Overload separation mechanism capable of being repeatedly used

Abstract

The invention provides a reusable overload release mechanism, which relates to the technical field of aviation actuators and comprises an upper joint and a lower joint. One end of the upper connector movably extends into an inner cavity of the lower connector, and a mechanical lock is arranged between the end, extending into the inner cavity of the lower connector, of the upper connector and the lower connector and used for unlocking and disengaging the upper connector and the lower connector under the overload load. When the upper connector and the lower connector bear an overload load, the mechanical lock is driven to work, the overload load is converted into unlocking driving force, pure mechanical unlocking separation between the upper connector and the lower connector under the overload condition is achieved, the situation that parts are damaged and need to be replaced due to hard separation is avoided, the structural safety under the overload working condition is guaranteed, and the service life is prolonged. Or the task reliability of some overload release working conditions; and when the overload release mechanism is used again, the mechanical lock works reversely, and the upper joint and the lower joint are pressed oppositely to realize repeated butt joint, so that the overload release mechanism has the capability of being used repeatedly, and the maintenance cost and the operation difficulty are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aircraft actuator technology, and more specifically, to a reusable overload release mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In aircraft actuators and various mechanisms that require load transfer and safe disengagement, overload protection or disengagement mechanisms are usually required to prevent structural damage or system failure caused by abnormal overload. These mechanisms can quickly separate the connection parts when a preset load threshold is reached, thereby protecting critical components and improving the safety and reliability of the system under extreme conditions.

[0003] Currently, commonly used overload disconnection methods mainly rely on one-time failure components, such as shear pins and broken bolts. These components shear or break under overload conditions to achieve hard disconnection. Although they are simple in structure and respond quickly, they cannot reconnect themselves after disconnection and can only be used again after the damaged parts are replaced. They do not have the ability to be reused, which increases maintenance costs and operational complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the problem in the prior art that after a hard detachment due to shearing or fracture under overload, the connection cannot be restored on its own. The damaged parts must be replaced before it can be used again, which does not have the ability to be reused, and increases the maintenance cost and operation complexity.

[0005] To address the above problems, the present invention provides a reusable overload release mechanism, comprising an upper connector and a lower connector; One end of the upper connector extends movably into the inner cavity of the lower connector, and a mechanical lock is provided between the end of the upper connector extending into the inner cavity of the lower connector and the lower connector, which is used to unlock and disconnect the upper connector and the lower connector under overload.

[0006] The present invention provides a reusable overload release mechanism, which, compared with the prior art, has, but is not limited to, the following beneficial effects: This reusable overload release mechanism uses a mechanical lock to connect the upper and lower connectors. When the upper and lower connectors are subjected to an overload, the mechanical lock is activated, converting the overload itself into an unlocking force. This achieves a purely mechanical unlocking and disengagement between the upper and lower connectors under overload conditions, avoiding damage to components that would require replacement due to forced disengagement. This ensures structural safety under overload conditions or reliability of tasks in certain overload release conditions. For reuse, the mechanical lock is reversed, and the upper and lower connectors are pressed together to achieve repeated connection. This makes the overload release mechanism reusable, reducing maintenance costs and operational difficulty. Furthermore, this overload release mechanism has a compact structure and reliable connection, greatly reducing the risk of overload on the loading mechanism and preventing structural damage under overload conditions. It is easy to apply to connection mechanisms or actuators in certain overload release conditions.

[0007] Furthermore, the mechanical lock includes an upper locking bushing and a locking block evenly and movably disposed on one end of the upper connector. One end of the upper locking bushing is connected to the lower connector via an elastic element. The inner sidewall of the lower connector has a locking groove that mates with one end of the locking block for unlocking and disengaging the locking block. The other end of the locking block is tightly fitted with the other end of the upper locking bushing, so that after the locking block moves, it exerts a force on the upper locking bushing, causing it to move against the elastic force of the elastic element.

[0008] Furthermore, the elastic element is a spring, and the two ends of the spring are detachably connected to the upper locking bushing and the lower connector respectively through a clamp structure.

[0009] Furthermore, one end of the lock block is provided with a first inclined surface, the cross-sectional shape of the lock groove is trapezoidal, and one end of the lock block is tightly fitted with a second inclined surface in the lock groove through the first inclined surface.

[0010] Furthermore, the other end of the locking block is provided with a third inclined surface, and the other end of the upper locking bushing is provided with an inclined arc surface. The other end of the locking block is tightly fitted with the inclined arc surface through the third inclined surface.

[0011] Furthermore, a sliding groove that mates with the locking block is evenly formed on the outer wall of one end of the upper connector, and the sliding groove is connected to the inner cavity of the upper connector.

[0012] Furthermore, an annular cavity is provided on the locking block, and a suspension screw is uniformly threaded to one end sidewall of the upper connector, and the suspension screw is inserted and engaged with the corresponding annular cavity.

[0013] Furthermore, the clamp structure includes a clamp ring that cooperates with the spring, and a positioning piece is provided on one side of the clamp ring, with a fastener inserted on the positioning piece.

[0014] Furthermore, both the other end of the upper connector and the other end of the lower connector are provided with lugs, and both lugs are provided with connection holes.

[0015] Furthermore, the upper connector and the lower connector are fitted with a clearance. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the reusable overload release mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the reusable overload release mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structural state in which the upper and lower connectors of the reusable overload release mechanism of this invention are unlocked and disengaged in an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the locking block and the upper connector in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the upper locking bushing and the lower connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lock block according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the spring and the clamp structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the clamp structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Upper connector; 101. Slide groove; 102. Suspension screw; 2. Locking block; 201. Annular cavity; 202. First inclined surface; 203. Third inclined surface; 3. Lower connector; 4. Upper locking bushing; 5. Spring; 6. Mechanical lock; 7. Lock groove; 701. Second inclined surface; 8. Ear block; 9. Clamp structure; 901. Clamp ring; 902. Fastener; 903. Positioning piece; 10. Connecting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing multiple embodiments according to this application. It should be understood that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described in this application without creative effort will fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the use of open-ended terms such as "comprising," "including," "having," "containing," etc., in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings. Therefore, "comprising," "including," or "having" refers to, for example, a method or apparatus having one or more steps or elements, but not limited to having only these one or more elements. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] It should be emphasized that when the term "comprising / including" is used in this specification, it is used to explicitly indicate the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, parts, or groups of features, integers, steps, or parts.

[0023] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0024] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 A reusable overload release mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an upper connector 1 and a lower connector 3; One end of the upper connector 1 extends into the inner cavity of the lower connector 3, and a mechanical lock 6 is provided between the end of the upper connector 1 extending into the inner cavity of the lower connector 3 and the lower connector 3, which is used to unlock and disconnect the upper connector 1 and the lower connector 3 under overload conditions.

[0025] In this embodiment, the reusable overload release mechanism connects the upper connector 1 (usually fixed to the actuator output end) and the lower connector 3 (usually connected to the load structure) using a mechanical lock 6. When the upper connector 1 and the lower connector 3 are subjected to an overload, the mechanical lock 6 is driven to work, converting the overload itself into an unlocking driving force. This achieves a purely mechanical unlocking and disengagement between the upper connector 1 and the lower connector 3 under overload conditions, avoiding damage to parts that require replacement due to hard disengagement. This ensures structural safety under overload conditions or the reliability of tasks under certain overload release conditions. When reused, the mechanical lock 6 is reversed to press the upper connector 1 and the lower connector 3 together to achieve repeated docking. This makes the overload release mechanism reusable, reducing maintenance costs and operational difficulty. Furthermore, the overload release mechanism has a compact structure and reliable connection, greatly reducing the risk of overload of the loading mechanism and preventing structural damage under overload conditions. It is easy to apply to connection mechanisms or actuators under certain overload release conditions.

[0026] See Figure 2 Optionally, the mechanical lock 6 includes an upper locking bushing 4 and a locking block 2 that is uniformly and movably disposed on one end of the upper connector 1. One end of the upper locking bushing 4 is connected to the lower connector 3 through an elastic element. The inner side wall of the lower connector 3 is provided with a locking groove 7 that mates with one end of the locking block 2 for unlocking and disengaging the locking block 2. The other end of the locking block 2 is tightly fitted with the other end of the upper locking bushing 4 so that after the locking block 2 moves, it exerts force on the upper locking bushing 4, causing it to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element and move.

[0027] In this embodiment, when the upper connector 1 and lower connector 3 are subjected to overload, the lower connector 3, through the locking groove 7, transfers the force along its own length direction into a force acting on the locking block 2 along its vertical direction. This causes the locking block 2 to move inward on the upper connector 1. Then, through the tight fit between the other end of the locking block 2 and the other end of the upper locking bushing 4, the force along the vertical direction of the locking block 2 is transferred into a force acting on the upper locking bushing 4 along its length direction, driving the upper locking bushing 4 to move. This allows it to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element and move until the locking block 2 completely disengages from the locking groove 7 on the inner wall of the lower connector 3. This achieves the unlocking and disengagement between the upper connector 1 and the lower connector 3, enabling disengagement under overload conditions and ensuring structural safety under overload conditions. When reused, the upper connector 1 and lower connector 3 are pressed together, and the elastic force of the elastic element is used to reset the locking block 2 and the upper locking bushing 4, allowing for repeated docking and reuse.

[0028] See Figure 3 Optionally, the elastic element is a spring 5, and the two ends of the spring 5 are detachably connected to the upper locking bushing 4 and the lower connector 3 respectively through the clamp structure 9.

[0029] In this embodiment, after the spring 5 has been used for a long time and its elasticity has deteriorated and it can no longer be used normally, it is convenient to disassemble, replace and install the spring 5 between the upper locking bushing 4 and the lower connector 3. Furthermore, springs 5 ​​with different elastic forces can be replaced to achieve overload release under different loads.

[0030] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 Optionally, one end of the locking block 2 is provided with a first inclined surface 202, the cross-sectional shape of the locking groove 7 is trapezoidal, and one end of the locking block 2 is tightly fitted with the second inclined surface 701 in the locking groove 7 through the first inclined surface 202.

[0031] In this embodiment, when the upper connector 1 and the lower connector 3 are subjected to overload, the force along its own length direction of the lower connector 3 will be transferred through the first inclined surface 202 and the second inclined surface 701 to act on the locking block 2 and along its vertical direction, thereby driving the locking block 2 to move inward on the upper connector 1.

[0032] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 Optionally, the other end of the locking block 2 is provided with a third inclined surface 203, and the other end of the upper locking bushing 4 is provided with an inclined arc surface 401. The other end of the locking block 2 is tightly fitted with the inclined arc surface 401 through the third inclined surface 203.

[0033] In this embodiment, when the upper connector 1 and lower connector 3 are subjected to an overload, the locking block 2 slides along the second inclined surface 701 of the locking groove 7 into the upper connector 1. The locking block 2 transfers its vertical force through the third inclined surface 203 and the inclined arc surface 401 into a force acting on the upper locking bushing 4 along its length, thereby pushing the upper locking bushing 4 to move against the elastic force of the elastic element towards the bottom of the lower connector 3, further realizing the unlocking and disengagement between the upper connector 1 and the lower connector 3. When used again, the upper connector 1 and the lower connector 3 are pressed together. The locking block 2 and the upper locking bushing 4 are reset (one end of the locking block 2 extends into the locking groove 7, and the first inclined surface 202 is in close contact with the second inclined surface 701, and the third inclined surface 203 is in close contact with the inclined arc surface 401), so that repeated docking can be achieved, which is convenient for repeated use; in addition, by adjusting the inclined surface angle of the second inclined surface 701 of the locking groove 7, the first inclined surface 202 and the third inclined surface 203 of the locking block 2 and the inclined arc surface 401 of the upper locking bushing 4, as well as adjusting the elastic force of the spring 5, overload release under different loads can be achieved through coordinated cooperation.

[0034] See Figure 4 Optionally, a sliding groove 101 that cooperates with the locking block 2 is evenly provided on the outer wall of one end of the upper connector 1, and the sliding groove 101 is connected to the inner cavity of the upper connector 1.

[0035] In this embodiment, the locking block 2 slides in the slide groove 101, which facilitates the sliding of the locking block 2 inward and outward on the upper connector 1.

[0036] See Figure 4 Optionally, the locking block 2 has an annular cavity 201, and a suspension screw 102 is evenly threaded to one end of the side wall of the upper connector 1. The suspension screw 102 is inserted and engaged with the corresponding annular cavity 201.

[0037] In this embodiment, after the upper connector 1 and the lower connector 3 are unlocked and separated, the hanging screw 102 is inserted into the annular cavity 201 of the locking block 2 to facilitate the suspension of the locking block 2, so that it cannot be detached from the upper connector 1 and will always be connected to the upper connector 1, which is convenient for subsequent repeated docking and use.

[0038] See Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Optionally, the clamp structure 9 includes a clamp ring 901 that cooperates with the spring 5. A positioning piece 903 is provided on one side of the clamp ring 901, and a fastener 902 is inserted into the positioning piece 903. The fastener 902 is preferably a screw.

[0039] In this embodiment, when fixing one end of the spring 5 at the bottom of the inner cavity of the lower connector 3, the clamp ring 901 is first clamped onto the spring 5, and then the fastener 902 is screwed onto the positioning piece 903 to connect with the lower connector 3, thereby achieving the fastening of the positioning piece 903 and further realizing the installation and fixation of one end of the spring 5 to the bottom of the inner cavity of the lower connector 3; similarly, it is also convenient to install and fix the other end of the spring 5 to the upper locking bushing 4 through the clamp structure 9, and both are easy to disassemble, making it convenient to replace the spring 5.

[0040] See Figure 1 Optionally, the other end of the upper connector 1 and the other end of the lower connector 3 are provided with ear blocks 8, and each ear block 8 is provided with a connection hole 10.

[0041] In this embodiment, it is convenient to connect and install the upper connector 1 and the lower connector 3 with external components, and to use this reusable overload release mechanism.

[0042] See Figure 1 Optionally, the upper connector 1 and the lower connector 3 are fitted with a clearance.

[0043] In this embodiment, the friction between the two is reduced by the clearance fit, which facilitates the insertion of one end of the upper connector 1 into the lower connector 3 and the smooth separation of the two.

[0044] While the present invention has been disclosed above, its scope of protection is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reusable overload release mechanism, characterized in that, Includes upper connector (1) and lower connector (3); One end of the upper connector (1) extends into the inner cavity of the lower connector (3), and a mechanical lock (6) is provided between the end of the upper connector (1) extending into the inner cavity of the lower connector (3) and the lower connector (3) for unlocking and disengaging the upper connector (1) and the lower connector (3) under overload conditions.

2. The reusable overload release mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical lock (6) includes an upper locking bushing (4) and a locking block (2) that is evenly and movably disposed on one end of the upper connector (1). One end of the upper locking bushing (4) is connected to the lower connector (3) through an elastic element. The inner side wall of the lower connector (3) is provided with a locking groove (7) that cooperates with one end of the locking block (2) for unlocking and disengaging the locking block (2). The other end of the locking block (2) is tightly fitted with the other end of the upper locking bushing (4) so ​​that the locking block (2) can exert force on the upper locking bushing (4) after it moves, so that it can overcome the elastic force of the elastic element and move.

3. The reusable overload release mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic element is a spring (5), and the two ends of the spring (5) are detachably connected to the upper locking bushing (4) and the lower connector (3) respectively through a clamp structure (9).

4. The reusable overload release mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the lock block (2) is provided with a first inclined surface (202), the cross-sectional shape of the lock groove (7) is trapezoidal, and one end of the lock block (2) is tightly fitted with the second inclined surface (701) in the lock groove (7) through the first inclined surface (202).

5. The reusable overload release mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The other end of the locking block (2) is provided with a third inclined surface (203), and the other end of the upper locking bushing (4) is provided with an inclined arc surface (401). The other end of the locking block (2) is in close contact with the inclined arc surface (401) through the third inclined surface (203).

6. The reusable overload release mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper connector (1) has a uniformly provided groove (101) on the outer wall of one end that cooperates with the locking block (2), and the groove (101) is connected to the inner cavity of the upper connector (1).

7. The reusable overload release mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking block (2) has an annular cavity (201) and a suspension screw (102) is evenly threaded on one side wall of the upper connector (1). The suspension screw (102) is inserted into the corresponding annular cavity (201).

8. The reusable overload release mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The clamp structure (9) includes a clamp ring (901) that cooperates with the spring (5). A positioning piece (903) is provided on one side of the clamp ring (901), and a fastener (902) is inserted on the positioning piece (903).

9. The reusable overload release mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The other end of the upper connector (1) and the other end of the lower connector (3) are provided with ear blocks (8), and each of the two ear blocks (8) is provided with a connection hole (10).

10. The reusable overload release mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper connector (1) and the lower connector (3) are fitted with a clearance.

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