A seat valve ground maintenance tool

Abstract

This invention provides a ground maintenance tool for a settling valve, belonging to the field of aviation fuel systems. The ground maintenance tool includes, in sequence, an end cap, a support rod, a connector, a funnel, an adjusting nut, a flow meter, and a drain hose. The end cap is fixed to the top of the support rod to open the settling valve. The support rod is a flexible long rod used to pass through the aircraft's internal drain hose. The connector is used to fix it to the aircraft's drain port. The funnel is used to collect and drain fuel. The bottom of the support rod is inserted into the adjusting nut, which is threaded to the bottom of the funnel and allows adjustment of the length of the support rod protruding from the funnel. This invention enables the settling valve to perform its traditional drain function while also achieving a self-locking function in the open position with the help of the ground maintenance tool, freeing up ground maintenance personnel and offering high practicality. This invention also avoids the risk of fuel leakage during aircraft refueling due to a settling valve malfunction, providing higher reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aviation fuel systems and relates to a ground maintenance tool for a settling valve. Background Technology

[0002] The drain valve is a common device in civil aviation fuel systems, used to drain fuel and deposited impurities from the bottom of the fuel tank when the aircraft is parked. Common drain valves are divided into two categories: self-locking and non-self-locking. Self-locking drain valves require rotating the valve core to achieve self-locking. However, some drain valves are installed inside the aircraft, in a position where they cannot be visually inspected or directly rotated, making self-locking difficult. When the drain valve is installed inside the aircraft and cannot be visually inspected, real-time drain flow must be measured to determine if the drain valve parts are deformed. If there is a potential for malfunction, additional equipment is required, complicating the operation. Furthermore, due to tolerances in the installation of drain valves and the manufacturing and assembly of various aircraft parts, the effective length of the support rod required for drain valve operation varies from aircraft to aircraft. Ultimately, because it is impossible to visually determine whether the drain valve is open or closed, there is a risk of fuel tank leakage during refueling if the drain valve is open. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention presents a ground maintenance tool for a drain valve. By engaging with the aircraft's drain port, it enables self-locking draining of fuel within the confined space of an aircraft, even under conditions where visual draining is not possible. This eliminates the need for the drain valve itself to possess a self-locking function, allowing it to automatically and stably return to and ultimately lock in the closed position after draining.

[0004] This invention enables attachment to corresponding aircraft interfaces, freeing up ground maintenance personnel; it allows for adjustment of the extension length of the strut, resolving tolerance issues arising from equipment installation, parts manufacturing, and parts assembly on different aircraft; it enables real-time measurement of oil drain flow, aiding in determining whether the drain valve parts are deformed; and it is used in conjunction with drain valves that lack an oil drain self-locking function, solving the problem of not being able to visually determine whether the drain valve is fully closed.

[0005] The specific technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A ground maintenance tool for a drain valve is disclosed, used in conjunction with a drain piping assembly located inside an aircraft. The drain piping assembly comprises multiple components connected sequentially from top to bottom: a drain valve 8 mounted on the bottom structure 9 of the aircraft fuel tank, a fuel collection tank 10, a hose assembly 11, and an aircraft drain port assembly 13 mounted on the aircraft fuselage structure 12. The hose assembly 11 can pass through multiple aircraft ports, with a straight or curved path. The ground maintenance tool includes an end cap 1, a support rod 2, a connecting connector 3, a funnel 4, an adjusting nut 5, a flow meter 6, and a drain hose 7.

[0007] The upper part of the end 1 is a cylindrical structure, and the lower part is a cylindrical structure. It is fitted onto the top of the support rod 2 and fixedly connected.

[0008] The support rod 2 is a long rod with a certain degree of elasticity. Its diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hose assembly 11 in the oil drain line assembly. When in use, the support rod 2 extends into the hose assembly 11 and can bend with the hose assembly 11. The lower end of the support rod 2 passes through the hook connector 3, the funnel 4 and the adjusting nut 5 in sequence, and finally inserts into the limiting hole in the center of the adjusting nut 5.

[0009] The aforementioned hook-on connector 3 is a straight-through connector part with a central hole for the support rod 2 to pass through, an internal thread at the bottom for threaded connection with the top of the funnel 4, two protrusions in a straight line in the middle, and internal and external threads at the top. The hook-on connector 3 is connected to the aircraft oil drain interface assembly 13 in the oil drain pipeline assembly. Its internal and external threads and two protrusions make it suitable for three types of interfaces: internal thread oil drain interface, external thread oil drain interface, and "C" type hanging parts with the opening facing downward.

[0010] The funnel 4 has a hollow elongated cylindrical structure at its center. The outer wall of the elongated cylindrical structure surrounds the funnel structure. The top of the elongated cylindrical structure has external threads for connecting with the bottom thread of the hook connector 3. Multiple oil passage holes are arranged on the cylinder wall above the connection between the elongated cylindrical structure and the funnel structure for fuel to flow into the lower part of the elongated cylindrical structure. A limiting through hole is provided inside the elongated cylindrical structure to prevent the support rod 2 from moving inside the funnel 4. The bottom of the elongated cylindrical structure has external threads.

[0011] The adjusting nut 5 is a long cylindrical structure with a variable diameter. The large diameter end at the top is provided with an internal thread for threaded connection with the bottom of the funnel 4. By rotating the adjusting nut 5, its relative position with the funnel 4 can be moved, thereby adjusting the length of the support rod 2 extending out of the funnel 4. The small diameter end at the bottom is provided with an external thread. The connection between the large and small diameter sections is closed. A limiting hole is provided in the center for the lower end of the support rod 2 to be inserted. Multiple oil passage holes are provided around the limiting hole for fuel to flow out.

[0012] The flow meter 6 is designed with an upstream interface and a downstream interface. The upstream interface is an outer nut for threaded connection with the bottom of the adjusting nut 5, and the downstream interface is a pagoda connector.

[0013] The oil drain hose 7 is a flexible hose whose size and specifications match the downstream interface of the flow meter 6. One end of the hose 7 is connected to the downstream pagoda connector of the flow meter 6, and the other end is placed in the oil container on the ground.

[0014] Furthermore, the strut 2 is made of a non-metallic material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0015] Furthermore, for situations where the load required to lift the sedimentation valve is large, a rotational lubrication method can be added at the connection between the bottom of the support rod 2 and the adjusting nut 5, including but not limited to metal sleeves, rotating bearings, etc.

[0016] Working process: When the aircraft needs to perform a fuel dumping operation, turn the adjusting nut 5 to adjust the length of the support rod 2 extending out of the funnel 4. The support rod 2 extends into the aircraft's matching fuel dumping pipeline assembly. Connect the coupling 3 to the aircraft's fuel dumping interface assembly 13 to hang the ground maintenance tools. After hanging, turn the adjusting nut 5. The adjusting nut 5 pushes the support rod 2, increasing its length extending out of the funnel 4 until the end 1 opens the settling valve, and the aircraft fuel dumping process begins. When the fuel dumping is finished, turn the adjusting nut 5 in the opposite direction to reduce the length of the support rod 2 extending out of the funnel 4 until the settling valve closes, and then remove the ground maintenance tools.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0018] 1. This invention enables the settling valve to perform the oil discharge function of a traditional settling valve while also enabling it to self-lock in the open position with the help of ground maintenance tools, thus freeing up ground maintenance personnel and making it highly practical.

[0019] 2. This invention occupies little space, has a simple structure, integrates multiple functions, is easy to promote, and has high economic benefits;

[0020] 3. During the use of this invention, the risk of fuel leakage during aircraft refueling can be avoided due to a failure of the settling valve to close, thus providing higher reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 An overall view of the ground maintenance tools for the sedimentation valve.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a sectional view of the end.

[0023] Figure 3 This is an overall view of the mounting joint;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the funnel.

[0025] Figure 5The sectional and top views of the adjusting nut are shown, where (a) is the sectional view and (b) is the top view;

[0026] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a flow meter;

[0027] Figure 7 A sectional view of the assembly of the parts connected to the funnel;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the settling valve installed inside the aircraft and its associated oil draining pipeline assembly.

[0029] In the diagram: 1 End; 2 Support rod; 3 Connector; 4 Funnel; 5 Adjusting nut; 6 Flow meter; 7 Drain hose; 8 Settling valve; 9 Aircraft fuel tank bottom structure; 10 Fuel collection tank; 11 Hose assembly; 12 Aircraft fuselage structure; 13 Aircraft drain port assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments derived by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention through modifications or adjustments are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0031] This embodiment provides a ground maintenance tool for a drain valve, which needs to be used in conjunction with the aircraft's drain piping assembly (such as...). Figure 8 As shown), when the drain valve is located in a confined space inside the aircraft and is not visually visible during fuel draining, the aircraft needs to be designed with a drain passage for the drain valve to ensure that fuel can be discharged outside the aircraft through the drain passage. The fuel drain pipeline assembly includes multiple components connected sequentially from top to bottom: a drain valve 8 located on the bottom structure 9 of the aircraft fuel tank, a fuel collection tank 10, a hose assembly 11, and an aircraft fuel drain interface assembly 13 installed on the aircraft fuselage structure 12. The hose assembly 11 can pass through multiple aircraft interfaces, with a straight or curved path. The ground maintenance tools include an end cap 1, a support rod 2, a connecting connector 3, a funnel 4, an adjusting nut 5, a flow meter 6, and a fuel drain hose 7, as shown. Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the upper part of the end 1 is a cylindrical structure and the lower part is a cylindrical structure, which is sleeved on the top of the support rod 2 and fixedly connected.

[0033] The support rod 2 is a long polytetrafluoroethylene rod with a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hose assembly 11 in the oil drain pipe assembly. When in use, the support rod 2 extends into the hose assembly 11 and can bend with the hose assembly 11. The lower end of the support rod 2 passes through the hook connector 3, the funnel 4 and the adjusting nut 5 in sequence, and finally inserts into the limiting hole in the center of the adjusting nut 5.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the hook-on connector 3 is a straight-through connector-like part. It has a central hole for the support rod 2 to pass through, an internal thread at the bottom for threaded connection with the top of the funnel 4, two protrusions in a straight line in the middle, and internal and external threads at the top. The hook-on connector 3 is connected to the aircraft oil drain interface assembly 13 in the oil drain pipeline assembly. Its internal and external threads and two protrusions make it suitable for three types of interfaces: internal thread oil drain interface, external thread oil drain interface, and "C" type hanging parts with the opening facing downward.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, the funnel 4 has a hollow elongated cylindrical structure at its center. The outer wall of the elongated cylindrical structure surrounds the funnel structure. The top of the elongated cylindrical structure has external threads for threaded connection with the bottom of the hook connector 3. Four oil passage holes are arranged on the cylinder wall above the connection between the elongated cylindrical structure and the funnel structure for fuel to flow into the lower part of the elongated cylindrical structure. A limiting through hole is provided inside the elongated cylindrical structure to prevent the support rod 2 from moving inside the funnel 4. The bottom of the elongated cylindrical structure has external threads.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, the adjusting nut 5 is a long cylindrical structure with a variable diameter. The large diameter end at the top is provided with an internal thread for threaded connection with the bottom of the funnel 4. By rotating the adjusting nut 5, its relative position with the funnel 4 can be moved, thereby adjusting the length of the support rod 2 extending out of the funnel 4. The small diameter end at the bottom is provided with an external thread. The connection between the large and small diameter sections is closed. A limiting hole is provided in the center for the lower end of the support rod 2 to be inserted. When the adjusting nut 5 is rotated, the support rod 2 will not rotate with it. Four oil passage holes are provided around the limiting hole for fuel to flow out.

[0037] like Figure 6 As shown, the flow meter 6 is designed with an upstream interface and a downstream interface. The upstream interface is an outer nut for threaded connection with the bottom of the adjusting nut 5, and the downstream interface is a pagoda connector.

[0038] The oil drain hose 7 is a flexible hose whose size and specifications match the downstream interface of the flow meter 6. One end of the hose 7 is connected to the downstream pagoda connector of the flow meter 6, and the other end is placed in the oil container on the ground.

[0039] Working process: When the aircraft needs to perform a fuel dumping operation, turn the adjusting nut 5 to adjust the length of the support rod 2 extending out of the funnel 4. The support rod 2 extends into the aircraft's matching fuel dumping pipeline assembly. Connect the coupling 3 to the aircraft's fuel dumping interface assembly 13 to hang the ground maintenance tools. After hanging, turn the adjusting nut 5. The adjusting nut 5 pushes the support rod 2, increasing its length extending out of the funnel 4 until the end 1 opens the settling valve, and the aircraft fuel dumping process begins. When the fuel dumping is finished, turn the adjusting nut 5 in the opposite direction to reduce the length of the support rod 2 extending out of the funnel 4 until the settling valve closes, and then remove the ground maintenance tools.

[0040] In other embodiments, for cases where the load required to lift the sedimentation valve is large, in order to avoid the support rod 2 rotating with the adjusting nut 5 due to large friction, a rotation lubrication method is added at the connection between the bottom of the support rod 2 and the adjusting nut 5, including but not limited to metal sleeves, rotating bearings, etc.

[0041] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the implementation methods of the present invention, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ground maintenance tool for a drain valve, used in conjunction with an internal fuel drain piping assembly, characterized in that, The ground maintenance tools include an end cap (1), a support rod (2), a hook connector (3), a funnel (4), an adjusting nut (5), a flow meter (6), and an oil drain hose (7); The end (1) is fixedly connected to the top of the support rod (2); The support rod (2) is a long rod with a certain elasticity. Its lower end passes through the hook joint (3), funnel (4) and adjusting nut (5) in sequence, and finally inserts into the limiting hole in the center of the adjusting nut (5). The hook connector (3) is a type of straight connector part, with its bottom fixedly connected to the funnel (4) and its top connected to the aircraft oil drain interface assembly (13) in the oil drain pipeline assembly; The funnel (4) is a hollow long cylindrical structure at its center. The funnel structure is surrounded by the middle of the outer wall of the long cylindrical structure. Multiple oil passage holes are arranged on the cylinder wall above the connection between the long cylindrical structure and the funnel structure. External threads are provided at the bottom of the long cylindrical structure. The adjusting nut (5) is a long cylindrical structure with a variable diameter. The large diameter end at the top is threaded to the bottom of the funnel (4). The relative position of the adjusting nut (5) and the funnel (4) can be moved by rotating the adjusting nut (5). The small diameter end at the bottom is fixedly connected to the flow meter (6). The connection between the large and small diameter sections is closed. A limiting hole is made in the center, and multiple oil passage holes are set around the limiting hole. The flow meter (6) is designed with an upstream interface and a downstream interface. The adjusting nut (5) of the upstream interface is fixedly connected to the bottom, and the downstream interface is connected to the oil drain hose (7). The other end of the hose (7) is placed in the oil container.

2. The ground maintenance tool for a sedimentation valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support rod (2) is a long rod with a certain degree of elasticity, and its diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the hose assembly (11) in the oil drain pipeline assembly.

3. The ground maintenance tool for a sedimentation valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The strut (2) is made of non-metallic material.

4. A ground maintenance tool for a sedimentation valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting connector (3) has two protrusions arranged in a straight line in the middle, and internal and external threads are provided on the top. The applicable aircraft oil drain interface assembly (13) interface forms include: internal thread oil drain interface, external thread oil drain interface, and "C" type hanging parts with the opening facing downward.

5. A ground maintenance tool for a sedimentation valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The funnel (4) has a long cylindrical structure with a limiting through hole inside to prevent the support rod (2) from moving inside the funnel (4).

6. A ground maintenance tool for a sedimentation valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, For cases where the load required to lift the sedimentation valve is large, a rotating structure is added at the connection between the bottom of the support rod (2) and the adjusting nut (5).

Images