阅读说明：本技术 用于控制飞行器飞行的装置 (Device for controlling the flight of an aircraft ) 是由 M·维库因 于 2019-08-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种包括杆(8)的装置,杆(8)与本体(1)相关联,本体(1)承载：板(4),板(4)通过绕第一轴线(X)枢转的枢转连接件连接到本体,杆通过绕第二轴线(Y)枢转的枢转连接件连接到板,第一传动轴(12)和用于将杆连接到第一传动轴的第一连接机构,第二传动轴(23)和用于将控制杆连接到第二轴的第二连接机构。第一轴和第一连接机构通过围绕第五轴线(G)枢转的枢转连接件连接,第五轴线相对于第一轴线和第三轴线倾斜,并且第二轴和第二连接机构通过围绕第六轴线(F)枢转的枢转连接件连接,第六轴线相对于第二轴线和第四轴线倾斜。当控制杆处于中间位置时,第二轴线(Y)和第六轴线(F)之间的角度严格大于第四轴线(D)和第六轴线(F)之间的角度的补角。(The invention relates to a device comprising a rod (8), the rod (8) being associated with a body (1), the body (1) carrying: a plate (4), the plate (4) being connected to the body by a pivotal connection which pivots about a first axis (X), the lever being connected to the plate by a pivotal connection which pivots about a second axis (Y), a first drive shaft (12) and a first connection mechanism for connecting the lever to the first drive shaft, a second drive shaft (23) and a second connection mechanism for connecting the control lever to the second shaft. The first shaft and the first connection are connected by a pivotal connection which pivots about a fifth axis (G) which is inclined relative to the first axis and the third axis, and the second shaft and the second connection are connected by a pivotal connection which pivots about a sixth axis (F) which is inclined relative to the second axis and the fourth axis. When the control lever is in the intermediate position, the angle between the second axis (Y) and the sixth axis (F) is strictly greater than the complement of the angle between the fourth axis (D) and the sixth axis (F).)

1. Aircraft flight control device comprising a control lever (8) associated with a body (1) carrying:

-a plate (4) connected to the body by a first pivot connection for pivoting about a first axis (X), the lever being connected to the plate by a second pivot connection for pivoting about a second axis (Y), the second axis (Y) intersecting the first axis,

-a first transmission shaft (12) mounted to pivot about a third axis (A) with respect to the body and connected to at least one first control motor outside the body,

-a first connection mechanism connecting the control lever to the first drive shaft such that pivoting of the control lever about the first axis causes the first shaft to pivot about the third axis,

-a second transmission shaft (23) mounted so as to pivot about a fourth axis (D) with respect to the body and connected to at least one second control motor outside the body, and

-a second connection mechanism connecting the control lever to the second shaft such that pivoting of the control lever about the second axis causes the second shaft to pivot about the fourth axis,

the first shaft and the first connecting mechanism are connected to each other by a pivotal connection for pivoting about a fifth axis (C), which is inclined with respect to the first axis and the third axis; and the second shaft and the second connection mechanism are connected to each other by a pivot connection for pivoting about a sixth axis (F), which is inclined with respect to the second axis and the fourth axis,

the device is characterized in that the plate is shaped so that, when the lever is in the intermediate position, the angle between the second axis (Y) and the sixth axis (F) is strictly greater than the complementary angle of the angle between the fourth axis (D) and the sixth axis (F).

2. The device of claim 1, wherein an angle between the second axis and the sixth axis is greater than or equal to 75 degrees when the lever is in the neutral position.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein an angle between the second axis and the sixth axis is in a range of 75 degrees to 100 degrees when the lever is in the neutral position.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein an angle between the second axis and the sixth axis is in a range of 75 degrees to 90 degrees when the lever is in the neutral position.

5. The device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said plate comprises a first frame and a second frame inclined with respect to each other, said first axis being associated with said first frame and said second axis being associated with said second frame.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is arranged so that said first axis (X), said second axis (Y), said fourth axis (D) and said sixth axis (F) substantially meet at a first point and said first axis, said third axis (A) and said fifth axis (C) substantially meet at a second point.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first means are arranged to connect the first shaft (12) to the plate (4) by means of a universal joint.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second mechanism is arranged to connect the second shaft (23) to the control rod (8) by means of a universal joint.

Technical Field

The invention relates to an aircraft flight control device.

Background

Aircraft flight control devices typically include a control lever pivotally mounted on the body of the control device to pivot about at least two axes perpendicular to each other to enable control of the roll and pitch motions of the aircraft. To this end, the control stick is mechanically or electrically connected to one or more aircraft control members, such as control surfaces.

In order to assist the pilot in controlling the roll and pitch of the aircraft, flight control devices are known which comprise control motors associated with the stick, so that for each pivoting movement of the stick relative to the body, one of the motors acts to simulate the force of the pilot returning to the control stick. The pilot can thus easily and effortlessly manoeuvre the stick.

As an example, document FR- A-2954835 discloses A control device comprising two electromagnetic actuators associated with A control lever to simulate A return force for each pivoting movement of the lever with respect to the body.

However, the electromagnetic actuator is then directly incorporated into the body of the control device, making the control device bulky. This is particularly troublesome for aircraft having a small cockpit size, such as helicopters, where the controls can be obtrusive to the pilot.

In document FR 3011815, the applicant proposes an improved flight control device which, in particular, can be more easily installed in the cockpit of small dimensions.

However, for the main architecture shown in this document, the force felt from the lever for pivoting about the second pivot axis Y will also be different depending on whether the lever is also tilted to the right or to the left about the first pivot axis X.

In order to alleviate this drawback, a specific servo-control has been proposed which makes the forces felt by the control lever while pivoting about the second pivot axis Y symmetrical, irrespective of whether the control lever is also tilted to the left or to the right.

However, this makes it necessary to develop such a specific servo controller, which limits the use of the motors involved.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a flight control device which at least partly obviates the above-mentioned disadvantages.

To achieve this object, an aircraft flight control device is proposed, comprising a control lever associated with a body carrying:

a plate connected to the body by a first pivot connection for pivoting about a first axis, the lever being connected to the plate by a second pivot connection for pivoting about a second axis, the second axis intersecting the first axis,

a first transmission shaft mounted to pivot about a third axis with respect to the body and connected to at least one first control motor outside the body,

a first connection mechanism connecting the control lever to the first drive shaft such that pivoting of the control lever about the first axis causes the first shaft to pivot about the third axis,

-a second transmission shaft mounted so as to pivot with respect to the body about a fourth axis and connected to at least one second control motor outside the body, and

a second connection mechanism connecting the control lever to the second shaft such that pivoting of the control lever about the second axis causes the second shaft to pivot about the fourth axis,

the first shaft and the first connecting mechanism are connected to each other by a pivotal connection for pivoting about a fifth axis, the fifth axis being inclined with respect to the first axis and the third axis; and the second shaft and the second connection mechanism are connected to each other by a pivot connection for pivoting about a sixth axis, the sixth axis being inclined with respect to the second axis and the fourth axis.

According to the invention, the plate is shaped so that, when the control rod is in the intermediate position, the angle between the second axis and the sixth axis is strictly greater than the supplementary angle of the angle between the fourth axis and the sixth axis.

By having such a specific shape of the flight control means it is possible to (at least partly) omit a specific servo controller which makes the return force felt from the control stick symmetric when pivoting about the second pivot axis, irrespective of whether the control stick is tilted about the first pivot axis or not.

Advantageously, such a solution is also easy to implement.

In the present application, axis a is "inclined" with respect to axis B, meaning that axis a is neither parallel nor perpendicular to axis B.

Preferably, the angle between the second axis and the sixth axis is greater than or equal to 75 degrees when the lever is in the neutral position.

Preferably, the angle between the second axis and the sixth axis is in the range of 75 degrees to 100 degrees.

Optionally, the angle between the second axis and the sixth axis is in the range of 75 degrees to 90 degrees.

Drawings

The invention may be better understood in view of the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of a flight control device according to a particular embodiment of the invention; and

figure 2 is a part of the view shown in figure 1.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1 to 2, a flight control device according to a particular embodiment of the invention comprises a body 1. In particular, the body 1 extends longitudinally and comprises a bottom plate 2 and at least two mutually opposite side walls, both extending vertically from the bottom plate 2.

The device further comprises a first plate 4. The first plate 4 comprises a first frame 4a and a second frame 4b fixed relative to each other. As an example, the two frames 4a and 4b may be a single part, or they may be two parts rigidly fixed to each other. The two frames have in common the general shape of a chassis of substantially the same length as the body 1. However, the two frames 4a, 4b extend obliquely with respect to each other. Thus, although the two frames 4a and 4b extend longitudinally along the first axis X, the second frame 4b extends laterally in an inclined manner with respect to the first frame 4 a. Typically, the first frame 4a extends substantially parallel to the floor of the body 1, while the second frame 4b is inclined with respect to the floor. The first plate thus has the shape of a twisted chassis.

The first plate 4 is directly connected to the body 1 by a first pivot connection for pivoting about a first pivot axis X. Generally, the first frame 4a is pivotally mounted on one side wall of the body 1, and the second frame 4b is pivotally mounted on the other side wall of the body 1.

The device also comprises a control rod 8 associated with the body 1, and in this example, this control rod 8 comprises a handle forming the free end of the control rod and a second plate 10, in this example integral with this handle.

The second plate 10 (and thus the control lever 8) is directly connected to the second frame 4b of the first plate 4 by a second pivot connection for pivoting about a second pivot axis Y, which intersects the first axis X. It should be noted that the second axis Y is connected to the first plate 4, i.e. pivoting of the first plate 4 about the first axis X causes the second axis Y to pivot about the first axis X.

The device comprises a first transmission shaft 12, which first transmission shaft 12 is directly connected to the body 1 via a third pivotal connection for pivoting about a third pivot axis a.

In this example, the first drive shaft 12 is arranged such that the third axis a intersects the first axis X.

The first shaft 12 has a first end. The first end includes a straight terminal portion and a curved connecting portion for connecting the straight terminal portion to the second end of the second shaft. Thus, the straight terminal portion of the first end extends obliquely with respect to the third axis a and the second end of the second drive shaft.

The second end of the first shaft 12 is connected to a first motor set (not shown) which is outside the body.

The apparatus further comprises a first linkage for connecting the control lever 8 to the first drive shaft 12 such that pivoting of the control lever 8 about the first axis X causes the first drive shaft 12 to pivot about the third axis a.

Preferably, the first connection means connects the first transmission shaft 12 to the control lever 8 via a universal joint.

In this example, the first connecting means therefore comprise a first cross 19 comprising two intersecting branches extending perpendicularly with respect to each other.

In particular, the first connecting mechanism is directly connected to the first frame 4a by a fourth pivot connection for pivoting about a fourth pivot axis B. To this end, the first branch of the first cross 19 is pivotally mounted on the first frame 4a to pivot about said fourth pivotal connection for pivoting about a fourth pivot axis B. The first cross 19 is arranged such that the fourth axis B intersects the first axis X and the third axis a.

As a result, the first transmission shaft 12 is arranged such that the third axis a is orthogonal to a plane containing the first axis X and the fourth axis B when the control lever 8 is in the neutral position.

In this example, the second branch of the first cross 19 is provided with a central hole extending along the entire length of the second branch. The first transmission shaft 12 is directly connected to the first cross 19 by a fifth pivot connection for pivoting about a fifth pivot axis C. For this purpose, the straight terminal portion of the first transmission shaft 12 extends inside the second branch and is pivotally mounted in the central hole of the second branch by means of two bearings located on the same axis.

The device is arranged such that the fifth axis C is inclined relative to and intersects the first, third and fourth axes X, a, B. In this example, the first drive shaft 12 is shaped such that the straight terminal portion extends at 25 degrees relative to the second end of the first drive shaft 12, and the fifth axis C then extends at 25 degrees relative to the third axis a in this example.

Due to the particular curved shape of the first transmission shaft 12, it is possible to have a pivot connection between the first shaft 12 and the first connecting means, which has its tilt axis, in particular with respect to the first axis X and the third axis a.

Thus, torque is transmitted between the control rod 8 and the first transmission shaft 12 via the first cross 19 and the first plate 4 (and in this example in particular via the first frame 4a and the second frame 4 b). When the pilot moves the control lever 8 about the first pivot axis X, the first plate 4 is also caused to pivot relative to the body 1 about the first pivot axis X, acting via the universal joint formed by the first cross 19 to pivot the first transmission shaft 12 about the third axis a.

The device comprises a second transmission shaft 23, which second transmission shaft 23 is directly connected to the body 1 by a sixth pivot connection for pivoting about a sixth pivot axis D.

In this example, the second drive shaft 23 is arranged such that the sixth axis D intersects the first axis X and the second axis Y. As a result, the second transmission shaft 23 is arranged so that the sixth axis D is orthogonal to a plane containing both the first axis X and the fourth axis B when the control rod 8 is in its intermediate position.

The sixth axis D is therefore parallel to the third axis a.

The second shaft 23 has a first end. The first end comprises a straight terminal portion and a curved connecting portion for connecting the straight terminal portion to the second end of the second shaft 23. Thus, the straight terminal portion of the first end extends obliquely with respect to the sixth axis D and the second end.

The second end of the second shaft 23 is connected to a second motor set (not shown) which is outside the body.

The device further comprises a second connection mechanism for connecting the control lever 8 to the second transmission shaft 23, such that pivoting of the control lever 8 about the second axis Y causes the second transmission shaft 12 to pivot about the sixth axis D.

Preferably, the second connection means connect the second transmission shaft 23 to the control rod 8 via a universal joint.

In this example, the second connection mechanism comprises a second cross 28 comprising two intersecting branches extending perpendicularly with respect to each other.

In particular, the second connection mechanism is directly connected to the second plate 10 by a seventh pivot connection for pivoting about a seventh pivot axis E, which in this example coincides with the first pivot axis X. To this end, the first end of the first branch of the second cross-piece 28 is pivotally mounted on the second plate 10 by means of said seventh pivotal connection for pivoting about a seventh pivot axis E.

In this example, the second branch of the second cross 28 is provided with a central hole extending along the entire length of the second branch. The second transmission shaft 23 is directly connected to the second cross 28 by an eighth pivot connection for pivoting about an eighth pivot axis F. To this end, the first curved end of the second transmission shaft 23 extends inside the second branch and is pivotally mounted in the central hole of the second branch by means of two bearings located on the same axis.

The device is arranged such that the eighth axis F is inclined relative to and intersects the first, second and sixth axes X, Y and D. In this example, the second transmission shaft 23 is shaped such that the first curved end extends at 25 degrees relative to the second transmission shaft 23, whereupon the eighth axis F extends at 25 degrees relative to the sixth axis D in this example.

Due to the particular curved shape of the second transmission shaft 23, it is possible to have a pivotal connection between the second shaft 23 and the second connection mechanism, which pivotal connection has its inclination axis, in particular with respect to the second axis Y and the sixth axis D.

Thus, torque is transmitted between the control rod 8 and the second transmission shaft 23 only via the second cross 28. When the pilot moves the control lever 8 about the second pivot axis Y, this acts via the universal joint formed by the second cross 28 to pivot the second transmission shaft 23 about the sixth axis D. However, this does not result in the first pivot shaft 12 pivoting about the third axis a.

Conversely, it should be noted that when the driver moves the control lever 8 about the first pivot axis X, this causes not only the first transmission shaft 12 to pivot about the third axis a, but also the second transmission shaft 23 to pivot about the sixth axis D, so that the coupling occurs.

In order to limit the effect of this coupling as much as possible, when the control rod 8 is in the intermediate position, the second frame 4b of the plate is shaped so that the angle α between the second axis Y and the eighth axis F is strictly greater than the complementary angle of the angle extending between the sixth axis D and the eighth axis F.

When the control lever 8 is pivoted about the second axis Y, the pivoting of the control lever 8 about the second axis Y corresponds to controlling the pitch, which makes it possible to at least partially symmetrize the forces felt from the lever in a neutral manner, irrespective of whether the control lever 8 is pivoted about the first axis X, which corresponds to controlling the roll.

In the present example, the supplementary angle is 155 degrees, since the angle between the sixth axis D and the eighth axis F is equal to 25 degrees. In this example, the angle α between the second axis Y and the eighth axis F must therefore be strictly greater than 155 degrees when the control lever 8 is in the intermediate position.

Advantageously, the twisted shape of the first plate 4 ensures that, at such an inclination of the second frame 4b, the problem of asymmetry is not transmitted to the first axis X. At the first frame 4a, the fourth axis B is practically perpendicular to the first axis X.

Thus, the device in a particular embodiment of the invention has only eight pivotal connections and six main elements (first 12, second 23, first 19, second 28 cross, first plate 4 and control rod 8), while at the same time associating the respective motor sets with the pivotal movement of the control rod 8 relative to the body 1. The apparatus in a particular embodiment of the invention thus has a substantially simplified structure.

In addition, the individual elements of the device are connected to one another only by means of bearings. This simplifies the device and makes it more reliable. In particular, this avoids the use of gear trains that may jam or belts that may break.

Preferably, the device is arranged such that the first axis X, the second axis Y, the sixth axis D and the eighth axis F all meet at a first point and the first axis X, the third axis a, the fourth axis B and the fifth axis C all meet at a second point.

The respective pivot axes of the device therefore meet at only two points, which enables a particularly compact device.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and modifications can be applied thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

In particular, although the above control lever is connected to two groups of control motors, it is possible to envisage that the control lever is connected to a third control motor (or a third group of control motors) to rotate the control lever about an axis that intersects the first and second axes and is orthogonal to the plane formed by the first and fourth axes when the control lever is in the intermediate position.

The term "intermediate position" is generally to be understood as a position of the control rod where no force is exerted on the control rod, such that if the device is placed on a planar surface, the plane formed by the first axis and the fourth axis is parallel to said surface. Thus, in the neutral position, the lever is typically not tilted about the first axis, nor tilted about the second axis.

Although in a particular embodiment of the invention the transmission shaft is directly connected to the output shaft of the respective motor group, in a variant the transmission shaft may be connectable to said output shaft via a motion transmission device.

Although in a particular embodiment of the invention the curved portion of each drive shaft extends at 25 degrees to the remainder of the respective drive shaft, the curved portion may be shaped such that the fifth axis (or eighth axis) extends at another angle to the third axis (or sixth axis). Similarly, the angle of the curved portion of the rod of certain embodiments of the present invention may be adapted to obtain a desired angle of inclination to the fifth or eighth axis. In general, the particular shape of the connection mechanism and/or the drive shaft may be selected to accommodate the angle of inclination of the fifth and eighth axes.

In particular, the angle between at least the eighth axis and the sixth axis will depend on the desired amplitude of the control rod. As an example, for a control lever having a magnitude in the range of 5 degrees (absolute) to 30 degrees (absolute), the angle may be in the range of 10 degrees to 65 degrees.

Thus, the angle between the second axis and the eighth axis may also be different from that described above, as long as it is strictly greater than the complement of the angle between the eighth axis and the sixth axis. For example, the angle between the second axis and the eighth axis may be greater than or equal to 75 degrees when the lever is in the neutral position. Optionally, the angle between the second axis and the eighth axis may be in the range of 75 degrees to 100 degrees. Also optionally, the angle between the second axis and the eighth axis may be in the range of 75 degrees to 90 degrees.

Preferably, it is desirable to be as close as possible to the theoretical optimum angle (while taking into account the feasibility of production), which depends not only on the angle between the sixth axis and the eighth axis, but also on the desired amplitude of the control rod. Pivoting of the control rod 8 about the second axis Y corresponds to controlling pitch when the control rod is pivoted about the second axis Y, which makes it possible to at least partially make the forces felt from the rod as symmetrical as possible in a neutral manner, irrespective of whether the control rod is pivoted about the first axis X, which corresponds to controlling roll.

As an example, for a control lever having a magnitude in the range of 5 degrees (absolute) to 30 degrees (absolute), the optimum value may be in the range of 75 degrees to 90 degrees, and preferably in the range of 78 degrees to 86 degrees.

Of course, throughout this application, this may be done directly (and then the two components brought into contact) or via other components as the two components are pivotally mounted relative to each other.

Any of the components connected together by the pivotal connection may carry one or more bearings or any other means required for providing the pivotal connection between the two components.

The transmission shaft is pivotally mounted with respect to the body, either by being guided and pivotally mounted directly on the body or by being guided and pivotally mounted on the stator of the respective control motor, to pivot about a third axis or about a sixth axis.

Other arrangements are also contemplated.