According to one configuration, the first head 30 of the first junction tube 22 of the first connector 14 is positioned inside the second tubular part 36.2 of the first internal end piece 36. In addition, the second head 32 of the second junction tube 24 of the same first connector 14 is interposed between the second tubular parts 42.2, 48.2 of the first intermediate and external end pieces 42, 48. For this purpose, the second tubular part 36.2 of the first internal end piece 36 has an inner surface adapted to allow the O-ring 30.4, supported by the first head 30, to slide in the longitudinal direction relative to said inner surface while being compressed between the second tubular part 36.2 of the first internal end piece 36 and the first head 30. The second tubular part 42.2 of the first intermediate end piece 42 has an outer surface adapted to allow the internal O-ring 32.4, supported by the second head 32, to slide in the longitudinal direction relative to said outer surface while being compressed between the second tubular part 42.2 of the first intermediate end piece 42 and the second head 32. The second tubular part 48.2 of the first outer end piece 48 has an inner surface adapted to allow the outer O-ring 32.4', supported by the second head 32, to slide in the longitudinal direction relative to said inner surface while being compressed between the second tubular part 48.2 of the first outer end piece 48 and the second head 32. .

[0055] According to one embodiment, the second internal, intermediate and external end pieces 38, 44, 40 are substantially coaxial and connected to each other so as to form a single piece.

[0056] Each of the second internal, intermediate and external end pieces 38, 44, 50 comprises: a. a first tubular part 38.1, 44.1, 50.1 connected in a sealed manner to the second end 34.2, 40.2, 46.2 of the corresponding internal, intermediate or external tube 36, 40, 46, b. a second tubular part 38.2, 44.2, 50.2 which cooperates with the first or second head 30, 32 of the first or second junction tube 22, 24 of a second connector 16 and has an internal diameter greater than that of the first tubular part 38.1, 44.1, 50.1, c. an intermediate part 38.3, 44.3, 50.3, of generally frustoconical shape, connecting the first and second tubular parts 38.1, 38.2, 44.1, 44.2, 50.1, 50.2.

[0057] According to a configuration visible in [Fig. 2], the first head 30 of the first junction tube 22 of the second connector 16 is positioned inside the second tubular part 38.2 of the second internal end piece 38. In addition, the second head 32 of the second junction tube 24 of the same second connector 16 is interposed between the second tubular parts 44.2, 50.2 of the second intermediate and external end pieces 44, 50. For this purpose, the second tubular part 38.2 of the second internal end piece 38 has an inner surface adapted to allow the O-ring 30.4, supported by the first head 30, to slide in the longitudinal direction relative to said inner surface while being compressed between the second tubular part 38.2 of the second internal end piece 38 and the first head 30. The second tubular part 44.2 of the second intermediate end piece 44 has an outer surface adapted to allow the internal o-ring 32.4, supported by the second head 32, to slide in the longitudinal direction relative to said outer surface while being compressed between the second tubular part 44.2 of the second intermediate end piece 44 and the second head 32. The second tubular part 50.2 of the second outer end piece 50 has an inner surface adapted to allow the outer O-ring 32.4', supported by the second head 32, to slide in the longitudinal direction relative to said inner surface while being compressed between the second tubular part 50.2 of the second outer end piece 50 and the second head 32. .

[0058] According to one embodiment, the main section 12 comprises at least one first annular-shaped connecting wall 54, connecting the intermediate and external end pieces 44, 50, which has an inner edge connected to the intermediate end piece 44 and an outer edge connected to the external end piece 50. According to one arrangement, the first connecting wall 54 is positioned in a transverse plane (substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). The first connecting wall 54 is positioned in line with the intermediate parts 44.3, 50.3 of the intermediate and external end pieces 44, 50. The first connecting wall 54 comprises at least one through-orifice 54.1 which allows communication between first and second zones located on either side of the first connecting wall 54. According to one configuration, the first connecting wall 54 comprises a plurality of through-orifices 54.1 distributed regularly over the entire circumference of the first junction wall 54. .

[0059] The main section 12 comprises at least one second joining wall 56, connecting the internal and intermediate end pieces 38, 44, which has an inner edge connected to the internal end piece 38 as well as an outer edge connected to the intermediate end piece 44. According to one arrangement, the second joining wall 56 is positioned in a transverse plane (substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the main section 12 comprises second and third joining walls 56, 58 connecting the internal and intermediate end pieces 38, 44, spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, the second joining wall 56 being positioned in line with the intermediate parts 38.3, 44.3 of the internal and intermediate end pieces 38, 44, the third joining wall 58 being positioned in line with the free ends of the second tubular parts 38.2, 44.2 of the internal and intermediate end pieces 38, 44.

[0061] As shown in [Fig. 4] in particular, each of the second and third junction walls 56, 58 comprises at least one through-orifice 56.1, 58.1 which allows communication between first and second zones located on either side of the second or third junction wall 56, 58. According to one configuration, the second or third junction wall 56, 58 comprises a plurality of through-orifices 56.1, 58.1 distributed regularly over the entire circumference of the second or third junction wall 56, 58.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the first and second internal, external and intermediate tips are metallic.

[0063] According to another embodiment, the first and second internal, external and intermediate end pieces are made of composite material or thermoplastic material (i.e. electrically insulating material), for example PEEK (acronym for polyetheretherketone). This advantageously makes it possible to have an electrically non-conductive, i.e. electrically insulating, main section 12.

[0064] A method of assembling the main section 12 is described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12.

[0065] In a first step, the inner tube 34 and the second inner, intermediate and outer end pieces 38, 44, 50 being made of metallic material, the part which groups together the second inner, intermediate and outer end pieces 38, 44, 50 is connected to the inner tube 34 by welding the second end 34.2 of the inner tube 34 to the first tubular part 38.1 of the second inner end piece 38, as illustrated in [Fig.7]. Alternatively, in a first step, the inner tube 34 and the second inner, intermediate and outer end pieces 38, 44, 50 being made of non-metallic material, for example composite material, the part which groups together the second inner, intermediate and outer end pieces 38, 44, 50 is connected to the inner tube 34 by gluing the second end 34.2 of the inner tube 34 to the first tubular part 38.1 of the second internal end piece 38 (or by any other known joining means suitable for joining two composite elements).

[0066] Next, at least one spacer 52 is positioned around the inner tube 34 and the first end 34.1 of the inner tube 34 is welded to the first tubular portion 36.1 of the first inner end piece 36, as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0067] The intermediate tube 40 is positioned around the internal tube 34 and its second end 40.2 is welded to the first tubular part 44.1 of the second intermediate end piece 44, as illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0068] Next, at least one spacer 52 is positioned around the intermediate tube 40 and the first end 40.1 of the intermediate tube 40 is welded to the first tubular portion 42.1 of the first intermediate end piece 42, as illustrated in [Fig.10],

[0069] The outer tube 46 is positioned around the intermediate tube 40 and its second end 46.2 is welded to the first tubular part 50.1 of the second outer end piece 50, as illustrated in [Fig.11].

[0070] Finally, the first end 46.1 of the outer tube 46 is welded to the first tubular part 48.1 of the first outer end piece 48, as illustrated in [Fig. 12].

[0071] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the main section 12.

[0072] Furthermore, the triple-skin conduit could comprise only one connector 14 cooperating with a main section. In addition, each of the sealing joints 30.4, 32.4, 32.4' could be replaced by any other sealing system.

[0073] Thus, the triple-skin duct comprises at least: a. a main section 12 which includes: i. an internal tube 34 extended by at least one first internal end piece 36 having internal and external surfaces, ii. an intermediate tube 40 extended by at least one first intermediate end piece 42 having interior and exterior surfaces, iii. an external tube 46 extended by at least one first external end piece 48 having interior and exterior surfaces, b. at least one connector 14 which comprises a through hole 20 as well as junction tubes 22, 24, which surround the through hole 20, positioned one inside the other, each of the junction tubes 22, 24 comprising a portion which faces at least one inner or outer surface of the first inner, intermediate and outer end pieces 36, 42, 48 of the main section 12, c. at least one first sealing system interposed between the inner or outer surface of the first internal end piece 36 and one of the junction tubes of the connector 14, d. at least one second sealing system interposed between the inner or outer surface of the first intermediate end piece 42 and one of the junction tubes of the connector 14, e. at least one third sealing system interposed between the inner or outer surface of the first external end piece 48 and one of the junction tubes of the connector 14.

[0074] This solution makes it possible to obtain three sealing systems in series between the interior of the internal tube 34 and the exterior of the external tube 46, which contributes to reinforcing safety compared to a double-skinned conduit.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the connector 14 comprises first, second and third junction tubes, the first sealing system being interposed between the inner or outer surface of the first internal end piece 36 and the first junction tube, the second sealing system being interposed between the inner or outer surface of the first intermediate end piece 42 and the second junction tube, the third sealing system being interposed between the inner or outer surface of the first external end piece 48 and the third junction tube.

[0076] According to a preferred solution making it possible in particular to reduce the mass of the connector 14 and to simplify it, the latter comprises only first and second junction tubes 22, 24, at least one of which is positioned between the first internal and intermediate end pieces 36, 42 or between the first intermediate and external end pieces 42, 48.

[0077] According to one solution, the first junction tube 22 is positioned inside the first internal end piece 36 or the second junction tube 24 is positioned outside the first external end piece 48. Thus, at least one zone located between the first internal and intermediate end pieces 36, 42 or between the first intermediate and external end pieces 42, 48 does not comprise a junction tube, which makes it possible to reduce its thickness (dimension taken in a direction perpendicular to the axis of revolution A12). This solution makes it possible to obtain a more compact triple-skinned conduit. As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the first junction tube 22 is positioned inside the first internal end piece 36 and the second junction tube 24 is positioned between the first intermediate and external end pieces 42, 48.

[0078] According to one configuration, the main section 12 comprises at least two joining walls 54, 56, 58 connecting two by two the internal, intermediate and external tubes 34, 40, 46 and / or the first or second internal, intermediate and external end pieces, 36, 38, 42, 44, 48, 50. This solution makes it possible to keep the internal tube 34 and its first and second internal end pieces 36, 38 spaced respectively from the intermediate tube 40 and its first and second intermediate end pieces 42, 44, the latter being spaced from the external tube 46 and its first and second external end pieces 48, 50.

[0079] Each junction wall 54, 56, 58 is hollowed out and / or perforated and / or comprises through orifices 54.1, 56.1, 58.1 to reduce the mass of the triple-skinned conduit.

[0080] According to a preferred solution, each sealing system comprises two peripheral protrusions 30.1, 32.1, 32.1', 30.2, 32.2, 32.2' spaced apart so as to delimit between them an annular groove 30.3, 32.3, 32.3' as well as an O-ring 30.4, 32.4, 32.4' housed at least partially in the annular groove 30.3, 32.3, 32.3' and compressed between the main section 12 and one of the connectors 14, 16. According to one configuration, the two peripheral protrusions are integral with a junction tube 22, 24. As a variant, they could be integral with one of the internal, intermediate or external end pieces.

[0081] To allow a slight angular movement between the main section 12 and each connector 14, 16, each peripheral protrusion 30.1, 32.1, 32.1', 30.2, 32.2, 32.2' comprises a truncated or curved peripheral face F30.1, F32.1, F32.1', F30.2, F32.2, F32.2', the diameter of the peripheral face F30.1, F32.1, F32.1', F30.2, F32.2, F32.2' decreasing or increasing as it moves away from the annular groove 30.3, 32.3, 32.3', the diameter decreasing if the peripheral protrusions are positioned on the outer surface of the first or second junction tube 22, 24 or of the first internal, intermediate or external end piece 36, 42, 48, the diameter increasing if the peripheral protrusions are positioned on the inner surface of the first or second junction tube 22, 24 or of the first internal, intermediate or external end piece 36, 42, 48.

Claims

Claims

1. Triple skin conduit (10) comprising: a. a main section (12) which includes: i. an internal tube (34) extended by at least one first internal end piece (36) having internal and external surfaces, ii. an intermediate tube (40) extended by at least one first intermediate end piece (42) having inner and outer surfaces, iii. an outer tube (46) extended by at least one first outer end piece (48) having inner and outer surfaces, b. at least one connector (14) which comprises a through hole (20) as well as junction tubes (22, 24), which surround the through hole (20), positioned one inside the other, each of the junction tubes (22, 24) comprising a portion which faces at least one inner or outer surface of the first inner, intermediate and outer end pieces (36, 42, 48) of the main section (12), c. at least one first sealing system interposed between the inner or outer surface of the first internal end piece (36) and one of the junction tubes of the connector (14), d. at least one second sealing system interposed between the inner or outer surface of the first intermediate end piece (42) and one of the junction tubes of the connector (14), e. at least one third sealing system interposed between the inner or outer surface of the first external end piece (48) and one of the junction tubes of the connector (14).

2.

3. Triple skin conduit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector (14) comprises only first and second joining tubes (22, 24). Triple-skinned conduit (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first junction tube (22) is positioned inside the first internal end piece (36) or the second junction tube (24) is positioned outside the first external end piece (48).

4. Triple-skin conduit (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connector (14) comprises a first junction tube (22) positioned inside the first internal end piece (36) as well as a second junction tube (24) positioned between the first intermediate and external end pieces (42, 48).

5. Triple-skinned conduit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main section (12) comprises first and second internal end pieces (36, 38) extending on either side the internal tube (34), first and second intermediate end pieces (42, 44) extending on either side the intermediate tube (40) as well as first and second external end pieces (48, 50) extending on either side the external tube (46) and in that the triple-skinned conduit (10) comprises a first connector (14) cooperating with the first internal, intermediate and external end pieces (36, 42, 48) of the main section (12) as well as a second connector (16) cooperating with the second internal, intermediate and external end pieces (38, 44, 50) of the main section (12).

6. Triple-skinned conduit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main section (12) comprises at least two joining walls (54, 56, 58) connecting two by two the internal, intermediate and external tubes (34, 40, 46) and / or the internal, intermediate and external end pieces (36, 38, 42, 44, 48, 50).

7. Triple-skin duct (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the main duct (12) comprises at least one first joining wall (54), connecting the intermediate and external end pieces (44, 50), which has an inner edge connected to the intermediate end piece (44) and an outer edge connected to the external end piece (50) as well as at least one second joining wall (56), connecting the internal and intermediate end pieces (38, 44), which has an inner edge connected to the internal end piece (38) and an outer edge connected to the intermediate end piece (44).

8. Triple-skin conduit (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the main section (12) comprises second and third junction walls (56, 58), connecting the internal and intermediate end pieces (38, 44), spaced apart from each other.

9. Triple-skinned conduit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each sealing system comprises two peripheral protrusions (30.1, 32.1, 32.1', 30.2, 32.2, 32.2') spaced apart so as to delimit between them an annular groove (30.3, 32.3, 32.3') as well as an O-ring (30.4, 32.4, 32.4') housed at least partially in the annular groove (30.3, 32.3, 32.3') and compressed between the main section (12) and the connector (14, 16).

10. Triple-skin conduit (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the two peripheral protrusions (30.1, 32.1, 32.1', 30.2, 32.2, 32.2') are integral with a junction tube (22, 24) of a connector (14, 16).

11. Triple-skinned conduit (10) according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that each peripheral protrusion (30.1, 32.1, 32.1', 30.2, 32.2, 32.2') comprises a frustoconical or curved peripheral face (F30.1, F32.1, F32.1', F30.2, F32.2, F32.2'), the diameter of the peripheral face (F30.1, F32.1, F32.1', F30.2, F32.2, F32.2') decreasing or increasing as it moves away from the annular groove (30.3, 32.3, 32.3') to allow angular movement between the main section (12) and the connector (14, 16).

12. Aircraft comprising at least one triple-skin duct (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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