An all-electric actuating cylinder lock release device for an aircraft landing gear and a method of using the same
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202611324650.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-08-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-16
AI Technical Summary
[0003]现有液压式起落架收放作动筒虽然技术成熟,但存在油液泄漏、管路复杂、密封件维护频繁和系统质量较大的问题,不适合小型无人机对结构紧凑、维护方便和轻量化的要求;普通电动推杆虽然能够实现直线伸缩,但若仅依靠电机停转或丝杠自锁保持位置,锁止可靠性不足,长期受拉压载荷时容易使丝杠副、螺母和轴承长期承载,进而影响传动寿命
[0016] 1. This invention solves the problem of locking and actuation timing conflict during landing gear retraction and extension by using the different pitches of the positive and negative thread screw regions.
Smart Images

Figure CN122915380A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of aircraft landing gear actuator technology, and in particular to an all-electric aircraft landing gear actuator locking and unlocking device and its usage method. Background Technology
[0002] Aircraft landing gear retraction and extension systems typically need to complete the retraction, lowering, and end-locking of the landing gear within a limited installation space. Traditional aircraft landing gear often uses hydraulic actuators, relying on hydraulic sources, control valves, oil circuits, and piston rods to output push and pull forces. Ordinary electric actuators convert rotary motion into axial linear motion through motors, reduction gears, and lead screw pairs. For UAVs and small manned aircraft, the landing gear actuators must not only provide the main stroke power but also form a reliable mechanical lock after the landing gear reaches the retracted or lowered position to prevent the landing gear from retracting due to external impacts, vibrations, or ground loads.
[0003] While existing hydraulic landing gear retraction actuators are technically mature, they suffer from problems such as oil leakage, complex piping, frequent maintenance of seals, and significant system weight, making them unsuitable for the compact structure, easy maintenance, and lightweight requirements of small UAVs. Although ordinary electric actuators can achieve linear extension and retraction, relying solely on the motor stopping or the lead screw self-locking to maintain the position results in insufficient locking reliability. Under long-term tensile and compressive loads, the lead screw pair, nut, and bearings are prone to prolonged stress, which can affect the transmission life.
[0004] If the internal locking structure is directly transplanted to the all-electric actuator, there will be problems with unclear action timing. Moreover, in ordinary all-electric actuators, the nut and piston rod are mostly rigidly connected, which makes it difficult to meet the two different requirements of short pre-unlocking stroke and long main actuation stroke at the same time. If an independent motor or independent unlocking mechanism is added, the structure will become more complex, the weight will increase, and the control logic will become more complicated. Therefore, there is a need for an all-electric actuator locking and unlocking device for UAV landing gear that can use the same lead screw to complete locking, pre-unlocking and main actuation at the same time, and can enable the mechanical lock to bear the end-locking load. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an aircraft landing gear all-electric actuator locking and unlocking device and its usage method. By using the different pitches of the positive and negative threaded screw regions, the positive thread nut and the negative thread nut generate differential axial displacement. The axial groove of the connecting sleeve cooperates with the positive thread nut to form a loss-of-motion space, which solves the problem of locking and actuation timing conflict during landing gear retraction and extension.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a fully electric actuator locking and unlocking device for aircraft landing gear, characterized in that: it includes a drive mechanism and a locking and unlocking mechanism, the drive mechanism and the locking and unlocking mechanism are connected to facilitate the operation of the locking and unlocking mechanism, the locking and unlocking mechanism includes a positive and negative threaded screw, the positive and negative threaded screw is connected to the drive mechanism to facilitate the drive mechanism to drive the positive and negative threaded screw to rotate, the positive threaded region and the negative threaded region of the positive and negative threaded screw are respectively connected to a positive threaded nut and a negative threaded nut, the pitch of the positive threaded region and the negative threaded region of the positive and negative threaded screw are different, which facilitates differential axial positioning of the positive threaded nut and the negative threaded nut. The outer side of the positive thread nut is slidably connected to a connecting sleeve. The connecting sleeve has a groove along the axial direction. The positive thread nut forms a loss-of-motion space with the groove through a radial drive pin, which facilitates the positive thread nut to slide a preset stroke in the groove and drive the connecting sleeve to move. The end of the connecting sleeve along the length direction is connected to a separation chuck. The end of the separation chuck is provided with an elastic claw structure, which facilitates the separation chuck to engage or disengage with the fixed locking ring. The fixed locking ring is located on the outer cylinder. The end of the reverse thread nut near the separation chuck is connected to a locking support block, which facilitates the reverse thread nut to drive the locking support block to insert or withdraw from the separation chuck.
[0007] Preferably, the fixing ring is provided with a locking groove that matches the separating chuck, and a guide slope is provided at one end of the locking groove near the orthogonal nut to facilitate the separating chuck engaging or disengaging from the fixing ring.
[0008] Preferably, the ends of the locking support block and the reverse-threaded nut that are close to each other are fastened to the two ends of the return spring, so that when the reverse-threaded nut drives the locking support block to exit the separation clamp, the return spring provides the restoring force.
[0009] Preferably, the fixing ring is connected to the outer cylinder through the inner stop of the outer cylinder, and the two ends of the fixing ring are limited by end caps to fix the fixing ring in the current position of the outer cylinder.
[0010] Preferably, the forward and reverse threaded screws are supported on the bearing housing by angular contact ball bearings, which facilitates stable rotation of the forward and reverse threaded screws and limits axial movement.
[0011] Preferably, a piston sleeve is coaxially connected to the outer side of the connecting sleeve. The piston sleeve is coaxially arranged and slidably connected to the outer cylinder. The piston sleeve is coaxially connected to a piston rod at its end along the length direction, which facilitates the transmission of external loads through the piston rod, piston sleeve, separation clamp, fixing ring and outer cylinder.
[0012] Preferably, the locking support block slides into the inner wall of the separating clamp, facilitating the insertion or removal of the locking support block from the separating clamp.
[0013] Preferably, the drive mechanism includes a motor, the output shaft of the motor is connected to a reducer, the output shaft of the reducer is connected to a first gear to facilitate the rotation of the first gear, the lower side of the first gear meshes with a second gear to facilitate the synchronous rotation of the second gear, the second gear is fastened to a positive and negative thread screw, and a protective shell is provided on the side of the first gear and the second gear away from the motor.
[0014] This invention also discloses a method for using an all-electric actuator locking and unlocking device for aircraft landing gear. When locked, the motor rotates forward, and the positive-thread nut slides within the groove of the connecting sleeve. At this time, the connecting sleeve, the release chuck, and the piston sleeve are all stationary. Simultaneously, the negative-thread nut moves towards the positive-thread nut. After the positive-thread nut contacts the end of the groove of the connecting sleeve, it drives the connecting sleeve, the release chuck, and the piston sleeve to move towards the fixed locking ring. The elastic jaws of the release chuck elastically deform inward under the pressure of the fixed locking ring and engage in the locking groove. Subsequently, the negative-thread nut pushes the locking support block into the inner hole of the release chuck, inhibiting… When the elastic jaws of the release chuck rebound, locking is completed. During unlocking, the motor reverses, and the positive thread nut slides in the groove of the connecting sleeve. At this time, the connecting sleeve, release chuck, and piston sleeve are all stationary. Simultaneously, the negative thread nut drives the locking support block to exit the inner hole of the release chuck. When the positive thread nut has completed its rest stroke, the negative thread nut has driven the locking support block to completely exit the release chuck, completing the pre-unlocking. At this time, the positive thread nut drives the connecting sleeve, release chuck, and piston sleeve to move away from the fixed locking ring. Under the squeezing action, the elastic jaws of the release chuck undergo elastic deformation and contract inward, disengaging from the fixed locking ring and completing the unlocking.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:
[0016] 1. This invention solves the problem of locking and actuation timing conflict during landing gear retraction and extension by using the different pitches of the positive and negative thread screw regions.
[0017] 2. The separation clamp and the locking support block of the present invention cooperate with each other. The separation clamp is provided with an elastic claw structure. The locking support block is slidably connected to the inner hole of the separation clamp. When locking, after the separation clamp is engaged in the locking groove of the fixed locking ring, the locking support block is inserted into the separation clamp to suppress the retraction of the separation clamp, thereby improving the reliability of the locking action.
[0018] 3. The present invention ensures that the locking mechanism can stably maintain the locking state under external load by using the load transmission path of piston rod, piston sleeve, connecting sleeve, separation clamp, fixing lock ring and outer cylinder, thereby improving the overall performance and safety of the locking device.
[0019] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the locking part of the present invention when locked.
[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0024] 4—Reset spring; 5—Locking support block; 6—Piston sleeve; 7—Reverse thread nut; 8—Piston rod; 9—Reducer; 10—Fixed locking ring; 11—Connecting sleeve; 12—Separation chuck; 13—Electric motor; 14—First Gear; 15—Second gear; 16—Protective shield; 17—Angular contact ball bearing; 18—Bearing housing. Detailed Implementation
[0025] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this invention discloses an all-electric actuator locking and unlocking device for aircraft landing gear, including a drive mechanism and a locking and unlocking mechanism. The drive mechanism and the locking and unlocking mechanism are connected to facilitate the operation of the locking and unlocking mechanism. The locking and unlocking mechanism includes a positive and negative threaded screw 3. The positive and negative threaded screw 3 is connected to the drive mechanism to facilitate the drive mechanism to drive the positive and negative threaded screw 3 to rotate. The positive threaded area and the negative threaded area of the positive and negative threaded screw 3 are respectively connected to a positive threaded nut 2 and a negative threaded nut 7. The pitch of the positive threaded area and the negative threaded area of the positive and negative threaded screw 3 are different, which facilitates the differential axial displacement of the positive threaded nut 2 and the negative threaded nut 7.
[0026] One end of the lead screw 3 has a positive thread region, and the other end has a negative thread region. The positive thread region is longer than the negative thread region. The positive thread region is threaded with the positive nut 2, and the negative thread region is threaded with the negative nut 7. When the lead screw 3 rotates, the positive nut 2 and the negative nut 7 move axially along the lead screw 3. In order to achieve differential axial movement of the positive nut 2 and the negative nut 7, the pitch of the positive thread region and the negative thread region of the lead screw 3 are different. For example, the pitch of the positive thread region can be designed to be 4mm, and the pitch of the negative thread region can be designed to be 2mm. When the lead screw 3 rotates by the same angle, the axial displacement of the positive nut 2 is longer than that of the negative nut 7, thereby achieving relative differential movement between the positive nut 2 and the negative nut 7.
[0027] The outer side of the orthogonal nut 2 is slidably connected to the connecting sleeve 11. The connecting sleeve 11 has a groove along the axial direction. The orthogonal nut 2 forms a loss-of-motion space with the groove through the radial drive pin, so that the orthogonal nut 2 can slide a preset stroke in the groove and drive the connecting sleeve 11 to move. The end of the connecting sleeve 11 along the length direction is connected to the separation chuck 12. The end of the separation chuck 12 is provided with an elastic claw structure, so that the separation chuck 12 can be engaged or disengaged from the fixing lock ring 10. The fixing lock ring 10 is provided on the outer cylinder 1.
[0028] The connecting sleeve 11 is a hollow cylindrical structure. The inner wall of the connecting sleeve 11 slides against the outer cylindrical surface of the spur nut 2. The slot is set along the axial direction of the connecting sleeve 11. A radial drive pin is set on the spur nut 2. This radial drive pin can be a cylindrical pin fixed on the spur nut 2. The radial drive pin extends into the slot of the connecting sleeve 11. When the spur nut 2 moves axially along the positive and negative thread screw 3, the radial drive pin first slides a preset stroke in the slot. At this time, the spur nut 2 does not drive the connecting sleeve 11 to move. When the radial drive pin moves to the end of the slot of the connecting sleeve 11, the axial thrust of the spur nut 2 is transmitted to the connecting sleeve 11, and the spur nut 2 drives the connecting sleeve 11 to move. The connecting sleeve 11 is rigidly connected to the separating chuck 12, which can be bolted or welded. The end of the separating chuck 12 away from the connecting sleeve 11 is provided with an elastic claw structure. The elastic claw structure consists of multiple independent elastic claw pieces around the circumference of the separating chuck 12. When the elastic jaws of the chuck 12 are subjected to external pressure, they can bend and deform inward. The fixed locking ring 10 has a locking groove along the circumference, which matches the elastic jaws of the release chuck 12. This allows the elastic jaws of the release chuck 12 to elastically deform inward and slide into the locking groove of the fixed locking ring 10 when subjected to radial pressure. After entering the locking groove, the jaws recover part of their shape through their own elasticity to achieve locking. Then, the reverse-thread nut 7 pushes the locking support block 5 into the inner hole of the release chuck 12 to suppress the elastic jaws of the release chuck 12 from rebounding, thus completing the locking. When locking, the locking support block 5 needs to be inserted into the release chuck after the release chuck 12 is engaged with the fixed locking ring 10. When unlocking, the locking support block 5 needs to be moved away from the release chuck 12 by the reverse-thread nut 7 and withdraw from the release chuck 12. At this time, the spur nut 2 completes its idle stroke, causing the release chuck 12 to disengage from the fixed locking ring 10. The fixed locking ring 10 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder and is located near the reverse-thread area.
[0029] Preferably, the fixing ring 10 has a guide sleeve on the side near the separating clamp 12. The end of the guide sleeve near the separating clamp 12 is arc-shaped, which facilitates the connecting sleeve 11 to push the separating clamp 12 to slide inward along the arc-shaped surface of the guide sleeve. The guide sleeve presses inward against the elastic jaws of the separating clamp 12, causing the elastic jaws to contract inward. The elastic jaws of the separating clamp 12 come into contact with the front end of the locking support block 5. The right-hand nut 2 continues to push the separating clamp 12 to the right, and the reverse-hand nut 7 continues to push the locking support block 5 to the left. That is, the separating clamp 12 and the locking support block 5 move towards each other, separating... The chuck 12 pushes the return spring at the end of the locking support block 5 to compress until the separating chuck 12 reaches the fixed locking ring 10. The elastic jaws of the separating chuck 12 slide into the locking groove of the fixed locking ring 10, and the compression state of the elastic jaws of the separating chuck 12 is released. At this time, the locking support block 5 is inserted into the separating chuck 12 under the action of the return spring, thus locking. When unlocking, the locking support block 5 needs to be moved away from the separating chuck 12 by the reverse thread nut 7 and exit the separating chuck 12. At this time, the straight thread nut 2 completes its idle stroke and drives the separating chuck 12 to disengage from the fixed locking ring 10.
[0030] The outer wall of the piston sleeve 6 is symmetrically provided with protrusions. The inner wall of the outer cylinder 1 is provided with a groove along the length direction at the corresponding position of the protrusion of the piston sleeve 6. The protrusion of the piston sleeve 6 is embedded in the groove of the inner wall of the outer cylinder 1, which facilitates the sliding of the piston sleeve 6 along the outer cylinder 1. Since the piston sleeve 6 and the connecting sleeve 11 are connected by a locking block, and the connecting sleeve 11 is provided with a groove along the axial direction, the radial drive pin of the spur nut 2 slides along the groove. Thus, the spur nut 2 can be restricted to rotate with the positive and negative thread screw 3 by the limiting sliding of the piston sleeve 6 and the outer cylinder 1, so that the spur nut 2 can move radially along the positive and negative thread screw 3. The outer side of the negative thread nut 7 is symmetrically provided with protrusions. The piston sleeve 6 and the protrusion of the negative thread nut 7 are provided with grooves at the corresponding positions. The protrusion of the negative thread nut 7 is embedded in the groove of the piston sleeve 6. While the negative thread nut 7 slides along the piston sleeve 6, the piston sleeve 6 restricts the negative thread nut 7 from rotating with the positive and negative thread screw 3, so that the negative thread nut 7 can move radially along the positive and negative thread screw 3.
[0031] The reverse-threaded nut 7 is connected to a locking support block 5 at the end near the separating chuck 12, which facilitates the reverse-threaded nut 7 to drive the locking support block 5 to insert or retract into the separating chuck 12.
[0032] The locking support block 5 is a hollow cylindrical structure. The locking support block 5 and the reverse thread nut 7 are respectively connected to the two ends of the return spring 4. When the reverse thread nut 7 moves axially along the positive and negative thread screw 3, it drives the locking support block 5 to move synchronously, inserting or withdrawing the locking support block 5 into or out of the inner hole of the separation chuck 12. When the locking support block 5 is inserted into the inner hole of the separation chuck 12, the locking support block 5 provides radial support to the elastic claw structure of the separation chuck 12, preventing the elastic claw structure from contracting inward, so that the separation chuck 12 remains in the snap-fit state with the fixed locking ring 10. When the locking support block 5 is withdrawn from the separation chuck 12, the elastic claw structure of the separation chuck 12 can contract inward, thereby releasing the snap-fit with the fixed locking ring 10.
[0033] The aircraft landing gear all-electric actuator locking and unlocking device of this embodiment drives the positive and negative threaded screws 3 through the drive mechanism. By utilizing the different pitches of the positive and negative threaded areas of the positive and negative threaded screws 3, the positive threaded nut 2 and the negative threaded nut 7 generate differential axial displacement. Combined with the unresponsive travel between the positive threaded nut 2 and the connecting sleeve 11, the logic decoupling and timing control of locking and actuation are realized. Thus, the problem that traditional all-electric actuators cannot simultaneously meet the requirements of reliable mechanical locking, short pre-unlocking stroke and long main actuation stroke in a limited space is solved.
[0034] The fixed locking ring 10 is provided with a locking groove that matches the separating chuck 12. The end of the locking groove near the positive thread nut 2 is provided with a guide slope, which makes it easy for the separating chuck 12 to engage or disengage from the fixed locking ring 10.
[0035] The locking groove of the fixing ring 10 is used to accommodate and fix the elastic gripper structure of the separating chuck 12. The locking groove of the fixing ring 10 can be an annular groove, the inner diameter or outer diameter of which matches the snap-fit surface of the elastic gripper of the separating chuck 12. A guide slope is provided at one end of the locking groove near the positive thread nut 2. The guide slope is an inclined transition surface at the entrance of the locking groove, which facilitates the smooth entry or exit of the elastic gripper of the separating chuck 12 into the locking groove.
[0036] In one possible embodiment, the guide ramp is a tapered surface, the angle of which is optimized to minimize the resistance of the separating chuck 12 engaging or disengaging from the fixing ring 10; or the guide ramp is an arc transition surface, allowing the separating chuck 12 to engage or disengage from the fixing ring 10 more smoothly; or the guide ramp is a stepped ramp, which facilitates guiding the separating chuck 12 into or out of the fixing ring 10 in stages.
[0037] When locking, the release chuck 12 moves toward the fixed locking ring 10 under the push of the spur nut 2. The guide ramp guides and pre-aligns the elastic jaws of the release chuck 12, allowing the release chuck 12 to smoothly deform and accurately engage in the locking groove during its entry into the locking groove. This avoids collisions, jamming, or alignment deviations caused by vertical or irregular contact surfaces, and reduces the wear of components. When unlocking, the reverse nut 7 first drives the locking support block 5 out of the inner hole of the release chuck 12. Then, the release chuck 12 moves away from the fixed locking ring 10 under the push of the spur nut 2. The elastic jaws of the release chuck 12 deform elastically and contract inward along the guide ramp under the squeezing action. The guide ramp effectively reduces the friction when the release chuck 12 disengages from the fixed locking ring 10, improving the smoothness and reliability of the locking action.
[0038] The ends of the locking support block 5 and the reverse-threaded nut 7 that are close to each other are fastened to the two ends of the return spring 4, so that when the reverse-threaded nut 7 drives the locking support block 5 to exit the separation clamp 12, the return spring 4 provides the restoring force.
[0039] The return spring 4 provides a restoring force when the locking support block 5 retracts from the separating clamp 12, allowing the locking support block 5 to return to its initial position. The return spring 4 can be a compression spring, a tension spring, or a torsion spring, etc. The two ends of the return spring 4 are connected to the locking support block 5 and the reverse-threaded nut 7, respectively. When the reverse-threaded nut 7 drives the locking support block 5 to retract from the separating clamp 12, the return spring 4 generates a restoring force in the same direction as the retraction of the locking support block 5, ensuring that the locking support block 5 is completely disengaged from the inner hole of the separating clamp 12. The return spring 4 improves the reliability of the unlocking action, avoids affecting the action of the separating clamp 12 disengaging from the fixed locking ring 10 due to the locking support block 5 not retracting in time, enhances the stability of the locking and unlocking device, and ensures the safety of unlocking.
[0040] The fixing ring 10 is connected to the outer cylinder 1 through the inner stop of the outer cylinder 1. The two ends of the fixing ring 10 are limited by the end caps, so that the fixing ring 10 is fixed in the current position of the outer cylinder 1.
[0041] The inner stop of the outer cylinder 1 is provided on the inner wall of the outer cylinder 1 to limit the radial displacement of the fixing ring 10. At the same time, end caps are provided at both ends of the fixing ring 10 to further fix the fixing ring 10 in the preset position and prevent the fixing ring 10 from axially moving during operation.
[0042] In one possible embodiment, the fixed locking ring 10 has slots at both ends, in which a retaining ring or a retaining ring is installed. The inner wall of the outer cylinder 1 is provided with a structure that cooperates with the retaining ring or the retaining ring at the corresponding position, so as to axially limit the fixed locking ring 10.
[0043] The forward and reverse threaded screws 3 are supported on the bearing housing 18 by angular contact ball bearings 17, which facilitates the stable rotation of the forward and reverse threaded screws 3 and restricts axial movement.
[0044] The lead screw 3 connects to the nut 2 and nut 7 via the nut region and the screw region, respectively. Utilizing the difference in pitch between the nut region and the screw region, differential axial movement of the nut 2 and nut 7 is achieved, thereby driving the locking / unlocking mechanism to complete the locking or unlocking action. The lead screw 3 is supported by an angular contact ball bearing 17, which is mounted on a bearing housing 18. This improves the operational stability of the lead screw 3 under high-speed rotation and complex loads. The angular contact ball bearing 17 absorbs and restricts the axial movement of the lead screw 3, preventing rotational instability caused by axial displacement. The angular contact ball bearing 17 and the bearing housing 18 provide stable support for the lead screw 3. The reverse-tooth screw 3 ensures the accuracy of the relative position and movement trajectory of the positive-tooth nut 2 and the reverse-tooth nut 7 when the screw 3 rotates, and ensures that the differential axial displacement of the positive-tooth nut 2 and the reverse-tooth nut 7 can be executed according to the preset timing and stroke. It further ensures that when locking, after the release chuck 12 is precisely engaged with the fixed locking ring 10, the reverse-tooth nut 7 pushes the locking support block 5 into the inner hole of the release chuck 12; when unlocking, after the reverse-tooth nut 7 drives the locking support block 5 out of the inner hole of the release chuck 12, the release chuck 12 is released from engagement with the fixed locking ring 10 under the action of the positive-tooth nut 2. The rotational stability of the positive-tooth screw 3 is ensured by the angular contact ball bearing 17, which improves the action accuracy and reliability of the locking and unlocking device.
[0045] A piston sleeve 6 is coaxially connected to the outer side of the connecting sleeve 11. The piston sleeve 6 is coaxially arranged and slidably connected to the outer cylinder 1. The piston rod 8 is coaxially and fastened to the end of the piston sleeve 6 along the length direction, so that the external load can be transmitted through the piston rod 8, piston sleeve 6, separation clamp 12, fixing lock ring 10 and outer cylinder 1.
[0046] The axial movement of the connecting sleeve 11 drives the separating clamp 12 to lock or unlock. The piston sleeve 6 is connected to the connecting sleeve 11 via a locking block. The outer side of the piston sleeve 6 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder 1, so that when the piston sleeve 6 moves axially, there is relative movement between the outer surface of the piston sleeve 6 and the inner surface of the outer cylinder 1. The end of the piston sleeve 6 is fastened to the end of the piston rod 8 along its length, ensuring that the external load can be transmitted to the piston sleeve 6 along the piston rod 8. When the external load acts on the piston rod 8, the external load is first borne by the piston rod 8, and then the piston rod 8 transmits the load to the piston sleeve 6, which is fastened to it. Since the piston sleeve 6 is coaxially connected to the connecting sleeve 11, and the connecting sleeve 11 is connected to the separating clamp 12, when the separating clamp 12 is engaged with the fixed locking ring 10, and the lock... When the locking device is in the locked state, the external load is transmitted to the fixed locking ring 10 through the separating chuck 12. The fixed locking ring 10 transmits the load to the outer cylinder 1 through its connection with the outer cylinder 1. This load transmission path allows the external load to effectively bypass the internal drive mechanism and transmission components such as the positive and negative thread screws 3, positive thread nut 2, and negative thread nut 7 when the locking device is in the locked state. The load is directly borne by the outer cylinder 1, the main structure of the locking device, which reduces the stress on the internal transmission components and extends the service life of the components. Through the load transmission path of the piston rod 8, piston sleeve 6, connecting sleeve 11, separating chuck 12, fixed locking ring 10, and outer cylinder 1, it is ensured that the locking mechanism can stably maintain the locking state under the action of external load, thereby improving the overall performance and safety of the locking device.
[0047] The locking groove of the fixed locking ring 10 is intermittently connected and cooperates with the elastic jaw of the separating chuck 12. The piston sleeve 6 passes through the fixed locking ring 10 intermittently along its length and cooperates with the gap between two adjacent locking grooves of the fixed locking ring 10, so that the piston sleeve 6 can pass through the fixed locking ring 10 and be fastened to the piston rod 8.
[0048] The locking support block 5 slides with the inner wall of the separation clamp 12, making it easy for the locking support block 5 to be inserted into or removed from the separation clamp 12.
[0049] Through the sliding engagement between the locking support block 5 and the inner wall of the separating chuck 12, when locking, the reverse-threaded nut 7 drives the locking support block 5 to move into the separating chuck 12. The inner wall of the separating chuck 12 radially limits and guides the locking support block 5, ensuring that the locking support block 5 smoothly enters the inner hole of the separating chuck 12 along a predetermined trajectory, avoiding misalignment or uneven force leading to skewing and jamming. Inserting the locking support block 5 into the inner hole of the separating chuck 12 prevents the elastic jaws of the separating chuck 12 from rebounding, ensuring... To ensure the stability of the locking mechanism in the locked state; during unlocking, the reverse-threaded nut 7 drives the locking support block 5 to exit the inner hole of the release chuck 12. Through the sliding cooperation between the locking support block 5 and the inner wall of the release chuck 12, the locking support block 5 is ensured to smoothly exit along the inner wall of the release chuck 12, avoiding unlocking failure due to excessive friction or jamming; therefore, through the sliding cooperation between the locking support block 5 and the inner wall of the release chuck 12, the reliability and smoothness of the locking device during the locking and unlocking process are improved, and the failure rate is reduced.
[0050] In one possible embodiment, the outer periphery of the locking support block 5 is provided with a plurality of axially extending guide ribs, and the inner wall of the separation chuck 12 is provided with guide grooves that cooperate with the guide ribs. The keyway-type cooperation provides axial sliding guidance while restricting the rotation of the locking support block 5, thereby further improving the stability and centering of the locking support block 5 when it is inserted into and withdrawn from the separation chuck 12.
[0051] Furthermore, a sliding bearing bushing is embedded between the outer surface of the locking support block 5 and the inner wall of the release chuck 12 to reduce the friction between the locking support block 5 and the release chuck 12.
[0052] The drive mechanism includes a motor 13, the output shaft of the motor 13 is connected to a reducer 9, the output shaft of the reducer 9 is connected to a first gear 14 to facilitate the rotation of the first gear 14, the lower side of the first gear 14 meshes with a second gear 15 to facilitate the synchronous rotation of the second gear 15, the second gear 15 is fastened to a positive and negative thread screw 3, and a protective cover 16 is provided on the side of the first gear 14 and the second gear 15 away from the motor 13.
[0053] The motor 13 is connected to the reducer 9, which adjusts the speed and torque. The reducer 9 also drives the first gear 14 to rotate. The first gear 14 meshes with the second gear 15, which in turn drives the second gear 15 to rotate synchronously. Since the second gear 15 is connected to the positive and negative threaded screws 3 through a small diaphragm coupling, it drives the positive and negative threaded screws 3 to rotate synchronously. The rotation of the positive and negative threaded screws 3 causes the positive threaded nut 2 and the negative threaded nut 7 to generate the expected differential axial displacement, thereby ensuring that the release chuck 12 is engaged or disengaged from the fixed locking ring 10, and ensuring that the locking support block 5 is inserted into or withdrawn from the release chuck 12 at the corresponding time, thus improving the working reliability of the locking and unlocking device.
[0054] The reducer 9 can be a planetary gear reducer. The second gear 15 and the lead screw 3 can be fastened together by key connection or interference fit. The protective cover 16 is wrapped around the outside of the first gear 14 and the second gear 15 to prevent external dust and foreign objects from entering.
[0055] A method for using an all-electric actuator lock-opening device for aircraft landing gear:
[0056] When locking, the motor 13 rotates forward, and the positive thread nut 2 slides in the groove of the connecting sleeve 11. At this time, the connecting sleeve 11, the separating chuck 12, and the piston sleeve 6 are all stationary. At the same time, the negative thread nut 7 moves towards the positive thread nut 2. After the positive thread nut 2 contacts the end of the groove of the connecting sleeve 11, the positive thread nut 2 drives the connecting sleeve 11, the separating chuck 12, and the piston sleeve 6 to move towards the fixed locking ring 10. The elastic claw of the separating chuck 12 is elastically deformed inward under the squeezing action of the fixed locking ring 10 and gets stuck in the locking groove. Then the negative thread nut 7 pushes the locking support block 5 to insert into the inner hole of the separating chuck 12, suppressing the elastic claw of the separating chuck 12 from rebounding, thus completing the locking.
[0057] During unlocking, motor 13 reverses, and the spur nut 2 slides in the slot of connecting sleeve 11. At this time, connecting sleeve 11, separating chuck 12, and piston sleeve 6 are all stationary. Simultaneously, reverse nut 7 drives locking support block 5 out of the inner hole of separating chuck 12. When the spur nut 2 has completed its rest stroke, reverse nut 7 has driven locking support block 5 to completely exit separating chuck 12, completing pre-unlocking. At this time, spur nut 2 drives connecting sleeve 11, separating chuck 12, and piston sleeve 6 to move away from fixed locking ring 10. The elastic jaws of separating chuck 12 undergo elastic deformation and contract inward under the squeezing action, disengaging from fixed locking ring 10, thus completing unlocking.
[0058] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation on the present invention. Any simple modifications, alterations, or equivalent structural transformations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A fully electric actuator locking and unlocking device for aircraft landing gear, characterized in that: It includes a drive mechanism and a locking mechanism. The drive mechanism and the locking mechanism are connected to facilitate the operation of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a positive and negative threaded screw (3). The positive and negative threaded screw (3) is connected to the drive mechanism to facilitate the drive mechanism to drive the positive and negative threaded screw (3) to rotate. The positive threaded area and the negative threaded area of the positive and negative threaded screw (3) are respectively connected to the positive threaded nut (2) and the negative threaded nut (7). The pitch of the positive threaded area and the negative threaded area of the positive and negative threaded screw (3) are different, which facilitates the positive threaded nut (2) and the negative threaded nut (7) to generate differential axial displacement. The outer side of the nut (2) is slidably connected to the connecting sleeve (11). The connecting sleeve (11) has a slot along the axial direction. The nut (2) forms a loss-of-motion space with the slot through the radial drive pin, so that the nut (2) can slide a preset stroke in the slot and drive the connecting sleeve (11) to move. The end of the connecting sleeve (11) along the length direction is connected to the separation chuck (12). The end of the separation chuck (12) is provided with an elastic claw structure, so that the separation chuck (12) can be engaged or disengaged from the fixing lock ring (10). The fixing lock ring (10) is provided on the outer cylinder (1). The reverse-tooth nut (7) is connected to a locking support block (5) at the end near the separating chuck (12), which makes it easy for the reverse-tooth nut (7) to drive the locking support block (5) to insert or exit the separating chuck (12).
2. The aircraft landing gear all-electric actuator lock-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed locking ring (10) is provided with a locking groove that matches the separating chuck (12). The end of the locking groove near the positive thread nut (2) is provided with a guide slope, which makes it easy for the separating chuck (12) to be engaged or disengaged from the fixed locking ring (10).
3. The aircraft landing gear all-electric actuator lock-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ends of the locking support block (5) and the reverse-threaded nut (7) that are close to each other are fastened to the two ends of the return spring (4), so that when the reverse-threaded nut (7) drives the locking support block (5) to exit the separation clamp (12), the return spring (4) provides the return force.
4. The aircraft landing gear all-electric actuator lock-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing ring (10) is connected to the outer cylinder (1) through the inner stop of the outer cylinder (1). The two ends of the fixing ring (10) are limited by the end caps so that the fixing ring (10) is fixed in the current position of the outer cylinder (1).
5. The aircraft landing gear all-electric actuator lock-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positive and negative threaded screws (3) are supported on the bearing housing (18) by angular contact ball bearings (17), which makes it easy for the positive and negative threaded screws (3) to maintain stable rotation and limit axial movement.
6. The aircraft landing gear all-electric actuator lock-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The piston sleeve (6) is coaxially connected to the outside of the connecting sleeve (11). The piston sleeve (6) is coaxially arranged and slidably connected to the outer cylinder (1). The piston sleeve (6) is coaxially connected to the end along the length direction and is fastened to the piston rod (8), so that the external load can be transmitted through the piston rod (8), piston sleeve (6), separation clamp (12), fixing lock ring (10) and outer cylinder (1).
7. The aircraft landing gear all-electric actuator lock-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking support block (5) slides with the inner wall of the separation clamp (12), which facilitates the insertion or removal of the locking support block (5) from the separation clamp (12).
8. The aircraft landing gear all-electric actuator lock-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive mechanism includes a motor (13), the output shaft of the motor (13) is connected to a reducer (9), the output shaft of the reducer (9) is connected to a first gear (14) to facilitate the rotation of the first gear (14), the lower side of the first gear (14) meshes with a second gear (15) to facilitate the synchronous rotation of the second gear (15), the second gear (15) is fastened to a positive and negative thread screw (3), and a protective cover (16) is provided on the side of the first gear (14) and the second gear (15) away from the motor (13).
9. A method of using an aircraft landing gear all-electric actuator lock-opening device according to claims 1-8, characterized in that: When locked, the motor (13) rotates forward, and the nut (2) slides in the groove of the connecting sleeve (11). At this time, the connecting sleeve (11), the separating chuck (12) and the piston sleeve (6) are all stationary. At the same time, the reverse nut (7) moves towards the nut (2). After the nut (2) contacts the end of the groove of the connecting sleeve (11), the nut (2) drives the connecting sleeve (11), the separating chuck (12) and the piston sleeve (6) to move towards the fixed locking ring (10). The elastic claw of the separating chuck (12) is elastically deformed inward under the squeezing action of the fixed locking ring (10) and is stuck into the locking groove. Then the reverse nut (7) pushes the locking support block (5) to insert into the inner hole of the separating chuck (12) to suppress the elastic claw of the separating chuck (12) from rebounding, thus completing the locking. When unlocking, the motor (13) reverses and the spur nut (2) slides in the slot of the connecting sleeve (11). At this time, the connecting sleeve (11), the separating chuck (12) and the piston sleeve (6) are all stationary. At the same time, the reverse nut (7) drives the locking support block (5) to exit the inner hole of the separating chuck (12). When the spur nut (2) has completed its rest stroke, the reverse nut (7) has driven the locking support block (5) to exit the separating chuck (12) completely, completing the pre-unlocking. At this time, the spur nut (2) drives the connecting sleeve (11), the separating chuck (12) and the piston sleeve (6) to move away from the fixed locking ring (10). The elastic jaws of the separating chuck (12) undergo elastic deformation and contract inward under the squeezing action, disengaging from the fixed locking ring (10), completing the unlocking.