Protection and transport device

Abstract

The present document relates to a device for protecting and transporting a bearing having a longitudinal axis and comprising a central shaft connected to two cylindrical bearing surfaces formed at the longitudinal ends of the central shaft, the device comprising two rigid half-shells rotatably connected to one another by means of a longitudinal rotation pin which allows the half-shells to be hinged between an open position and a closed position, with each half-shell comprising a cavity for receiving the bearing, wherein each cavity comprises a concave curved surface for receiving and supporting the central shaft, and is connected at each longitudinal end to a half-cylinder for receiving and supporting one of the cylindrical bearing surfaces of the bearing.

Description

Description Title: Protective and Transport Device technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the protection and transport of mechanical parts between two locations. More specifically, it relates to the protection and transport of bearings. Previous technique

[0002] Newer generations of turbofan engines, particularly those with very high bypass ratios, incorporate a mechanical gearbox to drive the fan shaft. The role of a mechanical gearbox is to modify the speed and torque ratio between an input and output shaft of a mechanical system. Typically, in a turbofan engine, the gearbox transforms the high rotational speed of the power turbine shaft into a slower rotational speed for the fan shaft.

[0003] Such a reduction gear comprises a central pinion, called the sun gear, a ring gear, and pinions called planet gears, which mesh between the central pinion and the ring gear. The planet gears are held at equal angular intervals around the central pinion by a frame called the planet carrier. The central pinion, ring gear, and planet carrier are planetary gears because their axes of revolution coincide with the longitudinal X-axis of the turbomachine. The planet gears each have a different axis of revolution, equally spaced on the same operating diameter around the planetary gear axis. These axes are parallel to the longitudinal X-axis.

[0004] Typically, each satellite is mounted in a pivot or plain bearing, enabling rotational coupling of the satellite to the planet carrier. Plain bearings are prone to problems such as scratches on their outer diameter and impacts on the chamfers or the larger diameter. This damage is primarily caused by handling and transporting the bearings, such as placing them on a workbench, which may contain items that could scratch the bearings, like screws or shavings of various materials. Since a bearing can weigh up to 7 kg, the risk of dropping it is also particularly high. Furthermore, before a protective coating is applied, such as a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating for wear and corrosion resistance, the bearings can suffer from oxidation pitting.These various types of damage can compromise the performance and longevity of the bearings because their proper functioning depends on a perfectly fitted diameter.

[0005] The aforementioned problem also arises more generally for other levels where it is necessary to prevent the risks of damage. Summary

[0006] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0007] To this end, a protection and transport device for a longitudinal axis bearing is proposed, comprising a central shaft connected to two cylindrical supports formed at the longitudinal ends of said central shaft, the device comprising two rigid half-shells connected in rotation relative to each other by means of a longitudinal axis of rotation allowing the half-shells to be articulated between an open position and a closed position, each half-shell having a receiving recess for said bearing, each recess having a concave curved surface for receiving and supporting said central shaft and being connected at each longitudinal end to a receiving and supporting half-cylinder for one of the cylindrical supports of the bearing.

[0008] The invention is particularly applicable to a plain bearing, which is a type of bearing used to support and guide rotating parts by sliding, without the use of rolling elements (such as balls or rollers). It operates by sliding between contacting surfaces, often lubricated to reduce friction and wear.

[0009] In other words, the cylindrical bearings are tubular sections formed at the longitudinal ends of the central shaft and are coaxial with it. Furthermore, the external diameter of these tubular sections is smaller than the external diameter of the central shaft.

[0010] The half-shells are rigid and therefore cannot deform under stress exerted by human force. Furthermore, the half-shells can support a mechanical part weighing approximately ten kilograms, for example, 7 kg, without deforming.

[0011] The closed position allows the housing to hold the bearing in a static position. Thus, the rigid half-shells enable safe handling and stable bearing retention, reducing the risk of damage during transport and handling.

[0012] The design of the half-shells, with their receiving indentations and concave curved surfaces that conform to the shape of the bearing, ensures that the central shaft is held securely, minimizing unwanted movement and potential impacts. This configuration protects the bearing's external surfaces, thus preserving its precise dimensions and functionality.

[0013] The concave curved surface extends radially outside a circle of radius R which is greater than the radius of each of the semi-cylinders.

[0014] By integrating receiving half-cylinders at the ends of the recesses, the device ensures stable support for the cylindrical bearing surfaces. This helps to guarantee the retention and protection of the bearing assembly as a whole.

[0015] The longitudinal ends of the device are not closed, so the receiving half-cylinders open to the outside of the device. In other words, the longitudinal ends of the bearing are accessible to an operator when the device is in its open position. Thus, the bearing can be retrieved by simultaneously grasping the two cylindrical surfaces.

[0016] According to an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal ends of the device are plugged or sealed so as to provide protection against the introduction of dirt into the bearing.

[0017] Each half-shell may have a handle, the two handles being intended to be applied one on top of the other in the closed position of the device.

[0018] Adding handles to each half-shell allows for secure handling of the device, facilitating transport and handling of the bearing. This configuration allows a user to hold the two half-shells together when gripping, reducing the risk of accidental separation and the bearing falling, thus protecting its external surfaces and maintaining its precise dimensions.

[0019] The two half-shells may have joining surfaces intended to bear against each other in the closed position of the half-shells, each joining surface being coplanar with a flat surface formed on each handle.

[0020] This configuration ensures continuity of the joint plane when the handles are pressed against each other. This guarantees good balance of the device during gripping, preventing accidental separation of the halves during transport or handling.

[0021] At least one of the half-cylinders of one of the half-shells may have a notch for receiving a protrusion of one of the cylindrical bearing surfaces.

[0022] The integration of such a receiving notch allows for precise angular indexing of the bearing. This prevents unwanted rotation of the bearing within the device, ensuring stable and secure retention during transport and handling. This feature therefore reduces the risk of mechanical damage due to uncontrolled movement of the bearing within the device.

[0023] The concave curved surface may contain a plurality of openings.

[0024] The presence of openings lightens the device, making it easier to handle. This weight reduction facilitates transport and handling of the bearing, while maintaining effective protection. Indeed, the device's structure, with its openings, also helps to absorb shocks, thus reducing the impact on the bearing in the event of a fall.

[0025] In an alternative, the concave curved surface has no openings.

[0026] Each half-hull may include: a central portion defining the concave curved surface, two first lateral walls at longitudinal ends in which the two half-cylinders are formed and two second lateral walls connecting the said first walls.

[0027] Openings can be formed in said central portion and can lead to the concave curved surface.

[0028] According to a first design, the openings could be totally through, that is to say opening onto both an internal face of the central portion, the concave curved surface, and an external surface of the central portion.

[0029] In a second embodiment, these openings could be located at only one of their ends, and therefore be blind. This can be achieved, for example, in a configuration where the openings are located only at the concave curved surface, or only at the external surface of the central portion.

[0030] Such a configuration helps to protect the landing and prevent leaks through the openings.

[0031] The central portion may include at least one longitudinal connecting branch of said first lateral walls and at least two transverse connecting branches of said second lateral walls, the concave curved surface being defined by surfaces of said longitudinal and transverse branches.

[0032] In one particular embodiment, a longitudinal branch separates two transverse branches in their middle.

[0033] The central portion may include a substantially flat external surface.

[0034] In the open position, the device's substantially flat outer surface of the central portion provides stable support on a surface, such as an operator's workbench. The device thus forms a support on which the bearing can be safely placed, reducing the risk of damaging the bearing by placing it directly on a workbench, which could cause scratches or the bearing to tip over.

[0035] One of the joining surfaces of one half-shell may include an outgrowth capable of engaging in a recess in the joining surface of the other half-shell.

[0036] This configuration allows the two halves of the shell to be recentered when the device is closed. This ensures precise alignment of the two halves, minimizing the risk of accidental separation of the halves during transport or handling, as well as the introduction of elements that could damage the bearing inside the device.

[0037] One of the flat surfaces formed on one of the handles may include a protrusion capable of engaging in a recess of the flat surface formed on the other handle.

[0038] This configuration allows the two halves of the shell to be recentered when the device is closed. This ensures precise alignment of the two halves, minimizing the risk of accidental separation of the halves during transport or handling, as well as the introduction of elements that could damage the bearing inside the device.

[0039] In one embodiment, the receiving recesses of the half-shells can be shaped to receive said bearing as well as a protective bag, in particular a corrosion inhibitor bag, enveloping said bearing.

[0040] By wrapping the bearing, the corrosion inhibitor bag isolates and lubricates it, thus preventing oxidation. The cavity can be adapted to accommodate the bag in addition to the bearing, for example, by including a margin of 1.5 mm relative to the bearing diameter. This configuration protects the bearing not only against mechanical damage but also against corrosion, thereby extending its service life, particularly before the application of an anti-corrosion coating.

[0041] The device may include at least a first and a second insert, each disposed on one of the half-shells, and allowing a lock to be fixed to hold the device in the closed position.

[0042] The inserts can be metallic, for example in 316L. This feature enhances the security of the device, preventing any accidental opening during transport or handling of the device.

[0043] This document also relates to a transport case comprising housings for receiving a plurality of devices as described above, said housings being formed by pre-cut foam.

[0044] This type of carrying case ensures the secure and stable holding of multiple devices while allowing for the simultaneous transport of several levels. The pre-cut foam conforms to the shape of the devices, guaranteeing proper positioning and reducing the risk of unwanted movement.

[0045] The case can be placed on a transport trolley that can hold at least one case and allows for the easy transport of a large number of devices, for example between two different workshops.

[0046] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a device as described above, comprising the following steps: Provision of a mold for manufacturing the device described above by casting, Arrangement of said inserts in the mold, Casting, preferably under vacuum, of a material for manufacturing the device.

[0047] Manufacturing the device by casting, preferably under vacuum, results in a homogeneous and robust structure, minimizing internal defects such as air bubbles or inclusions. The material used, for example PU 90 SHORE A, is sufficiently flexible to absorb shocks, particularly in the event of a fall. This improves the device's mechanical strength, ensuring effective bearing protection.

[0048] The use of inserts placed in the mold before casting ensures the integration of fastening elements, such as locks, into the device's structure. This enhances the stability and security of the device in the closed position, preventing any unwanted opening, even in the event of a fall. Brief description of the drawings

[0049] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the attached drawings, on which: Fig. 1

[0050] [Fig. 1] represents a bearing protection and transport device according to the present, the device being in a first closed position; Fig. 2

[0051] [Fig. 2] shows an exploded view of the device according to this document; Fig.3

[0052] [Fig. 3] represents the device according to this document in a second open position; Fig. 4

[0053] [Fig. 4] shows a device transport case according to this document; Fig. 5

[0054] [Fig. 5] shows a schematic view of a plain bearing. Description of the implementation methods

[0055] Figure 1 illustrates a protection and transport device 10 for a bearing, and in particular a plain bearing 12 as illustrated in isolation in Figure 5. A description of the plain bearing 12 is given first in order to understand the important characteristics of the device 10 which will be described later.

[0056] The plain bearing 12 comprises a central shaft 14 connected to two cylindrical bearing surfaces 16 formed at the longitudinal ends of said central shaft 14. The external diameter of the two cylindrical bearing surfaces 16 is less than the external diameter of the central shaft 14. As can be seen in Figure 1, the bearing 12 can be mounted inside the device 10.

[0057] The device 10 comprises a first rigid half-shell 20 and a second rigid half-shell 22. The half-shells 20 and 22 are rigid and cannot deform under stress exerted by human force. Furthermore, the half-shells 20 and 22 can support a mechanical part weighing approximately ten kilograms, for example, 7 kg, without deformation. The half-shells 20 and 22 can be cast, preferably under vacuum, from a casting mold. The material used can be, for example, PU 90 SHORE A.

[0058] The half-shells 20 and 22 are rotationally connected to each other by means of a longitudinal axis of rotation X (see Figure 3), allowing the half-shells 20 and 22 to be articulated between two positions: a first open position and a second closed position. Figure 1 shows the device 10 in its closed position, while Figure 3 shows it in its open position.

[0059] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the device 10, allowing its different parts to be distinguished. Each half-shell 20, 22 comprises a central portion 24 defining a concave curved surface 26, two first longitudinal end lateral walls 28, connected to the central portion 24, in which two half-cylinders 28a are formed, and two second lateral walls 30 connecting said first walls 28. The concave curved surface 26 extends radially outside a circle of radius R which is greater than the radius r of each of the half-cylinders 28a.

[0060] Each central portion 24 may comprise at least one longitudinal connecting branch of said first lateral walls 28 and at least two transverse connecting branches of said second lateral walls 30, the concave curved surface 26 being defined by surfaces of said longitudinal and transverse branches. In this example, a longitudinal branch separates two transverse branches at their midpoints.

[0061] The concave curved surface 26 has multiple openings. These openings lighten the device 10, making it easier to handle. Furthermore, the openings in the structure of the device 10 also help to absorb shocks to the device, thus reducing the impact on the bearing 12 in the event of a fall.

[0062] In particular, openings can be formed in said central portion 24 and can lead to the concave curved surface 26.

[0063] According to a first embodiment, as in the example shown in figure 2, the openings can be totally through, that is to say opening onto both an internal face of the central portion 24, the concave curved surface 26, and an external surface 40 of the central portion 24.

[0064] In a second embodiment (not shown in the figures), these openings could open at only one of their ends, and thus be blind. This can be achieved, for example, in a configuration where the openings open only at the concave curved surface 26, or only at the external surface 40 of the central portion 24.

[0065] Each half-shell 20, 22 has a receiving recess for the plain bearing 12. Each recess is formed by the concave curved surface 26 for receiving and supporting the central shaft 14 and the half-cylinders 28a for receiving and supporting the cylindrical bearing surfaces 16 of the plain bearing 12.

[0066] At least one of the half-cylinders 28a of one of the half-shells 20, 22 may have a receiving notch 32 for a projection of one of the cylindrical bearing surfaces 16 of the plain bearing 12. The integration of such a receiving notch 32 allows for precise angular indexing of the plain bearing 12. This prevents unwanted rotation of the bearing 12 inside the device 10, ensuring stable and secure support during transport and handling of the device 10. This feature therefore reduces the risk of mechanical damage due to uncontrolled movements of the bearing 12 inside the device 10.

[0067] Each half-shell 20, 22 can have a handle 34, the two handles 34 being intended to be applied one on top of the other in the closed position of the device 10 visible in figure 1. This configuration allows a user to hold the two half-shells 20, 22 together when grasping the device 10 by the handles 34, reducing the risk of accidental separation and falling of the bearing 12.

[0068] The two half-shells 20, 22 may have joining surfaces 36 intended to bear against each other in the closed position of the half-shells 20, 22, each joining surface 36 being coplanar with a flat surface 38 formed on each handle 34. This configuration ensures continuity of the joining plane 36 when the handles 34 are bearing against each other, as can be seen in figure 1.

[0069] The central portion 24 of the half-shells 20, 22 may include a substantially flat external surface 40. As can be seen in Figure 3, in the open position of the device 10, the substantially flat external surface 40 of the central portion 24 provides stable support on a surface, for example, an operator's workbench. The device 10 thus constitutes a support on which the plain bearing 12 can be safely placed, reducing the risk of damaging the bearing 12 by placing it directly on a workbench, which could cause scratches or tipping of the bearing 12.

[0070] In one particular embodiment, the receiving recesses of the half-shells 20, 22 can be shaped to receive said plain bearing 12 and a protective bag 42, in particular a corrosion inhibitor bag, enveloping said plain bearing 12, shown in Figure 3. By enveloping the plain bearing 12, the corrosion inhibitor bag isolates it and maintains its lubrication, thus preventing oxidation. The recess can be adapted to accommodate the bag 42 in addition to the bearing 12, for example by including a margin relative to the diameter of the bearing 12, for example a margin of 1.5 mm.

[0071] The device 10 may include at least a first and a second insert 44, each disposed on one of the half-shells 20, 22, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 3. These inserts 44 allow a lock 46 to be fixed, holding the device 10 in the closed position, which prevents any accidental opening of the device 10 during its transport or handling.

[0072] The inserts 44 can be placed in the manufacturing mold before the casting of the half-shells 20,22. Thus, they are integrated into the structure of the device 10, which reinforces the stability and resistance of the assembly formed by the inserts 44 and the lock 46, which prevents any undesired opening of the device 10, even in the event of a fall.

[0073] As can be seen in Figures 2 or 3, one of the joining surfaces 36 of a half-shell 20 may include a protrusion 48 adapted to engage in a recess 50 of the joining surface 36 of the other half-shell 22. This configuration allows the two half-shells 20, 22 to be recentered when the device 10 is closed. In an alternative embodiment, the protrusion 48 and the recess 50 may each be formed on a handle 34.

[0074] This document also relates to a transport case 52, shown in Figure 4, comprising receiving compartments 54 for a plurality of devices 10. The compartments 52 are formed by pre-cut foam. The case 52 can be placed on a transport trolley capable of holding at least one case 52 and allowing for the easy transport of a large number of devices 10, for example between two different workshops.

[0075] It is understood from the above description that the invention is applicable to a bearing comprising two cylindrical bearing surfaces, whether the bearing is smooth or not.

Claims

Demands

1. A protective and transport device (10) for a longitudinally oriented bearing (12) comprising a central shaft (14) connected to two cylindrical bearing surfaces (16) formed at the longitudinal ends of said central shaft (14), the device (10) comprising two rigid half-shells (20, 22) rotationally connected to each other by means of a longitudinal axis of rotation (X) allowing the half-shells (20, 22) to be articulated between an open position and a closed position, each half-shell (20, 22) having a receiving recess for said bearing (12), each recess having a concave curved receiving and supporting surface (26) for said central shaft (14) and being connected at each longitudinal end to a receiving and supporting half-cylinder (28a) for one of the cylindrical bearing surfaces (16) of the bearing (12), wherein the concave curved surface (26) has a plurality of openings.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, each half-shell (20, 22) having a handle (34), the two handles (34) being intended to be applied to one another in the closed position of the device (10).

3. Device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the two half-shells (20, 22) have joining surfaces (36) intended to bear against each other in the closed position of the half-shells (20, 22), each joining surface (36) being coplanar with a flat surface (38) formed on each handle (34).

4. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the half-cylinders (28a) of one of the half-shells (20, 22) has a receiving notch (32) for an outgrowth of one of the cylindrical bearing surfaces (16) of the bearing (12). [Claims] Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each half-shell (20, 22) comprises: a central portion (24) defining the concave curved surface (26), two first lateral walls of longitudinal ends (28) in which the two half-cylinders (28a) are formed, and two second lateral walls (30) connecting said first walls (28).

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the central portion (24) comprises at least one longitudinal connecting branch of said first lateral walls (28) and at least two transverse connecting branches of said second lateral walls (30), the concave curved surface (26) being defined by surfaces of said longitudinal and transverse branches.

7. Device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the central portion (24) comprises a substantially flat external surface (40).

8. Device (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein one of the joining surfaces (36) of one half-shell (20) comprises an outgrowth (48) capable of engaging in a recess (50) of the joining surface (36) of the other half-shell (22).

9. Device (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein one of the flat surfaces (38) formed on one of the handles (34) includes an outgrowth (48) capable of engaging in a recess (50) of the flat surface (38) formed on the other handle (34).

10. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device (10) comprises at least a first and a second insert (44) each disposed on one of the half-shells (20, 22) and enabling a lock (46) to be fixed, holding the device (10) in the closed position.

11. Transport case (52) comprising housings (54) for receiving a plurality of devices (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, said housings (54) being formed by pre-cut foam.

12. A method for manufacturing a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps: Supply of a mold for manufacturing the device (10) according to claim 10 by casting, Arrangement of said inserts (44) in the mold, Casting, preferably under vacuum, of a material for manufacturing the device (10).

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