Assembly of a wheel and a shaft carrying the wheel, vehicle equipped with such an assembly

Abstract

Assembly of a wheel and a shaft carrying the wheel, comprising an eddy current magnetic braking device (1), the device comprising at least one stator (2) and at least one rotor (3) and at least one rotary actuator (7) connected to the rotor or the stator, the device comprising a connecting mechanism (10) connecting said actuator to the rotor or the stator, the connecting mechanism comprising: A guide (11) mounted to rotate relative to the shaft around a first axis, At least one connecting arm (17) connected at a first end to the guide and at a second end to the stator or the rotor so that a rotation of the guide, via the actuator, in at least one direction of rotation, causes a translation of the stator or the rotor relative to the shaft along the first axis. Vehicle equipped with such an assembly. FIGURE OF THE ABSTRACT: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly of a wheel and a shaft carrying the wheel, vehicle equipped with such an assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly of a wheel and a shaft carrying the wheel, the assembly being equipped with a magnetic braking device.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such an assembly.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An aircraft wheel generally comprises a rim surrounded by a tire and connected by a web to a hub mounted to rotate on a wheel support shaft (axle or spindle).

[0005] Friction braking devices are known comprising a stack of braking discs which is housed in an annular space extending between the rim and the hub and which comprises an alternation of rotor discs linked in rotation with the wheel and stator discs fixed relative to the wheel support shaft. The braking device also comprises hydraulic or electromechanical actuators mounted on an actuator holder and arranged to apply a pressing force on the stack of discs so as to generate a braking torque to brake the rotation of the wheel.

[0006] Eddy current magnetic braking devices are also known, used for braking vehicle wheels and more particularly aircraft wheels.

[0007] Document FR-A-3122405 describes such a device comprising a rotor linked in rotation to the wheel, two stators which frame the rotor and which are linked in rotation to the wheel support shaft and free in translation relative to said shaft, magnets to produce an axial magnetic flux between the stators and the rotor, and linear actuators to axially move the stators between a maximum braking position in which the stators are close to the rotor and a position of free rotation of the wheel in which the stators are far from the rotor.

[0008] The axial size of the device therefore proves to be significant while it is often already constrained, in particular on a retractable aircraft landing gear which generally has holds having a determined volume to accommodate the landing gear as closely as possible.

[0009] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention aims in particular to propose an assembly of a wheel and a shaft carrying the wheel, at least partially overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary of the invention

[0011] For this purpose, an assembly of a wheel and a shaft carrying the wheel is provided, the shaft extending along a first axis, the wheel comprising an eddy current magnetic braking device, the device comprising at least one stator and at least one rotor, and magnets secured to one of these to produce between them a magnetic flux capable of generating eddy currents in the other of these when the wheel rotates, the rotor or the stator being mounted to move between a first position in which said faces are distant from each other to at least partially interrupt the generation of eddy currents and a second position in which the rotor is brought closer to the stator to generate eddy currents, the device comprising at least one actuator connected to the rotor or the stator to move the rotor or the stator between these two positions.

[0012] According to the invention, the actuator is a rotary actuator whose body is integral with the shaft, the device comprising a connecting mechanism connecting said actuator to the rotor or to the stator, the connecting mechanism comprising: - A guide mounted to rotate relative to the shaft about the first axis, the guide and the actuator being arranged so that the actuator can rotate the guide about the first axis, - At least one connecting arm linked at a first end to the guide and at a second end to the stator or the rotor so that a rotation of the guide, via the actuator, in at least one direction of rotation, causes a translation of the stator or the rotor relative to the shaft along the first axis.

[0013] Thanks to the connecting mechanism, it is thus possible to convert a rotary movement of the guide into a translational movement of the stator or the rotor, the two movements being coaxial.

[0014] This makes it possible to significantly reduce the axial size of the device.

[0015] The stator and the rotor can thus be moved relative to each other so as to to be able to generate eddy currents or to cancel them at least in part (and preferably to cancel them completely or at such a low level that they are negligible).

[0016] Optionally, the arm is articulated on the guide along at least a first articulation axis orthogonal or transverse to the first axis and is articulated on the stator or the rotor along at least a second articulation axis parallel to the first articulation axis.

[0017] Optionally, the connecting mechanism comprises at least two connecting arms connected at a first end to the guide and at a second end to the stator or to the rotor so that a rotation of the guide, via the actuator, according to the at least one direction of rotation, causes a translation of the stator or rotor relative to the shaft along the first axis.

[0018] Optionally the arms are distributed at regular intervals around the tree.

[0019] Optionally the rotor is rotationally linked to the wheel and the stator to the shaft.

[0020] Optionally the magnets are carried by the stator.

[0021] Optionally the guide is mounted to rotate freely on the shaft.

[0022] Optionally the connecting mechanism comprises at least one gear or gear train arranged between the actuator and the guide.

[0023] Optionally, the gear train comprises a rack fixed or integral with the stator or the rotor and at least one pinion meshing with said rack.

[0024] Optionally, the gear train forms a speed reducer.

[0025] Optionally, the connecting mechanism comprises at least one element for returning the rotor or the stator to at least one of its two positions.

[0026] Optionally, the return element is a spring.

[0027] Optionally, the stator and the rotor are arranged so that the magnetic flux is a radial magnetic flux.

[0028] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising an assembly as mentioned above.

[0029] Optionally, the vehicle is an aircraft.

[0030] 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

[0031] Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0032] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a partial schematic front view of an aircraft equipped of landers according to the invention;

[0033] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic partial view of an assembly of a wheel and a shaft carrying the wheel according to a first embodiment of the invention, in axial half-section;

[0034] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a partial schematic perspective view of a part of the assembly illustrated in [Fig.2];

[0035] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is another schematic partial perspective view of the assembly illustrated in [Fig.2];

[0036] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a partial schematic view of an assembly of a wheel and a shaft according to a second embodiment of the invention, in axial half-section;

[0037] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a partial schematic view of an assembly of a wheel and a shaft according to a third embodiment of the invention, in axial half-section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] [Fig.l] represents an aircraft 100 comprising landing gears 101.

[0039] At least one of the landing gears 101 comprises a leg having one end provided here with two coaxial shafts 102 on each of which is mounted to pivot at least one wheel 103, each shaft 102 having a central axis defining an axis X of rotation of the wheel 103 which it carries.

[0040] At least one of the wheels 103 comprises, in a manner known per se, a hub mounted to pivot on the shaft 102 and a rim connected to the hub by a web. The rim and the hub define between them an annular space having one end closed by the web and one end open towards the outside of the wheel 103 forming an entrance to the annular space.

[0041] At least one of the wheels 103 is equipped with a magnetic braking device generally designated 1.

[0042] The magnetic braking device 1 extends for example in front of the entrance to the annular space, outside of the latter.

[0043] With reference to Figures 2 to 4, a first embodiment will now be described.

[0044] The magnetic braking device 1 comprises a fixed element, or stator 2, and a mobile element, or rotor 3.

[0045] The stator 2 is here the part of the device linked in rotation to the shaft 102.

[0046] Preferably, the stator 2 is mounted in the braking device 1 so as to be able to also slide axially (i.e. coaxially with the X axis) along the shaft 102.

[0047] For this purpose, the braking device 1 comprises a guide for the translation of the stator 2.

[0048] The guide is for example a torsion tube 5 which extends coaxially with the shaft 102. The torsion tube 5 is for example fixed (for example by at least one screw 6) to an external collar 102' of the shaft 102. The torsion tube 5 is thus integral in rotation with the shaft 102 around the axis X.

[0049] Furthermore, the torsion tube 5 carries the stator 2 so that the latter can slide along the torsion tube 5 while being rotationally integral with the torsion tube 5 (and therefore with the shaft 102). For example, the torsion tube 5 and the stator 2 each comprise at least one groove and the other at least one tab sliding in said groove.

[0050] This ensures that the stator 2 is not free to rotate on the torsion tube 5.

[0051] The braking device 1 further comprises at least one actuator 7 connected to the stator 2. The actuator 7 is furthermore integral with the shaft 102.

[0052] The actuator 7 is a rotary actuator. It thus has a body 8 which is integral with the shaft 102 by being fixed to the shaft 102 either directly or by means of an additional part (the torsion tube 5, a protection of the shaft 102, etc.).

[0053] The actuator 7 further comprises an output shaft 9 which is movable in rotation relative to the body along an axis of rotation A which is parallel to the axis X.

[0054] The actuator 7 is preferably an electric actuator.

[0055] The actuator 7 is for example a motor such as an electric motor.

[0056] The actuator 7 is connected to the stator 2 via a connecting mechanism 10.

[0057] For this purpose, the connecting mechanism 10 comprises a guide 11 carried here by the shaft 102.

[0058] The guide 11 is directly driven in rotation by the output shaft 9 of the actuator 7 or the connecting mechanism 10 comprises at least one gear train with an input pinion 12 driven directly by the output shaft 9 (for example the input pinion 12 is carried by the output shaft 9) and an output pinion 13 directly driving the guide 11. The output pinion 13 is here in the form of a rack externally surrounding the guide 11.

[0059] For example, the guide 11 comprises at least one section shaped into a disc. Optionally, the guide 11 comprises a first section 14 shaped into a disc and extended by a second section 15 shaped into a disc (of a diameter different from the first section 14), the rack externally surrounding the second section 15.

[0060] The gear train may form a speed reducer so that the guide 11 rotates less quickly than the output shaft 9 or so that the guide 11 rotates more quickly than the output shaft 9 or may form a simple transmission so that the guide 11 rotates at the same speed as the output shaft 9. The gear train may comprise zero, one or more intermediate gears between the input gear 12 and the output gear 13.

[0061] Therefore, the output shaft 9 and the input pinion 12 rotate around the axis A while the guide 11 and the output pinion 13 rotate around the axis X.

[0062] The guide 11 and the output pinion 13 are thus arranged in the braking device 1 coaxially with the shaft 102 and the torque tube 5.

[0063] Optionally, the guide 11 and the output pinion 13 are made of a single piece.

[0064] The guide 11 is pivotally mounted on the shaft 102, around the axis X, for example by by means of at least one bearing 16 arranged between the guide 11 and the shaft 102 coaxially with said guide 11 and with said shaft 102. For example, the bearing 16 is carried by the external collar 102' of the shaft 102 and for example by the circumferential face of said collar 102'. The guide 11 is stopped in translation with respect to the shaft 102 for example by stops not shown.

[0065] The guide 11 thus has two main faces: a first main face facing the actuator 7 and a second main face facing the stator 2.

[0066] In the present case, the actuator 7 and the connecting mechanism 10 are both arranged outside the stator 2 and the rotor 3. The output pinion 13 externally surrounds the guide 11.

[0067] The connecting mechanism 10 comprises at least two connecting arms 17, and preferably at least three arms 17, connected at a first end to said second main face of the guide 11 and at a second end to the stator 2 so that a rotation of the guide 11, by means of the actuator 7, in at least one direction of rotation, causes a translation of the stator 2 along the shaft 102 along the axis X.

[0068] More precisely here, each arm 17 is articulated at a first end directly on the second main face of the guide 11 and at a second end directly on a first main face of the stator 2 facing the second main face of the guide IL.

[0069] Typically, for each arm 17, the first end of the arm considered is articulated on a first flange 18 itself fixed on the second main face of the guide 11 at least along an articulation axis B, orthogonal or transverse to the axis X. Preferably, for each arm 17, the first end of the arm considered is also articulated on the first flange 18 at least along a second articulation axis and for example an articulation axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the arm considered. For example, for each arm 17, the first end of the arm considered is articulated on the first flange 18 by a ball joint.

[0070] Typically, for each arm 17, the second end of the arm considered is articulated on a second flange 19 itself fixed to the first main face of the stator 2 at least along an articulation axis C, parallel to the articulation axis B. Preferably, for each arm 17, the second end of the arm considered is also articulated on the second flange 19 at least along a second articulation axis and for example a articulation axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the arm considered. For example, for each arm 17, the second end of the arm considered is articulated on the second flange 19 by a ball joint.

[0071] The flange considered may be in one piece with the guide 11 and / or in one piece with the stator 2.

[0072] The arms 17 are furthermore distributed around the periphery of the shaft 102 and here also of the torque tube 5. Preferably, said arms 17 are distributed at regular intervals around the periphery of the shaft 102 and here also of the torque tube 5. Thus in the case of three arms 17, the arms 17 are distributed around the shaft 102 at approximately 120 degrees from each other.

[0073] Thus, by means of the guide 11, the stator 2 can slide relative to the shaft 102 and thus move closer to or further away from the rotor 3.

[0074] From then on, the stator 2 is movable between a maximum braking position in which the stator 2 is close to the rotor 3 and a position of free rotation of the wheel 103 in which the stator 2 is distant from the rotor 3.

[0075] The stator 2 preferably has a crown shape coaxial with the wheel 103 and the shaft 102.

[0076] The stator 2 comprises for example a non-magnetic support, which is the part carrying the flanges 19, provided with a plurality of magnets 20 having free faces (opposite those carried by the support). For example, the support comprises a plurality of housings so that a magnet 20 is received in each housing.

[0077] Typically, the support is shaped so that the housings are arranged on the circumferential face of the stator 2 (face therefore connecting the two main planar faces of the stator 2). The magnets 20 are thus arranged so as to be distributed, preferably at regular intervals, on the circumference of the stator 2, and preferably over the entire circumference of the stator 2.

[0078] The magnets 20 are for example permanent magnets.

[0079] The magnets 20 draw magnetic fields defining a magnetic flux in the direction of the rotor 3 in the maximum braking position of the stator 2.

[0080] The rotor 3 is linked in rotation to the wheel 103 either directly or by means of at least one intermediate part (such as for example the rim, the hub, etc.).

[0081] The rotor 3 is made of electrically conductive material. The rotor 3 is for example made of metallic material and for example copper, aluminum, silver, nickel, etc.

[0082] In the present case, the rotor 3 has the shape of a crown coaxial with the wheel 103 and the shaft 102. The crown is provided with a central orifice 21 (extending along the first axis X) shaped so that the stator 2 can be arranged inside the rotor 3.

[0083] In operation, the rotor 3 rotates on itself around its central axis (the X axis) relative to the stator 2.

[0084] To brake the wheel 103, the actuator 7 is powered so that its output shaft 9 rotates in a first direction of rotation. The output shaft 9 then drives the guide 11 in rotation (via the pinions 12, 13) which causes a translation of the stator 2 along the axis X. The stator 2 is thus gradually brought closer to the rotor 3.

[0085] The actuator 7 therefore slides the stator 2 in an axial direction of the shaft 102 between: - the free rotation position of the wheel 103 (or first position), in which the stator 2 is axially offset from the rotor 3 and is thus moved away from the rotor 3; - the maximum braking position of the wheel 103 (or second position), in which the stator 2 is close to the rotor 3. For example in the position of maximum braking, the stator 2 is arranged inside the rotor 3 and externally surrounds the torque tube 5.

[0086] When the stator 2 is in the maximum braking position, the magnetic field of the magnets 20 generates eddy currents in the rotor 3 when the rotor 3 pivots opposite the magnets 20. The magnetic flux defined by the magnetic field of the magnets is here a radial magnetic flux (due to the fact that the stator 2 is arranged in the rotor 3 and has magnets 20 on its circumferential face).

[0087] To stop the braking, the actuator 7 is then powered so that its output shaft 9 rotates in the second direction of rotation (opposite to the first direction of rotation). Its output shaft 9 then drives the guide 11 in rotation (via the pinions 12, 13) in the second direction of rotation which in turn drives a translation of the stator 2 along the X axis in the direction of the actuator 7. The stator 2 is thus gradually moved away from the rotor 3.

[0088] The actuator 7 therefore moves the stator 2 in an axial direction of the wheel 103 between the maximum braking position of the wheel 103 and the free rotation position of the wheel 103.

[0089] The braking device 1 advantageously proves to be relatively compact, particularly in terms of axial size.

[0090] It is understood that to cause braking, the actuator 7 is controlled to bring the stator 2 into the second position and that, to interrupt braking, the actuator 7 is controlled to bring the stator 2 into the first position, a position in which the magnets 20 do not allow sufficient eddy currents to be generated in the rotor 3 to cause braking of the rotor 3.

[0091] The control circuit of the actuator 7 conventionally comprises an electronic braking control unit (not shown here) which receives as input a control signal from an instrument manipulated by the pilot of the aircraft 100 and transmits control signals to an actuator control unit which produces, from the control signal, a power signal transmitted to the actuator 7 to modify the distance axially separating the stator 2 from the rotor 3 as a function of the braking force required by the pilot. The modification of the air gap between the stator 2 and the rotor 3 by the actuator 7 will increase or decrease the braking torque and therefore the speed of the aircraft 100. The modification of the air gap by the actuator 7 affects the magnetic flux transmitted to the rotor 3 by the magnets 20.

[0092] Other variants are conceivable within the framework of the invention.

[0093] With reference to [Fig.5], a second embodiment will now be described.

[0094] In this second embodiment, the connecting mechanism 10 comprises at least one return element 21 of the stator 2 in one of its two positions and preferably in its position of free rotation of the wheel 103.

[0095] Thus, it is possible to return the stator 2 to its position of free rotation of the wheel 103 even in the event of a power supply to the actuator 7 being stopped.

[0096] This reinforces the safety of the braking device 1 since the wheel 103 is released in the event of a power supply problem in the braking device 1.

[0097] For example, the return element 21 is a spring connected at a first end to the guide 11 and at a second end to the shaft 102. In the present case, the spring is directly fixed at its first end to the guide 11 and is directly fixed at its second end to the torsion tube 5 (by means of which it is therefore connected to the shaft 102).

[0098] The spring here extends axially parallel to the X axis.

[0099] Furthermore, another positioning of the elements of the braking device 1 than that presented in the first embodiment is possible.

[0100] In [Fig.5] another configuration is thus represented in which the actuator 7 is arranged at the level of the shaft 102 (and not radially offset from the latter as in the first embodiment).

[0101] The stator 2 is then arranged so as to be able to move axially relative to the shaft 102 by externally surrounding the actuator 7 (whereas in the first embodiment, it was axially offset from the latter).

[0102] From then on the arms 17 are configured to be articulated on the one hand on the guide 11 and on the other hand on a main face of the stator 2 which is also the one facing the rotor 3 (whereas in the first embodiment these were opposite faces of the stator 2). In particular the spring 21 is arranged between the torsion tube 5 and the face of the stator 2 carrying the articulation flanges 18, 19 of the arms.

[0103] In this position, the stator 2 externally surrounds the torsion tube 5 but also the connecting mechanism 10 and in particular the guide 11 and the actuator 7.

[0104] Apart from what has been described above, everything that has been said for the first embodiment is also applicable for the second embodiment.

[0105] In particular, the magnetic flux present between the stator 2 and the rotor 3 is a radial magnetic flux as in the first embodiment. Magnets 20 are thus arranged on the external circumferential face of the stator 2 to interact with an internal circumferential face of the rotor 3 as in the first embodiment.

[0106] With reference to [Fig.6], a third embodiment will now be described.

[0107] While in the first and second embodiments, the magnetic flux present between the stator 2 and the rotor 3 was a radial magnetic flux, in the third embodiment, the rotor 3 and the stator 2 are arranged so that the magnetic flux present between the rotor 3 and the stator 2 is an axial magnetic flux, that is to say a magnetic flux having an axial component (along the X axis) and a magnetic flux having a radial component.

[0108] For this purpose, in addition to the magnets 20 arranged on the external circumferential face of the stator 2 and capable of interacting with an internal circumferential face of the rotor 3 as in the first and second embodiments, the stator 2 and the rotor 3 are both also provided, one with a face provided with magnets 20 and the other with a face made of electrically conductive material 22 which remain parallel to each other even during axial sliding of the stator 2 (which allows these faces to be brought together or moved apart) so as to be able to allow the presence of an axial magnetic flux between them.

[0109] For example, the stator 2 comprises an external collar 2' (optionally extending coaxially to the axis X) opposite an external collar 3' of the rotor 3 (optionally extending coaxially to the axis X). The main face of the collar 2' facing the rotor 3 here carries magnets 20 and the face of the collar 3' facing the stator 2 is formed at least in part from an electrically conductive material 22.

[0110] In this way, the translation of the stator 2 along the axis X brings the two collars 2', 3' closer to each other but also the introduction of the section of the stator 2 carrying the magnets 20 extending circumferentially into the dedicated section of the rotor 3.

[0111] This makes it possible to generate both an axial flow and a radial flow between the rotor 3 and the stator 2.

[0112] Furthermore, a different positioning of the elements of the braking device 1 than that presented in the first embodiment or in the second embodiment is possible.

[0113] In [Fig.6] another configuration is thus represented in which the actuator 7 is arranged at the level of the shaft 102 (and not radially offset from the latter as in the first embodiment).

[0114] From then on, the arms 17 are configured to be articulated on the one hand on the guide 11 and on the other hand on a main face of the stator 2 which is also the one facing the rotor 3 (whereas in the first embodiment these were opposite faces of the stator 2).

[0115] In this position, the rotor 3 externally surrounds the torsion tube 5 but also the connecting mechanism 10 and in particular the guide 11 and the actuator 7.

[0116] Apart from what has been described above, everything that has been said for the first embodiment and for the second embodiment is also applicable for the third embodiment.

[0117] 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.

[0118] The invention can be used on any type of vehicle, for example a land vehicle or an aerial or amphibious vehicle.

[0119] The invention can be used for applications other than a vehicle and for example for any industrial or personal equipment: control of a rise in a load for example via a platform, energy recovery system (for example the swell or the wind causing a relative translation between the rotor and the stator leading to a generation of current in the actuator), braking of an automobile, etc.

[0120] The magnetic braking device may have a structure different from that described.

[0121] For example, the stator and / or the rotor may be shaped so that eddy currents are generated only in one angular segment of the stator (respectively the rotor) and not over the entire circumference of the stator (respectively the rotor).

[0122] Whatever the embodiment considered, the magnets may be carried by the rotor instead of the stator. Whatever the embodiment considered, the conductive material may be carried by the stator instead of the rotor.

[0123] Regardless of the embodiment considered, the shape, arrangement and dimensions of the magnets may be different from those described or shown. For example, the magnets may have different dimensions and / or be arranged according to a HALBACH pattern.

[0124] Whatever the embodiment considered, the magnets and the facing magnetic material may be arranged to produce between a stator and a rotor a solely radial flux or a axial flux or even a solely axial flux.

[0125] Whatever the embodiment considered, at least one of the magnets may be an electromagnet instead of being a permanent magnet.

[0126] Whatever the embodiment considered, the actuators may comprise: - hydraulic or electric actuators, - single-acting actuators (one element providing return, particularly in the free rotation position) or double-acting actuators, - or others.

[0127] Whatever the embodiment considered, the spring may be replaced by any other return element making it possible in particular to move the stator and the rotor away from each other. For example, the spring may be replaced by an electromagnet - permanent magnet pair: activation of the electromagnet causing the permanent magnet to repel the electromagnet.

[0128] The different embodiments described can thus be combined with each other.

[0129] Whatever the embodiment envisaged, the actuator may be arranged at the level of the shaft or radially distant from it. Whatever the embodiment embodiment envisaged, the stator and / or the rotor may be arranged so as to be able to move axially relative to the shaft by externally surrounding the actuator. Whatever the embodiment envisaged, the arms may be configured to be articulated on the one hand on the guide and on the other hand on a main face of the stator which is also the one facing the rotor. Whatever the embodiment envisaged, the stator and / or the rotor may externally surround at least the guide and for example the entire connecting mechanism. Whatever the embodiment envisaged, the rotor and the stator may not surround the connecting mechanism which will be axially offset from them.

[0130] Whatever the embodiment considered, the same wheel may be equipped with both a device according to the invention and an additional braking device, for example a braking device of the prior art, such as a friction braking device. For example, the magnetic braking device will extend in front of the entrance to the annular space, outside of it, and the additional braking device will extend inside said annular space. The friction braking device may comprise friction members, for example a stack of carbon discs housed in the annular space, and a plurality of electromechanical actuators carried by an actuator holder. Each electromechanical actuator will comprise an electric motor and a pusher capable of being moved by the electric motor to press the stack of discs.The electromechanical actuator will thus be intended to produce a controlled braking force on the stack of discs. A method of controlling the braking devices is for example known from document FR-A-2953196.

[0131] The actuator body may be in one piece with the torque tube. The torque tube may have any suitable shape.

[0132] The braking device may comprise one or more stops to limit the relative movement between the rotor and the stator. At least one of the stops may be a physical stop arranged for example on the torque tube and / or at least one of the stops may be ensured by controlling the rotation of the output shaft of the actuator.

[0133] According to a first possibility, the actuator will be equipped with a brake. The position of its axis will therefore remain blocked when the actuator is no longer powered.

[0134] According to a second possibility, the actuator will not be equipped with a brake. The output shaft of the actuator will then be able to rotate even if it is no longer powered, which will allow an electric current to be generated.

Claims

Claims

1. An assembly of a wheel (103) and a shaft (102) carrying the wheel, the shaft extending along a first axis (X), the wheel comprising an eddy current magnetic braking device (1), the device comprising at least one stator (2) and at least one rotor (3), and magnets (20) integral with one of these to produce between them a magnetic flux capable of generating eddy currents in the other of these when the wheel rotates, the rotor or the stator being mounted to move between a first position in which the rotor and the stator are distant from each other to at least partially interrupt the generation of eddy currents and a second position in which the rotor is brought closer to the stator to generate eddy currents, the device comprising at least one actuator (7) connected to the rotor or the stator to move the rotor or the stator between these two positions,characterized in that the actuator is a rotary actuator whose body (8) is integral with the shaft, the device comprising a connecting mechanism (10) connecting said actuator to the rotor or to the stator, the connecting mechanism comprising: - A guide (11) mounted to rotate relative to the shaft around the first axis, the guide and the actuator being arranged so that the actuator can rotate the guide around the first axis, - At least one connecting arm (17) connected at a first end to the guide and at a second end to the stator or to the rotor so that a rotation of the guide, via the actuator, in at least one direction of rotation, causes a translation of the stator or of the rotor relative to the shaft along the first axis.,

2. Assembly according to claim 1, in which the arm (17) is articulated on the guide (11) along at least a first articulation axis (B) orthogonal or transverse to the first axis (X) and is articulated on the stator (2) or the rotor (3) along at least a second articulation axis (C) parallel to the first articulation axis.

3. An assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the connecting mechanism (10) comprises at least two connecting arms (17) connected at a first end to the guide (11) and at a second end to the stator (2) or to the rotor (3) so that a rotation of the guide, via the actuator, in at least one direction of rotation, causes a translation of the stator or of the rotor relative to the shaft along the first axis (X).

4. An assembly according to claim 3, wherein the arms (17) are distributed at regular intervals around the shaft (102).

5. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the rotor (3) is rotationally linked to the wheel (103) and the stator (2) to the shaft (102).

6. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the magnets (20) are carried by the stator.

7. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the guide (11) is mounted freely rotatable on the shaft (102).

8. An assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting mechanism (10) comprises at least one gear or gear train arranged between the actuator (7) and the guide (11).

9. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein the gear train comprises a rack fixed or integral with the stator (2) or the rotor (3) and at least one pinion meshing with said rack.

10. An assembly according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the gear train forms a speed reducer.

11. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the connecting mechanism (10) comprises at least one return element (21) of the rotor or the stator in at least one of its two positions.

12. An assembly according to claim 11, wherein the return element (21) is a spring.

13. An assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stator (2) and the rotor (3) are arranged so that the magnetic flux is a radial magnetic flux.

14. Vehicle comprising an assembly according to one of the preceding claims.

15. A vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.

Images