Helicopter clutch freewheel spring replacement device and method

CN121062970BActive Publication Date: 2026-08-07JIANGXI CHANGHE AVIATION IND
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
JIANGXI CHANGHE AVIATION IND
Filing Date
2025-07-30
Publication Date
2026-08-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

[0003]传统更换离合器弹簧时,都是采用手工更换方式,这种方式的操作过程复杂、耗时长,维修成本较高,工作效率较低,而且在取出和安装弹簧的过程中容易造成斜撑块散落,重新组装斜撑块时如不仔细辨认,容易造成斜撑块的内凸轮型面和外凸轮型面装反,一旦装错而未被发现,极易导致直升机开车时离合器自由轮报废甚至可能在直升机运行时出现严重事故

Benefits of technology

[0016] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: Based on the fact that the freewheel clutch's brace block is made of steel and can be attracted by a magnet, by designing an electromagnetic chuck in the installation position of the brace block, the brace block can be attracted to the electromagnetic chuck by electromagnetic force, which can quickly replace the helicopter freewheel spring, improve the efficiency of spring disassembly and assembly, ensure the quality of replacement, and improve the maintainability of the helicopter in and out of the field.

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Abstract

The application provides a helicopter clutch freewheel spring replacement device and a replacement method, the device comprises an electromagnetic chuck, the electromagnetic chuck is arranged on the inner and outer sides of the clutch freewheel inclined support block mounting position, the inclined support block is adsorbed on the electromagnetic chuck by using electromagnetic force, and the quick replacement of the freewheel spring is realized. Through the application, the dismounting efficiency of the spring can be improved, the maintenance of the helicopter in the field and off the field is improved while the replacement quality is ensured.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the fields of mechanical structure design and magnetic induction design technology, and in particular relates to a helicopter clutch freewheel spring replacement device and replacement method. Background Technology

[0002] Helicopter clutch freewheel spring (such as Figure 3 (As shown) It is usually installed between the cage of the freewheel and the upper and lower grooves of the 33 diagonal braces, two in total, one upper and one lower. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this is a short-cycle, periodic replacement item, and it needs to be replaced in pairs.

[0003] Traditionally, clutch springs are replaced manually. This method is complex, time-consuming, costly, and inefficient. Furthermore, the spring removal and installation process can easily cause the bracing blocks to fall apart. If the bracing blocks are not carefully inspected during reassembly, the inner and outer cam surfaces can easily be reversed. If this error goes undetected, it can easily lead to the clutch freewheel being damaged during helicopter operation or even cause serious accidents.

[0004] Because the replacement cycle of the freewheel spring is relatively short, with the increase in the number of helicopters and the length of time they are in use, the frequency of replacing the helicopter clutch freewheel spring is also increasing. Therefore, when replacing the spring, there is an urgent need for a convenient and easy-to-use replacement device that can reduce maintenance costs and improve work efficiency while ensuring installation quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that the manual replacement method when replacing the clutch spring is used, which has high maintenance costs, low work efficiency, and is prone to causing the inner cam surface and outer cam surface of the inclined support block to be installed in reverse.

[0006] The technical solution of this invention is to propose a device for quickly replacing helicopter clutch springs based on electromagnetic attraction, which aims to improve the efficiency of replacing helicopter clutch springs, reduce maintenance time and cost, and allow the inner and outer cam surfaces of the inclined support block to be reversed, thereby improving the availability and safety of the helicopter.

[0007] In one aspect, a helicopter clutch freewheel spring replacement device is provided, including an electromagnetic chuck. The electromagnetic chuck is disposed on the inner and outer sides of the mounting position of the inclined support block. The inclined support block is attracted to the electromagnetic chuck by electromagnetic force, thereby realizing the rapid replacement of the freewheel spring.

[0008] Optionally, the device includes: multiple inner electromagnetic coils 1, multiple inner proximity switches 2, an inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3, multiple outer electromagnetic coils 4, multiple outer proximity switches 5, an outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6, a base 7, and a control system 8. The inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3 has multiple small holes on its side and multiple vertical grooves on its inner wall. Each inner proximity switch 2 is installed in a small hole on the side of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3 to sense whether the inclined support block is attracted to the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3. Each inner electromagnetic coil 1 is installed in a vertical groove of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3 to attract the inclined support block. The outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6 has multiple small holes on its side and multiple vertical grooves on its outer wall. Each outer proximity switch 5 is installed in a small hole on the side of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6 to sense whether the inclined support block is attracted to the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 6. Each outer electromagnetic coil 4 is installed in a vertical groove of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6 to attract the inclined support block. Both the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3 and the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6 are mounted on the base 7. The control system 8 is electrically connected to multiple inner electromagnetic coils 1, multiple inner proximity switches 2, multiple outer electromagnetic coils 4, and multiple outer proximity switches 5 through the base 7. The inner electromagnetic coils 1, inner proximity switches 2, and inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3 form the inner electromagnetic chuck, and the outer electromagnetic coils 4, outer proximity switches 5, and outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6 form the outer electromagnetic chuck. The inclined support block is located in the annular space formed by the inner and outer electromagnetic chucks.

[0009] Optionally, the outer circular surface of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3 is provided with a groove that is consistent with the inner shape of the inclined support block, which can completely fit the inner shape of the inclined support block, ensuring that the free wheel spring can be fully exposed when the inclined support block is attracted to the inner electromagnetic chuck. The bottom of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3 is provided with a stepped surface, which is used to limit the inclined support block and ensure that the inclined support block will not fall due to gravity after being attracted by the inner electromagnetic chuck.

[0010] Optionally, the inner wall of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6 is provided with a groove that is consistent with the outer shape of the inclined support block, so that it can fit completely with the outer shape of the inclined support block, ensuring that the free wheel spring can be reset when the inclined support block is attracted to the outer electromagnetic chuck. The bottom of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6 is provided with a stepped surface, which is used to limit the inclined support block and ensure that the inclined support block will not fall due to gravity after being attracted by the outer electromagnetic chuck.

[0011] Optionally, the inner hole of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6 is fitted with a small clearance to the outer circle of the cage, which can ensure the concentricity when the clutch free wheel is placed into the device.

[0012] Optionally, the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3, the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6, and the base 7 are all made of aluminum alloy, avoiding the problem of steel becoming magnetized after long-term use, and also greatly reducing the weight of the device. In addition, because aluminum alloy is less hard than steel, it also reduces the risk of scratching the free wheel.

[0013] Optionally, the base 7 contains a high-capacity lithium-ion battery to power the device. A single charge allows for extended use, avoiding the problem of lack of power supply during outdoor use.

[0014] Optionally, the control system 8 is equipped with a power switch, an inner clamping switch, and an outer clamping switch. The inner clamping switch is electrically connected to the inner electromagnetic coil 1 and the inner proximity switch 2, and the outer clamping switch is electrically connected to the outer electromagnetic coil 4 and the outer proximity switch 5.

[0015] Secondly, a method for replacing the freewheel spring of a helicopter clutch is provided, including: 1) Place the clutch free wheel in the annular space formed by the inner and outer electromagnetic chucks along the angle of engagement between the inclined support block and the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6; 2) When the inner suction switch is pressed, the control system 8 increases the current of the inner electromagnetic coil 1, and all the inclined support blocks move inward and are attracted into the groove of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3. When the inclined support block contacts the inner proximity switch 2, the control system 8 no longer increases the current of the inner electromagnetic coil 1, the current of the inner electromagnetic coil 1 remains constant, and the spring that needs to be replaced is exposed. 3) Remove the entire spring and replace it with a new one; 4) When the outer clamping switch is pressed, the control system 8 increases the current of the outer electromagnetic coil 4, and all the inclined support blocks move outward and are attracted into the groove of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6. When the inclined support block contacts the outer proximity switch 5, the control system 8 no longer increases the current of the outer electromagnetic coil 4, the current of the outer electromagnetic coil 4 remains constant, and the inclined support block resets. 5) Turn off the power switch and remove the clutch free wheel from the device.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: Based on the fact that the freewheel clutch's brace block is made of steel and can be attracted by a magnet, by designing an electromagnetic chuck in the installation position of the brace block, the brace block can be attracted to the electromagnetic chuck by electromagnetic force, which can quickly replace the helicopter freewheel spring, improve the efficiency of spring disassembly and assembly, ensure the quality of replacement, and improve the maintainability of the helicopter in and out of the field. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an overall view of the clutch freewheel; Figure 2 View of the clutch freewheel without the cage; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the clutch freewheel spring; Figure 4 Overall view of the clutch freewheel spring replacement device; Figure 5 Exploded view of the clutch freewheel spring replacement device; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the clutch free wheel of the present invention before it is installed in the device; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the clutch free wheel of the present invention being installed in this device; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the inclined support block of the present invention being attracted by the inner electromagnetic chuck; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the spring of the present invention being removed. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] The features and illustrative embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without requiring some of these specific details. The following description of embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of the invention by illustrating examples of the invention. The invention is by no means limited to any specific setups and methods set forth below, but covers any improvements, substitutions, and modifications to structures, methods, and devices without departing from the spirit of the invention. Well-known structures and techniques are not shown in the drawings and the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.

[0020] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other, and the various embodiments can be referenced and cited from each other.

[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] This invention is based on the fact that the inclined support block of the freewheel clutch is made of steel and can be attracted by magnets. By designing an electromagnetic chuck in the installation position of the inclined support block, the inclined support block is attracted to the electromagnetic chuck by electromagnetic force, so as to achieve quick replacement.

[0023] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 The present invention consists of an inner electromagnetic coil 1, an inner proximity switch 2, an inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3, an outer electromagnetic coil 4, an outer proximity switch 5, an outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6, a base 7, and a control system 8.

[0024] The inner proximity switch 2 is installed in the small hole in the middle of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3 to sense whether the inclined support block is attracted to the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3. The inner electromagnetic coil 1 is installed in the vertical groove of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3 to attract the inclined support block.

[0025] An external proximity switch 5 is installed in the small hole in the middle of the external electromagnetic chuck ring 6 to sense whether the diagonal support block is attracted to the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 6. An external electromagnetic coil 4 is installed in the vertical groove of the external electromagnetic chuck ring 6 to attract the diagonal support block.

[0026] Both the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3 and the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6 are mounted on the base 7. The control system 8 is connected to the base 7 and transmits control signals.

[0027] In order to achieve precise control of the electromagnetic chuck, the control system 8 receives signals from the inner proximity switch 2 and the outer proximity switch 5 to determine whether to attach the inclined support block to the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3 or the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6 according to the instruction.

[0028] Furthermore, the outer circular surface of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3 is designed with a groove that matches the shape of the inner side of the inclined support block, allowing it to completely fit the inner shape of the inclined support block. The bottom of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3 is designed with a stepped surface as a limit, ensuring that the inclined support block will not fall due to gravity after adsorption.

[0029] Furthermore, the inner surface of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6 is designed with a groove that matches the shape of the outer side of the inclined support block, allowing it to fit perfectly against the outer shape of the inclined support block. The bottom of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6 is designed with a stepped surface as a limit, ensuring that the inclined support block will not fall due to gravity after being attracted.

[0030] Furthermore, the inner hole of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6 and the outer circle of the support frame are fitted with a small clearance to ensure concentricity when the clutch free wheel is placed into the device.

[0031] Furthermore, the control system 8 is equipped with a power switch, an inner clamping switch, and an outer clamping switch. The icons are clear and easy to understand, and the operation is simple, straightforward, convenient, and quick.

[0032] Furthermore, the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3, the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6, and the base 7 are all made of aluminum alloy, avoiding the problem of steel becoming magnetized after long-term use, and also greatly reducing the weight of the device. In addition, because aluminum alloy is less hard than steel, it also reduces the risk of scratching the free wheel.

[0033] Furthermore, the control system 8 can automatically adjust the magnetic force of the electromagnetic chuck according to the status of the proximity switch to ensure stable installation of the diagonal brace, thereby guaranteeing the installation accuracy and efficiency of the clutch spring. At the same time, it will not always operate at maximum current, reducing heat generation and saving battery energy.

[0034] This invention enables quick replacement of helicopter freewheel springs, improving spring disassembly and assembly efficiency, ensuring replacement quality, and enhancing the maintainability of helicopters both inside and outside the field.

[0035] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a method for replacing the freewheel spring of a helicopter clutch, comprising the following steps: 1) Place the clutch free wheel into the annular space formed by the electromagnetic chuck and the outer electromagnetic chuck of this device at the angle of engagement between the inclined support block and the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6. Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, ensure that the bottom surface of the free wheel contacts the bottom surface inside the device; 2) Press the inner clamping switch on the control system 8. The control system 8 increases the current of the inner electromagnetic coil 1, and all the inclined support blocks move inward and are attracted into the groove of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring 3. When the inclined support blocks contact the inner proximity switch 2, the control system 8 no longer increases the current of the inner electromagnetic coil 1, and the current of the inner electromagnetic coil 1 remains constant, exposing the spring that needs to be replaced. Figure 8 As shown; 3) Remove the spring as a whole and replace it with a new one, such as... Figure 9 As shown; 4) Press the outer clamping switch on the control system 8. The control system 8 increases the current of the outer electromagnetic coil 4, and all the inclined support blocks move outward and are attracted into the groove of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring 6. When the inclined support block contacts the outer proximity switch 5, the control system 8 stops increasing the current of the outer electromagnetic coil 4, the current of the outer electromagnetic coil 4 remains constant, and the inclined support block returns to its original position. Figure 7 As shown; 5) Turn off the power switch and remove the clutch free wheel from the device.

[0036] The above description merely illustrates embodiments of the present invention and is quite specific and detailed; however, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, any parts of the present invention not described in detail are conventional techniques.

Claims

1. A helicopter clutch freewheel spring replacement device, characterized in that, This includes an electromagnetic chuck, which is installed on the inner and outer sides of the inclined support block mounting position of the clutch free wheel. It uses electromagnetic force to attract the inclined support block to the electromagnetic chuck, enabling quick replacement of the free wheel spring. The device includes: multiple inner electromagnetic coils (1), multiple inner proximity switches (2), an inner electromagnetic chuck ring (3), multiple outer electromagnetic coils (4), multiple outer proximity switches (5), an outer electromagnetic chuck ring (6), a base (7), and a control system (8). The inner electromagnetic chuck ring (3) has multiple small holes on its side and multiple vertical grooves on its inner wall. Each inner proximity switch (2) is installed in a small hole on the side of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring (3) to sense whether the inclined support block is attracted to the inner electromagnetic chuck ring (3). Each inner electromagnetic coil (1) is installed in a vertical groove of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring (3) to attract the inclined support block. The outer electromagnetic chuck ring (6) has multiple small holes on its side and multiple vertical grooves on its outer wall. Each external proximity switch (5) is installed in a small hole on the side of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring (6) to sense whether the inclined support block is attracted to the outer electromagnetic chuck ring (6). Each external electromagnetic coil (4) is installed in a vertical groove of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring (6) to attract the inclined support block. The inner electromagnetic chuck ring (3) and the outer electromagnetic chuck ring (6) are both mounted on the base (7). The control system (8) is electrically connected to multiple inner electromagnetic coils (1), multiple inner proximity switches (2), multiple outer electromagnetic coils (4), and multiple outer proximity switches (5) through the base (7). The inner electromagnetic coils (1), inner proximity switches (2), and inner electromagnetic chuck ring (3) form the inner electromagnetic chuck, and the outer electromagnetic coils (4), outer proximity switches (5), and outer electromagnetic chuck ring (6) form the outer electromagnetic chuck. The inclined support block is located in the annular space formed by the inner electromagnetic chuck and the outer electromagnetic chuck. The outer circular surface of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring (3) is provided with a groove that is consistent with the shape of the inner side of the inclined support block, which can completely fit the inner shape of the inclined support block, ensuring that the free wheel spring can be fully exposed when the inclined support block is attracted to the inner electromagnetic chuck. The inner wall of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring (6) is provided with a groove that is consistent with the outer shape of the inclined support block, so that it can fit completely with the outer shape of the inclined support block and ensure that the free wheel spring can be reset when the inclined support block is attracted to the outer electromagnetic chuck.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring (3) is provided with a stepped surface, which is used to limit the inclined support block and ensure that the inclined support block will not fall due to gravity after being attracted by the inner electromagnetic chuck.

3. The apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring (6) is provided with a stepped surface, which is used to limit the inclined support block and ensure that the inclined support block will not fall due to gravity after being attracted by the outer electromagnetic chuck.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner hole of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring (6) is fitted with a small clearance to the outer circle of the cage.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner electromagnetic chuck ring (3), the outer electromagnetic chuck ring (6), and the base (7) are all made of aluminum alloy.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The base (7) is equipped with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The control system (8) is equipped with a power switch, an inner clamping switch, and an outer clamping switch. The inner clamping switch is electrically connected to the inner electromagnetic coil (1) and the inner proximity switch (2), and the outer clamping switch is electrically connected to the outer electromagnetic coil (4) and the outer proximity switch (5).

8. A method for replacing the freewheel spring of a helicopter clutch, characterized in that, The method, used in the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, comprises: The clutch free wheel is placed in the annular space formed by the inner electromagnetic chuck and the outer electromagnetic chuck along the angle of engagement between the inclined support block and the outer electromagnetic chuck ring (6); When the inner clamping switch is pressed, the control system (8) increases the current of the inner electromagnetic coil (1), and all the inclined support blocks move inward and are attracted into the groove of the inner electromagnetic chuck ring (3). When the inclined support block contacts the inner proximity switch (2), the control system (8) no longer increases the current of the inner electromagnetic coil (1), the current of the inner electromagnetic coil (1) remains constant, and the spring that needs to be replaced is exposed. Remove the entire spring and replace it with a new one; When the outer clamping switch is pressed, the control system (8) increases the current of the outer electromagnetic coil (4), and all the inclined blocks move outward and are attracted into the groove of the outer electromagnetic chuck ring (6). When the inclined blocks contact the outer proximity switch (5), the control system (8) no longer increases the current of the outer electromagnetic coil (4), the current of the outer electromagnetic coil (4) remains constant, and the inclined blocks are reset. Turn off the power switch and remove the clutch freewheel from the device.

Citation Information

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