Assembly of parts assembled by a through-shaft that can be fitted if the parts are in approximate alignment

Abstract

An assembly of parts assembled with one another by a shaft passing through orifices formed in the parts is disclosed. The shaft has a base diameter (DB) and a thickened diameter (DE) over diametrically opposed arcs at two different sections. The orifices are aligned with one another and each have a periphery having a first diameter (D1) on first diametrically opposed portions, the first diameter (D1) corresponding to the thickened diameter (DE), and a second diameter (D2), greater than the first diameter (D1), on second portions of the periphery. This allows the shaft to be fitted easily even when the orifices are only approximately aligned, and also makes removal easier.

Claims

1. An assembly of parts assembled with one another, comprising: a first part comprising a first through-orifice; a second part comprising a second through-orifice which is aligned with the first orifice of the first part; a shaft passing through the first orifice and the second orifice so as to assemble the first part and the second part; wherein the shaft has an external surface based on a cylinder of revolution having a base diameter (DB) and has, when viewed in transverse section, over two diametrically opposed arcs of its external surface, a uniform thickening, so that the section of the shaft has a thickened diameter (DE) on the arcs, the thickened diameter (DE) being greater than the base diameter (DB); wherein the first orifice and the second orifice each have, viewed in transverse section, two first diametrically opposed portions over which the periphery of the orifice has a first diameter (D1) corresponding to the thickened diameter (DE) of the shaft, and two second diametrically opposed portions over which the periphery of the orifice has a second diameter (D2) greater than the first diameter (D1); wherein the second portions of the periphery of the orifice being of a length substantially equal to or greater than the length of the arcs of the external surface of the shaft which have a thickening; and, wherein the first orifice and the second orifice being aligned and oriented in register with one another.

2. The assembly according claim 1, wherein the first part further comprises a first branch comprising the first through-orifice and a second branch, substantially parallel to the first branch, comprising a third through-orifice, wherein the first orifice and the third orifice facing one another so that the two branches form a clevis, wherein the second part comprising the second orifice being positioned partially in the clevis formed between the first and second branch, the first, the second and third orifice being aligned and oriented in register with one another, wherein the shaft passing through the first, the second and the third orifices.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shaft comprises, at one end, an element that allows it to be turned.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the element allowing the shaft to be turned is a hexagonal, square or triangular socket.

5. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the element allowing the shaft to be turned is a protrusion forming a lever.

6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the arcs on the surface of the shaft having a thickening extend over less than 90° of angle.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second part is a shackle comprising two orifices to make a connection with the first part on the one hand, and a connection with a third part on the other hand, wherein the first portions of periphery of first diameter (D1) of each of the two orifices in the shackle are symmetric about an axis (A) that connects the centers of the two orifices.

8. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second part further comprises three orifices for making three connections, these being at least one connection with the first part, wherein each straight line connecting the centre of one orifice to the centre of another of the three orifices passes through the first portions of first diameter (D1) of the peripheries of the orifices the centers of which it connects.

9. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the first part is an aircraft propulsion unit support pylon, and the second part is an aircraft propulsion unit or a shackle or an intermediate part connected to an aircraft propulsion unit, or the first part is an aircraft propulsion unit and the second part is an aircraft propulsion unit support pylon or a shackle or an intermediate part connected to an aircraft propulsion unit support pylon.

10. A method for assembling an assembly according to claim 1, comprising: aligning at least approximately the first orifice and the second orifice; fitting the shaft through the first and second orifices by aligning the arcs of the surface of the shaft bearing a thickening with the second portions of second diameter (D2) of the peripheries of the first and second orifices; turning the shaft so as to bring the arcs of the surface of the shaft bearing a thickening into contact with the portions of first diameter (D1) of the peripheries of the first and second orifices.

11. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the arcs on the surface of the shaft having a thickening extend over 20° to 45° of angle.

12. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the arcs on the surface of the shaft having a thickening extend over 30° of angle.

13. An assembly of components, comprising: a first part comprising a first through-orifice; a second part comprising a second through-orifice, wherein the first through-orifice of the first part and the second through-orifice of the second part are aligned; a shaft passing through the first through-orifice and the second through-orifice; wherein the shaft is substantially cylindrical having a base diameter (DB), and two diametrically opposed outwardly bulging arcs on an external surface thereof having a thickened diameter (DE), wherein the thickened diameter (DE) of the shaft is greater than the base diameter (DB) of the shaft; wherein the first through-orifice and the second through-orifice each have two first diametrically transverse opposed portions over which the periphery of the orifice has a first diameter (D1) corresponding to the thickened diameter (DE) of the shaft, and two second diametrically opposed portions over which the periphery of the orifice has a second diameter (D2) greater than the first diameter (D1).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For an understanding of embodiments of the disclosure, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional perspective view of a connection between a support pylon and an aircraft propulsion unit in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic and cross-sectional view illustrating the connection between the shaft with the first part;

(4) FIG. 3 depicts a schematic and cross-sectional view of one part of an assembly according to an exemplary embodiment and a corresponding shaft, in a first or disengaged position;

(5) FIG. 4 depicts the part and the shaft of FIG. 3 in a second or engaged position;

(6) FIG. 5 depicts a schematic view of an element that allows the shaft to be turned in order to adjust its angle;

(7) FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of an element that allows the shaft to be turned;

(8) FIG. 7 depicts a schematic view of one aspect of an exemplary part that can be used in the invention;

(9) FIG. 8 depicts a three-dimensional schematic view of one example of a shaft that can be used in the connection;

(10) FIG. 9 depicts a schematic view of an orifice passing through a part used in an exemplary embodiment;

(11) FIG. 10 depicts a schematic view of a shackle suited to being used in an assembly;

(12) FIG. 11 depicts a schematic view of one aspect in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and,

(13) FIG. 12 depicts a schematic view of a first part and a second part assembled together using a pin.

(14) In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating particular principles, discussed below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(15) Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the Figures.

(16) Referring now to FIG. 1, an assembly is illustrated using a connection interface between an aircraft propulsion unit 1 and a support pylon 2. The interface depicted by way of example is situated in a substantially central longitudinal position on the support pylon, and towards the rear of the propulsion unit.

(17) In this region, the propulsion unit 1 is essentially suspended beneath the support pylon 2.

(18) A set of clevises C1 . . . C6 is produced to constitute the connection between the propulsion unit 1 and the support pylon 2.

(19) A clevis connection corresponds to a connection comprising a first part forming two U-shaped parallel branches or lugs, a second part inserted between the two branches of the U, and a pin passing through the branches of the first part and of the second part.

(20) In the example depicted, the various clevis connections C1 . . . C6 are produced either directly between the propulsion unit 1 and the support pylon 2, or between propulsion unit and an intermediate part such as a shackle which is also connected to the support pylon, or between the support pylon and an intermediate part which is also connected to the propulsion unit.

(21) In particular, the following connections are employed:

(22) C1: connection between the support pylon 2 and the propulsion unit 1;

(23) C2: connection between the propulsion unit 1 and a shackle 3;

(24) C3: connection between the support pylon 2 and the shackle 3;

(25) C4: connection between the propulsion unit 1 and an intermediate part 4;

(26) C5 and C6: connections between the support pylon 2 and the intermediate part 4.

(27) Each of these connections is based on the principle depicted in FIG. 2 which consists in inserting a shaft 5 into through-orifices formed in a first part 6 and in a second part 7. In particular, the shaft 5 passes in succession through a first orifice 8 in the first part 6, a second orifice 9 in the second part 7, and a third orifice 10 in the first part 6.

(28) It is important that there should be no remaining clearance in the assembly once the first part 6 and the second part 7 have been assembled by the shaft 5. For this reason, the relative alignment of the orifices through which the shaft 5 is to be positioned needs to be perfect in order to allow the shaft to pass. FIG. 2 very schematically illustrates an imperfect alignment or misalignment, constituting a situation in which it is impossible to fit the shaft 5 because of the mechanical interference between the shaft 5 and the second part 7. However, obtaining perfect alignment is all the more complicated when the parts involved are heavy or bulky, which is for example the case with an aircraft propulsion unit. Furthermore, the significant number of connections to be made at the one same interface makes aligning the parts all the more complicated.

(29) FIG. 3 illustrates the principle developed in the invention to make it possible to provide a solution to this problem. FIG. 3 depicts one end of the shackle 3. The shackle 3 comprises a through-orifice, in this instance corresponding to the second through-orifice 9. The shaft 5 passes through the orifice in the shackle 3.

(30) Further details regarding the shaft 5 and the orifice in the shackle 3 are described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively.

(31) FIG. 8 depicts the shaft 5. In the example depicted this is a hollow shaft, but it could, without departing from the scope of the invention, be a solid shaft.

(32) The shaft 5 has a constant transverse section. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the section of the shaft 5 is substantially cylindrical. However, unlike a shaft traditionally used, the shaft 5 is not have a purely cylindrical configuration but on its surface has two diametrically opposed thickened zones. Thus, viewed in section, the shaft 5 has two diametrically opposed arcs 11 having a thickening compared with the rest of the surface of the shaft 5. Viewed in cross-section, the shaft 5 therefore has two diametrically opposed arcs 11 over which the shaft has a thickened diameter DE, whereas it has a base diameter DB (smaller than the thickened diameter DE) over the rest of its surface.

(33) The transition between the surfaces of the shaft 5 that have the base diameter DB and those that have the thickened diameter DE is achieved gently, using rounded surfaces, or at the very least progressively. That avoids there being too abrupt a variation in section which could be detrimental to the mechanical behavior of the shaft, particularly in the case of it being stressed in repeated loading cycles that could give rise to mechanical fatigue.

(34) The arcs 11 of the shaft that have a thickening each extend over less than 90° of angle, which means that the majority of the surface does not have any thickening with respect to the base diameter DB. In particular, these arcs extend over an angle β of 30° in the example depicted here, and as shown in FIG. 4.

(35) FIG. 9 depicts the second orifice 9, formed in the shackle 3, and intended to accept the shaft 5. The orifice depicted has a constant section. As the orifice is seen in transverse section, its periphery comprises two first diametrically opposed portions 13 having a first diameter D1 corresponding to the thickened diameter DE of the shaft. What is meant by “corresponding” is that the thickened diameter DE can be introduced without clearance, or with negligible clearance, and without tightness, into the first diameter D1.

(36) In the example depicted here, these first portions 13 have a dimension equal to that of the arcs 11 of the shaft 5 having a thickening and therefore extend over an angle of 30°, as depicted in FIG. 4.

(37) Over the rest of its periphery, namely over two second diametrically opposed portions 14, the orifice has a second diameter D2 greater than D1. The second portions of the periphery of the orifice, where the orifice has the second diameter D2, are of a length at least equal to the length of the arcs of the shaft having a thickening, thereby allowing the shaft 5 to adopt the so-called disengaged position in the orifice.

(38) The transition between the portions of the periphery of the orifice that have the first diameter D1 and those that have the second diameter D2 is achieved gently, via rounded surfaces, or at least progressively. That avoids too abrupt of a variation in section which could be detrimental to the mechanical behavior of the shackle 3, notably in the event of stress created in repeated loading cycles that may give rise to mechanical fatigue.

(39) The difference between the first diameter and the second diameter is such that it is clearly visible for illustration purposes in FIG. 9 and in order to illustrate one aspect of the invention, but this difference is generally smaller, for example representing a few tenths of a millimeter. Likewise, the regions of transition between the first-diameter and second-diameter portions appear significant in FIG. 9 but are in practice generally negligible in size by comparison with the dimensions of the orifice periphery portions of first diameter and of second diameter.

(40) Thus, the following relationships are established: DB is less than DE; DE is equal to D1 give or take a negligible clearance that allows a shaft of diameter DE to be introduced without stress into an orifice of diameter D1; and, D1 is less than D2.

(41) Thus, as depicted in FIG. 3, it is possible to insert the shaft 5 into the second orifice 9 by placing the diametrically opposed arcs 11 that have a thickening so that they face the portions of the orifice at which the periphery of the latter has the second diameter D2. In this case, the portions of the periphery of the orifice that have the first diameter D1 face surfaces of the shaft that do not have thickening.

(42) The result of this is that, in this position, known as the “disengaged” position, and as depicted in FIG. 3, the shaft around the entirety of its external surface has a clearance (J) with respect to the orifice into which it is inserted. This peripheral clearance makes it easier to fit the shaft into the orifice.

(43) The first part 6 and the second part 7 each have an orifice configured in this way. The first orifice 8 in the first part 6 and the second orifice 9 in the second part 7 are also substantially oriented in register with one another so that the shaft 5 can be inserted with a periphery clearance with respect to the first orifice 8 and to the second orifice 9. Oriented in register with one another means that the first portions of first diameter D1 of the first orifice 8 face first portions of first diameter D1 of the second orifice 9, and that the second portions of second diameter D2 of the first orifice 8 face the second portions of second diameter D2 of the second orifice 9.

(44) It is thus possible to insert the shaft with clearance in such a way that it passes through the first part 6 and the second part 7 even when the alignment between the first orifice 8 and the second orifice 9 is imperfect.

(45) This principle remains valid and repeatable with a third orifice, for example to form a clevis connection, or even with more orifices and/or parts to be assembled.

(46) FIG. 4 depicts the shackle 3 and the shaft 5 depicted in FIG. 3, the shaft 5 having been rotated through 90° about its main axis.

(47) In the angular position of the shaft 5 that is depicted in FIG. 4, referred to as the “engaged” position, the diametrically opposed arcs 11 of the shaft, having a thickening, are brought into register with the first portions 13 of the periphery of the orifice having the first diameter D1. This results in contact between the diametrically opposed arcs 11 and the first portions 13 so that the shaft 5 is held without clearance in the orifice. With the shaft in this position, a clearance-free connection is thus established. Furthermore, turning the shaft 5 to bring it into the angular position of FIG. 4 has the consequence of correcting any defective alignment of the parts and of their respective orifices that may have existed at the time of insertion of the shaft.

(48) Turning the shaft to move from the angular position depicted in FIG. 3 to that depicted in FIG. 4 and vice versa, or more generally to make it possible to adjust the angular position of the shaft 5, may be achieved in various ways. In particular, the shaft 5 may comprise an element that allows it to be turned. Any non-circular element may thus be suitable. Two preferred examples are depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6.

(49) Thus, as depicted in FIG. 5, the shaft 5 may at one of its ends have a socket 15 into which a tool of corresponding shape can be inserted. The socket 15 may, non-exhaustively and non-limiting, have a hexagonal shape (as in the example depicted in FIG. 5), or a triangular, square, etc. shape.

(50) Moreover, the reverse principle may be applied, namely a shaft 5 having an end of non-circular shape, which can be inserted into a tool having a corresponding female part.

(51) Another example of an element that allows the shaft 5 to be turned is depicted in FIG. 6, in the form of a lug 16. The lug 16, rigidly connected to the shaft 5 or formed integrally therewith, can be twisted, causing the shaft to turn. Quite obviously, according to the principle illustrated in FIG. 6, any geometric protrusion can be used to allow the shaft to be turned.

(52) Once the shaft 5 has been positioned with respect to the various orifices through which it passes in the angular position of FIG. 4, the clearance-free connection between the parts that are to be assembled is formed and the shaft must not be turned any further when the parts thus assembled are in use. In order to ensure that the shaft 5 does not turn, as its turning could create detrimental clearance in the connection, shaft immobilizing means 17 are provided in one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 depicts such immobilizing means 17 in the form of plates connected on the one hand to the shaft 5 and on the other hand to the shackle 3 (or any other fixed part of the assembly).

(53) When the shaft is in the angular position depicted in FIG. 4, only the diametrically opposed arcs 11 of the shaft having a thickening and the first portions 13 of orifice periphery with first diameter D1 in contact with the arcs contribute to the connection and allow the transmission of the loads applied thereto. It is therefore preferable for the dimensions of these arcs and portions to be equal or similar in order to maximize the contact areas.

(54) A shackle 3 like the one depicted in FIG. 10 is suited to the transmission essentially of tensile and compressive loads applied along an axis A connecting the centers of the two second orifices 9, 9′ formed therein. Two shafts 5, 5′ are positioned therein.

(55) On the circular-arc-shaped contact surface formed between each shaft 5, 5′ and the orifice in which it is fitted, the tensile loadings are applied essentially over an angle α of 30° distributed symmetrically on either side of the axis A. Thus, the angle of extension β of the arcs of the shaft having a thickening and in register with the portions of the orifice having a periphery of first diameter D1 is particularly well suited to this configuration. Furthermore, the portions of periphery of first diameter D1 of each of the two orifices of the shackle 3 are symmetrical about the axis A.

(56) FIG. 11 depicts an intermediate part 4 the geometry of which corresponds substantially to that of the intermediate part 4 of FIG. 1. This part comprises three orifices to create three connections according to the principle expounded in the invention. In the configuration depicted, the loads applied to the part are essentially spread loads, at the three connections, at respective angles of spread α1, α2 and α3 which differ in terms of value and in terms of orientation. In such configurations in particular, the value of the angle β over which the thickenings and, where appropriate, the orifice periphery portions of first diameter D1 extend, may be increased for example up to 90°. Furthermore, each straight line connecting the centre of one orifice to the centre of another orifice of an intermediate part 4 passes through the first-diameter periphery portions of the orifices the centers of which it connects. This makes it possible to ensure that each connection formed is configured to react the loads that are applied to it.

(57) FIG. 12 illustrates a second advantage afforded by the invention, in the context of the dismantling of a connection formed as described hereinabove. FIG. 12 schematically depicts the assembly between a first part 6 and a second part 7 using a pin 5. The dismantling of this assembly is achieved by removing the pin 5. Nevertheless, when the assembly is under stress (for example when an aircraft propulsion unit 1 forming the second part 7 is suspended from a support pylon 2 forming the first part 6, and its weight W is applied fully or partially to the connection), the withdrawal of the shaft 5 is difficult if not to say impossible. In order to allow the shaft to be withdrawn it is necessary to provide bearer means 18 to compensate for the weight W of the second part 7 and cancel the loads it generates in the connection. If the bearer means 18 are unable to completely cancel the loads in the connection, which corresponds to perfect and stress-free alignment of the orifices of the first part 6 and of the second part 7, the shaft remains difficult to extract.

(58) By implementing an assembly according to the invention, this problem is also solved. In order to allow such an assembly to be dismantled, the shaft 5 is turned from the angular position depicted in FIG. 4 to the angular position depicted in FIG. 3 (after withdrawal, where appropriate, of the immobilizing means 17). In this case, a peripheral clearance is formed around the shaft, so that the bearing means 18 are not maintained in perfect alignment of the orifices of the first part 6 and of the second part 7. This clearance allows the shaft to be extracted with ease. Likewise, if several connections are employed as in the example of FIG. 1, it is possible to extract each connecting shaft in turn (and, where appropriate, to refit them) as long as there remains a sufficient quantity of connections still made to react the loads that had been borne by the connection the shaft of which has been extracted.

(59) The invention thus developed makes it possible to make up an assembly by assembling two parts or more using a shaft passing through the parts, and makes it possible to alleviate the difficulty of achieving perfect alignment between the orifices through which the shaft passes. As a secondary result it allows the assembly to be dismantled easily, even when stresses are still being applied to it. It can be applied to any field in which a mechanical assembly by a shaft passing through several parts is implemented. It finds particular applications in the field of aeronautics and is particularly well suited to the creation of connections at an interface between an aircraft propulsion unit and a support pylon.

(60) While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms “a” or “one” do not exclude a plural number, and the term “or” means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.