System for locking a sliding member comprising an integrated monitoring member, and corresponding drive mechanism, wheel and aircraft

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for locking a member comprising: - a housing (9) having a chamber (12) which is intended to slidably receive the member; - balls (20) that are arranged to at least partially project out into the chamber; - a lock (22) that is mounted in the housing so as to be movable between a locked position in which, when in operation, the lock presses the balls against the member in order to hold the member in position in the housing and an unlocked position in which, when in operation, the member can slide inside the housing, the lock being arranged in the housing in such a way that, in the locked position, the lock bears against at least one wall (15) of the chamber and that, in the unlocked position, the lock is away from the wall, the system further comprising at least one element (36) for detecting this temporary contact. The invention further relates to a corresponding drive mechanism and an aircraft wheel.

Description

[0001]SYSTEM FOR LOCKING A SLIDING MEMBER COMPRISING AN INTEGRATED MONITORING MEMBER, CORRESPONDING DRIVE MECHANISM, WHEEL AND AIRCRAFT The invention relates to a system for locking a sliding member. The invention also relates to a drive mechanism comprising such a locking system. The invention also relates to a wheel equipped with such a drive mechanism. The invention also relates to an aircraft equipped with such a wheel. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the aeronautical field, it is known to motorize the wheels of an aircraft to facilitate the movement of the aircraft on the ground, particularly during taxiing phases. For this purpose, the wheel is generally associated with a motorized drive mechanism comprising a geared motor connected to the wheel so as to be able to drive it in rotation. For operational safety reasons, a temporary disconnection system must be installed between the wheel and the geared motor. This functionis usually carried out using a front-toothed dog clutch, one of the two jaws of which can translate relative to the other to connect / disconnect the geared motor to the wheel. In addition, in order to ensure that the movable jaw does not accidentally engage with the fixed jaw during critical landing or takeoff phases, the disconnected position of the latter must be locked by a suitable locking system. The state of the movable jaw (disconnected or connected to the other jaw) as well as the state of the locking system (locking of the movable jaw or not) is also constantly monitored by a controller remote from the aircraft. General monitoring of the temporary disconnection system unfortunately proves to be tedious. Climate change is a major concern for many legislative and regulatory bodies around the world. Indeed, various restrictions on carbon emissions havebeen, are or will be adopted by various states. In particular, an ambitious standard applies both to new types of aircraft and those currently in circulation requiring the implementation of technological solutions in order to make them compliant with current regulations. Civil aviation has been mobilizing for several years now to contribute to the fight against climate change. Technological research efforts have already led to very significant improvements in the environmental performance of aircraft. All stakeholders in the sector are constantly working to improve energy efficiency. The Applicant takes into consideration the impacting factors in all phases of design and development to obtain less energy-intensive, more environmentally friendly aeronautical components and products whose integration and use in civil aviation havemoderate environmental impacts with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of air transport. Consequently, the Applicant is constantly working to reduce its climate impact by using methods and operating virtuous development and manufacturing processes and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions to the minimum possible to reduce the environmental footprint of its activity. This sustained research and development work covers new generations of aircraft engines, the weight reduction of aircraft, in particular through the materials used and lighter on-board equipment, the development of the use of electrical technologies to ensure propulsion, and, essential complements to technological progress, aeronautical biofuels. To this end, the invention is the result of technological research aimed at significantly improving the performance ofaircraft and, in this sense, contributes to reducing the environmental impact of aircraft. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The invention particularly aims to provide a system for locking a sliding member which makes it easier to monitor a drive mechanism equipped with such a system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To this end, the invention provides a system for locking a member comprising: - A box having a chamber intended to slidably receive said member, - Balls arranged to open at least partially into the chamber, - A lock mounted to move in the box between a locking position in which, in use, the lock presses the balls into at least one groove made in the member to hold the member in position in the box and an unlocking position in which, in use, the member can slide in the box, the lock being arranged in the box so that in the locking position, the lock isbearing against at least one wall of the chamber and that in the unlocked position, the lock is moved away from said wall, the system integrating a monitoring member of the locking system, the monitoring member comprising at least one element for detecting the contact of the lock against the wall of the chamber, which detection element is a layer of electrically conductive material. In this way, it proves relatively easy to be able to detect whether the sliding member in the chamber is actually locked or not by the lock, by simple detection of the contact between the lock and the box. It is advantageously the movement of the lock itself (to move from its locked position to its unlocked position) which makes it possible to create a contact making it possible to detect the locking position of the lock. In addition, the detection is carried out at the level of the lock by simple contact between the lock and the layer of electrically conductive material without requiringof a particular sensor at this level (Hall effect sensor type, contact sensor, etc.). We thus note that a dry contact is detected between the lock and the box to determine the locking position of the lock, i.e. a direct mechanical contact between the lock and the box without an intermediate element (other than the layer of electrically conductive material) and in particular without a sensor. We note that the layer of electrically conductive material allows direct electrical contact between the lock and the box. As will be seen later, said layer can be attached to the box or can be formed by a layer of the box directly (i.e. formed at the same time as the rest of the box). Optionally, the lock of the locking system is movable in translation in the chamber between its locking position and its unlocking position. Optionally, the chamber extends longitudinally along a first axis (A), the lock being mounted movablein the chamber along said first axis. Optionally, the lock is configured to magnetically cooperate with at least one magnetic element arranged in the chamber. Optionally, the system comprises at least one spring connected at a first end to the box and at a second end to the lock, the spring being configured to push the lock towards its locking position. Optionally, a through-hole is provided in the lock, and has at least a first section with a cross-section of a first diameter and at least a second section with a cross-section of a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter, the balls being housed at least partly in the second section in the locking position and in the first section in the unlocking position. Optionally, the layer of electrically conductive material is also magnetically insulating. Optionally, the system compriseselectrical insulation of at least two elements of the system from each other. Optionally, said electrical insulation comprises at least one layer of electrically insulating material arranged between the lock and at least one wall of the chamber with which the lock is permanently in contact. Optionally, said electrical insulation comprises at least one layer of electrically insulating material arranged between the chamber and, in use, the member. Optionally, the wall of the chamber against which the lock presses in the locking position is a bottom of the chamber. The invention also relates to a drive mechanism comprising at least one actuator, a sliding member associated at one of its ends with the actuator and a locking system making it possible to block the sliding member in a given position when the lock is in the locking position. The invention also relates to a wheel powered by said mechanism and an aircraftcomprising at least one such wheel. Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the following description of particular and non-limiting embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Reference will be made to the appended drawings, among which: [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a sectional view of a locking system of a member according to a particular embodiment of the invention, the lock of said system being in the unlocking position; [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the locking system shown in Figure 1, the lock of said system being in the locking position; [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a simplified diagram of a drive mechanism for an aircraft wheel comprising the locking system shown in Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to Figures 1 to 3, in a particular embodiment of the invention, we are interested in an aircraft wheel 1motorized. The aircraft wheel 1 comprises a drive mechanism which comprises an actuator 2 associated with temporary coupling means 3 to said wheel. The actuator 2 is for example a rotary actuator and for example a motor and for example an electric motor. The drive mechanism also comprises here a reduction gear associated with the actuator 2. In the present case the assembly formed by the reduction gear and the actuator 2 forms a geared motor 4. The temporary coupling means 3 comprise for example a dog clutch such as a dog clutch with front teeth. The dog clutch thus comprises a fixed jaw 5 integral in rotation with the wheel and a movable jaw 6 in translation between: - a retracted position in which the two jaws 5, 6 are distant from each other (the aircraft wheel 1 then rotates freely), - a service position in which the two jaws 5, 6 couple so that the rotation of the geared motor 4 causes a rotationcorresponding to the wheel of the aircraft 1. To ensure the sliding of the movable jaw 6 between its two positions, the drive mechanism comprises a sliding member shaped here in the form of a control rod 7, a first end of which is connected to the movable jaw 6 and a second end of which is connected to a member for controlling its position (not shown), a control member integrated into the gear motor 4 so that the action of the control member causes the translation of the control rod 7 and thereby of the movable jaw 6. The control member is for example a solenoid or even a hydraulic or pneumatic linear actuator. It is therefore understood that the control rod 7 itself slides between two positions, namely: - a disengaged position (corresponding to the retracted position of the movable jaw 6 meaning that the gear motor 4 can no longer drive the wheel of the aircraft 1 in rotation), - an engaged position(corresponding to the service position of the movable jaw 6 meaning that the geared motor 4 can rotate the wheel of the aircraft 1). It is therefore appropriate to be able to detect the state of the position of the control rod 7 (engaged or disengaged) but also to be able to lock and detect the locking state of the control rod 7 (locked or unlocked) when it is in its disengaged position for safety reasons. For this purpose, the drive mechanism comprises a locking system 8 for the control rod 7 and more particularly for locking the control rod 7 in its disengaged position. The locking system 8 thus comprises a box 9 which comprises a plate 10 associated with a cover 11. The plate 10 and the cover 11 are fixed to each other. The box 9 thus formed is for example integral with a fixed part of the actuator 2. The plate 10 and the cover 11 are furthermore shaped so as tojointly define a chamber 12 internal to the box 9. The chamber 12 extends axially along a first axis A. Preferably, the control rod 7 is slidably received in the box 9 so as to extend axially also along said axis A and to slide relative to the box along said axis A. Typically the plate 10 comprises a first orifice 13 formed in at least one of its walls so as to open at a first end outside the box 9 and at a second end into the chamber 12. The first orifice 13 extends coaxially with said axis A. Correspondingly, the cover 11 comprises a second orifice 14 formed in at least one of its walls so that the second orifice 14 is opposite the first orifice 13. The second orifice 14 therefore also extends coaxially with said axis A. second orifice 14 is thus arranged so as to open at a first end outside the box 9 and at a second endin the chamber 12. The two walls of the box 9, one carrying the first orifice 13 and the other the second orifice 14, are thus arranged opposite each other. The control rod 7 also extends through the box 9, extending successively through the first orifice 13, the chamber 12 and the second orifice 14. The control rod 7 is also shaped so that its second end (the one connected to the geared motor 4) is the one passing through the locking system 8. The first end of the control rod thus extends outside the box 9. The cover 11 is the part of the box 9 closest to the geared motor 4. Correspondingly, the plate 10 is the part of the box 9 closest to the aircraft wheel 1 thus motorized. The wall of the cover 11 crossed by the second orifice 14 is here the bottom of the cover 15. An internal wall of the bottom of the cover 15 is optionally shaped into a disc. Apart from at the level of the two orifices 13, 14,the chamber 12 is closed with respect to the outside of the box 9. Preferably, the plate 10 has a sheath 16 extending coaxially with the first axis A inside the chamber 12 so as to externally surround the control rod 7. The sheath 16 thus makes it possible to guide the translation of the control rod 7 along the first axis A. The sheath 16 extends from the wall opposite the bottom of the cover 15 into the chamber 12. Furthermore, the first orifice 13 is formed in the sheath 16. Thus the sheath 16 is hollow and opens at a first end outside the box 9 and at a second end inside the chamber 12. The sheath 16 is of such a length (along the first axis A) that its first axial end opens on the plate side outside the box 9 and that its second axial end opens into the chamber 12. The second axial end of the sheath 16 thus extends at a distance from the bottom of the cover 15. The sheath 16is further provided with radial openings 17, each opening 17 thus extending radially in the sheath 16 so as to open at a first end into the first orifice 13 (therefore inside the sheath 16) and at a second end into the chamber 12 (therefore outside the sheath 16). The openings 17 here all extend around the same given circumference of the sheath 16. On said circumference, the openings 17 optionally extend at regular intervals. Furthermore, the plate 10 and the cover 11 are shaped so that a first magnetic element 18 is arranged inside the box 9 and preferably entirely inside the box 9. For example, the first magnetic element 18 is arranged at the junction between the plate 10 and the cover 11. Optionally, the plate 10 and the box 9 jointly delimit a receptacle 19 in which the first magnetic element 18 is housed. The box 9 (the plate 10 like the cover11) as well as the first magnetic element 18 are here fixed together and form a single block. It is also noted that said block 18 is itself fixed with respect to the area of ​​the aircraft to which the box 9 is fixed. The first magnetic element 18 is also arranged so as to extend coaxially with the first axis A. The first magnetic element 18 is also arranged so as to be centered in the box 9 along the first axis A. The first magnetic element 18 is also arranged so as to extend at least partly in the chamber 12. For example, the first magnetic element 18 forms for at least one section of the chamber 12 a covering of a main side wall of said chamber 12. The first magnetic element 18 thus externally surrounds the control rod 7. The first magnetic element 18 comprises for example a coil such as a copper coil. The sheath 16 is here arranged so that its second axial end iscloser to the cover 11 than the second axial end of the first magnetic element 18. In addition, the locking system 8 comprises balls 20, each ball 20 being arranged in one of the openings 17 of the sheath 16. Preferably, all the openings 17 comprise a single ball 20. Correspondingly, the control rod 7 optionally comprises housings 21 (each forming a groove formed locally in the control rod 7), each housing 21 being capable of housing one of the aforementioned balls 20. The housings 21 all extend here around the same given circumference of the control rod 7. On said circumference, the housings 21 also extend at regular intervals. More precisely, the control rod 7 is shaped so that its housings 21 are located opposite the balls 20 when the control rod 7 is in the disengaged position. Thus in the engaged position, as illustrated in Figure 1, the balls 20 are presentin the chamber 12 but opposite a solid section of the control rod 7. In the disengaged position, as illustrated in Figure 2, the balls 20 are still present in the chamber but are pressed into the respective housings 21 opposite the control rod 7. It is understood that the balls 20 are axially immobile – along the first axis A – in the box 9 while being housed in the housings 21. Furthermore, the balls 20 can move radially in the sleeve 16 so as to move closer to each other (when the control rod 7 is in the disengaged position) or move away from each other (when the control rod 7 is in the engaged position). Of course, the housings 21 are shaped so that the balls 20 can move in the housings 21 in a radial movement without however being able to exit the housings 21 at the level of the interior of the sheath 16. To guide the radial movement of the balls 20, the system oflocking 8 comprises a lock 22 mounted movably in the box 9 between: - a locking position in which the lock 22 presses the balls 20 radially into the corresponding housings 21 of the control rod 7 to hold the control rod 7 in position in the box 9 (the control rod 7 is then in the disengaged and locked position in the box 9), and - an unlocking position in which the lock 22 allows radial movement of the balls 20 towards the outside of the control rod 7 which allows the control rod 7 to be able to slide again in the box 9 along the first axis A (the control rod 7 can thus pass freely from its disengaged position to its engaged position). The lock 22 is here slidably mounted in the box 9 along the first axis A between its two positions. The lock 22 is shaped as a solid of revolution. The lock 22 is shaped so as to extend axially coaxially to thefirst axis A. The lock 22 is arranged entirely inside the chamber 12. The lock 22 is arranged in the chamber 12 so as to be surrounded externally by the first magnetic element 18 and internally by the sheath 16. Optionally, the lock 22 comprises a bearing 23. The bearing 23 is a solid of revolution extending coaxially to the first axis A. For example, the bearing 23 is formed externally from at least one cylindrical section 24 extended at one axial end by at least one truncated cone section 25. For example, the cylindrical section 24 is the one closest here to the bottom of the cover 15. An opening 26 is provided in the bearing 23 so as to extend in the bearing 23 coaxially to the first axis A and to open at a first axial end and at a second axial end outside the bearing 23. The opening 26 has the same cross-section here over its entire length (along the first axis A). The lock 22 is guided intranslation along the first axis A by the contact of the bearing 23 with the first magnetic element 18 and / or the main side wall of the chamber 12. The bearing 23 is preferably of such a length (along the first axis A) that it is always opposite (along the first axis A) the first magnetic element 18. For example, the bearing 23 is shaped so as to have a length greater than that of the first magnetic element 18. Optionally, the lock 22 comprises a ring 27 arranged in the bearing 23 so as to extend coaxially with the bearing 23. The ring 27 and the bearing 23 are rigidly fixed to each other so as to form a single block. The ring 27 is a solid of revolution extending coaxially to the first axis A. For example, the ring 27 is shaped externally into a cylinder provided at a first axial end with a flange 33 facing a first axial end of the bearing 23. In the present case, the first endsaxial of the ring 27 and of the bearing 23 are those furthest from the bottom of the cover 15. The ring 27 is also of such a length (along the first axis A) that its second axial end extends in the same plane as that of the bearing 23. Furthermore, an opening 28 is provided in the ring 27 so as to extend coaxially along the first axis A and to open at a first axial end and at a second axial end outside the ring 27. The opening 28 here has a main section comprising a first sub-section 29 in the form of a cylinder of a first diameter, a second sub-section 30 in the form of a cylinder of a second diameter which is greater than that of the first sub-section 29 and a third sub-section 31 connecting the first sub-section 29 and the second sub-section 30 to each other. The third sub-section 31 therefore has at least one sloping lateral flank. The third sub-section 31 is, for example, shaped like a truncated cone. The firstsub-section 29 is the one furthest from the bottom of the cover 15. The second sub-section 30 opens outside the ring 27 to form the second axial end of said ring 27. Furthermore, the opening 28 has a secondary section 32 extending the main section. The secondary section 32 is shaped into a cylinder, one end of which opens at the first axial end of the ring 27 and the other end of which forms the boundary with the main section. Furthermore, the secondary section is shaped so that its diameter is greater than that of the first sub-section 29. The main section and the secondary section thus together define a recess 34. The lock 22 is preferably shaped as a second magnetic element cooperating with the first magnetic element 18 to be able to be moved in the chamber 12. In the present case, when the first magnetic element 18 is electrically powered, the lock 22 ismagnetically attracted by the first magnetic element 18 so as to tend towards its unlocked position. For example, the bearing 23 and / or the ring 27 is made of a magnetic material and for example ferromagnetic. For example, the bearing 23 and / or the ring 27 comprises or is a coil and for example a solenoid core. Furthermore, the locking system 8 here comprises a spring 35 of which a first axial end (along the first axis A) is connected to the box 9 and therefore a second axial end is connected to the lock 22. For example, the first axial end of the spring 35 is fixed to the plate 10 and for example is fixed to the wall of the plate 10 pierced with the first orifice 13. For example, the second axial end of the spring 35 is fixed to the ring 27 and for example to the recess 34 of said ring 27. The spring 35 is arranged so as to extend in the chamber 12 coaxially to the first axis A and therefore coaxially to the control rod 7, to the sheath 16 andto the lock 22. The spring 35 is here arranged so as to externally surround the control rod 7 and the sheath 16. On the other hand, the spring 35 is here externally surrounded by the lock 22, the spring 35 extending partly into the opening 28 of the ring 27. The spring 35 is furthermore arranged so as to have a tendency to push the lock 22 towards the bottom of the cover 15. As will be detailed below, when the lock 22 is in the locking position, it comes to bear against at least one wall of the chamber 12 (from which it is distant in its unlocking position). In the present case, it comes to bear against the bottom of the cover 15 only in its locking position. Therefore, the locking system 8 comprises at least one member for monitoring the locking system 8. Said monitoring member comprises at least one element for detecting temporary contact of the lock with the bottom of the cover. In this particular embodiment, afirst detection element 36 is shaped as a layer of electrically conductive material arranged on the bottom of the cover 15 so that the latch 22 bears against said layer when it comes into contact with the bottom of the cover 15. The layer of electrically conductive material may partially or completely cover the bottom of the cover 15. Said layer is preferably made of a material that is also magnetically insulating so as not to interfere with the relationship between the latch 22 and the first magnetic element 18. Said layer is for example made of or based on aluminum, copper, non-magnetic steel (and for example non-magnetic stainless steel), etc. Said layer may be attached to the bottom of the cover 15 (by gluing for example) or may be an integral part of the bottom of the cover 15 (the layer being for example in the form of paint, varnish or any other coating or forming part of the material of the cover 11 directly). It is therefore understood that the latch 22 must be ofcorrespondingly, at least in part, in an electrically conductive material to cooperate with the first detection element 36. For example, the ring 27 and / or the bearing 23 is in an electrically conductive material such as for example made of or based on iron, steel, copper, aluminum, etc. For example, the ring 27 is made of or based on copper, steel (and for example non-magnetic stainless steel) or aluminum. For example, the bearing 23 is made of iron. A second detection element is for example an electrical measurement sensor (not shown here) arranged in the locking system 8 or outside of said system and / or arranged in the drive mechanism or outside of said mechanism. The sensor measures for example the electrical continuity of an electrical path in the locking system 8, the lock 22 acting as a contactor depending on whether it is in contact or not with the first detection element 36. Preferably, the locking system 8 is shapedto limit interference of the electrical path in the locking system 8. For this purpose, said system is shaped to electrically isolate from each other the elements of said system other than the lock 22 / bottom of the cover 15 pair. For example, a layer 38 of electrically insulating material is arranged between the plate 10 and the cover 11 at least at the level of their connection (the layer 38 can be an additional layer arranged between the plate 10 and the cover 11 or a layer integrated into the plate 10 and / or the cover 11). The first magnetic element 18 is then separated from the plate 10 by said layer 38. Preferably, a layer 37 of electrically insulating material is arranged between the main lateral face of the chamber 12 and the external contour of the lock 22 at least at the level of their contact zone (the layer 37 may be an additional layer arranged between the chamber 12 and the lock 22 or a layer integrated into the lock 22 and / or the chamber 12).in the present case, said layer 37 is arranged at the level of the cover 11 (and not of the plate 10). For example, the layer 37 is carried by the chamber 12. Preferably, a layer 39 of electrically insulating material is arranged between the main lateral face of the control rod 7 and the chamber 12 at least at the level of their contact zone (the layer 39 can be an additional layer arranged between the chamber 12 and the control rod 7 or a layer integrated into the control rod 7 and / or the chamber 12). In the present case, said layer 39 is arranged at the level of the cover 11 (and not of the plate 10) and in particular at the level of the second orifice 14. For example, the layer 39 is carried by the control rod 7 and is of such a length that it ensures electrical insulation between the control rod 7 and the chamber 12 at the level of the second orifice 14 whatever the relative position of the control rod 7 in the chamber 12. Whatever the electricallyconsidered insulating, the layer is for example made of or based on plastic and for example poly-etheretherketone (such as PEEK, registered trademark), polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene (such as Teflon, registered trademark) ... The different mechanical parts of the locking system 8 thus allow the circulation of an electric current inside the locking system 8 thanks to the lock 22, the first detection element 36 and the different layers of electrically insulating material 37, 38, 39. The operation of the locking mechanism will now be described. Unlocking position (figure 1) The control rod 7 is arranged in any position other than its disengaged position so that the housings 21 are offset from the balls 20. The balls 20 are then arranged in the second sub-section 30 and / or the third sub-section 31 of the ring 27. The balls 20 are thus in contact with a solid section of the control rod 7,the walls of the openings 17 of the sheath 16 and the second sub-section 29 and / or the third sub-section 30. The action exerted by the balls 20 on the lock 22 opposes that exerted by the spring 35 on the lock 22, so that the lock 22 thus remains in its unlocked position. The lock 22 is here arranged so that its first axial end face is substantially level with a first axial end face of the first magnetic element 18, its second axial end face then protruding (along the first axis A) from the second axial end face of the first magnetic element 18. Furthermore, the lock 22 is then in abutment against a wall 40 formed by the plate 10 of the chamber 12. Preferably, said wall 40 is shaped so as to match the shape of the first axial end of the lock 22. Said wall 40 thus forms a housing for receiving the ring 27 and at least the truncated cone section 25 of the bearing 23. In addition, thelock 22 is arranged so as to externally surround the sheath 16. For example, the sheath 16 and the lock 22 are shaped so that the second axial end of the lock 22 extends at the level of the second axial end of the sheath 16. In this position, the second axial end face of the lock 22 is offset from the bottom of the cover 15 and therefore does not touch it. The electrical contact lock 22 / bottom of the cover 15 is thus open. The control rod 7 can then be controlled to move into the disengaged position. For this purpose, when the control rod 7 slides into the disengaged position, its housings 21 come into contact with the balls 20 which penetrate into the housings 21, causing an automatic movement of the lock 22 into its locking position by the action of the spring 35. It is therefore understood that the lock 22 passes into the locking position without the first magnetic element 18 being powered. The third sub-section 31 shaped in plan facilitates themoving the lock 22 into its locking position. Locking position (figure 2) The control rod 7 is necessarily arranged in its disengaged position so that the balls 20 are in the housings 21. In this position, the balls 20 are arranged in the first sub-section 29 of the lock 22. The balls 20 are thus in contact on the one hand with the housings 21 of the control rod 7, the walls of the openings 17 of the sheath 16 and the first sub-section 29. Due to the reduced diameter of the first sub-section 29, it presses on the balls 20, thus pressing them towards the bottom of the housings 21 of the control rod 7. This makes it possible to lock the control rod 7 in the disengaged position. In addition, the lock 22 is arranged so as to externally surround the sheath 16. For example, the sheath 16 and the lock 22 are shaped so that the third sub-section 31 extends at the level of the second axial end of sheath 16.The lock 22 is furthermore arranged so that its first axial end face faces the first magnetic element 18. Furthermore, its second axial end bears against the bottom of the cover 15. More preferably, the second axial end of the lock 22 extends in a plane (normal to the first axis A). Preferably, the second axial end of the lock 22 matches the shape of at least the area of ​​the bottom of the cover 15 on which it bears. This makes it possible to have a plane / plane contact between the lock 22 and the bottom of the cover 15. This facilitates the detection of the position of the lock 22 in the locking position. The sensor consequently detects electrical continuity between the lock 22 and the bottom of the cover 15 since the electrical contact lock 22 / bottom of the cover 15 is thus closed. To move from the locking position to the unlocking position, the first magnetic element 18 is electrically powered: the lock 22 is then attracted ma-magnetically by the first magnetic element 18 and moves into its unlocked position (against the action of the spring 35). The control rod 7 can then be actuated to come out of its disengaged position. The electrical supply to the first magnetic element 18 can then be cut off. Thus, the locking system 8 makes it possible simply and effectively to lock the control rod 7 in the disengaged position. Advantageously, maintaining it in the disengaged position is done without any energy input. In addition, the same detection elements make it possible to detect both the locking position of the lock 22 and the disengaged position of the control rod 7 (since the lock 22 can only be in its locked position if the control rod 7 is in its disengaged position). Furthermore, the detection elements are at least mostly integrated into the locking system 8. The lock 22 in particular directly plays the role of aelectrical contactor (which is open or closed). Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, although here the locking system is applied to a drive mechanism of an aircraft wheel, the locking system may be used in any other application and for example for a wheel of a land vehicle, amphibious or even for a control member of a control surface. The drive mechanism may comprise any type of rotary or linear actuator (motor, jack, etc.). The drive mechanism may comprise any type of temporary coupling means (if it comprises any) such as a dog clutch system or a clutch (disc, magnetic, etc. for example). Although here the ring and / or the bearing is made of an electrically conductive material, the ring and / or the bearing may only becoated at least in part in an electrically conductive material. Although here the ring is in a magnetically conductive material, the ring will not necessarily be made of a magnetically conductive material provided that the bearing is then in a magnetically conductive material to be able to operate with the first magnetic element. The detection element will be able to detect a contact of the lock other than with the bottom of the cover such as for example a contact of the lock with an internal lateral face of the chamber (only in contact with the lock when the latter is in the locking position). Although here the control rod has ball receiving housings (each forming a groove for receiving a single ball), the control rod may be provided with a groove capable of housing at least two balls at a time. The groove may extend over an entire circumference of the control rod. In all cases, the groove may betoric shape. The bearing and the lock ring may be a single piece.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A system for locking a member comprising: - A box (9) having a chamber (12) intended to slidably receive said member, - Balls (20) arranged to open at least partly into the chamber, - A lock (22) mounted to move in the box between a locking position in which, in use, the lock presses the balls in at least one groove made in the member to hold the member in position in the box and an unlocking position in which, in use, the member can slide in the box, the lock being arranged in the box so that in the locking position, the lock is pressed against at least one wall (15) of the chamber and in the unlocking position, the lock is moved away from said wall, the system further comprising at least one member for monitoring the locking system, the monitoring member comprising an element (36) for detecting this temporary contact,the detection element (36) being a layer of electrically conductive material arranged on the wall of the chamber against which the lock presses in the locking position.

2. Locking system according to claim 1, wherein the lock (22) is movable in translation in the chamber (12) between its locking position and its unlocking position.

3. System according to claim 2, wherein the chamber (12) extends longitudinally along a first axis (A), the lock (22) being mounted movable in the chamber along said first axis.

4. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock (22) is configured to cooperate, magnetically with at least one magnetic element (18) arranged in the chamber (12).

5. System according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one spring (35) connected at a first end to the box (9) and at a second end to the lock (22), the spring being configured to push the lock towards its locking position.

6. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which a through orifice (28) is provided in the lock (22), the orifice having at least a first section (29) with a cross section of a first diameter and at least a second section (30) with a cross section of a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter, the balls (20) being housed at least partly in the second section in the locking position and in the first section in the unlocking position. 7.System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said layer is also magnetically insulating.

8. System according to one of the preceding claims, comprising electrical insulation of at least two elements of the system from each other.

9. System according to claim 8, wherein the electrical insulation comprises at least one first layer of electrically insulating material (37) arranged between the lock (22) and at least one wall (15) of the chamber (12) with which the lock is permanently in contact.

10. System according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the electrical insulation comprises at least. a second layer (39) of electrically insulating material arranged between the chamber (12) and, in use, the member.

11. System according to one of claims 8 to 10, in which the wall (15) of the chamber (12) against which the lock (22) comes to bear in the locking position is a bottom of the chamber.

12. Drive mechanism comprising at least one actuator (2), a sliding member (7) associated at one of its ends with the actuator and a locking system (8) according to one of claims 8 to 11, the locking system making it possible to block the sliding member in a given position when the lock (22) is in the locking position.

13. Wheel powered by a mechanism according to claim 12.

14. Aircraft comprising at least one wheel according to claim 13.

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