Lightweight tertiary thrust reverser lock assembly with a blocking member

• US 6,021,636 A
• Filed: 07/25/1997
• Issued: 02/08/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Alliedsignal Inc. (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Alliedsignal Inc. (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Inventors: Chakkera, Kevin, Takeuchi, Donald I., Johnson, Andrew T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Freay, Charles G.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kim, Ted
• Application Number:
  US08/901,057
• Time in Patent Office: 928 Days
• Field of Search: 60/226.2, 60/230, 244/110 B, 239/265.27, 239/265.29, 239/265.31
• US Class Current: 60/226.2
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 15/101 Spring-retracted bolts
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 47/0004 said core being linearly movable
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 47/0603 the detent moving rectilinearly
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/08 using electromagnets or solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/10 Hydraulic or pneumatic hydraulic or pneumatic circuits E05B81/52
• CPC Class Codes: E05C 19/10 Hook fastenings; Fastenings in which a link engages a fixed hook-like member
• CPC Class Codes: F02K 1/766 with blocking systems or locking devices; Arrangement of locking devices for thrust reversers
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 50/60 Efficient propulsion technologies, e.g. for aircraft

Abstract

An aircraft thrust reverser mechanism comprises a thrust reverser moveable between a deployed position in which at least a portion of gas flowing through the aircraft engine is redirected in a non-rearward direction and a stowed position in which gas flowing through the engine is not redirected. A thrust reverser lock is provided to prevent inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser. The thrust reverser lock comprises a locking element rotatable about a pivot between a closed position in which the locking element prevents deployment of the thrust reverser and an open position in which the locking element permits the thrust reverser to be deployed. A retractable blocking element prevents the locking element from moving to the second position unless the blocking element is first withdrawn. The locking element is shaped in such a way that if the thrust reverser moves toward a deployed position without the blocking element having first been withdrawn, the force produced by the contact between the thrust reverser and the locking element produces a torque that tends to move the lock into its closed position.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for use with an engine thrust reverser moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, said locking mechanism comprising:

a pivot;

a resilient member;

a locking element rotatable about said pivot between a first position for preventing deployment of a thrust reversing member and a second position for allowing deployment of said thrust reversing member, said locking element urged by said resilient member toward said second position;

said locking element comprising a first surface adapted to engage a locking pin on said thrust reversing member for rotating said locking element from said second position to said first position when said thrust reversing member moves from said deployed position to said stowed position;

a blocking member moveable between a blocking position and a retracted position, wherein said blocking position prevents rotation of said locking element from said first position to said second position;

means for selectively moving said blocking member away from said blocking position;

said locking element further including a second surface adapted to engage said locking pin when said thrust reversing member moves from said stowed position toward said deployed position and when said blocking member prevents said locking element from being urged from said first position to said second position, said second surface being inclined such that engagement of said second surface with said locking pin prevents said thrust reversing member from being deployed while producing no force at said blocking member.

2. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein:

said second surface is inclined such that engagement between said second surface and said locking pin produces no torque about said pivot.

3. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein:

said second surface is inclined such that engagement between said second surface and said locking pin produces a torque about said pivot in a direction urging said locking element toward said first position, thereby more fully engaging said locking element with said thrust reversing member.

4. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein:

said resilient member comprises a spring.

5. The locking mechanism of claim 4, wherein:

said spring comprises a torsional spring.

6. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein:

said means for selectively moving said blocking member away from said blocking position comprises a solenoid.

7. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein:

said means for selectively moving said blocking member away from said blocking position comprises a hydraulic actuator.

8. The locking mechanism of claim 7, wherein:

said sensor comprises a proximity switch for producing a first signal when said blocking member is in a blocking position and producing a second signal when said blocking member is withdrawn from said blocking position.

9. The locking mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:

a sensor for determining the position of said blocking member.

10. An airplane thrust reverser system for use in a jet engine comprising:

a transcowl moveable between a deployed position in which at least a portion of gas flowing through said jet engine is redirected in a non-rearward direction and a stowed position in which gas flowing through said jet engine is not redirected;

a thrust reverser lock, said thrust reverser lock comprising;

a pivot;

a locking element rotatable about said pivot between a first position for preventing deployment of a thrust reversing member and a second position for allowing deployment of said thrust reversing member;

a resilient member for urging said locking element toward said second position, said locking element having a first surface comprising a cam adapted to engage a locking pin on said thrust reversing member for rotating said locking element from said second position to said first position when said thrust reversing member moves from a deployed position to a stowed position;

a blocking member moveable between a blocking position and a retracted position, wherein said blocking position prevents rotation of said locking element from said first position to said second position;

means for selectively moving said blocking member away from said blocking position;

said locking element further including a second surface adapted to engage said locking pin when said thrust reversing member moves from said stowed position toward said deployed position and when said blocking member prevents said locking element from being urged from said first position to said second position, said second surface being inclined such that engagement of said second surface with said locking member prevents said thrust reversing member from being deployed while producing no force at said blocking member.