Telescopic assembly with locking mechanism in retracted position

Abstract

Telescopic Assembly with Locking in Retracted Configuration. The present invention relates to a telescopic assembly (10) comprising: a first (12) and a second (14) body; the second body having a rod adapted to slide within the first body between extended and retracted configurations; and a locking device (18) for the retracted configuration. The locking device comprises a ferrule (60) disposed of with the rod, the ferrule comprising an internal stop (80), and the first tubular body comprising a counter-stop (34), adapted to cooperate to lock the first tubular body and the ferrule. The ferrule is blocked in translation relative to the second body (14) and free to rotate about said second body, between an unlocked position, allowing the second body to slide within the first body (12), and a locked position blocking the second body in the retracted configuration. Figure for the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Telescopic assembly with locking in retracted configuration

[0001] The present invention relates to a telescopic assembly comprising: a first tubular body, extending along a main axis; and a second tubular body comprising an enlarged portion and a rod, said rod being capable of sliding in a first axial end of the first tubular body between a deployed configuration and a retracted configuration.

[0002] Such a telescopic assembly, notably described in document EP2914793, makes it possible, for example, to maintain a hood in the open position relative to a structure.

[0003] Aircraft engine nacelles include cowls that must be kept closed during flight. The cowls are then exposed to significant pressure differentials, as well as wide temperature variations. It is therefore essential to secure their closure system.

[0004] The present invention aims to propose a device for ensuring the closure of aircraft engine nacelle cowls, particularly in a context of significant variations in pressure and temperature.

[0005] For this purpose, the invention relates to a telescopic assembly of the aforementioned type further comprising a device for locking the retracted configuration, said locking device comprising a ferrule extending along the main axis, a first axial end of said ferrule being arranged around a first end of the rod of the second tubular body, close to the widened portion; a second axial end of the ferrule comprising an internal stop; the first axial end of the first tubular body comprising a counter-stop, capable of cooperating with said internal stop to block the translation of the first tubular body and the ferrule; the ferrule being blocked in axial translation relative to the second tubular body and movable in rotation around said second body, between an unlocking position and a locking position;the telescopic assembly being such that: in the unlocked position, the internal stop is angularly offset relative to the counter-stop, so as to allow the second tubular body to slide in the first tubular body between the deployed configuration and the retracted configuration; and in the locked position, the stop is angularly aligned with the counter-stop, so as to block the second tubular body in the first tubular body in the retracted configuration.;

[0006] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the telescopic assembly includes one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0007] - the telescopic assembly further comprises a locking member capable of authorizing or to prevent rotation of the ferrule, wherein the locking member comprises: a sleeve disposed around the first end of the rod; and a compression spring, the compression spring being disposed axially between the enlarged portion of the second tubular body and the sleeve;

[0008] - the telescopic assembly further comprises a pin secured to the first axial end of the ferrule and projecting internally relative to said ferrule, and wherein the locking member comprises an L-shaped groove, said L-shaped groove comprising a longitudinal branch and a transverse branch, respectively parallel and perpendicular to the main axis, such that: in the unlocking position, the first end of the first body is at a distance from the sleeve, the spring is in a state of minimum compression, and the pin is arranged in the longitudinal branch of the L-shaped groove of the locking member; and in the locking position, the first end of the first body is in contact with the sleeve, the spring is in a state of maximum compression, and the pin is arranged in the transverse branch of the L-shaped groove;

[0009] - the second tubular body comprises a skirt extending around the first end of the rod, said skirt comprising a transverse slot in which the pin is able to slide;

[0010] - the locking device further comprises a member for holding the ferrule in a locked or unlocked position;

[0011] - the holding member comprises: a ball capable of sliding radially in an internal housing of the ferrule; and a cup capable of receiving the ball projecting internally relative to the ferrule;

[0012] - the telescopic assembly further comprises at least one intermediate tube between the rod and the first tubular body, the at least one intermediate tube being able to slide around the rod and in the first axial end of the first tubular body;

[0013] - the telescopic assembly further comprises an actuator capable of pivoting the ferrule around the main axis, between the locking and unlocking positions.

[0014] The invention further relates to an apparatus comprising: a structure; a cover hinged to said structure; and a telescopic assembly as described above, the first tubular body and the second tubular body being assembled respectively to the cover and to the structure, the deployed configuration of the telescopic assembly allowing the cover to be arranged in an open position, the retracted configuration of the telescopic assembly allowing the cover to be arranged and maintained in position closed.

[0015] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the drawings in which:

[0016] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a partial exploded view, in perspective, of a tee assembly telescopic according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0017] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partial view, in longitudinal section, of the whole of [Fig.l] in a first configuration;

[0018] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a partial view, in longitudinal section, of the assembly of figures 1 and 2 in a second configuration;

[0019] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of the assembly in the second configuration of [Fig.3];

[0020] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a partial view, in longitudinal section, of the assembly in a third configuration; and

[0021] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view of the assembly in the third configuration of [Fig.5].

[0022] [Fig.l] shows a partial exploded view of a telescopic assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] The assembly 10 comprises: a first tubular body 12; a second tubular body 14; and a locking device 18. Preferably, the assembly 10 further comprises at least one intermediate tube 20, 22. In the embodiment shown, the assembly 10 comprises a first 20 and a second 22 intermediate tubes.

[0024] The tubular body 12 extends along a main axis 24, between a first open end 26 and a second closed end 28.

[0025] The first end 26 comprises a neck 30, substantially cylindrical in revolution, and teeth 32 arranged around said neck. Each tooth 32 forms an external radial projection relative to the neck 30. Two adjacent teeth are separated by a non-zero angular space. Each tooth 32 comprises a substantially planar rear face 34, perpendicular to the main axis 24 and oriented towards the second end 28 of the first tubular body. The first end also comprises a substantially planar annular end face 35, perpendicular to the main axis 24.

[0026] The second end 28 comprises a first assembly means 36, for example a first spherical bearing.

[0027] Figures 2 to 6 show the assembly 10 in an assembled state, in which the second tubular body 14 and the first 20 and second 22 intermediate tubes are arranged along the main axis 24. In the following description, it is considered that the assembly 10 is in the assembled state.

[0028] The second tubular body 14 comprises an enlarged portion 38, a skirt 40 and a rod 16, aligned along the main axis 24.

[0029] The widened portion 38 comprises: a second assembly means 42, for example a second spherical bearing; and an actuator support 44. The support 44 is configured to be assembled to an actuator 68, as will be described later.

[0030] The widened portion 38 comprises a face called the rear face 46, which is substantially flat. The rear face 46 is perpendicular to the main axis 24 and oriented towards the second end 28 of the first tubular body.

[0031] The skirt 40 is substantially cylindrical in revolution and extends axially from the rear face 46 of the widened portion 38.

[0032] The skirt 40 comprises: at least one transverse slot 47; at least one internal groove 48; and at least one first 49 and one second 50 external cup.

[0033] The at least one transverse slot 47 extends perpendicular to the main axis 24, between two closed ends. In the embodiment shown, the skirt 40 comprises two transverse slots 47, symmetrical to each other with respect to the main axis 24.

[0034] The at least one internal groove 48 extends on an internal surface of the skirt 40, parallel to the main axis 24. In the embodiment shown, the skirt 40 comprises several internal grooves 48.

[0035] Each of the first 49 and second 50 external cups forms a hollow on an external surface of the skirt 40. In the embodiment shown, the skirt 40 comprises two first external cups 49, symmetrical to each other with respect to the main axis 24; and two second external cups 50, symmetrical to each other with respect to the main axis 24. Each of the external cups 49, 50 has a frustoconical or portion-of-a-sphere shape.

[0036] The rod 16 extends along the main axis 24 between a first 51 and a second 52 end. The first end 51 is integral with the rear face 46 of the widened portion 38 and arranged in the skirt 40.

[0037] The rod 16 of the second tubular body 14 is capable of sliding telescopically in the first tubular body 12, so as to vary a total length of the assembly 10 along the main axis 24. In a retracted configuration of the assembly 10, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, said total length is minimal. In a deployed configuration of the assembly 10, not shown, said total length is maximal. [Fig. 2] represents the assembly 10 in an intermediate configuration, in which its total length is between the minimal and maximal lengths.

[0038] In an embodiment not shown, the second end 52 of the rod 16 is disposed in the first tubular body 12 in all configurations, including in the deployed configuration.

[0039] In the embodiment shown, the intermediate tubes 20, 22 form a telescopic system with the tubular body 12 and the rod 16, to allow the assembly 10 to reach a significant total length in the deployed configuration.

[0040] Each of the intermediate tubes 20, 22 extends between a first open end 54, 55 and a second closed end 56, 57. Each of the intermediate tubes 20, 22 receives a compression spring 58, 59, disposed at its second end 56, 57.

[0041] Each of the intermediate tubes 20, 22 is capable of sliding telescopically around the rod 16, in the first tubular body. In the deployed configuration, the second end 52 of the rod is blocked at the first end 54 of the first intermediate tube 20; the second end 56 of said first intermediate tube is blocked at the first end 55 of the second intermediate tube 22; and the second end 57 of said first intermediate tube is blocked at the first end 26 of the tubular body 12.

[0042] In the retracted configuration of the assembly 10, the second end 52 of the rod and the second end 56 of the first intermediate tube axially compress a first spring 58; and the second end 56 of said first tube and the second end 57 of the second intermediate tube 22 axially compress a second spring 59. The retracted configuration will be described in more detail below.

[0043] The locking device 18 is intended to maintain the assembly 10 in the retracted configuration.

[0044] The locking device 18 comprises: a ferrule 60; a blocking member 62; at least one pin 64; and a holding member 66.

[0045] The ferrule 60 has a tubular shape, extending along the main axis 24 between a first 70 ([Fig.5]) and a second 72 open ends. The first end 70 of the ferrule is arranged around the skirt 40 of the second tubular body and comes into axial contact with the rear face 46 of the widened portion 38.

[0046] The ferrule 60 comprises an external lug 74 for connection to the actuator 68, as will be described below.

[0047] The first end 70 of the ferrule comprises at least one through hole 76. In the embodiment shown, said first end 70 comprises two through holes 76, symmetrical to each other with respect to the main axis 24.

[0048] The first end 70 of the ferrule further comprises: at least one internal contact surface 77; and at least one internal housing 78 ([Fig.4]). Said internal contact surface 77, in the form of a portion of a cylinder of revolution, is in contact with an external surface of the skirt 40.

[0049] The internal housing 78 is formed in a hollow relative to the internal surface 77 of contact. The internal housing 78 extends radially relative to the main axis 24.

[0050] In the embodiment shown, said first end 70 comprises two internal contact surfaces 77 and two internal housings 78, symmetrical with respect to the main axis 24.

[0051] The second end 72 of the ferrule comprises an imprint 79, of a shape substantially complementary to that of the teeth 32 of the first end 26 of the tubular body 12. Adjacent to the imprint 79, an internal surface of the ferrule forms an internal stop 80, perpendicular to the main axis 24.

[0052] Between the internal stop 80 and the first end 70, the ferrule comprises an internal cavity 81 onto which the imprint 79 opens.

[0053] As will be described below, the ferrule 60 is blocked in axial translation relative to the second tubular body 14 and movable in rotation around said second tubular body. The blocking member 62 makes it possible to prevent the rotation of the ferrule 60 when the telescopic system is not completely retracted.

[0054] The locking member 62 comprises a sleeve 82 and a third compression spring 84.

[0055] The sleeve 82 comprises an inner wall 86, an outer wall 88 and a bottom 90. Each of the inner 86 and outer 88 walls is tubular and arranged along the main axis 24. The inner wall 86 is fitted onto the first end 51 of the rod 16 and is able to slide axially along said rod.

[0056] The outer wall 88 is radially spaced from the inner wall 86. The outer wall 88 comprises at least one L-shaped groove 92. Said groove 92 comprises a longitudinal branch 94 and a transverse branch 96, respectively parallel and perpendicular to the main axis 24. Each of said branches 94, 96 extends between a closed end and a junction with the other of said branches.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the external wall 88 comprises two grooves 92, symmetrical to each other with respect to the main axis 24.

[0058] The external wall 88 further comprises at least one rib 98 parallel to the main axis 24. The at least one rib 98 has a shape complementary to the at least one internal groove 48 of the skirt 40. The at least one rib 98 is capable of sliding axially in the at least one groove 48, so as to prevent the sleeve 82 from rotating relative to the skirt 40 of the second tubular body.

[0059] In the embodiment shown, the external wall 88 comprises several ribs 98, each rib being associated with a groove 48 of the skirt.

[0060] The bottom 90 forms a flat crown, perpendicular to the main axis 24 and connecting the internal 86 and external 88 walls, opposite the widened portion 38 of the second tubular body.

[0061] The third compression spring 84 is arranged between the internal walls 86 and external 88 of the socket. The third spring 84 extends axially between the enlarged portion 38 of the second tubular body and the bottom 90 of the socket.

[0062] The at least one pin 64 is housed in the at least one through hole 76 of the ferrule 60, forming an internal projection relative to said ferrule. In the embodiment shown, the locking device 18 comprises two pins 64, each of said pins being arranged in one of the through holes 76 of the ferrule 60.

[0063] Each pin 64 is arranged in one of the transverse slots 47 of the skirt 40, and capable of sliding in said transverse slot. The axial locking of the ferrule 60 relative to the second tubular body 14 is thus ensured.

[0064] Similarly, one end of each pin 64 is arranged in one of the grooves 92 of the sleeve 82, and capable of sliding in the longitudinal branch 94 and in the transverse branch 96 of said groove.

[0065] The holding member 66 is capable of holding the ferrule 60 either in the locking position or in the unlocking position.

[0066] Preferably, the holding member 66 comprises at least one ball 100 and at least one fourth compression spring 102.

[0067] In the embodiment shown, the holding member 66 comprises two identical assemblies, symmetrical to each other with respect to the main axis 24, each of said assemblies being formed by a ball 100 and a fourth compression spring 102.

[0068] Each ball 100 is configured to slide in one of the internal housings 78 of the ferrule. Each ball 100 is associated with the corresponding fourth spring 102, arranged in the corresponding internal housing 78 and configured to push said ball out of said internal housing, in the direction of the main axis 24.

[0069] The actuator 68 is mounted on the support 44 of the widened portion 38 and connected to the tab 74 of the ferrule 60. The actuator 68 is configured to pivot the ferrule 60 relative to the rod 16 of the second tubular body 14 around the main axis 24. In particular, the actuator 68 is configured to pivot the ferrule 60 between an unlocking position, shown in Figures 3 and 4, and a locking position, shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0070] The intermediate configuration of the assembly 10, visible in [Fig.2], will now be described.

[0071] In the intermediate configuration, the ferrule 60 is in an angular position, relative to the second tubular body 14, corresponding to the unlocking position. Each pin 64 is arranged at the closed end of the longitudinal branch 94 of the corresponding groove 92; and at a first end 104 of the corresponding transverse slot 47.

[0072] The third spring 84 is in a state of minimal compression.

[0073] The end face 35 of the first tubular body, and the first ends 54, 55 of the first 20 and second 22 intermediate tubes are axially spaced from the bottom 90 of the sleeve 82: the telescopic system is not completely retracted.

[0074] The teeth 32 of the tubular body 12 are partially inserted into the imprint 79 of the ferrule. In this configuration, the teeth 32 and the first end 26 of said tubular body are able to slide axially in the ferrule, in the direction of the widened portion 38.

[0075] Furthermore, each ball 100 of the holding member 66 is arranged in the corresponding first cup 49.

[0076] The configuration of Figures 3 and 4 will now be described. In Figures 3 and 4, the ferrule 60 is in the unlocked position relative to the second tubular body 14 and the assembly 10 is in the retracted configuration.

[0077] More precisely, the first end 26 of the first tubular body 12 and the first ends 54, 55 of the first 20 and second 22 intermediate tubes are in the internal cavity 81 of the ferrule, all three bearing axially against the bottom 90 of the sleeve 82. The third spring 84 is in a state of maximum compression. Each pin 64 is arranged at the junction of the longitudinal 94 and transverse 96 branches of the corresponding groove 92; and at the level of the first end 104 of the corresponding transverse slot 47.

[0078] Furthermore, each ball 100 is arranged in the first corresponding cup 49 of the skirt 40, forming an internal projection relative to the ferrule 60. The balls 100 thus block any untimely rotation of the ferrule 60 around the widened portion 38.

[0079] The configuration of Figures 5 and 6 will now be described. In Figures 5 and 6, the assembly 10 is in the retracted configuration and the ferrule 60 is in the locking position relative to the second tubular body 14.

[0080] More precisely, the first end 26 of the first tubular body 12 and the first ends 54, 55 of the first 20 and second 22 intermediate tubes are in the internal cavity 81 of the ferrule, in axial support against the bottom 90 of the sleeve 82. The third spring 84 is in a state of maximum compression. Each pin 64 is arranged at the closed end of the transverse branch 96 of the corresponding groove 92; and at a second end 106 of the corresponding transverse slot 47. Each ball 100 is arranged in the corresponding second cup 50.

[0081] Furthermore, in the locking position of the ferrule, the internal stop 80 of said ferrule is axially opposite the rear face 34 of the teeth 32 of the first end 26 of the first tubular body. The teeth 32 thus form a counter-stop which axially blocks said first end 26 in the internal cavity 81 of the ferrule.

[0082] The invention further relates to an aircraft-type apparatus (not shown), comprising: a structure; a hood articulated on said structure; and a telescopic assembly 10 described above. The first 36 and second 42 assembly means of the assembly 10 are for example assembled respectively to the hood and to the structure. The assembly 10 in the deployed configuration allows the hood to be placed in an open position. The assembly 10 in the retracted configuration allows the hood to be placed and maintained in the closed position.

[0083] A method of operating the assembly 10 will now be described.

[0084] From the deployed configuration of the assembly 10, the telescopic system formed by the first tubular body 12, the first 20 and second 22 intermediate tubes and the second tubular body 14 retracts axially, for example when closing the cover described above. The assembly 10 arrives in the intermediate configuration of [Fig.2]. The first end 26 of the tubular body 12 sinks axially into the imprint 79 and arrives in the internal cavity 81, in contact with the bottom 90 of the sleeve 82.

[0085] The axial pressure exerted by the end face 35 on the sleeve 82 leads to the compression of the third spring 84. The pins 64 then automatically find themselves in the junction with the transverse branch 96 of the groove of the sleeve. When said junction is reached by the pin 64, the third spring 84 is in the state of maximum compression described above ([Fig.3]).

[0086] The actuator 68 is then activated to rotate the ferrule 60 around the rod 16 by an angular portion around the main axis 24. The sleeve 82 remains fixed via the engagement of the ribs 98 and grooves 48. Said rotation leads to an angular displacement of each pin 64 towards the closed end of the transverse branch 96 of the groove 92 of the sleeve 82; and from the first 104 to the second 106 end of the transverse slot 47 of the skirt 40.

[0087] Furthermore, during said rotation, the imprint 79 of the ferrule shifts angularly, placing the internal stop 80 opposite the teeth 32 of the first tubular body. The ferrule 60 is thus in the locking position, the internal stop 80 blocking the first end 26 of the first tubular body inside the internal cavity 81 of said ferrule.

[0088] In the embodiment shown, an axial dimension of the internal cavity 81 allows an axial clearance 108 ([Fig.5]) of the first end 26 of the first tubular body inside said internal cavity, in the retracted configuration.

[0089] Furthermore, the rotation of the ferrule 60 from the unlocked position angularly moves each first cup 49. The corresponding ball 100 is pushed back into the internal housing 78 of the ferrule, compressing the corresponding fourth spring 102.

[0090] When the ferrule reaches the locking position, each second cup 50 is angularly opposite an internal housing 78. The corresponding ball 100, pushed back by the fourth spring 102, is housed in said second cup 50. The ferrule is again locked to prevent untimely rotation relative to the rod 16.

[0091] In order to move the ferrule from the locking position to the unlocking position, in a reverse process to that described above, the actuator is activated to pivot said ferrule in the opposite direction. The imprint 79 aligns again with the teeth 32, allowing axial movement of the first end 26 of the first tubular body out of the ferrule 60.

[0092] The pin 64 is again located at the junction of the transverse 96 and longitudinal 94 branches of the groove 92. Under the action of the third spring 84 which relaxes, the sleeve moves axially towards the imprint 79 of the ferrule and the pin is then found against the closed end of said longitudinal branch. The ferrule 60 is thus blocked in the unlocked position relative to the first tubular body 12 and to the second tubular body 14.

Claims

Claims

1. Telescopic assembly (10) comprising: a first tubular body (12), extending along a main axis (24); and a second tubular body (14) comprising an enlarged portion (38) and a rod (16), said rod being able to slide in a first axial end (26) of the first tubular body between a deployed configuration and a retracted configuration; the telescopic assembly further comprising a device (18) for locking the retracted configuration, said locking device comprising a ferrule (60) extending along the main axis, a first axial end (70) of said ferrule being arranged around a first end (51) of the rod (16) of the second tubular body (14), close to the widened portion (38); a second axial end (72) of the ferrule comprising an internal stop (80); the first axial end of the first tubular body comprising a counter-stop (34), capable of cooperating with said internal stop to block the first tubular body and the ferrule in translation; the ferrule being blocked in axial translation relative to the second tubular body (14) and movable in rotation around said second body, between an unlocking position and a locking position, the telescopic assembly being such that: - in the unlocked position, the internal stop (80) is angularly offset relative to the counter-stop (34), so as to allow sliding of the second tubular body (14) in the first tubular body (12) between the deployed configuration and the retracted configuration; and - in the locking position, the stop (80) is angularly aligned with the counter-stop (34), so as to lock the second tubular body (14) in the first tubular body (12) in the retracted configuration, the telescopic assembly being characterized in that it further comprises a locking member (62) capable of allowing or preventing rotation of the ferrule, in which the locking member (62) comprises: a sleeve (82) arranged around the first end (51) of the rod (16); and a compression spring (84), the compression spring being arranged axially between the widened portion (38) of the second tubular body (14) and the socket.

2. Telescopic assembly (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a pin (64) integral with the first axial end of the ferrule and projecting internally relative to said ferrule, and in which the locking member comprises an L-shaped groove (92), said L-shaped groove comprising a longitudinal branch (94) and a transverse branch (96), respectively parallel and perpendicular to the main axis, such that: - in the unlocking position, the first end (26) of the first body is at a distance from the sleeve (82), the spring (84) is in a state of minimum compression, and the pin is arranged in the longitudinal branch of the L-shaped groove of the locking member; and - in the locking position, the first end (26) of the first body is in contact with the sleeve (82), the spring (84) is in a state of maximum compression, and the pin is arranged in the transverse branch of the L-shaped groove.

3. Telescopic assembly according to claim 2, in which the second tubular body (14) comprises a skirt (40) extending around the first end of the rod, said skirt comprising a transverse slot (47) in which the pin is able to slide.

4. Telescopic assembly according to one of the preceding claims, the locking device further comprising a member (66) for holding the ferrule in a locking or unlocking position.

5. Telescopic assembly according to claim 4, in which the holding member (66) comprises: a ball (100) capable of sliding radially in an internal housing (78) of the ferrule; and a cup (49, 50) capable of receiving the ball projecting internally relative to the ferrule.

6. Telescopic assembly according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one intermediate tube (20, 22) between the rod (16) and the first tubular body (12), the at least one intermediate tube being able to slide around the rod and in the first axial end of the first tubular body.

7. Telescopic assembly according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuator (68) capable of pivoting the ferrule around the main axis, between the locking and unlocking positions.

8. Apparatus comprising: a structure; a cover hinged to said structure; and a telescopic assembly (10) according to one of the claims- preceding indications, the first tubular body (12) and the second tubular body (14) being assembled respectively to the hood and to the structure, the deployed configuration of the telescopic assembly allowing the hood to be placed in an open position, the retracted configuration of the telescopic assembly allowing the hood to be placed and maintained in the closed position.

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