A clamp mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamp mechanism (1) that comprises a body (2), which is an air and / or space vehicle, at least one transmission line (3) containing fluid, located on the body (2), at least one actuator (4) located on the body (2) and moves the fluid inside the transmission line (3), at least one first holder (5) connected to the actuator (2) at one end and located so as to hold the transmission line (3) on the actuator (4), at least one second holder (6) with an opening between which the transmission line (3) can pass when located opposite the first holder (5), at least one connector (7) that enables the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) to be connected to each other, and at least one bearing element (8) located between the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) in a form compatible with the transmission line (3).

Description

[0001] A CLAMP MECHANISM

[0002] This invention relates to the transmission line clamp assembly used in aircraft.

[0003] Most of the flight control systems in aircraft operate with hydraulic feeding. There are various clamp mechanisms to hold the hydraulic lines on the actuator. These clamps ensure that the lines remain firmly and securely in place. Of these, compression clamps are a type of clamp that is made of a material with elastic properties and consists of two parts. The clamp is placed on the actuator to hold the hydraulic line firmly and then tightened. In this way, the line is held steadily. Linked clamps consist of two parts that are connected to each other. These clamps usually work with a screw or lock mechanism. It connects the parts by passing the hydraulic line through the clamp and then tightens the screws to keep the lines in place. Lathe clamps allow hydraulic lines to attach to protrusions or mounting points on the actuator. These clamps are usually made of metal material and are fixed to the actuator with mounting holes or screw threading points. Steel band clamps are clamps made of a strong steel band and operated by a compression mechanism. These clamps compress and lock the tape to hold the hydraulic lines firmly, ensuring the lines remain in place. By means of the load transport systems in helicopters, especially large-sized loads can be transported from one place to another by air. These clamps allow the hydraulic lines in aircraft to be held securely and steadily. This allows the lines to perform their functions without being exposed to vibration, pressure or other external factors. The design of the clamps and the materials used may vary depending on the aircraft manufacturer and specific application. Aircraft manufacturers and the aviation industry carry out detailed testing and approval processes to ensure these clamps meet quality and safety standards.

[0004] A transport element clamp system is mentioned in the United States patent document numbered US10800540 in the state of the art. The system comprises a lower part, an upper part and a duct system. The lower part is designed to bridge the gap between two support structures in an aircraft and comprises a first number of sections. The upper part is designed to lock together with the lower part and comprises a second number of sections. The channel system is formed by the combination of the first and second number of sections. When the upper part and the lower part are combined, the duct system is configured to receive a series of transport elements. The transport element clamp system electrically isolates the transport elements from these two support structures.

[0005] The transport element clamp system is a mechanism used to ensure the safe placement of transport elements in aircraft. The system has a structure in which the transport elements are held by means of a channel system formed by the combination of the upper and lower parts. This structure prevents possible malfunctions or problems from propagating by electrically isolating the transport elements from the two support structures. Thus, the safety of the transport elements on the aircraft and system performance are ensured.

[0006] In the United States patent document numbered DE102010040446 in the state of the art, a device used to support fluid transmission or power line systems in the structure of aircraft or spacecraft, where the base holder units are locked to the system holder units, and the locking unit has a base holder that is different from another locking unit, is mentioned. The device described in this patent document comprises a base holder that is fixed to a structure and a system holder that carries fluid or holds electrical lines. The system holder is fixed to the base holder via locking units, thus preventing the system holder from loosening independently of the base holder. In addition, the locking units of the base holder are different from each other, that is, they have a different structure. The old locking unit of the base holder comprises a locking element. This structure aims to keep the system holder securely in place and prevent unwanted loosening.

[0007] By means of the clamp mechanism developed with this invention, the clamps hold the hydraulic lines tightly on the actuator, preventing the lines from moving. This ensures that the lines are securely fixed and prevents unwanted movements from occurring.

[0008] Another aim of this invention is that the clamps reduce vibration and shock effects on the hydraulic lines. Reducing vibrations in hydraulic lines can reduce the overall noise level of the aircraft and provide passengers with a more comfortable flight experience.

[0009] Another aim of this invention is that the clamps protect the hydraulic lines against external factors. It reduces the risk of damage by protecting lines against impacts, friction and other damaging effects. Additionally, since clamps are usually made of durable materials, they are long-lasting.

[0010] Another aim of this invention is for the design of the clamps to allow easy and fast installation of hydraulic lines. This shortens installation time and makes maintenance operations more practical.

[0011] Another aim of this invention is to isolate hydraulic lines electrically and thermally. This prevents the lines from interacting with surrounding electricity or heat and increases system safety.

[0012] Another aim of this invention is that the clamps enable hydraulic lines to be quickly accessible, which facilitates maintenance and repair operations. Replacing or maintaining lines when necessary can be done more practically.

[0013] The clamp assembly defined in the first claim and the claims dependent on this claim, which is realised to achieve the aim of the present invention, comprises a body forming the air and / or space vehicle, a transmission line containing fluid, at least one actuator that mobilises the fluid within the transmission line, at least one first holder that enables the transmission line to hold on to the actuator, at least one second holder located opposite the first holder and combined with the first holder, at least one connector that enables the first holder and the second holder to be removably attached to each other, and at least one bearing element surrounding the opening between the first holder and the second holder through which the transmission line passes. The first holder and the second holder are placed to hold the transmission line on the actuator. This ensures that the transmission line is secured and prevents transmission lines from moving. In this way, transmission lines remain securely in place and unwanted movements are prevented. The bearing element, which is form- compatible with the transmission line, ensures that the transmission lines are placed properly. This ensures that the transmission lines are aligned precisely and that the transmission lines exhibit the desired performance on the actuator. The connector allows the first holder and the second holder to be connected together. In this way, it is ensured that the first holder and the second holder remain together securely and the transmission lines are kept in the correct position. Using the connector makes the system more robust and reliable. The first holder and the second holder and the connector in this structure ensure that the transmission line is easily accessible. This allows maintenance and repair operations to be carried out more quickly and efficiently. Keeping transmission lines this way can reduce vibration and noise levels. Having the transmission line firmly in place ensures that vibrations and shocks have less impact on the transmission line, resulting in an overall quieter environment on the aircraft. This structure ensures safe and efficient operation of transmission lines. Securing transmission lines, keeping them in the correct position and making them easily accessible increases the safety and performance of aircraft systems. Additionally, facilitating maintenance processes increases operational efficiency.

[0014] The clamp assembly that is the subject of the invention comprises at least one flange that allows the first holder and the second holder to be placed on top of each other and clamped by means of a connector, and at least one extension located on the other side of the part where the flange is located on the first holder and the second holder, and at the end of the first holder and the second holder where there is no flange, extending outwards from the first holder and the second holder in order to protect the centre of gravity of the first holder and the second holder when the first holder and the second holder are combined. The connection between the first holder and the second holder is provided by the flange and connector, which are combined by overlapping and interlocking with each other. This ensures a strong and reliable connection, thus preventing any wobbling, slipping or loosening between the holders. The extension on the first holder and the second holder extend outward from the part where they are connected to the actuator. In this way, the centre of gravity is distributed more evenly and the balance of the first holder and the second holder is ensured. This reduces vibrations or imbalances in the system. The connection between the first holder and the second holder is made using flange and connector. This allows the clamp mechanism to be easily assembled and disassembled. This feature provides a great advantage when maintenance, cleaning or restructuring of the clamp mechanism is required.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism comprises a flange extending parallel to the transmission line, a first holder in the region where the flange is not located, and an extension located at the other end of the second holder where the flange is not located, extending almost completely perpendicular to the transmission line. The extension facilitates the user's access to the transmission line, while also facilitating the placement and maintenance work of the first and second holders on the flange. In addition, there is an extension corresponding to the flanges to balance the centre of gravity of the first holder and the second holder. The part of the extension where it is not connected to the actuator is in the form of a cavity. There is no transmission line at the bottom of the extension.

[0016] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism comprises an extension with the surface connected to the actuator facing the actuator when the first holder and the second holder are combined, and a flange located in the direction in which the transmission line extends and aligned with the transmission line when the first holder and the second holder are combined. Due to the eccentric form of the transmission line, the flange and extension are mounted facing different directions through the connector. While the extension is mounted on the actuator, the flange is not mounted on any part of the body.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism comprises a transmission line supported by the first holder and the second holder, passing through the opening between the first holder and the second holder when combined. The load of the transmission line is carried not only by the actuator but also by the clamp mechanism. In this way, the vibration to which the clamp mechanism is exposed is minimised.

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism comprises at least one tab that extends outwards from the first holder and the second holder and interlocks when they are placed on top of each other. By means of the tab, the first holder and the second holder are connected to each other better. In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism comprises a transmission line located far from the extension and close to the flange. Due to the transmission line located close to the flange, the centre of gravity is balanced by means of the extension. In the region where the flange is located, the load created by the transmission line on the first holder and the second holder is higher.

[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism comprises a transmission line, which is a hydraulic pipe containing fluid and working hydraulically. In this way, movement of the control surfaces is ensured.

[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp assembly comprises a connector that allows the extension to be removably attached to the actuator. In this way, the first holder and the second holder are connected to the actuator more firmly.

[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism comprises a bearing element made of elastomer material. In this way, the first holder and the second holder are less exposed to vibrations of the transmission line.

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism comprises a body located in a difficult-to-access area for assembly and disassembly. After the clamp mechanism is attached to the actuator, it is placed inside the body.

[0023] The clamp mechanism realised to achieve the aim of this invention is shown in the attached figures, and from these figures;

[0024] Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the clamp mechanism (1 ).

[0025] Figure 2 - is the perspective view of the body (2).

[0026] Figure 3 - is the schematic view of the actuator (4) and clamp mechanism (1 ).

[0027] The parts in the figures are numbered one by one and the equivalents of these numbers are given below.

[0028] 1. Clamp Mechanism

[0029] 2. Body 3. Transmission line

[0030] 4. Actuator

[0031] 5. First Holder

[0032] 6. Second Holder

[0033] 7. Connector

[0034] 8. Bearing Element

[0035] 9. Flange

[0036] 10. Extension

[0037] 11. Tab

[0038] Clamp mechanism (1 ) comprises a body (2), which is an air and / or space vehicle, at least one transmission line (3) containing fluid, located on the body (2), at least one actuator (4) located on the body (2) and moves the fluid inside the transmission line (3), at least one first holder (5) connected to the actuator (2) at one end and located so as to hold the transmission line (3) on the actuator (4), at least one second holder (6) with an opening between which the transmission line (3) can pass when located opposite the first holder (5), at least one connector (7) that enables the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) to be connected to each other, and at least one bearing element (8) located between the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) in a form compatible with the transmission line (3).

[0039] The clamp mechanism (1 ) that is the subject of the invention comprises at least one flange (9) located on the first holder (5) and the second holder (6), and allows the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) to be connected to each other by means of the connector (7) by overlapping and interlocking with each other, and at least one extension (10) located on the first holder (5) and the second holder (6), extending from the part where the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) are connected to the actuator (4) to the outside of the actuator (4), thus allowing to protect the centre of gravity of the first holder (5) and the second holder (6).

[0040] It comprises a body (2) that is an aircraft and / or spacecraft, at least one transmission line (3) containing fluid, at least one actuator (4) that activates the transmission line (3), at least one first holder (5), removably attached to the actuator (4) from one end, enabling to fix the transmission line (3) on the actuator (4), at least one second holder (6) with an opening between them and a transmission line (3) passing through the opening when combined with the first holder (5), at least one connector (7) connecting the first holder (5) and the second holder (6), and at least one bearing element (8) provided to surround the gap remaining between them when the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) are combined. The transmission line (3) is located so that it passes between the first holder (5) and the second holder (6). By means of the bearing element (8), the vibrations to which the actuator (4) is exposed are minimised. (Figure - 1 , Figure - 2, Figure - 3)

[0041] It comprises at least one flange (9) that ensures the interlocking of the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) when the end parts of the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) are overlapped and connected to each other by means of the connector (7), and at least one extension (10) away from the area where the flange (9) is located, extending outwards from the end parts of the first holder (5) and / or the second holder (6), is hollow at the bottom and does not have the transmission line (3) at the bottom. The first holder (5) and the second holder (6) ensure fixing the transmission line (3) on the actuator (4). The flange (9) provides a better connection of the first holder (5) and the second holder (6). The load created by the flange (9) on the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) is balanced by the extension (10). By means of the extension (10), the centre of gravity of the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) is balanced when they are combined. However, by connecting the extension (10) to the actuator (4) via the connector (7), a more secure mounting of the transmission line (3) is ensured.

[0042] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism (1 ) comprises the flange (9), located parallel to the transmission line (3), and the extension (10) positioned on the first holder (5) and the second holder (6), on the other side of the part where the flange (9) is located, away from the flange (9) and extending perpendicular to the transmission line (3) in a way that does not prevent the user from accessing the flange (9) The flange (9) extends parallel to the transmission line (3) and provides ease of installation. The flange (9) and extension (10) are connected to face different directions relative to the transmission line (3). Since the body (2) where the actuator (4) is located is a difficult to access area, the flange (9) and extension (10) connections are located in different directions to fix the transmission line (3) on the actuator (4).

[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism (1) comprises the extension (10) mounted on the actuator (4) facing the actuator (4) by combining the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) via the connector (7), and the flange (9) mounted facing the transmission line (3) by combining the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) via the connector (7). When the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) are combined, the extension (10) is mounted perpendicular to the actuator (4). The flange (9) is mounted almost completely perpendicular to the transmission line (3).

[0044] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism (1) comprises the transmission line (3), which is connected to the actuator (4) at one end and to the first holder (5) and / or the second holder (6) at the other end, and thus allowing the load to be carried by the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) without being carried only by the actuator (4). In this way, the load distribution created by the transmission line (3) on the clamp mechanism (1 ) is made almost equally.

[0045] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism (1 ) comprises at least one tab (11 ) located on the first holder (5) and the second holder (6), which have a conjugate form and interlock with each other when the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) are combined. In this way, the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) can be mounted more effectively.

[0046] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism (1) comprises the transmission line (3) located in the region close to the flange (9), away from the region where the extension (10) is connected to the actuator (4). In this way, the weight created by the flange (9) on the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) is balanced by the extension (10).

[0047] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism (1 ) comprises a hydraulically operated transmission line (3) that enables to produce a mechanical force by using the pressure of the fluid contained within. Movement of the control surfaces is ensured by the hydraulically operated transmission line (3).

[0048] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism (1 ) comprises a connector (7) located on the extension (10) that allows the extension (10) to be connected to the actuator (4). In this way, the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) are connected to the more robust actuator (4).

[0049] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism (1 ) comprises a bearing element (8) made of flexible material. In this way, better damping of the vibrations is provided.

[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, the clamp mechanism (1 ) comprises the body (2) located on the steering wheel, which is difficult to access for assembly and disassembly. In this way, ease of installation is provided in areas that are difficult to access.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A clamp mechanism (1 ) comprising a body (2) that is an air and / or spacecraft, at least one transmission line (3) containing fluid, located on the body (2), at least one actuator (4) located on the body (2) and moves the fluid inside the transmission line (3), at least one first holder (5) connected to the actuator (2) at one end and located so as to hold the transmission line (3) on the actuator (4), at least one second holder (6) with an opening between which the transmission line (3) can pass when located opposite the first holder (5), at least one connector (7) that enables the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) to be connected to each other, and at least one bearing element (8) located between the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) in a form compatible with the transmission line (3), characterised by comprising at least one flange (9) located on the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) and enables the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) to be connected to each other by overlapping and interlocking with each other via the connector (7), and at least one extension (10) located on the first holder (5) and the second holder (6), extending from the part where the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) are connected to the actuator (4) to the outside of the actuator (4), and thus allowing protecting the centre of gravity of the first holder (5) and the second holder (6).

2. A clamp mechanism (1 ) according to Claim 1 , comprising the flange (9), located parallel to the transmission line (3), and the extension (10) positioned on the first holder (5) and the second holder (6), on the other side of the part where the flange (9) is located, away from the flange (9) and extending perpendicular to the transmission line (3) in a way that does not prevent the user from accessing the flange (9).

3. A clamp mechanism (1 ) according to Claim 1 or 2, comprising the extension (10) mounted on the actuator (4) facing the actuator (4) by combining the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) via the connector (7), and the flange (9)mounted facing the transmission line (3) by combining the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) via the connector (7).

4. A clamp mechanism (1 ) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising the transmission line (3), which is connected to the actuator (4) at one end and to the first holder (5) and / or the second holder (6) at the other end, and thus allowing the load to be carried by the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) without being carried only by the actuator (4).

5. A clamp mechanism (1) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising at least one tab (11 ) located on the first holder (5) and the second holder (6), which have a conjugate form and interlock with each other when the first holder (5) and the second holder (6) are combined.

6. A clamp mechanism (1 ) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising the transmission line (3) located in the area close to the flange (9), away from the area where the extension (10) is connected to the actuator (4).

7. A clamp mechanism (1 ) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising the hydraulically operated transmission line (3) that provides a mechanical force by using the pressure of the fluid inside it.

8. A clamp mechanism (1 ) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising the connector (7) located on the extension (10) that allows the extension (10) to be connected to the actuator (4).

9. A clamp mechanism (1 ) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising the bearing element (8) made of flexible material.

10. A clamp mechanism (1 ) according to any of the previous Claims, comprising the body (2) located on the steering wheel, which is difficult to access for assembly and disassembly.

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