Added torque transmission lug braking device, wheel, landing gear and aircraft comprising it.

Abstract

A braking device for a wheel pivotally mounted on a shaft, comprising a rotor assembly having at least one element for rotationally connecting to the wheel, a stator assembly, and a torque tube engaged in the stator assembly and arranged to be fixedly mounted around the shaft, with at least one tenon projecting outward from the torque tube to rotationally connect the torque tube and the stator assembly and allow torque transmission between the torque tube and the stator assembly, the tenon being separate from the torque tube and arranged to be removable relative to the torque tube. (Figure from the abbreviation: Fig. 3)

Description

Title of the invention: Braking device with added torque transmission studs, wheel, landing gear and aircraft comprising it.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle wheel braking.

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A braking device for a wheel mounted pivoting on a shaft, comprises Typically, a rotor assembly is provided with at least one rotating element connected to the wheel, a stator assembly, and a torque tube engaged within the stator assembly and arranged to be fixedly mounted around the shaft. Tenons project outwards from the torque tube to rotationally link the stator assembly and the torque tube, enabling torque transmission between them. The tenons are machined from the torque tube and are thus directly integrated into its structure to engage in grooves in the stator assembly.

[0004] In this type of configuration, the torque tube is relatively complex to produce and therefore expensive. Furthermore, if the tenons wear out, it will be necessary to replace the entire torque tube.

[0005] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention aims in particular to provide a braking device that makes it possible to remedy at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0007] For this purpose, according to the invention, a braking device for a wheel pivotally mounted on a shaft is provided, comprising a rotor assembly provided with at least one element for rotationally connecting to the wheel, a stator assembly and a torque tube engaged in the stator assembly and arranged to be fixedly mounted around the shaft, at least one tenon extending outwards from the torque tube to rotationally connect the torque tube and the stator assembly and allow torque transmission between the torque tube and the stator assembly, the tenon is separate from the torque tube and arranged to be removable relative to the torque tube.

[0008] Thus, the invention allows an operator to replace worn or damaged tenons without having to change the entire torque tube. Furthermore, the tenons can be made of either the same material as the torque tube or a different material.

[0009] The braking device may also include the following optional features, individually or in combination: - the tenon is in the form of a bar extending parallel to a central axis of the torque tube; - the tenon has at least one first geometric element arranged to collaborate with at least one second geometric element of an external surface of the torque tube, to position said tenon; - the first geometric element includes at least one longitudinal fin engaged in a groove forming the second geometric element; - the first geometry element includes a positioning member extending outward from an end face of the tenon, arranged to engage parallel to the central axis of the torque tube in a hole forming the second geometry element; - at least a third geometric element comprising a lug extending transversely from the tenon to engage along a transverse axis of the torque tube in a hole extending into the torque tube to form a fourth geometric element; - the tenon is held in position by at least one screw screwed into the torque tube by passing through said tenon perpendicularly to the central axis.

[0010] The invention also relates to a braked wheel comprising such a braking device, a lander comprising such a braked wheel, and an aircraft possessing such a lander.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of particular, non-limiting embodiments of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0012] Reference will be made to the attached drawings, among which:

[0013] [Fig-1] is a general view of an aircraft equipped with a braking device according to the invention.

[0014] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the braking device according to the invention.

[0015] [Fig.3] is a view of a torque tube belonging to the braking device and of a set of tenons according to a first embodiment.

[0016] [Fig.4] is a view of a torque tube belonging to the braking device and of a tenon according to a second embodiment.

[0017] [Fig.5] is a view of a torque tube belonging to the braking device and a set of tenons according to a third embodiment.

[0018] [Fig.6] is a view of a torque tube belonging to the braking device and a set of tenons according to a fourth embodiment.

[0019] [Fig.7] is a view of a torque tube belonging to the braking device and of a set of tenons according to a fifth embodiment.

[0020] [Fig-8] is a view of a torque tube belonging to the braking device and a set of tenons according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] With reference to [Fig.1], the invention is here described in application to an aircraft 100 comprising landers 101 each having a leg having an end provided with at least one axle 102 on which is mounted, pivoting around a central axis of rotation, at least one braked wheel 103.

[0022] With reference to [Fig.2], each wheel 103 comprises a rim 103.1 carrying a tire 103.2, a hub 103.3 extending coaxially to the rim 103.1, defining with it an annular space 103.5, and a disc 103.4 connecting the hub 103.3 to the rim 103.1. Around the axle 102 is positioned coaxially to it, a torque tube 1 which is linked to the landing gear leg 101 and which comprises a free end, adjacent to the disc 103.4, externally provided with an end stop 1.2.

[0023] Each wheel 103 is equipped with a braking device 104 which includes a stator assembly 2 linked to the torque tube 1 and a rotor assembly 3 rotationally linked to the wheel 103.

[0024] The stator assembly 2 also comprises a set of stator discs 2.1 with holes drilled in their center, including an outer perimeter, an inner perimeter, and two main faces. These stator discs 2.1 are arranged in the annular space 103, are rotationally connected to the torque tube 1 at their inner perimeter, and retain one degree of freedom in translation along the axis of the torque tube 1 by sliding.

[0025] The rotor assembly 3 comprises several rotor discs 3.1 with holes drilled in their centers, each having two main faces, an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter. Each of the rotor discs 3.1 is disposed in the annular space 103.5 of the wheel 103, and is rotationally connected to the rim 103.1 at its outer perimeter, and retains one degree of freedom in translation about the central axis of the rim 103.1.

[0026] The stator 2.1 and rotor 3.1 discs are then centered on the central axis, and juxtaposed alternately with each other to form a stack of discs.

[0027] Within this stack, the rotor disks 3.1 are mobile in rotation relative to the stator disks 2.1.

[0028] A controllable axial actuator in the form of a cylinder 4 is positioned at one end of the stack of discs opposite the end stop 1.2 of the torque tube 1 and arranged to be able to press said stack of discs against the end stop 1.2 of the torque tube 1.

[0029] Such a pressing force applied axially on the stack of discs causes, thanks to the degree of freedom in translation of the rotor assembly 3 and stator assembly 2 along the central axis, a coming together of the discs until contact, which creates friction between said discs and causes the rotor assembly 3 to brake relative to the stator assembly 2.

[0030] The stator assembly 2 is rotationally linked to the torque tube 1 by torque transmission parts 5, called tenons. These tenons 5 are bar-shaped parts, removably positioned on the torque tube 1 parallel to the central axis of the torque tube 1, and each of these tenons is housed in a groove in the stator discs 2.1 to transmit a torque between said stator discs 2.1 and said torque tube 1.

[0031] The tenons 5 thus have two end faces, two lateral faces opposite each other, a lower face intended to be positioned against the torque tube 1 and a top face opposite the lower face.

[0032] The lateral faces of each tenon are the surfaces intended to be in contact with the flanks of the groove of the stator discs 2.1 in which the tenon 5 is received.

[0033] The couple tube 1 and the tenons 5 include geometric elements for positioning and holding the tenons 5 in position on the couple tube 1. Several embodiments of the geometric elements will now be described in relation to Figures 3 to 8. In the following figures, the tenons bear the references 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f according to the embodiment.

[0034] With reference to [Fig.3] and according to the first embodiment, the tenons 5a comprise, as a geometric element, fins 5a.3 extending over the entire length of the tenons 5a, projecting from the two lateral surfaces 5a.1, 5a.2.

[0035] They are positioned close to the lower face 5a.7, in order to leave a sufficient bearing area of ​​the lateral faces free for the transmission of forces with the stator assembly 2.

[0036] These fins 5a.3 give the tenons 5a a cross-section substantially in the shape of an inverted “T”.

[0037] The couple tube 1, for its part, has as a geometric element, a groove 6a arranged parallel to the central axis on an external surface 1.1 of said tube 1.

[0038] According to this first embodiment, the groove 6a itself comprises two smaller grooves on two sides of the groove 6a, thus giving said groove 6a a cross-section substantially in the shape of an inverted "T" corresponding to the geometry of the tenons 5a.

[0039] Positioning a tenon 5a in a groove 6a can be done by inserting said tenon 5a into the groove 6a longitudinally to said groove 6a by sliding (it is then necessary to provide a stop, such as a screw engaged transversely in the tenon, to to prevent movement of the tenon 5a once it is in place in the groove 6a or by force fitting.

[0040] With reference to [Fig.4] and according to the second embodiment, the tenons 5b and their means of attachment to the torque tube 1 are similar to those of the first embodiment, in that the tenons comprise two fins 5b.3 and in that grooves 6b placed on the surface 1.1 of the torque tube 1 have a profile corresponding to that of the tenons 5b.

[0041] The fins 5b.3 of the tenons 5b differ from the first embodiment in that they include teeth extending longitudinally, giving the fins 5b.3 a "fir" profile.

[0042] This feature increases the contact area between the tenons 5b and the groove 6b, which can allow for better retention of the tenons 5b in the grooves 6b, as well as a more widely distributed transmission of forces from the tenon 6b to the torque tube 1.

[0043] With reference to [Fig.5] and according to the third embodiment, each tenon 5c is in the form of a parallelepiped bar but has two distinct ends 5c.1,5c.2.

[0044] Each tenon 5c has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0045] The first end 5c.1 comprises a terminal face from which extends in protruding a first positioning element 7c. 1 taking the form of a tongue with a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0046] A second end 5c.2 has a second positioning element 7c.2, this takes the form of a cylinder extending outwards from an under face 5c.7 of the tenon 5c. The under face 5c.7 comprising the second positioning element 7c.2 is intended to be positioned against the torque tube 1.

[0047] It is envisaged, however, that this second positioning element 7c.2 can be placed at any location on the lower face 5c.7 of the tenon 5c, without necessarily being at the level of the second end 5c.2.

[0048] The two positioning elements therefore extend in a manner substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0049] The couple tube 1 includes rectangular cross-section grooves 6c, each arranged to accommodate one of the tenons 5c and whose dimensions allow the positioning of said tenon 5c without play, and includes pairs of holes arranged to collaborate with the two positioning elements of each of the tenons 5c.

[0050] A first hole 9c.1 is provided in one end of each of the grooves 6c of the torque tube 1 parallel to the central axis of the torque tube 1. Thus, when the tenon 5c is inserted into the groove 6c, a translation of said tenon 5c in said groove 6c to the end of groove 6c causes the first positioning element 7c.1 to enter the first hole 9c.1.

[0051] A second hole 9c.2 extends radially into the torque tube 1, relative to the central axis, at the level of the groove 6c. When the tenon 5c is positioned on the torque tube 1, the second positioning element 7c.2 enters the second hole 9c.2.

[0052] Inserting the positioning elements into the holes of the torque tube 1 allows the tenon 5c to be positioned precisely on the torque tube 1, and can also allow the tenon 5c to be held in position.

[0053] It is also envisaged that a screw 8 is added to fix the tenon 5c to the torque tube 1. Said screw 8 passes through the tenon 5c from the upper face 5c.6 of the tenon to a lower face 5c.7 and passes through the second positioning element 7c.2. The screw 8 would then be screwed into the bottom of the second hole 9c.2 of the torque tube 1.

[0054] With reference to [Fig.6] and according to the fourth embodiment, close to the third embodiment, the tenon 5d has two positioning elements, a first positioning element 7d.l extending from the first end 5d.l to collaborate with a first hole 9d.l extending in the torque tube 1 parallel to the central axis, and a second positioning element 7d.2 extending from the lower face 5d.7 of the tenon 5d to collaborate with a second hole 9d.2 extending in the torque tube 1 radially with respect to the central axis.

[0055] The first positioning element 7d.1 differs from the first positioning element 7c.1 of the third embodiment in that it is cylindrical in shape. The first hole 9d.l collaborating with this positioning element 7d.l then has a circular cross-section to allow its insertion.

[0056] The second positioning element 7d.2 is similar to that of the third embodiment.

[0057] Each groove 6d present on the outer surface 1.1 of the torque tube 1 differs from that of the third embodiment. The groove 6d does not extend over the entire length of the tenon 5d because it only accommodates a heel 10 extending projecting from the lower face 5d.7 at the level of the second end 5d.2 carrying the second positioning element 7d.2.

[0058] Inserting the heel 10 into the groove 6d can allow easier mounting of the tenon 5d on the torque tube 1.

[0059] The first hole 9d.1 collaborating with the first positioning element 7d.1 is not positioned in the groove 6d as in the third embodiment but in the terminal stop 1.2 of the torque tube 1.

[0060] Just as in the third embodiment, the insertion of the positioning elements into the holes of the torque tube 1 allows the tenon 5d to be positioned precisely on the torque tube 1, and also contributes to the transfer of forces between the tenon 5d and the torque tube 1.

[0061] As in the third embodiment, it is envisaged that a screw 8 is added to fix the tenon 5d to the torque tube 1. Said screw 8 passes through the tenon 5d from the upper face 5d.6 and the second positioning element 7d.2. The screw is then screwed into the bottom of the second hole of the torque tube.

[0062] With reference to [Fig.7] and according to the fifth embodiment, the tenon 5e has a bar shape with a rectangular cross-section; the couple tube 1 has grooves 6e corresponding to the geometry of the tenons 5e to receive them.

[0063] The tenon 5e is linked to the torque tube 1 by screws 8 screwed into the bottom of the groove 6e through the tenon 5e from the upper face 5e.6 to the lower face 5e.7. There are 4 of these screws and they are distributed evenly along the tenon 5e.

[0064] With reference to [Fig.8] and according to the sixth embodiment, the tenon 5f has the same shape as the tenon 5e of the fifth embodiment and the grooves 6f have the same shape as the grooves 6e of the fifth embodiment.

[0065] However, in this sixth embodiment, the tenon 5f is not held in position by screws but by a tight fit of the tenon 5f in the groove 6f. This can be achieved by hot mounting or by pressing, for example.

[0066] The tenon 5f is then connected by embedding to the couple tube 1 in a removable manner, that is to say without welding or other means of definitive connection.

[0067] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0068] In particular, the number and position of the screws 8 used to hold the tenons in position can vary and is not limited to the examples described and illustrated; indeed, it is possible to place screws in the center of the tenons, for example, and it is possible to give them a different angle. It is possible to use pressure screws to prevent the tenons from translating along the torque tube.

[0069] Although here the rotor assembly consists of several rotor discs, it is possible that there is only one.

[0070] The fins can have any shape whatsoever which opposes the tenon being pulled out, and for example a bead shape.

[0071] It is possible that the positioning elements may have a different shape than that described, such as for example a rectangular section shape.

[0072] It is possible that the tenons include parts made of a material different from the material that makes up said tenons, these materials being able to possess advantageous thermal or stress resistance characteristics.

[0073] It is possible to provide in the grooves of the couple tube 1 projections penetrating into longitudinal grooves of the tenons to oppose their removal.

[0074] The tenons could be made in several sections.

[0075] It is possible to combine one or more of the described embodiments. For example, the tenons of the same torque tube can be fixed to the torque tube in different ways from each other.

Claims

Demands

1. Braking device (104) for a wheel (103) pivotally mounted on a shaft, comprising a rotor assembly (3) having at least one element for rotationally connecting to the wheel (103), a stator assembly (2) and a torque tube (1) engaged in the stator assembly (2) and arranged to be fixedly mounted around the shaft, at least one tenon (5) projecting out of the torque tube (1) to rotationally connect the torque tube and the stator assembly and allow torque transmission between the torque tube (1) and the stator assembly (2), the device being characterized in that the tenon (5) is separate from the torque tube (1) and arranged to be removable relative to the torque tube (1).

2. Braking device (104) according to claim 1, wherein the tenon (5) is in the form of a bar extending parallel to a central axis of the torque tube (1).

3. Braking device (104) according to claim 2, wherein the tenon (5) has at least one first geometric element arranged to collaborate with at least one second geometric element of an external surface of the torque tube, to position said tenon.

4. Braking device according to claim 3, wherein the first geometric element comprises at least one longitudinal fin (5a.3) engaged in a groove (6a) forming the second geometric element.

5. Braking device according to claim 3, wherein the first geometric element comprises a positioning member (7c.1, 7d.l) projecting out from an end face of the tenon (5c, 5d), arranged to engage parallel to the central axis of the torque tube (1) in a hole (9c.1, 9d.l) forming the second geometric element.

6. Braking device according to claim 5, wherein at least a third geometric element comprising a lug (7c.2, 7d.2) extending transversely from the tenon (5c, 5d) to engage along a transverse axis of the torque tube (1) in a hole (9c.2, 9d.2) extending in the torque tube to form a fourth geometric element.

7. Braking device according to claim 3, wherein the tenon is held in position by at least one screw (8) screwed into the torque tube (1) by passing through said tenon (5c, 5d, 5e) perpendicular to the central axis.

8. Braked wheel (103) equipped with a braking device (104) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Landing gear (101) having a braked wheel (103) according to claim 8.

10. Aircraft (100) comprising at least one landing gear (101) according to claim 9.

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