Airborne metal cable take-up and pay-off guiding device

Abstract

The invention discloses an airborne metal cable take-up and pay-off guide device which comprises a base plate, a hinge seat and a guide arm, and the base plate is mounted on an aircraft; the hinge seat is hinged to the base plate; one end of a guide arm is installed and hinged to the hinge seat, a guide set is arranged on the guide arm, and the guide set can limit and guide the direction of a cable; according to the scheme, a basic self-adaptive guide frame is constructed, the whole device can adapt to deflection in the horizontal plane through hinge joint of the hinge joint seat and the base plate, the device can adapt to pitching changes in the vertical plane through hinge joint of the guide arm and the hinge joint seat, and therefore the guide set can be dynamically aligned with the coming direction of a cable; the problems of cable abrasion and clamping stagnation caused by poor alignment of a fixed guide device are fundamentally solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aviation operations technology, and more specifically, to an airborne metal cable deployment and retraction guide device. Background Technology

[0002] In aviation operations, such as helicopter rescue slingshots, airdrops of supplies, and in-flight refueling, the transfer of personnel or supplies often requires the deployment and retraction of high-strength metal cables. During this process, the cable must pass through a fixed point on the aircraft structure, and the guiding device at this point is crucial for ensuring smooth operations, protecting the expensive cable, and guaranteeing flight safety.

[0003] Currently, there are two main types of common airborne cable guidance methods: one is using a fixed cable guide hole, and the other is using a single-degree-of-freedom pulley system. The fixed cable guide hole has a simple structure, but there is continuous sliding friction between the cable and its inner wall. Under high pressure stress, this easily leads to wear, scratches, and even wire breakage on the cable surface, significantly shortening its service life. Furthermore, the high frictional resistance increases the load on the deployment and retrieval system. While the single-degree-of-freedom pulley system converts sliding friction into rolling friction, it can only rotate within a single plane and cannot adapt to the multi-angle swaying of the cable in a dynamic flight environment.

[0004] However, the aforementioned existing technologies all have significant drawbacks. Friction and wear are prominent issues with the fixed cable guide holes; and single pulleys or pulley blocks, lacking multi-degree-of-freedom adaptive capabilities, are prone to disengagement when the cable swings laterally, leading to jamming or loss of control risks. Furthermore, existing devices generally cannot simultaneously reduce friction while ensuring real-time adaptation to changes in the cable's spatial attitude and reliable all-around constraint. Therefore, developing an integrated guiding device capable of adapting to the cable's spatial angle, achieving low-wear rolling guidance, and effectively preventing disengagement has become a pressing technical problem in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an airborne metal cable deployment and retraction guidance device to solve the problems in the prior art.

[0006] The above-mentioned technical objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: an airborne metal cable deployment and retraction guiding device, comprising: a base plate, a hinge seat, and a guide arm, wherein the base plate is mounted on an aircraft; the hinge seat is hinged to the base plate; one end of the guide arm is mounted and hinged to the hinge seat, and a guide group is provided on the guide arm, the guide group being capable of restricting and guiding the direction of the cable.

[0007] The above scheme constructs a basic adaptive guide frame. The hinge between the hinge seat and the base plate enables the device to adapt to sway in the horizontal plane, and the hinge between the guide arm and the hinge seat enables it to adapt to pitch changes in the vertical plane. This allows the guide assembly to dynamically align with the direction of the cable, fundamentally overcoming the cable wear and jamming problems caused by poor alignment in fixed guide devices.

[0008] The present invention is further configured such that: a boss is provided on the substrate, and the top surface of the boss has a receiving cavity that is at least half a sphere in shape.

[0009] By incorporating a boss with a precise spherical cavity, a stable and reliable support and rotation reference surface is provided for the ball joint of the hinge. This structure not only ensures the smooth movement of the ball joint, but its raised boss design also avoids interference from the base plate body on the rotation range of the hinge, ensuring a sufficient deflection angle.

[0010] The invention is further configured such that: the bottom of the hinge seat is a ball head, the top of the ball head is a connecting rod, the top of the connecting rod is provided with a connecting plate perpendicular to the axis of the connecting rod, the connecting plate is a rectangular plate structure, and the two ends of the side away from the connecting rod are provided with first ear plates that are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the connecting plate.

[0011] By designing the hinge seat as a component integrating the ball joint, connecting rod, connecting plate, and first ear plate, a compact force transmission path is achieved from the ball joint to the guide arm hinge point. The ball joint enables multi-directional rotation, while the first ear plate provides a clear and stable lateral hinge fulcrum for the guide arm, resulting in good structural rigidity and ease of assembly.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that: a nut-shaped ball cap is fitted on the outside of the connecting rod, and a notch corresponding to the ball head is opened on the inner side of the ball cap and the side near the ball head.

[0013] By using a detachable nut-shaped ball cap combined with a base plate boss to constrain the ball head, the adjustability and maintainability of the ball joint are achieved. Tightening the ball cap eliminates the gap between the ball head and the receiving cavity, ensuring a wobbly connection; loosening it allows for easy disassembly of the hinge seat for maintenance or replacement, improving the practicality and service life of the device.

[0014] The present invention is further configured such that: a first rotating shaft is provided on the two first ear plates, and a second ear plate is provided on both sides of one end of the guide arm, and the second ear plate is rotatably mounted on the first rotating shaft.

[0015] The first ear plate is connected to the second ear plate of the guide arm via the first pivot, forming a pure revolute joint around the transverse axis. This structure allows the guide arm to pitch and swing freely in the vertical plane. Combined with the ball joint at the bottom, it gives the device a complete two-dimensional adaptive capability covering both horizontal and vertical directions, enabling it to more accurately follow changes in cable attitude.

[0016] The present invention is further configured such that: an installation notch is provided at the end of the guide arm away from the second ear plate, a guide hole perpendicular to the axis of the guide arm is provided at the installation notch, a slot is provided in the guide hole, an optical axis is provided in the two guide holes, a retaining spring is provided in the slot, and first guide wheels with symmetrical structures are arranged side by side and closely attached on the optical axis, and the contact surfaces of the two first guide wheels form a guide groove with a circular cross section for the cable to pass through.

[0017] The aforementioned specific structure realizes the core module of the guiding function. The mounting notch provides a stable mounting space for the wheel assembly; the optical shaft and the retaining ring ensure reliable fixation and quick assembly / disassembly of the wheel axle; two parallel and symmetrical first guide wheels form a fully enclosed circular guide channel, converting the sliding friction between the cable and the device into rolling friction of the guide wheels around the optical shaft, greatly reducing the resistance to release and take-up and cable wear.

[0018] The present invention is further configured such that: the guide groove is disposed at the rim of the first guide wheel, and the guide groove opened on each of the first guide wheels has at least a semi-circular cross section.

[0019] By precisely positioning the guide grooves at the wheel rim and machining them into at least a semi-circular cross-section, it is ensured that the two first guide wheels, when in contact, can form a perfect envelope around the circular cable. Compared to line contact or point contact, this surface contact method significantly reduces contact stress, avoids cable indentations or premature wear of the guide wheel grooves caused by stress concentration, and provides smoother guidance.

[0020] The present invention is further configured such that: both sides of the top surface of the end position of the guide arm away from the second ear plate are provided with fixing holes, a guide post is threadedly connected in the fixing hole, and a second guide wheel is rotatably provided on the guide post.

[0021] A lateral anti-derailment mechanism for the cable is constructed by setting rotatable second guide wheels on both sides of the top surface of the guide arm end. This mechanism is located above the main directional channel and flexibly limits the cable's jumping range from above, effectively preventing safety accidents caused by severe shaking or instantaneous impact that could lead to the cable detaching from the guide groove of the first guide wheel, thus improving operational reliability.

[0022] The present invention is further configured such that the second guide wheel has an overall drum-shaped structure.

[0023] By designing the second guide wheel as a drum-shaped structure, its contact with the cable is a centrally convex arc surface. This design can maintain a minimal gap or no contact when the cable is in its normal position, reducing unnecessary friction, and can also guide and limit the cable when it jumps upwards using the smooth curved surface of the drum, avoiding the cutting or scratching of the cable by sharp edges. It is a flexible and protective anti-derailment design.

[0024] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: it constructs a basic adaptive guide frame, the hinge between the hinge seat and the base plate enables the device as a whole to adapt to the sway in the horizontal plane, and the hinge between the guide arm and the hinge seat enables it to adapt to the pitch change in the vertical plane, thereby enabling the guide assembly to dynamically align with the direction of the cable, fundamentally overcoming the cable wear and jamming problems caused by poor alignment in fixed guide devices. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is an exploded view from an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] In the picture:

[0028] 1. Guide assembly; 11. Guide post; 12. Second guide wheel; 13. First guide wheel; 14. Snap ring; 15. Optical axis;

[0029] 2. Guide arm; 21. Second ear plate; 22. Fixing hole; 23. Mounting notch; 24. Guide hole;

[0030] 3. Hinge seat; 31. Ball head; 32. Connecting rod; 33. Ball cap; 34. Connecting plate; 35. First ear plate; 36. First pivot;

[0031] 4. Substrate; 41. Boss; 42. Spherical cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0033] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0034] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this invention can be combined with each other.

[0035] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention will be described in further detail below, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following description.

[0039] Example

[0040] This embodiment provides an airborne metal cable deployment and retraction guidance device, including: a base plate 4, a hinge seat 3, and a guide arm 2. The base plate 4 is mounted on an aircraft; the hinge seat 3 is hinged to the base plate 4; one end of the guide arm 2 is hinged to the hinge seat 3, and a guide group 1 is provided on the guide arm 2. The guide group 1 can restrict and guide the direction of the cable. Through the above scheme, a basic adaptive guidance frame is constructed. The hinge between the hinge seat 3 and the base plate 4 enables the device as a whole to adapt to the sway in the horizontal plane, and the hinge between the guide arm 2 and the hinge seat 3 enables it to adapt to the pitch change in the vertical plane, so that the guide group 1 can dynamically align with the direction of the cable, fundamentally overcoming the cable wear and jamming problems caused by poor alignment in fixed guidance devices.

[0041] A boss 41 is provided on the substrate 4, and the top surface of the boss 41 has a receiving cavity that is at least half a sphere. By providing a boss 41 with a precise spherical receiving cavity 42, a stable and reliable support and rotation reference surface is provided for the ball head 31 of the hinge seat 3. This structure not only ensures the smooth movement of the ball joint, but its raised boss 41 design also avoids interference of the substrate 4 body with the rotation range of the hinge seat 3, ensuring a sufficient deflection angle.

[0042] The bottom of the hinge seat 3 is a ball head 31, and the top of the ball head 31 is a connecting rod 32. A connecting plate 34, perpendicular to the axis of the connecting rod 32, is provided on the top of the connecting rod 32. The connecting plate 34 is a rectangular plate structure, with first ear plates 35, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the connecting plate 34, at both ends of the side away from the connecting rod 32. By designing the hinge seat 3 as a component integrating the ball head 31, connecting rod 32, connecting plate 34, and first ear plates 35, a compact force transmission path is achieved from the ball joint to the hinge point of the guide arm 2. The ball head 31 allows for multi-directional rotation, while the first ear plate 35 provides a clear and stable lateral hinge fulcrum for the guide arm 2, resulting in good structural rigidity and ease of assembly.

[0043] A nut-shaped ball cap 33 is fitted onto the outside of the connecting rod 32. The inner side of the ball cap 33 and the side near the ball head 31 have notches corresponding to the ball head 31. By using a detachable nut-shaped ball cap 33 combined with the boss 41 of the base plate 4 to constrain the ball head 31, the adjustability and maintainability of the ball joint are achieved. Tightening the ball cap 33 eliminates the gap between the ball head 31 and the receiving cavity, ensuring a wobbly connection; loosening it allows for easy disassembly of the hinge seat 3 for maintenance or replacement, improving the practicality and service life of the device.

[0044] Two first ear plates 35 are provided with first rotating shafts 36, and two second ear plates 21 are provided on both sides of one end of the guide arm 2. The second ear plates 21 are rotatably mounted on the first rotating shafts 36. The first rotating shafts 36 connect the first ear plates 35 and the second ear plates 21 of the guide arm 2, forming a pure revolute joint about the transverse axis. This structure allows the guide arm 2 to pitch and swing freely in the vertical plane. Combined with the ball joint at the bottom, the device obtains a complete two-dimensional adaptive capability covering both horizontal and vertical directions, and can more accurately follow the changes in cable attitude.

[0045] The end of the guide arm 2 furthest from the second ear plate 21 has a mounting notch 23. A guide hole 24 perpendicular to the axis of the guide arm 2 is formed at the mounting notch 23. A slot is provided within the guide hole 24. An optical shaft 15 is positioned within the two guide holes 24. A retaining spring 14 is positioned within the slot. Two symmetrical first guide wheels 13 are arranged side-by-side on the optical shaft 15. The contact surfaces of the two first guide wheels 13 form a circular guide groove for the cable to pass through. This specific structure realizes the core module of the guiding function. The mounting notch 23 provides a stable mounting space for the wheel assembly; the optical shaft 15 and retaining spring 14 ensure reliable fixing and quick disassembly / removal of the wheel axle; the two parallel and symmetrical first guide wheels 13 form a fully enclosed circular guide channel, converting the sliding friction between the cable and the device into rolling friction of the guide wheels around the optical shaft 15, greatly reducing the resistance to release and retraction and cable wear.

[0046] Guide grooves are located at the rim of the first guide wheels 13, and each guide groove on the first guide wheel 13 has at least a semi-circular cross-section. By precisely setting the guide grooves at the rim and machining them into at least a semi-circular cross-section, it is ensured that the two first guide wheels 13 can form a perfect envelope around the circular cable after they are put together. Compared with line contact or point contact, this surface contact method significantly reduces contact stress, avoids cable indentation or premature wear of the guide wheel grooves caused by stress concentration, and provides smoother guidance.

[0047] On both sides of the top surface of the end of the guide arm 2 furthest from the second ear plate 21, there are fixing holes 22. A guide post 11 is threaded into the fixing hole 22, and a second guide wheel 12 is rotatably mounted on the guide post 11. By using the rotatable second guide wheels 12 on both sides of the top surface of the guide arm 2, a lateral anti-derailment mechanism for the cable is constructed. This mechanism is located above the main directional channel, flexibly limiting the cable's jumping range from above, effectively preventing safety accidents caused by severe shaking or instantaneous impact that could lead to the cable detaching from the guide groove of the first guide wheel 13, thus improving operational reliability.

[0048] The second guide wheel 12 has an overall drum-shaped structure. By designing the second guide wheel 12 as a drum-shaped structure, its contact with the cable is a centrally convex arc surface. This design can maintain a minimal gap or no contact when the cable is in its normal position, reducing unnecessary friction. At the same time, the smooth curved surface of the drum shape can guide and limit the cable when it jumps, avoiding the cutting or scratching of the cable by sharp edges. It is a flexible and protective anti-derailment design.

[0049] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: it constructs a basic adaptive guide frame, the hinge of the hinge seat 3 and the base plate 4 enables the device as a whole to adapt to the sway in the horizontal plane, and the hinge of the guide arm 2 and the hinge seat 3 enables it to adapt to the pitch change in the vertical plane, so that the guide group 1 can dynamically align with the direction of the cable, fundamentally overcoming the cable wear and jamming problems caused by poor alignment in fixed guide devices.

[0050] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An airborne metal cable deployment and retraction guiding device, characterized in that... ,include: Substrate (4) is installed on the aircraft; Hinged seat (3) is hinged to the base plate (4); The guide arm (2) is hinged at one end to the hinge seat (3). The guide arm (2) is provided with a guide group (1), which can restrict and guide the direction of the cable.

2. The airborne metal cable deployment and retraction guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The substrate (4) is provided with a boss (41), and the top surface of the boss (41) is provided with a receiving cavity that is at least half a sphere.

3. The airborne metal cable deployment and retraction guiding device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the hinge seat (3) is a ball head (31), and the top of the ball head (31) is a connecting rod (32). The top of the connecting rod (32) is provided with a connecting plate (34) perpendicular to the axis of the connecting rod (32). The connecting plate (34) is a rectangular plate structure, and at both ends of the side away from the connecting rod (32), there are first ear plates (35) that are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the connecting plate (34).

4. The airborne metal cable deployment and retraction guiding device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting rod (32) is fitted with a nut-shaped ball cap (33), and the inner side of the ball cap (33) and the side near the ball head (31) have a notch corresponding to the ball head (31).

5. The airborne metal cable deployment and retraction guiding device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Two first ear plates (35) are provided with a first rotating shaft (36), and two second ear plates (21) are provided on both sides of one end of the guide arm (2). The second ear plates (21) are rotatably mounted on the first rotating shaft (36).

6. The airborne metal cable deployment and retraction guiding device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The end of the guide arm (2) away from the second ear plate (21) is provided with an installation notch (23). A guide hole (24) perpendicular to the axis of the guide arm (2) is provided at the installation notch (23). A slot is provided in the guide hole (24). An optical axis (15) is provided in the two guide holes (24). A retaining spring (14) is provided in the slot. First guide wheels (13) with symmetrical structures are arranged side by side on the optical axis (15). The contact surfaces of the two first guide wheels (13) form a guide groove with a circular cross section for the cable to pass through.

7. The airborne metal cable deployment and retraction guiding device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The guide groove is provided at the rim of the first guide wheel (13), and the guide groove opened on each of the first guide wheels (13) is at least a semi-circular cross section.

8. The airborne metal cable deployment and retraction guiding device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Fixing holes (22) are provided on both sides of the top surface of the end of the guide arm (2) away from the second ear plate (21). A guide post (11) is threaded into the fixing hole (22), and a second guide wheel (12) is rotatably mounted on the guide post (11).

9. The airborne metal cable deployment and retraction guiding device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second guide wheel (12) has an overall drum-shaped structure.

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