초록 ▼

A starting power source is connected to a jet engine of an aircraft by alternative drive trains having different mechanical advantages, each associated with a clutch. The clutches are centrally supplied with cooling fluid and the discs and plates of the clutches are grooved to promote outward migrat

A starting power source is connected to a jet engine of an aircraft by alternative drive trains having different mechanical advantages, each associated with a clutch. The clutches are centrally supplied with cooling fluid and the discs and plates of the clutches are grooved to promote outward migration of the fluid resulting in a thin shear film of fluid on the opposing clutch surfaces to permit a soft, gradual engagement. It is possible to start the engine with only a single shift which occurs after the ignition point has been reached and during the assist phase of the starting procedure. The invention can be applied to aircraft having more than one engine.

대표청구항 ▼

In an aircraft having a jet engine, an apparatus for starting said engine comprising: a starting power source; first gear train means for delivering rotational power from said starting power source to said jet engine at a first mechanical advantage; second gear train means arranged in parallel with

In an aircraft having a jet engine, an apparatus for starting said engine comprising: a starting power source; first gear train means for delivering rotational power from said starting power source to said jet engine at a first mechanical advantage; second gear train means arranged in parallel with said first gear train means for delivering rotational power from said starting power source to said jet engine at a second mechanical advantage, said second mechanical advantage being lower than said first mechanical advantage; first clutch means for selectively connecting said first gear train means to said jet engine; second clutch means for selectively connecting said second gear train means to said jet engine, said first and second clutch means each including (a) a plurality of interfacing plates and discs arranged in a stack at least some of which are provided on their opposing surfaces with cooling fluid distribution grooves extending outwardly from the centers thereof, and (b) means for supplying cooling fluid to the centers of said discs and plates whereby said oil is caused to continuously migrate radially outwardly across said surfaces to provide a thin shear film of cooling fluid thereon; overrun means for transmitting power from said jet engine through the input side of said second clutch means while by-passing the output side of said second clutch means; and shift means for sensing the speed of said jet engine and for disengaging said first clutch means and engaging said second clutch means at a predetermined engine speed above the ignition point of said jet engine that occurs during the assist phase of starting said engine.