Actuator with bias supply port

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator comprising a body (2) and at least one first offset connection port (4.1), the first offset connection port being connected to the body (2) via a first duct (5.1) protruding from the body (2). The first connection port (4.1) is mechanically connected to the body via at least first and second struts (6, 7), the first and second struts extending from the first connection port to a first section of the body and a second section of the body axially spaced from the first section, respectively. The invention also relates to a landing gear comprising such an actuator as a locking or unlocking actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuator having at least one offset feed port. The actuator may be, for example, a hydraulic actuator for fitting to an aircraft. Background Art

[0002] Aircraft landing gear is known to be mounted so as to be movable between a deployed position and a retracted position and includes an unlocking actuator that allows the landing gear to be moved from the retracted position to the deployed position. Typically, the unlocking actuator is a hydraulic actuator comprising a tubular body with a rod slidably mounted within the body. The rod is secured to a piston that subdivides the internal volume of the body into two isolated chambers. Two connection ports allow fluid to be inserted into or removed from one of the chambers, thereby moving the rod.

[0003] Due to actuator size and dynamic performance considerations, the connection ports are offset from the actuator body. Each connection port is connected to the actuator body via a conduit that opens into a corresponding chamber. The conduit is typically a channel drilled in a block protruding from the outer surface of the actuator body. The body and block are typically manufactured by forging or assembling previously machined parts.

[0004] This arrangement makes the actuator relatively heavy and bulky, thereby detrimental to the overall weight of the device and complicates the integration of the actuator into the volume available for the landing gear in the aircraft. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose an actuator with an offset feed port which is able to at least partially avoid the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] To this end, the present invention provides an actuator comprising a main body and at least one first offset connection port, wherein the connection port is connected to the main body via a first conduit protruding from the main body.

[0007] According to the invention, the first connection port is mechanically connected to the body by at least first and second struts extending from the first connection port to a first section of the body and a second section of the body axially spaced from the first section, respectively.

[0008] The use of such struts to connect the connection port to the body makes it possible to limit the weight of the actuator, since the struts leave between them hollow spaces free of material, while still ensuring good vibration and pressure performance of the connection port.

[0009] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the actuator includes a second offset connection port connected to the main body via a second conduit. The second connection port is mechanically connected to the main body via at least a third strut and a fourth strut, the third strut and the fourth strut extending from the second connection port to two axially spaced portions of the main body.

[0010] Specifically, the second connection port is aligned with the first connection port, and the fourth pillar and the second pillar have a common section.

[0011] In particular, at least one of the third strut and the fourth strut is arranged to mechanically connect a portion of the first conduit to the body.

[0012] In particular, at least two struts comprise respective portions located in a longitudinal mid-plane of the body.

[0013] In particular, the first duct is located in a longitudinal mid-plane of the body.

[0014] Specifically, the lengths of the first strut and the second strut are substantially the same.

[0015] In particular, at least one strut has a V-shaped cross section.

[0016] According to particular characteristics, the actuator comprises a web providing a mechanical connection between the body, each duct and the strut.

[0017] In particular, the web comprises drainage holes.

[0018] According to particular characteristics, the actuator comprises at least one rib extending from one of the ducts to one of the struts on one side of the web.

[0019] In particular, the body, each duct and each connection port together form a single piece obtained by additive manufacturing.

[0020] The present invention also provides a landing gear having at least an extended position and a retracted position and comprising an actuator for locking or unlocking the landing gear in at least one of the two positions of the landing gear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present invention may be better understood from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting and should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an actuator in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the actuator shown in FIG;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the actuator shown in FIG; and

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An end view of the actuator is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] refer to Figure 1 In a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator 1 comprises a body 2 which is generally tubular and extends along a central axis X.

[0027] The body 2 comprises, in order, a first end section 2a, an intermediate section 2b and a second end section 2c, each section having a cylindrical outer surface extending along the axis X.

[0028] The first end segment 2a and the second end segment 2c are connected to the middle segment 2b via a connecting portion 2d, which has a frustoconical outer surface, a small base of which is connected to the outer surface of the middle segment 2b, and a large base of which is connected to the outer surfaces of the first end segment 2a and the second end segment 2c, respectively.

[0029] The body 2 forms the main body of the double-acting hydraulic actuator and defines, in a conventional manner, an internal volume into which a rod T is mounted so as to slide along the axis X and projects from a first end section 2 a of the body 2. This rod is fixed to a piston which subdivides the internal volume of the body 2 into two chambers isolated from each other.

[0030] The second end section 2c is connected to a bearing 3 for articulating the actuator 1 to the aircraft structure. Thus, the body 2 forms a connection interface with the rod of the actuator 1, while the bearing 3 forms a connection interface with the aircraft structure.

[0031] The actuator 1 has a first connection port 4.1 and a second connection port 4.2 for enabling fluid to be inserted into or removed from a respective one of the two chambers, thereby moving the rod. The first connection port 4.1 and the second connection port 4.2 are substantially identical, each of these connection ports having a tubular portion defining a passage arranged to receive an end portion of a connecting pipe.

[0032] The first connection port 4.1 and the second connection port 4.2 extend substantially parallel to the central axis X of the body 2, and their free ends extend substantially in a common plane orthogonal to said axis X, so that the two connection ports are aligned with each other. The distance between the first connection port 4.1 and the body 2 is smaller than the distance between the second connection port 4.2 and said body 2, so that in all the figures the first connection port 4.1 is located between the second connection port 4.2 and the body 2.

[0033] A first conduit 5.1 connects the first connection port 4.1 to the first end section 2a of the main body 2, from which the actuator rod protrudes. The central axis of the first conduit 5.1 extends substantially its entire length in a plane A containing the central axis X of the main body 2 (thus, plane A constitutes the longitudinal midplane of the main body 2). First conduit 5.1 comprises: a quarter-circular portion, one end of which opens into one of the chambers of the main body 2; a first straight portion substantially parallel to the axis X; a semicircular portion; and a second straight portion extending parallel to the central axis X and facing the first straight portion, one end of which opens into the first connection port 4.1.

[0034] Second conduit 5.2 connects second connection port 4.2 to second end section 2c of load-bearing bearing 3 of main body 2. Second conduit 5.2 comprises a first straight portion, substantially perpendicular to central axis X of main body 2, one end of which opens into another chamber of main body 2; and a quadrant portion, one end of which opens into second connection port 4.2. The straight portion of second conduit 5.2 has a central axis extending in plane A, as does the central axis of first conduit 5.1, while the quadrant portion of second feed conduit 5.2 has a central axis extending generally in plane B, which is slightly inclined relative to plane A and substantially parallel to axis X.

[0035] First connection port 4.1 is mechanically connected to main body 2 via two linear struts 6 and 7 of substantially equal length. Both struts 6 and 7 extend from the outer surface of central section 2b of main body 2 and converge toward each other to meet at the lower surface of first connection port 4.1. Each strut 6 and 7 has a V-shaped cross-section, with its tip lying in plane A, such that plane A substantially forms a plane of symmetry for the struts 6 and 7. The free edges of struts 6 and 7 are substantially tangential to the outer surface of central section 2b of main body 2.

[0036] Second connection port 4.2 is mechanically connected to main body 2 via member 8, which includes two substantially straight portions 8.1 and 8.2 extending colinearly from the outer surface of second end section 2c of main body 2 to the lower surface of second connection port 4.2. Similar to struts 6 and 7, first portion 8.1 of strut 8 connects main body 2 to the semicircular portion of first conduit 5.1 and exhibits a V-shaped cross-section, with its tip located in plane A, which substantially forms a plane of symmetry for first portion 8.1 of strut 8. Second portion 8.2 of strut 8 connects second connection port 4.2 to the semicircular portion of first conduit 5.1 and exhibits a V-shaped cross-section, with its tip located in plane B, which substantially forms a plane of symmetry for second portion 8.2 of strut 8. The free edge of first portion 8.1 of strut 8 is substantially tangential to second end section 2c of main body 2, while the free edge of second portion 8.2 of strut 8 is substantially tangential to the outer surface of the semicircular portion of first conduit 5.1.

[0037] The second connection port 4.2 is also mechanically connected to the body 2 and the first connection port 4.1 by a substantially rectilinear strut 9 extending from the upper surface of the first connection port 4.1 to the lower surface of the second connection port 4.2. The strut 9 substantially extends the strut 7, forming a section common to the struts 7 and 9, and presents a V-shaped cross section, with its tip lying in plane B, so that said plane B substantially forms a plane of symmetry for the strut 9.

[0038] It should be noted that all struts 6, 7, 8 and 9 extend only outside the feed pipes 5.1 and 5.2 in order to avoid obstructing the flow of fluid in said feed pipes 5.1 and 5.2.

[0039] In this example, the actuator 1 comprises a web 10 extending partly in plane A and partly in plane B, providing the connection between the feed ducts 5 . 1 and 5 . 2 , the struts 6 , 7 , 8 and 9 and the body 2 .

[0040] Advantageously, when the actuator is positioned so that the web 10 is substantially horizontal, the drainage holes 11 pierce the web 10 in order to avoid stagnation of liquid on said web 10 .

[0041] The actuator 1 also has a substantially rectilinear rib 12 extending on either side of the web 10 from the quarter-circle portion of the first duct 5.1 to the junction between the semi-circle portion of the second duct 5.2 and the second portion 8.2 of the strut 8. The rib 12 thus provides a direct connection between the first duct 5.1, the second duct 5.2 and the strut 8.

[0042] It will be appreciated that the use of struts 6, 7, 8, and 9 to connect the body 2 to both the first connection port 4.1 and the second connection port 4.2 serves to limit the weight of the actuator 1, as the struts leave empty space between them. It will also be appreciated that the struts are not designed to transmit the forces generated by the actuator, but rather to withstand vibration forces, forces generated by fluid pressure on the connection ports and pipes, and forces generated by the piping system on the connection ports.

[0043] Preferably, the actuator is made by additive manufacturing, particularly from a nickel and chromium alloy such as that of supplier Special Metals Corporation and The web 10 can then be used as a support to deposit the material along the axis X, thereby obtaining a single piece. The V-shape of the pillars serves to limit the number of supports required for the deposition of such material.

[0044] Those skilled in the art know how to design the actuator 1 to ensure that the connection ports and pipes 4.1, 4.2, 5.1 and 5.2 can withstand vibration and pressure. Therefore, the spacing between the pillars 6, 7, 8, 9 and their thickness need to be defined to vary according to the required second moment of area.

[0045] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described but covers any variant coming within the ambit of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0046] Although the actuator 1 above is hydraulic, and has connection ports 4.1 and 4.2, and hydraulic conduits 5.1 and 5.2, the actuator could equally well be electrical or indeed pneumatic, and have corresponding connection ports and conduits.

[0047] The number of ports and feed conduits may be equal to one (eg for a single-acting actuator), or may be greater than two.

[0048] Although the struts above present a V-shaped cross section, their cross sections may be of other shapes (solid, hollow, I-shaped, ...).

[0049] The actuator need not include the web 10 .

[0050] The web 10 does not need to have any drainage holes 11 .

[0051] Although the body 2 above is generally tubular in shape comprising a series of segments 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d having cylindrical or frustoconical outer surfaces, the body 2 can be other shapes and, for example, it can comprise a single segment having a cylindrical or other shaped outer surface.

[0052] The first connection port 4 . 1 and / or the second connection port 4 . 2 do not need to extend parallel to the central axis X of the main body 2 .

[0053] Although the actuator 1 described above is used to unlock an aircraft landing gear, the present invention is applicable to any type of actuator requiring at least one biased connection port 4.1, 4.2, for example for opening and / or closing a door enclosing a space housing landing gear, or indeed for deploying thrust reversers. The actuator 1 may also be applicable to any field other than aviation.

Claims

1. An actuator (1) comprising a body (2) and at least one first offset connection port (4.1), the first offset connection port being connected to the body (2) via a first conduit (5.1) protruding from the body (2), the actuator being characterized in that the first offset connection port (4.1) is mechanically connected to the body at least via a first strut (6) and a second strut (7), the first strut and the second strut being distinct from the first conduit and extending from the first offset connection port to a first section of the body and a second section of the body axially spaced apart from the first section, respectively.

2. The actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The actuator comprises a second offset connection port (4.2) connected to the body (2) via a second conduit (5.2), and wherein the second offset connection port (4.2) is mechanically connected to the body (2) via at least a third strut (8) and a fourth strut (9), the third strut and the fourth strut extending from the second offset connection port to two portions of the body axially spaced apart from each other.

3. The actuator according to claim 2, characterized in that The second offset connection port (4.2) is aligned with the first offset connection port (4.1), and wherein the fourth leg (9) and the second leg (7) have a common section.

4. The actuator according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: At least one of the third strut (8) and the fourth strut (9) is arranged to mechanically connect a portion of the first conduit (5.1) to the body (2).

5. The actuator (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that At least two of the struts (6, 7, 8, 9) comprise respective portions situated in a longitudinal mid-plane (A) of the body (2).

6. The actuator (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The first duct (5.1) is located in the longitudinal mid-plane (A) of the body (2).

7. The actuator (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The lengths of the first support (6) and the second support (7) are substantially the same.

8. The actuator (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that At least one of the pillars (6, 7, 8, 9) has a V-shaped cross section.

9. The actuator (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The actuator comprises a web (10) providing a mechanical connection between the body (2), each conduit (5.1, 5.2), and the struts (6, 7, 8, 9).

10. The actuator (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The web (10) comprises drainage holes (11).

11. Actuator (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The actuator comprises at least one rib (12) extending from the second conduit (5.2) to the third strut (8) on one side of the web (10).

12. The actuator (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The body (2), each duct (5.1, 5.2) and each offset connection port (4.1, 4.2) together form a single piece obtained by additive manufacturing.

13. A landing gear having at least an extended position and a retracted position and comprising an actuator for locking or unlocking the landing gear in at least one of its two positions, the landing gear being characterized in that the actuator is an actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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