Wheel and shaft assembly having a locking device

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly having a wheel and a shaft carrying the wheel, the assembly further comprising a locking device (1) that comprises a male member (3) and a female member (2), wherein one from among the male member and the female member is connected to the wheel and the other from among the male member and the female member is connected to the shaft, and wherein the female member further comprises: • - a housing (4) extending along a given axis so as to have two ends, one of which is open; • - a positioning grid (21) arranged in the housing; • - and a plurality of pins extending into the housing through one of the holes in the positioning grid, wherein the male member comprises at least one finger capable of bearing on at least one of the pins of the female member. The invention further relates to an associated vehicle.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of the invention: Wheel and shaft assembly with locking device

[0003] The invention relates to an assembly of a wheel and a shaft carrying the wheel, said assembly being equipped with a locking device allowing the wheel to be temporarily locked in position relative to the shaft.

[0004] The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such an assembly.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An aircraft wheel typically consists of a rim fitted with a tire and connected by a flange to a hub mounted to rotate on a wheel-supporting shaft (axle or spindle). Friction braking systems are known to include a stack of brake discs housed in an annular space extending between the rim and the hub. These discs alternate between rotors, which rotate with the wheel, and stator discs, which are fixed relative to the wheel-supporting shaft. The braking system also includes hydraulic or electromechanical actuators mounted on an actuator carrier and arranged to apply a pressing force to the stack of discs, thereby generating a braking torque to slow the wheel's rotation.

[0007] When the aircraft is stationary, it is also possible to keep the wheel locked in position, relative to the shaft carrying it, by this same braking device by continuing to apply the press force.

[0008] Unfortunately, rotor and stator discs tend to wear out quickly, requiring regular replacement.

[0009] Furthermore, the friction of these discs generates particularly polluting dust particles. In addition, the actuators must remain powered to maintain the pressing force, which is energy-intensive.

[0010] Climate change is a major concern for many legislative and regulatory bodies worldwide. Indeed, various restrictions on carbon emissions have been, are being, or will be adopted by different countries. In particular, an ambitious standard applies to both new types of aircraft and those already in service, requiring the implementation of technological solutions to bring them into compliance with current regulations. Civil aviation has been actively contributing to the fight against climate change for several years now. Technological research efforts have already led to significant improvements in the environmental performance of aircraft.The Applicant takes into consideration the factors impacting all phases of design and development in order to obtain less energy-intensive, more environmentally friendly aeronautical components and products whose integration and use in civil aviation have moderate environmental consequences with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of aircraft.

[0011] Consequently, the Applicant is constantly working to reduce its negative climate impact by using methods and operating virtuous development and manufacturing processes that minimize greenhouse gas emissions to the minimum possible in order to reduce the environmental footprint of its activity.

[0012] This sustained research and development work focuses on new generations of aircraft engines, the weight reduction of aircraft, particularly through the materials used and lighter on-board equipment, the development of the use of electrical technologies to provide propulsion, and, as essential complements to technological progress, aviation biofuels.

[0013] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The invention aims in particular to provide a wheel and shaft assembly that reduces the environmental impact of the associated vehicle.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] For this purpose, a wheel and a wheel-carrying shaft assembly is provided, the assembly also including a locking device comprising a male and a female component, one of the male and female components being connected to the wheel and the other of the male and female components being connected to the shaft, the female component also comprising:

[0017] A casing extending along a given axis so as to present two ends, one of which is open,

[0018] A positioning grid arranged within the casing,

[0019] A plurality of pins extending into the housing through one of the orifices of the positioning grid, each pin comprising a first part arranged in the housing at least partly on one first side of the grid so as to be adjacent to the open end of the housing and a second part arranged in the housing at least partly on a second side of the grid so as to be adjacent to the closed end of the housing, the pins being slidably mounted in the housing independently of each other between an extended position in which the second parts are closer to the positioning grid than the first parts and a retracted position in which the second parts are further from the positioning grid than the first parts, the male organ comprising at least one finger capable of pressing on at least one of the pins of the female organ.Thus, when the finger presses on the spindle, it holds the spindle in its retracted position. The finger is then pushed into the housing, surrounded by spindles that remain in their extended position: the finger, and therefore the wheel, is thus locked in position relative to the housing, and therefore to the shaft.

[0020] Then, simply move the finger and the spindle away from each other to release the finger, and therefore the wheel, which can then rotate again relative to the shaft.

[0021] The invention thus makes it possible to temporarily couple the male and female parts of the locking device.

[0022] The invention thus makes it possible to lock and secure the wheel in position using the locking device.

[0023] Advantageously, the two components of the locking system can be engaged simultaneously at any initial relative position between the wheel and the shaft. Furthermore, this engagement requires little or no movement of the wheel from its initial position to allow it to occur.

[0024] Furthermore, the locking device is relatively lightweight and / or compact. Optionally, the female component forms the stator of the locking device and the male component forms the rotor of the locking device.

[0025] Optionally, one of the male or female organs is mounted movable relative to the shaft or wheel between a working position in which the male and female organs are in contact and a resting position in which the female and male organs are not in contact.

[0026] Optionally, the housing includes elastically deformable members each associated with one of the pins, the elastically deformable members being shaped to maintain the pins in their extended positions in the absence of other forces applied to said pins.

[0027] Optionally, the closed end of the casing is shaped at least externally into a regular polygon.

[0028] Optionally, the polygon is a hexagon or a dodecagon.

[0029] Optionally, the grid is elastically deformable.

[0030] Optionally, at least one of the pins has a circular cross-section over at least part of its length.

[0031] Optionally, the finger has a circular cross-section over at least part of its length.

[0032] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising an assembly such as the one described above. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of particular, non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Reference will be made to the attached drawings, among which: [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a simplified representation of an aircraft according to a first embodiment of the invention; [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a partial schematic view of a landing gear of the aircraft illustrated in Figure 1, in half axial section;

[0035] [Fig.3] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part of the lander illustrated in Figure 2;

[0036] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is identical to Figure 3 except that the male and female parts of the 'lander' locking device shown in Figure 2 are coupled;

[0037] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is an axial section of an element of the female organ cited in Figure 4,

[0038] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the female organ referred to in Figure 4, in position on the shaft; [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a positioning grid for a locking device of an aircraft landing gear according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0039] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a positioning grid for a locking device of an aircraft landing gear according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Figure 1 represents an aircraft 100 comprising landers 101.

[0042] At least one of the landers 101 includes a leg having an end here provided with two coaxial shafts 102 on each of which is mounted to pivot at least one wheel 103, each shaft 102 having a central axis defining an X axis of rotation of the wheel 103 which it carries.

[0043] With reference to figures 2 to 6, a first embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0044] At least one of the wheels 103 has a hub 104 mounted to pivot on the shaft 102 and a rim 105 connected to the hub 104 by a disc 106. The rim 105 is encircled by a tire (not shown in Figure 2) received between two lips of the rim 105. The rim 105 and the hub 104 define between them an annular space 113 having a first end closed by the disc 106 and a second end open towards the outside of the wheel 103 forming an entrance to the annular space 113.

[0045] The said wheel 103 is preferably associated with a brake (not shown) intended to brake said wheel 103. The brake is for example housed at least partly in the annular space 113 so as to extend coaxially with the X axis.

[0046] The brake is, for example, a friction brake. The brake comprises, for example, a stack of carbon discs, consisting of rotors that are rotationally fixed to the rim 105 and stators that are rotationally fixed to the shaft 102, as well as braking actuators arranged to selectively apply braking force to the stack of carbon discs in order to brake the associated wheel 103. The aircraft 100 also includes a locking device 1 that complements the brake, a locking device 1 associated with the wheel 103. "Complementary" means that the brake is used to stop the rotation of the wheel 103 when it is in motion, while the locking device 1 is used to stop the rotation of the wheel 103 when it is already stationary. The locking device 1 therefore functions as a handbrake.The locking device 1 which will now be described can optionally also be used to brake and / or stop the rotational movement of the wheel 103 when it is in motion in addition to or in place of the brake.

[0047] The locking device 1 comprises a male organ 2 and a female organ 3.

[0048] The female organ 3 will now be described.

[0049] The female organ 3 comprising a housing 4 which is carried by the shaft 102.

[0050] More specifically, the housing 4 is movably mounted on the shaft 103 between a working position in which the female member 3 is in contact with the male member 2 and a rest position in which the female member 3 is offset from the male member 2. In the present case, in the rest position, the housing 4 is backward relative to the male member 2 (and therefore of the wheel 102) and in the working position, the housing 4 is forward relative to the male member 2 (and therefore of the wheel 102).

[0051] The female housing 3 is for example mounted to move in translation on the shaft 102. Despite this relative movement between the female organ 3 and the shaft 102, the female organ 3 is firmly fixed to the shaft 102 and can therefore be called the "stator" of the locking device 1.

[0052] The shaft 102 includes, for example, a sleeve 5 fixed to the shaft 102. The sleeve 5 is, for example, a torsion tube.

[0053] The sleeve 5 is arranged on the shaft 102 so as to externally surround said shaft 102. The sleeve 5 is arranged so as to extend coaxially to the X axis.

[0054] The sleeve 5 has, for example, an inner ring 6 and an outer ring 7, as well as a return 8 connecting a first axial end of the inner ring 6 and a first axial end of the outer ring 7. The return 8 thus forms a first closed axial end of the sleeve 5. The second axial end of the sleeve 5, opposite the first axial end, is open.

[0055] The outer ring 7 extends coaxially with the X-axis. The outer ring 7 thus extends to externally surround the shaft 102 as well as the inner ring 6. The inner face of the outer ring 7 is smooth. The outer face of the outer ring 7 is smooth.

[0056] The return 8 is flat. The return 8 is arranged, for example, between the axial ends (of the two rings 6, 7) furthest from the wheel 103. The opening of the sleeve 5 is therefore turned towards the wheel 103.

[0057] The inner ring 6 extends coaxially to the X axis. The inner ring 6 thus extends so as to externally surround the shaft 102.

[0058] The inner ring 6 is longer than the outer ring 7 so that it is only surrounded externally by the outer ring 7 over a portion of the inner ring 6. The inner face of the inner ring 6 (shaft side) is smooth. Conversely, the outer face of the inner ring 6 is configured to have, over at least a portion of its section not covered by the outer ring 7, one or more elements for cooperation with the housing 4 in order to allow the housing 4 to move along the shaft 102. For example, the cooperation element is a key 9 extending radially from the inner ring 6 over at least a portion of the length of said section, and the housing 4 has a corresponding groove 10 that slides along the tab 8 to move the housing 4 between its two positions.In the present case, the inner ring 6 has a plurality of keys 9 distributed regularly around the entire circumference of the inner ring 6, each tab 8 being able to cooperate with a corresponding groove 10 of the housing 4.

[0059] The internal orifice of the inner ring (through which the shaft extends) is shaped here to present a circular cross-section.

[0060] The sleeve 5 thus allows the translational guidance of the housing 4 on the shaft 102.

[0061] The locking device 1 also includes at least one latch that allows or prevents the housing from moving between its two positions. The latch can be electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, electromagnetic, etc. For example, the latch is electromagnetic. For example, the latch includes at least one coil 11, such as a solenoid.

[0062] For example, the coil 11 is arranged at the level of the sleeve 5. Optionally, the coil 11 is supported by the sleeve 5. For example, the coil 11 is arranged between the inner ring 6 and the outer ring 7 of the sleeve. The coil 11 is arranged so as to extend coaxially with the X-axis. The coil 11 is thus arranged around the inner ring 6 and is surrounded by the outer ring 7. Preferably, the coil 11 is entirely housed within the space defined between the inner ring 6 and the outer ring 7. The coil 11 thus does not protrude from the sleeve 5. The coil 11 is arranged so as to abut against the return 8 of the sleeve 5.

[0063] In association, at least part of the housing 4 is made of an electromagnetic material and / or at least an area of ​​an additional part attached to the housing 4 is made of an electromagnetic material.

[0064] In this way, the movement of the housing 4 between its two positions can be allowed or not by the lock depending on whether the coil 11 is powered or not.

[0065] Preferably, the locking device also includes at least one return element 12 tending to hold the housing 4 in one of its two positions. For example, the return element 12 tends to hold the housing 4 in its working position. The return element 12 is, for example, a spring.

[0066] The return element 12 extends for example between the inner ring 6 and the coil 11.

[0067] The return element 12 has, for example, a first end fixed to the sleeve 5 and a second end fixed to the housing 4. For example, the first end is fixed to the return 8 of the sleeve 5. For example, the second end is fixed to a portion of the housing 4 carrying the groove(s) 10 cooperating with the key(s) 9 of the sleeve 5.

[0068] The return element 12 extends, for example, coaxially or parallel to the X axis.

[0069] In the present case, the locking device 1 comprises a plurality of return elements 12 distributed homogeneously over the entire contour of the inner ring 6.

[0070] Thus, when the coil 11 is not energized, the return element(s) 12 hold the housing 4 in the working position. The locking device 1 can then be used to lock the wheel 103 in position relative to the shaft 102.

[0071] When the coil 11 is energized, the housing 4 is retracted into its rest position by the magnetic attraction of the coil 11, thus counteracting the action exerted by the return element(s) 12 (which are, for example, compressed) and held in this position. The locking device 1 can therefore no longer be used, and the wheel 103 can rotate freely.

[0072] We will now describe case 4.

[0073] When the housing 4 is in place on the shaft 102, it extends coaxially to the X axis so as to externally surround the shaft 102.

[0074] The case 4 has a base 13 forming a closed end of the case 4.

[0075] The base 13 is formed by a plate. The base 13 extends parallel to a plane defined by two axes Y and Z. When the housing 4 is in place on the shaft 102, said plane has its normal to the X axis.

[0076] Extending from the base 13 are one or more sides 14 (only one of which is numbered in Figure 6). These sides 14 are arranged to each form an outer edge of the base 13. All the sides 14 are flat. All the sides 14 have the same height (along the X-axis).

[0077] In this way, the various sides 14 together form a closed frame forming the periphery of the bottom 13. In the present case, said closed frame also forms the periphery of the housing 4.

[0078] Furthermore, the end of the housing 4 opposite the end formed by the base 13 is open. Thus, the various sides 14 present a free surface 1 (opposite to those extending from the base). When the housing 4 is in place on the shaft 102, the open end of the housing 4 faces the male member 2 (and therefore the wheel 103).

[0079] The closed frame, for example, has an externally polygonal cross-section. Optionally, the closed frame has an externally hexagonal cross-section.

[0080] Similarly, background 13 has a polygonal periphery and, for example, a hexagon.

[0081] In order to surround the shaft 102, the housing 4 includes an orifice 16 passing completely through it. For example, said orifice 16 extends through the base 13 so as to open at both ends on either side of the base 13. The orifice 16 extends coaxially with the X-axis. The orifice 16 is thus centered in the housing.

[0082] The orifice 16 here has a circular cross-section with the addition of grooves 10.

[0083] In addition, case 4 includes a sleeve.

[0084] Said sleeve 17 itself comprises an inner ring 18 and an outer ring 19 surrounding the inner ring 18, the two rings being connected by a return 20.

[0085] The outer ring 18 extends from the base 13 towards the open end of the housing 4. The outer ring 19 extends coaxially with the X-axis. The outer ring 19 is thus centered on the base 13. Optionally, the outer ring 19 extends from the base 13 to approximately the free surfaces 15 of the sides 14. The outer ring 19 thus has approximately the same height (along the X-axis) as the various sides 14. The outer ring 19 preferably has a cross-section with the same external shape as the external cross-section of the base 17 and / or the closed frame. In this case, the outer ring 19 therefore has a hexagonal outer periphery.

[0086] The return 20 extends here on the open end side of the housing 4. The return 20 extends here transversely between the inner ring 18 and the outer ring 19. The return 20 is, for example, planar.

[0087] The return 20 extends substantially in line with the free ends of the flanks 14.

[0088] The inner ring 18 extends from the return 20 towards the bottom 13. The inner ring 18 extends coaxially with the X-axis. Optionally, the inner ring 18 extends from the return 20 without reaching the bottom 13. In this way, the inner ring 18 and the outer ring 19 jointly define an annular internal space in the sleeve 17, a space closed at one end by the return 20 and open at the other. This closed space faces outwards from the housing 4, in the opposite direction to the wheel 103. When the housing 4 is in place on the shaft 102, the outer ring 19 of the sleeve 5 and the coil 11 are then housed in this internal space so as to be surrounded externally by the outer ring 19 of the sleeve 17 and internally by the inner ring 18 of the sleeve 17.

[0089] Furthermore, the portion of the housing 4 to which the return elements 12 are linked is here a free end of the inner ring 18 of the sleeve 17. A part of the inner ring 18 of the sleeve 17 is thus surrounded internally by the shaft 102 and externally by the coil 12, the rest of the inner ring 18 of the sleeve 17 being surrounded internally by the shaft 102 and externally by the outer ring 19 of the sleeve 17.

[0090] It is understood from what has been said above that the orifice 16 of the housing 4 is provided inside the sleeve 17 and more specifically inside the inner ring 18. The housing 4 therefore slides on the shaft 102 by means of its inner ring 18 and the inner ring 6 of the sleeve 5.

[0091] Preferably, the locking device 1 is shaped so that in the rest position, the free end of the outer ring 7 of the sleeve 5 and / or the free end of the coil 11 come against the return 20 of the sleeve 17.

[0092] The sides 14, the bottom 13 and the sleeve 17 are preferably of a single piece.

[0093] The female organ 3 also has at least one positioning grid 21 arranged in the housing 4.

[0094] Grid 21 is preferably elastically deformable. Grid 21 is therefore flexible.

[0095] The grid 21 is, for example, shaped into a plate. The grid 21 extends parallel to a plane comprising the Y and Z axes. The grid 21 extends coaxially to the X axis when it is in place in the housing 4.

[0096] Grid 21 is shaped to have a form similar or identical to that of background 13 and / or a form similar or identical to the closed frame. In this case, grid 21 has a polygonal periphery cross-section, for example a regular polygonal cross-section, and is hexagonal in shape.

[0097] Furthermore, the grid 21 has an orifice 24 which is here a central orifice 24 so that it can be arranged around the shaft 102. The orifice 24 is shaped so as to have a shape similar or identical to that of the bottom 13 and / or a shape similar or identical to the closed frame and / or a shape similar or identical to that of the outer ring 19 of the sleeve 17. In the present case, the orifice 24 has a polygonal cross-section and for example a regular polygonal cross-section and is here hexagonal in shape.

[0098] The grid 21 is preferably shaped so as to have dimensions similar or identical to those of the base 13. In this way, when the grid 21 is in place in the housing 4, its peripheral perimeter is in contact with the various sides 14 of the housing 4. Preferably also, when the grid 21 is in place in the housing 4, its central opening 22 is in contact with the various faces of the outer ring 19 of the sleeve 17.

[0099] Preferably, the various flanks 14 are shaped such that a continuous groove 22 extends circumferentially around the entire inner frame inside the housing 4. Preferably, the various faces of the outer ring 19 are shaped such that a continuous groove 23 extends circumferentially around the periphery of said outer ring 19. The grid 21 is thus arranged in the housing 4 by being inserted on one side into the groove 22 of the flanks 14 and on the other side into the groove 23 of the outer ring 19. Preferably, the grooves 22 and 23 are arranged in the same plane so that the grid 21 extends parallel to the base 13. Preferably, the grooves 22 and 23 are arranged so that they are centered (along the X-axis) respectively on the flanks 14 and on the inner ring 19. In this way, the grid 21 extends to the middle of the housing 4 (along the X axis).

[0100] It is therefore understood that grid 21 is integral with housing 4 and is fixed in relation to housing 4.

[0101] Furthermore, a plurality of holes 25 (only some of which are referenced in Figure 6) pass through the grid 21. These holes 25 preferably extend parallel to each other and to the X-axis. These holes 25 are preferably distributed over the entire surface of the grid 21. These holes 25 are preferably distributed in an ordered manner (for example, in rows and columns). These holes 25 have, for example, a circular cross-section. These holes 25 open at one end of a first side of the grid 21 – the open end of the housing 4 – and at a second end of a second side of the grid 21 – the closed end of the housing 4. The individual holes 25 are identical to each other. The holes 25 are distributed homogeneously over the grid. The holes 25 are distributed regularly over the entire grid 21.

[0102] Since these holes 25 are distributed over the entire surface of the grid 21, it is understood that the holes 25 cover the entire background 13 which is opposite.

[0103] The female organ 3 also has a plurality of pins 26 extending into the housing 4 through one of the 25 holes in the grid 21.

[0104] The various pins 26 are identical here. Thus, the following description of one of the pins 26 is also applicable to the other pins 26. As can be seen in Figure 5, the pin 26 has a first part 27, which is here shaped like a pin. The first part comprises a head 28 extended by a tube 29. The head 28 is solid. The tube 29 is hollow and closed at one end (the end attached to the head 28) and open at the other end (the end opposite the end attached to the head 28). The first part 27 extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis A. The head 28 and / or the tube 29 have a cross-section, for example, circular. The tube 29 also has a central orifice with a circular cross-section. The tube 29 and the head 28 are preferably one piece. Furthermore, the pin 26 has a second part 32, which is here shaped like a piston.The second part 32 thus comprises a head 30 extended by a stem 31. The head.

[0105] Part 30 is solid. The stem 31 is solid. The second part 32 extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis A. The head 30 and / or the stem 31 have a cross-section, for example, circular. The stem 31 and the head 30 are preferably made of a single piece.

[0106] Furthermore, the rod 31 is designed to be inserted inside the tube 29 so that the first part 27 and the second part 32 are joined together. The heads 28 and 30 have identical diameters.

[0107] In fact, the first part 27 is arranged in the housing 4 at least in part on a first side of the grid 21 so as to be adjacent to the open end of the housing 4 and the associated second part 32 is arranged in the housing 4 at least in part on a second side of the grid 21 so as to be adjacent to the closed end of the housing 4 (i.e. the bottom 13).

[0108] When pin 26 is in place in housing 4, pin 26 passes through one of the holes 25 in grid 21. In position, pin 26 then extends parallel to the X axis.

[0109] Preferably, the pin 26 passes through the associated hole 25 so that the head 28 of its first part 27 is on the first side of the grid 21 and so that the head 30 of its second part 32 is on the second side of the grid 21. The rod 31 and tube 29 of the pin 26 are thus intended to be the parts passing through the associated hole 25.

[0110] The spindle 26 is shaped so that it can slide along the associated hole 25 between an extended position in which the second part 32 is closer to the grid 21 than the first part 27 and a retracted position in which the second part 32 is further from the grid 21 than the first part 27. Preferably, the heads 28, 30 are shaped so that they can come to rest against the grid 21, thus limiting the translation of the spindle 26 in the grid 21 in both directions of translation.

[0111] In practice, the various pins 26 are mounted to slide independently within the housing 4. The pins 26 are mounted to slide along a translation axis parallel to the X-axis.

[0112] The various pins 26 thus extend parallel to each other.

[0113] Due to the shape of the grid 21, its dimensions and its holes 25, it is understood that the various pins 26 cover the entire surface of the grid 21 and / or the bottom 13. Furthermore, the pins 26 are distributed homogeneously in the housing 4.

[0114] Preferably, the pins 26 are shaped so that each head 28 of the first part 27 touches the different heads 28 of the first parts 27 which are adj acent to it.

[0115] Preferably, the pins 26 are shaped so that each head 30 of the second part 32 touches the different heads 30 of the second parts 32 which are adj acent to it.

[0116] The network formed by the different pins 26 is thus tight and / or dense.

[0117] Preferably, the female organ 2 comprises elastically deformable organs 33, each associated with one of the pins 26. Each elastically deformable organ 33 extends so as to externally surround the tube 29 of the associated pin 26 (which itself surrounds the rod 31 of said pin 26). Each elastically deformable organ 33 extends coaxially with the rod 31 and the associated tube 29. For example, each elastically deformable member 33 extends between the first part 27 of said spindle 26 and the grid 21. For example, one end of the elastically deformable member 33 is fixed to the spindle 26 and a second end is fixed to the grid 21. For example, the first end of the elastically deformable member 33 is fixed to the first part 27 and, for example, to the head 28 of the first part 27 and, for example, to the face 34 of the head 28 of the first part 27 from which the tube 29 extends.The elastically deformable member 33 is shaped to maintain the associated pin 26 in its extended position (in the absence of other forces applied to said pin 26).

[0118] It is therefore understood that if the grid 21 is fixed in the housing 4, on the other hand the pins 26 can slide relative to the housing 4 and the grid 21.

[0119] We will now describe the male component 2. The male component 2 is fixed to the wheel 103 as previously indicated. It can therefore be called the "rotor" of the locking device 1.

[0120] The male organ 2 includes at least one finger 35 coming into contact with the female organ 3, and more specifically with pins 26 of the latter, when the female organ 3 is in working position.

[0121] The male organ 2 can for example take the form of a crown bearing one or more fingers 35. The fingers 35 are for example distributed uniformly over the entire circumference of the crown and extend from the crown towards the case 4.

[0122] Preferably, each finger 35 has a free end 36 designed to press against the pins 26. This free end is flat. Thus, the contact between this free end 36 and the pins 26 is a planar-planar contact. Preferably, this free end 36 has a larger surface area than a head 28 of the first part 27 of one of the pins 26. Thus, a single finger 35 can simultaneously press against several pins 26 of the female organ 3. Preferably, the free end 36 is shaped to have a circular cross-section.

[0123] The operating principle of the locking device will now be described. Referring to Figure 3, when the wheel 103 rotates, the female part 3 is in its rest position. The male part 2 and the female part 3 are then offset from each other. In this position, the female part 3 is offset from the wheel 102.

[0124] In this position, the outer ring 7 of the sleeve 5 and / or the coil 11 are against the return 20 of the sleeve 17.

[0125] In this position, the heads 30 of the second parts 32 of the pins 26 are against the grid 21.

[0126] In this position, the heads 28 of the first parts 27 of the pins 26 extend until they substantially reach the free surfaces of the flanks 14 and / or the return 20 of the sleeve 17.

[0127] In this position, the heads 28 of the first parts 27 of the pins 26 form (at their upper faces) a flat surface. This flat surface is preferably parallel to the bottom 13. This flat surface is preferably normal to the X-axis. This flat surface extends substantially to the level of the free surfaces 15 of the sides 14. The flat surface can thus be considered to temporarily close the open end of the housing 4.

[0128] Referring to Figure 4, when wheel 103 stops rotating and its position needs to be locked, the locking device 100 is activated. This can be controlled, for example, by the pilot via a human-machine interface or automatically, for example, when an onboard controller in the aircraft 100 detects that it is stationary.

[0129] Activating the locking device 1 causes the power supply to the coil 11 to stop. The return elements 12 then move the female part 3 into the working position.

[0130] The finger or fingers 35 of the male organ 2 are then naturally in contact with the female organ 3 and will naturally press the pin or pins 26 opposite against the action of the associated elastically deformable element(s) 33, the pins 26 concerned being then in a retracted position.

[0131] This allows the fingers 35 to be locked in position in the housing 4, each finger 35 being surrounded by several pins 26 in the extended position.

[0132] In this position, the outer ring 7 of the sleeve 5 and / or the coil 11 are offset from the return 20 of the sleeve 17.

[0133] In this position, the heads 30 of the second parts 32 of the pins 26 in the retracted position are against the bottom 13.

[0134] In this position, the heads 28 of the first parts 27 of the pins 26 in retracted position extend closer to the grid 21 than to the free surfaces of the flanks 14 and / or the return of the sleeve 17.

[0135] In this position, the heads 28 of the first portions 27 of the pins 26 in the retracted position form (at their upper faces) a flat surface. This flat surface is preferably parallel to the bottom. This flat surface is preferably normal to the X-axis. This flat surface extends, however, inside the housing 4. This flat surface extends parallel to the flat surface formed by the heads 28 of the first portions 27 in the extended position.

[0136] In this position, each finger 35 engages several pins 26 simultaneously and is surrounded by several pins 26 in their extended position at the same time. This allows for a better distribution of the locking forces of the finger 35 in the housing 4 between the different pins 26.

[0137] In particular, if the wheel 102 attempts to rotate, the torque of the wheel 102 is transmitted to the finger 35. The finger 35 then distributes this torque among the various pins 26 in their extended position that are adjacent to it. These pins 26 will themselves distribute the received torque with the pins 26 adjacent to them, and so on until the torque is transmitted to the housing 4 and then to the shaft 102 itself.

[0138] The fact that the grid 21 is flexible allows the grid 21 to have little or no influence on the distribution of forces between the spindles 26.

[0139] Advantageously, regardless of the relative position between wheel 103 and shaft 102 when wheel 103 is at rest, the locking device 1 can always be activated since the fingers 35 always face several pins 26.

[0140] When it is desired to unlock the position of wheel 103, the locking device 1 is deactivated. This can be controlled, for example, by the pilot via a human-machine interface or can be controlled automatically when an onboard controller in the aircraft 100 detects an event (such as the starting of one of the aircraft 100's engines).

[0141] Deactivating the locking device 1 energizes the coil 11, which then magnetically attracts the female part 3 towards it. The system then returns to the rest position described previously.

[0142] With reference to figure 7, a second embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0143] This second embodiment is strictly identical to that of the first embodiment except that the casing has a different shape.

[0144] For example, the case does not have a base that is externally shaped into a regular polygon. For example, the base is externally shaped into a twelve-sided polygon alternating between a short and a long side.

[0145] With reference to figure 8, a third embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0146] This third embodiment is strictly identical to the first embodiment, except that the casing has a different shape. For example, the casing does not have a base that is externally shaped as a six-sided polygon. Instead, the base is externally shaped as a dodecagon.

[0147] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0148] Thus, although here the locking device is associated with a landing gear of an aircraft (airplane, helicopter, VTOL or e-MTB in English...), the locking device can be associated with any other shaft and wheel assembly carried by said shaft and in particular with any assembly of a vehicle other than an aircraft.

[0149] Although the shaft / wheel assembly is also equipped with a friction brake here, it can also be used in place of, or in addition to, another type of brake, such as an electromagnetic brake. The shaft / wheel assembly may not include any additional braking system beyond the locking mechanism.

[0150] Although here the female organ is the stator and the male organ the rotor, the female organ could be the rotor and the male organ the stator.

[0151] Regardless of whether it is the stator or the rotor, it may be the female part that is moved between a working position and a resting position, it may be the male part that is moved between a working position (in which the male part is in contact with the female part) and a resting position (in which the female and male parts are in contact) or a mix of both.

[0152] Although here the keys are supported by the sleeve and the grooves by the housing, the reverse or a combination of both could be considered. Other cooperating elements besides a key / groove assembly could be considered, such as a pin / oblong hole or a tongue / groove assembly. The shaft could also directly incorporate one or more cooperating elements for sliding the housing on it without the intermediary of a sleeve.

[0153] The enclosure may take a different shape than described and thus have an external contour in the form of a regular polygon, an irregular polygon, a circle, with more or fewer sides than indicated... The external contour may therefore be an octagon. In all cases, the pins will preferably be arranged to cover as much of the bottom surface of the associated enclosure as possible.

[0154] Although all the pins here are identical, only some of them may be identical. The female component can therefore include smaller pins, particularly on the sides of the housing and especially at the junctions between two sides. This will allow for coverage of a larger area of ​​the housing's base, particularly in small areas.

[0155] Although here the fingers of the male organ have a circular cross-section over at least part of their length, at least one of the fingers may have a non-circular cross-section (square, rectangular, hexagonal, ...) over at least part of its length.

[0156] Although here the pins of the female organ have a circular cross-section over at least part of their length, at least one of the pins may have a non-circular cross-section (square, rectangular, hexagonal, ...) over at least part of its length.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Assembly of a wheel (103) and a shaft (102) carrying the wheel, the assembly further comprising a locking device (1) having a male member (2) and a female member (3), one of the male member and the female member being connected to the wheel and the other of the male member and the female member being connected to the shaft, the female member further comprising: A casing (4) extending along a given axis so as to have two ends, one of which is open, A positioning grid (21) arranged in the housing, A plurality of pins (26) extending in the housing through one of the orifices (25) of the positioning grid, each of the pins comprising a first part arranged in the housing at least in part on a first side of the grid so as to be adjacent to the open end of the housing and a second part arranged in the housing at least in part on a second side of the grid so as to be adjacent to the closed end of the housing, the pins being slidably mounted in the housing independently of each other between an extended position in which the second parts are closer to the positioning grid than the first parts and a retracted position in which the second parts are further from the positioning grid than the first parts, the male member comprising at least one finger (35) capable of pressing on at least one of the pins of the female member.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the female member (3) forms a stator of the locking device and the male member (2) forms a rotor of the locking device.

3. Together according to one of the preceding claims, in which one of the male organ (2) or of the female organ (3) is mounted movable relative to the shaft (102) or the wheel (103) between a working position in which the male organ and the female organ are in contact and a rest position in which the female organ and the male organ are not in contact.

4. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (4) comprises elastically deformable members (33) each associated with one of the pins (26), the elastically deformable members being shaped to maintain the pins in their extended positions in the absence of other forces applied to said pins.

5. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closed end of the housing (4) is shaped at least externally into a regular polygon.

6. Assembly according to claim 5, wherein the polygon is a hexagon or a dodecagon.

7. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grid (21) is elastically deformable.

8. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the pins (26) has a circular cross-section over at least part of its length.

9. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the finger (35) has a circular cross-section over at least part of its length.

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

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