Propeller hub connecting assembly and aircraft

By introducing a ball bearing and slot structure into the rotor hub connection assembly, the problem of easy detachment between the rotor hub and the rotor shaft was solved, thereby improving the stability and safety of the aircraft.

CN223559841UActive Publication Date: 2025-11-18PEKING UNIV NANCHANG INNOVATION RES INST
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520006365.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-02
Publication Date
2025-11-18
Estimated Expiration
2035-01-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The connection between the rotor hub and the rotor shaft is prone to detachment due to axial force, which affects the stability and safety of the aircraft.

Method used

The design employs a hub connection assembly, which includes a hub, a shaft, balls, an inlet channel, and a slot structure. The balls enter through the inlet channel and simultaneously abut against the upper and lower slots to withstand axial force and prevent the shaft from detaching.

Benefits of technology

This effectively prevents the propeller shaft from detaching from the hub during operation, improving the stability and safety of the propeller and reducing the risk of flight accidents.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a propeller hub connecting assembly which comprises a propeller hub, a propeller shaft arranged on the propeller hub in a penetrating mode and a plurality of balls, the propeller hub is provided with a leading-in channel and an upper clamping groove which are communicated with each other, the propeller shaft is provided with a lower clamping groove which is matched with the upper clamping groove, and the balls are placed in through the leading-in channel and roll to abut against the upper clamping groove and the lower clamping groove at the same time. The axial force of the propeller shaft is borne through the balls, so that the propeller shaft is prevented from being separated from the propeller hub in the working process, and the stability and safety of the propeller during working are guaranteed; in addition, the propeller further comprises an engine connecting flange and bolts, the propeller hub and the engine connecting flange are provided with first end teeth and second end teeth which are meshed with each other respectively, the multiple bolts are arranged in a circumferential array mode, and the bolts penetrate through the second end teeth and are connected to screw holes of the propeller hub. Therefore, through cooperation of the first end teeth and the second end teeth which are meshed with each other, great torque brought by an engine can be transmitted, at the moment, the bolt only needs to play a tensioning role, and the stability and safety of the propeller during working are guaranteed.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of aircraft technology, specifically to a rotor hub connection assembly and an aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] In aircraft, the rotor hub plays a crucial role. As one of the core components of the aircraft's propulsion system, the hub not only transmits power from the engine to the rotor blades but also ensures the stability and reliability of this transmission. One end of the hub connects to the engine flange, while the other end connects to the rotor shaft. The rotor shaft acts as an intermediate medium connecting the hub and the blades. During high-speed rotation, the blades generate significant centrifugal force, which translates to an outward axial force on the rotor shaft. This axial force can easily cause the rotor shaft to detach from the hub, leading to serious flight safety issues. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to propose a rotor hub connection assembly and an aircraft to solve the problems mentioned in the background section above.

[0004] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] A propeller hub connection assembly includes a propeller hub, a propeller shaft passing through the propeller hub, and a plurality of balls. The propeller hub has an inlet channel and an upper retaining groove that are interconnected. The propeller shaft has a lower retaining groove that mates with the upper retaining groove. The balls are inserted through the inlet channel and roll until they simultaneously abut against the upper retaining groove and the lower retaining groove.

[0006] Furthermore, the upper slot includes a horizontal section and an arc-shaped section, the inlet channel passes through the propeller hub and connects to the horizontal section, one end of the propeller shaft is provided with a connecting groove for connecting the propeller blade, and the distance between the arc-shaped section and the connecting groove is shorter than the distance between the inlet channel and the connecting groove.

[0007] Furthermore, the lower groove has a semi-circular concave cross-section, with the upper end of the ball abutting against the arc-shaped segment and the lower end of the ball embedded in the lower groove.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a nut plate, the propeller shaft is provided with a threaded portion, the nut plate is threaded to the threaded portion and abuts against the outer end face of the propeller hub, and by rotating the nut plate, the lower retaining groove drives the ball to tightly hold the upper retaining groove.

[0009] Furthermore, a sealing ring is sandwiched between the nut plate and the propeller hub.

[0010] Furthermore, a radial bearing is fitted around the outer periphery of the propeller shaft to abut against the propeller hub.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a retaining ring fitted around the outer periphery of the propeller shaft, the retaining ring being used to allow the radial bearing to abut against the side end face of the threaded portion.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes an engine connecting flange and bolts. The propeller hub and the engine connecting flange are respectively provided with a first end tooth and a second end tooth that mesh with each other. A plurality of bolts are arranged in a circumferential array, and the bolts pass through the second end tooth and are connected to the threaded hole of the propeller hub.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a bearing ring embedded in the propeller hub, the inner circumferential surface of which forms the upper groove.

[0014] On the other hand, the present invention provides an aircraft including a rotor hub connection assembly as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: A propeller hub connection assembly includes a propeller hub, a propeller shaft passing through the propeller hub, and a plurality of balls. The propeller hub is provided with an inlet channel and an upper retaining groove that are interconnected. The propeller shaft is provided with a lower retaining groove that mates with the upper retaining groove. The balls are inserted through the inlet channel and roll until they simultaneously abut against the upper retaining groove and the lower retaining groove. The balls bear the axial force of the propeller shaft, thereby preventing the propeller shaft from detaching from the propeller hub during operation and ensuring the stability and safety of the propeller during operation. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the propeller hub connection assembly of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the connection between the propeller hub and the propeller shaft of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a partial side view of the connection between the propeller hub and the engine connecting flange of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the present invention with the engine connection flange removed.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the engine connecting flange of this utility model.

[0021] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0022] 1. Propeller hub; 11. Inlet channel; 12. Upper slot; 121. Horizontal section; 122. Arc section; 13. First end tooth; 14. Threaded hole; 2. Propeller shaft; 21. Lower slot; 22. Connecting groove; 23. Threaded part; 3. Nut piece; 4. Sealing ring; 5. Radial bearing; 6. Retaining ring; 7. Engine connecting flange; 71. Second end tooth; 8. Bolt; 9. Bearing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the description of these embodiments is intended to aid in understanding this utility model, but does not constitute a limitation thereof. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0024] Reference Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a propeller hub connection assembly includes a propeller hub 1, a propeller shaft 2 passing through the propeller hub 1, and a plurality of balls. The propeller hub 1 is provided with an inlet channel 11 and an upper slot 12 that are interconnected. The propeller shaft 2 is provided with a lower slot 21 that mates with the upper slot 12. The balls are inserted into the inlet channel 11 and roll until they simultaneously abut against the upper slot 12 and the lower slot 21.

[0025] The main function of the ball bearings is to withstand the axial force generated by the rotation of the blades and transmitted to the propeller shaft 2. This force is particularly significant at high speeds and may cause the propeller shaft 2 to move outward or detach from the hub 1. By intervening with the ball bearings, this axial force can be dispersed, reducing the direct pressure on the hub 1, thereby protecting the connection between the hub 1 and the propeller shaft 2 and preventing flight accidents caused by connection failure.

[0026] Specifically, the upper slot 12 includes a horizontal section 121 and an arc-shaped section 122. The guide channel 11 passes through the propeller hub 1 and connects to the horizontal section 121. One end of the propeller shaft 2 is provided with a connecting groove 22 for connecting the propeller blade. The distance between the arc-shaped section 122 and the connecting groove 22 is shorter than the distance between the guide channel 11 and the connecting groove 22. Thus, when the ball is in the working position, the position of the propeller shaft 2 toward the propeller blade can be restricted.

[0027] Preferably, the inlet channel 11 vertically penetrates the propeller hub 1, facilitating its machining. The lower retaining groove 21 has a semi-circular concave cross-section. The upper end of the ball abuts against the arc-shaped section 122, and the lower end of the ball is embedded in the lower retaining groove 21. The cooperation between the arc-shaped section 122 and the lower retaining groove 21 effectively prevents the ball from coming out under high speed or high vibration conditions, ensuring the reliability of the connection between the propeller shaft 2 and the propeller hub 1. Furthermore, the semi-circular concave lower retaining groove 21 provides a stable support surface, allowing the ball to evenly distribute the axial force of the propeller shaft 2, thereby improving the stability of the entire system.

[0028] Preferably, the annular recess on the outer circumference of the propeller shaft 2 forms the lower retaining groove 21. The design of the annular recess simplifies the machining and forming process of the lower retaining groove 21, reduces manufacturing complexity and cost, and the balls can be inserted into the lower retaining groove 21 from any angle, which greatly simplifies the assembly process and improves the flexibility and convenience of assembly.

[0029] It also includes a nut plate 3. The propeller shaft 2 has a threaded portion 23. The nut plate 3 is threaded to the threaded portion 23 and abuts against the outer end face of the propeller hub 1. By rotating the nut plate 3, the lower retaining groove 21 drives the ball to tightly hold the upper retaining groove 12. The tightness of the ball and the arc-shaped section 122 of the upper retaining groove 12 can be adjusted by the nut plate 3.

[0030] A sealing ring 4 is sandwiched between the nut plate 3 and the propeller hub 1. The cooperation between the nut plate 3 and the sealing ring 4 prevents foreign matter from entering the connection between the propeller hub 1 and the propeller shaft 2. Reducing the intrusion of foreign matter and contaminants helps extend the service life of the propeller hub 1 and the propeller shaft 2 and reduces maintenance costs. Since the nut plate 3 and the propeller shaft 2 are threadedly tightly fitted, when the propeller blade pitch changes (i.e., the angle of the propeller blade can be adjusted as needed), the nut plate 3 also rotates accordingly, and the sealing ring 4 prevents hard friction between the propeller shaft 2 nut and the propeller sleeve, preventing wear.

[0031] A radial bearing 5 is fitted around the outer circumference of the propeller shaft 2, abutting against the propeller hub 1. The radial bearing 5 is a prior art material, such as a deep groove ball bearing or a cylindrical roller bearing. The radial bearing 5 can withstand the radial load generated during blade pitch changes and forward and backward movements. The cooperation between the balls and the radial bearing 5 ensures the stability and safety of the aircraft propeller during operation.

[0032] It also includes a retaining ring 6 fitted around the outer circumference of the propeller shaft 2. The retaining ring 6 is used to allow the radial bearing 5 to abut against the side end face of the threaded portion 23. By clamping the radial bearing 5 through the cooperation of the retaining ring 6 and the threaded portion 23, the radial bearing 5 is fixed, ensuring that the radial bearing 5 can maintain its position under various working conditions, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the propeller hub connection assembly of this utility model.

[0033] During assembly, first, the radial bearing 5 is fitted onto the outside of the propeller shaft 2, and then the retaining ring 6 is installed to fix the radial bearing 5. Next, the propeller shaft 2 is inserted into the propeller hub 1, the lower retaining groove 21 is aligned with the guide channel 11, and then a fixed amount of balls are placed into the guide channel 11. The balls fall between the propeller shaft 2 and the bearing ring 9, and the lower end of the balls is embedded in the lower retaining groove 21. After the balls are inserted, the propeller shaft 2 is pulled outward a certain distance until the balls contact the arc-shaped section 122. Then, the nut 3 is tightened to complete the assembly of the propeller hub 1 and the propeller shaft 2.

[0034] It also includes an engine connecting flange 7 and bolts 8. The propeller hub 1 and the engine connecting flange 7 are respectively provided with a first end tooth 13 and a second end tooth 71 that mesh with each other. Several bolts 8 are arranged in a circumferential array, and the bolts 8 pass through the second end tooth 71 and are connected to the bolt hole 14 of the propeller hub 1. When the propeller hub 1 and the engine connecting flange 7 are connected only by bolts 8, the bolts 8 not only have to tighten the propeller hub 1 and the engine connecting flange 7, but also have to withstand the extremely large torque transmitted by the engine, which makes the bolts 8 prone to shear failure. Therefore, the cooperation of the first end tooth 13 and the second end tooth 71 can be used to transmit the extremely large torque brought by the engine. At this time, the bolts 8 only need to play a tightening role, ensuring the stability and safety of the propeller during operation.

[0035] To prevent wear caused by direct contact between the balls and the inner wall of the propeller hub 1, and for maintenance cost considerations, a steel bearing ring 9 is installed inside the propeller hub 1. The inner circumferential surface of the bearing ring 9 forms an upper groove 12. Furthermore, the balls can be made of high-hardness, high-wear-resistant materials, such as bearing steel or ceramic materials, to ensure durability under high load and high-speed rotation conditions.

[0036] In addition, the connection method of the propeller shaft 2 through the propeller hub 1 can be a fully through connection or a partially inserted connection.

[0037] On the other hand, this utility model provides an aircraft that includes a rotor hub connection assembly as described above. The rotor hub connection assembly provided by this utility model effectively prevents the rotor hub from detaching from the rotor shaft 2, thereby improving the flight stability and safety of the aircraft.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, 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 with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0040] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A propeller hub connection assembly, characterized in that: The device includes a propeller hub (1), a propeller shaft (2) passing through the propeller hub (1), and a number of balls. The propeller hub (1) is provided with an inlet channel (11) and an upper slot (12) that are interconnected. The propeller shaft (2) is provided with a lower slot (21) that mates with the upper slot (12). The balls are inserted through the inlet channel (11) and roll until they simultaneously abut against the upper slot (12) and the lower slot (21).

2. The propeller hub connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper slot (12) includes a horizontal section (121) and an arc-shaped section (122). The inlet channel (11) passes through the propeller hub (1) and connects to the horizontal section (121). One end of the propeller shaft (2) is provided with a connecting groove (22) for connecting the propeller blade. The distance between the arc-shaped section (122) and the connecting groove (22) is shorter than the distance between the inlet channel (11) and the connecting groove (22).

3. The propeller hub connection assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lower groove (21) has a semi-circular concave cross-section, the upper end of the ball abuts against the arc-shaped segment (122), and the lower end of the ball is embedded in the lower groove (21).

4. A propeller hub connection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: It also includes a nut piece (3), the propeller shaft (2) is provided with a threaded part (23), the nut piece (3) is threaded to the threaded part (23) and abuts against the outer end face of the propeller hub (1), by rotating the nut piece (3) the lower groove (21) drives the ball to tightly hold the upper groove (12).

5. A propeller hub connection assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: A sealing ring (4) is sandwiched between the nut piece (3) and the propeller hub (1).

6. A propeller hub connection assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer periphery of the propeller shaft (2) is fitted with a radial bearing (5) that abuts against the propeller hub (1).

7. A propeller hub connection assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a retaining ring (6) fitted around the outer periphery of the propeller shaft (2), the retaining ring (6) being used to make the radial bearing (5) abut against the side end face of the threaded portion (23).

8. The propeller hub connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an engine connecting flange (7) and bolts (8). The propeller hub (1) and the engine connecting flange (7) are respectively provided with a first end tooth (13) and a second end tooth (71) that mesh with each other. A plurality of bolts (8) are arranged in a circumferential array, and the bolts (8) pass through the second end tooth (71) and are connected to the screw hole (14) of the propeller hub (1).

9. A propeller hub connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a bearing ring (9) embedded in the propeller hub (1), the inner circumferential surface of the bearing ring (9) forming the upper groove (12).

10. An aircraft, characterized in that: Includes a hub connection assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.