GB263988A - Improvements in or relating to aircraft with rotative wings - Google Patents

Abstract

263,988. La Cierva, J. de. Nov. 19, 1925. Machines supported by rotary wing systems; steering, balancing, and regulating altitude.-In an aircraft of the kind described in Specification 196,594 having a freely rotative hinged-wing system, means are provided for applying a torque, independent of that due to the action of the air, to the wing system, when its angular velocity tends to fall below the region of its optimum or other predetermined value. As shown in Fig. 3, the shaft F of the prime mover D drives an electric generator S supplying current through the leads T to an electric motor U, the armature of which is carried by the shaft C of the rotating wing-system B. A centrifugal governor V is provided on the shaft C to close the circuit to the motor U when the speed of the wing system falls below the predetermined value. In a modification employing mechanical transmission, the prime mover D drives the shaft C through a cone clutch G, G', Fig. 2, normally held disengaged by springs O, friction plates J. J<1> held in engagement by a spring N, a free wheel device M. M<1>, and bevel reducing gear-wheels L<1>, R. The ratio of the reduction gearing is such that over the normal range of prime mover speeds, and so long as the shaft C is rotating in the region of its optimum value, the free-wheel device permits the wing-system to over-run free from the prime mover, but when the velocity of the wing-system falls, the free wheel device engages and transmits a small torque to the system. The friction plates J, J<1> introduce the necessary slip to ensure that the take-up of torque, is gradual, but where sufficient slip exists in the clutch G, G<1>, the plates J, J<1> may be dispensed with. A lever P operated. from the pilot's seat is provided for engaging the clutch when required. Alternatively the clutch may be normally engaged and manual means provided for disengaging it. The couple tending to rotate the body of the aircraft when the torque is applied may be neutralized by longitudinal fins or vanes.