Lever-action force-multiplying contactor

Abstract

A contactor comprising a motor (1) and at least one beam (2) associated with a group comprising at least one input terminal (3) and at least one output terminal (4), the at least one beam (2) being designed to be driven by the motor (1) to move between an open and a closed position, each beam (2) being designed to electrically connect the input terminals (3) and the output terminals (4) of the associated group when in the closed position, while being electrically isolated from the rest of the contactor. Each beam (2) comprises a first rotating pivot (5) connecting the beam (2) to a mechanically fixed element of the contactor and a second rotating pivot (6) disposed at a first distance from the first rotating pivot (5), such that a lever effect is generated when a linear force generated by the motor (1) is applied via a connecting rod (7). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 3

Description

Title of the invention: Lever-action force-multiplying contactor. Technical field

[0001] The invention has as its technical field electrical contactors and more particularly, aeronautical contactors. Previous techniques

[0002] Contactors commonly used in aircraft, both airplanes and helicopters, are typically direct translation contactors. They comprise an input terminal, an output terminal, and a motor driving a beam in translation. The translation of the beam causes its movement between two positions: an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the conductive beam is in contact with the two terminals of the contactor.

[0003] The translational speed of the beam depends on the motor's actuation speed and dictates its dimensions. Therefore, a powerful motor is required to achieve a high beam movement speed.

[0004] The motor is mainly sized according to the distance that the beam must travel to establish contact and according to the permissible time to go from an open state to a closed state.

[0005] Moreover, it is complicated for the contacts of the beam with the input terminal and the output terminal to occur at the same time.

[0006] An object of the invention is to provide a contactor reducing the time between the contact of the beam with the input terminal and the contact of the beam with the output terminal.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to reduce the cost and weight of contactors according to the prior art. Description of the invention

[0008] The invention relates to a contactor comprising a motor and at least one beam associated with a group comprising at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal. The at least one beam is designed to be driven by the motor to move between an open and a closed position. Each beam is designed to electrically connect at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal within the group to which the beam is associated when it is in the closed position, while remaining electrically isolated from the rest of the contactor. Each beam comprises a first rotating pivot and a second rotating pivot. The first rotating pivot connects the beam to a mechanically fixed element of the contactor, such as a frame or a cladding, the second rotating pivot being positioned at a first distance from the first rotating pivot, so that a lever effect is generated when a linear force generated by the motor is applied via a connecting rod.

[0009] The second rotating pivot can be arranged on at least one beam so as to connect at least one beam to the connecting rod connected at the engine output,

[0010] The second rotating pivot can be formed by means of a crankshaft, the crank of which is integral with the first rotating pivot, the connecting rod connected to the output of the engine being fixed to the crank.

[0011] At least two beams can each be associated with their own first rotating pivot and their own second rotating pivot, the second rotating pivots being connected to the same connecting rod connected to the output of the motor, the at least two beams being rotated simultaneously and uniformly.

[0012] The first pivots in rotation of at least two beams can be formed by the same axis, the at least two beams sharing the same second pivot in rotation, the at least two beams being set in rotation simultaneously and uniformly.

[0013] The contactor may include a beam associated with a group comprising at least two input terminals and / or at least two output terminals, the beam having at least one end comprising several members, each member being designed so as to connect a terminal of the group associated with the beam, the at least one end comprising several members then being able to connect several terminals simultaneously.

[0014] Each terminal and each face of an end of the beam or of a member of the beam opposite a terminal may be provided with an electrical contact.

[0015] The invention also relates to an aircraft equipped with a contactor as described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] 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:

[0017] - Figure [Fig. 1] illustrates the main elements of a contactor according to the invention in an open position,

[0018] - Figure [Fig.2] illustrates the main elements of a contactor according to the invention in a closed position,

[0019] - Figure [Fig.3] illustrates the main elements of an alternative embodiment of the contactor according to the invention equipped with a crankshaft,

[0020] - Figure [Fig.4] illustrates the main elements of another embodiment of the contactor according to the invention, equipped with arms connected in series, in an open position,

[0021] - Figure [Fig. 5] illustrates the main elements of another embodiment of the contactor according to the invention equipped with arms connected in series, in a closed position,

[0022] - Figure [Fig. 6] illustrates the main elements of another embodiment of the contactor according to the invention equipped with arms connected in parallel,

[0023] - Figure [Fig.7] illustrates the main elements of another embodiment of the contactor according to the invention equipped with arms connected in parallel, in a closed position, and

[0024] - Figure [Fig.8] illustrates the main elements of another embodiment of the contactor according to the invention equipped with arms connected in parallel, in an open position. Detailed description

[0025] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of the contactor according to the invention. The contactor comprises a motor 1, a beam 2, an input terminal 3, and an output terminal 4. The movement of the beam 2 between an open position illustrated by [Fig. 1] and a closed position illustrated by [Fig. 2]. The transition from one position to the other electrically connects the two terminals 3 and 4, or breaks this contact when the reverse movement is performed.

[0026] Unlike the contactor according to the prior art, the contactor according to the invention comprises a first rotating pivot 5 connecting the beam 2 to a mechanically fixed element of the contactor, for example a chassis or a housing not shown in this figure. A second rotating pivot 6 of the beam 2 is connected to a connecting rod 7 fixed at the output of the motor 1. Each face of one end of the beam 2 opposite a terminal 3, 4 and each terminal 3, 4 comprise electrical contacts 8.

[0027] In Figures 1 and 2, the motor 1 is shown as comprising a movable part 1 that can move along an axial direction of the motor 1 and is connected to a pusher 1b. The pusher 1b is connected to the connecting rod 7 by any suitable means. Alternatively, the connecting rod 7 is directly connected to the motor 1 and constitutes the axially moving element.

[0028] Still with regard to motor 1, it should be noted that pusher 1b is at a first distance DI from motor 1 when the beam is in an open position, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. Pusher 1b is, however, at a second distance D2 from motor 1 when the beam is in an open position, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. The second distance D2 is greater than the first distance DI.

[0029] The second rotating pivot 6 is positioned on the beam 2 at a first distance from the first rotating pivot 5. Thus, a linear displacement of the connecting rod 7 (from the first distance DI to the second distance D2) applied at the second rotating pivot 6 is transformed into a rotation of the beam 2 around the first rotating pivot 5. The angular speed of rotation of the beam 2 then depends on the linear speed of the beam 2, the mass of the beam 2, and the first distance between the rotating pivots. It will thus be understood that the force of the motor 1 is involved in a lever effect, allowing its effect on the rotational speed of the beam 2 to be increased or decreased. It is therefore possible to use a variety of motors 1 by modifying the first distance between the rotating pivots.This advantageously allows the use of a motor with a reduced stroke, while also reducing the number of moving parts compared to existing designs. Mass and cost are also reduced.

[0030] Fig. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the contactor according to the invention, in which the second rotating pivot 6 is formed not at the level of the beam 2 but at the level of a crankshaft fixed to the axis forming the first rotating pivot 5. In this variant, the length of the crankshaft governs the leverage effect generated.

[0031] In other embodiments, the contactor comprises at least two groups, each comprising at least one input terminal 3 and at least one output terminal 4.

[0032] The contactor then comprises as many beams 2 as there are groups of input 3 and output terminals. Each beam 2 is electrically conductive so as to be able to establish an electrical connection between at least one input terminal 3 and at least one output terminal 4 of its group, while being electrically isolated from the rest of the contactor.

[0033] In one embodiment, the beams 2 are connected in series, each beam 2 being associated with a first pivot in rotation 5 and a second pivot in rotation 6, which are specific to them.

[0034] The transmission axis then comprises a succession of slots each cooperating with the second pivot in rotation of one of the beams 2.

[0035] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an embodiment in which three beams 2a, 2b, 2c are mechanically connected in series, each having its own first rotating pivot 5a, 5b, 5c and second rotating pivot 6a, 6b, 6c. In Figures 4 and 5, the rotating pivots 5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b, 6c are formed directly on the beams 2a, 2b, 2c. Alternatively, the rotating pivots 5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b, 6c could be formed on a crankshaft fixed to the housing or chassis of the contactor by a support receiving a shaft, the shaft forming the first rotating pivot 5a, 5b, 5c of each of the arms 2a, 2b, 2c, in a manner similar to the formation of the rotating pivots 5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b, 6c illustrated by [Fig. 3]. It will be understood that in such an alternative embodiment, each beam 2a, 2b, 2c is associated with its own crankshaft, the three crankshafts being connected to the same connecting rod 7.

[0036] Each of the three beams 2a,2b,2c goes from an open position illustrated by [Fig.4] to a closed position illustrated by [Fig.5] as a function of the displacement of a single connecting rod 7 connected to each of the second rotating pivots 6a,6b,6c and at the output of the motor 1.

[0037] In the closed position, each beam 2a,2b,2c electrically connects an input terminal 3a,3b,3c and an output terminal 4a,4b,4c.

[0038] In another embodiment, the beams 2 are connected in parallel, that is to say that all the beams 2 are connected to the same axis forming the first pivot in rotation 5.

[0039] Figures 6 to 8 illustrate an embodiment in which two beams 2a,2b are mechanically connected in parallel, each having a first common rotational pivot 5 formed by an axis.

[0040] Fig. 6 illustrates in particular the securing of the axis forming the first pivot in rotation 5 to the chassis of the contactor by means of a support 10.

[0041] Figures 7 and 8 are other views of the contactor illustrated in [Fig. 6]. The same elements are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0042] Fig. 7 illustrates beams 2a, 2b in the closed position, while Fig. 8 illustrates the same beams 2a, 2b in the open position.

[0043] In Figures 7 and 8, the second rotating pivot 6 is formed at the level of a crankshaft. Alternatively, the second rotating pivot 6 could be formed on one of the arms 2a, 2b in a manner similar to the formation of the second rotating pivot in [Fig. 1].

[0044] In other embodiments, the different beams 2 are connected either in parallel, or in series, or according to a parallel / series combination.

[0045] In such embodiments, the movement of the transmission axis results in a simultaneous and identical movement of all the beams 2.

[0046] In another embodiment, the contactor comprises at least one multiple group including at least two input terminals 3 and one output terminal 4, or one input terminal 3 and at least two output terminals 4. Each multiple group is associated with a beam 2 having several members at one end so as to be able to contact both input terminals or both output terminals simultaneously. When the group includes two input terminals or two output terminals to be connected to another output or input terminal, respectively, the beam then has a Y shape. In a particular case, the two rotating pivots are arranged on the single part of the Y, so as to avoid the creation of torsional moments resulting from a non-uniform application of the force generated by motor 1.

[0047] It will be understood that this embodiment can be generalized to a multiple group comprising a first number of input terminals 3 and a second number of output terminals 4, the beam 2 associated with the multiple group then comprising a first number of members opposite the input terminals 3, and a second number of members opposite the output terminals 4, so that all the input terminals 3 and output terminals 4 are connected together when the beam 2 is in the closed position, all the input terminals 3 and output terminals 4 being disconnected from each other when the beam 2 is in the open position.

Claims

Demands

1. A contactor comprising a motor (1) and at least one beam (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) associated with a group comprising at least one input terminal (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) and at least one output terminal (4, 4a, 4b, 4c), the at least one beam (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) being designed to be set in motion by the motor (1) in order to move from one to the other between an open position and a closed position, each beam (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) being designed to electrically connect the at least one input terminal (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) and the at least one output terminal (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) included in the group to which the beam (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) is associated, when it is in the closed position, while being electrically isolated from the rest of the contactor, the contactor being characterized in that each beam (2,2a,2b,2c) includes a first rotating pivot (5,5a,5b,5c) and a second rotating pivot (6,6a,6b,6c), the first rotating pivot (5,5a,5b,5c) connecting the beam (2,2a,2b,2c) to a mechanically fixed element of the contactor, such as a chassis or housing, the second rotating pivot (6,6a,6b,6c) being disposed at a first distance from the first rotating pivot (5,5a,5b,5c), so that a lever effect is generated when a linear force generated by the motor (1) is applied via a connecting rod (7).

2. Contactor according to claim 1, wherein the second rotating pivot (6,6a,6b,6c) is disposed on at least one beam (2,2a,2b,2c) so as to connect at least one beam (2,2a,2b,2c) to the connecting rod (7) connected at the output of the motor (1).

3. Contactor according to claim 1, wherein the second rotating pivot (6,6a,6b,6c) is formed by means of a crankshaft, the crank of which is integral with the first rotating pivot (5,5a,5b,5c), the connecting rod (7) connected at the output of the motor (1) being fixed to the crank.

4. Contactor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least two beams (2,2a,2b,2c) are each associated with their own first rotating pivot (5,5a,5b,5c) and their own second rotating pivot (6,6a,6b,6c), the second rotating pivots (6,6a,6b,6c) being connected to the same connecting rod (7) connected to the output of the motor (1), the at least two beams (2,2a,2b,2c) being rotated simultaneously and uniformly.

5. Contactor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first rotational pivots (5,5a,5b,5c) of at least two beams (2,2a,2b,2c) are formed by the same axis, the at least two beams (2,2a,2b,2c) sharing the same second rotational pivot (6,6a,6b,6c), the at least two beams (2,2a,2b,2c) being rotated simultaneously and uniformly.

6. Contactor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a beam (2,2a,2b,2c) associated with a group comprising at least two input terminals (3,3a,3b,3c) and / or at least two output terminals (4,4a,4b,4c), the beam (2,2a,2b,2c) having at least one end comprising several members, each member being designed to connect a terminal (3,3a,3b,3c,4,4a,4b,4c) of the group associated with the beam, the at least one end comprising several members then being able to connect several terminals (3,3a,3b,3c,4,4a,4b,4c) simultaneously.

7. Contactor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each terminal (3,3a,3b,3c,4,4a,4b,4c) and each face of an end of the beam (2,2a,2b,2c) or of a member of the beam (2,2a,2b,2c) opposite a terminal (3,3a,3b,3c,4,4a,4b,4c) is provided with an electrical contact (8).

8. Aircraft equipped with a contactor according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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