Mechanical locking and unlocking device and method for a straight rod type aircraft seat backrest

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of straight rod type aeronautical seat backrest mechanical locking and unlocking device and method, device includes fixed module, movable module, large spring, screw, joint;Large spring is installed in the inside of fixed module, movable module is installed in the head position of fixed module, and is embedded in large spring, joint is installed in the tail of fixed module by screw, and is butted with large spring, and large spring is compressed, it generates elastic force to movable module, realize the locking and unlocking of fixed module and movable module;Method is by the fixed connection of the present application device and seat backrest, by seat button, seat control transmission mechanism and unlocking rod to complete unlocking, again by the adjustment of seat backrest to realize locking.The present application realizes the miniaturization and compactification of overall device from structure, effectively solve the problem that traditional locking and unlocking mechanism occupies large space, limit seat design flexibility, enhance the stability and durability of device in vibration, impact and-55 ℃ extreme low temperature harsh environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aviation seat design technology, and specifically relates to a mechanical locking and unlocking device and method for a straight rod type aviation seat backrest. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of aircraft seat design technology, especially in the design and application of aircraft seats, backrest angle adjustment is a key functional requirement. Traditional seat backrest adjustment devices mainly employ two methods: one is a hydraulic locking structure, and the other is a mechanical locking mechanism driven by spring force. The first approach, using a hydraulic locking device, presents several problems in practical applications. First, hydraulic systems are prone to leakage during long-term use, which not only affects the reliability and lifespan of the seat but may also lead to safety hazards. Second, hydraulic systems are sensitive to ambient temperature; in extreme low-temperature environments (such as -55°C required for military aircraft), the hydraulic oil may experience reduced fluidity or freezing, causing the locking device to malfunction and further reducing system reliability. The second traditional approach uses a liquid-free locking mechanism, with the unlocking mechanism located in the middle of the entire device. While this structure offers some adjustment capabilities, it suffers from several significant drawbacks: First, the centrally located unlocking device makes the overall mechanism less compact and requires more space, limiting the flexibility of the seat design. Second, in this design, the locking load and unlocking force rely primarily on spring force. This means that excessive locking force necessitates even greater unlocking force, increasing the operator's workload, especially during prolonged sitting or frequent adjustments, potentially leading to fatigue. Furthermore, excessive spring force can exert significant stress on the mechanism components, potentially causing mechanical fatigue or damage over time.

[0003] In summary, existing seat backrest locking and unlocking devices have certain shortcomings in terms of reliability, compactness, ease of operation, and environmental adaptability, making it difficult to meet the stringent requirements of aircraft seats for safety performance, comfort, and high environmental adaptability. Therefore, developing a straight-bar type mechanical locking and unlocking device for aircraft seat backrests with higher reliability and better human-computer interaction is particularly important. This invention proposes a novel solution based on the aforementioned technical problems, aiming to provide a more compact, reliable, and easy-to-operate aircraft seat backrest adjustment device by optimizing the design of the locking and unlocking mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Purpose of the invention: The purpose of this invention is to provide a mechanical locking and unlocking device and method for a straight rod type aircraft seat backrest, which aims to solve the shortcomings of existing backrest angle adjustment devices in terms of reliability, compactness, ease of operation and environmental adaptability.

[0005] Invention technical solution: To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a straight-rod type mechanical locking and unlocking device for aircraft seat backrests, including a fixed module 1, a movable module 2, a large spring 3, a screw 4, and a connector 5; the large spring 3 is installed inside the fixed module 1, the movable module 2 is installed at the head position of the fixed module 1 and embedded in the large spring 3, and the connector 5 is installed at the tail of the fixed module 1 by the screw 4, docking with the large spring 3 and compressing the large spring 3 to generate elastic force on the movable module 2; the fixed module 1 consists of a locking ring 101 and a sleeve 102, the locking ring 101 is threadedly connected to the sleeve 102, and the movable module 2 and the locking ring 101 of the fixed module 1 realize the locking and unlocking of the device.

[0006] Furthermore, the connector 5 adopts a double-ear structure, which is used to limit the large spring 3, and can also be connected to the seat back.

[0007] Furthermore, the movable module 2 includes an unlocking rod 201, a piston rod 202, a locking block 203, a cylindrical pin 204, a small spring 205, and a small spring sleeve 206. The unlocking rod 201 is installed inside the piston rod 202, and the piston rod 202 and the unlocking rod 201 extend out of the head position of the fixed module 1. The unlocking rod 201 and the locking block 203 are connected by the cylindrical pin 204. The small spring sleeve 206 is located at the tail of the movable module 2 and is connected to the piston rod 202 by threads. Its inner cavity presses one end of the small spring 205. After the small spring 205 is compressed, its other end generates elastic force on the unlocking rod 201, thereby realizing the automatic reset of the unlocking rod 201.

[0008] Furthermore, there are two locking blocks 203, which are respectively installed in the upper and lower waist-shaped grooves of the piston rod 202. Each locking block 203 is equipped with three cylindrical pins 204, which are respectively embedded in the inclined groove of the unlocking rod 201. When the inclined groove moves axially with the unlocking rod 201, the cylindrical pins 204 slide in the inclined groove, driving the locking block 203 to move radially, thereby converting the axial movement of the unlocking rod 201 into the radial movement of the two locking blocks 203, so that the locking blocks 203 move away from or closer to the locking ring 101 in the fixing module 1.

[0009] Furthermore, the unlocking lever 201 extends from the piston 202, with the extended portion located at the head of the movable module 2 and connected to the operating transmission mechanism on the seat, thereby enabling the unlocking lever 201 to move axially through the transmission mechanism.

[0010] In addition, an unlocking and locking method based on the above-mentioned device is provided, including the following steps: Step 1: Assemble the locking and unlocking device Assemble the fixed module 1 and the movable module 2 in sequence; then insert the movable module 2 through the tail of the fixed module 1, insert the large spring 3 through the tail of the fixed module 1, compress the large spring 3, and then use screws 4 to fix the connector 5 to the tail of the sleeve 102, thus completing the installation of the locking and unlocking device; the installed locking and unlocking device is in a locked state under the action of the internal spring.

[0011] Step 2: Complete the connection between the locking / unlocking device and the seat back. according to Figure 3 Connect the double-ear connector of the connector 5 on the locking and unlocking device 6 to the single-ear connector 7 on the seat back, then thread the head of the movable module 2 to the seat frame structure 8, and then connect the unlocking rod 201 in the movable module 2 to the seat operation transmission mechanism to achieve a fixed connection between the locking and unlocking device and the seat back. Step 3: Unlocking the lock / unlock device By pressing the exposed part of the unlocking lever 201 through the operating transmission mechanism on the seat, the unlocking lever 201 moves axially and pushes the two locking blocks 203 to move away from the locking ring 101 through the inclined groove structure on the unlocking lever 201. The locking teeth on the locking blocks 203 disengage from the annular tooth groove of the locking ring 101, and the device is in the unlocked state, allowing for flexible adjustment of the backrest. Step 4: Lock the locking and unlocking device by adjusting the backrest. When the backrest is adjusted to the appropriate position, release the unlock button to release the exposed part of the unlock lever 201. Under the action of the spring force of the small spring 205, the unlock lever 201 moves towards the head of the device, and the inclined groove of the unlock lever 201 moves accordingly. During the movement, it squeezes the two locking blocks 203, bringing them close to the locking ring 101 until they are engaged, and maintains the squeezed state. At this time, the length of the locking and unlocking device is reliably locked, the length of the device is fixed, and the seat back cannot rotate along the pivot, thus completing the seat back angle locking.

[0012] Furthermore, the assembly of the movable module 2 involves first inserting the unlocking rod 201 into the piston rod 202 and aligning it with the waist-shaped grooves of both. Then, locking blocks 203 are installed into the upper and lower waist-shaped grooves of the piston rod 202, and six cylindrical pins 204 are installed through the process holes on the piston rod 202. At this point, when the unlocking rod 201 is pulled axially, the locking blocks 203 should be able to move up and down. After confirming that the locking blocks 203 move normally, a small spring 205 is installed at the tail of the piston rod 202, and the small spring sleeve 206 is connected to the piston rod 201 by threads. After connection, the small spring 205 is pre-compressed, and the assembly is complete.

[0013] Furthermore, the backrest adjustment process involves pressing the backrest against the wall when the locking / unlocking device is in the unlocked state, compressing the large spring 3 to increase the backrest angle; releasing the pressure from the backrest causes the piston rod 202 to extend under the elastic force of the large spring 3, causing the backrest to rotate forward, thus decreasing the backrest angle.

[0014] Beneficial technical effects of the invention: The present invention can achieve the following beneficial technical effects: 1. Enhanced reliability: The locking and unlocking mechanisms have been optimized, improving stability and durability in harsh environments such as vibration and temperature changes.

[0015] 2. Compact structure: The reasonable design of the size and layout of each component makes the overall device occupy little space, making it suitable for installation in narrow aircraft seats.

[0016] 3. Easy to operate: The unlocking lever at the end of the pressing device allows users to easily adjust the backrest angle, enhancing the human-computer interaction experience.

[0017] 4. Excellent environmental adaptability: It can operate normally under extremely low temperature conditions of -55℃, meeting the stringent requirements of military aviation environment. Attached image description: To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. The drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 : Axial view of the overall device of the present invention; Figure 2 : A schematic diagram of the overall device of the present invention; the arrows in the diagram indicate the head position of the device, and the opposite direction indicates the tail position; Figure 3 : Schematic diagram of the installation of the present invention and the backrest seat; Figure 4 Flowchart of the unlocking and locking method of the device of the present invention; Among them: 1-fixed module, 2-movable module, 3-large spring, 4-screw, 5-connector, 101-locking ring, 102-sleeve, 201-unlocking rod, 202-piston rod, 203-locking block, 204-cylindrical pin, 205-small spring, 206-small spring sleeve; 6-locking and unlocking device, 7-lower backrest connector, 8-seat frame structure. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0021] 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.

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

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a straight rod type mechanical locking and unlocking device for aircraft seat backrests, including a fixed module 1, a movable module 2, a large spring 3, a screw 4, and a connector 5; the large spring 3 is installed inside the fixed module 1, the movable module 2 is installed at the head position of the fixed module 1 and embedded in the large spring 3, and the connector 5 is installed at the tail of the fixed module 1 by the screw 4, docking with the large spring 3 and compressing the large spring 3 so that it generates elastic force on the movable module 2.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, the fixed module 1 consists of a locking ring 101 and a sleeve 102. The locking ring 101 is threaded into the sleeve 102. The movable module 2 and the locking ring 101 of the fixed module 1 realize the locking and unlocking of the device. The sleeve 102 serves as the main bearing body of the device, guides the large spring 3 and the piston rod 202, and also serves as the support for the unlocking mechanism, fixing the unlocking mechanism. The connector 5 adopts a double-ear structure, which is used to limit the large spring 3, and can also be connected to the seat back.

[0025] The movable module 2 includes an unlocking rod 201, a piston rod 202, a locking block 203, a cylindrical pin 204, a small spring 205, and a small spring sleeve 206. The unlocking rod 201 is installed inside the piston rod 202, and the piston rod 202 and the unlocking rod 201 extend out of the head position of the fixed module 1. The unlocking rod 201 and the locking block 203 are connected by the cylindrical pin 204. The small spring sleeve 206 is located at the tail of the movable module 2 and is connected to the piston rod 202 by threads. Its inner cavity presses one end of the small spring 205. After the small spring 205 is compressed, its other end generates elastic force on the unlocking rod 201, realizing the automatic reset of the unlocking rod 201.

[0026] There are two locking blocks 203, which are respectively installed in the upper and lower waist-shaped grooves of the piston rod 202. Each locking block 203 is equipped with three cylindrical pins 204, which are respectively embedded in the inclined groove of the unlocking rod 201. When the inclined groove moves axially with the unlocking rod 201, the cylindrical pins 204 slide in the inclined groove, driving the locking block 203 to move radially, thereby converting the axial movement of the unlocking rod 201 into the radial movement of the two locking blocks 203, so that the locking blocks 203 move away from or closer to the locking ring 101 in the fixing module 1.

[0027] The unlocking lever 201 extends from the piston 202, with the extended portion located at the head of the movable module 2 and connected to the operating transmission mechanism on the seat. The unlocking lever 201 moves axially through the transmission mechanism.

[0028] Addressing the technical pain points of traditional seat backrest adjustment mechanisms, such as insufficient reliability, structural redundancy, and poor user experience, this invention completely eliminates the easily leaking and temperature-sensitive hydraulic system, as well as the structure limited by springs and operating force, through a novel locking and unlocking principle. This significantly enhances the stability and durability of the device in harsh environments such as vibration, impact, and extreme low temperatures down to -55°C. In terms of structural design, the overall device is miniaturized and compacted, effectively solving the problems of large space occupation and limited seat design flexibility caused by traditional central unlocking mechanisms. Figure 3 As shown, this device can be installed in a small space on the side of the chair surface without taking up space in the seat cushion, and it does not interfere with the movement of other mechanisms. At the same time, the end-press unlocking and inclined groove squeezing locking design reduces the unlocking force required for operation, and resolves the contradiction that the maximum locking force is limited by the operating force. This not only reduces the stress load on mechanical parts and extends their service life, but also improves the convenience and comfort of human-computer interaction.

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown, the present invention also provides an unlocking and locking method according to the above-described device, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Assemble the locking and unlocking device Assemble the fixed module 1 and the movable module 2 in sequence; then insert the movable module 2 through the tail of the fixed module 1, insert the large spring 3 through the tail of the fixed module 1, compress the large spring 3, and then use screws 4 to fix the connector 5 to the tail of the sleeve 102, thus completing the installation of the locking and unlocking device; the installed locking and unlocking device is in a locked state under the action of the internal spring.

[0030] Step 2: Complete the connection between the locking / unlocking device and the seat back. according to Figure 3 Connect the double-ear connector of the connector 5 on the locking and unlocking device 6 to the single-ear connector 7 on the seat back, then thread the head of the movable module 2 to the seat frame structure 8, and then connect the unlocking rod 201 in the movable module 2 to the seat operation transmission mechanism to achieve a fixed connection between the locking and unlocking device and the seat back. Step 3: Unlocking the lock / unlock device By pressing the exposed part of the unlocking lever 201 through the operating transmission mechanism on the seat, the unlocking lever 201 moves axially and pushes the two locking blocks 203 to move away from the locking ring 101 through the inclined groove structure on the unlocking lever 201. The locking teeth on the locking blocks 203 disengage from the annular tooth groove of the locking ring 101, and the device is in the unlocked state, allowing for flexible adjustment of the backrest. Step 4: Lock the locking and unlocking device by adjusting the backrest. When the backrest is adjusted to the appropriate position, release the unlock button to release the exposed part of the unlock lever 201. Under the action of the spring force of the small spring 205, the unlock lever 201 moves towards the head of the device, and the inclined groove of the unlock lever 201 moves accordingly. During the movement, it squeezes the two locking blocks 203, bringing them close to the locking ring 101 until they are engaged, and maintains the squeezed state. At this time, the length of the locking and unlocking device is reliably locked, the length of the device is fixed, and the seat back cannot rotate along the pivot, thus completing the seat back angle locking.

[0031] The assembly of the movable module 2 is as follows: First, the unlocking rod 201 is inserted into the piston rod 202 and aligned with the waist-shaped groove of the two. Then, locking blocks 203 are installed into the upper and lower waist-shaped grooves of the piston rod 202, and six cylindrical pins 204 are installed through the process holes on the piston rod 202. At this time, the unlocking rod 201 is pulled axially, and the locking blocks 203 should be able to move up and down. After confirming that the locking blocks 203 move normally, a small spring 205 is installed at the tail of the piston rod 202, and the small spring sleeve 206 is connected to the piston rod 201 by threads. After connection, the small spring 205 is pre-compressed, and the assembly is completed.

[0032] The backrest adjustment process involves pressing the backrest against the wall when the locking / unlocking device is in the unlocked state, compressing the large spring 3 to increase the backrest angle; releasing the pressure from the backrest causes the piston rod 202 to extend under the elastic force of the large spring 3, causing the backrest to rotate forward to decrease the backrest angle.

[0033] Through structural innovation and principle optimization, this invention has achieved a comprehensive breakthrough in seat back adjustment devices in extreme environments, with extremely high space utilization and human-computer interaction experience. It meets the stringent requirements of military and high-end civil aviation seats and has high engineering application value and market promotion prospects.

[0034] 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 straight-rod type mechanical locking and unlocking device for aircraft seat backrests, characterized in that... The device includes a fixed module (1), a movable module (2), a large spring (3), a screw (4), and a connector (5). The large spring (3) is installed inside the fixed module (1), the movable module (2) is installed at the head of the fixed module (1) and embedded in the large spring (3), and the connector (5) is installed at the tail of the fixed module (1) by the screw (4), docking with the large spring (3) and compressing the large spring (3) so that it generates elastic force on the movable module (2). The fixed module (1) consists of a locking ring (101) and a sleeve (102). The locking ring (101) is threaded into the sleeve (102). The movable module (2) and the locking ring (101) of the fixed module (1) realize the locking and unlocking of the device.

2. The mechanical locking and unlocking device for a straight rod type aircraft seat backrest according to claim (1), characterized in that... The connector (5) adopts a double-ear structure to limit the large spring (3) and can also be connected to the seat back.

3. The straight-rod type aircraft seat back mechanical locking and unlocking device according to claim (1), characterized in that... The movable module (2) includes an unlocking rod (201), a piston rod (202), a locking block (203), a cylindrical pin (204), a small spring (205), and a small spring sleeve (206). The unlocking rod (201) is installed inside the piston rod (202), and the piston rod (202) and the unlocking rod (201) extend out of the head position of the fixed module (1). The unlocking rod (201) and the locking block (203) are connected by the cylindrical pin (204). The small spring sleeve (206) is located at the tail of the movable module (2) and is connected to the piston rod (202) by threads. Its inner cavity presses one end of the small spring (205). After the small spring (205) is compressed, its other end generates elastic force on the unlocking rod (201), thereby realizing the automatic reset of the unlocking rod (201).

4. The straight-rod type aircraft seat back mechanical locking and unlocking device according to claim (3), characterized in that... There are two locking blocks (203), which are respectively installed in the upper and lower waist-shaped grooves of the piston rod (202). Each locking block (203) is equipped with three cylindrical pins (204), which are respectively embedded in the inclined groove of the unlocking rod (201). When the inclined groove moves axially with the unlocking rod (201), the cylindrical pins (204) slide in the inclined groove, driving the locking block (203) to move radially, thereby converting the axial movement of the unlocking rod (201) into the radial movement of the two locking blocks (203), so that the locking blocks (203) move away from or closer to the locking ring (101) in the fixing module (1).

5. A straight-rod type aircraft seat back mechanical locking and unlocking device according to claim (3), characterized in that... The unlocking lever (201) extends from the piston (202), with the extended part located at the head of the movable module (2) and connected to the operating transmission mechanism on the seat. The unlocking lever (201) moves axially through the transmission mechanism.

6. The unlocking and locking method of the straight rod type aircraft seat back mechanical locking and unlocking device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Step 1: Assemble the locking and unlocking device Assemble the fixed module (1) and the movable module (2) in sequence; then insert the movable module (2) into the tail of the fixed module (1), insert the large spring (3) into the tail of the fixed module (1), compress the large spring (3), and then use screws (4) to fix the connector (5) to the tail of the sleeve (102), thus completing the installation of the locking and unlocking device; the installed locking and unlocking device is in a locked state under the action of the internal spring. Step 2: Complete the connection between the locking / unlocking device and the seat back. Connect the double-ear connector of the upper connector (5) of the locking and unlocking device (6) to the single-ear connector (7) of the seat back, then connect the head of the movable module (2) to the seat frame structure (8) by thread, and then connect the unlocking rod (201) in the movable module (2) to the seat operation transmission mechanism to achieve the fixed connection between the locking and unlocking device and the seat back. Step 3: Unlocking the lock / unlock device By pressing the exposed part of the unlocking lever (201) through the operating transmission mechanism on the seat, the unlocking lever (201) moves axially and pushes the two locking blocks (203) to move away from the locking ring (101) through the inclined groove structure on the unlocking lever (201). The locking teeth on the locking blocks (203) disengage from the annular tooth groove of the locking ring (101), and the device is in the unlocked state, allowing for flexible adjustment of the backrest. Step 4: Lock the locking and unlocking device by adjusting the backrest. When the backrest is adjusted to the appropriate position, release the unlock button to release the exposed part of the unlock lever (201). Under the action of the spring force of the small spring (205), the unlock lever (201) moves towards the head of the device, and the inclined groove of the unlock lever (201) moves accordingly. During the movement, it squeezes the two locking blocks (203) and makes them close to the locking ring (101) until they are engaged and kept in a squeezed state. At this time, the length of the locking and unlocking device is reliably locked, the length of the device is fixed, and the seat back cannot rotate along the pivot, thus completing the seat back angle locking.

7. The unlocking and locking method of the straight rod type aircraft seat back mechanical locking and unlocking device according to claim (6) is characterized in that: The assembly of the movable module (2) is as follows: first, the unlocking rod (201) is inserted into the piston rod (202) and aligned with the waist-shaped groove of the two. Then, the locking blocks (203) are installed from the upper and lower waist-shaped grooves of the piston rod (202) respectively, and six cylindrical pins (204) are installed through the process hole on the piston rod (202). At this time, the unlocking rod (201) is pulled along the axis, and the locking blocks (203) should be able to move up and down. After confirming that the locking blocks (203) move normally, a small spring (205) is installed at the tail of the piston rod (202), and the small spring sleeve (206) is connected to the piston rod (201) by thread. After connection, the small spring (205) is pre-compressed, and the assembly is completed.

8. The unlocking and locking method of the straight rod type aircraft seat back mechanical locking and unlocking device according to claim (6) is characterized in that: The backrest adjustment process is as follows: when the locking and unlocking device is in the unlocked state, force is applied to the backrest to compress the large spring (3), which can increase the backrest angle; when the pressure of the backrest is released, the piston rod (202) extends under the elastic force of the large spring (3), which drives the backrest to rotate forward, which can decrease the backrest angle.

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