Automatic drainage slide rail sleeve

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic liquid discharge sliding rail sleeve, which comprises a cylinder body, a discharge channel in the side wall of the cylinder body, a magnetic bead in the discharge channel, a magnetic part in the cylinder body, a receiving cavity in the cylinder body, and a liquid pushing block in the cylinder body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aviation equipment, and more specifically to an automatic drain slide rail sleeve. Background Technology

[0002] During aircraft flight, especially during takeoff and landing, liquid can easily accumulate inside the slat rail sleeve. If this liquid is not drained in time, it may affect the normal operation of the slats and even threaten flight safety. Current technologies often use a sleeve with a drain pipe design to isolate the moving slat rails from the fuel tank and drain external liquid, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0003] However, due to the insufficient clearance between the slide rail sleeve and the lower panel stringer, a drain pipe cannot be installed, rendering the sleeve designed for drainage unusable. This leaves the area unprotected by the sleeve, exposed to air and corrosive liquids, exacerbating corrosion. Furthermore, sometimes the sleeve cannot self-drain, requiring a drain pipe to penetrate the wing fuel tank for drainage; damage to this pipe poses a risk of oil leakage. Moreover, the connection between the sleeve and the front spar and leading edge bulkhead is complex, making maintenance and disassembly virtually impossible. Additionally, if the drain pipe bends and freezes, the accumulated liquid cannot drain automatically, and external de-icing is impossible.

[0004] Therefore, there is a lack in the field of sliding rail sleeves that do not require the installation of drainage pipes, have a simple structure, are easy to maintain and disassemble, and can melt ice and automatically drain liquid. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic drainage slide rail sleeve that can drain water or water from melted ice without the need for a drain pipe. It has a simple structure, is easy to maintain and disassemble, and can adapt to freezing environments.

[0006] This invention provides an automatic drainage slide sleeve, comprising: a cylindrical body, one end of which is closed and the other end is open; a drainage channel is provided in the side wall of the cylindrical body; one end of the drainage channel is in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the cylindrical body through a collection hole; and the outlet end of the drainage channel is in fluid communication with the external environment, wherein the collection hole is located at the bottom of the cylindrical body; a drainage bead, which is accommodated in the drainage channel and movable along the drainage channel, wherein the center of the drainage bead is a magnetic bead, and a flexible deformation layer is wrapped around the outer periphery of the magnetic bead; and a pusher block, which is accommodated in the inner cavity and movable along the inner cavity. The device includes a pusher block with a magnetic component that attracts the magnetic beads in the draining beads and moves together under the influence of magnetic force. The pusher block is conformally fitted to the inner cavity of the cylinder. It also includes a receiving cavity, which is a passageway in the side wall of the cylinder extending from the draining channel at the receiving hole towards the outlet away from the draining channel and simultaneously towards the top of the cylinder. The receiving cavity is used to accommodate the water to be drained and the draining beads in the cylinder when the pusher block moves along the inner cavity to its innermost position or nearby.

[0007] The term "lateral" as used in this article refers to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the inner cavity.

[0008] In another preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid-pushing block is 0.8-1 times the transverse cross-sectional area of ​​the inner cavity.

[0009] In another preferred embodiment, the drain bead is used to actuate the fluid in the drain channel to discharge it.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the liquid collection hole is located at the lowest point in the inner cavity.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the drainage channel is a circular trough.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the liquid-pumping block in the sleeve is used to connect with the moving slat, preferably the slide rail of the slat, so that automatic liquid drainage can be achieved during each takeoff and landing of the aircraft.

[0013] During operation, as the slat retracts, the slat's slide rail extends into the inner cavity of the sleeve, pushing the liquid-pushing block along the inner cavity towards the innermost part of the sleeve. During this process, the liquid-pushing block and the liquid-draining bead are magnetically attracted to each other and move together under the magnetic attraction. The liquid-draining bead moves inward along the drainage channel. The liquid-pushing block pushes the liquid in the inner cavity inward, and the liquid enters the drainage channel and the receiving cavity through the receiving hole. When the liquid-pushing block reaches the innermost part of the inner cavity and is in contact with or almost in contact with the closed end of the sleeve, almost all the liquid in the inner cavity flows into the receiving cavity. Preferably, due to the one-way valve at the receiving hole, the liquid can only enter the receiving cavity and the drainage channel from the inner cavity and cannot flow back. When the pusher block reaches the innermost part of the inner cavity and fits against the closed end of the sleeve, the draining bead reaches the vicinity of the receiving hole. Since the draining bead is lighter than water, and the water in the cylinder is almost completely contained in the receiving cavity, the draining bead is located at the deepest part of the receiving cavity. Therefore, the draining bead experiences a very large buoyancy at this point and tends to float upward. When this buoyancy is greater than the magnetic attraction between the draining bead and the pusher block, as well as the frictional force between the draining bead and the lower part of the receiving cavity, the draining bead detaches from the magnetic attraction of the pusher block and floats upward, eventually reaching the liquid surface position, i.e., the innermost end of the receiving cavity. During the release or deployment of the slats, the slide rails of the slats extend from the inner cavity of the sleeve, driving the liquid-pushing block to move along the inner cavity toward the outlet end of the sleeve. The liquid-pushing block then drives the liquid-draining bead toward the outlet end of the liquid-draining channel, thereby pushing the liquid from the liquid-draining channel in the inner cavity of the sleeve out of the liquid-draining channel, thus completing one liquid discharge process in the sleeve.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the sleeve is heated by a heating layer before the slats are retracted, causing the ice inside the sleeve cavity to melt.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, when the liquid-pushing block moves along the inner cavity to the innermost position of the inner cavity or near it, and the water in the cylinder is discharged into the receiving cavity through the liquid-collecting hole, the buoyancy of the liquid-discharging droplet in the receiving cavity is greater than the magnetic attraction of the liquid-pushing block on the liquid-discharging droplet and the friction between the optional receiving cavity and the liquid-discharging droplet, causing the liquid-discharging droplet to float.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, after the draining bead floats up in the receiving cavity, the water in the receiving cavity enters the draining channel, the water level in the receiving cavity drops, the magnetic attraction between the draining bead and the pusher block is greater than the buoyancy of the draining bead in the receiving cavity, and the draining bead moves together with the pusher block again.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the density of the drain droplets is less than the density of water.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the draining droplet is buoyant in water.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the receiving cavity is formed as a tapered structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the lower part of the receiving cavity and the drain bead are interference fit.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the tapering structure of the receiving cavity allows the drain droplet to push almost all the water in the receiving cavity into the drain channel during the release or deployment of the slats through an interference fit with the lower part of the receiving cavity.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the upper space of the receiving cavity is larger than the volume of the draining bead. The upper part of the receiving cavity and the draining bead are loosely fitted. The upper part of the receiving cavity has sufficient space to accommodate the draining bead.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the axial length of the receiving cavity is 5-15 mm; preferably 8-12 mm.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the angle between the axial direction of the receiving cavity and the cross-section of the cylinder at the liquid receiving hole is 5-50 degrees; preferably, 10-40 degrees; more preferably, 15-30 degrees.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the height variation per unit length of the receiving cavity is greater than the height variation per unit length of the drain channel.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the high-speed change per unit length of the receiving cavity is at least greater than the height change per unit length of the drain channel near the location of the receiving hole.

[0027] The unit length is the unit length of the orthogonal projection of the receiving cavity or the drain channel along the axial direction of the cylinder; the height is the height of the orthogonal projection of the receiving cavity or the drain channel along the plane of the intersection of the cross section of the cylinder at the receiving hole and the side wall where the drain channel is located.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment, the drain channel section near the liquid collection hole is horizontal or nearly horizontal.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, the receiving cavity rises steeply from the liquid receiving hole; the draining channel rises gently from the liquid receiving hole.

[0030] The above configuration places the draining bead at a deeper position in the receiving cavity, resulting in greater buoyancy. This buoyancy is greater than the magnetic attraction between the pusher block and the draining bead, and the friction between the optional draining channel and the draining bead, causing the draining bead to float in the receiving cavity. Conversely, in the draining channel, the draining bead is at a shallower position, resulting in less buoyancy. This buoyancy is less than the magnetic attraction between the pusher block and the draining bead, and the friction between the draining channel and the draining bead, causing the draining bead not to float in the draining channel.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, a one-way valve is provided at the liquid collection hole, the one-way valve being used to form a one-way fluid passage from the inner cavity to the liquid discharge channel.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, the drain channel is an arc-shaped passage that curves toward the top of the sleeve; the highest point of the curved section of the drain channel is at least above the horizontal level of the outlet.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, the drainage channel is a passage that bends toward the top of the sleeve to prevent external liquid from flowing back into the drainage channel.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the drain bead is interference-fitted with the drain channel.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, the flexible deformable layer of the drain bead in the drain channel is deformed under pressure, such deformation is such that when viewed along the axial direction of the drain channel, the drain bead fills at least 95% of the transverse cross section of the drain channel.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment, the drain beads completely fill the transverse cross-section of the drain channel.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, the diameter of the drain droplet in the unpressurized state is larger than the diameter of the drain channel.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, the flexible deformable layer can deform under pressure.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, the flexible deformation layer is PVA foam, PU hydrophilic foam, PE foam, etc.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the flexible deformable layer is a layer filled with liquid and / or gas.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, the flexible deformation layer is a helium layer.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the cylinder is a generally square-shaped cylinder, and the drainage channel is located within one side wall of the square cylinder. The drainage channel may also extend within the side walls of two (or more) sides of the square cylinder.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the draining bead has an absorbent outer surface; the liquid pushing block has a hydrophobic outer surface.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, the outer membrane of the draining bead is wear-resistant.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment, the outer membrane of the liquid-pushing block is wear-resistant.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment, the liquid pusher is provided with a spring for connection to a slide rail.

[0047] The spring connects the slide rail to the slide rail, allowing for a certain degree of relative motion freedom between them. The slat does not extend into the innermost part of the cylinder. The length of the spring (preferably, the length in the compressed state) compensates for the distance difference between the slat and the innermost part of the cylinder, and (due to the rigidity of the spring in the compressed state) pushes the liquid pusher block to the innermost part of the cylinder.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the sleeve is provided with a heating layer for de-icing.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, the heating layer is an electric heating layer.

[0050] In another preferred embodiment, a circuit is used to connect the sleeve to the air connection, the circuit being prohibited from contacting the fuel tank.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment, the sleeve is fixedly connected to the aircraft via a sliding groove installation method.

[0052] This sliding installation method facilitates installation, disassembly, and maintenance. There are no fasteners between the sleeve and the main structure, and no alternating load transmission, which greatly improves the service life and maintenance capability of the main structure, and also facilitates sealing.

[0053] In another preferred embodiment, the open end of the sleeve has a flange extending radially outward from the cylinder body, and a corresponding groove adapted to the flange is provided on the front beam body of the aircraft. The sleeve is installed onto the front beam body by inserting the flange into the groove.

[0054] In another preferred embodiment, the opening of the slot for allowing the flange to be inserted is sealed by a sealing plate after the sleeve is installed, preventing the sleeve from slipping out of the slot.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment, a seal is formed between the sleeve and the front beam body to prevent liquid leakage. This seal is achieved, for example, by using gaskets, rubber strips, or other sealing elements.

[0056] In another preferred embodiment, multiple seals are provided between the sleeve and the front beam body. For example, the seals are achieved through a multi-stage stepped structure that adapts between the sleeve and the front beam body.

[0057] In another preferred embodiment, the mating surface of the sleeve is a double step, which increases oil circuit energy consumption and improves sealing performance.

[0058] In another preferred embodiment, the front beam body is provided with an opening that corresponds to the opening of the sleeve.

[0059] In another preferred embodiment, a filter screen is provided on the sleeve at the outlet of the drainage channel.

[0060] In another preferred embodiment, the filter screen is used for liquid outlet resistance and dust prevention.

[0061] In another preferred embodiment, the filter screen is a coarse filter screen; the pore size of the coarse filter screen is approximately 5-10 mm.

[0062] In another preferred embodiment, the filter is removable and replaceable.

[0063] In another preferred embodiment, the cylinder is a 3D printed structure that is seamless and lightweight.

[0064] The advantage of the sleeve in this embodiment is that:

[0065] 1. By using the magnetic connection between the liquid pusher and the liquid draining bead, and in conjunction with the sliding rail of the moving slat, the liquid inside the sleeve is automatically discharged during the take-off and landing of the aircraft. This eliminates the need for a separate drain pipe, improves the efficiency and reliability of the liquid discharge, and ensures the safety of the aircraft flight.

[0066] 2. The special structural design of the drainage channel, such as the receiving cavity, one-way valve, and curved arc passage, effectively prevents liquid backflow and external liquid backflow, ensuring the normal operation of the drainage system.

[0067] 3. The heating layer design of the sleeve can melt the ice in the inner cavity before the slats are retracted, thus avoiding the impact of ice on the drainage process and slat operation.

[0068] 4. The sliding groove installation method and related sealing structure facilitate the installation, disassembly and maintenance of the sleeve, improve the service life and maintenance capability of the main structure, and at the same time ensure sealing performance and prevent liquid leakage.

[0069] 5. The filter effectively blocks impurities, protects the drainage channel, and is removable and replaceable for easy maintenance. The 3D-printed sleeve structure is seamless and lightweight, further enhancing product performance.

[0070] It should be understood that, within the scope of this invention, the above-described technical features of this invention and the technical features specifically described below (such as in the embodiments) can be combined with each other to form new or preferred technical solutions. Due to space limitations, they will not be described in detail here. Attached Figure Description

[0071] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0072] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a slide rail sleeve drainage device with a drain pipe in the prior art;

[0073] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an automatic drain slide sleeve in one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drain channel, the liquid collection hole and the collection cavity, and the flow direction of the water to be drained in the three-part passage is shown by blue arrows.

[0074] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an automatic drain slide rail sleeve in one embodiment of the present invention, which is cut in half along the longitudinal direction. Orange lines show the drain channel hidden in the side wall of the sleeve when viewed from inside the sleeve, and blue arrows show the flow direction of the water to be drained in the drain channel.

[0075] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of the liquid receiving orifice section;

[0076] Figure 5 This is a half-sectional view of the draining bead of the automatic draining slide rail sleeve in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0077] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the liquid-pushing block of the automatic liquid-draining slide rail sleeve in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] Figure 7 This refers to the positional relationship between the slat and the liquid-pushing block in the sleeve when the slat has just extended a short distance into the sleeve during the slat retraction process in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 8This refers to the positional relationship between the slat and the liquid-pushing block in the sleeve when the slat extends to its furthest point into the sleeve during the slat retraction process in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the slat and the liquid pusher block in the sleeve when the slat is extended to the farthest position in the sleeve during the slat retraction process in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 10 Is with Figure 8 The diagram shows the positional relationship between the slats and the pusher block in the sleeve and the corresponding positional relationship between the drain beads and the drain channel. In order to illustrate the positional relationship between the drain beads and the pusher block, the pusher block located on the inner side wall, which is not visible from the perspective of this diagram, is shown in the figure.

[0082] Figure 11 Is with Figure 8 and Figure 10 Under similar conditions, under the pressure of the liquid pusher (the direction of movement of the liquid pusher is shown by the orange dashed arrow), water in the cylinder flows from the liquid collection hole through the one-way valve to the receiving chamber and the liquid discharge channel (as shown by the blue dashed arrow in the figure). At the same time, the liquid discharge bead squeezes the gas and water in the liquid discharge channel into the receiving chamber (as shown by the blue dashed arrow in the figure).

[0083] Figure 12 Is with Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the position of the drain beads in the corresponding drain channel;

[0084] Figure 13 This is a longitudinally halved cross-sectional view of a sleeve with a heating layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a slot for connecting a sleeve in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0086] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the sleeve being inserted into the slot in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0087] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a sleeve that has been inserted into the slot and is about to be inserted into the sealing plate in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0088] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the assembled sleeve, slot, and sealing plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing between the assembled sleeve, groove and sealing plate in one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the red solid line indicates the sealing strip and the dotted line frame indicates the sealing gasket.

[0090] The labels in each of the attached figures are as follows:

[0091] 1-Cylinder body;

[0092] 2- Drainage channel;

[0093] 3-Liquid collection hole;

[0094] 4-Drainage beads;

[0095] 5-Magnetic beads;

[0096] 6-Deformation layer;

[0097] 7-Pushing block;

[0098] 8-Magnetic part;

[0099] 9-Storage cavity;

[0100] 10-Slats;

[0101] 11-Check valve;

[0102] 12-Spring;

[0103] 13-Heating layer;

[0104] 14-Flange;

[0105] 15 - Front beam main body;

[0106] 16-Card slot;

[0107] 17-Sealed plate;

[0108] 18 - Seals. Detailed Implementation

[0109] Through extensive and in-depth research and screening, the inventors have developed, for the first time, an automatic drainage slide rail sleeve. This automatic drainage slide rail sleeve, through a drainage channel, a collection hole, and a receiving cavity built into the inner wall of the sleeve, the magnetic connection between the pusher block and the drainage bead, and its cooperation with the moving slat slide rail, achieves automatic drainage of liquid within the sleeve during aircraft takeoff and landing. This eliminates the need for a drain pipe, improving drainage efficiency and reliability, and ensuring flight safety. It effectively prevents liquid backflow and external liquid backflow, ensuring the normal operation of the drainage system. The sleeve's heating layer design melts ice in the inner cavity before the slats retract, preventing ice from affecting the drainage process and slat operation. The grooved installation method and related sealing structure facilitate the installation, disassembly, and maintenance of the sleeve, improving the lifespan and maintainability of the main structure, while ensuring sealing performance and preventing liquid leakage. This invention is based on these findings.

[0110] The automatic drainage slide rail sleeve of this invention uses a built-in drainage channel, eliminating the need for an external drainage pipe. It automatically drains accumulated liquid using the energy from the retraction and extension of the slats. The sleeve uses magnetic attraction to push drainage beads, discharging the accumulated liquid. The sleeve's magnetic structure is connected to the moving slats, enabling automatic drainage during each takeoff and landing. After the slats retract, a hydrophobic pusher automatically drains the accumulated liquid. A heating layer is added to the outer wall of the sleeve for de-icing. No openings are needed in the lower wing panel, increasing wing strength. The sleeve's sliding groove installation facilitates installation, disassembly, and maintenance, eliminating fasteners and significantly improving the lifespan of the main structure and sealing. The sleeve's 3D-printed structure is seamless and lightweight, facilitating aircraft modification without requiring changes to other components or configuration issues. It solves the corrosion problem of dry cabins without sleeve protection, greatly extending lifespan, reducing inspection intervals, and increasing airline profitability. The drainage channel inside the sleeve uses an arc-shaped conduit to prevent backflow of external liquid. A coarse filter screen is used at the outlet of the drainage channel for liquid outlet obstruction and dust prevention. The sleeve's double-step mating surface increases oil circuit energy consumption and improves sealing performance.

[0111] The drainage beads incorporate magnetic beads and a wear-resistant, water-absorbing outer membrane to propel the flow of accumulated liquid. The wear-resistant layer of the beads is filled with helium, making them lighter than water and capable of floating. A hydrophobic pusher, combined with an internal magnetic block, squeezes out the accumulated liquid; its hydrophobic outer surface prevents liquid adsorption. The magnetic beads have a dual-pathway design with a one-way valve for blocking, working in conjunction with a sliding rail. The rail retracts and moves upward to store potential energy, while the rail moves downward and pushes outward to drain the liquid.

[0112] The hydrophobic pusher block is connected to the slide rail by a spring. After the slats are retracted, the hydrophobic pusher block automatically squeezes out the accumulated liquid from the liquid collection port. The retraction of the slats simultaneously compresses the hydrophobic pusher block, increasing the pressure inside the sleeve and pushing the drain beads up. Due to buoyancy and pressure, the drain beads enter the collection chamber. The connection between the collection chamber and the liquid collection port is controlled by a one-way valve, ensuring that liquid only flows out and not in. The drain channel inside the sleeve uses an arc-shaped path to prevent external liquid from flowing back in. The magnetic block that moves with the slide rail pushes the drain beads, pushing the accumulated liquid out. The outlet has a coarse filter screen to block the drain beads and large dust particles from the outside. The drain beads return to their original position as the slide rail retracts. The sleeve's magnetic structure is connected to the moving slats, enabling automatic liquid drainage during each takeoff and landing. The sleeve features a heated inner wall for de-icing and allows for electrical connections between the sleeve and the air, ensuring the electrical path does not contact the fuel tank. The sleeve's sliding mounting facilitates installation, disassembly, and maintenance. The absence of fasteners between the sleeve and the main structure eliminates alternating load transfer, significantly improving the main structure's lifespan and maintainability. The double-step design on the sleeve's mating surface increases fuel system energy consumption and improves sealing performance. Eliminating the drain pipe eliminates the need for openings in the wing's lower wall panel, increasing wing strength. The 3D-printed cylinder structure is seamless and lightweight. It facilitates aircraft modification without requiring changes to other components or configuration issues. Furthermore, it solves the corrosion problem of unprotected dry cabins, greatly extending lifespan, reducing inspection intervals, and increasing airline profitability.

[0113] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are schematic diagrams, and therefore the apparatus and device of the present invention are not limited to the size or scale of the schematic diagrams.

[0114] It should be noted that in the claims and specification of this patent, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one" does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0115] Example

[0116] This embodiment relates to an automatic drainage slide rail sleeve, and more particularly to a sleeve structure used in aircraft takeoff and landing processes, which cooperates with a moving slat slide rail to achieve automatic drainage. For example... Figure 2-18 As shown, the sleeve in this embodiment includes a cylinder 1, a draining bead 4, a pusher block 7, and a receiving cavity 9.

[0117] like Figure 2-4 As shown, the cylinder 1 is closed at one end and open at the other, with a drainage channel 2 on its side wall. The cylinder 1 can be a 3D printed structure, seamless and lightweight. One end of the drainage channel 2 is in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the cylinder 1 through a collection hole 3, and the outlet end is in fluid communication with the external environment. The collection hole 3 is located at the bottom of the cylinder 1, preferably at the lowest point in the inner cavity, to ensure that the liquid can flow smoothly into the drainage channel 2. The side wall of the cylinder 1 is also provided with a receiving cavity 9, which is a passageway in the side wall of the cylinder 1 extending from the drainage channel 2 at the collection hole 3 towards the outlet away from the drainage channel 2 and simultaneously towards the top of the cylinder 1. The receiving cavity 9 is used to accommodate the water and drainage droplets 4 to be discharged in the cylinder 1 when the pusher block 7 moves along the inner cavity to the innermost position or near it. The cylinder 1 can be a cylinder 1 with a roughly square interface, and the drainage channel 2 is located in one side wall of the square cylinder 1, or it can extend in two (or more) side walls of the square cylinder 1. The drain channel 2 is an arc-shaped passage that curves towards the top of the sleeve, with the highest point of the curved section being at least higher than the horizontal level of the outlet to prevent external liquid from flowing back into the drain channel 2. A one-way valve 11 is provided at the liquid collection hole 3 to form a one-way fluid passage from the inner cavity to the drain channel 2, preventing liquid backflow.

[0118] The drain droplet 4 is contained within the drain channel 2 and can move along it, such as Figure 5 As shown, the center is a magnetic bead 5, surrounded by a flexible deformation layer 6. The drain bead 4 is used to push the fluid in the drain channel 2 to drain out; it is lighter than water and can float. The drain bead 4 is interference-fitted with the drain channel 2. The flexible deformation layer 6 in the drain channel 2 deforms under pressure, so that when viewed along the axial direction of the drain channel 2, the drain bead 4 completely fills the transverse section of the drain channel 2. The diameter of the drain bead 4 in the unpressurized state is larger than the diameter of the drain channel 2. The flexible deformation layer 6 can deform under pressure; for example, the flexible deformation layer 6 can be PVA foam, hydrophilic PU foam, PE foam, etc., or it can be a layer filled with liquid and / or gas, such as a helium layer. The drain bead 4 also has a water-absorbing outer surface, and the outer membrane is wear-resistant.

[0119] The liquid pusher block 7 is housed within the inner cavity of the cylinder 1 and can move along it, such as Figure 6 As shown, a magnetic part 8 is provided, which attracts the magnetic bead 5 in the draining bead 4, and the two move together under the attraction of magnetic force. The pusher block 7 is conformally shaped to the inner cavity of the cylinder 1. In another preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the pusher block 7 can be 0.8-1 times the transverse cross-sectional area of ​​the inner cavity. The pusher block 7 has a hydrophobic outer surface, and the outer film is wear-resistant. The pusher block 7 is also provided with a spring 12 for connecting with the slide rail of the aircraft. The connection between the spring 12 and the slide rail allows for a certain degree of relative motion freedom between the two, and the slat 10 does not extend into the innermost part of the cylinder 1. The distance difference between the slat 10 and the innermost part of the cylinder 1 is compensated by the length of the spring 12 (preferably, the length in the compressed state), and (due to the rigidity of the spring 12 in the compressed state) the pusher block 7 is pushed to the innermost part of the cylinder 1.

[0120] like Figure 11-12 As shown, the receiving cavity 9 is formed with a tapered structure, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The lower part of the receiving cavity 9 and the drain droplet 4 are interference-fitted. The upper part of the receiving cavity 9 has sufficient space to accommodate the drain droplet 4. The tapered structure of the receiving cavity 9 allows the drain droplet 4 to push almost all the water in the receiving cavity 9 into the drain channel 2 through the interference fit with the lower part of the receiving cavity 9 during the release or deployment of the slat 10. The axial length of the receiving cavity 9 is 5-15 mm, preferably 8-12 mm; the angle between its axial direction and the longitudinal direction is 5-50 degrees, preferably 10-40 degrees, and more preferably 15-30 degrees.

[0121] The high-speed change per unit length of the receiving cavity 9 is at least greater than the height change per unit length of the drain channel 2 near the liquid receiving hole 3. Preferably, the drain channel 2 near the liquid receiving hole 3 is horizontal or nearly horizontal. Preferably, the height change per unit length of the receiving cavity 9 is greater than the height change per unit length of the drain channel 2. This configuration results in the drain bead 4 being in a deeper position in the receiving cavity 9, experiencing greater buoyancy than the magnetic attraction between the pusher block 7 and the drain bead 4, and the frictional force between the optional drain channel 2 and the drain bead 4, thus causing the drain bead 4 to float in the receiving cavity 9; while in the drain channel 2, the drain bead 4 is in a shallower position, experiencing less buoyancy than the magnetic attraction between the pusher block 7 and the drain bead 4, and the frictional force between the drain channel 2 and the drain bead 4, thus preventing the drain bead 4 from floating in the drain channel 2.

[0122] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, a heating layer 13 is arranged on the inner wall of the sleeve for de-icing. The heating layer 13 is preferably an electrically heated layer 13. An electrical circuit is connected to the connection between the sleeve and the air, and the circuit is not allowed to contact the fuel tank. Before the slats 10 are retracted, the sleeve can be heated by the heating layer 13 to melt the ice in the inner cavity of the cylinder 1.

[0123] like Figure 14-18 As shown, the sleeve is fixedly connected to the aircraft through a sliding groove installation method. This method facilitates installation, disassembly and maintenance. There are no fasteners between the sleeve and the main structure, and no alternating load transmission, which greatly improves the service life and maintenance capability of the main structure, and is also conducive to sealing.

[0124] The sleeve has a flange 14 extending radially outward from the cylinder 1 at its open end. Correspondingly, a groove 16 adapted to the flange 14 is provided on the aircraft's front beam body 15. The sleeve is installed onto the front beam body 15 by inserting the flange 14 into the groove 16. The opening of the groove 16, which allows the flange 14 to be inserted, is sealed by a sealing plate 17 after the sleeve is installed to prevent the sleeve from slipping out of the groove 16. Sealing between the sleeve and the front beam body 15 is achieved, for example, by sealing gaskets, rubber strips, or other sealing elements 18. Multiple sealing can also be achieved through a multi-stage stepped structure that adapts between the flange 14 and the front beam body 15. The mating surface of the sleeve is double-stepped, increasing oil circuit energy consumption and improving sealing performance. The front beam body 15 has an opening corresponding to the opening of the sleeve.

[0125] In addition, a filter screen is installed on the sleeve at the outlet of the drainage channel 2 for liquid outlet obstruction and dust prevention. The filter screen is a coarse filter screen with a pore size of approximately 5-10 mm and is removable and replaceable.

[0126] In use, before the slat 10 is retracted, the sleeve is heated by the heating layer 13, causing the ice inside the sleeve to melt. During the retraction of the slat 10, as... Figure 7-10As shown, the slide rail of the slat 10 extends into the inner cavity of the sleeve, pushing the liquid-pushing block 7 along the inner cavity towards the innermost part of the sleeve. During this process, the liquid-pushing block 7 and the liquid-draining bead 4 are magnetically attracted to each other and move together under the action of magnetic attraction. The liquid-draining bead 4 moves inward along the liquid-draining channel 2. Figure 11 As shown, the pusher block 7 pushes the liquid inward into the inner cavity, and the liquid enters the drain channel 2 and the receiving cavity 9 through the receiving hole 3. When the pusher block 7 reaches the innermost part of the inner cavity and is in contact with or almost in contact with the closed end of the sleeve, almost all the liquid in the inner cavity flows into the receiving cavity 9. Preferably, due to the one-way valve 11 at the receiving hole 3, the liquid can only enter the receiving cavity 9 and the drain channel 2 from the inner cavity and cannot flow back. Figure 12 As shown, when the pusher block 7 reaches the innermost part of the inner cavity and fits against the closed end of the sleeve, the draining bead 4 reaches the vicinity of the receiving hole 3. Since the draining bead 4 is lighter than water, and the water in the cylinder 1 is almost completely contained in the receiving cavity 9, the draining bead 4 is located in the deepest part of the receiving cavity 9. Therefore, the draining bead 4 bears a very large buoyancy here and has a tendency to float upward. When the buoyancy is greater than the magnetic attraction between the draining bead 4 and the pusher block 7 and the friction between the draining bead 4 and the lower part of the receiving cavity 9, the draining bead 4 detaches from the magnetic attraction of the pusher block 7 and floats upward, eventually floating to the liquid surface position, that is, the innermost end of the receiving cavity 9.

[0127] After the draining bead 4 floats up in the receiving cavity 9, the water in the receiving cavity 9 enters the draining channel 2, the water level in the receiving cavity 9 drops, and the magnetic attraction between the draining bead 4 and the pusher block 7 is greater than the buoyancy of the draining bead 4 in the receiving cavity 9, so the draining bead 4 can move together with the pusher block 7 again.

[0128] During the release or deployment of the slat 10, the slide rail of the slat 10 extends from the inner cavity of the sleeve, driving the liquid pusher 7 to move along the inner cavity towards the outlet end of the sleeve. The liquid pusher 7 then drives the draining bead 4 to move towards the outlet end of the draining channel 2, thereby pushing the liquid from the draining channel 2 in the inner cavity of the sleeve out of the draining channel 2, thus completing one discharge process of the liquid in the sleeve.

[0129] It should be noted that if not enough ice water accumulates in the sleeve, that is, not enough water is discharged into the receiving cavity 9 to provide sufficient buoyancy to allow the draining bead 4 to break free from the magnetic attraction between it and the pusher block 7, then the water can be left undischarged and more water can be accumulated until the water discharged into the receiving cavity 9 is sufficient to provide enough buoyancy to allow the draining bead 4 to break free from the control of the pusher block 7, and then all the water can be discharged again.

[0130] All documents mentioned in this invention are incorporated herein by reference as if each document were individually incorporated by reference. Furthermore, it should be understood that after reading the foregoing teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to this invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automatic drain slide rail sleeve, characterized in that, The sleeve includes: A cylindrical body, one end of which is closed and the other end is open. A drain channel is provided in the side wall of the cylindrical body. One end of the drain channel is in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the cylindrical body through a liquid collection hole. The outlet end of the drain channel is in fluid communication with the external environment. The liquid collection hole is located at the bottom of the cylindrical body, and a one-way valve is provided at the liquid collection hole. The draining beads are contained in the draining channel and are movable along the draining channel. The center of the draining beads is a magnetic bead, and a flexible deformation layer is wrapped around the outer periphery of the magnetic bead. The density of the draining beads is less than that of water. A liquid-pushing block, which is housed in and movable within the inner cavity, is provided with a magnetic portion that attracts and moves together with a magnetic bead in the liquid-draining bead under the influence of magnetic force. The liquid-pushing block is conformally fitted to the inner cavity of the cylinder. The receiving cavity is a passageway provided in the side wall of the cylinder, extending from the drain channel at the liquid collection hole to the outlet direction away from the drain channel and simultaneously toward the top of the cylinder. The receiving cavity is used to accommodate the water to be discharged and the drain droplets in the cylinder when the pusher block moves along the innermost position of the inner cavity or near it.

2. The sleeve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the liquid-pushing block moves along the inner cavity to the innermost position of the inner cavity or near it, and the water in the cylinder is discharged into the receiving cavity through the liquid-collecting hole, the buoyancy of the liquid-discharging droplet in the receiving cavity is greater than the magnetic attraction of the liquid-pushing block on the liquid-discharging droplet and the friction between the optional receiving cavity and the liquid-discharging droplet, causing the liquid-discharging droplet to float.

3. The sleeve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The storage cavity is formed with a tapering structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.

4. The sleeve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lower part of the receiving cavity and the drain droplet are interference-fitted.

5. The sleeve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The one-way valve is used to form a one-way fluid passage from the inner cavity to the drainage channel.

6. The sleeve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The drainage channel is an arc-shaped passage that curves toward the top of the sleeve; the highest point of the curved section of the drainage channel is at least higher than the horizontal level of the outlet.

7. The sleeve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The draining bead is interference-fitted with the draining channel.

8. The sleeve as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The liquid pusher block is equipped with a spring, which is used to connect with the slide rail.

9. The sleeve as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The inner wall of the sleeve is provided with a heating layer for de-icing.

Images