A multi-stage trigger high load bearing latching mechanism

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of aircraft structure design, and particularly relates to a multi-stage trigger type high-load locking mechanism, which mainly comprises a first locking ring (1), a blocking ring (2), an inner cylinder (3), a reversing device (4), a shaft (6), a release shaft sleeve (8), a second locking ring (9), a release lever (12) and a reset spring. The multi-stage trigger type high-load locking mechanism converts the force axially transmitted by the inner cylinder (3) into radial transmission, and transmits the force to the second locking ring (9) through the first locking ring (1) and the reversing device (4). The self-locking of the inner cylinder (3) is realized by the axial limiting of the second locking ring (9) through the release shaft sleeve (8). The release lever (12) drives the release shaft sleeve (8) to move, removes the axial limiting of the second locking ring (9), and realizes the unlocking of the inner cylinder (3). The application improves the bearing capacity of the mechanism, is stable and reliable in work, convenient to operate, and lower in cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of aircraft structural design technology, and specifically relates to a multi-stage trigger-type high load-bearing locking mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] The traction bar is one of the key components for catapult launch of aircraft. Its main function is to achieve a fixed-load release, requiring high precision in releasing the load and operating over a wide temperature range. Before release, the traction bar bears a load of tens of tons. Previously, release was achieved by breaking the fixed-load release joint, requiring the storage of a large number of joints, which was inconvenient for logistical support and maintenance. Therefore, catapult-launched aircraft urgently need a traction bar device that is small in size, compact in structure, high in load capacity, stable and reliable in operation, and reusable. Based on the functional requirements of a reusable traction bar, its internal multi-stage trigger-type high-load-bearing locking mechanism, as the core module of the reusable traction bar, is crucial for stability and reliability. Traditional locking mechanisms rely on hydraulic pressure or a rod system to lock through a dead point, occupying a large structural space, with a complex control system, and low load capacity for the same structural dimensions. Therefore, designing a locking mechanism that is space-efficient, lightweight, high in load capacity, repeatable, and highly reliable to meet the functional requirements of a reusable traction bar is extremely important. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a multi-stage trigger-type high-load-bearing locking mechanism. This mechanism is adaptable to the confined space within a reusable restraint bar and enables reliable, repeated, fixed-load release. It also accommodates the high loads and impact conditions during catapult launch, providing strong support for the stable and reliable operation of the reusable restraint bar and ensuring safe catapult launch of the aircraft. The multi-stage trigger-type high-load-bearing locking mechanism of this application mainly includes:

[0004] The inner cylinder includes a front end and a rear end. The inner wall of the inner cylinder has an annular first stepped surface facing the front end, and the rear end of the inner cylinder has a second stepped surface facing the front end.

[0005] A retaining ring is fixed to the first step surface, and the inner ring surface of the retaining ring has a first conical surface that is inclined forward.

[0006] The shaft is located inside the inner cylinder and is coaxial with the inner cylinder. From the front end near the inner cylinder to the rear, the shaft is provided with a first shaft body, a second shaft body and a third shaft body with decreasing outer diameter. A third stepped surface facing the rear end of the inner cylinder is provided between the first shaft body and the second shaft body, and a fourth stepped surface facing the rear end of the inner cylinder is provided between the second shaft body and the third shaft body.

[0007] A thrust ring is sleeved on the second shaft body of the shaft. The front end of the thrust ring is pressed against the third step surface, and the rear end of the thrust ring is pressed against a first locking ring. The outer ring surface of the first locking ring has a rearwardly inclined second conical surface that fits against the first conical surface. At the same time, the inner ring surface of the first locking ring has a forwardly inclined third conical surface.

[0008] The reversing device is sleeved on the outside of the shaft. Its front end is pressed against the second shaft body, and its rear end is pressed against the third shaft body. A first return spring is provided between the rear end of the reversing device and the fourth step surface of the shaft. The outer ring of the front end of the reversing device has a fourth conical surface that is inclined backward. The fourth conical surface is in contact with the third conical surface. The outer ring of the reversing device also has a fifth conical surface that is inclined forward.

[0009] The second locking ring is located at the rear end of the first locking ring. Its inner ring surface has a rearwardly inclined sixth cone surface, which fits against the fifth cone surface. The outer ring surface of the second locking ring has a rearwardly inclined seventh cone surface.

[0010] The release bushing has a first part that fits tightly against the inner wall of the inner cylinder, and a second part that bends in the axial direction to form a step. The inner ring surface of the first part has a forward-inclined eighth cone surface that fits against the seventh cone surface. A second return spring is provided between the step of the second part and the second step surface of the inner cylinder.

[0011] The shaft is a cylindrical structure with a release rod inside. The shaft has a strip-shaped hole extending axially through the cylinder. The release rod has a pin that passes through the strip-shaped hole of the shaft. The end of the pin is connected to the second part of the release shaft sleeve.

[0012] The first and second locking rings are annular structures with circumferential openings, which allow them to expand and contract radially.

[0013] Preferably, a washer is provided between the first locking ring and the second locking ring.

[0014] Preferably, a retaining sleeve is provided between the reversing device and the release bushing.

[0015] Preferably, the shaft has multiple strip-shaped holes along the circumferential direction, and correspondingly, there are multiple pins. After the multiple pins pass through the strip-shaped holes, their ends are all connected to the second part of the release bushing.

[0016] Preferably, the pin is threaded into the radial threaded hole of the release rod.

[0017] Preferably, both the first locking ring and the second locking ring are composed of multiple segments.

[0018] This application employs a multi-stage trigger-type high-load-bearing locking mechanism, which converts the axial force into radial force and restricts its radial transmission to achieve self-locking. An internal return spring is incorporated; after the locking mechanism unlocks, the spring is compressed, and the mechanism automatically resets under the force of the return spring once the external force disappears. This design offers high space utilization, allowing the mechanism to be installed in confined spaces. The conical angle allows for progressively reducing the load, improving the mechanism's load-bearing capacity. The mechanism is stable, reliable, easy to operate, and cost-effective. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the locking state of a preferred embodiment of the multi-level trigger-type high-load-bearing locking mechanism of this application.

[0020] Figure 2 This application Figure 1 The diagram shows the unlocked state of the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This application Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the AA section of the embodiment shown.

[0022] Figure 4 This application Figure 2 A BB cross-sectional diagram of the embodiment shown.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the locking state of the first locking ring.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the unlocked state of the first locking ring.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a segmented structure of a preferred embodiment of the first or second locking ring.

[0026] Wherein, 1-first locking ring, 16-second conical surface, 17-third conical surface, 2-retaining ring, 21-first conical surface, 3-inner cylinder, 31-front end, 32-rear end, 33-first step surface, 34-second step surface, 4-reversing device, 41-fourth conical surface, 42-fifth conical surface, 5-pin, 6-shaft, 61-first shaft body, 62-second shaft body, 63-third shaft body, 64-third step surface, 65-fourth step surface, 7-retaining sleeve, 8-release sleeve, 81-first part, 82-second part, 83-eighth conical surface, 9-second locking ring, 91-sixth conical surface, 92-seventh conical surface, 10-washer, 11-thrust ring, 12-release rod, 13-retaining ring, 14-first return spring, 15-second return spring. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] This application provides a multi-stage trigger-type high-load-bearing locking mechanism, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it mainly includes:

[0029] The inner cylinder 3 includes a front end 31 and a rear end 32. The inner wall of the inner cylinder 3 is formed with an annular first stepped surface 33 facing the front end 31, and the rear end of the inner cylinder 3 is formed with a second stepped surface 34 facing the front end.

[0030] The retaining ring 2 is fixed on the first step surface 33, and the inner ring surface of the retaining ring 2 has a forward-inclined first conical surface 21;

[0031] Shaft 6 is located inside the inner cylinder 3 and is coaxial with the inner cylinder 3. From the front end 31 near the inner cylinder 3, shaft 6 is provided with a first shaft body 61, a second shaft body 62 and a third shaft body 63 with decreasing outer diameter. A third step surface 64 facing the rear end of the inner cylinder is provided between the first shaft body 61 and the second shaft body 62, and a fourth step surface 65 facing the rear end of the inner cylinder is provided between the second shaft body 62 and the third shaft body 63.

[0032] A thrust ring 11 is sleeved on the second shaft body 62 of the shaft 6. The front end of the thrust ring 11 is pressed against the third step surface 64, and the rear end of the thrust ring 11 is pressed against a first locking ring 1. The outer ring surface of the first locking ring 1 has a rearwardly inclined second conical surface 16, which fits against the first conical surface 21. At the same time, the inner ring surface of the first locking ring 1 has a forwardly inclined third conical surface 17.

[0033] The reversing device 4 is sleeved on the outside of the shaft 6. Its front end is pressed against the second shaft body 62, and its rear end is pressed against the third shaft body 63. A first return spring 14 is provided between the rear end of the reversing device 4 and the fourth step surface 65 of the shaft 6. The front end outer ring of the reversing device 4 has a rearwardly inclined fourth cone surface 41, which fits against the third cone surface 12. The outer ring of the reversing device 4 also has a forwardly inclined fifth cone surface 42.

[0034] The second locking ring 9 is located at the rear end of the first locking ring 1. Its inner ring surface has a rearwardly inclined sixth cone surface 91, which fits against the fifth cone surface 42. The outer ring surface of the second locking ring 9 has a rearwardly inclined seventh cone surface 92.

[0035] Release bushing 8 has a first part 81 that is close to the inner wall of the inner cylinder 3, and a second part 82 that is bent in the direction of shaft 6 to form a step. The inner ring surface of the first part 81 has a forward-inclined eighth cone surface 83, which is in contact with the seventh cone surface 92. A second return spring 15 is provided between the step of the second part 82 and the second step surface 34 of the inner cylinder 3.

[0036] Among them, the shaft 6 is a cylindrical structure, and a release rod 12 is provided inside it. The shaft 6 has a strip hole extending axially through the cylinder. The release rod 12 is provided with a pin 5 that passes through the strip hole of the shaft 6. The end of the pin 5 is connected to the second part 82 of the release bushing 8.

[0037] The first locking ring 1 and the second locking ring 9 are annular structures with circumferential openings, which allow them to expand and contract radially.

[0038] The multi-stage trigger-type high-load-bearing locking mechanism of this application has a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein... Figure 1 In the locked state, the external structure is pulled to the left by the aircraft on the inner cylinder 3, and the shaft 6 experiences a reaction force to the right. When the inner cylinder 3 is under force, it is transmitted to the retaining ring 2. The axial force on the retaining ring 2 acts on the first locking ring 11 through the first conical surface 21 and the second conical surface 16 (conical surface e). The first locking ring 11 acts on the reversing device 4 through the third conical surface 17 and the fourth conical surface 41 (conical surface f), causing the reversing device 4 to tend to move to the left. The reversing device 4 acts on the second locking ring 9 through the fifth conical surface 42 and the sixth conical surface 91 (conical surface g), causing the second locking ring 9 to tend to open outward. However, because the release sleeve 8 is jammed by the second locking ring 9 through the seventh conical surface 92 and the eighth conical surface 83, the outward opening tendency of the second locking ring 9 is restricted. Correspondingly, the leftward movement tendency of the reversing device 4 is also restricted, so that the retaining ring 2 and the inner ring 3 cannot move, thus maintaining the locked state.

[0039] When the load exceeds the set value, such as Figure 2The diagram shows the unlocked state. Control release lever 12 moves to the right, causing pin 5 and release sleeve 8 to move to the right. The second return spring 15 is compressed, thus removing the restriction of release sleeve 8 on the second locking ring 9. The second locking ring 9 can then open outwards, releasing the tendency of reversing device 4 to move to the left. Correspondingly, the tendency of first locking ring 1 to move to the left is released, and first locking ring 1 retracts inwards. The first return spring 14 is compressed, and first locking ring 1 moves along the conical surface e of retaining ring 2 until it disengages. Then, retaining ring 2 and inner cylinder 3 move together to the left, creating a release from the aircraft's external connection structure, thus achieving the unlocking function. After unlocking, the aircraft's external connection structure is no longer connected to inner cylinder 3, and the force F acting on inner cylinder 3 disappears. Under the action of the first return spring 14 and the second return spring 15, first locking ring 1 and second locking ring 9 automatically return to the locked state.

[0040] In some alternative embodiments, a washer 10 is provided between the first locking ring 1 and the second locking ring 9.

[0041] In some alternative embodiments, a retaining sleeve 7 is provided between the reversing device 4 and the release sleeve 8. The retaining sleeve 7 mainly fills the gap between the reversing device 4 and the release sleeve 8, restricting the radial movement of the reversing device 4 and the release sleeve 8. The retaining sleeve 7 has a slotted hole that matches the slotted hole on the shaft 6 to provide movement space for the pin 5. The rear end of the retaining sleeve is restricted to an axially set position on the shaft 6 by a retaining ring 13, and the front end of the retaining sleeve abuts against the rear end face of the second locking ring 9.

[0042] In some alternative embodiments, the shaft 6 has a plurality of strip holes along the circumferential direction, and correspondingly, there are a plurality of pins 5. After the plurality of pins 5 pass through the strip holes, their ends are all connected to the second part 82 of the release bushing 8.

[0043] It is understood that the pin 5 may include one or more. When there is one pin 5, it passes through the release rod 12 and its two ends are respectively connected to different positions of the release sleeve 8. When there are multiple pins 5, in order to prevent mutual interference between the pins 5, the pins 5 with two ends are generally divided into two separate structures. One end of each pin 5 is connected to the radial threaded hole of the release rod 12 by thread, and the other end of the pin 5 is fixed to the release sleeve 8.

[0044] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The diagrams show the structures of the first locking ring 1 and the second locking ring 9. Each locking ring is a circumferentially open, elastic ring structure that can contract inward to reduce its inner and outer diameters, or expand outward to increase its inner and outer diameters. Each locking ring has multiple grooves along its circumference, and the sides of the grooves form elastic arms of the locking ring, thereby making the aforementioned elastic contraction or expansion movements smoother.

[0045] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The changes in the opening of the first locking ring 1 in the locked and unlocked states are given respectively. For the first locking ring 1, the opening size in the locked state is larger than the opening size in the unlocked state. It can be understood that since the movement mode of the second locking ring 9 is exactly the opposite of that of the first locking ring 1, the opening size of the second locking ring 9 in the locked state is smaller than the opening size in the unlocked state.

[0046] In some alternative embodiments, both the first locking ring 1 and the second locking ring 9 are composed of multiple segments. To ensure the smooth movement of the first locking ring 1 and the second locking ring 9, the first locking ring 1 and the second locking ring 9 can also be configured as multiple non-connected segment structures, which can be two-segment, three-segment, or more-segmented, and the structural form of the locking ring can be optimized according to actual usage requirements.

[0047] It should also be noted that the multi-stage trigger-type high load-bearing locking mechanism of this application can achieve high load-bearing capacity by rationally planning the angles of the cone surfaces e, f, g and h, so that the loads on the internal parts of the locking mechanism, such as the reversing device 4, locking ring 9, washer 10, retaining sleeve 7 and release bushing 8, are within a small range.

[0048] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-stage trigger-type high-load-bearing locking mechanism, characterized in that, include: The inner cylinder (3) includes a front end (31) and a rear end (32). The inner wall of the inner cylinder (3) has an annular first step surface (33) facing the front end (31), and the rear end of the inner cylinder (3) has a second step surface (34) facing the front end. A retaining ring (2) is fixed on the first step surface (33), and the inner ring surface of the retaining ring (2) has a first conical surface (21) that is inclined forward. Shaft (6) is located inside the inner cylinder (3) and is coaxial with the inner cylinder (3). Shaft (6) has a first shaft body (61), a second shaft body (62) and a third shaft body (63) with decreasing outer diameter arranged sequentially from the front end (31) near the inner cylinder (3) to the rear end. A third step surface (64) facing the rear end of the inner cylinder is provided between the first shaft body (61) and the second shaft body (62). A fourth step surface (65) facing the rear end of the inner cylinder is provided between the second shaft body (62) and the third shaft body (63). A thrust ring (11) is sleeved on the second shaft body (62) of the shaft (6). The front end of the thrust ring (11) is pressed onto the third step surface (64), and the rear end of the thrust ring (11) is pressed onto a first locking ring (1). The outer ring surface of the first locking ring (1) has a rearward inclined second cone surface (16), which fits against the first cone surface (21). At the same time, the inner ring surface of the first locking ring (1) has a forward inclined third cone surface (17). The reversing device (4) is sleeved on the outside of the shaft (6). Its front end is pressed against the second shaft body (62), and its rear end is pressed against the third shaft body (63). A first return spring (14) is provided between the rear end of the reversing device (4) and the fourth step surface (65) of the shaft (6). The outer ring of the front end of the reversing device (4) has a fourth conical surface (41) that is inclined backward. The fourth conical surface (41) is in contact with the third conical surface (12). The outer ring of the reversing device (4) also has a fifth conical surface (42) that is inclined forward. The second locking ring (9) is located at the rear end of the first locking ring (1). Its inner ring surface has a rearwardly inclined sixth cone surface (91), which fits against the fifth cone surface (42). The outer ring surface of the second locking ring (9) has a rearwardly inclined seventh cone surface (92). Release bushing (8), which has a first part (81) that fits against the inner wall of the inner cylinder (3) and a second part (82) that bends toward the shaft (6) to form a step. The inner ring surface of the first part (81) has a forward-inclined eighth cone surface (83) that fits against the seventh cone surface (92). A second return spring (15) is provided between the step of the second part (82) and the second step surface (34) of the inner cylinder (3). Among them, the shaft (6) is a cylindrical structure, and a release rod (12) is provided inside it. The shaft (6) has a strip hole extending in the axial direction through the cylindrical body. The release rod (12) is provided with a pin (5) that passes through the strip hole of the shaft (6). The end of the pin (5) is connected to the second part (82) of the release bushing (8). The first locking ring (1) and the second locking ring (9) are annular structures with circumferential openings, which allow them to expand and contract radially.

2. The multi-stage trigger-type high-load-bearing locking mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A washer (10) is provided between the first locking ring (1) and the second locking ring (9).

3. The multi-stage trigger-type high-load-bearing locking mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A retaining sleeve (7) is provided between the reversing device (4) and the release bushing (8).

4. The multi-stage trigger-type high-load-bearing locking mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shaft (6) has multiple strip holes along the circumferential direction. Correspondingly, there are multiple pins (5). After the multiple pins (5) pass through the strip holes, their ends are all connected to the second part (82) of the release sleeve (8).

5. The multi-stage trigger-type high-load-bearing locking mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The pin is threaded into the radial threaded hole of the release rod (12).

6. The multi-stage trigger-type high-load-bearing locking mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first locking ring (1) and the second locking ring (9) are composed of multiple segments.

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