A canopy alignment mechanism

Abstract

The present invention relates a body (2) that is an aircraft, a canopy (3) that is movable on the body (2) and provides pilots access to the cockpit, surface (201) on which the canopy (3) is in contact with the body (2) and which allows the connection of the canopy (3) to the body (2), at least one bracket (4) that is located on the surface (201) and allows the connection of the body (2) and the canopy (3), a first position (I) in which the canopy (3) allows access to the cockpit and is moved away from the body (2), a second position (II) in which the canopy (3) is brought closer to the body (2) and comes into contact with the body (2), and at least one hinge (5), one end of which is connected to the canopy (3) and the other end to the bracket (4), moving together with the canopy (3) on the bracket (4).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] A CANOPY ALIGNMENT MECHANISM

[0003] The present invention relates to a canopy alignment mechanism that allows the canopy in aircraft to be moved in the direction / axes determined by the manufacturer while opening and closing.

[0004] Canopies that allow access to the cockpit of aircraft are attached to the aircraft body with various locking mechanisms. Pilots open the canopy to access or exit the cockpit and close the canopy when they enter or exit the cockpit. The canopy must remain in a certain alignment with respect to the aircraft body when in the closed or open position. Since the canopy is a large aircraft part in terms of size and weight, misalignment in open or closed positions can negatively affect the performance of the aircraft.

[0005] The connection apparatus for injection moulded canopies is mentioned in the United States patent document numbered US6796528B2 in the state of the art. A system and method for attaching an injection moulded canopy to a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a canopy rail that attaches to the vehicle and an injection-moulded canopy that is moulded to be securely received by the canopy rail.

[0006] In the United States patent document numbered US6874733B2 in the state of the art, the connection apparatus for injection moulded frameless canopies is mentioned. The invention provides a locking system and method for the canopy. The devices are partially embedded in the canopy and the latches are slidable onto the vehicle's canopy rail. The latches are controlled by a latch controller and lock the canopy to the vehicle. The canopy position sensor detects the position of the canopy, and the canopy controller controls the position of the canopy.

[0007] By means of a canopy alignment mechanism developed with the present invention, the canopy is guided on the body while opening and closing the canopy. Another aim of the invention is to ensure that the loads on the structures where rotation and sliding movements are carried out on the aircraft are distributed equally while the canopy is opened and closed.

[0008] Another aim of the invention is to provide a compact way to carry the lateral loads around the centre of rotation of the canopy when opening and closing the canopy, and to keep the canopy aligned with the aircraft body during sliding and rotation movements.

[0009] The canopy alignment system defined in the first claim and the claims dependent on this claim, which is realised to achieve the aim of the invention, comprises a body that is a fixed or rotary wing aircraft, which can be an airplane, helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicle. There is a movable canopy on the body. The canopy provides pilots with access to the cockpit. The connection of the canopy to the body is provided by a surface. There is a bracket on the surface that allows the connection of the body to the canopy. The bracket allows the canopy to be attached to the surface. There is a first position (I) in which the canopy moves away from the body and is open to provide access into the cockpit. There is a second position (II) in which the canopy approaches the body and is closed. In the second position (II), the canopy surface area in contact with the body increases compared to the first position (I). There is a hinge, one end of which is connected to the canopy and the other end to the bracket, and which can move together with the canopy on the bracket.

[0010] The canopy alignment mechanism of the invention has a hinge guide on the hinge, which enables the connection of the hinge and the bracket. There is a bracket channel on the bracket, which allows the hinge guide to be positioned inside the bracket in alignment with the bracket. The bracket channel extends almost in the same direction as the hinge on the bracket and ensures that the hinge guide remains almost in line with the bracket during the movement of the canopy between the first position (I) and the second position (II). In this way, the alignment of the canopy with the surface is maintained.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism comprises two lateral walls extending outward from the hinge guide and positioned facing each other. The lateral walls enable the hinge guide to move linearly within the bracket channel, parallel to the direction in which the hinge extends.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism comprises a rotation element located on the bracket, between two lateral walls. By means of the rotation element, it is possible for the lateral walls to be in the alignment with the surface as predetermined by the manufacturer while making a sliding and / or rotating movement, which allows the canopy to move between the first position (I) and the second position (II). The rotation element has a rotatable structure so that the point where it is connected to the bracket is the centre of rotation. The connection of the rotation element to the bracket is made with a fixed part. There is a freely rotatable movable part above the fixed part.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism comprises a guide on the body that ensures that the canopy is kept in alignment with the body while it reaches the second position (II) and / or while it is in the second position (II).

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism comprises a latch on the canopy that is positioned in such a way that it fits into the guide and remains aligned with the guide. The latch allows the canopy to maintain its alignment with the body in the second position.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism is provided with an opening on the body that allows the canopy to be attached to the body when it is brought to the second position (II).

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism comprises a pin positioned on the canopy so that it passes into the opening. The pin is placed in the opening of the canopy in the second position (II) and ensures that the canopy is kept aligned with the body. The opening and the pin are positioned opposite each other so that they engage each other. By means of the pin and the opening, it allows the canopy to maintain its position when it is in the second position (II). In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism comprises two brackets that stand opposite each other on the body, enabling the load resulting from the weight of the canopy to be distributed and carried almost equally on it via the hinge when the canopy is in the first position (I) or in the second position (II).

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism comprises the nose, which is the surface on the body that is primarily exposed to airflow or where the airflow departs from the body. There is a bracket on the nose that is positioned as determined by the user and allows the canopy to move between the first position (I) and the second position (II) by opening and closing towards the front or rear of the aircraft.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism comprises a rotation element on the bracket that provides the connection between the bracket and the hinge. There is a sliding channel on the hinge guide, which allows the canopy to move between the first position (I) and the second position (II) by sliding on the rotation element.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism comprises a rotation channel that performs sliding and rotating movements on the rotation element. The rotation channel allows the canopy to slide and / or rotate between the first position (I) and the second position (II).

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism comprises the actuator positioned on the body and enables the movement of the canopy between the first position (I) and the second position (II) by means of the bracket and the hinge.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism comprises a surface that carries bracket, hinge, lateral wall, rotation element, sliding channel and rotation channel. By means of the bracket, hinge, lateral wall, rotation element, sliding channel and rotation channel located on the surface, the canopy maintains its alignment with the body while moving between the first position (I) and the second position (II). The surface enables the canopy to be opened and closed by rotating and sliding, with the bracket being the centre of rotation.

[0022] The canopy alignment mechanism realised to achieve the aim of this invention is shown in the attached figures, and of these figures;

[0023] Figure 1 is the perspective view of the canopy alignment mechanism and the first position (I).

[0024] Figure 2 is the perspective view of the canopy alignment mechanism and the second position (II).

[0025] Figure 3 is the perspective view of the bracket and hinge in the first position (I).

[0026] Figure 4 is the perspective view of the bracket and hinge in the second position (II).

[0027] Figure 5 is the perspective view of the canopy alignment mechanism.

[0028] Figure 6 is the perspective view of the canopy alignment mechanism.

[0029] The parts in the figures are numbered one by one and the equivalents of these numbers are given below.

[0030] 1. Canopy alignment mechanism

[0031] 2. Body

[0032] 201 . Surface

[0033] 3. Canopy

[0034] 4. Bracket

[0035] 401 . Bracket channel

[0036] 5. Hinge

[0037] 501. Hinge guide

[0038] 6. Lateral wall

[0039] 7. Rotation element

[0040] 8. Guide

[0041] 9. Latch

[0042] 10. Opening

[0043] 11. Pin

[0044] 12. Sliding channel

[0045] 13. Rotation channel

[0046] 14. Actuator (I) First Position

[0047] (II) Second Position

[0048] The canopy alignment mechanism (1) comprises a body (2) that is an aircraft, a canopy (3) that is movable on the body (2) and provides pilots access to the cockpit, at least one surface (201 ) on which the canopy (3) is in contact with the body (2) and which allows the connection of the canopy (3) to the body (2), at least one bracket (4) that is located on the surface (201 ) and allows the connection of the body (2) and the canopy (3), a first position (I) in which the canopy (3) allows access to the cockpit and is moved away from the body (2), a second position (II) in which the canopy (3) is brought closer to the body (2) and comes into contact with the body (2), and at least one hinge (5), one end of which is connected to the canopy (3) and the other end to the bracket (4), moving together with the canopy (3) on the bracket (4). (Figure -1 , Figure -2).

[0049] The canopy alignment mechanism (1) that is the subject of the invention comprises at least one hinge guide (501 ) that is located on the hinge (5) and allows the connection of the hinge (5) and the bracket (4), and at least one bracket channel (401 ) that is located on the bracket (4) and allows the hinge guide (501 ) to be positioned inside the bracket (4) in alignment with the bracket (4) and allows the canopy (3) to be aligned with the surface (201 ) by keeping the hinge guide (501) aligned with the bracket (4) throughout the movement of the canopy (3) between the first position (I) and the second position (II). (Figure -3, Figure -4).

[0050] There is a movable canopy (3) on an aircraft body (2) that allows pilots to access the cockpit. There is a surface (201 ) on which the canopy (3) comes into contact with the body (2) and which enables the canopy (3) to be connected to the body (2). The connection of the canopy (3) to the body (2) is provided by the bracket (4). There is a first position (I) where the canopy (3) allows access to the cockpit and moves away from the body (2) at least partially. There is a second position (II) where the canopy (3) approaches the body (2) and comes into contact with the body (2). There is a hinge (5) that moves with the canopy (3) on the bracket (4), one end of which is connected to the canopy (3) and the other end to the bracket (4). There is a hinge guide (501 ) on the hinge (5), which allows the connection of the hinge (5) and the bracket (4). There is a bracket channel (401 ) on the bracket (4), which allows the hinge guide (501 ) to be positioned inside the bracket (4) in alignment with the bracket (4). The bracket channel (401 ) ensures that the hinge guide (501 ) remains aligned with the bracket (4) throughout the movement of the canopy (3) between the first position (I) and the second position (II). Thus, it is possible to maintain the alignment of the canopy (3) with the surface (201 ).

[0051] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism (1) comprises at least two lateral walls (6) extending outward from the hinge guide (501 ) and remaining almost opposite each other and allowing the hinge guide (501 ) to move almost linearly within the bracket channel (401 ). By means of the lateral walls (6), the hinge guide (501 ) can move almost straight within the bracket channel (401 ), and thus the lateral loads arising from the weight of the canopy (3) can be carried almost equally.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism (1) comprises at least one rotation element (7) that is located on the bracket (4), is positioned between the two lateral walls (6), comes into contact with at least one lateral wall (6) during the sliding and / or rotation movement that enables the movement of the canopy (3) between the first position (I) and the second position (II), thereby allows the lateral walls (6) to maintain their alignment with the surface (201 ) throughout the movement of the canopy (3) between the first position (I) and the second position (II) and that moves freely so that the point where it is connected to the bracket (4) is the centre of rotation. By means of the rotation element (7), while the canopy (3) moves between the first position (I) and the second position (II), the lateral walls (6) are ensured to move almost straight and their alignment with the surface (201 ) is maintained.

[0053] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism (1) comprises at least one guide (8) that is located on a body (2) and allows the canopy (3) to be positioned aligned on the body (2) when the canopy (3) is in the second position (II) By means of the guide (8), the canopy (3) can be aligned with the body (2) when it is in the second position (II) where it is attached to the body (2). (Figure-6). In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism (1) comprises at least one latch (9) that is located on the canopy (3) and allows the canopy (3) to be positioned in line with the guide (8) on the body (2) so that it at least one guide (8) fits into it, and allows the canopy (3) to be positioned in line with the closed second (II) body (2). By means of the placement of the latch (9) within the guide (8), the canopy (3) is ensured to maintain its alignment in the second position (II). (Figure-6)

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism (1) comprises at least one opening (10) that is located on the body (2) and allows the canopy (3) to remain at least partially fixed on the body (2) when the canopy (3) is in the second position (II). By means of the opening (10), the canopy (3) is fixed in the second position (II) on the body (2). (Figure-6).

[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism (1) comprises at least one pin (11 ) that is located on the canopy (3) and positioned in alignment to pass into an opening (10) and allows the canopy (3) to be aligned on the body (2) and remain fixed by passing at least partially into an opening (10) when the canopy (3) is in the second position (II). By means of the placement of the pin (11 ) in the opening (10), the canopy (3) is ensured to remain fixed on the body (2) in the second position (II). (Figure-6)

[0056] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism (1) comprises multiple brackets (4) that are positioned opposite each other on the body (2) and enable the weight of the canopy (3) to be distributed almost equally on it via the hinge (5) when the canopy (3) is in the first position (I) or second position (II). By means of the brackets (4), the canopy (3) load can be carried by distributing it almost equally.

[0057] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism (1) comprises a nose (N) located on the surface facing the air flow on the body (2) or leaving the air flow on the body (2), and at least one bracket (4) positioned on the nose (N) and allowing the canopy (3) to move between the first position (I) and the second position (II) The bracket (4) can be located at the front or rear of the body (2). In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism (1) comprises the rotation element (7) that is located on the bracket (4) and connects the bracket

[0058] (4) and the hinge (5), and the sliding channel (12) that is located on the hinge guide (501 ) and allows the canopy (3) to move between the first position (I) and the second position (II) by making a sliding movement on the rotation element (7). By means of the sliding channel (12), the canopy (3) can move between the first position (I) and the second position (II).

[0059] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism (1) comprises the rotation channel (13) that is located on the hinge guide (501) and allows the canopy (3) to slide between the first position (I) and the second position (II) by making a sliding and rotating movement on the rotation element (7) and to rotate around its own axis in an amount predetermined by the user. By means of the rotation channel (13) making a rotational movement by contacting the rotation element (7), the canopy (3) moves between the first position (I) and the second position (II) by making a certain amount of rotational movement.

[0060] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism (1) comprises an actuator (14) that is located on the body (2) and allows the canopy (3) to move between the first position (I) and the second position (II) via the bracket (4) and hinge

[0061] (5). The hinge (5) is moved by means of the actuator (14). The actuator (14) is triggered by the command given by the user.

[0062] In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy alignment mechanism (1) comprises a surface (201 ) on which the bracket (4), hinge (5), lateral wall (6), rotation element (7), sliding channel (12) and rotation channel (13) are located and that allows the canopy (3) to maintain its alignment during its movement between the first position (I) and the second position (II) and allows the canopy (3) to open and close by rotating and sliding, with the bracket (4) being the centre of rotation. By means of the surface (201 ), movement and alignment of the canopy (3) between the first position (I) and the second position (II) is ensured.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A canopy alignment mechanism (1) comprising a body (2) that is an aircraft, a canopy (3) that is movable on the body (2) and provides pilots access to the cockpit, at least one surface (201 ) on which the canopy (3) is in contact with the body (2) and which allows the connection of the canopy (3) to the body (2), at least one bracket (4) that is located on the surface (201 ) and allows the connection of the body (2) and the canopy (3), a first position (I) in which the canopy (3) allows access to the cockpit and is moved away from the body (2), a second position (II) in which the canopy (3) is brought closer to the body (2) and comes into contact with the body (2), and at least one hinge (5), one end of which is connected to the canopy (3) and the other end to the bracket (4), moving together with the canopy (3) on the bracket (4), characterised by comprising at least one hinge guide (501 ) that is located on the hinge (5) and allows the connection of the hinge (5) and the bracket (4), and at least one bracket channel (401 ) that is located on the bracket (4) and allows the hinge guide (501 ) to be positioned inside the bracket (4) in alignment with the bracket (4) and allows the canopy (3) to be aligned with the surface (201) by keeping the hinge guide (501 ) aligned with the bracket (4) throughout the movement of the canopy (3) between the first position (I) and the second position (II).

2. The canopy alignment mechanism (1 ) according to Claim 1 , comprising at least two lateral walls (6) extending outward from the hinge guide (501 ) and remaining almost opposite each other and allowing the hinge guide (501 ) to move almost linearly within the bracket channel (401 ).

3. The canopy alignment mechanism (1 ) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, comprising at least one rotation element (7) that is located on the bracket (4), is positioned between the two lateral walls (6), comes into contact with at least one lateral wall (6) during the sliding and / or rotation movement that enables the movement of the canopy (3) between the first position (I) and the second position (II), thereby allows the lateral walls (6) to maintain their alignment with the surface (201 ) throughout the movement of the canopy (3) between the firstposition (I) and the second position (II) and that moves freely so that the point where it is connected to the bracket (4) is the centre of rotation.

4. The canopy alignment mechanism (1) according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one guide (8) that is located on the body (2) and allows the canopy (3) to be positioned aligned on the body (2) when the canopy (3) is in the second position (II).

5. The canopy alignment mechanism (1 ) according to Claim 4, comprising at least one latch (9) that is located on the canopy (3) and allows the canopy (3) to be positioned in line with the guide (8) on the body (2) so that it at least one guide (8) fits into it, and allows the canopy (3) to be positioned in line with the closed second (II) body (2).

6. The canopy alignment mechanism (1) according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one opening (10) that is located on the body (2) and allows the canopy (3) to remain at least partially fixed on the body (2) when the canopy (3) is in the second position (II).

7. The canopy alignment mechanism (1 ) according to Claim 6, comprising at least one pin (11 ) that is located on the canopy (3) and positioned in alignment to pass into an opening (10) and allows the canopy (3) to be aligned on the body (2) and remain fixed by passing at least partially into an opening (10) when the canopy (3) is in the second position (II).

8. The canopy alignment mechanism (1) according to any of the previous claims, comprising multiple brackets (4) that are positioned opposite each other on the body (2) and enable the weight of the canopy (3) to be distributed almost equally on it via the hinge (5) when the canopy (3) is in the first position (I) or second position (II).

9. The canopy alignment mechanism (1) according to any of the previous claims, comprising a nose (N) located on the surface facing the air flow on the body(2) or leaving the air flow on the body (2), and at least one bracket (1 ) positioned on the nose (N) and allowing the canopy (3) to move between the first position (I) and the second position (II)10. The canopy alignment mechanism (1) according to Claims 3 to 9, comprising the rotation element (7) that is located on the bracket (4) and connects the bracket (4) and the hinge (5), and the sliding channel (12) that is located on the hinge guide (501 ) and allows the canopy (3) to move between the first position (I) and the second position (II) by making a sliding movement on the rotation element (7).

11. The canopy alignment mechanism (1) according to Claims 3 to 12, comprising the rotation channel (13) that is located on the hinge guide (501 ) and allows the canopy (3) to slide between the first position (I) and the second position (II) by making a sliding and rotating movement on the rotation element (7) and to rotate around its own axis in an amount predetermined by the user.12.The canopy alignment mechanism (1) according to any of the previous claims, comprising an actuator (14) that is located on the body (2) and allows the canopy (3) to move between the first position (I) and the second position (II) via the bracket (4) and hinge (5).13.The canopy alignment mechanism (1) according to Claim 11 , comprising a surface (201 ) on which the bracket (4), hinge (5), lateral wall (6), rotation element (7), sliding channel (12) and rotation channel (13) are located and that allows the canopy (3) to maintain its alignment during its movement between the first position (I) and the second position (II) and allows the canopy (3) to open and close by rotating and sliding, with the bracket (4) being the centre of rotation.

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