A locking mechanism and its locking method

Abstract

A locking mechanism and its locking method, including a driving device, a central shaft, a self-locking rod, a lock catch and a sling device; one end of the central shaft is connected to the driving device, the driving device can drive the central shaft to move vertically up and down, the other end of the central shaft is connected to the self-locking rod, the lower part of the self-locking rod is hinged to the lock catch, the movement of the self-locking rod can drive the opening and closing of the lock catch, and a sling device is arranged at the opening of the lock catch. The locking mechanism of the present invention is in a normally open state. When it is necessary to hang goods, the sling joint connected to the goods is inserted into the locking mechanism. After the proximity sensor senses the sling joint, the hydraulic actuator acts to drive the self-locking rod into the dead lock, and the lock catch locks the sling joint to achieve hanging. The operation is simple and the hanging is convenient. Even in the case of a small belly space and poor visibility of the helicopter, rapid and reliable hanging can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of external suspension transportation of helicopters, and particularly relates to a locking mechanism and a locking method thereof. Background Art

[0002] External suspension flight of helicopters is a high-risk subject. During the suspension flight, the locking mechanism installed in the cargo hook device on the belly of the helicopter for suspension release, once affected by engine vibration, air flow, and cargo swing, may automatically open, resulting in accidental release of the cargo. The helicopter will suddenly lose its load and fly unstably, making it prone to flight accidents. At the same time, the dropped cargo will have unpredictable consequences on the ground. Existing locking mechanisms mainly rely on the friction force generated by the cargo load and the spring force for locking, which can be reliably locked under static conditions. However, during the suspension flight, under dynamic loads such as vibration and impact, the reliability is not high, and the locking mechanism may accidentally open. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a locking mechanism and a locking method thereof to solve the above problems.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] A locking mechanism includes a driving device, a central shaft, a self-locking rod, a lock buckle, and a sling device; one end of the central shaft is connected to the driving device, and the driving device can drive the central shaft to move vertically up and down. The other end of the central shaft is connected to the self-locking rod, and the lower part of the self-locking rod is hinged to the lock buckle. The movement of the self-locking rod can drive the opening and closing of the lock buckle, and a sling device is arranged at the opening of the lock buckle.

[0006] Further, the self-locking rod is composed of two straight rods, and one end of the two straight rods is hinged to form a V-shaped self-locking rod. The central shaft is fixedly connected to the hinged part of the self-locking rod; the other ends of the two straight rods are respectively hinged to the lock buckle.

[0007] Further, the lock buckle is composed of two L-shaped rods. One end parts of the two L-shaped rods are respectively hinged under the self-locking rod, and the openings of the two L-shaped rods are arranged opposite to each other. A support block is arranged at the corner of the two L-shaped rods.

[0008] Further, the sling device includes that lock tongues are arranged at the other ends of the two L-shaped rods.

[0009] Further, the sling device includes a sling joint boss, a sling rod, and a sling joint. The sling joint is arranged at the end of the sling rod, and the sling joint boss is arranged in the middle of the sling rod.

[0010] Further, the driving device includes a hydraulic actuator, a transmission rod, and a kidney-shaped sleeve; one end of the hydraulic actuator is fixedly arranged, the output end of the hydraulic actuator is hinged to one end of the transmission rod, the other end of the transmission rod is hinged to the kidney-shaped sleeve, and the kidney-shaped sleeve is fixedly arranged on the central shaft.

[0011] Further, an external support point is arranged in the middle of the transmission rod to form a lever mechanism.

[0012] Further, steps and a proximity sensor are arranged inside the lock, and a boss is arranged at the bottom of the central shaft. When the central shaft moves downward, the boss contacts the steps.

[0013] Further, a locking method for a locking mechanism includes the following steps:

[0014] The locking mechanism is in an open state. When it is necessary to hang goods, insert the sling joint connected to the goods into the locking mechanism. After the proximity sensor senses the sling joint, the driving device retracts, driving the transmission rod to rotate counterclockwise, pushing the central shaft to move downward, and then driving the lock to close through the self-locking rod to lock the sling joint.

[0015] When it is necessary to release the hanging goods, extend the driving device or manually operate the transmission rod to rotate the transmission rod clockwise, driving the central shaft to move vertically upward. The self-locking rod disengages from the locking dead angle, the lock opens, the boss of the sling joint loses the support of the locking tongue, and under the action of gravity, it automatically falls off to realize the release of the hanging goods.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0017] The locking mechanism of the present invention is a mechanism that uses the locking dead angle generated after the mechanism is locked and the driving lock generated by the hydraulic actuator to reliably lock the sling joint during the hanging flight. It also has an effective release function, with a simple structure, reliable locking, and convenient use. It mainly consists of a hydraulic actuator that generates driving force, a manual rod for manual operation, a central shaft that can move up and down, a self-locking rod that generates a locking dead angle with the central shaft, a lock for locking the sling joint, a proximity sensor for sensing the sling joint, a sling joint connected to the goods, etc. The locking mechanism is in an open state. When it is necessary to hang goods, insert the sling joint connected to the goods into the locking mechanism. After the proximity sensor senses the sling joint, the hydraulic actuator acts, driving the self-locking rod into the locking dead angle, and the lock locks the sling joint to achieve hanging. The operation is simple and the hanging is convenient. Even in the case of a small space and poor visibility in the belly of the helicopter, fast and reliable hanging can be achieved.

[0018] Further, if the self-locking rod does not enter the locking dead angle, that is, the sling joint is not locked by the lock, the sling joint will automatically fall off under the action of gravity and cannot be hung, which has the effect of prompting the operator to prevent unreliable hanging and accidental release during flight.

[0019] Furthermore, after the self-locking rod enters the locking dead angle, the locking force is proportional to the suspended load. As long as there is a suspended load, there is a locking force. During the suspended flight, the suspended load always exists, so the locking force always exists, ensuring that the buckle will always lock the sling joint and preventing accidental release. At the same time, as long as the proximity sensor senses the sling joint, the hydraulic actuator will continuously generate a locking drive to ensure that the buckle will not open. Therefore, the reliability of the dual-redundancy locking mechanism relying on structural locking and drive locking is very high, and there will be no accidental release during the suspended flight;

[0020] Furthermore, the proximity sensor real-time monitors the position of the sling joint and feeds it back to the helicopter integrated display to show the opening and closing state of the locking mechanism, which has a prompting effect on pilots and operators.

[0021] Furthermore, when it is necessary to release the suspended cargo, by operating the hydraulic actuator or manually operating the manual lever, after overcoming the locking force, the self-locking rod disengages from the locking dead angle, the buckle opens, the sling joint loses support, and under the action of gravity, it automatically falls off to achieve the release of the suspended cargo. While ensuring reliable suspension, the locking mechanism can also quickly and effectively release the load when needed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the principle of the locking mechanism of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the closing principle of the locking mechanism of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the locking principle of the locking mechanism of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the opening principle of the locking mechanism of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The present invention utilizes the locking dead angle generated after the mechanism is locked and the drive locking generated by the hydraulic actuator to ensure reliable suspension during the suspended flight and effectively release the load when needed. It has a simple structure, reliable locking, and convenient use.

[0027] As Figure 1 shown, the locking mechanism mainly consists of a hydraulic actuator 1 that generates a driving force, a transmission rod 2 for manual operation, a central shaft 3 that can move up and down, a self-locking rod 4 that generates a locking dead angle with the central shaft 3, a locking sling joint 7, a proximity sensor 6, a sling joint boss connected to the cargo, etc. When the central shaft 3 moves downward, the angles of the two straight rods of the self-locking rod 4 become larger, pushing open the two L-shaped rods of the buckle 5 and driving the lower ends of the two L-shaped rods of the buckle 5 to close, achieving closure.

[0028] One end of the hydraulic actuator 1 is hinged and fixed, and the other end is hinged to the transmission rod 2. After receiving the command from the control unit, the hydraulic actuator 1 drives the transmission rod 2 to rotate by extending or retracting, thereby driving the mechanism to lock or open. The operator can also operate the transmission rod 2 to drive the mechanism to lock or open. The central shaft 3 is a vertically moving rod, and the connection with the transmission rod 2 is a kidney-shaped structure 8, which can move up and down flexibly without being affected by the lateral displacement generated by the rotation of the transmission rod 2. In addition to being hinged to the self-locking rod 4 at the lower part, the head is a convex platform 9, which contacts the step 10 when the mechanism is locked, as Figure 3 shown, converting the locking force 2F generated by the gravity G of the suspended cargo on the mechanism Y into internal force of the mechanism, reducing the influence of the cargo load on the upper transmission mechanism and the hydraulic actuator 1. The self-locking rod 4 is a two-force member, symmetrically distributed left and right. During the movement of the mechanism, when the angle between it and the central shaft 3 is less than 90°, it enters the locking dead angle and generates a downward locking force 2F Y . The lock catches 5 are symmetrically distributed left and right and rotate with the movement of the self-locking rod 4. By opening and closing the lock tongues 11 to lock or release the sling joint boss 12, the suspension or release is realized. A proximity sensor 6 is arranged in the mechanism to sense the sling joint 7. The control unit controls the extension or retraction of the hydraulic actuator 1 according to the sensed signal, and the helicopter integrated display shows the opening and closing state of the locking mechanism according to the signal, prompting the pilot and the operator.

[0029] As Figure 1 , Figure 2 shown, the locking mechanism is in the normally open state. When it is necessary to suspend the cargo, the sling joint 7 connected to the cargo is inserted into the locking mechanism. After the proximity sensor 6 senses the sling joint 7, the control unit issues a command to the hydraulic actuator 1. The hydraulic actuator 1 retracts, driving the transmission rod 2 to rotate counterclockwise, pushing the central shaft 3 to move downward, and then driving the lock catches 5 to close through the self-locking rod 4 to lock the sling joint 7.

[0030] As Figure 3 shown, when the lock catches 5 lock the sling joint 7, the angle between the self-locking rod 4 and the central shaft 3 is less than 90°, entering the locking dead angle. The gravity G of the cargo generates a downward locking force 2F Y through the transmission of the mechanism. Since the gravity of the cargo always exists, it can ensure that the lock catches 5 can always lock the sling joint 7 without accidental opening. At the same time, the proximity sensor 6 senses the sling joint 7, and the control unit continuously issues a retraction command to the hydraulic actuator 1 to generate a locking drive to ensure that the lock catches 5 will not open. The helicopter integrated display collects the output signal of the proximity sensor 6 and shows the opening and closing state of the locking mechanism.

[0031] As Figure 4As shown in the figure, when it is necessary to drop the suspended cargo, an extension command is sent to the hydraulic actuator 1 or the transmission rod 2 is manually operated to rotate the transmission rod 2 clockwise, driving the central shaft 3 to move vertically upward, overcoming the locking force 2F. Y After that, the self-locking rod 4 disengages from the locking dead angle, the lock catch 5 opens, and the sling joint boss 12 loses the support of the locking tongue 11 and automatically falls off under the action of gravity, realizing the dropping of the suspended cargo.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism, characterized in that, it includes a driving device, a central shaft (3), a self-locking rod (4), a lock catch (5) and a sling device; one end of the central shaft (3) is connected to the driving device, and the driving device can drive the central shaft to move vertically up and down. The other end of the central shaft (3) is connected to the self-locking rod (4). The lower part of the self-locking rod (4) is hinged to the lock catch (5). The movement of the self-locking rod (4) can drive the opening and closing of the lock catch (5). A sling device is arranged at the opening of the lock catch (5); The self-locking rod (4) is composed of two straight rods. One ends of the two straight rods are hinged to form a V-shaped self-locking rod (4). The hinged part between the central shaft (3) and the self-locking rod (4) is fixedly connected; the other ends of the two straight rods are respectively hinged to the lock catch (5); The lock catch (5) is composed of two L-shaped rods. One ends of the two L-shaped rods are respectively hinged below the self-locking rod (4), and the openings of the two L-shaped rods are arranged opposite to each other. Support blocks are arranged at the corners of the two L-shaped rods; Lock tongues (11) are arranged at the other ends of the two L-shaped rods; A step (10) is arranged inside the lock catch (5), and a boss (9) is arranged at the bottom of the central shaft (3). When the central shaft (3) moves downward, the boss (9) contacts the step (10); The angle between the self-locking rod (4) and the central shaft (3) is less than 90°, generating a downward locking force; The driving device includes a hydraulic actuator (1), a transmission rod (2) and a kidney-shaped sleeve (8); one end of the hydraulic actuator (1) is fixedly arranged. The output end of the hydraulic actuator (1) is hinged to one end of the transmission rod (2). The other end of the transmission rod (2) is hinged to the kidney-shaped sleeve (8), and the kidney-shaped sleeve (8) is fixedly arranged on the central shaft (3).

2. A locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sling device includes a sling joint boss (12), a sling rod and a sling joint (7). The sling joint (7) is arranged at the end of the sling rod, and the sling joint boss (12) is arranged in the middle of the sling rod.

3. A locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, An external support point is arranged in the middle of the transmission rod (2) to form a lever mechanism.

4. A locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, A proximity sensor (6) is arranged inside the lock catch (5).

5. A locking method for a locking mechanism, characterized in that, Based on the locking mechanism described in claim 4, it includes the following steps: The locking mechanism is in the normally open state. When it is necessary to hang goods, the sling joint (7) connected to the goods is inserted into the locking mechanism. After the proximity sensor (6) senses the sling joint (7), the driving device retracts, driving the transmission rod (2) to rotate counterclockwise, pushing the central shaft (3) to move downward, and then driving the lock catch (5) to close through the self-locking rod (4) to lock the sling joint (7); When it is necessary to release the hanging goods, the driving device extends or manually operates the transmission rod (2) to make the transmission rod (2) rotate clockwise, driving the central shaft (3) to move vertically upward. The self-locking rod (4) gets out of the locking dead angle, the lock catch (5) opens, and the sling joint boss (12) loses the support of the lock tongue (11) and automatically falls off under the action of gravity to realize the release of the hanging goods.

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