A manual rewinding device for refueling pod hoses

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of aerial refueling, and particularly discloses a special equipment for manually winding a refueling pod hose, which comprises a traction device, a loading device and a connecting force measuring device; the traction device is provided with a connecting plugboard and a transmission system, the connecting plugboard is installed on the transmission system; the loading device is provided with a connecting clamping groove, the connecting plugboard is fixedly connected with the connecting clamping groove; the loading device is provided with a loading mounting table, a force measuring fixed plate and a hose fixing clamp, the loading mounting table and the force measuring fixed plate are provided with the connecting force measuring device; the connecting force measuring device is connected with the loading mounting table, the force measuring fixed plate and the hose of the refueling pod respectively, and a tension and pressure sensor is arranged on the connecting force measuring device. The equipment can apply stable tension during the hose dragging and winding process, can also display specific tension values, solves the unstable winding load, reduces the risk of manual winding, and improves the manual dragging and winding efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aerial refueling technology, specifically relating to a special device for manually rewinding the hose of a refueling pod. Background Technology

[0002] The refueling hose is a key component in the aerial refueling process. During refueling, fuel from the tanker aircraft is transferred to the receiver aircraft via the hose. After refueling, the hose is retracted onto the pod reel. Once fully wound, the pod's braking mechanism's pawl lifts and engages securely with the reel's brake teeth, applying the brakes. The ability of the hose to retract reliably and brake effectively is a primary indicator of the pod's reliability. During hose assembly and routine maintenance, a manual rewinding is typically performed. A tension of 1500N–2000N must be maintained on the hose during this rewinding process for stable rewinding and braking; otherwise, the reel will fail to brake.

[0003] Currently, the common method for manually towing and rewinding hoses involves manually gripping the hose and applying tension. However, this method typically requires a large workforce (at least eight people), and the manually applied tension is unstable and cannot be accurately measured. Multiple rewinds are often needed to achieve the correct braking force, resulting in low efficiency. Furthermore, the constant-force spring in the pod provides a significant rewinding force during the process; unstable manual tension can cause the hose to rewind rapidly, posing a safety hazard. To address these issues, a device is needed that can apply a stable tension during the hose towing and rewinding process and display the specific tension value. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a special manual rewinding device for refueling pod hoses, which applies a stable tension during the hose towing and rewinding process, and can also display the specific tension value, thereby solving the problem of unstable rewinding load, reducing the risk of manual rewinding, and improving the efficiency of manual towing and rewinding.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention: A special device for manually rewinding a refueling pod hose, comprising a traction device, a loading device, and a connecting force measuring device, wherein: The traction device includes a base plate, supporting wheels, an electric system, a transmission system box, a control handle, a control lever, brake wheels, and a connecting plate.

[0006] Furthermore, the front end of the base plate is provided with four slots and is equipped with supporting wheels, which serve to support and transmit traction. The rear end of the base plate is equipped with a transmission system box, and the transmission system is installed inside the transmission system box.

[0007] Furthermore, a connecting plate is installed on the transmission system. The transmission system provides power through gear transmission to drive the connecting plate to move vertically, which facilitates connection with the loading device at various heights.

[0008] Furthermore, the electric system is installed above the transmission system, and the transmission system is driven by a motor to transmit force. An operating lever is installed on the electric system, with an operating handle at the upper end and a brake wheel at the lower end.

[0009] Furthermore, the operating handle sends a signal to the electric system, the electric motor controls the transmission system to drive the brake wheels, and the transmission system drives the brake wheels to move. At the same time, the operating handle can also control the brake wheels to steer by driving the operating lever.

[0010] The loading device includes a support platform, a lifting platform, a manual brake device, casters, a loading mounting platform, a force measuring fixing plate, hose fixing clamps, and connecting slots.

[0011] Furthermore, the support base plate is equipped with casters with brakes, which allows the entire device to move in all directions. A lifting platform is installed on the support platform, and a manual brake device is installed on each side of the support platform to ensure braking when the device is in a fixed position.

[0012] Furthermore, the lifting platform is equipped with a connecting slot, as well as a loading mounting platform, a force measuring fixing plate, and a hose fixing clamp. The lifting platform is raised and lowered by an electric control platform to meet the requirements of connecting hoses and traction devices at various heights.

[0013] The connecting force measuring device includes a craft umbrella, fixed paracords, tension and compression sensors, and a digital tension display.

[0014] Furthermore, the process umbrella is made in imitation of the refueling pod hose stabilizing umbrella. When manually towed and rewound for installation, it is connected to the refueling hose by bolts, which is a simple and highly reliable fixing method.

[0015] Furthermore, the fixing paracord is installed on the craft umbrella, passes through the loading mounting platform of the loading device, and is then connected to the tension and compression sensor. The tension and compression sensor is fixed to the force measuring plate of the loading device by a hook.

[0016] Furthermore, the digital tensile force display is fixedly installed in the mounting slot of the force measuring plate of the loading device, making the reading intuitive and convenient.

[0017] The traction device is fixedly connected to the loading device's connecting slot via its extended connecting plate, providing power to the entire equipment and ensuring stable and adjustable pulling force. The loading device is connected to the force measuring device via the loading mounting platform and the force measuring fixing plate, and the hose is fixed by the hose fixing clamp to ensure reliable connection. The connecting force measuring device is connected to the loading mounting platform, the force measuring fixing plate, and the refueling pod of the loading device respectively, and there is also a force measuring display to ensure stable winding and braking in place.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Firstly, the structural design of the device, which uses a traction device with a brake as the traction power source to provide a constant tension, ensures a stable loading force applied to the hose, saving effort and ensuring safety. Simultaneously, the loading mounting platform, force measuring fixing plate, and hose fixing clamp of the loading device provide a reliable and safe connection, and the lifting platform can accommodate the hose's towing and rewinding at various heights. Furthermore, the process umbrella design, resembling a stabilizing umbrella, connecting the force measuring device ensures a reliable connection with the refueling hose, and the force display meets the fixing tension requirements during hose rewinding. In summary, this invention enables reliable, safe, and effortless manual rewinding of hoses. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the traction device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the loading device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the force measuring device of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the device of the present invention; The diagram is labeled as follows: 1-traction device, 2-loading device, 3-connecting force measuring device; 11-Base plate, 12-Support wheel, 13-Electric system, 14-Connecting plate, 15-Transmission system box, 16-Control handle, 17-Control lever, 18-Brake wheel; 21-Support platform, 22-Lifting platform, 23-Manual brake device, 24-Wheel caster, 25-Loading mounting platform, 26-Force measuring fixing plate, 27-Hose fixing clamp, 28-Connecting slot; 31-Craft umbrella, 32-Fixing paracord, 33-Tension / compression sensor, 34-Digital tension display. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Example

[0021] like Figure 1-4The aforementioned manual rewinding device for a refueling pod hose includes a traction device 1, a loading device 2, and a connecting force measuring device 3. The traction device 1 is equipped with a connecting plate 14 and a transmission system, with the connecting plate 14 mounted on the transmission system. The loading device is equipped with a connecting slot 28, and the connecting plate 14 is fixedly connected to the connecting slot 28, providing power to the entire device. The loading device 2 is equipped with a loading mounting platform 25, a hose fixing clamp 27, and the connecting slot 28. The connecting force measuring device 3 is mounted on the loading mounting platform 25. The hose is fixed to the hose fixing clamp 27. The connecting force measuring device 3 is connected to both the loading mounting platform of the loading device and the hose refueling connector of the refueling pod, and is equipped with a tension / compression sensor 33.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the traction device 1 includes a base plate 11, support wheels 12, an electric system 13, a connecting plate 14, a transmission system box 15, a control handle 16, a control lever 17, and a brake wheel 18. The base plate 11 has four slots at its front end, where the support wheels 12 are installed. The transmission system box 15 is installed at the rear end of the base plate. The transmission system is installed inside the transmission system box, and the connecting plate 14 is installed on the transmission system. The transmission system provides power through gear transmission to drive the connecting plate for longitudinal lifting and lowering. The electric system 13 is installed above the transmission system and transmits force through a motor. The control lever 17 is installed on the electric system. The control lever 17 has a control handle 16 installed at its upper end and a brake wheel 18 installed at its lower end.

[0023] like Figure 2 As shown, the loading device 2 includes a support platform 21, a lifting platform 22, a manual brake device 23, casters 24, a loading mounting platform 25, a force measuring fixing plate 26, a hose fixing clamp 27, and a connecting slot 28. The support platform 21 has casters 24 with brakes mounted on its base plate. The lifting platform 22 is mounted on the support platform 21, and a manual brake device 23 is mounted on each side of the support platform. The lifting platform 22 is equipped with the loading mounting platform 25, the force measuring fixing plate 26, the hose fixing clamp 27, and the connecting slot 28. The lifting platform is electrically controlled for lifting.

[0024] like Figure 3As shown, the connecting force measuring device 3 includes a process umbrella 31, a fixed umbrella rope 32, a tension / compression sensor 33, and a digital tension display 34. The process umbrella 31 is made in imitation of a refueling pod hose stabilizing umbrella, and the process umbrella is connected to the refueling hose by bolts. The fixed umbrella rope 32 is installed on the process umbrella 31, passes through the loading mounting platform 25, and is then connected to the tension / compression sensor 33. The tension / compression sensor 33 is fixed to the force measuring fixing plate 26 of the loading device by hooks. The digital tension display 34 is fixedly installed in the mounting groove of the force measuring fixing plate 26, and the reading is intuitive and convenient.

[0025] Both the transmission system and the electric system of this invention are existing designs. The transmission system includes a transmission shaft, transmission gears, a transmission chain, and a lead screw; the electric system includes a rechargeable battery, a drive motor, and a motor controller.

[0026] like Figure 4 As shown, the connecting plate 14 of the traction device 1 is fixed to the connecting slot 28 of the loading device 2 by bolts and nuts. The fixing method is simple, convenient, and easy to assemble and disassemble. One end of the tension / compression sensor 33 of the force measuring device 3 is connected to the force measuring fixing plate 26 of the loading device 1 through its load-bearing hook. The digital tension display 34 is fixed in the mounting slot of the force measuring fixing plate 26 by screws. The other end of the tension / compression sensor 33 is connected to the fixed parachute rope 32 through the lifting lug. The fixed parachute rope 32 passes through the loading mounting platform 25 and is then connected and bound to the process umbrella 31. The process umbrella 31 is connected to the refueling hose by eight bolts. The refueling hose is fixed by the hose fixing clamp 27. This fixing method is based on the process method of the pod towing and looping test. This method has uniform force distribution, is firm and reliable, and has high safety.

[0027] When manually towing and rewinding the hose, connect and fix the entire device according to the above requirements. During the towing process, the operating handle 16 of the traction device 1 controls the electric system 13 to drive the brake wheel 18 to move the entire device along the hose towing direction, thereby driving the loading device 2 to move. The force measuring fixing plate 26 of the loading device 2 drives the tension and pressure sensor 33 and the hose to tow the hose in the towing direction. At this time, the tension value displayed on the digital tension display 34 can be observed in real time.

[0028] After the hose is towed to the designated position, the traction device 1 applies the brake, and the manual brake device 23 of the loading device 2 is manually turned to apply the brake. During manual rewinding, the manual brake device 23 is released, and the tension value on the digital tension display 34 is observed. When the tension reaches the specified 1500N to 2000N, the control handle 16 is used to release the brake on the traction device 1, allowing the hose to rewind. During the hose rewinding process, the control handle 16 is used to maintain the rewinding tension within the specified range. When the hose has rewinded to a certain distance from the refueling pod's tail end, the traction device 1 is controlled to reduce the rewinding tension to a minimum. The hose fixing clamp 27 is opened, the fixing parachute rope 32 bound to the tension sensor 33 is released, and the control handle 16 is used to remove the traction device 1 and loading device 2 from the rewinding area. The process umbrella 31 is removed from the hose, and the hose continues to rewind until the refueling pod brakes.

Claims

1. A special manual rewinding device for refueling pod hoses, characterized in that: It includes a traction device (1), a loading device (2), and a connecting force measuring device (3); The traction device is provided with a connecting plate (14) and a transmission system. The connecting plate (14) is installed on the transmission system. The loading device is provided with a connecting slot (28). The connecting plate (14) is fixedly connected to the connecting slot (28) to provide power for the entire device. The loading device is provided with a loading mounting platform (25), a force measuring fixing plate (26), a hose fixing clamp (27) and a connecting groove (28). The connecting force measuring device (3) is installed on the loading mounting platform (25) and the force measuring fixing plate (26); the hose is fixed on the hose fixing clamp (27). The connecting force measuring device is connected to the loading mounting platform, the force measuring fixing plate and the hose of the refueling pod of the loading device respectively, and the connecting force measuring device is equipped with a tension and compression sensor (33).

2. The special equipment for manually rewinding the refueling pod hose according to claim 1, characterized in that: The traction device (1) includes a base plate (11), a support wheel (12), an electric system (13), a connecting plate (14), a transmission system box (15), a control handle (16), a control lever (17), and a brake wheel (18). The base plate (11) has four slots at its front end and is equipped with support wheels (12). The base plate has a transmission system box (15) at its rear end. The transmission system box contains a transmission system and a connecting plate (14) is installed on the transmission system. The transmission system provides power through gear transmission to drive the connecting plate to move vertically. The electric system (13) is installed above the transmission system and drives the transmission system to transmit force through the motor. A control lever (17) is installed on the electric system. A control handle (16) is installed at the upper end of the control lever (17) and a brake wheel (18) is installed at the lower end.

3. The special equipment for manually rewinding the refueling pod hose according to claim 1, characterized in that: The loading device (2) includes a support platform (21), a lifting platform (22), a manual brake device (23), casters (24), a loading mounting platform (25), a force measuring fixing plate (26), a hose fixing clamp (27), and a connecting slot (28). The support platform (21) is equipped with a universal wheel (24) with brakes on its base plate, and a lifting platform (22) is installed on the support platform (21). A manual brake device (23) is installed on each side of the support platform. The lifting platform (22) is equipped with a loading mounting platform (25), a force measuring fixing plate (26), a hose fixing clamp (27) and a connecting slot (28). The lifting platform is raised and lowered by electric control.

4. The special equipment for manually rewinding the refueling pod hose according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting force measuring device (3) includes a craft umbrella (31), a fixed paracord (32), a tension and compression sensor (33), and a digital tension display (34). The process umbrella (31) is made of a simulated refueling pod hose stabilizing umbrella, and the process umbrella is connected to the refueling hose by bolts; The fixed paracord (32) is installed on the process umbrella (31). The fixed paracord passes through the loading mounting platform (25) and is then connected to the tension and compression sensor (33). The tension and compression sensor (33) is fixed to the force measuring fixing plate (26) of the loading device by a hook. The digital tensile display (34) is fixedly installed in the mounting slot of the force measuring plate (26), and the reading is intuitive and convenient.

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