Helicopter wheel lock and undercarriage

Abstract

The invention provides a helicopter wheel lock and an undercarriage. The wheel lock comprises a lever (1), a connecting rod (2), a sleeve rod (3), a spring (4), a pin (5), a lock pin (6), a lock seat (7), a handle (10) with a steel wire and a lock shell (11). The lock seat (7) is annular, sleeves a rotating shaft of the free steering wheel of the helicopter, is matched with the upper part of the rotating shaft and can rotate along with the rotating shaft; a lock hole is formed in the circumference of the lock seat (7); the second end of the lock pin (6) is sequentially connected with a sleeve rod (3), a connecting rod (2), a lever (1) and a handle (10) with a steel wire; and the spring (4) is sleeved on the sleeve rod (3). A handle and a steel cable are used for controlling locking and unlocking, a spring is used for driving locking, a lever is used for reducing unlocking driving force, a lock pin can be replaced, a label is designed for indicating whether locking is conducted or not, the lock pin is provided with a shearing groove, a lock base is matched with a rotating shaft through an inner hexagon, and when the lock base is at any angle, an operator can conduct locking operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of landing gear technology, specifically relating to a helicopter wheel lock and landing gear. Background Technology

[0002] When a helicopter with a tricycle landing gear makes a ground turn, the nose landing gear should have the ability to turn freely. During high-speed taxiing, the freely turning landing gear may cause the helicopter to wobble. Therefore, it is necessary to use a front wheel lock to lock the landing gear in the neutral position (heading position) so that the landing gear cannot turn.

[0003] Common landing gear front or tail wheel locks have locking holes on protruding lugs outside the rotating cylinder. When locking, the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole from top to bottom. If the locking timing is incorrect, the locking pin may insert outside the lug, preventing the landing gear from returning to the neutral position and causing the helicopter to be unable to taxi in a straight line, creating a safety hazard. Because the landing gear swings around its axis of rotation during taxiing and cannot remain in a neutral position for an extended period, the timing of locking by the operator is crucial. Multiple helicopter models have experienced locking difficulties during operation.

[0004] In addition, ground crew need to lock and unlock the helicopter when it is off-powered before turning. If hydraulic or electric drive is used, an additional manual unlocking mechanism is required, which will increase the installation size and weight. Furthermore, using hydraulic or electric drive reduces the reliability of the front wheel lock.

[0005] In addition, due to the lack of prominent warning information, ground staff often forget to unlock the towing helicopter when it turns, causing landing gear malfunctions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a helicopter wheel lock and landing gear, which solves the problems of existing wheel locks, enabling locking of the front wheel during the taxiing phase, locking and unlocking when the helicopter is without power, and preventing landing gear failure due to misoperation during towing.

[0007] The first aspect of this invention provides a helicopter wheel lock, comprising: a lever 1, a connecting rod 2, a sleeve rod 3, a spring 4, a pin 5, a locking pin 6, a lock seat 7, a handle with a steel wire 10, and a lock housing 11; wherein, The locking seat 7 is ring-shaped and is sleeved on the rotating shaft of the helicopter free-steering wheel. It cooperates with the upper part of the rotating shaft and can rotate together with the rotating shaft. A locking hole is provided on the circumference of the locking seat 7, which is used to insert the first end of the locking pin 6. When the locking pin 6 is inserted into the locking hole, the rotation of the rotating shaft is restricted, thereby realizing the steering lock of the helicopter free-steering wheel. The second end of the locking pin 6 is connected to the first end of the sleeve rod 3 via the pin 5. The second end of the sleeve rod 3 is rotatably connected to the first end of the connecting rod 2. The second end of the connecting rod 2 is rotatably connected to the middle part of the lever 1. The first end of the lever 1 is connected to the handle 10 with a steel wire. The second end of the lever 1 is rotatably connected to the lock housing 11. The spring 4 is sleeved on the sleeve rod 3. The first end abuts against the protruding ring provided at the second end of the sleeve rod 3, and the second end abuts against the inside of the lock housing 11.

[0008] Optionally, when unlocking, pull the handle 10 upwards, and the steel wire connected to the handle 10 pulls the lever 1. The lever 1 rotates around the connection point with the lock housing 11 in a direction away from the helicopter free turn wheel, causing the connecting rod 2 and the sleeve rod 3 to move in a straight line. The sleeve rod 3 carries the locking pin 6 to move in a straight line against the force generated by the compression deformation of the spring 4, and the locking pin 6 disengages from the lock seat 7. When locking, release handle 10. Under the force generated by the compression and deformation of spring 4, push sleeve 3 to drive lock pin 6 into lock hole.

[0009] Optionally, the helicopter wheel lock also includes: a sign 8 and a support rod 9; The first end of the sleeve rod 3 is connected to the first end of the support rod 9 by bolts and nuts, and the second end of the support rod 9 is connected to the nameplate 8 by bolts and nuts; the nameplate 8 is rotatably connected to the lock housing 11.

[0010] Optionally, the lock housing 11 is mounted on the rocker arm of the helicopter landing gear by screws.

[0011] Optionally, a shearing groove is provided at the first end of the locking pin 6.

[0012] Optionally, the inner diameter of the lock seat 7 is a regular hexagonal hole, and the lower end face is set on the upper platform of the rocker arm sleeve.

[0013] Optionally, the handle 10 with steel wire is connected to lever 1, lever 1 to connecting rod 2, and connecting rod 2 to sleeve rod 3 via a single or double ear structure, bolts and nuts.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides a landing gear, wherein a helicopter wheel lock as described in any one of the first aspects is provided on the free-steering wheels of the landing gear.

[0015] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention provides a helicopter wheel lock and landing gear, using a handle and steel cable to control locking and unlocking. It employs a spring-driven locking mechanism and a lever to reduce the unlocking force. The locking pin is replaceable, and a label indicates whether it is locked. The locking pin features a shear groove, and the lock seat uses an internal hexagonal shape that mates with a rotating shaft. The operator can perform the locking operation from any angle of the lock seat. Therefore, locking and unlocking are achieved even when the helicopter is not powered, eliminating the need for an additional manual unlocking mechanism. The operator can perform the locking operation regardless of the angle of the keyhole. An alarm label indicates the locking and unlocking status. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 Diagram of front wheel lock components Figure 1 ; Figure 2 Diagram of front wheel lock components Figure 2 ; Figure 3 Front wheel lock installation diagram Figure 1 ; Figure 4 Front wheel lock installation diagram Figure 2 ; Figure 5 Diagram of the locking pin; Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Lever 2. Connecting rod 3. Sleeve 4. Spring 5. Pin 6. Locking pin 7. Lock seat 8. Sign 9. Support rod 10. Handle with steel wire 11. Lock housing 12. Rocker arm 13. Screw 14. Rocker arm sleeve 15. Rotating shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing and simplifying the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Furthermore, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., "first and second," etc.) is for distinguishing objects and is not limited to this order, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly, encompassing both direct connection and indirect connection via an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

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

[0022] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0023] like Figure 1-5 As shown, this invention proposes a helicopter wheel lock and landing gear. The wheel lock includes: a lever 1, a connecting rod 2, a sleeve rod 3, a spring 4, a pin 5, a locking pin 6, a lock seat 7, a nameplate 8, a support rod 9, a handle with a steel wire 10, and a lock housing 11. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown.

[0024] The handle 10 with steel wire is connected to the lever 1 by bolts and nuts; the lever 1 is connected to the connecting rod 2 and the lock housing 11 by bolts and nuts; the connecting rod 2 is connected to the sleeve rod 3 by bolts and nuts; the sleeve rod 3 is connected to the support rod 9 by bolts and nuts, and the sleeve rod 3 is connected to the locking pin 6 by pin 5; the locking pin 6 is engaged with the lock hole of the lock seat 7; the support rod 9 is connected to the nameplate 8 by bolts and nuts; the sleeve rod 3, the spring 4 and the locking pin 6 are installed inside the lock housing 11; the left end of the spring 4 abuts against the step inside the lock housing 11, and the right end abuts against the sleeve rod 3.

[0025] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the lock housing 11 is mounted on the rocker arm 12 by screws 13; the lower end face of the lock seat 7 is mounted on the platform of the rocker arm sleeve 14, and the inner diameter is a regular hexagonal hole, which is matched with the upper part of the rotating shaft 13 and can rotate together with the rotating shaft 13.

[0026] Unlocking Operation: Pull handle 10 upwards. The steel cable connected to handle 10 pulls lever 1, causing lever 1 to rotate to the left around its connection point with the lock housing 11. This causes the connection point between lever 1 and connecting rod 2 to move to the left in a straight line. Connecting rod 2 then moves sleeve rod 3 to the left in a straight line. Sleeve rod 3, carrying locking pin 6, overcomes the force generated by the compression deformation of spring 4 and moves to the left in a straight line. Locking pin 6 disengages from lock seat 7. Simultaneously, sleeve rod 3 carries support rod 9 to the left in a straight line, causing support rod 9 to retract the sign 8. During unlocking, due to the leverage effect of lever 1, the handle operating force is less than the force overcoming the compression of spring 4. Because unlocking is driven by a handle and steel cable, locking and unlocking can be achieved even when the helicopter is without power.

[0027] Locking operation: Release handle 10. Under the force generated by the compression and deformation of spring 4, locking pin 6 drives sleeve rod 3 and connecting rod 2 to move to the right in a straight line, and locking pin 6 inserts into lock seat 7. At the same time, sleeve rod 3 carries support rod 9 to move to the right in a straight line, and support rod 9 drives sign 8 to unfold.

[0028] The present invention achieves front wheel locking during the skidding phase through the following measures: First, it increases the locking speed. Manual, hydraulic, or motor-controlled locking is slow; the present invention uses a high-compression spring to drive the locking, enabling rapid locking. Second, during locking, the locking pin 6 moves perpendicular to the rotation axis, locking horizontally, unlike the commonly used vertical locking. After locking, if the locking pin 6 is not aligned with the locking hole of the lock seat 7, the locking pin 6 will press against the lock seat 7. When the locking hole is rotated to the aligned position, the locking pin 6 automatically inserts into the locking hole to achieve locking. This design allows the operator to perform the locking operation regardless of the angle of the locking hole of the lock seat 7, reducing the difficulty of locking.

[0029] This invention features a linked sign that unfolds when the wheel lock is engaged, displaying red text indicating that it is locked; the sign retracts when the wheel lock is unlocked. The sign is positioned near the front wheel lock and can be used to remind ground staff whether the wheel lock is engaged.

[0030] This invention features a replaceable locking pin with a shearing groove. If the pin is forgotten during traction, it will be sheared at the groove, thus preventing damage to other components. Figure 5 As shown.

[0031] The above detailed embodiments are a description of the present invention. It should not be considered that the specific embodiments of the present invention are limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, several simple deductions and substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all of these should be considered to fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A helicopter wheel lock, characterized in that, include: Lever (1), connecting rod (2), sleeve rod (3), spring (4), pin (5), locking pin (6), lock seat (7), handle with steel wire (10), lock housing (11); among which, The lock seat (7) is ring-shaped and is fitted onto the rotating shaft of the helicopter free steering wheel. It cooperates with the upper part of the rotating shaft and can rotate together with the rotating shaft. A lock hole is provided on the circumference of the lock seat (7). The lock hole is used to insert the first end of the lock pin (6). When the lock pin (6) is inserted into the lock hole, it restricts the rotation of the rotating shaft and realizes the steering lock of the helicopter free steering wheel. The second end of the locking pin (6) is connected to the first end of the sleeve rod (3) via the pin (5). The second end of the sleeve rod (3) is rotatably connected to the first end of the connecting rod (2). The second end of the connecting rod (2) is rotatably connected to the middle part of the lever (1). The first end of the lever (1) is connected to the handle (10) with a steel wire. The second end of the lever (1) is rotatably connected to the lock housing (11). The spring (4) is sleeved on the sleeve rod (3). The first end abuts against the protruding ring provided at the second end of the sleeve rod (3). The second end abuts against the inside of the lock housing (11).

2. The helicopter wheel lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, When unlocking, pull the handle (10) upwards. The steel wire connected to the handle (10) pulls the lever (1). The lever (1) rotates around the connection point with the lock housing (11) in a direction away from the helicopter free steering wheel, causing the connecting rod (2) and the sleeve rod (3) to move in a straight line. The sleeve rod (3) carries the locking pin (6) to overcome the force generated by the compression deformation of the spring (4) and move in a straight line. The locking pin (6) disengages from the lock seat (7). When locking, release the handle (10), and under the force generated by the compression deformation of the spring (4), push the sleeve (3) to drive the locking pin (6) into the lock hole.

3. The helicopter wheel lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Signage (8) and support rod (9); The first end of the sleeve rod (3) is connected to the first end of the support rod (9) by bolts and nuts, and the second end of the support rod (9) is connected to the nameplate (8) by bolts and nuts; the nameplate (8) is rotatably connected to the lock housing (11).

4. The helicopter wheel lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lock housing (11) is mounted on the rocker arm of the helicopter landing gear by screws.

5. The helicopter wheel lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, A shearing groove is provided at the first end of the locking pin (6).

6. The helicopter wheel lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the lock seat (7) is a regular hexagonal hole, and the lower end face is set on the upper platform of the rocker arm sleeve.

7. The helicopter wheel lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle (10) with steel wire is connected to the lever (1), the lever (1) is connected to the connecting rod (2), and the connecting rod (2) is connected to the sleeve rod (3) by a single and double ear structure, bolt and nut.

8. A landing gear, characterized in that, The landing gear free-steering wheel is provided with a helicopter wheel lock as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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