MC200139A1 - Air device - Google Patents

Description

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Patent No.

Title: "Aerial Device"

Applicant's name: Jean-Claude TOURN

Inventor's name: Jean-Claude TOURN

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AIR DEVICE

The invention relates to an aerial device comprising a structure and a rotating element, provided with at least one blade, adapted to perform a rotation relative to the structure around an axis of rotation.

The aerial device is adapted to generate, with the rotating element, an aerodynamic force. The device according to the invention can, on its own or connected to a load, operate as an aerodyne.

20

In the following text, the word "aerodyne" refers to a device capable of moving within the Earth's atmosphere. The aerodyne itself is heavier than air, but its lift is provided by an aerodynamic force, lift, produced by one or more blades.

25

The device according to the invention can, either on its own or connected to a load, fly in a manner comparable to that of a helicopter. Helicopters, compared to conventional fixed-wing aircraft, possess considerable advantages. The helicopter can hover. This means that the helicopter 30 can maintain a fixed position in flight. This allows it to reach

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places that would be inaccessible to its fixed-wing counterpart, which almost always has to use a runway.

However, compared to airplanes, a helicopter is five times more complex in design and is more expensive to buy and operate. Furthermore, a conventional helicopter has a main rotor with a primarily vertical axis. This rotor provides lift and also controls the helicopter's altitude, pitch, and roll.

10. When a helicopter uses a main rotor, its rotation is powered by an engine. This action produces torque on the helicopter's structure. To counteract this torque, the helicopter requires a second rotor, generally called a "tail rotor" or "anti-torque rotor." The axis of this second rotor is approximately horizontal. This second rotor 15 prevents the helicopter from spinning when the main rotor is turning and allows for yaw control.

In prior art, several solutions were disclosed to avoid the relatively complex construction with a main rotor and a tail rotor. One such solution was proposed by the Russian manufacturer Kamov. Helicopters bearing this manufacturer's name used two coaxial lift rotors rotating in opposite directions.

A second proposed solution uses two 25-meter lift rotors in tandem. The first rotor is positioned behind the other. The two rotors rotate in opposite directions. This system was developed by the American Frank Piaseki.

Another helicopter, capable of operating without a tail rotor, is marketed under the name "K-Max". It is equipped with two main rotors.

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The two rotors are mounted on the helicopter's cockpit, forming an angle that allows the torque produced by the first rotor to be neutralized by using the second rotor.

5 According to the prior art, helicopters have provided proof that it is possible to fly with a helicopter without having a tail rotor, mounted on the rear of the helicopter to neutralize the moment produced by the main rotor of said helicopter.

10 However, a significant disadvantage of solutions based on prior art lies in the fact that their constructions remain relatively complex, and therefore expensive.

In view of the above observations, the object of the present invention is to provide an aerial device which can fly, either by itself or connected to a load, in the same way as a traditional helicopter but which is, in comparison, of relatively light and simple construction.

The object of the invention is an aerial device, comprising a structure and a rotating element 20 provided with at least one blade, adapted to perform a rotation relative to the structure about an axis of rotation, wherein the device is provided with a gas generator forming part of the structure and a conduit for guiding the gas, produced by said gas generator, towards an orifice at a distance from the axis of rotation to drive the rotation 25 of rotating elements by means of the gas ejected from the orifice, wherein the rotating element is fixed to the outlet of the gas generator by means of a device for distributing the gas produced by the generator, wherein the conduit is fixed with its inlet to the gas distribution device, wherein the gas distribution device comprises a first, tube-shaped part 30 for guiding the gas produced by the generator towards the inlet of the conduit and a

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second part ensuring the geometry of the device and essentially protected from the heat of the gases to hold the first part.

The text refers to the "generator outlet." This word refers to the part of the gas generator from which the hot gas exits the generator.

According to this embodiment, the rotating element is directly fixed to the outlet of the gas generator in order to eject the exhaust gas directly into the duct forming part of the rotating element. The rotating element is fixed to the outlet of the gas generator by means of a gas distribution device.

According to the invention, the air used to rotate the rotating element relative to a structure is hot because the air used for this purpose consists of the exhaust air from this gas generator. This means that all parts of the rotating element exposed to the gas will be exposed to the heat of that gas.

Components of the rotating element can expand once exposed to such heat. This means that, potentially, the dimensions of several components only change when the device according to the invention is used.

Changes in the configuration of the rotating elements are not acceptable for the correct use of the device according to the invention. For this reason, manufacturing the element responsible for distributing the gases produced by the gas generator to the conduit in two independent parts offers a certain advantage.

The gas distribution device has a first part, 30, essentially adapted to guide the gases from the outlet of the gas generator m-

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towards the duct inlet, which can expand. The gas distribution device has a second part, essentially shielded from the heat of the gases, whose function is to maintain the dimensions of the gas distribution device and to support the first part exposed to the heat of the gases. This second part thus ensures that the expansion of the first part has no effect on, for example, the angle of the drive arms and blades relative to the structure. The second part is adapted to transmit forces between the rotating element and the structure to which said rotating element is fixed, in particular at the generator outlet.

10

According to a preferred embodiment, the first part of the gas distribution device can expand relative to the second part without changing the dimensions of the second part.

15 To ensure correct configuration of the structure and rotating part, according to a preferred embodiment, the rotating element is fixed to the outlet of the gas generator using the second part of the device for gas distribution.

20. It is noted that the text refers to "driving arms." This phrase refers to pipes adapted to conduct gas, generated by a generator, towards an orifice allowing its ejection. Such a driving arm can be constructed using any material suitable for resisting heat, such as stainless steel, inconei, or ceramic.

25

According to a preferred embodiment, the generator is positioned in the device with its central axis concentric with the axis of rotation of the rotating element.

6

The result of this design is that the rotating element is driven by a jet of gas expelled through the orifice at the end of the duct. This gas jet is the product of an airflow generated and guided within the rotating element itself. This means that the production of this gas jet does not result in a torque that would otherwise need to be counteracted by an additional rotor. Furthermore, the outlet of the gas generator rotates relative to the structure. This has the advantage that the device according to the invention does not require complex connections to guide the airflow from a generator, which is part of a stationary element of the device, towards a rotating element.

10

This measure allows for the shortest possible gas path, limiting pressure losses and limiting the possibility for the gas to increase the temperature of the various elements of the device.

15 As a result, the construction of the device according to the invention can be relatively easy and therefore relatively economical.

It is possible to imagine, as an alternative, that payrolls be tied to the operating arms.

20

According to the invention, a separation is made between the blades used to produce an aerodynamic surface and thus create lift for the device according to the invention and the drive arms which are used to eject the gas away from the axis of rotation of the rotating element.

25

A primary advantage of this solution lies in the fact that the heat from the gas ejected by the generator is kept away from the blades. This means the manufacturer retains complete freedom in blade construction, without needing to use a material capable of withstanding high temperatures. Furthermore, with the drive arms already in place, they can be connected to

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The blades are mounted on the rotating element in a fixed manner. To control lift, the angle of attack of the blades is variable. This means that the blades are mounted on the rotating element in such a way as to allow them to rotate relative to the structure. The drive arms are not necessary to vary the angle of attack.

5

Thanks to the fact that the system is relatively simple, and therefore relatively economical, the device according to the invention can be used to transport, on an ad hoc and automatic basis, any loads whatsoever, for example humanitarian aid, first aid supplies, food, water for fighting fires, ammunition, search systems, etc.

The device according to the invention is thus particularly suitable for agricultural work, for example for the dispersal of fertilizers on the land.

15

Furthermore, the device according to the invention can take off and land vertically, meaning that it can be used over inaccessible or hostile terrain. The major advantage of the device's design lies in the fact that it does not have any of the 20 heavy, complex, and expensive components that typically make up helicopters. This means that elements such as the clutch for the main and tail rotors, the main gearbox at the rear, etc., are no longer necessary.

25 According to a preferred embodiment, the structure comprises a first static part for fixing the aerial device on a support and a second mobile part for fixing the gas generator, in which the first static part and the second mobile part are connected using a gimbal.

30

8

The presence of a cardan joint between a first part of the structure, fixed on a support, and a second part of the structure comprising the gas generator, greatly facilitates the operation of the structure of the device according to the invention.

5

In this design, there is no longer any articulation between the gas generator and the part of the rotating element to which the blades are attached. Thanks to the presence of a universal joint, the entire assembly of the gas generator, the gas distribution device, the drive arms, and the blades becomes a single module. In other words, the various elements of this module can be assembled under ideal conditions before the assembly itself is fixed to a structure. This offers advantages for both assembly and maintenance during the use of the device according to the invention.

15 In a preferred embodiment, the drive arm is profiled to contribute to the lift generated by the rotating element. Drive arms with an aerodynamic profile can assist in the production of lift.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotating element is connected to the structure by means of a universal joint. The resulting effect of this measure is that Coriolis forces are avoided.

According to a preferred embodiment, the structure is adapted to fix the aerial device onto a load. Such a load can be in the form of a cabin which, combined with the device according to the invention, could resemble a traditional helicopter.

Alternatively, the device according to the invention can be attached to all kinds of loads. For example:

containers,

30 - land or sea vehicles,

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building materials,

a quantity of water, in the event that the device according to the invention is to be used in firefighting.

5 It is important to understand that the device according to the invention can be used to move a multitude of other loads.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device is equipped with a remote control to remotely control the levitation generated by the element

10. Turning. It should be noted that the device according to the invention may operate autonomously. In this case, the device is, for example, controlled by computer-assisted management in combination with a GPS system. This means that the device according to the invention can be used without requiring human intervention.

15

Secondly, the invention relates to an aerodyne equipped with an aerial device according to the invention.

The details and advantages of the device according to the invention will become clearer upon reading the text referring to the following drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a classic helicopter, according to prior art;

- Figure 2 shows a "K-Max" helicopter,

25 - Figure 3 shows an aerial device according to the invention,

- Figure 4 shows in detail the positioning of the gas generator in the aerial device according to the invention, according to a first embodiment,

- Figure 5 shows a detail of the connection of the gas generator to the 30 gas distribution device,

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10

- Figure 6 shows (the upper part of a structural housing which is part of the gas distribution device,

- Figure 7 shows the lower part of a housing that is part of the gas distribution system,

5 - Figure 8 shows the vertical part of a housing that is part of the gas distribution device,

- Figures 9a, 9b and 9c show Y-shaped pipes that are part of the gas distribution system,

- Figure 10 shows, schematically, a motor arm

10, allowing us to demonstrate the offset between the center of rotation of the drive arms and the forces acting on said drive arms.

- Figure 11 shows the attachment of the rotating part, including the gas generator, to a structure using a universal joint,

- Figures 12a, 12b and 12c show a first embodiment 15 of a motor arm having elements at its output to guide the gases towards the outlet of the arm,

- Figure 13 shows a second embodiment of a motor arm,

- Figure 14 shows in detail the output of the motor arm according to Figure 20 13,

- Figure 15 shows in detail the inside of the motor arm output as shown in Figure 14,

- Figure 16 shows a gas distribution device for use with multiple gas generators, and

25 - Figure 17 shows a possible positioning of the gas generators when using two, three or four gas generators.

30

Figure 1 shows a conventional helicopter according to the prior art. The helicopter 1 is equipped with a main rotor 2 and an additional tail rotor 3 at the rear of the helicopter. The main rotor 2 produces a resultant moment (A) on

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the helicopter. Helicopter 1 needs the second rotor 3 to produce a moment in the direction (B) in order to neutralize the resulting moment (A) of the main rotor.

5. The main rotor 2 and the tail rotor 3 each require heavy and complex components, such as a clutch, a gearbox, fuselage, etc. This means that the construction of a helicopter according to the prior art, with a main rotor 2 and a tail rotor 3, represents a relatively expensive construction.

10

Figure 2 shows a helicopter based on the "K-Max" principle. The helicopter 10 has a first rotor 11 and a second rotor 12. The rotors 11 and 12 are mounted so that they form an angle with each other.

15 The rotor 11 produces a resultant moment (A) neutralized by the moment (B)

generated by rotor 12.

Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of an aerial module 30 according to the invention. The aerial device 30 comprises a structure 31 for attaching the device 30 to a support such as a load. This structure 31 is provided with fastening elements 32 for connecting the device 30 to a load.

Furthermore, the structure 31 is itself provided with an element 33 allowing 25 to receive the propulsion element of the device 30, such as a gas generator (see Figure 4). The structure 31 is adapted to form a static element of the device 30 according to the invention.

In a second step, the aerial device 30, according to Figure 3, comprises a rotating element 34. The element 34 is adapted to perform a rotation relative to

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The structure 31 is about an axis of rotation. The rotating element 34 includes a gas distribution device 35. This gas distribution device 35 is directly connected to the gas generator.

5 Two drive arms 36 are directly fixed to the gas distribution device 35, each of them being provided, at its end, with an orifice 37 (see figure 4) adapted for ejection of gas in a direction essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drive arms 36.

10 As shown in Figure 3, the blades 38 are fixed to the head of the non-oscillating rotor 39.

Figure 3 also shows the presence of a universal joint for attaching the rotating element 34 to the structure 31. Reference number 44 indicates the first axis of this universal joint, and reference number 45 indicates the second axis. The universal joint allows the entire gas generator assembly within element 33 to rotate. The gas distribution element 35 and the drive arm 36, itself attached to the rotor head 39 along with the blades 38, are mounted on this assembly, forming a module oriented at an angle 20 to the structure 31. This greatly simplifies the construction and prevents the generation of Coriollis forces.

Figure 3 also shows the presence of a cyclic plate 46. The reference number 47 allows us to indicate elements for fixing a motor brain.

25

Reference number 353 is used to indicate the presence of the mast which is part of the structural element of the rotating element 34. The shape and function of this mast 353 are described in detail with reference to figure 8.

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The drive arms 36 are used to create a distance between the axis of rotation of the rotating element 34 and the ports 37 for ejecting gases. The rotating element 34 also includes blades 38. Each blade 38 is mounted on the rotating element 34 to allow variation of the angle of incidence of the blades 38. The blades 38 have a symmetrical or asymmetrical profile and rotate according to the same principle as the wings of an aircraft. Since the rotating element 34 always rotates at a constant angular velocity, it is the variation in the angle of incidence of the blades 38, in other words, the angle formed between the chord of the blades 38 and the relative wind, that causes a change in the aircraft's position. To climb with the device 30, at a constant speed, the angle of incidence of the blades is increased. Conversely, to descend, the angle of incidence of the blades 38 is decreased.

Alternatively, the angle of the blades 38 would be fixed and the angular velocity of the blades 38 would be modified to thus modify the lift produced by said blades 38. The use of a gas generator to rotate the blades 38 offers the possibility of not modifying the angle of incidence of the blades 38 but modifying the lift by modifying the angular velocity of the blades 38. It should be understood that a combination of modifying the blades 38 with a modification of the angular velocity of the blades 38 is also conceivable.

The option in which the blades 38 are fixed offers the advantage of a very simple construction in which the use of any means allowing modification of the incidence of the blades 38 can be avoided. This solution is 25 technically simple and very inexpensive.

The construction of device 30 according to Figure 3 shows that with device 30 it is possible to create lift with the blades 38, without a reaction torque being induced on the structure 31. This is why device 30 according to Figure 3 can be fixed directly onto a support such as a load and the assembly can fly without the need for means to

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to compensate for this torque. On the other hand, the presence of a jibe can be considered. This jibe is useful in the sense that all the rotating parts used in the aircraft's design exhibit some friction. This friction can generate residual forces that can be compensated for through the use of said jibe. The presence of a jibe also allows for yaw control.

Structure 31 shown in Figure 3 can, for this reason, be used as a relatively simple and therefore relatively economical means of propulsion.

10 As can be seen in figure 3, the construction of the device according to the invention allows the shortest path of the gases, from the generator outlet to the motor arms 36.

In Figure 4, some elements of the device 30 shown in Figure 3 are detailed. Item 40 schematically represents a gas generator. This produces an airflow which is used to rotate element 34 of structure 31. The gas produced by the gas generator 40 is forced towards the gas distribution device 35. As described with reference to Figure 3, this gas distribution arrangement 35 is part of the rotating element 34.

The construction with the gas distribution device 35 which is part of the rotating element 34 allows the passage of air towards the drive arms 36 in the direction of the ports 37 without the need for any connection which is either complicated or expensive.

The device 30 shown in figures 3 and 4 shows that the reactor is essentially positioned vertically, concentric with the blade mast 38. The exhaust gases are directly ejected into the engine arms 36.

30

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The details of the construction of the gas distribution device 35 will be described with reference to figures 5-9.

The gas distribution device 35 includes first of all a housing 5 having an upper part 351, a lower part 352 and an essentially vertical part 353. These three elements 351, 352 and 353 are shown in detail in figures 6, 7 and 8.

The upper element 351 and the lower element 352 of the housing are, at their 10 ends, connected by means of ring-shaped elements 354. In figure 4, only one ring 354 is shown.

Elements 351, 352, 353, and 354 together form a housing that ensures the geometry of the gas distribution device. Inside, elements 351, 352, 353, and 354 contain a Y-shaped pipe 50. This Y-shaped pipe 50 carries the gases produced by the gas generator 40 to the inlet of the drive arms 36. This means that the pipe 50 is exposed to very high gas temperatures, which can reach up to 750°C, for example.

20

It is inevitable that the pipe 50, once exposed to very high temperatures, will expand. In other words, the dimensions of the pipe 50 will increase. When using the device according to the invention, it is important to ensure that the external dimensions of the gas distribution device 25 are maintained even if the temperature increases significantly inside the gas distribution device.

The second part, 351, 352, 353 and 354, which ensures that the external dimensions of the device are maintained, is used to

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transfer the force between the rotating part and the structure to which the rotating part is fixed.

For this reason, according to the invention, a significant separation is achieved between the Y-shaped pipe 50 and the elements 351, 352, 353 and 354 forming the housing of the gas distribution device 35.

To achieve this goal, the elements connected to the gas distribution device 35 are directly connected to one of the elements 351, 352, 353 or 354. 10 This means that the gas distribution device is, in its lower part, connected to the rest of the structure only with the element 353.

This will be better appreciated by referring to figure 4. The motor arms are directly connected to ring 354.

15. On the other hand, the ends of the Y-shaped pipe 50 are in a watertight contact with the inner walls of elements 354 and 353. However, the ends of the Y-shaped pipe 50 are not fixed against the walls. This means that the connections between the ends of the Y-shaped pipe 50 and the inside of the walls of elements 353 and 354 allow a certain amount of movement of the Y-shaped pipe 50 relative to the wall in order to allow for the expansion of the Y-shaped pipe 50.

Using the structure shown in Figure 4, the gas distribution device 35 includes, for this reason, a housing to ensure the external geometry of the gas distribution device 35 with, inside it, a "Y" shaped pipe 50 which is fixed inside said housing in a "floating" manner.

The connections between the generator outlet 40 and the gas distribution device 35 are shown in detail in Figure 5. The hot gases exiting the

(2

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generator 40 enter directly into a space whose walls are indicated with reference numbers 60. The end of this pipe is indicated with reference number 61 and, when the hot gases exit near this outlet 61, they enter inside the Y-shaped pipe 50.

5

In figure 5, it is shown that the "Y" shaped pipe 50, at its end 51, is taken between, on its outside, the wall of the element 353 of the gas distribution device 35 and, on its inside, the wall 60 which guides gases exiting the generator 40 towards the drive arms 36.

10

The end 51 of the Y-shaped pipe 50 is held with some force against the inside of element 353, without being fixed to this wall. This means that some movement of the end 51 of the Y-shaped pipe 50 is possible to allow for expansion, as described by referring to Figure 4.

Between part 51 of the Y-shaped pipe 50 and the outside of the wall 60, there is a sealing gasket. This gasket prevents hot gases from entering the space between the wall 60 and the element 353.

20

The element 353 can pivot relative to the wall 60 thanks to the presence of a ball bearing 70. This ball bearing 70 is, with its interior, connected to the element 41, itself fixed on the gas generator 40 and, with its exterior, connected to the part 353, itself part of the gas distribution device 25.

To ensure proper fixing, elements 80 and 81 are present to correctly connect the elements to each other. In Figure 5, it is shown that between element 80 and the inside of the wall of element 353, another fKP

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Joint 83 is present. The presence of this other joint 83 is very important because it protects the ball bearing 70.

During use of the device according to the invention, the ball bearing 70 may become relatively hot. Several measures are possible to prevent this temperature rise in said ball bearing 70.

Firstly, it is necessary to prevent hot air from entering the space between the walls 60 and the element 353. This is why the joints 10 62 and 83 are important.

Secondly, in order to prevent the ball bearing 70 from becoming too hot, insulation must be created between the inside of the wall 60 and the ball bearing 70 itself.

15

In figure 5, this insulation was created using a pipe 90, shaped like helices, allowing fuel to be guided between the inside of the wall 60 and the inside of the retting chamber 70.

20 The presence of pipe 90 has two effects. The fuel guided inside pipe 90 can remove heat before it reaches the ball mill 70. An additional effect is that the fuel inside pipe 90 can be heated, which increases the efficiency of the gas generator 40.

25

Alternatively, it is possible to avoid heat conduction from the wall 60 to the ball bearing 70 by positioning the pipe 90 inside the part 42. With this embodiment, the pipe 90 can reduce the heat present on this part 42 before this heat heats the ball bearing 70.

19

Another alternative is to ensure a structure open enough to allow air into the structure, close enough to the bearing at 70, to reduce heat once the rotating part 5 is set in rotation.

To ensure proper operation, the ball bearing 70 includes, for example, ceramic (Si3N4). If the presence of seals 62 and 83, and the presence of pipe 90, is not sufficient to protect the ball bearing 70, compressed air can be injected around the ball bearing 70 in order to remove heat and cool said ball bearing 70.

Figure 6 shows the upper element 351 of the gas distribution device 35. Element 351 is adapted to be connected to the vertical element 353 of the gas distribution device 35 using part 110 of this element 353 (see Figure 8).

Element 351 is provided with two ends 360 and 361 for fixing rings to ensure contact with the ends 370 and 371 of element 352, as shown in figure 7. Element 351 has an essentially circular central part 363 for fixing, at its upper part, the construction comprising blades 38.

Figure 7 shows the lower element 352 of the gas distribution device 35. This element 352 is adapted to be fixed, with its ends 370 and 371, to the ends 360 and 361 of element 351 by means of rings. Furthermore, element 352 is also adapted to be fixed to the elements 111 that form an integral part of element 353, as shown in Figure 8.

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Figures 4, 6, 7 and 8 show that the housing, which is intended to ensure the external geometry of the gas distribution device 35, has a relatively open structure so that the housing does not have any enclosed spaces inside and can be easily cooled by air around the gas distribution device 35. The housing ensures the transfer of forces between the rotating part and the structure to which said rotating part is fixed, in particular the gas generator 40.

In figures 9a, 9b and 9c, the Y-shaped pipe 50 is shown in more detail. The Y-shaped pipe 50 has a first pipe 51 and a second pipe 52, connected together to make up the part 53 which constitutes the lower part of the pipe 50.

In Figure 9b, it is clearly visible that pipes 51 and 52 are positioned so that their central axes are offset from each other. This is described in detail with reference to Figure 10.

Figure 10 schematically shows a drive arm 36 relative to its axis of rotation 120. It is also shown that the two drive arms 36 are offset 20 with respect to this axis of rotation 120. The effect of this positioning is as follows. The gases exiting the outlet of the drive arm 36 are schematically indicated by reference number 130. The gas outlet will generate, on the end of the drive arm 36, a force indicated by reference number F1. With its longitudinal axis offset, the drive arm has its center of gravity 121 at a distance 140 from a line forming the centerline of the two drive arms 36.

Once in rotation, the centrifugal force on the drive arm 36 is indicated with the reference number F2. This centrifugal force F2 has a first component 30 F3 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drive arm 36.

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This force F3 helps to compensate, at least in part, for the force F1 exerted on the end of the motor arm 36.

In Figure 11, an embodiment of the device 30 according to the invention is shown, in which the rotating part 34 is fixed to a structure 31 in order to fix the device 30 to a support in which said structure 31 comprises a first static part 150 and a second movable part 151. The part 151 is the part of the structure intended to support the gas generator 40, in a fixed position relative to the rotating part 34. This means that the rotating part 34, including the gas distribution device 35, the drive arms 36 and the blades 38, can rotate about an axis relative to the gas generator 40, which is itself held inside the movable part 151.

The assembly, consisting of the rotating part 34, with the gas generator 40 15 and the moving part 151 of the structure 31, is fixed to the static part 150 of the structure 31 by means of a cardan joint 160. The structure as shown in figure 11 has the important advantage of simplifying the structure of the device 30 according to the invention.

20 Initially, with the construction shown in figure 11, there is no articulation between the gas generator 40 and the central element 170 to fix a blade 38 on both sides. The element 170 is fixed directly on the upper part 351 of the gas distribution device 35.

25 With the construction shown in Figure 11, the entire assembly of the gas generator 40, the gas distribution device 35, the drive arms 36, and the brackets 38 becomes a module. This means that the various elements of said module can be assembled under ideal conditions before the assembly is fixed to a structure 31. This offers advantages for assembly 30 and for maintenance when the device 30 according to the invention is used.

22

When using the device 30 as shown in Figure 11, the inclination is determined by the blades 38. The entire rotating part 34, held by the movable part 151 of the structure 31, follows the inclination indicated by the blades 38. In other words, Coriolis forces no longer exist in the construction as shown in Figure 11. In principle, this Coriolis force is a source of vibration which, according to the structure shown in Figure 11, can be avoided.

The fact that the arms are fixed to the rotating element means that the plane of rotation of the blades 38 and the drive arms 36 is always parallel. Since the plane of rotation of the blades 38 and the drive arms 36 is parallel, the airflow around the blades 38 and the drive arms 36 is perfectly predictable. The airflow around the drive arms has no adverse effect on the airflow around the blades, and vice versa.

15

Figures 12a, 12b, and 12c show an embodiment of a motor arm 36 according to the invention. Figure 12b shows the motor arm 36, viewed from above. Figures 12a and 12c show the two side views.

20 The motor arm 36 is provided, at its end, with an output 37 (see figure

12c). To ensure that the force obtained from the hot gases exiting this outlet 36 is optimal, a guide element 180 is positioned inside the drive arm 36. This guide element 180 acts as a wing that can guide at least some of the hot gases towards the outlet 37. The presence of this guide element 180 can prevent the creation of overpressure inside the drive arm near the outlet 37 of said drive arm. The presence of a guide element 180 improves the airflow towards the outlet 37.

23

Figures 12a, 12b and 12c show the profile of the drive arm 36. Inside, the intersection of the drive arm 36 can vary in order to optimize the transport of hot gases inside the drive arm 36 to the outlet 37.

5 For example, the intersection 365 at the level of the entry of the motor arm 36 could be essentially circular.

Reference number 366 indicates an ellipse which represents the shape of a section of motor arm 36 in a part towards the output 37. The shape 10 of the motor arm is flattened to generate less resistance when rotating.

The motor arm 36 may have an aerodynamic profile in order to generate some lift with the motor arm.

Figures 13, 14, and 15 show details of an alternative embodiment of a drive arm 36'. This drive arm is provided with several wings 181 and 182 near the output 37'. The exact shape of these wings 181 and 182 is shown in Figures 14 and 15.

Figure 15 shows the detail of one end of wing 181, as shown in Figure 14. At its entry 365', the drive arm 36' has, for example, a circular intersection. Further forward, indicated by the reference number 366', the drive arm is flattened.

25 In order to function correctly, the device 30 according to the invention can work in combination with, for example, two, three, four (or more) gas generators.

In Figure 16, an inverted "Y"-shaped structure is shown with the reference number 190. In its lower part, element 190 could, by

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For example, it can be connected to two independent gas generators. A central valve 191 can be used to allow gas to enter either from a first gas generator, or from a second gas generator, or from sets of two gas generators to a central part 192. A gas distribution device 35 can be connected to the central parts 192.

Figure 17 shows several other configurations in which two, three, or four gas generators can be used.

Claims (1)

Aerial device, comprising a structure and a rotating element provided with at least one blade, adapted to perform a rotation relative to the structure around an axis of rotation, in which the device is provided with a gas generator forming part of the structure and a conduit for guiding the gas, produced by said gas generator, to an orifice at a distance from the axis of rotation to drive the rotation of rotating elements by means of the gas ejected by the orifice, characterized in that the rotating element is fixed to the outlet of the gas generator by means of a device for distributing the gas produced by the generator in which the conduit is fixed with its inlet to the gas distribution device, in which the gas distribution device comprises a first part, in the form of a tube, for guiding the gas produced by the generator towards the inlet of the conduit and a second part for ensuring the geometry of the device and essentially protected from the heat of the gases to hold the first part. Aerial device according to claim 1, wherein the first part of the device for gas distribution can expand relative to the second part without changing the dimensions of the second part. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotating element is fixed on the outlet of the gas generator by means of the second part of the device for gas distribution. Aerial device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the generator is positioned in the device with its axis concentric to the axis of rotation of the rotating element. 26 5. Aerial device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the structure comprises a first static part for fixing the aerial device on a support and a second movable part for fixing the gas generator, wherein the first static part and the second movable part are connected using a gimbal. 6. Aerial device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the motor arm is profiled to participate in the lift generated by the rotating element 10. 7. Aerial device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the structure is adapted to fix the aerial device onto a load. 15 8. Aerial device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device is provided with a remote control to remotely control the lift generated by the rotating element. 20 9. Aerodyne equipped with an aerial device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 27 Abridged Aerial device, comprising a structure and a rotating element provided with at least one blade, adapted to perform a rotation relative to the structure around an axis of rotation, in which the device is provided with a gas generator forming part of the structure and a conduit enabling the gas, produced by said gas generator, to be guided to an orifice at a distance from the axis of rotation in order to drive the rotation of rotating elements by means of the gas ejected by the orifice. Figure 4 55, siiés pisirs Ziite -• hsî-ss F - GsSSO VAteONNS - SOPHIA ANÏiPOLiS m 4 3'? 21S? 00 - Fs;; '^33 <1 F? 21 5F 01 CSiiîiyRQimoYû ;