Device for decoupling a motor and motor assembly comprising at least one such decoupling device

Abstract

Device for decoupling a motor and motor assembly comprising at least one such decoupling device The invention relates to a device for decoupling a motor (12) comprising an epicyclic gear train (18) and a locking mechanism (28) configured to lock or not in rotation the inner sun gear (20) of the epicyclic gear train (18), the outer sun gear (22) of the epicyclic gear train (18) being coupled to a first element among a motor (12) and a load (14), the planet carrier (26) of the epicyclic gear train (18) being coupled to a second element, different from the first element, among the motor (12) and the load (14). According to this solution, the decoupling device couples the motor (12) and the load (14) when the inner planetary gear (20) is rotationally immobilized and decouples the motor (12) and the load (14) when the inner planetary gear (20) can pivot freely.The invention also relates to a motor assembly comprising at least one such decoupling device. Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for decoupling a motor and motor assembly comprising at least one such decoupling device

[0001] The present application relates to a device for decoupling a motor as well as to a motor assembly comprising at least one such decoupling device.

[0002] According to one embodiment, a device for decoupling an engine comprises a friction or tooth clutch mechanism. This embodiment is not suitable for decoupling an engine rotating at high speed, for example greater than 3000 rpm.

[0003] According to one configuration, the engine is coupled to a transmission chain to reduce the rotational speed. In this case, if the clutch mechanism is positioned in an area of ​​the transmission chain where the speed is lower, the torque being inversely proportional to the reduction in rotational speed, the clutch mechanism becomes bulky and heavy.

[0004] According to another embodiment described in document EP3399203, a decoupling device comprises a shaft having an outer diameter and a sleeve positioned around the shaft and configured to deform between a coupled state in which the sleeve has a first inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft and an uncoupled state in which the sleeve has a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter and the outer diameter of the shaft. In addition, the decoupling device comprises a fluid circuit configured to deform the sleeve between the coupled and uncoupled states. Even if this decoupling device allows decoupling of a motor rotating at high speed, it is relatively complex to implement.

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a device for decoupling a motor configured to occupy a coupled state in which the decoupling device couples the motor and at least one load as well as an uncoupled state in which the decoupling device does not couple the motor and the load(s).

[0007] According to the invention, the decoupling device comprises: a. an epicyclic gear train that includes inner and outer sun gears, planet gears meshing with the inner and outer sun gears, and a planet carrier supporting the planet gears, the outer sun gear being configured to be coupled to a first member of the motor and the load, the carrier satellites being configured to be coupled to a second element, different from the first element, among the motor and the load, b. a locking mechanism configured to occupy a locked state, corresponding to the coupled state of the decoupling device, in which the locking mechanism immobilizes the inner planetary gear in rotation, and a free state, corresponding to the uncoupled state of the decoupling device, in which the locking mechanism does not immobilize the inner planetary gear in rotation, which can rotate freely.

[0008] This relatively compact solution allows the motor to be uncoupled even if it has a high rotation speed.

[0009] According to another characteristic, the locking mechanism comprises at least one return element configured to maintain the locking mechanism in the locked state as well as at least one actuator configured to at least switch the locking mechanism from the locked state to the free state, against the return element.

[0010] According to another characteristic, the locking mechanism comprises a first part secured to the inner planetary gear as well as a second part which is immobile in rotation and movable in translation relative to the first part in a direction of movement between a first position in which the first and second parts are in contact with each other and a second position in which the first and second parts are separated.

[0011] According to another characteristic, the second part is pushed into the first position by the return element(s) and shifted into the second position by the actuator(s).

[0012] According to another characteristic, the actuator is an electromagnetic actuator, the second part being partly metallic.

[0013] According to another characteristic, the first and second parts are positioned in a fixed housing.

[0014] According to another characteristic, the locking mechanism comprises a locking system configured to occupy an unlocked state in which the locking system allows the locking mechanism to remain in the locked state and to change state as well as a locked state in which the locking system maintains the locking mechanism in the free state.

[0015] According to another characteristic, the locking system comprises a first orifice provided at the level of the second part as well as a second orifice provided at the level of the housing, the first and second orifices being offset according to the direction of movement when the locking mechanism is in the locked state and aligned according to the same radial direction when the locking mechanism is in the free state. In addition, the locking system comprises a finger oriented according to a direction radial and movable relative to the housing in this radial direction between a first position, corresponding to the locked state of the locking system, in which the finger is housed in the first and second orifices as well as a second position, corresponding to the unlocked state of the locking system, in which the finger is not simultaneously housed in the first and second orifices.

[0016] According to another characteristic, the locking system comprises at least one return element for pushing the finger into the first position corresponding to the locked state.

[0017] According to another characteristic, the planet carrier has a shaft. In addition, the outer planet gear is extended by a hollow shaft in which the shaft of the planet carrier is positioned, a pivoting connection being interposed between the hollow shaft and the shaft of the planet carrier.

[0018] The invention also relates to a motor assembly comprising a motor, at least one load and at least one decoupling device according to one of the preceding characteristics.

[0019] According to another characteristic, the motor and the load are coupled respectively to the hollow shaft of the outer sun gear and to the shaft of the planet carrier.

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings, among which:

[0021] [Fig. 1] is a longitudinal section of an engine assembly comprising a decoupling device in the coupled state illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

[0022] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal section of the engine assembly visible in [Fig.l], the decoupling device being in the process of changing state,

[0023] [Fig.3] is a longitudinal section of the engine assembly visible in [Fig.l], the decoupling device being in the uncoupled state,

[0024] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal section of an engine assembly comprising a device decoupling device in the coupled state illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0025] [Fig.5] is a longitudinal section of an engine assembly comprising a device decoupling in the coupled state illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a motor assembly 10 comprises a motor 12, at least one load 14, such as a transmission for example, as well as at least one decoupling device 16 configured to occupy a coupled state in which the decoupling device 16 couples the motor 12 and the load(s) 14, the motor 12 rotating the load(s) 14, as well as an uncoupled state in which the decoupling device 16 does not couple the motor 12 and the load(s) 14, the latter not being rotated by the motor 12.

[0027] The decoupling device 16 comprises: a. an epicyclic gear train 18 which comprises an inner sun gear 20 having a first axis of rotation A20, an outer sun gear 22 having a second axis of rotation A22 also called a crown, satellites 24 meshing with the inner and outer sun gears 20, 22 as well as a planet carrier 26 having a third axis of rotation A26 supporting the satellites 24, the first, second and third axes of rotation A20, A22, A26 being coaxial, b. a locking mechanism 28 configured to occupy a locked state, corresponding to the coupled state of the decoupling device 16, in which the locking mechanism 28 immobilizes in rotation the inner planetary gear 20 as well as a free state, corresponding to the uncoupled state of the decoupling device 16, in which the locking mechanism 28 does not immobilize in rotation the inner planetary gear 20 which can rotate freely.

[0028] The outer planetary gear 22 is coupled to a first element among the motor 12 and the load 14. In addition, the planet carrier 26 is coupled to a second element, different from the first element, among the motor 12 and the load 14. According to one configuration, the outer planetary gear 22 and the planet carrier 26 are coupled respectively to the motor 12 and to the load 14.

[0029] For the remainder of the description, a longitudinal direction is a direction parallel to the first, second and third axes of rotation A20, A22, A26. A radial direction is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation A20. A transverse plane is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation A20.

[0030] The motor 12 induces, during operation, a motor resistance.

[0031] The outer sun gear 22 is connected to a fixed frame C (which may be that of the motor 12) by a first pivoting connection 22.1 which comprises at least one bearing and induces, in operation, a first resistance. The planet carrier 26 has a shaft 26.1 coupled to the load(s) 14 and connected to an element by a second pivoting connection 26.2 which comprises at least one bearing and induces, in operation, a second resistance. According to one arrangement, the outer sun gear 22 is extended by a hollow shaft 22.2 in which the shaft 26.1 of the planet carrier 26 is positioned, the second pivoting connection 26.2 being interposed between the hollow shaft 22.2 and the shaft 26.1 of the planet carrier 26.

[0032] According to one configuration, the first and second pivoting connections 22.1, 26.2 are determined so that the second resistance induced by the second pivoting connection 26.2 is less than the first resistance induced by the first pivoting connection 22.1 increased by the motor resistance.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism 28 comprises at least one return element 30 configured to maintain the locking mechanism 28 in the locked state as well as at least one actuator 32 configured to at least switch the locking mechanism 28 from the locked state to the free state, against the return element 30.

[0034] According to one configuration, the actuator 32 is configured to maintain the locking mechanism 28 in the free state.

[0035] According to another configuration, the locking mechanism 28 comprises a locking system 34 configured to occupy an unlocked state, visible in Figures 1 and 2, in which the locking system 34 allows the locking mechanism 28 to remain in the blocked state and to change state as well as a locked state, visible in [Fig. 3], in which the locking system 34 maintains the locking mechanism 28 in the free state.

[0036] The locking mechanism 28 may be a brake, a friction clutch or a tooth clutch.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism 28 comprises a fixed housing 36 having a tubular body 36.1, a first transverse wall 36.2 and a second transverse face 36.3 which delimits with the tubular body 36.1 and the first transverse wall 36.2 a cavity 38. In addition, the decoupling device 16 comprises a locking shaft 40 which passes through the first transverse wall 36.2, has a pivot axis coinciding with the first axis of rotation A20 and extends between first and second ends 40.1, 40.2 positioned on either side of the first transverse wall 36.2, the inner planetary gear 20 being integral with the first end 40.1. The decoupling device 16 comprises at least one pivoting connection 42, such as a bearing for example, interposed between the locking shaft 40 and the first transverse wall 36.2.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism 28 comprises a first part 44 secured to the inner planetary gear 20, more precisely to the second end 40.2 of the locking shaft 40, as well as a second part 46 movable in translation relative to the housing 36 and to the first part 44 in a direction of movement parallel to the longitudinal direction and immobile in rotation about said first axis of rotation A20. This second part 46 is configured to translate in the direction of movement between a first position in which the first and second parts 44, 46 are in contact with each other, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], and a second position in which the first and second parts 44, 46 are separated, as illustrated in [Fig. 3].According to one configuration, the second part 46 is pushed into the first position by the return element(s) 30 and shifted into the second position by the actuator(s) 32.

[0039] According to this embodiment, the first and second parts 44, 46 are positioned in the fixed housing 36.

[0040] According to one configuration, the first part 44 is a disc which has a contact face F44 (positioned in a transverse plane) oriented towards the second part 46 and provided with first teeth 44.1. The second part 46 is a crown which has a first face F46 (positioned in a transverse plane) substantially parallel to the contact face F44 of the first part 44, oriented towards the latter and provided with second teeth 46.1 configured to cooperate with the first teeth 44.1 of the first part 44 when the second part 46 occupies the first position.

[0041] According to one arrangement, the locking mechanism 28 comprises a guide system 48 for guiding the second part 46 relative to the housing 36 in the direction of movement. According to one configuration, the second part 46 comprises, in addition to the first face F46, a second face F46' substantially parallel to the first face F46 as well as a lateral face F46” connecting the first and second faces F46, F46'. The second part 46 also comprises a circular groove 46.2, coaxial with the first axis of rotation A20, positioned at the level of the second face F46' and slightly spaced from the lateral face F46”. In addition, the housing 36 comprises a sleeve 50 secured to the second transverse wall 36.3, coaxial with the first axis of rotation A20 having a tubular end portion 50.1 configured to slide in the circular groove 46.2.

[0042] Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration for the first and second parts 44, 46 and the guidance system 48.

[0043] According to one embodiment, each return element 30 is a compression spring interposed between the housing 36 and the second part 46. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the return element(s) 30.

[0044] According to one configuration, the actuator 32 is an electromagnetic actuator, such as a coil for example, making it possible to switch the locking mechanism 28 to the free state. According to one arrangement, the actuator 32 is positioned in the sleeve 50. When the actuator 32 is an electromagnetic actuator, the second part 46 is partly metallic. Thus, when the electromagnetic actuator is activated and generates an electromagnetic field, it attracts the second part 46.

[0045] Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration for the actuator 32. The actuator 32 could be of the mechanical, hydraulic, electrical or other type.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the decoupling device 16 comprises at least one control 52 configured to control the actuator(s) 32. According to one operating mode, the control 52 transmits a signal to each actuator 32, as illustrated in [Fig.2], to cause a change of state of the locking mechanism 28 from the locked state to the free state and does not transmit a signal, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, when the locking mechanism 28 is in the free state, in the locked state or when changing its state from the free state to the locked state.

[0047] Of course, the invention is not limited to this operating mode for checking the state of the locking mechanism 28.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the locking system 34 comprises a first orifice 54.1 provided at the level of the second part 46 and oriented in a radial direction as well as a second orifice 54.2 provided at the level of the housing 36 and more precisely at the level of the tubular end part 50.1 of the sleeve 50 and oriented in a radial direction, the first and second orifices 54.1, 54.2 being offset in the longitudinal direction when the locking mechanism 28 is in the locked state and aligned in the same radial direction when the locking mechanism 28 is in the free state.

[0049] In addition, the locking system 34 comprises a finger 56 oriented in a radial direction and movable relative to the housing 36 in this radial direction between a first position (visible in [Fig. 3]), corresponding to the locked state of the locking system 34, in which the finger 56 is housed in the first and second orifices 54.1, 54.2 and immobilizes in translation the second part 46 relative to the housing 36, as well as a second position (visible in FIGS. 1 and 2), corresponding to the unlocked state of the locking system 34, in which the finger 56 is not simultaneously housed in the first and second orifices 54.1, 54.2 and does not immobilize the second part 46 relative to the housing 36.

[0050] According to one configuration, the locking system 34 comprises at least one return element 58, such as a spring, for pushing the finger 56 into the first position corresponding to the locked state.

[0051] According to one arrangement, the finger 56 extends between first and second ends 56.1, 56.2, the first end 56.1 being positioned inside the tubular body 36.1 of the housing 36 and configured to fit into the first and second orifices 54.1, 54.2 when they are aligned, the second end 56.2 being positioned outside the tubular body 36.1 of the housing 36. According to one arrangement, the second end 56.2 comprises a handle, a loop 60 or any other shape facilitating the manipulation of the finger 56.

[0052] The tubular body 36.1 comprises a through hole to allow the finger 56 to pass through it. In addition, a sliding sleeve is interposed between the tubular body 36.1 and the finger 56 to facilitate the sliding of the finger 56 in the radial direction. This through hole and the second orifice 54.2 are aligned in the same radial direction.

[0053] The first orifice 54.1 opens at the level of the lateral face F46' ' of the second part 46 and groove 46.2. According to one arrangement, the second part 46 comprises an extension 62 in the extension of the lateral face F46” to hold the finger 56 in the unlocked position, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0054] According to this embodiment, when the actuator 32 has positioned the locking mechanism 28 in the free state, the locking mechanism 34 automatically switches to the locked state, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. To reset the locking mechanism 28, the finger 56 must be pulled out of the first and second orifices 54.1, 54.2. From then on, the second part 46, pushed by the return element 30, returns to its first position corresponding to the locked state of the locking mechanism.

[0055] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the locking system 34. The latter can be operated manually or motorized for its resetting.

[0056] In normal operation, the decoupling device is in the coupled state. The inner planetary gear 20 is then kept stationary in rotation so that the outer planetary gear 22 driven in rotation by the motor 2 drives in rotation the planet carrier 26 coupled to the load 14.

[0057] To uncouple the motor 12, the control 52 is activated. With the actuator 32 activated, the second part 46 is moved into the second position and moved away from the first part 44. As soon as the second part 46 reaches the second position, the locking system 34 switches to the locked state and maintains the locking mechanism 28 in the free state.

[0058] When the decoupling device 16 is in the uncoupled state, the motor 12 no longer drives the load 14 in rotation or the latter does not drive the motor 12 in rotation.

[0059] The decoupling device 16 according to the invention allows decoupling of the motor at high speeds. In addition, it allows a load to continue to operate even if one of the motors to which it is coupled is decoupled.

[0060] According to one application, the engine assembly 10 is a propulsion assembly of an aircraft. The engine 12 is an electric motor and the load 14 is a transmission coupled to a propeller.

[0061] According to a first configuration visible in figures 1 to 3, the motor 12 comprises a frame C, a stator 12.1 secured to the frame C as well as a rotor 12.2 mounted on the hollow shaft 22.2 secured to the outer sun gear 22. The housing 36 of the decoupling device 16 is fixed to the frame C of the motor 12. According to this first configuration, the hollow shaft 22.2 coupled to the motor 12 and the planet carrier 26 coupled to the load 14 are coaxial.

[0062] According to a second configuration visible in [Fig.4], the motor 12 has an output shaft S12 perpendicular to the hollow shaft 22.2. According to this second configuration, the motor assembly 10 comprises an angle transmission 64 coupling the output shaft S12 and the hollow shaft 22.2.

[0063] According to a third configuration visible in [Fig.5], the motor 12 has an output shaft S12 parallel to the hollow shaft 22.2 and different from the hollow shaft 22.2. According to this third configuration, the motor assembly 10 comprises at least one pinion 66 coupling the output shaft S12 and the hollow shaft 22.2.

[0064] Of course, the invention is not limited to these configurations. Thus, the motor 12, the load 14 and the decoupling device 16 can be arranged in different ways.

Claims

Claims

1. A device for decoupling a motor (12) configured to occupy a coupled state in which the decoupling device (16) couples the motor (12) and at least one load (14) as well as an uncoupled state in which the decoupling device (16) does not couple the motor (12) and the load(s) (14), characterized in that the decoupling device (16) comprises: a. an epicyclic gear train (18) which comprises inner and outer sun gears (20, 22), planet gears (24) meshing with the inner and outer sun gears (20, 22) as well as a planet carrier (26) supporting the planet gears (24), the outer sun gear (22) being configured to be coupled to a first element among the motor (12) and the load (14), the planet carrier (26) being configured to be coupled to a second element, different from the first element, among the motor (12) and the load (14), b.a locking mechanism (28) configured to occupy a locked state, corresponding to the coupled state of the decoupling device (16), in which the locking mechanism (28) immobilizes in rotation the inner planetary gear (20) as well as a free state, corresponding to the uncoupled state of the decoupling device (16), in which the locking mechanism (28) does not immobilize in rotation the inner planetary gear (20) which can rotate freely.

2. Decoupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking mechanism (28) comprises at least one return element (30) configured to maintain the locking mechanism (28) in the locked state as well as at least one actuator (32) configured to at least switch the locking mechanism (28) from the locked state to the free state, against the return element (30).

3. Decoupling device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking mechanism (28) comprises a first part (44) integral with the inner planetary gear (20) as well as a second part (46) immobile in rotation and movable in translation relative to the first part (44) in a direction of movement between a first position in which the first and second parts (44, 46) are in contact with each other as well as than a second position in which the first and second parts (44, 46) are spaced apart.

4. Decoupling device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second part (46) is pushed into the first position by the return element(s) (30) and shifted into the second position by the actuator(s) (32).

5. Decoupling device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuator (32) is an electromagnetic actuator, the second part (46) being partly metallic.

6. Decoupling device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the first and second parts (44, 46) are positioned in a fixed housing (36).

7. Decoupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism (28) comprises a locking system (34) configured to occupy an unlocked state in which the locking system (34) allows the locking mechanism (28) to remain in the locked state and to change state as well as a locked state in which the locking system (34) maintains the locking mechanism (28) in the free state.

8. Decoupling device according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the locking system (34) comprises a first orifice (54.1) provided at the second part (46) and a second orifice (54.2) provided at the housing (36), the first and second orifices (54.1, 54.2) being offset in the direction of movement when the locking mechanism (28) is in the locked state and aligned in the same radial direction when the locking mechanism (28) is in the free state; and in that the locking system (34) comprises a finger (56) oriented in a radial direction and movable in this radial direction between a first position, corresponding to the locked state of the locking system (34), in which the finger (56) is housed in the first and second orifices (54.1, 54.2) as well as a second position, corresponding to the unlocked state of the locking system (34), in which the finger (56) is not simultaneously housed in the first and second orifices (54.1, 54.2).

9. Decoupling device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking system (34) comprises at least at least one return element (58) for pushing the finger (56) into the first position corresponding to the locked state.

10. Decoupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the planet carrier (26) has a shaft (26.1) and in that the outer sun gear (22) is extended by a hollow shaft (22.2) in which the shaft (26.1) of the planet carrier (26) is positioned, a pivoting connection (26.2) being interposed between the hollow shaft (22.2) and the shaft (26.1) of the planet carrier (26).

11. Motor assembly comprising a motor (12), at least one load (14) and at least one decoupling device (16) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Motor assembly according to claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the motor (12) and the load (14) are coupled respectively to the hollow shaft (22.2) of the outer sun gear (22) and to the shaft (26.1) of the planet carrier (26).

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