GB503022A - Improvements relating to the control surfaces of aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

503,022. Controlling aircraft. ROBINSON, P. P., and FOSS, J. F. Sept. 29, 1937, No. 26370. [Class 4] In a flap having its forward edge movable fore-and-aft substantially on an aircraft wing and being further connected by a link to the trailing edge of the wing, the link is pivoted at or near the trailing edge of the flap which is movable from a position adjacent the under surface of the wing to a position in which it extends rearwardly beyond the trailing edge of the wing. In one form, a link formed of a flat structure 12 is hinged to the trailing edge of the wing 10 and to the trailing edge of a normally nested flap 13. The leading edge of the flap is pivoted to a nut or nuts 14 translatable, on rotation of a screw or screws 15, to extend the flap. Either or both the link and flap may be formed in two parts hinged together; means being provided, e.g. a bolt, whereby the pilot can lock either of the hinges prior to extension of the flap. A slot may be provided in the trailing edge of the wing which is masked when the flap is in the position for landing and opened when the flap is in the position for taking-off. In modifications, either the link or the flap may be extensible, incorporating, e.g. a hydraulic jack or jacks and such means may be operated so that when moved forwardly the link is shortened and the area is reduced. The flap may be pivoted at its trailing edge such that it can be moved and locked against the frame of the flap or the frame of the link. The nuts may be moved by an electric motor geared to the screws or the flaps may be connected by endless chains. A sprocket wheel 43 may be connected to the flap-extending mechanism so that, when the flap is extended, a slot-forming slat 41 is extended against the action of a spring 42.