GB576942A - Improvements in or relating to release mechanism for bombs and other loads - Google Patents

Abstract

576,942. Dropping bombs. KERR, P. S. Jan. 1, 1942, No. 4. [Class 9 (ii)] A snap-action bomb-releasing gear for aircraft comprises a framework, a pivoted hook to coact with a fixed member on the frame to form a jaw, linkage gear to actuate the pivoted jaw and means to impart a blow to the link gear to actuate the movable hook. The gear is held between spaced side plates 12 attached to a frame member 19 and comprises a fixed projection 18, a pivoted hook member 10 having a lever extension 20, a link 22 connecting the end of the hook lever to a further crank-arm lever 23, 26, a hammer plate 29 pivoted at 30 and having a hooked projection 31 to deliver a blow to a pin 28 on the lever 23, and a spring-actuated release plate 33 with a roller 34 engaging between arms 35, 36 on the hammer plate. A spring-actuated catch 32 is adapted to engage a notch 27 in the arm 26 of the crank lever in the locked position and a spring-actuated armature 39 of an electromagnet 42 engages a notch 38 in the release plate to retain it in locked position against the action of a spring 37 which is so attached to the plate that the force of its pull increases as the plate rotates. A hand-operated device 60, 61 is used to reset the trip plate 33 and a further hand-operated device 46, 47 may be provided to move the lever 48 for hand release of the catch 32, and, when testing, to set the catch 32 for engagement with the arm 26. To interrupt the current through the electromagnet after the release mechanism has been operated, a switch may be operated by a lever 44 engaged by a pin 56 on the arm 26 of the crank lever. In operation, a switch actuated by the operator causes the electromagnet to pull on the armature catch 39 and free the release plate 33 for actuation by its spring, whereupon the hammer plate 29 operates the link gear and rocks the hook 10 for release of the bomb.