초록 ▼

A rotor system according to this invention includes a structurally flexible coupling for transmitting rotor torque and other rotor loads to a rotor hub. The rotor hub is adapted to have rotor blades mounted thereon and is mounted by an elastomeric spherical bearing whose center is located at the rot

A rotor system according to this invention includes a structurally flexible coupling for transmitting rotor torque and other rotor loads to a rotor hub. The rotor hub is adapted to have rotor blades mounted thereon and is mounted by an elastomeric spherical bearing whose center is located at the rotor center. A flexible coupling made from fiber reinforced resin matrix material, connected to the bearing at a connection located below the bearing center, extends vertically from that location through the bearing to a position located above the center where it is connected to a connecting member fixed to the rotor hub. The flexible coupling is structurally stiff with respect to the mode in which it transmits rotor torque compared to the rotor torque stiffness of the other components. However, the bending stiffness and axial stiffness of the flexible coupling is substantially less compared to the mode in which rotor moments and forces are transmitted from the other components to the rotor shaft.

대표청구항 ▼

A rotor for supporting helicopter rotor blades that extend radially outward from the rotor comprising: a rotor shaft driveably connecting the rotor to a power source, mounted for rotation about a central longitudinal axis; flexible bearing means mounted on the rotor shaft, having an outer race and d

A rotor for supporting helicopter rotor blades that extend radially outward from the rotor comprising: a rotor shaft driveably connecting the rotor to a power source, mounted for rotation about a central longitudinal axis; flexible bearing means mounted on the rotor shaft, having an outer race and defining a center about which the outer race pivots; flexible coupling means comprising composite material of fibers reinforced with a resin matrix, and having a first end fixed to the rotor shaft and a second end connected to the outer bearing race for flexibly connecting the rotor shaft to the outer bearing race for pivotal movement about the center and for inflexibly connecting the rotor shaft to the outer bearing race for torsional movement; and means connected to the second end of the flexible coupling means for mounting a rotor blade to the rotor, wherein the load path by which rotor torque is transmitted between the rotor shaft and mounting means through the coupling means is flexible in relation to the load path by which torque is transmitted from the rotor shaft through the flexible coupling means.