Fire-sealing device comprising a flexible firestop seal attached to at least one metal frame for a turbojet nacelle or a suspension pylon

Abstract

The invention relates to a nacelle (10a) of a turbojet engine or a suspension pylon (4a) comprising a fire-sealing device including: a firestop seal (6) extending at least below the suspension pylon between a gas ejection nozzle (3a) and at least one of the suspension pylon (4a) and a rear fixed structure (2a) of a thrust reverser (20a), and fixed either to the combustion gas ejection nozzle or to at least one of the suspension pylon and the rear fixed structure; and at least a metal reinforcement (9) integral with the firestop seal and elastically deformable in compression in the width direction of the firestop seal. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Fire-sealing device comprising a flexible firestop seal attached to at least one metal frame for a turbojet nacelle or a suspension pylon. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to fire-sealing devices attached to a nacelle or a nacelle suspension pylon. In particular, the invention relates to turbojet nacelles comprising a fire-sealing device, as well as to a suspension pylon for suspending a turbojet nacelle, which pylon comprises a fire-sealing device.

[0002] The invention also relates to a rear assembly comprising one of the aforementioned nacelles and / or the aforementioned suspension pylon.

[0003] The invention finds a favorite, and not limiting, application for the fire sealing of an area between the suspension pylon and the combustion gas ejection nozzle of a turbojet nacelle. Previous technique

[0004] In a known manner, an aircraft propulsion assembly may include a nacelle of generally tubular shape surrounding a turbojet engine.

[0005] The nacelle generally comprises an upstream assembly intended to channel air towards the inlet of the turbojet; a middle assembly surrounding a fan of the turbojet; and a rear assembly which expels at high speed Pair having passed through the turbojet, thus generating the thrust necessary for the propulsion of the aircraft.

[0006] Turbojets are, for example, turbojets capable of generating, by means of a rotation of blades which comprise the fan, a flow of hot air from the combustion chamber of the turbojet and a flow of cold air which circulates outside the turbojet through an annular passage formed between a fairing of the turbojet and an internal wall of the nacelle.

[0007] The rear assembly of a nacelle includes a thrust reverser shaped to surround a downstream part of the turbojet engine and whose role is to improve the braking capacity of the aircraft during a landing, by redirecting forward at least part of the air ejected from the turbojet engine.

[0008] Generally, a thrust reverser comprises a fixed rear structure including a hood mounted movable in longitudinal translation from front to back in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the nacelle, between a closed position in which the hood ensures the aerodynamic continuity of the nacelle, and an opening position in which the hood opens a passage of the nacelle. In another example, the fixed rear structure has two half-hoods arranged on either side of a median plane of the nacelle, and which are pivotally articulated by hinges fixed at the level of the suspension pylon, around a longitudinal hinge axis, between a working position in which the half-hoods form part of the downstream fairing of the turbojet and define an annular cold air duct with a thrust reverser hood, and a maintenance position in which the half-hoods move away from the turbojet.

[0009] The rear fixed structure is fixed on the suspension pylon and is extended in its downstream part by a combustion gas ejection nozzle surrounding an ejection cone, in order to optimize the flow of hot gases expelled by the core of the turbojet, and to absorb part of the noise generated by the interaction of these hot gases with the ambient air and the flow of cold air expelled by the turbojet fan.

[0010] It is known in the prior art to provide a fire-tight seal between the suspension pylon and the combustion gas ejection nozzle to prevent any flame, originating from a fire in a compartment inside the rear fixed structure, from exiting towards the combustion gas ejection nozzle and to the outside, whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight.

[0011] It is also known that these fire-resistant seals are made in the form of two sets of overlapping strips, these strips being metallic and, for example, made of a nickel-based superalloy. However, friction with the suspension pylon and the combustion gas ejection nozzle, and the relative movements and vibrations of the suspension pylon and the combustion gas ejection nozzle, cause these seals to wear, even if they have been subjected to a surface treatment process to limit their wear. Consequently, it is necessary to replace them once worn.

[0012] Furthermore, due to the arrangement and proximity of the suspension pylon and the combustion gas discharge nozzle, accessing the fire seal fasteners for disassembly from the suspension pylon or the combustion gas discharge nozzle for replacement can be complicated. In some cases, disassembling a worn seal and installing a new one may require disassembling the combustion gas discharge nozzle. Summary of the invention

[0013] In order to address the problems of wear and assembly / disassembly of a sealing gasket between the suspension pylon and the gas ejection nozzle Regarding combustion, the invention proposes three implementations which all have in common the use of: - a firestop joint made of a flexible, fire-resistant material and having a first longitudinal edge and a second opposing longitudinal edge which define between them a width of the firestop joint, said firestop joint being designed to extend between the combustion gas ejection nozzle and the suspension pylon, and possibly also between the combustion gas ejection nozzle and the rear fixed structure of the thrust reverser; and - at least one metal reinforcement attached to the firestop joint and elastically deformable in compression in the direction of the width of the firestop joint; and wherein the first longitudinal edge is fixed on the combustion gas ejection nozzle (or alternatively on the suspension pylon and / or the rear fixed structure of the thrust reverser), and the second longitudinal edge is free and adapted to be pressed against the rear fixed structure and / or against a suspension pylon (or alternatively against the combustion gas ejection nozzle), by a spring effect provided by at least one metal reinforcement which is in a compressed state when the rear fixed structure is fixed on the suspension pylon.

[0014] In the present case, the three embodiments are distinguished only by the structural element on which the first longitudinal edge of the firestop joint is fixed.

[0015] A first embodiment of the invention consists of a nacelle for a turbojet engine comprising: - a thrust reverser comprising a fixed rear structure, - a combustion gas ejection nozzle extending from the fixed rear structure, - a firestop made of a flexible, fire-resistant material and having a first longitudinal edge and a second opposing longitudinal edge which define between them the width of the firestop, said firestop extending over the combustion gas ejection nozzle; and - at least one metal reinforcement attached to the firestop joint and elastically deformable in compression in the direction of the width of the firestop joint; and in which the first longitudinal edge is fixed on the combustion gas ejection nozzle, and the second longitudinal edge is free and adapted to be pressed against the rear fixed structure and / or against a suspension pylon on which the rear fixed structure is intended to be fixed, by a spring effect provided by at least one metal reinforcement which is in a compressed state when the rear fixed structure is fixed on the suspension pylon.

[0016] A second embodiment of the invention consists of a nacelle for a turbojet engine, comprising: - a thrust reverser comprising a fixed rear structure, - a combustion gas ejection nozzle extending from the rear fixed structure, - a firestop made of a flexible, fire-resistant material and having a first longitudinal edge and a second opposing longitudinal edge which define between them the width of the firestop, said firestop extending over the rear fixed structure; and - at least one metal reinforcement attached to the firestop joint and elastically deformable in compression in the direction of the width of the firestop joint; and in which the first longitudinal edge is fixed at least on the rear fixed structure, and the second longitudinal edge is free and adapted to be pressed against the combustion gas ejection nozzle, by a spring effect provided by the at least one metal reinforcement which is in a compressed state when the rear fixed structure is fixed on a suspension pylon.

[0017] A third embodiment consists of a suspension pylon for suspending a nacelle of a turbojet engine, comprising: - a fire-resistant joint made of a flexible, fire-resistant material and having a first longitudinal edge and a second opposing longitudinal edge which define between them the width of the fire-resistant joint, said fire-resistant joint extending over the suspension pylon; and - at least one metal reinforcement attached to the firestop joint and elastically deformable in compression in the direction of the width of the firestop joint; and in which the first longitudinal edge is fixed at least on the suspension pylon, and the second longitudinal edge is free and adapted to be pressed against a combustion gas ejection nozzle of the gondola intended to be fixed on said suspension pylon, by a spring effect provided by the at least one metal reinforcement which is in a compressed state when the gondola is fixed on the suspension pylon.

[0018] In the following description, a "soft material" is defined as a material whose hardness can be measured using the Shore hardness scale, as opposed to a rigid material, such as the material of the suspension pylon, nozzle, or rear fixed structure, whose hardness is measured using the Brinell, Vickers, or Rockwell hardness scales. Furthermore, the soft material preferably has a Young's modulus of less than 10 GPa.

[0019] In the present case, this flexible material is adapted to deform reversibly so as to be able to absorb, by deforming, the movements, vibrations, contractions, expansions of other materials to which it is fixed or compressed, that is to say the materials composing the combustion gas ejection nozzle and at least one of the suspension pylon and the rear fixed structure.

[0020] Furthermore, the fire resistance of this flexible material can be defined by its ability to withstand temperatures less than or equal to 500 degrees Celsius.

[0021] In other words, since the firestop is made of a flexible material, and since at least one metal reinforcement is elastically deformable in compression across the width of the firestop, then the fire-sealing device is deformable in bending and is not subjected to forces induced by movements or vibrations of the combustion gas ejection nozzle on the one hand, and of the rear fixed structure and / or the suspension pylon on the other, once the fire-sealing device is in place, whether in the first, second, or third embodiment. Advantageously, wear on the firestop is thus reduced, thereby postponing its replacement, or even potentially making its replacement unnecessary.

[0022] In a first mounting configuration of the first embodiment, the second longitudinal edge of the firestop joint is adapted to be pressed against the suspension pylon.

[0023] In a second mounting configuration of the first embodiment, the second longitudinal edge of the firestop joint is adapted to be pressed against the suspension pylon and against the rear fixed structure.

[0024] Advantageously, this first embodiment allows the nacelle alone, equipped with the firestop seal, to be supplied before mounting on the suspension pylon, and therefore does not require attaching the rear fixed structure to the suspension pylon prior to installing the firestop device. This first embodiment thus offers greater ease of installation of a firestop device between a combustion gas ejection nozzle and the rear fixed structure of a turbojet nacelle.

[0025] In a first mounting configuration of the second embodiment, the first longitudinal edge of the firestop joint is fixed only on the rear fixed structure.

[0026] In a second mounting configuration of the second embodiment, the first longitudinal edge of the firestop joint is fixed to the rear fixed structure and to the suspension pylon.

[0027] Advantageously, the first mounting configuration of the second embodiment can allow the nacelle alone to be supplied equipped with the firestop seal, the mounting of the fire sealing device between the rear fixed structure (to which the first longitudinal edge of the firestop seal is fixed) and the combustion gas ejection nozzle (against which the second longitudinal edge of the firestop seal is pressed) not requiring prior fixing of the rear fixed structure on a suspension pylon.

[0028] In a first mounting configuration of the third embodiment, the first longitudinal edge of the firestop joint is fixed only on the suspension pylon.

[0029] In a second mounting configuration of the third embodiment, the first longitudinal edge of the firestop joint is fixed to the suspension pylon and to the rear fixed structure.

[0030] Advantageously, the first mounting configuration of the third embodiment proposes to supply the suspension pylon alone equipped with its fire sealing device, allowing the fire sealing device to be mounted / fixed on the suspension pylon, even before mounting the gondola on this suspension pylon.

[0031] In other words, this first mounting configuration of the third embodiment does not require prior attachment of the nacelle to the suspension tower for the attachment of the first longitudinal edge of the firestop seal to the suspension tower. One advantage is therefore greater practicality and flexibility in the assembly / installation of a firestop device between a suspension tower and a combustion gas ejection nozzle by simplifying its attachment, more specifically the attachment of its firestop seal, to the suspension tower.

[0032] For all three embodiments, once the firestop seal is fixed to (respectively pressed against) the combustion gas ejection nozzle and pressed against (respectively fixed to) at least one of the suspension pylon and the rear fixed structure, it can advantageously be distributed symmetrically under the suspension pylon on either side of a median plane of the nacelle within a given angular sector, in a so-called 12-hour zone. The angular sector can, for example, be equal to 90 degrees, with the firestop seal then extending at an angle of 45 degrees on either side of the median plane.

[0033] In another embodiment, the firestop seal extends on either side of the nacelle's median plane under the suspension pylon, but also partially under the thrust reverser; more precisely, under the rear fixed structure comprising the thrust reverser. In one example, the firestop seal extends symmetrically with respect to the median plane and on either side of said median plane under a cowl comprising the rear fixed structure. In another example, the rear fixed structure comprises two cowls, or two half-cowls, arranged on either side of the nacelle's median plane and pivotally articulated by hinges at the suspension pylon; and the firestop seal extends symmetrically with respect to the median plane and on either side of said median plane under each of the two cowls, or half-cowls, comprising the rear fixed structure.

[0034] Another advantage of the fire-sealing device is that the firestop seal only has its first longitudinal edge which is fixed to the combustion gas ejection nozzle or to at least one of the rear fixed structure and suspension pylon; the second longitudinal edge being free and held in place by the spring effect provided by at least one metal frame.

[0035] The firestop seal (and more generally the fire sealing device) can thus be easily mounted (in other words, fixed) or dismounted by an operator in the 12 o'clock zone between the combustion gas ejection nozzle and the suspension pylon, without this operator needing, for example, to disassemble the nacelle from the suspension pylon, or to disassemble the combustion gas ejection nozzle from the rest of the nacelle.

[0036] According to one feature of the invention, the first longitudinal edge includes a complementary fastening means which cooperates with a fastening means integral with the combustion gas ejection nozzle or the rear fixed structure or the suspension pylon for fastening the first longitudinal edge to the combustion gas ejection nozzle or the rear fixed structure or the suspension pylon.

[0037] The fixing means and the complementary fixing means allow easy mounting and dismounting of the firestop seal (and therefore of the fire sealing device) at the level of the combustion gas ejection nozzle or at least one of the rear fixed structure and the suspension pylon; with the operator being able to easily access the 12 o'clock zone.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the fastening means and the complementary fastening means comprises a slide and the other of the fastening means and the complementary fastening means comprises a male rail engaged inside the slide.

[0039] The slide and the male rail advantageously allow: - to easily fix the firestop seal to the combustion gas ejection nozzle or at least one of the rear fixed structure and the suspension pylon; - to prevent the firestop seal from wearing out by rubbing against the combustion gas ejection nozzle or at least one of the rear fixed structure and the suspension pylon; - to easily dismantle the firestop joint (and therefore the fire sealing device) between the combustion gas ejection nozzle and at least one of the rear fixed structure and the suspension pylon, without, for example, having to disassemble the rear fixed structure from the suspension pylon, or the combustion gas ejection nozzle from the rest of the nacelle.

[0040] In one example, the slide may, for instance, have a cylindrical cross-section. In another example, the slide may have a dovetail cross-section.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the male rail includes a metal insert.

[0042] The metal insert facilitates the engagement and sliding of the male rail in the slide.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening means comprises a series of fastening holes associated with fastening members, and the complementary fastening means comprises a series of holes allowing the passage of the fastening members through the holes to be fixed onto the fastening holes.

[0044] Advantageously, the fixing orifices, holes and fixing members allow the firestop seal to be easily mounted on the combustion gas ejection nozzle or at least one of the rear fixed structure and the suspension pylon; and easy dismantling of the latter (and therefore of the firestop device) between the combustion gas ejection nozzle and at least one of the rear fixed structure and the suspension pylon, without, for example, having to disassemble the rear fixed structure from the suspension pylon, or the combustion gas ejection nozzle from the rest of the nacelle.

[0045] In one embodiment, the fastening elements may correspond to screws, the threaded rods of which are provided to be housed and then fixed inside the fastening holes.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the holes are made in the firestop joint and reinforced by means of eyelets, or are made in a metal strip attached fixedly to the first longitudinal edge.

[0047] In other words, in a first embodiment, the series of holes is provided in the first longitudinal edge of the firestop seal. Advantageously, most of the surface of the firestop seal does not rub against the combustion gas ejection nozzle or at least one of the rear fixed structure and the suspension pylon: friction occurs only at the first longitudinal edge. As a result, wear on most of the surface of the firestop seal is greatly reduced, postponing, or even eliminating, its replacement.

[0048] The eyelets advantageously protect the fire seal by preventing part of the fasteners, for example screw heads, from rubbing against the fire seal at the holes, for example in the event of movement or vibration of the combustion gas ejection nozzle and / or of at least one of the rear fixed structure and the suspension pylon, at the risk of damaging, or even tearing, the fire seal at the holes.

[0049] In another embodiment, the holes are provided in a metal strip fixed to the first longitudinal edge. In other words, the firestop is fixed to the combustion gas ejection nozzle or at least one of the rear fixed structure and the suspension pylon by means of the first metal strip. The firestop is not in direct contact with the nozzle. With the combustion gas ejection system, or at least one of the rear fixed structure and the suspension pylon, no friction can occur between them. Consequently, and advantageously, wear on the firestop seal is significantly reduced, postponing, or even eliminating, its replacement.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the firestop joint comprises at least one flat strip made of the flexible and fire-resistant material.

[0051] According to one example, the firestop joint comprises a flat strip, or is even formed of such a flat strip.

[0052] According to another example, the firestop joint comprises two flat strips superimposed one on top of the other.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one metal reinforcement is attached to one face of at least one flat strip or is embedded within at least one flat strip.

[0054] According to one example, the firestop joint comprises a flat strip, and at least one The metal reinforcement corresponds to a metal plate (possibly of the same surface area) attached to one of the faces of the flat strip.

[0055] According to another example, the firestop joint comprises a flat strip, and at least one metal reinforcement comprises several metal ribs of rectangular or tubular section attached to one face of the flat strip, and which extend transversely from the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge.

[0056] According to another example, the firestop joint comprises two flat strips, and at least one metal reinforcement is embedded (in other words, sandwiched) between the two flat strips.

[0057] These different examples should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the firestop joint comprises one or more tubes made of the flexible and fire-resistant material.

[0059] According to one example, the firestop joint comprises a tube, a first part The longitudinal part of the lateral face of the tube corresponds to the first longitudinal edge, and a second longitudinal part of the lateral face of the tube diametrically opposite to the first longitudinal part corresponds to the second longitudinal edge.

[0060] According to another example, the firestop joint comprises two tubes such that: - the first longitudinal part of one of the two tubes, called the first tube, corresponds to the first longitudinal edge of the firestop joint (in other words, the first longitudinal part of the first tube is fixed to at least one structural element); - the second longitudinal part of the other of the two tubes, called the second tube, corresponds to the second longitudinal edge of the firestop joint (in other words, the second part (The longitudinal section of the second tube is pressed against at least one other structural element); and - the second longitudinal part of the first tube is integral with the first longitudinal part of the second tube.

[0061] According to another example, the firestop joint comprises more than two tubes.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one metal reinforcement is arranged inside the tube or at least one of the several tubes.

[0063] By way of example, when the firestop joint comprises several tubes, the at least one metal reinforcement comprises several metal reinforcements, each of the several metal reinforcements being arranged inside a separate tube among the several tubes. In other words, when the firestop joint comprises, for example, two tubes, the at least one metal reinforcement comprises two metal reinforcements, each of the two metal reinforcements being arranged separately inside each of the two tubes.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear assembly includes a cooling device in communication with the tube or with at least one of the several tubes to inject cold air inside the tube or at least one of the several tubes.

[0065] Advantageously, the injection of cold air inside the tube or tubes makes it possible to avoid any overheating phenomenon of the metal frame(s), due for example to a fire in a compartment inside the rear fixed structure, and therefore promotes its or their fire-stopping function.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tube or each of the several tubes may include a series of orifices, for example arranged longitudinally on the lateral face of the tube or of each of the several tubes.

[0067] In one embodiment, the series of orifices of the tube or of each of the several tubes is included in the aforementioned cooling device, and serves to inject cold air into its associated tube.

[0068] In other embodiments, the series of orifices of the tube or of each of the several tubes can advantageously allow the introduction of pressurized air in order to ensure inside its associated tube a given internal pressure which maximizes the sealing of the tube.

[0069] This series of orifices can also allow the air contained in the tube to escape from it when the firestop seal is compressed.

[0070] In another embodiment, the series of orifices can be used for the introduction of an endoscope inside the tube, which endoscope is equipped with: a light beam and an optical or video vision system; so as to inspect the internal part of the tube or several tubes and its or their metallic armature, in order to determine if the internal part and / or the metal frame has a defect, has deteriorated over time.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible and fire-resistant material is a flexible non-woven and fibrous material, containing for example carbon, silica, ceramic or metal fibers, or a woven metallic material.

[0072] The invention also relates to a rear assembly comprising: - the gondola according to the first embodiment and a suspension pylon on which the rear fixed structure is fixed, and in which the second longitudinal edge of the firestop joint is pressed against the rear fixed structure and / or against the suspension pylon by the spring effect provided by at least one metal reinforcement which is in a compressed state; Or - the gondola according to the second embodiment and a suspension pylon on which the rear fixed structure is fixed, and in which the second longitudinal edge of the firestop joint is pressed against the combustion gas ejection nozzle by the spring effect provided by at least one metal reinforcement which is in a compressed state; Or - the suspension pylon according to the third embodiment and a nacelle comprising a thrust reverser including a rear fixed structure fixed on the suspension pylon, and a combustion gas ejection nozzle which extends the rear fixed structure, and in which the second longitudinal edge of the firestop joint is pressed against the combustion gas ejection nozzle by the spring effect provided by at least one metal reinforcement which is in a compressed state; Or - the gondola according to the second embodiment and the suspension pylon according to the third embodiment, and in which the first longitudinal edge of the firestop joint is fixed on the rear fixed structure and on the suspension pylon, and the second longitudinal edge of the firestop joint is pressed against the combustion gas ejection nozzle by the spring effect provided by at least one metal reinforcement which is in a compressed state. Brief description of the drawings

[0073] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, including non-limiting examples of implementation, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0074] [Fig-1] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rear assembly including a gondola according to the first embodiment, that is to say equipped with a fire-sealing device fixed on a combustion gas ejection nozzle and attached to a suspension pylon to which a fixed rear structure of a thrust reverser is fixed;

[0075] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of the rear assembly of [Fig.1];

[0076] [Fig.3] is a schematic longitudinal section view of the rear assembly of [Fig.1] and [Fig.2] illustrating a fixing, according to a first embodiment ([Fig.3]-a) and a second embodiment ([Fig.3]-b), of the firestop joint to the combustion gas ejection nozzle, the firestop joint comprising a flat strip to which at least one metal reinforcement is attached;

[0077] [Fig.4] illustrates schematic perspective and partial views of two variants of making the firestop joint (respectively [Fig.4]-a and [Fig.4]-b) when it includes a flat strip and is fixed to the combustion gas ejection nozzle of the rear assembly according to the embodiment illustrated [Fig.3]-b;

[0078] [Fig.5] is a schematic longitudinal section view of the rear assembly of [Fig.1] and [Fig.2] illustrating the fixing of a firestop seal to the combustion gas ejection nozzle according to the second embodiment illustrated [Fig.3]-b, the firestop seal comprising two flat strips between which is sandwiched at least one metal reinforcement;

[0079] [Fig.6] illustrates schematic cross-sectional views of two variants of realization, respectively [Fig.6]-a and [Fig.6]-b, of at least one metal reinforcement when the firestop joint includes one flat strip or two flat strips;

[0080] [Fig.7] is a schematic longitudinal section view of the rear assembly of the [Fig.1] and [Fig.2] illustrating, respectively [Fig.7]-a and [Fig.7]-b, a fixing of a firestop seal to the combustion gas ejection nozzle according to the two embodiments illustrated [Fig.3] when the firestop seal comprises two tubes inside each of which is arranged a metal reinforcement;

[0081] [Fig.8] is a schematic perspective view of the firestop joint which is the subject of the [Fig.7], when the metal reinforcements of the two tubes are in a compressed state;

[0082] [Fig.9] is a schematic perspective view of a tube of a firestop joint inside which the metal reinforcement is at rest, and on the side face of which a series of openings are provided, allowing for example to cool the inside of the tube, or to fulfill other functions such as pressurizing the tube or venting air;

[0083] [Fig. 10] is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating: a rear assembly comprising a nacelle according to the second embodiment, with the fire-sealing device fixed to the rear fixed structure of a thrust reverser and pressed against a combustion gas ejection nozzle ([Fig. 10]-a); a rear assembly comprising a suspension pylon according to the third embodiment, with the fire-sealing device fixed on the suspension pylon and pressed against the combustion gas ejection nozzle ([Fig. 10]-b); and a rear assembly comprising the nacelle according to the second embodiment and the suspension pylon according to the third embodiment, with the fire-sealing device which is fixed on the suspension pylon and on the rear fixed structure of a thrust reverser and which is pressed against the combustion gas ejection nozzle ([Fig. 10]-c).

[0084] [Detailed description of several embodiments of the invention]

[0085] A rear assembly la comprising a nacelle 10a of a turbojet 1 la according to the first embodiment is schematically illustrated in [Fig.1] and [Fig.2]. This rear assembly la is given in an illustrative and non-restrictive manner.

[0086] The rear assembly la of the nacelle 10a includes a thrust reverser 20a shaped to surround a downstream portion of the turbojet lia. The thrust reverser 20a includes a rear fixed structure 2a comprising, for example, two half-hoods 21a, 22a which have a symmetrical design along a plane of symmetry corresponding to the median plane MP of the nacelle 10a. The two half-hoods 21a, 22a are, for example, pivotally articulated about a longitudinal hinge axis by hinges fixed to the suspension pylon 4a. The hinges allow the two half-hoods 21a, 22a, and thus the rear fixed structure 2a, to be fixed to the suspension pylon 4a. The rear fixed structure 2a is extended in its downstream part by a combustion gas ejection nozzle 3a surrounding an ejection cone 5a.

[0087] The rear assembly of the nacelle 10a includes a fire-sealing device comprising: - a fire-resistant seal 6 made of a flexible, fire-resistant material, which material may, for example, be a flexible, non-woven, fibrous material containing, for example, carbon, silica, ceramic, or metal fibers, or a woven metallic material; and - at least one metal reinforcement 9 attached to the firestop joint 6 and elastically deformable in compression in the direction of the width of the firestop joint 6.

[0088] The firestop 6 has a first longitudinal edge 61 and a second longitudinal edge 62. The firestop device is mounted between the combustion gas discharge nozzle 3a and the suspension pylon 4a such that the first longitudinal edge 61 is fixed to the combustion gas discharge nozzle 3a and the second longitudinal edge 62 is pressed against the suspension pylon 4a by a spring effect provided by at least one metal reinforcement 9, which is in a compressed state when the rear fixed structure 2a is fixed to the suspension pylon 4a. The fixing of the first longitudinal edge 61 to the combustion gas discharge nozzle 3a is shown in [Fig. 1] by hatching.

[0089] Advantageously, this fire-sealing device mounting configuration proposes supplying the nacelle 10a alone, equipped with the firestop seal 6 (i.e., with its first longitudinal edge 61 fixed to the exhaust nozzle 3a), before mounting the nacelle 10a on the suspension pylon 4a, and therefore does not require fixing the rear fixed structure 2a to the suspension pylon 4a prior to mounting the fire-sealing device. This first embodiment thus offers greater practicality in mounting the fire-sealing device between the exhaust nozzle 3a and the rear fixed structure 2a of the nacelle 10a of the turbojet engine.

[0090] Once installed between the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3a and the suspension pylon 4a, the firestop seal 6 is designed to fill a given angular sector and extend at least below the suspension pylon 4a on either side and symmetrically with respect to the median plane MP, in an area referred to as the 12-hour zone. The angular sector may, for example, be equal to 90 degrees, with the firestop seal 6 then extending at an angle of 45 degrees on either side of the median plane MP.

[0091] In another embodiment, the firestop joint 6 extends on either side of the median plane MP of the nacelle under the suspension pylon 4a, but also partly under the rear fixed structure 2a. According to the illustrated example [Fig. 1], the firestop joint 6 can, for example, extend under the suspension pylon 4a and partly under each half-hood 21a, 22a that comprise the rear fixed structure 2a.

[0092] With reference to [Fig.3], in order to fix the firestop seal 6 to the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3a, a fixing means 81 is mounted securely on the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3a, which fixing means 81 is provided to cooperate with a complementary fixing means 82 which includes the first longitudinal edge 61.

[0093] The fastening means 81 and the complementary fastening means 82 allow easy mounting and dismounting of the firestop seal 6 at the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3a; with the operator being able to easily access the zone 12 o'clock between the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3a and the suspension pylon 4a without needing, for example, to disassemble the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3a from the rear assembly la.

[0094] In an illustrated embodiment [Fig. 3]-a, the fastening means 81 comprises a slide 90, which slide 90 may, for example, have a cylindrical cross-section or a dovetail cross-section. The complementary fastening means 82 comprises a male rail 91 designed to be engaged inside the slide 90; the male rail 91 may, for example, include a metal insert 92 that facilitates the engagement and sliding of the male rail 91 inside the slide 90.

[0095] In another embodiment illustrated [Fig.3]-b, the first fastening means 81 comprises a series of fastening holes 100 associated with fastening members 101, and the additional fastening means 82 comprises a series of holes 102 allowing the passage of the fastening members 101 through the holes 102 to be fixed onto the fastening holes 100.

[0096] The fastening elements 101 may correspond to screws, the threaded rods of which are provided to be housed and then fixed inside the fastening holes 100.

[0097] With reference to [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4], the firestop joint 6 may, for example, correspond to a flat strip 63 made of the flexible, fire-resistant material. The at least one metal reinforcement 9 then comprises a single metal reinforcement 9 attached to one face of the flat strip 63.

[0098] When the first longitudinal edge 61 is fixed to the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3a according to the embodiment illustrated [Fig.3]-b, the series of holes 102 can be provided, as illustrated [Fig.4]-a, in the first longitudinal edge 61 of the firestop seal 6, which then corresponds to a longitudinal edge of the flat strip 63. The holes 102 can be reinforced by means of eyelets 103 which prevent part of the fasteners 101, for example screw heads, from rubbing against the flat strip 63 at the holes 102, for example in the event of relative movement or vibration of the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3a and / or the suspension pylon 4a, which could then damage, or even tear, the flat strip 63 at the holes 102.

[0099] With reference to [Fig.4]-b, in another embodiment, the holes 102 can be provided in a metal strip 104 attached fixedly to the first longitudinal edge 61 of the firestop joint 6, i.e. to a longitudinal edge of the flat strip 63. The metal strip 104 can be attached to the first longitudinal edge 61 of the firestop joint 6 by means, for example, of a seam or a weld 105.

[0100] In another embodiment, with reference to [Fig.5], the firestop joint 6 may comprise two flat strips 63, 64 delimited by the first longitudinal edge 61 and the second longitudinal edge 62 of the firestop joint 6. In this embodiment, the fire sealing device comprises at least one metal reinforcement 9 which is embedded inside the two flat strips 63, 64 (in other words, it is sandwiched between the two flat strips 63, 64).

[0101] With reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6, when the firestop joint comprises at least one flat strip 63, 64, for example one flat strip 63 or two flat strips 63, 64, the at least one metal reinforcement 9 may extend transversely from the first longitudinal edge 61 to the second longitudinal edge 62. According to an example, illustrated [Fig. 6]-a, the at least one metal reinforcement 9 may be in the form of a plate possibly having the same surface area as the at least one flat strip 63, 64. According to another example, illustrated [Fig.4] and [Fig.6]-b, at least one metal frame 9 may include several metal ribs 9 of rectangular or tubular section.

[0102] When the metal frame 9 comprises several metal ribs, said metal ribs can be joined together by means of at least one longitudinal metal reinforcement 93 which extends between the metal ribs 9. The at least one longitudinal metal reinforcement 93 ensures better support of the several metal ribs, and therefore of the metal frame 9, on the flat strip 63.

[0103] In one embodiment, the firestop joint 6 may comprise one or more tubes 73, 74 made of the flexible, fire-resistant material and inside which is arranged at least one metal reinforcement 9, which may, for example, extend along the entire length of the tube. When the firestop joint 6 comprises several tubes, it may comprise two or more tubes.

[0104] When the firestop joint 6 comprises a single tube 73, 74, the first longitudinal edge 61 of the firestop joint corresponds to a first longitudinal part 731, 741 of the lateral face of the tube 73, 74; and the second longitudinal edge corresponds to a second longitudinal part 732, 742 of the lateral face of the tube 73, 74 which is diametrically opposite to the first longitudinal part 731, 741.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment [Fig. 7], the firestop joint 6 comprises two tubes, respectively called first tube 73 and second tube 74. Inside each of the two tubes 73, 74 is a metal reinforcement 9. The firestop joint 6 is then mounted between the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3a and the suspension pylon 4a of the rear assembly la such that: - the first longitudinal part 731 of the first tube 73 is fixed to the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3a; - the second longitudinal section 742 of the second tube 74 is pressed against the suspension pylon 4a; and - the second longitudinal part 732 of the first tube and the first longitudinal part 741 of the second tube 74 are mounted together.

[0106] The fastening means 81 and the additional fastening means 82 for the fastening / mounting of the first longitudinal part 731 of the first tube 73 can, according to a first example, comprise respectively a slide 90 and a male rail 91 ([Fig.7]-a); or, according to a second example, comprise respectively a series of fastening holes 100 associated with first fastening members 101 and a series of holes 102 for the passage of the fastening members 101 through said holes 102 to fix themselves on the fastening holes 100 ([Fig.7]-b).

[0107] As explained previously, for each of the embodiments presented, at least one metal reinforcement 9 is elastically deformable in compression in the width direction of the firestop joint 6, which allows the second longitudinal edge 62 of the firestop joint 6 to be pressed against the suspension pylon 4a of the rear assembly la. This compression of at least one metal reinforcement 9 is illustrated [Fig.8], where the firestop joint 6 comprises two tubes 73, 74.

[0108] The elastic deformation of at least one metal reinforcement 9 also advantageously allows the firestop seal 6 to avoid being subjected to forces induced by movements or vibrations of the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3a and / or the suspension pylon 4a. Wear of the firestop seal 6 is thus limited / reduced, making it possible to postpone replacement of the firestop seal, or even rendering it unnecessary.

[0109] When the firestop joint includes one or more tubes 73, 74, said or each of said tubes 73, 74 may include a series of orifices which is, for example, arranged longitudinally on its lateral face.

[0110] In an illustrated embodiment [Fig. 9], this series of orifices may be part of a cooling device 110 communicating with the tube(s) 73, 74, which cooling device 110 is configured to inject cold air CF into the tube(s) 73, 74 via their respective series of orifices. This injection of cold air CF is intended to prevent any overheating of the metal reinforcement 9 contained within the tube(s) 73, 74, due, for example, to a fire in a compartment inside the rear fixed structure 2a. The cooling device 110 thus enhances the fire-stopping function of the fire-sealing device.

[0111] In other embodiments, the series of orifices of the tube(s) 73, 74 can advantageously allow: the introduction of pressurized air in order to ensure inside its associated tube 73, 74 a given internal pressure which maximizes the sealing of the tube 73, 74; and / or the evacuation of the air contained in the tube 73, 74 out of it when the firestop seal 6 is compressed.

[0112] In another embodiment, the series of orifices can be used for the introduction of an endoscope inside the tube(s) 73, 74, which endoscope being equipped with: a light beam and an optical or video vision system; so as to inspect the internal part of the tube(s) 73, 74 and its or their metal armature 9, in order to determine whether the internal part and / or the metal armature 9 has a defect, has deteriorated over time.

[0113] Other mounting configurations for the fire-sealing device are possible.

[0114] Figure 10 illustrates three rear assemblies 1b, le, Id, each with a different mounting configuration of the fire-sealing device.

[0115] Fig. 10-a illustrates a rear assembly 1b comprising a nacelle 10b according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10-b illustrates a rear assembly 1 comprising a suspension pylon 4c according to the third embodiment, to which a nacelle 10c is to be attached. Finally, Fig. 10-c illustrates a rear assembly 1d comprising a nacelle 10d according to the second embodiment and a suspension pylon 4d according to the third embodiment.

[0116] Similar to the rear assembly 10a previously illustrated, it is considered that the three rear assemblies 1b, 1e, 1d each comprise a thrust reverser 20b, 20c, 20d shaped to surround a downstream portion of a turbojet engine. The thrust reverser 20b, 20c, 20d comprises a fixed rear structure 2b, 2c, 2d having two half-hoods 21b, 22b, 21c, 22c, 21d, 22d which have a symmetrical design along a plane of symmetry corresponding to the median plane MP of the nacelle 10b, 10c, 1Od.

[0117] In [Fig.10]-a, the fire sealing device is mounted such that the first longitudinal edge 61 of the firestop seal 6 is fixed to the rear fixed structure 2b (the fixing being represented by hatching in the figure), and the second longitudinal edge 62 of the firestop seal 6 is pressed against the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3b by means of the spring effect provided by the at least one metal reinforcement 9 integral with the firestop seal 6.

[0118] Advantageously, this mounting configuration of the fire-sealing device can allow the nacelle 10b to be supplied alone equipped with the fire-stop seal 6 fixed to the rear fixed structure 2b, the mounting of the fire-sealing device between the rear fixed structure 2b (to which the first longitudinal edge 61 of the fire-stop seal 6 is fixed) and the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3b (against which the second longitudinal edge 62 of the fire-stop seal 6 is pressed) not in fact requiring prior fixing of the rear fixed structure 2b to the suspension pylon 4b (i.e. here to a fixing of the half-hoods 21b, 22b at the level of the hinges which comprise the suspension pylon 4b).

[0119] In [Fig.10]-b, the fire sealing device is mounted such that the first longitudinal edge 61 of the firestop joint 6 is fixed to the suspension pylon 4c (the fixing being represented in the figure by hatching), and the second longitudinal edge 62 of the firestop joint 6 is pressed against the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3c by means of the spring effect provided by the at least one metal reinforcement 9 integral with the firestop joint 6.

[0120] Advantageously, this mounting configuration of the fire-sealing device does not require prior attachment of the platform 10c to the suspension pylon 4c for attaching the first longitudinal edge 61 of the firestop seal 6 to the suspension pylon 4c. One advantage is therefore greater practicality and flexibility in assembly. of the fire sealing device between the suspension pylon 4c and the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3c by simplifying its attachment, more specifically the attachment of its firestop seal 6, to the suspension pylon 4c.

[0121] In [Fig.10]-c, the fire-sealing device is mounted such that the first longitudinal edge 61 of the firestop joint 6 is fixed to the rear fixed structure 2d and to the suspension pylon 4d (the fixing being represented in the figure by hatching), and the second longitudinal edge 62 of the firestop joint 6 is pressed against the combustion gas ejection nozzle 3d by means of the spring effect provided by the at least one metal reinforcement 9 integral with the firestop joint 6.

[0122] Similar to the mounting configuration of [Fig. 1], once the sealing device is in place, for each of the rear assemblies 1b, 1, 1d, the firestop seal 6 extends at least under the suspension pylon 4b, 4c, 4d, and possibly also under the rear fixed structure 2b, 2c, 2d.

[0123] Also, for each of the mounting configurations of the fire-sealing device illustrated in [Fig. 10], the fixing means 81 and the additional fixing means 82 described and illustrated are applicable for fixing the first longitudinal edge 61 of the firestop joint 6, which firestop joint 6 may have one or more of the characteristics described so far. The same applies to the reinforcement 9.

[0124] More generally, although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is evident that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

Demands

1. Nacelle (10a) of a turbojet engine (lia) comprising: - a thrust reverser (20a) including a rear fixed structure (2a), - a combustion gas ejection nozzle (3a) which extends the rear fixed structure (2a), - a firestop seal (6) made of a flexible and fire-resistant material and having a first longitudinal edge (61) and a second longitudinal edge (62) opposite each other which define a width of the firestop seal (6), said firestop seal (6) extending over the combustion gas ejection nozzle (3a); and - at least one metal reinforcement (9) integral with the firestop seal (6) and elastically deformable in compression in the direction of the width of the firestop seal (6);and wherein the first longitudinal edge (61) is fixed on the combustion gas ejection nozzle (3a), and the second longitudinal edge (62) is free and adapted to be pressed against the rear fixed structure (2a) and / or against a suspension pylon (4a) on which the rear fixed structure (2a) is intended to be fixed, by a spring effect provided by at least one metal reinforcement (9) which is in a compressed state when the rear fixed structure (2a) is fixed on the suspension pylon (4a).

2. Nacelle (10b; 10d) of a turbojet engine, comprising: - a thrust reverser (20b; 20d) including a rear fixed structure (2b; 2d), - a combustion gas ejection nozzle (3b; 3d) which extends the rear fixed structure (2b; 2d), - a firestop joint (6) made of a flexible and fire-resistant material and having a first longitudinal edge (61) and a second longitudinal edge (62) opposite each other which define a width of the firestop joint (6), said firestop joint (6) extending over the rear fixed structure (2b; 2d); and - at least one metal reinforcement (9) integral with the firestop joint (6) and elastically deformable in compression in the direction of the width of the firestop joint (6); and wherein the first longitudinal edge (61) is fixed at least to the rear fixed structure (2b; 2d), and the second longitudinal edge (62) is free and adapted to be pressed against the combustion gas ejection nozzle (3b; 3d), by a spring effect provided by at least one metal armature (9) which is in a compressed state when the rear fixed structure (2b; 2d) is fixed on a suspension pylon (4b; 4d).

3. Suspension pylon (4c; 4d) for a suspension of a nacelle (10c; 10d) of a turbojet engine, comprising: - a firestop joint (6) made of a flexible and fire-resistant material and having a first longitudinal edge (61) and a second longitudinal edge (62) opposite each other which define between them a width of the firestop joint (6), said firestop joint (6) extending over the suspension pylon (4c; 4d); and - at least one metal reinforcement (9) integral with the firestop joint (6) and elastically deformable in compression in the direction of the width of the firestop joint (6); and in which the first longitudinal edge (61) is fixed at least on the suspension pylon (4c; 4d), and the second longitudinal edge (62) is free and adapted to be pressed against a combustion gas ejection nozzle (3c; 3d) of the nacelle (10c; 10d) intended to be fixed on said suspension pylon (4c;4d), by a spring effect provided by at least one metal frame (9) which is in a compressed state when the gondola is fixed on the suspension pylon (4c; 4d).;

4. Nacelle (10a; 10b; 10d) according to claim 1 or 2 or suspension pylon (4c; 4d) according to claim 3, wherein the first longitudinal edge (61) comprises a complementary fastening means (82) which cooperates with a fastening means (81) integral with the combustion gas ejection nozzle (3a) or the rear fixed structure (2b; 2d) or the suspension pylon (4c; 4d) for fastening the first longitudinal edge (61) to the combustion gas ejection nozzle (3a) or the rear fixed structure (2b; 2d) or the suspension pylon (4c; 4d).

5. Gondola (10a; 10b; 10d) according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4 or suspension pylon (4c; 4d) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the firestop joint (6) comprises at least one flat strip (63, 64) made of the flexible, fire-resistant material.

6. Nacelle (10a; 10b; 10d) according to claim 5 or suspension pylon (4c; 4d) according to claim 5, wherein at least one metal reinforcement (9) is attached to one face of at least one flat strip (63, 64) or is embedded within at least one flat strip (63, 64).

7. Gondola (10a; 10b; 10d) according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4 or suspension pylon (4c; 4d) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the firestop joint (6) comprises one or more tubes (73, 74) made of the flexible and fire-resistant material.

8. Nacelle (10a; 10b; 10d) according to claim 7 or suspension pylon (4c; 4d) according to claim 7, comprising a cooling device (110) in communication with the tube or with at least one of the several tubes (73, 74) for injecting cold air (CF) into the tube or at least one of the several tubes (73, 74).

9. Gondola (10a; 10b; 10d) according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4 to 8 or suspension pylon (4c; 4d) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the flexible, fire-resistant material is a flexible, non-woven, fibrous material, containing, for example, carbon, silica, ceramic or metal fibers, or a woven metallic material.

10. Rear assembly (a; 1b; le; Id) comprising: - the nacelle (10a) according to claim 1 and a suspension pylon (4a) on which the rear fixed structure (2a) is fixed, and in which the second longitudinal edge (62) of the firestop seal (6) is pressed against the rear fixed structure (2a) and / or against the suspension pylon (4a) by the spring effect provided by at least one metal reinforcement (9) which is in a compressed state; or - the nacelle (10b) according to claim 2 and a suspension pylon (4b) on which the rear fixed structure (2b) is fixed, and in which the second longitudinal edge (62) of the firestop seal (6) is pressed against the combustion gas ejection nozzle (3b) by the spring effect provided by at least one metal reinforcement (9) which is in a compressed state; or - the suspension pylon (4c) according to claim 3 and a nacelle (10c) comprising a thrust reverser (20c) comprising a rear fixed structure (2c) fixed on the suspension pylon (4c), and a combustion gas ejection nozzle (3c) which extends the rear fixed structure (2c), and in which the second longitudinal edge (62) of the firestop joint (6) is pressed against the combustion gas ejection nozzle (3c) by the spring effect provided by at least one metal reinforcement (9) which is in a compressed state; Or - the nacelle (1Od) according to claim 2 and the suspension pylon (4d) according to claim 3, and wherein the first longitudinal edge (61) of the firestop joint (6) is fixed on the rear fixed structure (2d) and on the suspension pylon (4d), and the second longitudinal edge (62) of the firestop joint (6) is pressed against the combustion gas ejection nozzle (3d) by the spring effect provided by at least one metal reinforcement (9) which is in a compressed state.

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