Connector for connecting first and second members

Abstract

A connector (1) for connecting a first and a second component, comprising: a body (2) made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers embedded in a plastic matrix (6b) made of a resin, the body (2) comprising a fastening area for the first component; a ball joint (3) movable by rotating in the housing (4) of the main body (2) and including a hole (3b) for fastening a second member; a first fiber rod (7) or coating having a coefficient of friction less than or equal to 0.1, located between the housing (4) and the ball joint (3), in contact with the ball joint (3); and a second fiber rod (8) having a coefficient of friction greater than or equal to 0.2, located between the housing (4) and the ball joint (3), in contact with the housing (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to connectors for interconnecting two components.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a connector, such as a fitting or a shackle, comprising a body made of a composite material and a ball joint mounted in the body. Background Art

[0003] Traditionally, in the aeronautical field, connectors are used, such as metal fittings, for example made of aluminum, titanium or steel. Such connectors are used to connect two components in relative rotational motion by means of a ball joint, which is interposed between the components and is integral with the connector. This is the case, for example, with fittings used to attach thrust reversercowls of aircraft turbines.

[0004] The use of connectors formed at least partially from composite materials, ie from polymer materials reinforced with fibers, such as glass or carbon fibers, is particularly advantageous in areas where weight reduction is crucial, such as the aerospace sector.

[0005] Document FR 3 067 073 proposes a connection piece formed by a body made of composite material having reinforcing fibers embedded in a plastic matrix made of resin, such that the reinforcing fibers form, together with the resin, plies stacked to form a laminate.

[0006] The mounting ring placed between the ball joint and the housing of the body to which the ball joint is mounted makes it possible to reduce the impact of the repetitive forces generated during rotation.

[0007] However, the integration of the mounting ring is expensive and cumbersome and makes the structure heavier.

[0008] Another embodiment described in document FR3067073 consists in replacing the mounting ring with a self-lubricating fabric.

[0009] However, where the ball joint applies significant axial and radial loads to the body, the resin between the plies at the interface with the socket is stretched. The repeated forces then have the effect of separating the plies, causing premature delamination of the composite material around the housing formed to receive the ball joint. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention therefore aims to remedy these drawbacks and to propose a lightweight and inexpensive connector capable of withstanding radial and axial loads, both tensile and compressive, in order to counteract the risk of delamination of the connector body.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention provides a connector for connecting a first and a second member, comprising:

[0012] a body made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers embedded in a plastic matrix made of resin, the body comprising a fastening area for the first member;

[0013] a ball joint movable by rotation in the housing of the body and comprising a hole for fastening the second member;

[0014] A first fiber strip or coating having a coefficient of friction less than or equal to 0.1, located between the housing and the ball joint, in contact with the ball joint; and

[0015] The second fiber strip has a friction coefficient greater than or equal to 0.2, is located between the shell and the spherical joint, and contacts the shell.

[0016] This configuration makes it possible to save weight and maintain a compactness of the connector, which is compatible with applications in the aeronautical field, while ensuring, on the one hand, that the frictional properties are low enough for effective articulation of the spherical joint without risk of delamination under sustained loads, and, on the other hand, that the frictional properties are high enough to protect the body of the connector without risk of delamination under axial and radial loads.

[0017] The connector according to the invention is reliable and inexpensive, and its service life is optimized.

[0018] Advantageously, the first and second fiber strips are positioned in contact with each other.

[0019] According to an alternative embodiment, in which the first fiber strip is replaced by a coating, the second fiber strip and the coating may be positioned in contact with each other.

[0020] A coating is understood to be a layer which is applied by chemical treatment or which is attached to the outer surface of the ball joint.

[0021] Preferably, the first fiber strip or coating includes lubricating particles, which include lubricating fibers impregnated with a binder such as a resin, and / or at least one solid lubricant, which lubricating particles or solid lubricant preferably include fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoropolymers, graphite, molybdenum sulfide, hexagonal boron nitride or a mixture thereof.

[0022] The lubricating particles make it possible to reduce the coefficient of friction of the first fiber strand and limit the friction between the body and the ball joint during rotation.

[0023] Preferably, the first fiber strip comprises structural fibers selected from glass and / or carbon fibers.

[0024] The structural fibers make it possible to retain lubricating particles, such as fibers which have lower mechanical properties and which might be torn under load during the relative movement between the ball joint and the connector body.

[0025] Advantageously, the second fiber strip may comprise structural fibers, chosen from glass and / or carbon fibers, impregnated with a binder such as a resin. The structural fibers make it possible to limit the risk of delamination of the connector body.

[0026] Preferably, the second fiber strip comprises the same composite material as the composite material of the main body, so as to increase the compatibility between the main body and the second fiber strip.

[0027] According to one feature, the reinforcing fibers of the body together with the resin form plies extending perpendicularly to the axis of the housing, and the second fiber strip may have plies extending substantially perpendicularly to said plies of the body. This makes it possible to strengthen the structure of the connector and further limit the separation of the plies of the connector body during rotation.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first and second fiber strips can be fastened to the body so that the ball joint moves relative to the assembly formed by the body and the first and second fiber strips. This arrangement is particularly easy to implement, making it easier to manufacture the connector and reducing its manufacturing time. This also makes it possible to integrate any type of ball joint into the body of the connector.

[0029] According to an alternative, the first fiber strip or coating can be fastened to the ball joint and the second fiber strip can be fastened to the body, so that the assembly formed by the ball joint and the first fiber strip or coating moves relative to the assembly formed by the body and the second fiber strip.

[0030] In another embodiment, the second fiber strip can be fastened to the main body by impregnation of the plastic matrix of the main body made of resin.

[0031] According to an alternative, the first and second fiber strips can be fastened to the main body by impregnation of the plastic matrix of the main body made of resin. This makes the combination of the first and second fiber strips easier and makes it possible to reinforce the assembly formed by the main body and the first and second fiber strips.

[0032] In another alternative embodiment, the first fiber strip may be fastened to the ball joint by bonding.

[0033] In an embodiment, the second fiber strip may be fastened to the main body by bonding.

[0034] In another embodiment, the first and second fiber strips can be fastened to the main body by bonding. In this case, the second fiber strip can be fastened to contact with the shell of the main body, and the first fiber strip can be fastened to contact with the second fiber strip. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Further objects, advantages and features will become apparent from the following description, given purely by way of illustration and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an accessory according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the fitting shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1 and 2 A connector 1 for connecting first and second components (not shown) is depicted.

[0039] In the example shown, the connector is an accessory for an aerospace application.

[0040] The connector 1 comprises a body 2 made of a composite material having reinforcing fibres embedded in a plastic matrix 6b.

[0041] Advantageously, the fibers are made of carbon, but may also be made of another material, such as glass. The plastic matrix 6b is made of a thermosetting resin, such as epoxy, but other materials may also be used, such as thermoplastic resins, for example PEEK, PEKK, PEAK.

[0042] The body 2 of the connector 1 comprises a fastening area for a first component to be connected, which in the example shown takes the form of a base 5. The means for fastening the first component to the connector 1 may comprise screws or rivets.

[0043] The connector 1 also comprises a spherical joint 3 mounted in a housing 4 (with axis X1 ) of the body 2 . The housing 4 is delimited by an inner surface or a bore of the body 2 .

[0044] Advantageously, the ball joint 3 is metallic, for example made of titanium, steel, aluminium, bronze or alloys thereof.

[0045] The hole of the housing 4 is spherical so as to cooperate with the ball joint 3 .

[0046] The ball joint 3 (with axis X2) is movable by rotation in the housing 4 of the body 2. The connector 1 thus makes it possible to rigidly connect the first and second members while allowing them to articulate with each other by rotation of the ball joint 3 in the housing 4.

[0047] The ball joint 3 may be formed from two parts which can be separated in order to allow the ball joint 3 to be mounted in the housing 4 .

[0048] Advantageously, the ball joint 3 has a spherical outer surface 3a intended to cooperate with the housing 4 to articulate the ball joint 3 and an inner surface or hole 3b for fastening the second member.

[0049] In the example shown, the hole 3 b is cylindrical and has an axis X2 .

[0050] The reinforcing fibers of the body 2 together with the resin form a layer or sheet 6a. Figure 2 As shown, these layers 6a are stacked to form a laminate, Figure 2 A longitudinal section of the connector 1 is depicted, on a plane passing through the axis X1 and parallel to the ply 6a of the body 2 .

[0051] Advantageously, in order to simplify the manufacture of the body 2 of the connector 1, the plies 6a are parallel to each other. In addition, the plies 6a extend over the entire length of the body 2 except for a region of the housing 4, in which the plies 6a are partially interrupted to obtain the housing 4, for example by removing material.

[0052] Furthermore, the connector 1 comprises a first fiber strip 7 having a friction coefficient less than or equal to 0.1, which is located between the housing 4 and the ball joint 3 and is in contact with the ball joint 3 .

[0053] The first fiber strip 7 having a lubricating function makes it possible to maintain an endurance load between the body 2 and the ball joint 3 by reducing the friction at the interface with the ball joint 3, and this also reduces the risk of delamination.

[0054] The first fiber strip 7 may include lubricating particles including lubricating fibers impregnated with a binder such as a resin.

[0055] In addition to or instead of the lubricating particles, the first fiber strand 7 may also comprise at least one solid lubricant.

[0056] For example, the lubricating particles or solid lubricant may include fluoropolymers, such as polytetrafluoropolymers, graphite, molybdenum sulfide, hexagonal boron nitride, or mixtures thereof.

[0057] Preferably, in particular in addition to lubricating particles, the first fiber strand 7 also comprises structural fibers, in particular lubricating fibers.

[0058] The structural fibers may reinforce the first fiber strip 7 by retaining lubricating particles, which are fibers that have relatively low mechanical properties and that may tear under load during the relative movement between the ball joint 3 and the body 2 of the connector 1 .

[0059] The structural fibers also make it possible to withstand opening loads which, during the pivoting of the spherical joint 3 carrying the second member, are transmitted to the body 2 of the connector 1 and tend to separate the plies 6 a of the body 2 .

[0060] The structural fibers of the first fiber strip 7 may be selected from glass fibers, carbon fibers or mixtures thereof.

[0061] Advantageously, the first fiber strip 7 may be a self-lubricating fabric.

[0062] According to an alternative, the first fiber strip 7 may be replaced by a coating, at least partially applied to the outer surface 3 a of the ball joint 3 , having a coefficient of friction less than or equal to 0.1.

[0063] The coating may be a layer obtained by chemical treatment of the outer surface of the ball joint 3 or a layer attached to the outer surface of the ball joint 3, for example forming a lining.

[0064] Preferably, the coating is applied to the entire outer surface 3 a of the ball joint 3 .

[0065] The coating may include lubricating particles comprising lubricating fibers impregnated with a binder such as a resin.

[0066] In addition to or instead of the lubricating particles, the coating may also comprise at least one solid lubricant.

[0067] For example, the lubricating particles or solid lubricant may include fluoropolymers (such as polytetrafluoropolymers), graphite, molybdenum sulfide, hexagonal boron nitride, or mixtures thereof.

[0068] Preferably, the coating further comprises structural particles, such as fibers, for example glass fibers, carbon fibers or mixtures thereof.

[0069] Furthermore, the connector 1 comprises a second fiber strip 8 having a friction coefficient greater than or equal to 0.2, which is located between the housing 4 and the ball joint 3 and is in contact with the housing 4 .

[0070] In the example shown, the first and second fiber strips 7 and 8 are positioned in contact with each other.

[0071] The first fiber strip 7 includes an inner surface in contact with the outer surface 3 a of the spherical joint 3 and an opposite outer surface in contact with the inner surface of the second fiber strip 8 .

[0072] The second fiber strip 8 includes an inner surface in contact with the outer surface of the first fiber strip 7 or the coating layer, and an outer surface in contact with the shell 4 .

[0073] According to an alternative embodiment, in which the first fiber strip 7 is replaced by a coating, the second fiber strip 8 and the coating may be positioned in contact with each other.

[0074] The coating includes an inner surface in contact with the outer surface 3 a of the spherical joint 3 and an opposite outer surface in contact with the inner surface of the second fiber strip 8 .

[0075] The second fiber strip 8 includes an inner surface in contact with the outer surface of the coating layer and an outer surface in contact with the shell 4 .

[0076] Preferably, the second fiber strip 8 comprises structural fibers impregnated with a binder such as a resin. The structural fibers may be selected from glass fibers, carbon fibers or mixtures thereof.

[0077] The second fiber strand 8 may advantageously comprise the same composite material as that of the main body 2 in order to improve the compatibility between the main body 2 and the second fiber strand 8 .

[0078] In the example shown, at least in the area of ​​the body 2 extending a few millimeters or tens of millimeters around the shell 4, the reinforcing fibers of the body 2 together with the resin form a layer 6a extending perpendicular to the axis X1 of the shell 4, which makes it possible to increase the tensile and compressive strength.

[0079] The second fiber strip 8 may also have plies. Preferably, the plies of the second fiber strip 8 extend transversely along the fiber strip 8 so as to extend substantially perpendicularly to the plies 6a of the main body.

[0080] The first fiber strand 7 can also have at least one ply.

[0081] The thickness of the first fiber strip 7, the thickness of the coating layer and the thickness of the second fiber strip 8 are in the order of millimeters, preferably between 0.5 and 5 mm.

[0082] For example, the first fiber strand 7 and the second fiber strand 8 have ply ratios of 10% and 90%, respectively.

[0083] This ratio can be adjusted as a function of the desired ratio between swivelling endurance stress and static load.

[0084] In an embodiment, the first and second fiber strips 7 and 8 may be fastened to the body 2. In this way, the ball joint 3 moves relative to the assembly formed by the body 2 and the first and second fiber strips.

[0085] In an alternative embodiment, the first fiber strip 7 or coating can be fastened to the ball joint 3, while the second fiber strip 8 can be fastened to the body 2. In this way, the assembly formed by the ball joint 3 and the first fiber strip 7 or coating moves relative to the assembly formed by the body 2 and the second fiber strip 8.

[0086] Preferably, the fastening of the second fiber strip 8 to the main body 2 or the fastening of the first and second fiber strips 7 and 8 to the main body 2 is achieved by impregnation of the plastic matrix 6 b of the main body 2 made of resin.

[0087] As an alternative, the first fiber strip 7, the second fiber strip 8, or the first and second fiber strips 7, 8 may be fastened by bonding.

[0088] According to an example, the second fiber strip 8 may be fastened to the housing 4 by an adhesive, and the first fiber strip 7 may also be fastened to the second fiber strip 8 by an adhesive.

[0089] According to another example, the second fiber strip 8 may be fastened to the housing 4 by an adhesive, and the first fiber strip 7 may also be fastened to the ball joint 3 by an adhesive.

[0090] In the example shown, the connector 1 is configured to connect two components.

[0091] Alternatively, the connector 1 may be implemented to connect three or more members to each other.

[0092] Furthermore, the invention can be applied to connector types other than fittings, such as rod ends or shackles, for example also for applications in the aerospace field or in any other technical field.

Claims

1. A connector (1) for connecting a first and a second member, comprising: a body (2) made of a composite material comprising reinforcing fibers embedded in a plastic matrix (6b) made of a resin, the body (2) comprising a fastening area for a first member; a ball joint (3) which is movable by rotation in a housing (4) of the body (2) and comprises a hole (3b) for fastening a second member; A first fiber strip (7) or coating, having a friction coefficient less than or equal to 0.1, located between the housing (4) and the spherical joint (3), and in contact with the spherical joint (3); as well as The second fiber strip (8), whose friction coefficient is greater than or equal to 0.2, is located between the shell (4) and the spherical joint (3) and is in contact with the shell (4).

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first fiber strip (7) or coating comprises lubricating particles, which comprise lubricating fibers impregnated with a binder such as a resin, and / or at least one solid lubricant, which lubricating particles or solid lubricant preferably comprise fluorine-containing polymers such as polytetrafluoropolymers, graphite, molybdenum sulfide, hexagonal boron nitride or a mixture thereof.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein: The first fiber strip (7) comprises structural fibers selected from glass and / or carbon fibers.

4. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The second fiber strip (8) comprises structural fibers impregnated with a binder such as a resin, the structural fibers being selected from glass and / or carbon fibers.

5. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second fiber strip (8) comprises the same composite material as the composite material of the main body (2).

6. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The reinforcing fibers of the body (2) together with the resin form a ply (6a) extending perpendicularly to the axis of the shell (4), and the second fiber strip (8) has a ply extending substantially perpendicularly to the ply (6a) of the body (2).

7. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first and second fiber strips (7, 8) are positioned in contact with each other, or the coating and the second fiber strip (8) are positioned in contact with each other.

8. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first and second fiber strips (7, 8) are fastened to the body (2) so that the ball joint (3) moves relative to the assembly formed by the body (2) and the first and second fiber strips (7, 8).

9. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second fiber strip (8) or the first and second fiber strips (7, 8) are fastened to the main body (2) by impregnation of the plastic matrix (6b) of the main body (2) made of resin.

10. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first fiber strip (7) and / or the second fiber strip (8) are fastened to the body (2) or the ball joint (3) by means of an adhesive.

Images