Link assembly

Abstract

This connecting assembly (2) comprises: - a connecting member (4) having a head (14a, 14b) through which a bore passes, - a female clevis (6a, 6b) having two arms (22, 24) and each having a hole, and - a shaft (8a, 8b) extending through the arms (22, 24) and the head (14a, 14b), - a washer (10) having a body (34) and a retaining member (38) extending from the body (34), - an annular seal (11) extending circumferentially over an angular sector between 180 degrees and 360 degrees and in contact with said head (14a, 14b), the retaining member (38) cooperating with said annular seal (11) for the axial and radial retention of said annular seal (11). Figure for the abridged version: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: Connecting assembly Technical field

[0001] The technical field of the invention is connecting members mounted on female yokes. Previous techniques

[0002] Patent FR2866683 discloses a connecting rod head with a screw passing through it for fixing it to a female yoke and a shock absorber made of elastomer material surrounding the connecting rod head to protect it from contact with the female yoke.

[0003] The present invention aims to propose an alternative solution for protecting a head of a connecting member. Statement of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a connecting assembly, in particular for a turbomachine, comprising:

[0005] - a connecting member comprising a rod, a bearing and at least one head arranged at one of the ends of the rod and crossed by a bore forming a housing for the bearing,

[0006] - a female yoke comprising two arms arranged on either side of said head and each equipped with a hole,

[0007] - an axis extending through the arms and the bearing,

[0008] - at least one washer provided with a body arranged axially between an arm of the female yoke and said head, and a retaining member extending from the body, and

[0009] - at least one annular seal extending circumferentially over a sector angular between 180 degrees and 360 degrees and in contact with said head, the retaining member of said washer cooperating with said annular seal for the axial and radial retention of said annular seal.

[0010] Said annular seal retained by the retaining member of said washer protects the connecting member from contact with the female yoke.

[0011] Said head is arranged axially between the arms of the female yoke.

[0012] According to a first design, the body of said washer is annular.

[0013] Alternatively, according to a second design, the body of said washer extends over a limited angular sector, in particular over a limited angular sector greater than 180 degrees.

[0014] According to a particular design, said annular seal can extend circumferentially over an angular sector of 360 degrees.

[0015] According to an alternative design, said annular seal may extend circumferentially- initially on an angular sector of 180 degrees.

[0016] Alternatively, said annular seal may extend circumferentially over an angular sector strictly greater than 180 degrees and strictly less than 360 degrees.

[0017] Preferably, the bearing of the connecting member may comprise a ball joint. Alternatively, the bearing of the connecting member may be another type of bearing, such as a plain bearing.

[0018] The retaining member of said washer may extend inside said annular seal and cooperate with an internal wall of said seal for the axial and radial retention of said seal.

[0019] The section of said annular seal may be in the form of an open ring.

[0020] In this case, said annular seal comprises a first end defining a first intermediate diameter of said seal and a second opposite end spaced from the first end and defining a second intermediate diameter of said seal, the first intermediate diameter being greater than the second inner diameter.

[0021] The section of said annular seal may be open towards said washer.

[0022] The section of said annular seal may extend between the first end defining the first diameter and the second end defining the second diameter over an angular sector between 180 degrees and 350 degrees.

[0023] The retaining member of said washer may be capable of fixing the annular seal by elastic fitting.

[0024] Thus, said annular seal can be replaced when it is damaged.

[0025] The retaining member of said washer may comprise at least one external hook capable of cooperating with an internal wall of said annular seal for the axial and radial retention of said annular seal, the end of said external hook extending at least radially outwards.

[0026] The outer diameter of said outer hook may be greater than the first intermediate diameter of said annular seal.

[0027] According to a particular design, said outer hook can extend radially outwards the large diameter edge of the body of said washer.

[0028] The retaining member of said washer may comprise an axial extension axially extending the body of said washer.

[0029] Said external hook can extend radially outwards the axial extension of the retaining member.

[0030] The retaining member of said washer may comprise at least one internal hook capable of cooperating with an internal wall of said annular seal for the axial and radial retention of said annular seal, the end of said internal hook extending at least radially inwards.

[0031] The inner diameter of said inner hook may be less than the second diameter intermediate of said annular seal.

[0032] Said inner hook can extend radially inwards the axial extension of the retaining member.

[0033] Said annular seal may be formed from a metallic material.

[0034] Said annular seal may be formed from an elastomeric material.

[0035] Said washer may comprise an annular shoulder arranged on the face of the body opposite the connecting member.

[0036] The annular shoulder of said washer ensures sufficient rigidity of said washer and good positioning of said washer relative to said arm of the female yoke. Said arm of the female yoke may comprise a complementary recess of the annular shoulder of said washer.

[0037] Said washer may comprise a cylindrical portion axially extending the small diameter edge of the body of the washer and interposed between the axis and the bore of the hole of said arm.

[0038] Said washer may further comprise a member for limiting the rotational movement of said washer around the axis.

[0039] The present invention also relates to a propulsion assembly comprising a turbomachine, a suspension pylon of the turbomachine and at least one connection assembly as defined previously connecting the turbomachine to the suspension pylon. Brief description of the drawings

[0040] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0041] [Fig-1] is a schematic section of a connection assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0042] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the washer and the annular seal of the assembly of [Fig.l];

[0043] [Fig.3] is a schematic section of a connecting assembly according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0044] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the washer and the annular seal of the assembly of [Fig.3];

[0045] [Fig.5] is a schematic section of a connecting assembly according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0046] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the washer and the annular seal of the assembly of [Fig.5]; and

[0047] [Fig.7] is a schematic view of a propulsion assembly comprising a set of connection according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0048] [Fig. 1] represents a connecting assembly 2 comprising a connecting member 4, an upper female yoke 6a, a lower female yoke 6b, an upper pin 8a securing the connecting member 4 to the upper female yoke 6a, a lower pin 8b securing the connecting member 4 to the lower yoke 6b, a washer 10 and an annular seal 11 protecting the connecting member 4 from contact with the upper and lower female yokes 6a, 6b.

[0049] Such a connecting assembly 2 is, for example, used to connect a suspension or a gearbox to an engine, in particular to an aircraft turbomachine.

[0050] The connecting member 4, for example a connecting rod, comprises a rod 12, an upper head 14a extending the rod 12 on the one hand, a lower head 14b extending the rod 12 on the other hand, an upper bearing 16a and a lower bearing 16b.

[0051] Each of the upper and lower heads 14a, 14b is flat in shape and comprises a first face 18 and a second face 20 opposite the first face 18.

[0052] The upper head 14a is traversed by a bore (not referenced) extending between the first and second faces 18, 20 of the upper head 14a. The lower head 14b is traversed by a bore (not referenced) extending between the first and second faces 18, 20 of the lower head 14b.

[0053] The upper bearing 16a is arranged in the bore of the upper head 14a. The lower bearing 16b is arranged in the bore of the lower head 14b.

[0054] Each of the upper and lower female yokes 6a, 6b comprises a first arm 22 and a second arm 24 extending substantially parallel to the first arm 22 while remaining at a distance from the first arm 22.

[0055] The first and second arms 22, 24 of the upper and lower female yokes 6a, 6b each comprise a through hole (not referenced).

[0056] The upper axis 8a extends through the first and second arms 22, 24 of the upper female yoke 6a and through the upper bearing 16a so that the rod 12 of the connecting member 4 is able to rotate about the upper axis 8a. The lower axis 8b extends through the first and second arms 22, 24 of the lower female yoke 6b and through the lower bearing 16b so that the rod 12 of the connecting member 4 is able to rotate about the lower axis 8b.

[0057] The upper head 14a is arranged axially between the first and second arms 22, 24 of the upper female yoke 6a. The lower head 14b is arranged axially between the first and second arms 22, 24 of the lower female yoke 6b.

[0058] The upper axle 8a comprises a bolt 26 extending through the first and second arms 22, 24 of the upper female yoke 6a and the upper bearing 16a, and a nut 28 locking the bolt 26 of the upper axle 8a. The lower axle 8b comprises a bolt 26 extending through the first and second arms 22, 24 of the lower female yoke 6b and the lower bearing 16b, and a nut 28 locking the bolt 26 of the lower axle 8b. Alternatively, other types of upper and lower axles 8a, 8b may be used.

[0059] The upper female yoke 6a is axially offset from the lower female yoke 6b, the axial direction being taken relative to the longitudinal direction of the upper and lower axes 8a, 8b.

[0060] The upper bearing 16a comprises a cage 30 crimped into the bore passing through the upper head 14a and a ball joint 32 capable of rotating in the cage 30 of the upper bearing 16a and in radial contact with the bolt 26 of the upper axis 8a, the radial direction being taken orthogonally to the axial direction. The lower bearing 16b comprises a cage 30 crimped into the bore passing through the lower head 14b and a ball joint 32 capable of rotating in the cage 30 of the lower bearing 16b and in radial contact with the bolt 26 of the lower axis 8b.

[0061] The washer 10 comprises an annular body 34, a cylindrical portion 36 and a retaining member 38.

[0062] The annular body 34 of the washer 10 surrounds the bolt 26 of the lower axis 8b, is arranged axially between the first arm 22 of the lower female yoke 6b and the first face 18 of the lower head 14b, and is axially in contact with the ball joint 32 of the lower bearing 16b. The annular body 34 of the washer 10 extends circumferentially over an angular sector of 360 degrees.

[0063] The cylindrical portion 36 of the washer 10 axially extends the small diameter edge of the annular body 34 on the side opposite the lower head 14b, and is interposed radially between the bolt 26 of the lower axis 8b and the bore of the through hole of the first arm 22 of the lower female yoke 6b.

[0064] The retaining member 38 comprises an axial extension 40 axially extending the large diameter edge of the annular body 34 of the washer 10, an outer hook 42 radially extending the axial extension 40 outwardly, and an inner hook 44 radially extending the axial extension 40 inwardly. The outer and inner hooks 42, 44 are axially offset from the annular body 34 of the washer 10.

[0065] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the annular seal 11 extends circumferentially over an angular sector of 360 degrees.

[0066] The section of the annular seal 11 is in the shape of an open ring. Thus, the section of the annular seal 11 comprises a first end 46 defining a first intermediate diameter of the annular seal 11 and an opposite second end 48 spaced from the first end and defining a second intermediate diameter of the ring seal 11.

[0067] The section of the annular seal 11 is open towards the washer 10, a rounded outer surface of the annular seal 11 being in axial contact with the first face 18 of the lower head 14b.

[0068] Such an annular seal 11 is, for example, a C-ring C-FLEX™.

[0069] The retaining member 38 extends inside the annular seal 11, in particular through the opening of the section of the annular seal 11, the free end of the outer hook 42 being located axially between the first end 46 of the section of the annular seal 11 and the lower head 14b, the free end of the inner hook 44 being located axially between the second end 48 of the section of the annular seal 11 and the lower head 14b.

[0070] The outer hook 42 cooperates with the inner wall of the annular seal for the axial and radial retention of the annular seal 11, the outer diameter of the outer hook 42 being greater than the first intermediate diameter of the annular seal 11.

[0071] The inner hook 44 cooperates with the inner wall of the annular seal 11 for the axial and radial retention of the annular seal 11, the inner diameter of the inner hook 44 being less than the second intermediate diameter of the annular seal 11.

[0072] The retaining member 38 fixes the annular seal by elastic fitting. More precisely, the retaining member 38 is fitted into the annular seal 11 so that the annular seal 11 is securely fixed to the washer 10.

[0073] In particular, the retaining member 38 is capable of releasing the attachment of the annular seal 11 during a voluntary external stress exceeding a predetermined threshold, for example exerted by an operator with a dedicated tool. Thus, the annular seal 11 can be replaced in the event of deterioration of the annular seal 11.

[0074] The predetermined threshold may correspond to the force to be exerted to deform the annular seal 11 so as to move the first and second ends 46, 48 of the section of the annular seal 11 away from each other in order to extract the connecting member 38 through the opening of the section of the annular seal 11.

[0075] In the embodiment shown, the radial dimension of the outer hook 42 is equal to the radial dimension of the inner hook 44. Alternatively, the radial dimension of the outer hook 42 may be different from the radial dimension of the inner hook 44.

[0076] The washer 10 is, for example, formed of a metallic material. The washer 10 formed of a metallic material withstands the temperatures present in the turbomachine, for example present in a turbine of the turbomachine.

[0077] The connecting assembly 2 also comprises a bushing 50b comprising a cylindrical body (not referenced) interposed radially between the bolt 26 of the lower axis 8b and the bore of the through hole of the second arm 24 of the lower female yoke. 6b and a stop (not referenced) interposed axially between the ball joint 32 of the lower bearing 16b and the second arm 24 of the lower female yoke 6b.

[0078] The embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, in which the elements identical to the preceding figures bear the same references, differs mainly from the first embodiment by the design of the washer 10 and the annular seal 11, and in that the connecting assembly 2 comprises a sleeve 50a comprising a cylindrical body interposed between the bolt 26 of the lower axis 8b and the bore of the through hole of the first arm 22 of the lower female yoke 6b.

[0079] The washer 10 comprises the annular body 34, an annular shoulder 52 and a retaining member 38 provided with an external hook 42, the washer 10 not comprising the cylindrical portion, nor an axial extension, nor an internal hook.

[0080] The annular shoulder 52 of the washer 10 is arranged on the face of the annular body 34 opposite the first arm 22 of the lower female yoke 6b, and is axially in contact with the inner face of the first arm 22 of the lower female yoke 6b.

[0081] The outer hook 42 of the retaining member 38 extends radially outwards the large diameter edge of the annular body 34 of the washer 10.

[0082] The annular seal 11 here extends circumferentially over an angular sector of 180 degrees and comprises a first circumferential end 54 and a second opposite circumferential end 56 spaced from the first circumferential end 54.

[0083] The section of the annular seal 11 is in the form of an open ring and extends between the first and second ends 46, 48 of the section over an angular sector of 180 degrees.

[0084] The outer hook 42 cooperates with the inner wall of the annular seal 11 for the axial and radial retention of the annular seal 11, the outer diameter of the outer hook 42 being greater than the first intermediate diameter defined by the first end 46 of the section of the annular seal 11.

[0085] Advantageously, the annular seal 11 is arranged so as to be radially opposite the rod 12 of the connecting member 4 relative to the lower axis 8b. Alternatively, the annular seal 11 may be arranged in another circumferential position.

[0086] Optionally, the washer 10 may comprise a member for limiting the rotational movement (not shown) of the washer 10 around the lower axis 8b, for example a tab cooperating with the connecting member 4 to limit the rotational movement of the washer 10 relative to the connecting member 4, in particular so as to guarantee the correct positioning of the annular seal 11.

[0087] The embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, in which the elements identical to the previous figures bear the same references, differs principally- payment of the first example of realization by the design of the washer 10 and the annular seal 11.

[0088] The washer 10 comprises the annular body 34, the cylindrical portion 36 and a retaining member 38 provided with an axial extension 40 and an internal hook 44, the washer 10 not comprising an external hook.

[0089] The annular seal 11 here extends circumferentially over an angular sector of 360 degrees and is formed of an elastomeric material. The annular seal 11 formed of an elastomeric material is in particular intended to be used in a cold environment of the turbomachine, for example outside a turbine of the turbomachine.

[0090] The section of the annular seal 11 is in the form of a disc comprising an imprint for the retaining member 38 of the washer 10.

[0091] The inner hook 44 here extends radially inwards and axially towards the annular body 34 of the washer 10.

[0092] The inner hook 44 cooperates with the inner walls of the annular seal 11 formed by the imprint for the axial and radial retention of the annular seal 11.

[0093] In the examples shown, the outer and inner hooks 42, 44 extend circumferentially over an angular sector of 360 degrees. Alternatively, the outer and inner hooks 42, 44 may extend circumferentially over a limited angular sector corresponding, for example, to the angular sector along which the annular seal 11 extends circumferentially.

[0094] In the examples shown, each of the upper and lower bearings 16a, 16b comprises a cage 30 and a ball joint 32. Alternatively, in particular when the upper and lower female yokes 6a, 6b are located at the same axial position, other types of bearings can be used such as plain bearings.

[0095] In the examples shown, the connecting assembly 2 comprises a washer 10. Alternatively, the connecting assembly 2 may comprise at least one additional washer, for example an additional washer whose annular body 34 is arranged axially between the second face 20 of the lower head 14b and the second arm 24 of the lower female yoke 6b or an additional washer whose annular body 34 is arranged axially between one of the faces 18, 20 of the upper head 14a and one of the arms 22, 24 of the upper female yoke 6a.

[0096] In the examples shown, the body 34 of the washer 10 is annular. Alternatively, the body 34 of the washer 10 may extend over a limited angular sector, in particular over a limited angular sector greater than 180 degrees.

[0097] [Fig.7] represents an aircraft propulsion assembly 58 comprising a turbomachine 60 equipped with a nacelle 62, a suspension mast or pylon 64 of the turbomachine 60 and a connection assembly 2 connecting the turbomachine 60 to the suspension pylon 64.

[0098] For example, the suspension pylon 64 is provided with the upper female yoke 6a, the turbomachine 60 being provided with the lower female yoke 6b.

[0099] Of course, the various features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

Claims

Claims

1. Connecting assembly (2), in particular for a turbomachine, comprising: - a connecting member (4) comprising a rod (12), a bearing (16a, 16b) and at least one head (14a, 14b) arranged at one of the ends of the rod (12) and crossed by a bore forming a housing for the bearing (16a, 16b), - a female yoke (6a, 6b) comprising two arms (22, 24) arranged on either side of said head (14a, 14b) and each provided with a hole, and - an axis (8a, 8b) extending through the arms (22, 24) and the bearing (16a, 16b), characterized in that it further comprises at least one washer (10) provided with a body (34) arranged axially between an arm (22, 24) of the female yoke (6a, 6b) and said head (14a, 14b), and of a retaining member (38) extending from the body (34), and at least one annular seal (11) extending circumferentially over an angular sector between 180 degrees and 360 degrees and in contact with said head (14a, 14b),the retaining member (38) of said washer (10) cooperating with said annular seal (11) for the axial and radial retention of said annular seal (11).,

2. A connecting assembly (2) according to claim 1, wherein the retaining member (38) of said washer (10) extends inside said annular seal (11) and cooperates with an internal wall of said seal (11) for axial and radial retention of said seal (11).

3. Connecting assembly (2) according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the section of said annular seal (11) is in the form of an open ring comprising a first end (46) defining a first intermediate diameter of said seal (11) and an opposite second end (48) spaced from the first end (44) and defining a second intermediate diameter of said seal (11), the section of said seal (11) being open towards said washer (10).

4. Connecting assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining member (38) of said washer (10) comprises at least one external hook (42) capable of cooperating with an internal wall of said annular seal (11) for the axial and radial retention of said annular seal (11), the end of said external hook (42) extending at least radially outwards.

5. A connecting assembly (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining member (38) of said washer (10) comprises at least one inner hook (44) capable of cooperating with an inner wall of said annular seal (11) for the axial and radial retention of said annular seal (11), the end of said inner hook (44) extending at least radially inwards.

6. A connecting assembly (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein said annular seal (11) is formed from a metallic material.

7. A connecting assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said annular seal (11) is formed from an elastomeric material.

8. A connecting assembly (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein said washer (10) comprises an annular shoulder (52) arranged on the face of the body (34) opposite the connecting member (4).

9. Connecting assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said washer (10) comprises a cylindrical portion (36) axially extending the small diameter edge of the body (34) of the washer (10) and interposed between the axis (8a, 8b) and the bore of the hole of said arm (22, 24).

10. Propulsion assembly (58) comprising a turbomachine (60), a suspension pylon (64) of the turbomachine (60) and at least one connecting assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims connecting the turbomachine to the suspension pylon.

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