Link assembly
The connecting assembly with a washer and annular seal addresses the issue of protecting connecting elements from female clevises by providing axial and radial retention, ensuring durability and ease of seal replacement.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023011516
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-24
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-05
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-10-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing connecting elements, such as those used in turbomachines, lack effective protection from contact with female clevises, leading to potential damage and wear.
A connecting assembly featuring a washer with a retaining member and an annular seal that provides axial and radial retention, protecting the connecting member from contact with the female clevis, with the seal being replaceable when damaged.
The solution effectively prevents damage to the connecting elements while allowing for easy replacement of the seal, ensuring durability and reliability in turbomachine applications.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Connecting assembly technical field
[0001] The invention has as its technical domain the connecting elements mounted on female clevises. Previous techniques
[0002] French patent FR2866683 discloses a connecting rod head through which a screw passes for its attachment to a female clevis and a shock absorber made of elastomer material surrounding the connecting rod head to protect it from contact with the female clevis.
[0003] The present invention aims to provide an alternative solution for protecting a head of a connecting element. Description of the invention
[0004] The invention relates to a connecting assembly, in particular for a turbomachine, comprising:
[0005] - a connecting member comprising a rod, a bearing and at least one head arranged to One end of the rod is pierced by a bore forming a housing for the bearing.
[0006] - a female yoke comprising two arms arranged on either side of said head and each equipped with a hole,
[0007] - an axis extending through the arms and the bearing,
[0008] - at least one washer having a body arranged axially between an arm of the female chape and said head, and a retaining organ extending from the body, and
[0009] - at least one annular joint extending circumferentially over a sector angular between 180 degrees and 360 degrees and in contact with said head, the retaining member of said washer cooperating with said annular seal for the axial and radial retention of said annular seal.
[0010] Said annular seal retained by the retaining member of said washer protects the connecting member from contact with the female clevis.
[0011] Said head is arranged axially between the arms of the female clevis.
[0012] According to a first conception, the body of said washer is annular.
[0013] Alternatively, according to a second design, the body of said washer extends over a limited angular sector, in particular over a limited angular sector greater than 180 degrees.
[0014] According to a particular design, said annular joint can extend circumferentially over an angular sector of 360 degrees.
[0015] According to an alternative design, said annular joint can extend circumferentially- tiellement on an angular sector of 180 degrees.
[0016] Alternatively, said annular joint may extend circumferentially over an angular sector strictly greater than 180 degrees and strictly less than 360 degrees.
[0017] Preferably, the connecting member's bearing may include a ball joint. Alternatively, the connecting member's bearing may be another type of bearing, such as a plain bearing.
[0018] The retaining member of said washer can extend inside said annular seal and cooperate with an internal wall of said seal for axial and radial retention of said seal.
[0019] The section of said annular joint may be in the shape of an open ring.
[0020] In this case, said annular joint comprises a first end defining a first intermediate diameter of said joint and a second opposite end spaced from the first end and defining a second intermediate diameter of said joint, the first intermediate diameter being greater than the second internal diameter.
[0021] The section of said annular seal can be opened towards said washer.
[0022] The section of said annular joint may extend between the first end defining the first diameter and the second end defining the second diameter over an angular sector between 180 degrees and 350 degrees.
[0023] The retaining element of said washer may be suitable for fixing the annular seal by elastic interlocking.
[0024] Thus, the said annular seal can be replaced when it is damaged.
[0025] The retaining member of said washer may include at least one external hook adapted to cooperate with an internal wall of said annular seal for axial and radial retention of said annular seal, the end of said external hook extending at least radially outwards.
[0026] The outer diameter of said outer hook may be greater than the first intermediate diameter of said annular joint.
[0027] According to a particular design, said outer hook can radially extend outwards the large diameter edge of the body of said washer.
[0028] The retaining member of said washer may include an axial extension extending axially from the body of said washer.
[0029] Said external hook can extend radially outwards the axial extension of the retaining member.
[0030] The retaining member of said washer may include at least one internal hook adapted to cooperate with an internal wall of said annular seal for axial and radial retention of said annular seal, the end of said internal hook extending at least radially inwards.
[0031] The inner diameter of said inner hook may be less than the second diameter intermediate of said annular joint.
[0032] Said inner hook can extend radially inwards the axial extension of the retaining member.
[0033] Said annular seal may be formed of a metallic material.
[0034] Said annular seal may be formed of an elastomeric material.
[0035] Said washer may include an annular shoulder arranged on the face of the body opposite the connecting member.
[0036] The annular shoulder of said washer ensures sufficient rigidity of said washer and proper positioning of said washer relative to said arm of the female clevis. Said arm of the female clevis may include a further recess in the annular shoulder of said washer.
[0037] Said washer may include a cylindrical portion extending axially from the edge of the small diameter of the body of the washer and interposed between the axis and the bore of the hole of said arm.
[0038] Said washer may further include a limiting device for the rotational movement of said washer around the axis.
[0039] The present invention also relates to a propulsion assembly comprising a turbomachine, a turbomachine suspension pylon and at least one linkage assembly as defined above connecting the turbomachine to the suspension pylon. Brief description of the drawings
[0040] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0041] [Fig-1] is a schematic cross-section of a linkage assembly along a first example of the implementation of the invention;
[0042] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the washer and annular seal of the assembly of [Fig.1];
[0043] [Fig.3] is a schematic cross-section of a linkage assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0044] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the washer and annular seal of the assembly of [Fig.3];
[0045] [Fig.5] is a schematic cross-section of a linkage assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention;
[0046] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the washer and annular seal of the assembly of [Fig.5]; and
[0047] [Fig.7] is a schematic view of a propulsion assembly comprising a set of connection according to an example of an embodiment of the invention. Detailed description
[0048] Fig. 1 represents a connecting assembly 2 comprising a connecting member 4, an upper female clevis 6a, a lower female clevis 6b, an upper shaft 8a securing the connecting member 4 to the upper female clevis 6a, a lower shaft 8b securing the connecting member 4 to the lower clevis 6b, a washer 10 and an annular seal 11 protecting the connecting member 4 from contact with the upper and lower female clevises 6a, 6b.
[0049] Such a linkage assembly 2 is, for example, used to link a suspension or a gearbox to an engine, in particular to an aircraft turbomachine.
[0050] The connecting member 4, for example a connecting rod, comprises a rod 12, an upper head 14a extending the rod 12 on one side, a lower head 14b extending the rod 12 on the other side, an upper bearing 16a and a lower bearing 16b.
[0051] Each of the upper and lower heads 14a, 14b is flat in shape and comprises a first face 18 and a second face 20 opposite the first face 18.
[0052] The upper head 14a is traversed by a bore (not referenced) extending between the first and second faces 18, 20 of the upper head 14a. The lower head 14b is traversed by a bore (not referenced) extending between the first and second faces 18, 20 of the lower head 14b.
[0053] The upper bearing 16a is arranged in the bore of the upper head 14a. The lower bearing 16b is arranged in the bore of the lower head 14b.
[0054] Each of the upper and lower female caps 6a, 6b comprises a first arm 22 and a second arm 24 extending substantially parallel to the first arm 22 while remaining at a distance from the first arm 22.
[0055] The first and second arms 22, 24 of the upper and lower female cleats 6a, 6b each include a through hole (not referenced).
[0056] The upper axis 8a extends through the first and second arms 22, 24 of the upper female yoke 6a and through the upper bearing 16a so that the rod 12 of the connecting member 4 is able to rotate about the upper axis 8a. The lower axis 8b extends through the first and second arms 22, 24 of the lower female yoke 6b and through the lower bearing 16b so that the rod 12 of the connecting member 4 is able to rotate about the lower axis 8b.
[0057] The upper head 14a is arranged axially between the first and second arms 22, 24 of the upper female yoke 6a. The lower head 14b is arranged axially between the first and second arms 22, 24 of the lower female yoke 6b.
[0058] The upper shaft 8a includes a bolt 26 extending through the first and second arms 22, 24 of the upper female yoke 6a and the upper bearing 16a, and A nut 28 locks the bolt 26 of the upper shaft 8a. The lower shaft 8b comprises a bolt 26 extending through the first and second arms 22, 24 of the lower female yoke 6b and the lower bearing 16b, and a nut 28 locks the bolt 26 of the lower shaft 8b. Alternatively, other types of upper and lower shafts 8a, 8b may be used.
[0059] The upper female clevis 6a is axially offset from the lower female clevis 6b, the axial direction being taken with respect to the longitudinal direction of the upper and lower axes 8a, 8b.
[0060] The upper bearing 16a comprises a cage 30 pressed into the bore through the upper head 14a and a ball joint 32 adapted to rotate in the cage 30 of the upper bearing 16a and in radial contact with the bolt 26 of the upper shaft 8a, the radial direction being taken orthogonally to the axial direction. The lower bearing 16b comprises a cage 30 pressed into the bore through the lower head 14b and a ball joint 32 adapted to rotate in the cage 30 of the lower bearing 16b and in radial contact with the bolt 26 of the lower shaft 8b.
[0061] The washer 10 comprises an annular body 34, a cylindrical portion 36 and a retaining member 38.
[0062] The annular body 34 of the washer 10 surrounds the bolt 26 of the lower shaft 8b, is arranged axially between the first arm 22 of the lower female clevis 6b and the first face 18 of the lower head 14b, and is axially in contact with the ball joint 32 of the lower bearing 16b. The annular body 34 of the washer 10 extends circumferentially over an angular sector of 360 degrees.
[0063] The cylindrical portion 36 of the washer 10 extends axially the edge of the small diameter of the annular body 34 on the side opposite the lower head 14b, and is interposed radially between the bolt 26 of the lower axis 8b and the bore of the through hole of the first arm 22 of the lower female clevis 6b.
[0064] The retaining member 38 comprises an axial extension 40 extending axially from the large diameter edge of the annular body 34 of the washer 10, an external hook 42 extending radially outwards from the axial extension 40, and an internal hook 44 extending radially inwards from the axial extension 40. The external and internal hooks 42, 44 are axially offset from the annular body 34 of the washer 10.
[0065] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the annular joint 11 extends circumferentially over an angular sector of 360 degrees.
[0066] The cross-section of the annular joint 11 is in the shape of an open ring. Thus, the cross-section of the annular joint 11 comprises a first end 46 defining a first intermediate diameter of the annular joint 11 and a second end 48 opposite the first end and defining a second intermediate diameter of the annular joint 11.
[0067] The section of the annular seal 11 is open towards the washer 10, a rounded outer surface of the annular seal 11 being in axial contact with the first face 18 of the lower head 14b.
[0068] Such an annular joint 11 is, for example, a C-ring C-FLEX™.
[0069] The retaining member 38 extends inside the annular joint 11, in particular through the opening of the section of the annular joint 11, the free end of the outer hook 42 being located axially between the first end 46 of the section of the annular joint 11 and the lower head 14b, the free end of the inner hook 44 being located axially between the second end 48 of the section of the annular joint 11 and the lower head 14b.
[0070] The outer hook 42 cooperates with the inner wall of the annular joint for axial and radial retention of the annular joint 11, the outer diameter of the outer hook 42 being greater than the first intermediate diameter of the annular joint 11.
[0071] The inner hook 44 cooperates with the inner wall of the annular joint 11 for the axial and radial retention of the annular joint 11, the inner diameter of the inner hook 44 being less than the second intermediate diameter of the annular joint 11.
[0072] The retaining member 38 secures the annular seal by elastic interlocking. More specifically, the retaining member 38 is interlocked into the annular seal 11 so that the annular seal 11 is securely fixed to the washer 10.
[0073] In particular, the retaining element 38 is capable of releasing the fastening of the annular seal 11 during a deliberate external stress exceeding a predetermined threshold, for example, exerted by an operator with a dedicated tool. Thus, the annular seal 11 can be replaced in the event of damage to the annular seal 11.
[0074] The predetermined threshold can correspond to the force to be exerted to deform the annular joint 11 so as to move the first and second ends 46, 48 of the section of the annular joint 11 away from each other in order to extract the connecting member 38 through the opening of the section of the annular joint 11.
[0075] In the embodiment shown, the radial dimension of the outer hook 42 is equal to the radial dimension of the inner hook 44. Alternatively, the radial dimension of the outer hook 42 may be different from the radial dimension of the inner hook 44.
[0076] The washer 10 is, for example, made of a metallic material. The washer 10 made of a metallic material is resistant to the temperatures present in the turbomachine, for example, those present in a turbine of the turbomachine.
[0077] The connecting assembly 2 also includes a bushing 50b comprising a cylindrical body (not referenced) interposed radially between the bolt 26 of the lower shaft 8b and the bore of the through hole of the second arm 24 of the lower female clevis 6b and a stop (not referenced) interposed axially between the ball joint 32 of the lower bearing 16b and the second arm 24 of the lower female clevis 6b.
[0078] The embodiment illustrated in figures 3 and 4, on which the elements identical to the previous figures bear the same references, differs mainly from the first embodiment by the design of the washer 10 and the annular seal 11, and in that the connecting assembly 2 includes a sleeve 50a comprising a cylindrical body interposed between the bolt 26 of the lower axis 8b and the bore of the through hole of the first arm 22 of the lower female clevis 6b.
[0079] The washer 10 comprises the annular body 34, an annular shoulder 52 and a retaining member 38 provided with an external hook 42, the washer 10 not comprising by the cylindrical portion, either an axial extension, or an internal hook.
[0080] The annular shoulder 52 of the washer 10 is arranged on the face of the annular body 34 opposite the first arm 22 of the lower female clevis 6b, and is axially in contact with the inner face of the first arm 22 of the lower female clevis 6b.
[0081] The outer hook 42 of the retaining member 38 extends radially outwards the large diameter edge of the annular body 34 of the washer 10.
[0082] The annular joint 11 here extends circumferentially over an angular sector of 180 degrees and comprises a first circumferential end 54 and a second circumferential end 56 opposite spaced from the first circumferential end 54.
[0083] The section of the annular joint 11 is in the shape of an open ring and extends between the first and second ends 46, 48 of the section over an angular sector of 180 degrees.
[0084] The outer hook 42 cooperates with the inner wall of the annular joint 11 for the axial and radial retention of the annular joint 11, the outer diameter of the outer hook 42 being greater than the first intermediate diameter defined by the first end 46 of the section of the annular joint 11.
[0085] Advantageously, the annular seal 11 is arranged so as to be radially opposite to the rod 12 of the connecting member 4 with respect to the lower axis 8b. Alternatively, the annular seal 11 can be arranged in another circumferential position.
[0086] Optionally, the washer 10 may include a limiting element for the rotational movement (not shown) of the washer 10 around the lower axis 8b, for example a tab cooperating with the connecting element 4 to limit the rotational movement of the washer 10 relative to the connecting element 4, in particular so as to ensure the correct positioning of the annular seal 11.
[0087] The embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, in which the elements identical to those in the preceding figures bear the same reference numerals, differs princi- payment for the first example of implementation by designing washer 10 and annular seal 11.
[0088] The washer 10 comprises the annular body 34, the cylindrical portion 36 and a retaining member 38 provided with an axial extension 40 and an internal hook 44, the washer 10 not comprising an external hook.
[0089] The annular joint 11 extends here circumferentially over an angular sector of 360 degrees and is made of an elastomeric material. The annular seal 11, made of an elastomeric material, is specifically intended for use in a cold turbomachine environment, for example outside a turbomachine turbine.
[0090] The section of the annular seal 11 is in the shape of a disc comprising a recess for the retaining member 38 of the washer 10.
[0091] The inner hook 44 extends here radially inwards and axially towards the annular body 34 of the washer 10.
[0092] The inner hook 44 cooperates with the internal walls of the annular joint 11 formed by the imprint for the axial and radial retention of the annular joint 11.
[0093] In the examples shown, the outer and inner hooks 42, 44 extend circumferentially over an angular sector of 360 degrees. Alternatively, the outer and inner hooks 42, 44 may extend circumferentially over a limited angular sector corresponding, for example, to the angular sector over which the annular joint 11 extends circumferentially.
[0094] In the examples shown, each of the upper and lower bearings 16a, 16b comprises a cage 30 and a ball joint 32. Alternatively, particularly when the upper and lower female yokes 6a, 6b are located in the same axial position, other types of bearings can be used as plain bearings.
[0095] In the examples shown, the connecting assembly 2 includes a washer 10. Alternatively, the connecting assembly 2 may include at least one additional washer, for example, an additional washer whose annular body 34 is arranged axially between the second face 20 of the lower head 14b and the second arm 24 of the lower female clevis 6b or an additional washer whose annular body 34 is arranged axially between one of the faces 18, 20 of the upper head 14a and one of the arms 22, 24 of the upper female clevis 6a.
[0096] In the examples shown, the body 34 of the washer 10 is annular. Alternatively, the body 34 of the washer 10 can extend over a limited angular sector, in particular over a limited angular sector greater than 180 degrees.
[0097] Fig. 7 represents an aircraft propulsion assembly 58 comprising a turbomachine 60 equipped with a nacelle 62, a suspension mast or pylon 64 of the turbomachine 60 and a linkage assembly 2 connecting the turbomachine 60 to the suspension pylon 64.
[0098] For example, the suspension pylon 64 is provided with the upper female clevis 6a, the turbomachine 60 being provided with the lower female clevis 6b.
[0099] Of course, the different features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various ways insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.
Claims
Demands
1. A connecting assembly (2), particularly for a turbomachine, comprising: - a connecting member (4) having a rod (12), a bearing (16a, 16b) and at least one head (14a, 14b) arranged at one end of the rod (12) and through which passes a bore forming a housing for the bearing (16a, 16b), - a female yoke (6a, 6b) having two arms (22, 24) arranged on either side of said head (14a, 14b) and each having a hole, and - a shaft (8a, 8b) extending through the arms (22, 24) and the bearing (16a, 16b), characterized in that it further comprises at least one washer (10) having a body (34) arranged axially between an arm (22, 24) of the female yoke (6a, 6b) and said head (14a, 14b), and a retaining member (38) extending from the body (34), and at least one annular seal (11) extending circumferentially over an angular sector between 180 degrees and 360 degrees and in contact with said head (14a, 14b),the retaining member (38) of said washer (10) cooperating with said annular seal (11) for the axial and radial retention of said annular seal (11).
2. Linking assembly (2) according to claim 1, wherein the retaining member (38) of said washer (10) extends inside said annular joint (11) and cooperates with an internal wall of said joint (11) for axial and radial retention of said joint (11).
3. A connecting assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the section of said annular joint (11) is in the form of an open ring comprising a first end (46) defining a first intermediate diameter of said joint (11) and a second opposite end (48) spaced from the first end (44) and defining a second intermediate diameter of said joint (11), the section of said joint (11) being open towards said washer (10).
4. A connecting assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining member (38) of said washer (10) comprises at least one external hook (42) adapted to cooperate with an internal wall of said annular seal (11) for axial and radial retention of said annular seal (11), the end of said external hook (42) extending at least radially outwards.
5. A linking assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining member (38) of said washer (10) includes at least one internal hook (44) adapted to cooperate with an internal wall of said annular joint (11) for axial and radial retention of said annular joint (11), the end of said internal hook (44) extending at least radially inwards.
6. A connecting assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said annular joint (11) is formed of a metallic material.
7. A connecting assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said annular joint (11) is formed of an elastomeric material.
8. Linking assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said washer (10) comprises an annular shoulder (52) arranged on the face of the body (34) opposite the linking member (4).
9. Linking assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said washer (10) comprises a cylindrical portion (36) extending axially from the small diameter edge of the body (34) of the washer (10) and interposed between the axis (8a, 8b) and the bore of the hole of said arm (22, 24).
10. Propulsion assembly (58) comprising a turbomachine (60), a suspension pylon (64) of the turbomachine (60) and at least one linkage assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims connecting the turbomachine to the suspension pylon.