Thrust-reversal system for an aircraft turbojet engine, nacelle and propulsion assembly including such a system

By using traction cables to control the membrane's position in the thrust reversal system for aircraft turbojets, the system achieves precise leakage management and optimized operation, addressing the challenges of existing systems.

WO2025133542A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-06-26SAFRAN NACELLES

Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/FR2024/051732
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-12-22
Filing Date
2024-12-19
Publication Date
2025-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing thrust reversal systems for aircraft turbojets, which use deployable membranes to close the secondary vein, face challenges in precisely managing the membrane's position and optimizing leakage levels, particularly near bifurcations.

Method used

The system employs traction cables near each bifurcation to precisely control the distance between the sealing membrane and the internal fixed structure, allowing for fine adjustment of leakage levels during thrust reversal.

Benefits of technology

This solution enables precise management of the membrane's position and optimized leakage levels, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the thrust reversal system.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a thrust-reversal system for an aircraft turbojet engine (2), the thrust-reversal system (18) delimiting a secondary duct (16a), comprising an internal fixed structure (160) and an external fixed structure (162) connected together at at least one bifurcation (164, 166) delimited on either side by a wall (16a, 160b) of the internal fixed structure (160), the system comprising: at least one mobile cowl (20), which can move between a retracted position, and a deployed position; a set of air deflection devices; at least one sealing membrane (24), which can move between a retracted position and a deployed position; the sealing membrane (24) being attached to at least one fixed attachment element relative to the external fixed structure (162) and, at the front attachment points (240), to deployment devices (26, 28); the deployment devices (26, 28) comprising, for the or for each sealing membrane, at least a first and a second traction cable (28), each traction cable (28) being connected to the sealing membrane and to a drawing system (30), the drawing system (30) making it possible to pull on the traction cables during the deployment of the thrust-reversal device.
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Description

Thrust reversal system for aircraft turbojet, nacelle and propulsion unit comprising such a system Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of nacelles and thrust reversers for aircraft propulsion systems, and more particularly to thrust reversers equipped with deployable membranes. State of the art

[0002] Thrust reversers are systems that deflect the airflow passing through the propulsion system forward, in order to shorten landing distances and limit the load on the brakes on the landing gear.

[0003] The grid reversers currently used in the aeronautical sector generally comprise deflection grids integrated into a fixed structure of the reverser, intended to be connected to a turbomachine casing. A mobile structure of the reverser comprises one or more mobile reverser cowls, and it is mounted so as to be movable in translation relative to the fixed structure between a forward direct thrust position and a rearward thrust reverser position. In the forward direct thrust position, the deflection grids are arranged in a cavity of the mobile reverser cowls, and they are isolated from the secondary flow path of the propulsion unit by a radially internal wall of the reverser cowls. On the other hand, in the rearward thrust reverser position, the rearward radially internal wall of the reverser cowls defines an opening for the passage of the secondary flow path towards the deflection grids,

[0004] To divert at least part of the secondary flow towards this passage opening in the direction of the grilles, the inverter is generally equipped with shutters, which, when deployed, at least partially close the secondary vein. In a known manner, this forces the air of the secondary flow to pass through the passage opening and reach the grilles, which then generate the counter-thrust air flow towards the front.

[0005] The shutter solution is also known for being relatively heavy and bulky. However, climate change is a major concern for many legislative and regulatory bodies around the world. Indeed, various carbon emission restrictions have been, are being, or will be adopted by various states. In particular, an ambitious standard applies to both new aircraft types but also to those in circulation requiring the implementation of technological solutions in order to make them comply with current regulations. Civil aviation has been mobilizing for several years now to make a contribution to the fight against climate change.

[0006] Consequently, the Applicant is constantly working to reduce its negative climate impact by using methods and operating virtuous development and manufacturing processes and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions to the minimum possible in order to reduce the environmental footprint of its activity.

[0007] With this in mind, solutions have been developed for closing the secondary vein using one or more deployable membranes. Such a membrane design is known, for example, from document FR 3 076 864 Al.

[0008] The deployment of a sealing membrane can be carried out using one or more deployment rods, one radially external end of which is connected to one end of the membrane, and one radially internal end of which is articulated on a radially internal delimiting wall of the secondary vein, this wall belonging to the fixed structure of the inverter.

[0009] As the moving structure moves towards its rearward thrust reversal position, the membrane gradually deploys into the vein, plunging radially inwards, driven by the connecting rod(s) which tilt downstream and also radially inwards.

[0010] In the direct jet position, the end of the membrane connected to the connecting rods is generally sandwiched between a deflection edge of the fixed structure, and an upstream end of the radially internal wall of the movable hood.

[0011] The solution for deploying and removing the sealing membrane using connecting rods is satisfactory, but it nevertheless remains improvable. Indeed, in the reverse thrust configuration, the position of the inclined connecting rods in the secondary vein is not known with great precision, nor that of the membrane end connected to these connecting rods, in particular with regard to the connecting rods located in the immediate vicinity of the bifurcations. Thus, the distance between the sealing membrane and the internal fixed structure of the nacelle is not always maintained at a value ensuring a optimized operation of the thrust reversal system, since the leakage level generated by the membrane is not optimized.

[0012] The objective of the present invention is to propose a thrust reversal system comprising a sealing membrane making it possible to finely manage the position of the membrane in the vein, and therefore to precisely adjust the level of leakage generated by the membrane when it is deployed in the secondary vein. Statement of the invention

[0013] To this end, the invention relates to a thrust reversal system for an aircraft turbojet engine nacelle, the thrust reversal system delimiting a secondary vein for the passage of a secondary flow of the turbojet engine, the thrust reversal system comprising an internal fixed structure and an external fixed structure connected to each other at at least one bifurcation, the bifurcation being delimited on either side by a bifurcation wall formed by the internal fixed structure, the thrust reversal system comprising: - at least one movable cowl, movable between a retracted position, in which the thrust reversal system is in direct jet configuration, and a deployed position, in which the thrust reversal system is in reverse jet configuration; - a set of air deflection devices; - at least one sealing membrane, movable between a retracted position corresponding to the retracted position of the movable cowl, in which it is at least partially housed in an internal space of the movable cowl, and a deployed position corresponding to the deployed position of the movable cowl, in which it is at least partially deployed in the secondary stream, so as to divert a majority portion of the secondary flow towards the air diversion devices; the sealing membrane being fixed, at rear fixing points, to at least one fixing element fixed relative to the external fixed structure and, at front fixing points, to deployment devices; the deployment devices comprising, for the or for each sealing membrane at least a first traction cable and a second traction cable, the first and second traction cables each having a first end connected to the front attachment point of the sealing membrane closest to the corresponding bifurcation wall, and a second end located outside the secondary vein and connected to a pulling system, each traction cable penetrating into the secondary vein via a respective orifice provided in the internal fixed structure, the pulling system making it possible to pull on the second end of the corresponding traction cable during deployment of the thrust reverser device, so as to reduce the distance between the first end of the traction cable and the corresponding passage orifice.

[0014] Thus, by providing a traction cable near the or each bifurcation, it is possible, at the level of each cable, to precisely fix the distance between the sealing membrane and the internal fixed structure of the nacelle when the reversal system is deployed. Thus, the position of the end of the membrane is precisely fixed, which in particular makes it possible to finally adjust the level of leakage generated by the membrane during thrust reversal phases.

[0016] The thrust reverser system according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following optional features, considered alone or in all possible combinations.

[0015] According to one feature, the pulling system comprises a support for fixing the second end of the pulling cable, the fixing support being fixed relative to the movable cover.

[0016] According to one characteristic, the traction cable is connected to the pulling system by a device of variable length, for example an elastic return device.

[0017] According to one characteristic, the pulling system comprises a return device secured to the movable cowl, the second end of the traction cable being secured to a fixing support fixed relative to the external fixed structure of the thrust reversal system, the return device comprising for example a pulley.

[0018] According to one feature, the pulling system comprises a spring, such as a gas spring, or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0019] According to one feature, the thrust reversal system comprises a guidance system configured to impose the routing of the traction cable outside the secondary vein.

[0020] According to one characteristic, the guidance system comprises at least one return system, comprising for example one or more pulleys.

[0021] According to one feature, the guidance system comprises a sheath into which a portion of the traction cable is inserted.

[0022] According to one feature, the deployment devices comprise passive deployment devices, of fixed length, a first end of which is secured to the internal fixed structure, and a second opposite end of which is secured to a front attachment point of the sealing membrane, the passive deployment devices being, for example, connecting rods or cables.

[0023] According to one feature, the thrust reversal system comprises at least one additional traction cable, the additional traction cable being associated with one of the passive deployment devices which are not associated with the first and second traction cables.

[0024] The invention also relates to a nacelle comprising a thrust reversal system in accordance with that defined above.

[0025] The invention also relates to a propulsion unit comprising a dual-flow turbojet and a nacelle conforming to that defined above, as well as an aircraft comprising at least one such propulsion unit. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft propulsion system, comprising a bypass turbojet engine and a nacelle carrying a grid thrust reverser system, the thrust reverser system being shown in a retracted configuration.

[0027] Figure 2 shows the propulsion assembly of Figure 1, with the thrust reverser system shown in a deployed configuration.

[0028] Figure 3 is a partial view of a propulsion assembly conforming to that of Figure 1, the nacelle carrying a reversing system with deflector membranes, the thrust reversing system being in a deployed configuration.

[0029] Figure 4 is a partial view of the rear section of the nacelle of Figure 1 with the thrust reverser system in a retracted configuration.

[0030] Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, with the thrust reverser system in a deployed configuration.

[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of a portion of the nacelle of Figure 3 with the thrust reverser system in a retracted position.

[0032] Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6, the thrust reversal system being shown during deployment, in a first intermediate position.

[0033] Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 6, the thrust reversal system being shown during deployment, in a second intermediate position.

[0034] Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 6, with the thrust reverser system shown in the deployed position.

[0035] Figure 10 is a schematic sectional view similar to Figure 6, showing an alternative way of fixing the first end of the traction cable.

[0036] Figure 11 is a schematic sectional view similar to Figure 6, showing an alternative method of attaching the second end of the traction cable, with the thrust reverser system in the retracted position.

[0037] Figure 12 is a schematic sectional view similar to Figure 11, with the thrust reverser system in the deployed position.

[0038] Figure 13 is a schematic sectional view similar to Figure 6, showing a traction cable guidance system comprising fixed pulleys, the thrust reverser system being in the retracted position.

[0039] Figure 14 is a schematic sectional view similar to Figure 13, with the thrust reverser system in the deployed position.

[0040] Figure 15 is a schematic sectional view similar to Figure 6, showing a traction cable guidance system comprising at least one movable pulley, the thrust reversal system being in the retracted position.

[0041] Figure 16 is a schematic sectional view similar to Figure 15, with the thrust reverser system in the deployed position.

[0042] Figure 17 is a schematic sectional view similar to Figure 6, showing a traction cable pulling system, the thrust reverser system being in the retracted position.

[0043] Figure 18 is a schematic sectional view similar to Figure 17, with the thrust reverser system in the deployed position.

[0044] Figure 19 is a schematic sectional view similar to Figure 17, showing a variant of the traction cable pulling system, the thrust reverser system being in the retracted position.

[0045] Figure 20 is a schematic sectional view similar to Figure 19, with the thrust reverser system in the deployed position.

[0046] Figure 21 is a view similar to Figure 5, showing a variant of the thrust reverser system in which additional traction cables are provided. Detailed description

[0047] Figures 1 and 2 show an aircraft propulsion unit 1, having a longitudinal central axis A.

[0048] Subsequently, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are defined relative to a general direction of flow of gases through the propulsion unit, along the axis A1 when it generates thrust. These terms "upstream" and "downstream" could respectively be substituted by the terms "front" and "rear", with the same meaning.

[0049] The propulsion unit 1 comprises a turbomachine 2 and a nacelle 3. The propulsion unit 1 is intended to be connected via a mast 4 to a wing (not shown) of an aircraft.

[0050] The turbomachine 2 is in this example a dual-flow turbojet engine, comprising in particular a gas generator and a fan. The nacelle 3 comprises a front section 10 forming an air inlet 10a, a middle section 12 which comprises two fan cowls 12a surrounding a fan casing of the turbojet engine, and a rear section 16.

[0051] In operation, an air flow enters the propulsion unit 1 through the air inlet 10a, passes through the fan of the turbojet engine and then divides into a primary flow and a secondary flow. The primary flow flows in a primary gas circulation vein passing through the gas generator of the turbojet engine 2. The secondary flow flows in a secondary vein surrounding the gas generator. The secondary vein is delimited radially inwardly by an internal structure of the nacelle which envelops the gas generator.

[0052] The rear section 16 of the nacelle carries a thrust reverser system 18. Figure 1 shows the nacelle 3 in direct jet configuration, that is to say with the thrust reverser system in the retracted position, while Figure 2 shows the nacelle 3 in reverse jet configuration, that is to say with the thrust reverser system in the deployed position. Thus, it can be seen in Figure 3 that a movable cowl 20 of the rear section 16 is in the retracted position, revealing a set of air deflection devices 22, which are in the example of Figures 1 and 2 air deflection grilles.

[0053] Figure 3 is a partial view of the rear section 16 of the nacelle 3 of the propulsion unit 1, in a variant in which the air deflection devices 22 are deflector membranes. As visible in Figure 3, which shows the thrust reversal system 18 in the deployed position, all of the deflector membranes 22 are deployed, so as to redirect the secondary air flow outside the nacelle 3, towards the front.

[0054] Figures 4 and 5 represent a half-part of the rear section 16 of the nacelle 3, which comprises the thrust reverser system 18, the latter being respectively in the retracted configuration and in the deployed configuration.

[0055] As seen in Figure 4, each half-part of the rear section 16 of the nacelle comprises an internal fixed structure 160 (also called IFS according to the English term "Inner Fixed Structure") and an external fixed structure 162 (alsocalled OFS according to the English term "Outer Fixed Structure"). In the example, the rear section 16 of the nacelle has a so-called "D-shaped" structure (commonly referred to by the English term "D-duct"). In such a configuration, the internal fixed structure and the external fixed structure are connected to each other at the level by means of two connecting islands 164, 166, arranged in the secondary vein 16a, respectively forming a first bifurcation 164 and a second bifurcation 166. For a propulsion unit fixed to an aircraft wing, the bifurcations are arranged respectively according to the positions called "at twelve o'clock" (for the first bifurcation 164, or upper bifurcation 164) and "at six o'clock" (for the second bifurcation 166, or lower bifurcation 166).It is recalled that the “twelve o’clock” and “six o’clock” positions are conventionally defined by analogy with a watch dial, the nacelle being in the operating position, i.e. under the wing. The “twelve o’clock” position is thus located at the nacelle attachment mast, while the “six o’clock” position corresponds to the diametrically opposite position. For a propulsion unit fixed to the fuselage of an aircraft, the bifurcations will be arranged according to the so-called “three o’clock” and “nine o’clock” positions. Furthermore, although the nacelle described in the present application has a D-shaped structure, the present invention applies to any type of nacelles, and in particular to nacelles having an “O” or “C” structure, structures in which only a single bifurcation is provided.Each bifurcation 164, 166 is delimited at the level of the secondary vein 16a, on either side, by a bifurcation wall 160a, 160b formed by a part of the fixed internal structure 160 of the rear section 16.

[0056] In the configuration of figures 1 and 4, the secondary vein 16a is, at the level of the rear section 16, delimited by the internal fixed structure 160, and the movable cowls 20, which form a part of the rear section 16 of the nacelle 3. The secondary vein 16a is in direct jet configuration and is optimized to allow the secondary flow to pass towards the rear of the propulsion unit, opposing it with the lowest possible resistance.

[0057] In the configuration of figures 2, 3 and 5, the movable hoods 20 are in the retracted position and the secondary vein 16a is at least partially obstructed by a device for closing the secondary vein, in the example a closing membrane 24. In its deployed position, the closing membrane 24 makes it possible to block part of the flow secondary to redirect it towards the air deflection devices 22 and therefore towards the outside of the nacelle, thus generating the desired counter-thrust.

[0058] Figures 6 to 9 show a section of the rear section 16 of the nacelle 3, when equipped with deflector membranes 22 such as those shown in Figure 3.

[0059] Figure 6 shows the thrust reverser system 18 in the retracted configuration, i.e., the nacelle 3 is in the direct jet configuration.

[0060] The thrust reversal system 18 comprises at least one movable cowl 20, in the example two movable cowls 20, which form the outer surface of the rear section 16 of the nacelle. The thrust reversal system 18 further comprises the air deflection devices 22 and the devices 24 for closing the secondary vein 16a. The thrust reversal system 18 comprises actuators (not shown), in particular electromechanical actuators, making it possible to slide the movable cowl between a retracted position (FIG. 6) and a deployed position (FIG. 9), and vice versa. This transition is effected by a translational movement along the longitudinal axis of the nacelle, corresponding to the longitudinal axis A of the propulsion unit 1.

[0061] When the thrust reversal system is in the retracted position (figure 6), the movable cowl 20 is in the retracted position, corresponding to an advanced position in which it ensures aerodynamic continuity with the middle section of the nacelle, and the sealing membrane 24 is in the retracted position, a position in which it is at least partly housed in an internal space 200 of the corresponding movable cowl 20, located between an internal surface 202 and an external surface 204 of the movable cowl 20.

[0062] When the thrust reversal system is in the deployed position (figure 9), the movable cowl 20 is in the deployed position, corresponding to a retracted position, in which it uncovers the deflection devices 22, in the example of the deflector membranes, the closure membranes 24 are in the deployed position, position in which they at least partially obstruct the secondary vein 16a.

[0063] In this configuration, the action of the sealing membranes 24 and the deflecting membranes 22 makes it possible to redirect the secondary flow outside the nacelle, towards the front in order to create a counter-thrust. The passage into the deployed position of the membranes 24 is obtained by the combined action of the aerodynamic forces generated by the secondary flow circulating in the secondary vein 16a and deployment devices 26 attached to the internal fixed structure 160 of the nacelle.

[0064] The sealing membrane 24 is connected to the deployment devices 26, which in the example are connecting rods 26. Each connecting rod 26 is fixed and articulated to the internal fixed structure 160 of the nacelle. In the example, each connecting rod 26 is articulated at a first end 260, the first end 260 being rotatably mounted in a fitting 264 secured to the internal fixed structure 160 of the nacelle 3.

[0065] Each connecting rod 26 is fixed, at a second end 262 opposite the first end 260, to the sealing membrane 24. Thus, as can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, which show intermediate positions of the movable cover 20 between the retracted and deployed positions, during the movement of the latter towards the deployed position visible in Figure 9, the recoil of the movable cover 20 makes it possible to gradually release the sealing membrane 24, the latter being pushed backwards by the air flow circulating in the secondary vein (represented by the arrow F), at the same time as the movable cover 20 moves backwards. At the same time as the sealing membrane 24 is pushed rearward, it drives the second end 262 of each connecting rod 26, to which it is attached at front attachment points 240, which causes a rotational movement of each connecting rod 26 rearward.This rotational movement drives the second end 262 of each connecting rod 26 towards the internal fixed structure 160, and therefore the deployment of the sealing membrane 24 in the secondary vein.

[0066] The sealing membrane 24 is furthermore fixed, at the level of rear fixing points 242, to one or more fixing elements 168, which are fixed relative to the external fixed structure 162 of the rear section 16 of the nacelle. These fixing elements 168 are arranged downstream of the deflection devices 22. Thus, as visible in FIG. 9, when the thrust reversal system is deployed, the sealing membrane 24 is deployed in the secondary vein, being retained, at the level of the first fixing points 240, by the connecting rods 26 and, at an opposite end, at the level of the second fixing points 242, by the fixing elements 168.

[0067] As mentioned above, in the example of Figures 6 to 9, the air deflection devices are deflector membranes 22. As seen in Figure 3, it is provided, between some or between each of the deflector membranes 22, a longitudinal upright 220. In the example of figures 6 to 9, each fixing element 168 of the sealing membrane 24 is integral with one of these longitudinal uprights 220.

[0068] In the example of Figures 6 to 9, the connecting rods 26 are passive deployment devices 26, because they are driven from their retracted position (Figure 6) to their deployed position (Figure 9) by the action of the sealing membrane 24. The passive deployment devices 26 have a fixed length. They are connecting rods 26 as in the example of the figures, but the connecting rods 26 can be replaced by other devices, such as cables of fixed length.

[0069] According to the invention, the passive deployment devices 26 which are located in the immediate vicinity of a wall 160a, 160b delimiting the single bifurcation (in the case of an “O” or “C” structure) or one of the first and second bifurcations 164, 166 (in the case of a “D” structure) are assisted by a deployment device comprising a traction cable 28. In the example of the figures, these are the passive deployment devices 26 located in the immediate vicinity of the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions, that is to say the deployment devices which are located closest respectively to the upper bifurcation 164 and the lower bifurcation 166, and therefore to the walls 160a and 160b. At least two traction cables 28 are thus provided per half-part of the rear section 16 of the nacelle, i.e. at least four traction cables 28 for the entire nacelle 3.

[0070] Each traction cable 28 comprises a first end 280 which is secured directly or indirectly to a first attachment point 240 of the sealing membrane 24, being for example either fixed to the sealing membrane 24 or to the corresponding passive deployment device 26. Each traction cable 28 comprises, at an opposite end, a second end 282 which is linked to a pulling system 30. In the example of FIGS. 6 to 9, the pulling system 30 comprises the movable cover 20, the second end 282 of the traction cable 28 being fixed to a fixing support 206 secured to the movable cover 20 and fixed relative to the latter.

[0071] Each traction cable 28 comprises a first portion 280a, which is located in the secondary vein 16a when the thrust reverser system is in the retracted position, and a second portion 280b, which is located inside the internal fixed structure 160 when the thrust reverser system is in the retracted position. As seen in the Figure 6, each traction cable 28 enters the secondary vein 16a via an orifice 160c provided in the corresponding wall 160a, 160b (or near this wall). As can be seen in Figures 6 to 9, the recoil of the movable cowl 20 during deployment of the thrust reverser system drives the second end 282 of each traction cable rearward, which amounts to pulling the cable through the corresponding orifice 160c, thus gradually reducing the distance between the corresponding orifice 160c and the first end 280 of each traction cable 28. The pulling of the cable will therefore make it possible to pull a portion of the sealing membrane 24 towards the corresponding wall 160a, 160b of the fixed internal structure 160. This ensures that the sealing membrane 24 deploys sufficiently at the bifurcations 164, 166 of the rear section 16.Furthermore, the traction cables 28 make it possible to finely adjust the final distance between the shutter membrane 24 and the fixed internal structure at the deployment devices 26 equipped with a traction cable 28. By finely adjusting this distance, it is possible to precisely manage the level of leakage generated by the shutter membrane 24, which is essential both to the proper operation of the turbojet and to the overall efficiency of the thrust reverser system.

[0072] Traction cables are preferably non-stretchable or very slightly stretchable cables. These are, for example, metal cables or cables made of a polymer material.

[0073] A system for guiding the cable 32 may be provided, over all or part of the path of the traction cable 28 between the orifice in the wall of the internal fixed structure and the second end 282 of the traction cable 28, fixed to the movable cover 20. In the example of FIGS. 6 to 13, the guiding system 32 comprises a sheath 320, for example a rigid, flexible or semi-rigid sheath.

[0074] In a variant shown in Figure 10, the traction cables 28 can be attached to a respective passive deployment device 26. In the example of Figure 10, each traction cable 28 is attached to the corresponding connecting rod 26, between the first and second ends 260a, 260b thereof.

[0075] In a variant shown in Figures 11 and 12, the second end 282 of each traction cable 28 can be fixed to the corresponding movable cover 20 by means of a device of variable length, for example a return device elastic such as a spring 208. Providing an elastic return device makes it possible to compensate for part of the distance traveled by the movable cowl 20 between the retracted and deployed positions, when this distance is greater than the travel required for the first end 280 of the traction cable 28. As can be seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the elastic return device is in the retracted position when the thrust reverser system 18 is in the retracted position, and is in the extended position when the thrust reverser system 18 is in the deployed position. Thus, the movable cowl 20 is able to move back even after the first end 282 of the traction cable 28 can no longer move back, the traction cable 28 being retained by the connecting rod 26.

[0076] In a variant shown in figures 13 and 14, the guide device 32 of the traction cable 28 comprises at least one return system 322, 324, fixed relative to the fixed internal structure 160, the return system comprising in the example two pulleys 322, 324.

[0077] In a variant shown in Figures 15 and 16, the pulling system 30 comprises at least one return device 300, comprising in the example a movable pulley 300, which is fixed relative to the movable cover 20. The second end 282 of the traction cable 28 is fixed to a fixing support 170 fixed relative to the external fixed structure 162 of the nacelle. Providing a movable pulley 300 which is fixed relative to the movable cover 20 makes it possible to reduce the travel of the first end 280 of the traction cable relative to the travel of the movable cover 20. The movable pulley 300 can be associated with return pulleys (as shown in Figures 15 and 16) or with a sheath 320 (as shown in Figures 6 to 13).

[0078] In a variant shown in Figures 17 and 18, the pulling system 30 may comprise a spring, such as a gas spring 302. In the example, the gas spring 302 comprises a body 302a, inside which is arranged a movable piston 302b. The body 302a is fixed relative to the internal fixed structure 160, and the pulling cable 28 is connected to the movable piston 302b. Thus, when the movable cover 20 moves back, the movable piston 302b drives the pulling cable 28.

[0079] In a variant shown in Figures 19 and 20, the pulling system 30 comprises a pneumatic cylinder 304. The pneumatic cylinder 304 comprises a body 304a inside which is arranged a movable piston 304b. The body 304a comprises an inlet air inlet 304c and an air outlet 304d, both in fluid communication with the secondary vein. Thus, when the movable cover 20 moves back, the movable piston 304b drives the traction cable 28, under the effect of the static pressure difference existing between the air inlet 304c and the air outlet 304d.

[0080] In a variant shown in Figure 21, an additional traction cable 29 is provided at the level of at least one or each connecting rod 26 not being associated with one of the first and second traction cables 28. The configuration and operation of the additional traction cables 29 are similar to those described above for the first and second traction cables 28.

Claims

Claims

1. Thrust reversing system (18) for a nacelle (3) of an aircraft turbojet (2), the thrust reversing system (18) delimiting a secondary vein (16a) for the passage of a secondary flow of the turbojet, the thrust reversing system comprising an internal fixed structure (160) and an external fixed structure (162) connected together at at least one bifurcation (164, 166), the bifurcation (164, 166) being delimited on either side by a bifurcation wall (160a, 160b) formed by the internal fixed structure (160), the thrust reversing system comprising: at least one movable cowl (20), movable between a retracted position, in which the thrust reversing system (18) is in direct jet configuration, and a deployed position, in which the thrust reversing system (18) is in direct jet configuration reverse jet; a set of air deflection devices (22);at least one sealing membrane (24), movable between a retracted position corresponding to the retracted position of the movable hood (20), in which it is at least partially housed in an internal space (200) of the movable hood (20), and a deployed position corresponding to the deployed position of the movable hood (20), in which it is at least partially deployed in the secondary stream (16a), so as to divert a majority portion of the secondary flow towards the air diversion devices (22); the sealing membrane (24) being fixed, at rear fixing points (242), to at least one fixing element fixed relative to the external fixed structure (162) and, at front fixing points (240), to deployment devices (26, 28);the deployment devices (26, 28) comprising, for the or each sealing membrane, at least a first traction cable (28) and a second traction cable (28), the first and second traction cables (28) each having a first end (280) connected to the front attachment point (240) of the sealing membrane closest to the corresponding bifurcation (164, 166) wall (160a, 160b), and a second; end (282) located outside the secondary vein (16a) and connected to a pulling system (30), each pulling cable (28) penetrating into the secondary vein (16a) via a respective orifice (160c) provided in the internal fixed structure (160), the pulling system (30) making it possible to pull on the second end (282) of the corresponding pulling cable (28) during deployment of the thrust reverser device, so as to reduce the distance between the first end of the pulling cable (28) and the corresponding passage orifice (160c).

2. Thrust reversal system (18) according to the preceding claim, in which the pulling system (30) comprises a fixing support (206) for the second end (282) of the traction cable (28), the fixing support being fixed relative to the movable cowl (20).

3. Thrust reversal system (18) according to the preceding claim, in which the traction cable (28) is connected to the pulling system (30) by a variable length device, for example an elastic return device (208).

4. Thrust reversal system (18) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the pulling system (30) comprises a return device (300) secured to the movable cowl (20), the second end of the traction cable (28) being secured to a fixing support fixed relative to the external fixed structure (160) of the thrust reversal system (18), the return device (300) comprising for example a pulley (300).

5. A thrust reverser system (18) according to claim 1, wherein the pull system (30) comprises a spring, such as a gas spring, or a pneumatic cylinder.

6. Thrust reversal system (18) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a guidance system (32) configured to impose the routing of the traction cable out of the secondary vein (16a).

7. Thrust reversal system (18) according to the preceding claim, in which the guidance system (32) comprises at least one return system (322, 324), comprising for example one or more pulleys (322, 324).

8. A thrust reverser system (18) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the guidance system (32) comprises a sheath (320) into which a portion of the traction cable (28) is inserted.

9. Thrust reversal system (18) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the deployment devices (26, 28) comprise passive deployment devices (26), of fixed length, a first end (260) of which is integral with the internal fixed structure, and a second opposite end (262) is integral with a forward attachment point (240) of the closure membrane (24), the passive deployment devices (26) being for example connecting rods (26) or cables.

10. A thrust reverser system (18) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one additional traction cable (29), the additional traction cable (29) being associated with one of the passive deployment devices (26) which are not associated with the first and second traction cables (28).

Citation Information

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