WO2024155261A1

WO2024155261A1 - A canopy mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2024155261A1
Application number: PCT/TR2024/050030
Authority: WO
Inventors: Niyazi TANLAK
Original assignee: Tusas Turk Havacilik Ve Uzay Sanayii AS
Current assignee: Tusas Turk Havacilik Ve Uzay Sanayii AS
Priority date: 2023-01-18
Filing date: 2024-01-16
Publication date: 2024-07-25
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-18

Abstract

The present invention relates to a body (2) on the air vehicle; a cockpit (K) that located on the body (2); a canopy (3) that located on the body (2) so as to move relative to the body (2), that allowing access to the cockpit (K) and protecting the cockpit (K); a windshield (301) that located on the canopy (3), on a side facing the leading edge of the air vehicle; at least one hinge (4) that allows the canopy (3) to be attached to the body (2); a first position (I) in which the canopy (3) is located on the body (2) thanks to the internal pressure of the cockpit (K).

Description

A CANOPY MECHANISM

This invention relates to a canopy movement mechanism that protect canopies on air and/or space vehicles.

Bird strikes are problems in canopies. For this reason, canopies are made of thick materials. The windshields of the canopies are especially produced thicker. It is designed both to protect the pilot and to differentiate the relative speed of a mass such as a bird from the aircraft. Thus, a small part of the bird's energy is transferred to the canopy, especially the canopy crown area. Such a differentiation is related to the windshield angle. A low-angle windshield serves this purpose better. In this case, more field is needed and the weight must be increased. However, reducing the windshield angle is not always possible due to visibility and space problems.

In pressurized cabins, the canopy tends to open outward. In the normal course of the air vehicle, the interfaces that connect the canopy to the body (e.g. hinges, etc.) try to prevent the canopy from opening outward. If the parts at the interface of the canopy and the air vehicle body (airbag, latches, front, side and rear chassis) are designed to allow the canopy to rotate towards the air vehicle on the rotation axis during a bird strike, it reduces the amount of energy transferred from the mass to the canopy. The amount of rotation of the design allows determine the amount of energy reduction.

EP0340961A1, which is included in the known-state of the art, discloses a front canopy panel that deforms and moves locally backwards relative to the body in the event of a bird strike on the front canopy panel. The central connections can move locally rearward relative to the body and rear panel. In a canopy assembly including a rear canopy panel and a forward canopy panel, in which rear portion of the front canopy panel and forward portion of the rear wing are mounted on a support frame, in the event of a frontal impact, the front and rear canopy panels are positioned spaced apart and fixed together to allow relative longitudinal movement. US4183479A, which is included in the known-state of the art, discloses a front panel that can be moved to change the angle of the windshield. The windshield module is raised and lowered.

EP3007919B1, which is included in the known-state of the art, discloses a fixed panel fixed to a window frame; and a movable panel placed in the window frame planarly adjacent to the fixed panel and configured to move up and down along a sliding direction within the window frame. A spring part can be deformed elastically due to the movement of an L-shaped front slider in a guide groove.

JPS62241798A, which is included in the known-state of the art, discloses raising and lowering a C-cockpit with vertical operating mechanism. The canopy is enabled to float above the body and sink into the upper part of the body. A configuration enables the canopy to move. In the configuration, the guide between the body and the canopy is provided by rollers.

Thanks to the canopy mechanism according to the present invention, movement of the canopy mechanism is carried out more reliably.

The canopy mechanism according to the present invention enables a more reliable movement of the canopy when encountered with an obstacle.

Another object of the present invention is to activate the canopies in an air vehicle by means of a lighter system.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a simple, easy-to-use, practical and effective canopy mechanism.

The canopy mechanism realized to achieve the object of the invention, which is defined in the first claim and other claims dependent thereon, comprises a body on an air vehicle; and a canopy on the body, which is almost entirely made of glass. The canopy is located on the body for access to the cockpit (K) of the air vehicle. In an air vehicle, cockpit (K) is surrounded by transparent structures called canopies to insulate noise and meteorological effects, increase visibility and reduce friction caused by air flow. By creating a pressurized area within the canopy, pilots are protected from atmospheric effects during high-speed flights. The canopy is made of acrylic plastic or polycarbonate materials by transparent shaping in order to provide a good viewing angle to the pilot. The high sealing properties and lightness of the canopy are not only important factors affecting air vehicle performance, but also important for pilot health. There is at least one hinge that allows the canopy to be connected to the body. There are multiple transfer elements, such as pins and springs, that enable the canopy to be moved. At a part of the canopy facing the leading edge of the air vehicle, a windshield is provided to extend out from the body. It comprises a first position (I), in which the cockpit is located on the body due to the effect of the internal pressure therein.

The canopy mechanism according to the invention comprises a second position (II) in which the canopy slides with an angular movement towards the inside of the body when a mass such as a bird hits the windshield on the canopy. It comprises the first position (I) in which the canopy is located under the influence of internal pressure of the cockpit; the second position (II) in which it moves into the body due to the impact of the mass; the hinge that allows the mass to move between the first position (I) after breaking its contact with the canopy.

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism comprises an axis predetermined by the user, which is provided on the body of the air vehicle and extends from the leading edge of the air vehicle to the trailing edge thereof. It comprises a windshield angle, which is the angle between the axis and the windshield on the canopy that is in the first position (I) under normal conditions when the canopy is attached to the body. It occurs when the canopy slides on the hinge from the first position (I) to the second position (II), reducing or decreasing the windshield angle.

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism comprises a canopy crown on the canopy, which extends from the windshield to the trailing edge of the air vehicle. It comprises the rear panel which is located almost completely inside the body, and extends from the canopy crown towards the body. There is a hinge at the end of the rear panel. The rear panel has a concave form to facilitate the sliding movement of the canopy, which slides to change position. In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism comprises two portions on the hinge. The first bracket and the second bracket on the hinge are form-compatible with each other. The first bracket comprises position change of the canopy by sliding in a limited area on the second bracket. It comprises the second bracket within the hinge, which is curved longitudinally to create a concave form so that the canopy can move towards the interior of the body.

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism comprises the first bracket and the second bracket that form the hinge. The first bracket of the hinge is located on the canopy, preferably on the rear panel. The second bracket of the hinge is located on the body of the air vehicle.

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism comprises the first bracket in L-form. It comprises contacting the second bracket thanks to the protrusion in L-form.

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism comprises the second bracket in inverted C form, similar to J form. The protrusion extending from the first bracket moves by sliding between the C-shaped protrusions of the second bracket. The second bracket in C form limits the movement of the first bracket.

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism comprises a support element located on the body, preferably extending outward from the second bracket. The support element absorbs the impact of the first bracket and dampens the force.

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism comprises the first bracket in U-forrn and the second in inverted L-form. The second bracket in inverted L-form is supported between the first U-shaped bracket protrusions. The first bracket and the second bracket are preferably supported by a pin, and when a mass such as a bird contacts the canopy of the air vehicle, the first bracket and the second bracket performs an angular rotational movement simultaneously and coaxially, such that the canopy moves from the first position (I) to the second position (II) to reduce or decrease the windshield angle. In an embodiment of the invention, in the canopy mechanism, the support element is made of an elastic material. The support element, made of elastic material, absorbs the impact of the first bracket.

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism comprises the canopy suitable for supersonic air vehicles.

The canopy mechanism realized to achieve the object of the present invention is illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the canopy mechanism (1) in the first position (I).

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the canopy mechanism (1) in the second position (II).

Figure 3 is a schematic view of the hinge (4) in the first position (I).

Figure 4 is a schematic view of the hinge (4) in the second position (II).

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the hinge (4).

Figure 6 is a schematic view of axis (E) and windshield angle (W).

Figure 7 is a schematic view of the hinge (4).

Figure 8 is a schematic view of the canopy mechanism (1) in the first position (I).

Figure 9 is a schematic view of the canopy mechanism (1) in the second position (II).

All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

1. Canopy Mechanism

2. Body

3. Canopy

301. Windshield

302. Canopy Crown

303. Rear Panel

4. Hinge

401. First Bracket

402. Second Bracket

5. Support Element

(K) Cockpit (C) Mass

(E) Axis

(W) Windshield Angle

(I) First Position

(II) Second Position

The canopy mechanism (1) comprises a body (2) on an air vehicle; a cockpit (K) that is located on the body (2); a canopy (3) that is located on the body (2) so as to move relative to the body (2), , allowing access to the cockpit (K) and , protecting the cockpit (K); a windshield (301) that is located on the canopy (3), on a side facing the leading edge of the air vehicle; at least one hinge (4) that allows the canopy (3) to be attached to the body (2); a first position (I) in which the canopy (3) is located on the body (2) thanks to the internal pressure of the cockpit (K).

The canopy mechanism (1) according to the invention comprises a second position (II) in which the canopy (3) moves from the first position (I) by sliding into the body (2) when a mass (C) hits the windshield (301); the hinge (4) that enables the canopy (3) to be moved to the second position (II), wherein after the mass (C) ceases to contact the windshield (301), the internal pressure pushes the canopy (3) and brings it back to the first position (I).

Access to the cockpit (K) on the air vehicle is provided by the canopy (3). The canopy (3) is located on the body (2). It comprises a windshield (301) on the canopy (3), on a side facing the leading edge that is the first place of the canopy (3) in contact with the air. The attachment of the canopy (3) to the body (2) is provided by at least one hinge (4). It is provided by the internal pressure of the cockpit (K) in a first position (I) in which the canopy (3) is located on the body (2).

In the canopy mechanism (1), when a mass (C) hits the windshield (301), the second position (II) is provided, to which the canopy (3) is moved by sliding into the body (2). After the canopy (3) is moved to the second position (II) and the mass (C) ceases to contact with the windshield (301), the canopy (3) is pushed by the effect of the internal pressure and returned to the first position (I) by the hinge (4). Therefore, the pilot's field of vision is not affected when the mass (C) contacts the canopy (3). It is ensured that the canopy (3) maintains its position as a result of the impact of the mass (C).

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism (1) comprises an axis (E) on the body (2), which is predetermined by the user and extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge; a windshield angle (W) between the windshield (301) and the axis (E); the hinge (4) which makes a sliding movement towards the body (2) and reduces the windshield angle (W), so as to allow the canopy (3) to move from the first position (I) to the second position (II). Thanks to the hinge (4), the canopy (3) is enabled to move between the first position (I) and the second position (II). Thanks to the decrease in the windshield angle (W), the pilot can be protected, and the speed of the mass (C) can be separated from the air vehicle.

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism (1) comprises a canopy crown (302) on the canopy (3), which extends from the windshield (301) towards the trailing edge; a rear panel (303) on the canopy (3), which extends from the canopy crown (302) towards the body (2); the rear panel (303) having a concave form to facilitate the sliding movement of the canopy (3) that slides towards the body (2) to reach the second position (II). The invention comprises a mechanism that can penetrate as much as the impact force of the mass (C) and thus move gradually, thanks to the canopy (3) sliding on the rear panel (303) to move towards the body (2).

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism (1) comprises a first bracket (401) on the hinge (4); a second bracket (402) in the hinge (4), which is form-compatible with the first bracket (401) to allow the first bracket (401) to slide thereon, and which is curved longitudinally to form a concave form so that the canopy (3) can move towards the interior of the body (2). Thanks to the second bracket (402) in convex form, the first bracket (401) is facilitated to slide on the second bracket (402).

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism (1) comprises the first bracket (401) that is located on the canopy (3); the second bracket (402) that is located on the body (2). The movement of the canopy (3) is enabled by locating the first bracket (401) on the canopy (3) and locating the second bracket (402) on the body (2). In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism (1) comprises the first bracket

(401) in L-form. Thanks to the protrusion extending out from the first bracket (401), it is enabled to slide on the second bracket (402).

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism (1) comprises the second bracket (402) in C-form, which is in contact with the protrusion on the second bracket

(402), thus limiting the movement of the first bracket (401), and acting as a stopper for the first bracket (401). The first bracket (401) in L-form is enabled to slide and move on the convex surface of the second bracket (402) in C-form, at least partially in contact with thereto.

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism (1) comprises at least one support element (5) which prevents damage to the body (2) and/or hinge by the sliding movement of the first bracket (401) in L-form on the second bracket (402) in C-form, wherein the support element (5) acts as a damper located on the body (2). Thanks to the support element (5), the energy of the first bracket (401) moving with the impact of the mass (C) is at least partially absorbed. Thus, the damage to the body (2) is minimized.

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism (1) comprises the hinge (4) allowing the canopy (3) to move from the first position (I) to the second position (II) upon reduction of the windshield angle (W) when the first bracket (401) in U-form makes an angular rotational movement on the second bracket (402) in L-form at a point where they are supported by each other. Thanks to the protrusions extending out from the first bracket (401), it rotates with the second bracket (402) around the point where they are connected to each other, thereby reducing the windshield angle (W).

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism (1) comprises the support element (5) made of an elastic material. In this way, energy of the first bracket (401), which moves with the impact effect of the mass (C), is at least partially damped.

In an embodiment of the invention, the canopy mechanism (1) comprises the canopy (3) suitable for use in supersonic air vehicles.

Claims

1. A canopy mechanism (1) comprising a body (2) on an air vehicle; a cockpit (K) that located is on the body (2); a canopy (3) that is located on the body (2) so as to move relative to the body (2), allowing access to the cockpit (K) and protecting the cockpit (K); a windshield (301) that is located on the canopy (3), on a side facing the leading edge of the air vehicle; at least one hinge (4) that allows the canopy (3) to be attached to the body (2); a first position (I) in which the canopy (3) is located on the body (2) thanks to the internal pressure of the cockpit (K), characterized by a second position (II) in which the canopy (3) moves from the first position (I) by sliding into the body (2) when a mass (C) hits the windshield (301); the hinge (4) that enables the canopy (3) to be moved to the second position (II), wherein after the mass (C) ceases to contact the windshield (301), the internal pressure pushes the canopy (3) and brings it back to the first position (I).

2. A canopy mechanism (1) according to claim 1 , characterized by an axis (E) on the body (2), which is predetermined by the user and extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge; a windshield angle (W) between the windshield (301) and the axis (E); the hinge (4) which makes a sliding movement towards the body (2) and reduces the windshield angle (W), so as to allow the canopy (3) to move from the first position (I) to the second position (II).

3. A canopy mechanism (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by a canopy crown (302) on the canopy (3), which extends from the windshield (301) towards the trailing edge; a rear panel (303) on the canopy (3), which extends from the canopy crown (302) towards the body (2); the rear panel (303) having a concave form to facilitate the sliding movement of the canopy (3) that slides towards the body (2) to reach the second position (II).

4. A canopy mechanism (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by a first bracket (401) on the hinge (4); a second bracket (402) in the hinge (4), which is form-compatible with the first bracket (401) to allow the first bracket (401) to slide thereon, and which is curved longitudinally to form a concave form so that the canopy (3) can move towards the interior of the body (2).

5. A canopy mechanism (1) according to claim 4, characterized by the first bracket (401) that is located on the canopy (3); the second bracket (402) that is located on the body (2).

6. A canopy mechanism (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized by the first bracket (401) in L-form.

7. A canopy mechanism (1) according to any of the claims 4 to 6, characterized by the second bracket (402) in C-form, which is in contact with the protrusion on the second bracket (402), thus limiting the movement of the first bracket (401), and acting as a stopper for the first bracket (401).

8. A canopy mechanism (1) according to any of the claims 4 to 7, characterized by at least one support element (5) which prevents damage to the body (2) and/or hinge by the sliding movement of the first bracket (401) in L-form on the second bracket (402) in C-form, wherein the support element (5) acts as a damper located on the body (2).

9. A canopy mechanism (1) according to claim 1 , characterized by the hinge (4) allowing the canopy (3) to move from the first position (I) to the second position (II) upon reduction of the windshield angle (W) when the first bracket (401) in U-forrn makes an angular rotational movement on the second bracket (402) in L-form at a point where they are supported by each other.

10. A canopy mechanism (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the support element (5) made of an elastic material.

11. A canopy mechanism (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by the canopy (3) suitable for use in supersonic air vehicles.