GB466800A - Improvements in or relating to the control of wing flaps on aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

466,800. Controlling aircraft. HAMILTON MOTORS (LONDON), Ltd., and THEED, W. D. L. Dec. 5, 1935, No. 33735. [Class 4] Aircraft wing flaps are actuated by power derived from the suction of the engine or power unit, the power supply being controlled by a manually-operated device such that the flaps can be set and maintained in any desired position between the fully raised and fully lowered positions. In one form, Fig. 1, a wing flap A is connected to a torque tube B fitted with a crank B<1> connected to rod C<2> of a double-acting piston C<1> working in a servo cylinder C. Opposite ends of cylinder C communicate through flexible pipes F, F<1> with casing G<1> of a four-way rotary valve G. The valve casing has a port G<5> communicating with a suction reservoir E and a port G4 open to atmosphere. Valve G can be set to place either end of cylinder C in communication with reservoir E at the same time opening the other end to atmosphere. By turning to valve to close all the ports the piston C may be maintained in any adjusted position. Piston C<1> is urged into the flap " up " position by a spring B<2> connected between a fixed part of the wing and an arm B<3> on lever B<1>. Tank E communicates with the engine induction pipe or supercharger air intake by a non-return valve E <2>. In a further modification, Fig. 2, a follow-up device is incorporated. A hand lever J controls the position of a piston valve H<2> working in a cylinder H axially movable under control of a link L attached to lever B<1>. In this case a single acting piston is used spring- urged to flap " up " position. Means may be provided whereby movement of the valve control lever beyond the range necessary for controlling the servo-motor may cause direct adjustment of the flap.