MULTIFUNCTIONAL HOOD ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR OPENING THE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Assembly (1) of cowlings, in particular for nacelle (N) of aircraft turbomachine (9), comprising at least one external cowling (7) and at least one internal cowling (8), the internal cowling (8) and external cowling (7) being capable of opening by pivoting about an axis of rotation parallel to a longitudinal axis (X), the assembly (1) further comprising at least one opening system (10) of said external cowling (7), at least one retaining system (11) of one of the external cowlings (7) and internal cowlings (8) and at least one traction system (12) of said internal cowling (8). The traction system (12) for the inner cover (8) comprises a sixth attachment point (12b) on the outer cover (7), a fifth attachment point (12a) on an external surface of the inner cover (8), and an element (13) of variable length between the fifth and sixth attachment points (12a, 12b) on the outer cover (7) and on the external surface of the inner cover (8), adapted to open the inner cover (8). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 1A

Description

Title of the invention: SET OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL HOODS AND METHOD FOR OPENING THE ASSEMBLY technical field

[0001] The invention relates to maintenance operations carried out on a set of multi-function hoods and in particular to maintenance operations carried out on the set of multi-function hoods for aircraft turbomachinery.

[0002] The invention also relates to the opening of the set of multifunction hoods.

[0003] The multi-functional hood assembly comprises an outer hood and an inner hood that overlap. The outer and inner hoods serve first to protect the turbomachine core and stiffen the turbomachine structure. In addition, the hoods ensure the desired thermal and acoustic conditions and protect the turbomachine from lightning.

[0004] The external and internal cowlings can be opened by pivoting around a longitudinal axis of the turbomachine, thus providing access to the turbomachine core. In the event of maintenance operations to be carried out on the turbomachine core, it is indeed important to be able to open the cowlings and access the interior of the turbomachine.

[0005] Today, the multi-function hood assembly includes tools for opening and holding open the external and internal hoods. Indeed, the assembly generally includes a hood opening system comprising two hydraulic or electric cylinders COS (“Cowl Opening System”) and a hood holding system comprising variable-length rods HOR (“Hold Open Rod”).

[0006] More specifically, today's turbomachine includes a COS system for opening the outer cowling, a COS system for opening the inner cowling, a HOR system for holding the outer cowling open, and a HOR system for holding the inner cowling open. Each cowling weighs over 50 kilograms. Therefore, standards exist, notably MIL-STD-1472F, which prohibit the manual opening of these cowlings. The mass of the cowlings necessitates the use of robust and secure opening and holding systems.

[0007] However, this configuration is not optimal because it encumbers the turbomachine and increases the onboard masses.

[0008] Climate change is a major concern for many legislative and regulatory bodies around the world. Indeed, various restrictions on the Carbon emission standards have been, are being, or will be adopted by various states. In particular, an ambitious standard applies to both new types of aircraft and those already in service, requiring the implementation of technological solutions to bring them into compliance with current regulations. Civil aviation has been actively working for several years now to contribute to the fight against climate change.

[0009] Technological research efforts have already led to very significant improvements in the environmental performance of aircraft. The Applicant takes into account the factors impacting all phases of design and development in order to obtain aeronautical components and products that are less energy-intensive, more environmentally friendly, and whose integration and use in civil aviation have moderate environmental consequences, with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of aircraft.

[0010] Consequently, the Applicant is constantly working to reduce its negative climate impact by using methods and operating virtuous development and manufacturing processes that minimize greenhouse gas emissions to the minimum possible in order to reduce the environmental footprint of its activity.

[0011] This sustained research and development work focuses on new generations of aircraft engines, aircraft weight reduction, particularly through the materials used and lighter onboard equipment, the development of the use of electric technologies for propulsion, and, as essential complements to technological progress, aviation biofuels. Description of the invention

[0012] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned problems by optimizing the configuration of the turbomachine.

[0013] The invention therefore relates to an assembly of cowlings, particularly for an aircraft turbomachine nacelle, comprising at least one external cowling and at least one internal cowling, the internal and external cowlings being capable of opening by pivoting about an axis of rotation parallel to a longitudinal axis, the assembly further comprising at least one opening system for said external cowling, at least one retention system for one of the external and internal cowlings, and at least one traction system for said internal cowling. The traction system for the internal cowling comprises a sixth attachment point on the external cowling, a fifth attachment point on an external surface of the internal cowling, and an element of variable length between the fifth and sixth attachment points on the external cowling and on the external surface of the internal cowling, adapted to open the internal cowling.

[0014] Thus, the invention is the result of technological research aimed at significantly improving aircraft performance and, in this sense, contributes to reducing the environmental impact of aircraft.

[0015] Advantageously, the opening system for said external hood comprises a first attachment point on the main structure, a second attachment point on an internal surface of the external hood and a jack between said first and second attachment points.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the assembly further comprises an internal hood opening system including a seventh attachment point on the main structure, an eighth attachment point on an internal surface of the internal hood and a jack between said seventh and eighth attachment points.

[0017] Advantageously, the system for retaining one of the external and internal hoods includes a third attachment point on the main structure, a fourth attachment point on said hood held by the retaining system and a connecting rod of variable length between said third and fourth attachment points.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the variable length element of the internal hood traction system is rigid.

[0019] Advantageously, the variable length element of the inner hood traction system comprises a variable length connecting rod, fixed on one side to the outer hood and on the other side to the inner hood.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the variable length element of the internal hood traction system comprises a pulley mechanism fixed on one side to the external hood and on the other side to the internal hood.

[0021] Advantageously, the pulley mechanism is fixed on an upper part of an internal surface of the external hood.

[0022] The invention also relates to a gondola comprising an assembly as defined above.

[0023] The invention also relates to a propulsion assembly comprising a nacelle as defined above and a turbomachine housed inside said nacelle.

[0024] The invention also relates to a method for opening a set of cowlings, particularly for an aircraft turbomachine nacelle, as defined above. The method comprises the following steps: - opening of the external hood via the opening system for said external hood, - securing one of the external and internal covers via the retaining system, - Installation of the traction system between the outer hood and the inner hood, - opening of the internal hood via the traction system of said internal hood. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] - Figure [Fig.1A] is a schematic view of a set of multi-function covers in maintenance position according to a first stage of a first implementation mode;

[0027] - Figure [Fig.1B] is a schematic view of a set of multi-function covers in maintenance position according to a second stage of a first implementation mode;

[0028] - Figure [Fig.2] is a schematic view of a set of multi-function covers in maintenance position according to a second implementation mode;

[0029] - Figure [Fig.3A] is a schematic view of a set of multi-function covers in maintenance position according to a first stage of a third implementation mode;

[0030] - Figure [Fig.3B] is a schematic view of a set of multi-function covers in maintenance position according to a second stage of a third implementation mode;

[0031] - Figure [Fig.4A] is a schematic view of a set of multi-function covers in a maintenance position according to a first stage of a fourth implementation mode; and

[0032] - Figure [Fig.4B] is a schematic view of a set of multi-function covers in maintenance position according to a second stage of a fourth implementation mode. Detailed description

[0033] Figure 1 shows a portion of a propulsion assembly E comprising a nacelle N and a turbomachine 9, said nacelle N being suitable for protecting the turbomachine 9. The nacelle N includes a set of multi-function cowlings for an aircraft turbomachine 9, the assembly being designated by the numerical reference 1. The nacelle N further includes a main structure comprising a lower rigid beam 4, an upper rigid beam 5, a suspension ring 6 and a casing.

[0034] The assembly 1 is in an orthonormal coordinate system X, Y, Z, in which the X axis designates the longitudinal direction of the turbomachine 9, the Y axis designates the transverse direction of the turbomachine 9, and the Z axis designates the vertical direction, oriented upwards of the turbomachine 9.

[0035] The assembly 1 as shown in the figures comprises a first pair of hoods 2 and a second pair 3 of hoods opposite the first pair of hoods 2, the pairs 2, 3 being arranged symmetrically on either side of an axis P which passes through the center of the turbomachine 9 and which is parallel to the axis Z.

[0036] Each pair of hoods 2, 3 comprises an outer hood 7 and an inner hood 8 interposed between said outer hood 7 and the core of the turbomachine 9.

[0037] The inner cowlings 8 and outer cowlings 7 each comprise metallic or composite materials. They also comprise a free-moving end and an end opposite said free end connected to the upper beam 5. Each cowling 7, 8 comprises a connection with the rigid upper beam 5, in particular a pivot connection, giving the cowlings 7, 8 the freedom to pivot about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the turbomachine 9.

[0038] The hoods 7, 8 are capable of adopting a closed position and an open position. When the hoods 7, 8 are closed, they provide annular continuity around the turbomachine 9 and, when they are open, they provide access to the core of the turbomachine 9. The pairs of hoods 2, 3 are independent of each other and the hoods 7, 8 are independent of each other.

[0039] The specific closed position of the internal hood 8 and external hood 7 is obtained with systems comprising centering pins and guides.

[0040] The embodiments described in the following description relate to the first pair of hoods 2 of the turbomachine 9, but can be applied to all pairs of hoods of the turbomachine 9, in particular to the second pair of hoods 3 of the turbomachine 9.

[0041] According to a first embodiment illustrated in figures IA and IB, the multifunction hood assembly 7, 8 includes an opening system COS 10 for the outer hood 7, a holding system HOR 11 for the outer hood 7 and a traction system 12 for the inner hood 8.

[0042] The COS 10 opening system of the external hood comprises a first fixing point 10a on the main structure, a second fixing point 10b on an internal surface of the external hood 7 and a cylinder 10c positioned between the first fixing point 10a of the main structure and the second fixing point 10b of the surface of the external hood 7. The cylinder 10c can be a hydraulic or electric cylinder.

[0043] The HOR 11 retention system of the outer cover 7 includes a third attachment point lia on the main structure, a fourth attachment point 11b on the inner surface of the outer cover and a connecting rod 1 le of variable length positioned between the third attachment point 1 la of the main structure and the fourth attachment point 11b of the surface of the outer cover 7.

[0044] The traction system 12 of the inner cover 8 comprises a fifth attachment point 12a on an external surface of the inner cover 8, a sixth attachment point 12b on the outer cover 7 and a variable length element 13 positioned between the fifth attachment point 12a of the external surface of the inner cover 8 and the sixth attachment point 12b of the outer cover 7. The traction system 12 is capable of opening the inner cover 8.

[0045] The variable length element 13 of the traction system 12 of the inner hood 8 comprises a variable length connecting rod fixed on one side to the outer hood 7 and on the other side to the inner hood 8. The variable length element 13 is preferably rigid.

[0046] The first embodiment illustrated by figures 2A and 2B involves a method of opening the assembly 1 of multifunction covers 7, 8 comprising four steps.

[0047] The first step consists of opening the external hood 7 by means of the COS 10 opening system of the external hood 7.

[0048] Once the outer cover 7 is opened, a second step is taken to hold the outer cover 7 open using the HOR holding system 11. This step secures the area by keeping the outer cover 7 open while maintenance operations are performed. The method for opening the cover assembly 1 subsequently includes a substep to prepare for the installation of the inner cover 8's traction system 12. During this substep, operations are performed on the outer surface of the closed inner cover 8 so that it can be opened safely. Once these operations are completed, the HOR holding system 11 for the outer cover 7 is removed, and the outer cover 7 is slightly closed to facilitate the third step of installing the inner cover 8's traction system 12. The opening of the outer cover 7 during this substep is therefore between 10 degrees and 30 degrees, preferably 20 degrees.

[0049] The third step consists of attaching the traction system 12 to the inner surface of the outer cover 7 and to the outer surface of the inner cover 8. Figure 1A illustrates this first stage of the method for opening the multifunction cover assembly 1. Once the traction system 12 of the inner cover 8 is installed, the method for opening the multifunction cover assembly 1 includes a sub-step of fully opening the outer cover 7 via the COS opening system 10 of the outer cover 7.

[0050] Finally, a fourth step is then carried out, consisting of opening the inner hood 8 by means of the inner hood 8 traction system 12. Indeed, when the outer hood 7 opens, the inner hood 8 traction system 12 mechanically causes the opening of said inner hood 8. Furthermore, The fourth step includes a sub-step of holding the external cover 7 and internal cover 8 by means of the HOR 11 holding system of the external cover 7. [Fig.1B] illustrates this second stage of the process of opening the set 1 of multifunction covers.

[0051] The embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2] is similar to the first embodiment. The difference lies in the addition of a COS 14 opening system for the inner cover 8 in addition to the COS 10 opening system for the outer cover 7.

[0052] The COS 14 opening system of the inner hood 8 includes a seventh attachment point 14a on the main structure, an eighth attachment point 14b on an internal surface of the inner hood 8 and a jack 14c positioned between the seventh attachment point 14a of the main structure and the eighth attachment point 14b of the surface of the inner hood 8.

[0053] The second embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2] is similar to the first embodiment. However, the fourth step of opening the inner cover 8 is modified. In this embodiment, the inner cover 8 is opened not only by the mechanical force of the outer cover 7 but also by the added COS 14 opening system of the inner cover 8. This embodiment addresses different safety or mass requirements than those used in the first embodiment.

[0054] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a third embodiment. In this embodiment, the multifunction hood assembly 1 comprises an opening system COS 10 for the outer hood 7, a holding system HOR 11 for the outer hood 7 and a traction system 12 for the inner hood 8.

[0055] The COS 10 opening system of the external hood comprises a first fixing point 10a on the main structure, a second fixing point 10b on an internal surface of the external hood 7 and a cylinder 10c positioned between the first fixing point 10a of the main structure and the second fixing point 10b of the surface of the external hood 7. The cylinder 10c can be a hydraulic or electric cylinder.

[0056] The HOR 11 retention system of the outer cover 7 includes a third attachment point lia on the main structure, a fourth attachment point 11b on the inner surface of the outer cover and a connecting rod 1 le of variable length positioned between the third attachment point 1 la of the main structure and the fourth attachment point 11b of the surface of the outer cover 7.

[0057] The traction system 12 of the inner cover 8 comprises a fifth attachment point 12a on an external surface of the inner cover 8, a sixth attachment point 12b on the outer cover 7, and a variable-length element 13 positioned between the fifth attachment point 12a on the external surface of the inner cover 8 and the sixth attachment point 12b on the outer cover 7. In this embodiment, the element The variable-length pulley 13 of the traction system 12 of the inner cover 8 includes a pulley mechanism 15 fixed on one side to the outer cover 7 and on the other side to the outer surface of the inner cover 8. The pulley mechanism 15 comprises a pulley 16 and a strap 17, the pulley 16 being fixed via the sixth attachment point 12b on the outer cover 7 and a first end of the strap 17 being fixed via the fifth attachment point 12a on the inner cover 8, in particular near the free end of the inner cover 8. A second end of the strap 17 is configured to exert traction, bringing the first end of said strap 17 closer to the pulley 16. The pulley 16 is fixed at the free end of the outer cover 7, in particular on the outer surface of the outer cover 7.

[0058] The method for opening the set 1 of multifunction covers of the third embodiment illustrated by figures 3A and 3B comprises four steps.

[0059] The first step consists of opening the external hood 7 by means of the COS 10 opening system of the external hood 7.

[0060] Once the outer cover 7 is opened, a second step is performed to hold the outer cover 7 open using the HOR holding system 11. This step secures the area by keeping the outer cover 7 open while maintenance operations are carried out. The method for opening the cover assembly 1 subsequently includes a substep to prepare for the installation of the traction system 12 for the inner cover 8. During this substep, operations are performed on the outer surface of the closed inner cover 8 so that it can be opened safely.

[0061] The third step consists of fixing the traction system 12 on the external surface of the external cover 7 and on the external surface of the internal cover 8. [Fig.3A] illustrates this first stage of the process of opening the assembly 1 of multifunction covers.

[0062] Finally, a fourth step is then carried out, consisting of opening the inner cover 8 by means of the inner cover 8 traction system 12. Indeed, when the outer cover 7 opens, the traction exerted on the strap 17 of the pulley mechanism 15 mechanically causes the opening of said inner cover 7. Furthermore, the fourth step includes a substep of holding the outer cover 7 and inner cover 8 by means of the outer cover 7 HOR retention system 11. [Fig. 3B] illustrates this second stage of the opening process of the multifunction cover assembly 1.

[0063] The embodiment illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B is similar to the third embodiment. The difference lies in the positioning of the pulley mechanism 15 of the traction system 12 of the inner cover 8.

[0064] Indeed, in this fourth embodiment, the pulley mechanism 15 is fixed on the one hand to the outer surface of the inner cover 8 and on the other hand to the outer cover 7, and more particularly to the inner surface of the outer cover 7. The pulley mechanism 15 comprises a pulley 16 and a strap 17, the pulley 16 being fixed via the sixth attachment point 12b to the outer cover 7 and a first end of the strap 17 being fixed via the fifth attachment point 12a to the inner cover 8, in particular near the free end of the inner cover 8. A second end of the strap 17 is configured so that a pull is exerted allowing the first end of said strap 17 to be brought towards the pulley 16. The pulley 16 is fixed near the end opposite the free end of the outer cover 7, in particular on the inner surface of the outer cover 7.In other words, the pulley mechanism 15 is fixed to an upper part of the inner surface of the outer hood 7, along the vertical axis Z.

[0065] The fourth embodiment illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B is similar to the third embodiment. However, the third step of installing the traction system 12 of the inner cover 8 is modified. Specifically, the pulley mechanism 15 is attached, on the one hand, to the inner surface in a zone R of the inner surface of the outer cover 7 relatively close to the end opposite the free end of the outer cover 7, and on the other hand, to the outer surface of the inner cover 8, in particular at the free end of the inner cover 8. This embodiment addresses architectural requirements different from those used in the third embodiment.

[0066] Of course, the invention remains within the scope of the invention even if the assembly 1 of multifunction covers has a different composition. The attachment points 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b of the COS 10, 14 opening system, the HOR 11 holding system, and the 12 traction system may be joints comprising pivot connections. The attachment points 10a, 10b, 11a, 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b may also include a hook connection.

[0067] The four embodiments are compatible. For example, one can consider an assembly 1 of multi-function hoods comprising two traction systems for the internal hood 8, one comprising a connecting rod of variable length such as that described in the first and second embodiments and the other comprising a pulley mechanism 15 such as described in the third and fourth embodiments.

[0068] The COS 10, 14 opening systems can be remotely controlled by an operator.

[0069] The invention therefore proposes to facilitate the opening of the inner cover 8 by safely using the mechanical force induced by the opening of the outer cover 7. The opening of the inner cover 8 is optimized because a HOR holding system is removed from the multifunction hood assembly 1, reducing the mass of the turbomachine 9 and freeing up space in the area where maintenance operations are carried out. The time required for maintenance of the multifunction hood assembly 1 is further reduced thanks to these opening mechanisms.

[0070] The invention can also be used in the context of the installation and removal of the internal cover 8 and external cover 7 during the assembly of the set 1 of multifunction covers.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly (1) of cowlings, in particular for an aircraft turbomachine nacelle (N), comprising at least one outer cowling (7) and at least one inner cowling (8), the inner cowling (8) and outer cowling (7) being capable of opening by pivoting about an axis of rotation parallel to a longitudinal axis (X), the assembly (1) further comprising at least one opening system (10) for said outer cowling (7), at least one retaining system (11) for one of the outer cowlings (7) and inner cowlings (8) and at least one traction system (12) for said inner cowling (8), characterized in that the traction system (12) for the inner cowling (8) comprises a sixth attachment point (12b) on the outer cowling (7), a fifth attachment point (12a) on an external surface of the inner cowling (8) and an element (13) of variable length between the fifth and sixth attachment points (12a, 12b) on the outer cowling (7) and on the external surface of the inner cover (8), suitable for opening the inner cover (8).

2. Assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the opening system (10) of said external hood (7) comprises a first attachment point (10a) on the main structure, a second attachment point (10b) on an internal surface of the external hood (7) and a jack (10c) between said first and second attachment points (10a, 10b).

3. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising an opening system (14) for the inner hood (8) comprising a seventh attachment point (14a) on the main structure, an eighth attachment point (14b) on an internal surface of the inner hood (8) and a jack (14c) between said seventh and eighth attachment points (14a, 14b).

4. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retaining system (11) of one of the external (7) and internal (8) hoods comprises a third attachment point (1a) on the main structure, a fourth attachment point (11b) on said hood held by the retaining system (11) and a connecting rod (11e) of variable length between said third and fourth attachment points (1a, 11b).

5. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the variable-length element (13) of the traction system (12) of the inner hood (8) is rigid.

6. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the variable length element (13) of the traction system (12) of the inner hood (8) comprises a variable length connecting rod, fixed on one side to the outer hood (7) and on the other side to the inner hood (8).

7. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the variable length element (13) of the traction system (12) of the inner hood (8) comprises a pulley mechanism (15) fixed on one side to the outer hood (7) and on the other side to the inner hood (8).

8. Nacelle (N) comprising an assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Propulsion assembly (E) comprising a nacelle according to claim 8 and a turbomachine (9) housed inside said nacelle (N).

10. A method for opening an assembly (1) of cowlings, in particular for a nacelle (N) of an aircraft turbomachine (9), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - opening of the outer cowling (7) by means of the opening system (10) of said outer cowling (7), - holding one of the outer cowlings (7) and inner cowlings (8) by means of the holding system (11), - installation of the traction system (12) between the outer cowling (7) and the inner cowling (8), - opening of the inner cowling (8) by means of the traction system (12) of said inner cowling (8).

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