Retracting device for retracting a hose with a hose guide, vehicle with a retracting device, and method for retracting a hose

Abstract

The invention relates to a retraction device for retracting a hose with a hose guide, a vehicle with the retraction device and a method for retracting a hose. A retraction device (6), a vehicle provided with the retraction device and a method for retracting a hose. The retraction device (6) comprises: a frame (46); a retraction drive (22) connected to the frame (46) for retracting the hose; a coupling (62) configured to couple the frame (46) to the container (8) and a displacement drive device configured to displace the frame (46) relative to the container (8) such that the retracted hose can be placed in the container (8); and a hose guide (50) configured to guide a hose to be retracted to the retraction drive (22), where the hose guide (50) is displaceable, operably connected to the frame (46).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with application date of June 12, 2017, application number 201780036838.8, and invention name “Retraction device for retracting a hose with a hose guide, a vehicle with a retraction device, and a method for retracting a hose”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a retraction device for retracting a hose. Background Art

[0003] Such hoses are in particular fire hoses or other liquid hoses. After the fire has been extinguished, or after a different use, these hoses are retracted with a retraction device according to the invention.

[0004] A hose retraction device known in practice is described, for example, in NL 9301097. This document describes a retraction device by means of which a hose can be pulled upwards from the ground. An alternative retraction device is described, for example, in NL 2007956, in which the retraction device is provided with a frame, a drive roller and two push elements, wherein during use no more than one push element pushes against the drive roller. Such a device is, for example, particularly suitable for retracting a fire hose, in which the individual hose parts are connected by a hose coupling.

[0005] One problem with the known retraction devices in practice is that the hose, after being picked up, still has to be positioned in the desired manner in a container. Such a container is, for example, a reservoir or a tank. The hose is usually positioned manually in this case. This manual positioning is labor-intensive. In the case of retraction devices placed on a vehicle, this positioning is also performed during travel. This constitutes a safety risk. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved retraction device with which the above-mentioned disadvantages can be eliminated or at least reduced, so that a hose can be retracted safely and effectively. This object is achieved by a retraction device for retracting a hose according to the present invention, the retraction device comprising: - Framework; - a retraction drive connected to the frame for retracting the hose; - a coupling configured to couple the frame to the container, and a displacement drive configured to displace the frame relative to the container so that the retracted hose can be placed in the container; and - A hose guide configured to guide the hose to be retracted to the retraction drive, wherein the hose guide is displaceable and operatively connected to the frame.

[0007] The retracting device according to the invention is used in particular for retracting hoses, such as fire hoses or other liquid hoses, wherein the individual hose parts are usually connected to one another by means of hose couplings.

[0008] The retraction drive provides the option of driving and thereby pulling up the hose to be retracted from the ground. This avoids the need to manually pull the hose to be retracted. It should be noted here that, for example, fire hoses may usually be completely or partially filled with water after use, so that picking up these hoses requires considerable force. The retraction drive is able to pick up the hose and retract the hose using the retraction drive. The retraction device is provided with a drive roller and one or more push elements in a currently preferred embodiment, which are configured to cooperate with the drive roller to retract the hose. In this embodiment, the drive roller is embodied as a cylindrical element, on which the hose to be retracted is guided. The drive roller is preferably driven by a motor so that the required force can be applied. For example, such an embodiment is described in NL 2007956.

[0009] According to the present invention, the retraction drive is connected to the frame. By providing a coupling, the frame can be coupled to a container (e.g., in the form of a reservoir or a box). Thus, for example, once the hose must be retracted, the coupling can be activated so that the frame is operably connected to the container. The displacement drive enables the frame to be displaced relative to the container so that the retracted hose can be placed in the container at a desired position during use. Here, the frame moves over a large part of the plane of the container. In a currently preferred embodiment, the frame moves in particular over the upper edge of the container. Thus, good positioning of the retracted hose over the entire available volume of the container is achieved. This also minimizes the amount of manual labor during the retraction of the hose. In addition, no one is required in the container to position the retracted hose. This improves the safety of the hose retraction.

[0010] Here, the retraction drive device provides for picking up the hose to be retracted from the ground, and the movement of the frame relative to the container enables the hose to be positioned in the container at a desired position. Here, the frame can be made to follow a desired pattern, so that the hose is delivered to the container, for example, in the form of a loop. Other patterns are obviously also possible.

[0011] The frame is preferably provided with a guide for displacing the retracting drive relative to the frame. Using the guide to displace the retracting drive relative to the frame provides an additional option for the retracting device to move relative to the container. Displacing the frame relative to the container and enabling the retracting device to move on the frame realizes that the picked-up hose can be placed on the substantially entire area of ​​the container using the retracting device. In a currently preferred embodiment, the frame is displaced in the longitudinal direction of the container. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the container generally corresponds to a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle, which is provided with the retracting device according to the present invention. In this currently preferred embodiment, the retracting device moves in a transverse direction relative to the frame. In this embodiment, the transverse direction substantially corresponds to a direction at right angles to the longitudinal direction, and preferably also at right angles to the direction of travel of the vehicle provided with the retracting device. Therefore, the space of the container is used in a manner as preferred as possible, so that a preferred amount of hose can be transported into the container. The retracted hose can thus be transported and / or stored in a preferred manner.

[0012] The hose guides according to an embodiment of the invention being operably connected to the frame enable them to be placed in a mutually cooperative manner according to the invention. Thus, the position of the hose guides can be adjusted according to the current position and movement of the retracting device relative to the container. This enables an efficient retraction process. When the retracting device moves against the direction of travel, i.e., when it moves backwards relative to the container during the movement of the vehicle provided with the container and the retracting device according to the invention, the hose guides will therefore be cooperatively displaced in a possible embodiment, for example also in the backward direction. If necessary, the speed of the vehicle can be increased at this time to keep the pick-up speed of the hose as constant as possible. In the opposite direction of the frame relative to the container, i.e., the frame moves forward relative to the container, the speed of the vehicle can also be adjusted so that the speed is reduced in order to thereby keep the pick-up speed of the hose as constant as possible again. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the speed of the vehicle is adjusted so that the speed of the retracting device and the hose guides operably connected thereto remain as constant as possible relative to the ground. This achieves that the most constant possible retraction speed of the hose is achieved. This provides a smooth retraction process and a controllable positioning of the retracted hose in the container.

[0013] In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the invention, the frame is further provided with a lifting system configured to move the frame between the transport position and the retracted position.

[0014] Providing a lifting system enables the frame to be moved between the transport position and the use position or retracted position in an efficient manner. A reasonable working height is required, since in the use position / retracted position the frame is usually moved on the upper side of the container. Providing a lifting system enables the transport height (also referred to as headroom) of a vehicle provided with a retracting device according to the invention to be kept limited, since the lifting system preferably enables the retracting device to be lowered into the transport position when not in use.

[0015] In a currently preferred embodiment, the lifting system is arranged at the front side, seen in the direction of movement of the container arranged on the vehicle, so that the retracting device can be transported together with the container in an efficient manner. The starting point of the hose is preferably transported into the retracting device at the start of the retraction of the hose. This is preferably done at an effective working height, after which the retracting device is transported to the retracted position using the lifting system. Retracting the hose can thus be started in an efficient manner. For example, this prevents a user from having to climb into or onto the container in order to be able to start retracting the hose. This in turn further increases safety.

[0016] The lifting system preferably comprises a scissor-type mechanism.Providing a scissor-type mechanism enables the lifting mechanism to be arranged in a relatively limited space, making efficient transportation of the lifting system and the retracting device possible.

[0017] In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the invention, the coupling for coupling the frame to the container comprises a toothing.

[0018] By providing a meshing portion in the coupling, the frame can be displaceably coupled to the container in an effective manner. In a currently preferred embodiment, the upper edge of the container is here likewise provided with a guide, preferably also in the form of a meshing portion. By connecting the guide of the frame with the preferred meshing portion to the guide of the container, the frame can be moved relative to the container in an effective manner by, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism. Obviously, alternative mechanisms can also be applied. In a currently preferred embodiment, the guide of the frame is also provided with a meshing portion according to a similar principle for displacing the retraction drive relative to it. Therefore, the frame can be displaced relative to the container in an effective manner, and the retraction drive can be displaced relative to the frame in an effective manner.

[0019] The coupling is preferably also provided with a locking pawl. By providing such a locking pawl, a secure connection between the frame and the container can be achieved, for example by a pin-hole connection. Here, the frame is preferably moved upwards from the transport position by means of a lifting system and put into use in the retracted position. In this way a stable connection is obtained.

[0020] In a further advantageous preferred embodiment according to the invention, the hose guide is fixedly connected to the frame.

[0021] By the hose guide being fixedly connected to the frame, the movement of the retracting device and the frame can be combined in an effective manner in cooperation with the movement of the hose guide. In this way, at least when the frame moves relative to the container, the hose guide follows the retracting device.

[0022] In another advantageous preferred embodiment according to the invention, the retraction device further comprises a rotation mechanism for rotating the retraction drive relative to the frame.

[0023] Providing a swivel mechanism, for example implemented as a swivel shaft with a drive cylinder, enables the orientation of the retracting device to be adjusted to the current position relative to the container and the hose to be retracted. If the hose guide is arranged on one side of the container and is displaced in the longitudinal direction together with the position of the frame on the retracting device, the orientation (in particular the angle) of the retracting device relative to the direction of travel can be adjusted accordingly when the retracting device is moved in the transverse direction. This provides an optimal retracting process, in which the number of interruptions can be reduced.

[0024] The invention also relates to a vehicle provided with a retraction device as described above and a container for storing the retracted hose.

[0025] Such a vehicle provides the same effects and advantages as those described with respect to the retracting device. Such a vehicle is in particular a fire truck vehicle, with which the used hose is retracted and thus removed after use. The container is, for example, the loading space of the vehicle. The displacement drive of the retracting device utilizes, for example, the internal combustion engine of the vehicle or a battery. In addition, a separate drive of the retracting device is also possible.

[0026] The container, which is arranged fixedly or removably on the vehicle, is preferably provided with guides for displacing the frame relative to the container by means of a displacement drive. This enables efficient displacement.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for retracting a hose, the method comprising: - providing retraction equipment and / or vehicles as described above; and - Retract the hose using the retraction device.

[0028] This method provides the same effects and advantages as described with respect to retracting the device and / or vehicle.

[0029] The method preferably also comprises, when retracting the hose begins, moving the retracting device from the transport position into the retracted position. Preferably here, the starting point of the hose to be retracted is also introduced into the retracting device before the retracting device is moved into the fully retracted position. Thus, for example, a lifting system in the retracting device can be displaced a certain distance from the transport position, so that the hose can be introduced in an efficient manner, after which the retracting device is transported to the desired retracted position. During the retraction of the hose, the retracting device is preferably moved relative to the container, so that a determined folding pattern is followed, following which the hose is transported into the container. Thus, the hose can be transported into the container in a stable manner, for example in the form of a loop with a specific pattern. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are explained on the basis of preferred embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figures 1A-1C A view showing a vehicle provided with a retraction device according to the invention.

[0031] - Figure 2A-2B A view showing a retraction device with the container of Figure 1; and - Figure 3A-3B Details of a coupling as applied in the retraction apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Transportation 2( Figures 1A-1C ) is moved on the ground, the hose (not shown) must be picked up from the ground. The vehicle 2 is provided with a cab 4, in which the driver can sit, and from which the vehicle 2 can be driven. In the embodiment shown, the vehicle 2 is also provided with a retraction device 6 and a container 8. The container 8 is formed by two long side walls 10, a rear wall 12 and a front wall 14. In the embodiment shown, a partition wall 16 is also provided, by which a first compartment 18 and a second compartment 20 are arranged in the container 8.

[0033] In the embodiment shown, the retraction drive 22 is placed on a lifting mechanism 24 close to the front wall 14. In the embodiment shown, the lifting mechanism 24 is implemented as a scissor-type mechanism and is placed on a housing 26, in which the components of the drive device for retracting the device 6 can, for example, be placed. In the embodiment shown, a support 30 is also provided. The lifting mechanism 24 is provided with a fixed rotation axis 32 on a first side and a guide 34 on a second side. The scissor-type mechanism of the lifting mechanism 24 is also provided with a pivot 36, around which the arms of the scissor-type mechanism can move. The upper side of the lifting mechanism 24 is provided with a fixed rotation axis 38, wherein a guide 40 is provided on the other side. The scissor-type mechanism of the lifting system 24 is realized in an effective manner by this arrangement. Obviously, other designs according to the invention are also possible.

[0034] In the embodiment shown, the movement of the lifting system 24 is made possible using a lifting cylinder 42. The retraction drive 22 can be rotated relative to the frame 46 via a rotation axis 44. The retraction drive 22 can also be moved relative to the frame 46 in the transverse direction of the container 8 via a guide 48. A hose guide 50 is fixedly connected to the frame 46 using a rotation axis 52. During use, the hose guide 50 is rotated into the use position using a cylinder 54. Obviously, different drive devices for moving the hose guide 50 are also possible. One or more guides 58 are also provided at the side wall 10 on or near the upper side of the container 8 in the longitudinal direction, on which the frame 46 can be displaced.

[0035] The frame 46 is also provided with a track 60 ( Figure 3A-3B In the embodiment shown, a claw 64 is also provided with a claw drive 66 , by which the claw 64 is conveyed in the use position into a closure 68 arranged on the container 8 .

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the retraction drive device 22 is provided with a driving roller 70, a plurality of push rollers 72 and a control cylinder 74. Accordingly, the hose can be retracted.

[0037] In transport position ( Figure 2A), the lifting system 24 is in the lowest position. In the embodiment shown, the retraction drive 22 has a straight orientation here, one of the purposes of which is to save space. When the retraction process begins, the lifting system 24 is transported upwards a short distance, and the retraction drive 22 is preferably moved to the side of the vehicle 2. In this position, the hose can be transported into the retraction drive 22. The lifting system 24 is then moved further upwards, after which the guide rails 60 of the lifting system 24 and the guide rails 58 on the side wall 10 of the container 8 are operably coupled using the coupling 62. The frame 46 can also be displaced on the container 8 using a gear drive. In this position, the hose guide 50 is extended by rotating around the rotation axis 52 using the cylinder 54 and is displaced in coordination with the frame 46 relative to the container 8. During use, the retraction drive 22 is rotated around the rotation axis to achieve optimal guidance. If necessary, this rotation is dynamic and is adjusted to the current position relative to the container 8 during use.

[0038] The frame 46 and the hose guide 50 move relative to the container 8 during the retraction of the hose. In a currently preferred embodiment, the speed of the frame 46 and the hose guide 50 is kept as constant as possible relative to the ground, thereby also keeping the pick-up speed of the hose constant. For this purpose, the speed of the vehicle 2 is preferably adjusted according to the movement of the frame 46 and the guide 50. This is performed, for example, by the driver of the vehicle 2, who optionally monitors the position of the hose during the retraction process between the ground and the retraction drive 22, optionally assisted by sensors (e.g., cameras). In another embodiment, the speed of the vehicle 2 is automatically adjusted by performing an automatic speed correction according to the movement of the frame 46 and the hose guide 50 relative to the container 8.

[0039] The invention is in no way limited to the preferred embodiments thereof described above. The rights sought for protection are defined by the appended claims, within the scope of which numerous modifications are conceivable.

Claims

1. A retracting device for retracting a hose, the device comprising: - a container provided with a first guide track (58) extending on the upper longitudinal edge of the container which is open at the top; - Framework; - a retraction drive connected to the frame for retracting the hose; - a coupling configured to couple the frame to a container and a displacement drive configured to displace the frame relative to the container so that the retracted hose can be placed in the container; and - a hose guide configured to guide the hose to be retracted to the retraction drive, wherein the hose guide is displaceable and operatively connected to the frame, The frame is further provided with a lifting system, the lifting system being configured to move the frame between a transport position and a retracted position, wherein in the transport position, the frame (46) is located at the lowest position on the shell (26), wherein in the retracted position, the frame (46) is connected to the container (8), wherein a second connector (62) is configured to connect a second guide rail (60) of the lifting system to the first guide rail when the frame is in the retracted position, so that the frame can be shifted on the second guide rail and the first guide rail by the shifting drive device.

2. The retraction device according to claim 1, wherein: The lifting system is placed on the housing adjacent to a lateral side of the container.

3. A retraction device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The frame is provided with a guide for displacing the retraction drive relative to the frame.

4. A retraction device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The lifting system includes a scissor-type mechanism.

5. A retraction device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The coupler includes an engagement portion.

6. A retraction device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The coupling includes a locking pawl.

7. A retraction device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The hose guide is fixedly connected to the frame.

8. A retraction apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a rotation mechanism for rotating the retraction drive relative to the frame.

9. A retraction device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The retraction drive device comprises: - drive rollers; and - a push element configured to retract the hose in cooperation with the drive roller.

10. A vehicle provided with a retraction apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and a container configured to store a retracted hose.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The container comprises a guide for displacing the frame by means of the displacement drive.

12. A method for retracting a hose, comprising: - providing a retraction device and / or a vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims; and - Retract the hose using the retraction device.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising moving the retraction device from a transport position to a retracted position.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising delivering a starting point of a hose to be retracted into the retraction device prior to moving the retraction device to the fully retracted position.

15. The method according to claim 12, 13 or 14, further comprising moving the retraction device relative to the container during retraction of the hose such that a determined folding pattern is followed along which the hose is conveyed into the container.

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