Bridge-mounted air conditioner air supply pipe assisting device

Abstract

The application discloses a bridge-mounted air conditioner air supply pipe assisting device for winding and unwinding a bridge-mounted air conditioner air supply pipe, comprising a plurality of driving mechanisms arranged in a circumferential array and used for driving the air conditioner air supply pipe, both ends of any driving mechanism are fixedly connected with a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate respectively, through holes for accommodating the air conditioner air supply pipe are formed in the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate, and a plurality of guide mechanisms arranged in a circumferential array and used for guiding the air conditioner air supply pipe to move are arranged on the outer edge of the through hole of the second mounting plate. Through the cooperative work of the plurality of driving mechanisms arranged in a circumferential array, automatic winding and unwinding of the air conditioner air supply pipe are realized, the operation mode of relying on manual dragging is completely changed, the labor intensity of the ground service personnel is greatly reduced, the flight overtake guarantee time is shortened, and the operation efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of civil aviation ground support equipment technology, and more particularly to the field of boarding bridge auxiliary facilities and equipment technology, specifically to a bridge-mounted air conditioning supply pipe assist device. Background Technology

[0002] In civil aviation aircraft, electricity and compressed air are supplied by a small turbine engine called the APU (Air Processing Unit) located at the tail of the aircraft when it is parked. Because the APU consumes a large amount of aviation fuel and produces noise and emissions such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, it is neither economical nor environmentally friendly. Therefore, when the aircraft is parked but there are passengers in the cabin, comfortable air and electricity are generally provided by the air conditioning units on the jet bridges and ground power. Commonly, this occurs when the aircraft is ready for boarding, during the boarding and taxiing process, or after landing and while waiting for passengers to disembark. During this process, ground staff connect the air conditioning ducts of the jet bridge air conditioning units to a standardized circular or square panel located on the fuselage, usually in the mid-forward section, to force air generated on the ground that meets the required temperature and quality standards into the aircraft's environmental control system. The air conditioning duct is a durable, flexible hose, typically around 30 meters long; for larger aircraft, the duct may be even longer. Before an aircraft taxis for takeoff or after a flight has landed, the air conditioning duct needs to be disconnected from the aircraft and then stored in a duct housing. Currently, this storage process relies mainly on manual operation by ground staff. However, with increasingly frequent flight schedules, the demands on ground staff efficiency are also rising. Therefore, improving the efficiency of air conditioning duct deployment and retraction is a challenge for ground staff, and this invention addresses this issue. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the issues of high workload and low efficiency associated with the manual handling of air conditioning ducts in existing covered bridges, this application provides a bridge-mounted air conditioning duct assist device. This device significantly reduces the labor intensity and time commitment for ground staff when handling air conditioning ducts, substantially decreasing manual labor and improving handling efficiency. It enables the handling of air conditioning ducts in a shorter time, and the neatness of the handled ducts is not affected by the operator's experience, resulting in better consistency and preventing damage or reduced lifespan due to abnormal folding.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: A bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct assist device is used to retract and extend the bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct. It includes multiple driving mechanisms arranged in a circumferential array to drive the air conditioning supply duct. Both ends of each driving mechanism are fixedly connected to a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate, respectively. The first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are provided with through holes for accommodating the air conditioning supply duct. The second mounting plate is provided with multiple guide mechanisms arranged in a circumferential array at the outer edge of the through holes to guide the movement of the air conditioning supply duct.

[0005] The air conditioning supply duct is a flexible hose design, and the main structure adopts the existing foldable corrugated pipe structure. In order to better be compatible with existing products and better adapt to the automatic storage of the air conditioning supply duct, preferably, the drive mechanism includes a connecting plate for fixing the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate. The connecting plate has a drive wheel and a driven wheel rotatably mounted on the same side along the length direction, and a toothed belt sleeved on the drive wheel and the driven wheel. The outer side of the toothed belt is provided with a plurality of protrusions for driving the movement of the air conditioning supply duct. The drive wheel is rotatably mounted on the connecting plate and connected to the drive unit through a bearing.

[0006] Since the toothed belt is made of rubber, although the toothed structure effectively prevents slippage, the high usage rate of multiple aircraft handled daily by a single jet bridge necessitates at least one support arm plate hinged to the central shaft of the driven wheel to prevent slippage due to loosening during prolonged and frequent use. The other end of each support arm plate is hinged to a tensioning wheel, and at least one support arm plate is adjustablely fixed to the adjacent connecting plate via a locking mechanism. Under the tension of the tensioning wheel, the toothed belt maintains constant tension, preventing slippage due to belt lengthening over time. Furthermore, the different positions of the tensioning wheel allow for varying tension levels for toothed belts of different lengths, accommodating a wider range of toothed belt lengths and not limiting it to a single model, thus enhancing market compatibility.

[0007] To further optimize the tensioning method of the toothed belt while ensuring the stability of its tensioning structure, preferably, the support arm plate consists of two pieces, symmetrically distributed on both sides of the driven wheel. A tensioning wheel is hinged to the other end of the support arm plate. The support arm plate closer to the connecting plate is adjusted by a locking mechanism to adjust the positional relationship between the support arm plate and the connecting plate, thereby adjusting the pressure state of the tensioning wheel on the toothed belt.

[0008] More preferably, the locking mechanism includes a lockable connector that passes through the arm plate and the connecting plate, and an arc-shaped groove selectively disposed on the arm plate or the connecting plate.

[0009] To reduce wear on the air conditioning supply duct during retraction and extension, and to reduce the resistance caused by irregularities in the external structure of the air conditioning supply duct, the guiding mechanism preferably includes a guide support frame fixed on the second mounting plate, a guide shaft mounted on the guide support frame, and a guide roller rotatably mounted on the guide shaft; and a guide rod that passes through and connects the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate to reduce friction of the air conditioning supply duct.

[0010] To ensure the balanced force on the air conditioning duct during retraction and extension, and to avoid excessive or uneven local forces, this invention provides a unified drive structure. This structure applies uniform and synchronous driving force to the surrounding area of ​​the air conditioning duct, enabling it to obtain a relatively consistent axial driving force and move axially. This achieves unified drive and ensures uniform force on the air conditioning duct. Preferably, the drive unit includes a dual-head motor for providing driving force. Each drive wheel is fixedly connected to a drive shaft. Adjacent drive shafts are connected by at least one universal joint. The output shaft of the dual-head motor is connected to the two ends of the two adjacent drive shafts via universal joints.

[0011] To better address the issue of uneven drive and achieve a unified drive effect, preferably, a connecting shaft is provided between two adjacent drive shafts. The drive shaft and the connecting shaft are connected by a universal joint, and each connecting shaft is provided with a bearing shaft that is fixedly mounted on a first mounting plate or a second mounting plate.

[0012] More preferably, at least one support arm plate is hinged to the central shaft of the driven wheel, and a tension wheel is hinged to the other end of the support arm plate. At least one support arm plate is connected to the adjacent connecting plate through an adaptive adjustment mechanism, and the tension wheel is always driven to the inner side of the toothed belt.

[0013] More preferably, the adaptive adjustment mechanism is a spring sheet or anti-tilt spring assembly disposed between the support arm plate and the connecting plate in a compressed state.

[0014] Beneficial effects: 1. The bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct assist device provided by this utility model achieves automatic retraction and extension of the air conditioning supply duct through the coordinated work of multiple circumferentially arrayed drive mechanisms. This completely changes the operation mode that relies on manual dragging, greatly reduces the labor intensity of ground staff, shortens the flight transit support time, and improves operational efficiency.

[0015] 2. This utility model employs a layout of multiple drive mechanisms surrounding the air duct, combined with a unified drive system consisting of a dual-head motor, universal joint, and drive shaft, which can apply uniform and synchronous driving force to the circumference of the air supply duct. This avoids twisting, localized wear, or abnormal folding of the air supply duct caused by single-point force, effectively extending the service life of the air supply duct.

[0016] 3. This utility model provides two preferred solutions: an adjustable tensioning mechanism and an adaptive tensioning mechanism. The adjustable tensioning mechanism, through the setting of a locking mechanism and an arc-shaped groove, allows for manual adjustment and locking of the tension pulley position, compensating for belt elongation after long-term use and being compatible with different belt models. The adaptive tensioning mechanism utilizes the elasticity of a spring or sheet spring to dynamically compensate for momentary belt slack, maintaining a constant tension and resulting in more stable and reliable operation.

[0017] 4. This utility model also includes a guide mechanism located at the edge of the through hole in the second mounting plate. The guide rollers on this mechanism rotate with the movement of the air supply pipe, converting sliding friction into rolling friction. This effectively reduces frictional resistance and surface wear at the air supply pipe's inlet and outlet, making the inlet and outlet process smoother. Furthermore, the drive mechanism is fixed between the two mounting plates via a connecting plate, resulting in good overall structural rigidity. The inclusion of auxiliary support components such as bearing seats and guide rods ensures the smooth operation of all rotating parts, improving the durability and reliability of the entire device. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is the structural isometric drawing of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another visual axonometric drawing.

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Top view.

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Another visual axonometric drawing.

[0023] In the diagram: 1-First mounting plate; 2-Second mounting plate; 3-Drive mechanism; 31-Connecting plate; 32-Drive wheel; 33-Tension wheel; 34-Driven wheel; 35-Support arm plate; 36-Toothed belt; 361-Protrusion; 37-Bearing; 4-Guide rod; 5-Double-head motor; 6-Universal joint; 7-Bearing seat; 8-Guide mechanism; 81-Guide shaft; 82-Guide support frame; 83-Guide roller. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0025] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] 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.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationships commonly used when the product is in use. These terms are used solely for the convenience of describing this application and for 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in the description of this application is only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" in the description of this application does not imply that the component is required to be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that it may be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but rather that it may be slightly tilted.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "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 between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] Example 1: This embodiment provides the core configuration of the bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct assist device, see details below. Figures 1 to 4 The bridge-mounted air conditioning duct assist device mainly includes a first mounting plate 1, a second mounting plate 2, multiple drive mechanisms 3, and multiple guide mechanisms 8. The first mounting plate 1 and the second mounting plate 2 are arranged parallel to each other, and both have through holes in their centers for the air conditioning duct to pass through. The multiple drive mechanisms 3 are arranged in a circumferential array, and both ends of each drive mechanism 3 are fixedly connected to the first mounting plate 1 and the second mounting plate 2 respectively, thus forming a stable frame structure between the two plates. On the second mounting plate 2, multiple guide mechanisms 8 are also arranged in a circumferential array on the outer edge of the central through hole.

[0031] Working Principle: During pipe retraction, ground staff only need to insert the end of the air conditioning supply pipe into the through hole of the second mounting plate 2 and pass it through the central channel formed by multiple drive mechanisms 3. After the device is activated, all drive mechanisms 3 work synchronously, "hugging" and driving the supply pipe from all sides towards the first mounting plate 1 for retraction. The guide mechanism 8 guides and straightens the supply pipe, which may be slightly bent, at the entrance to ensure it enters the drive area smoothly. The principle of pipe placement is the same, only the drive mechanisms rotate in reverse. This embodiment forms the basis of the automatic retraction and placement function, replacing purely manual operation with mechanical automation, fundamentally solving the problems of low work efficiency and high labor intensity mentioned in the background technology. This device can also be directly installed between the air conditioning unit and the air conditioning supply pipe, further eliminating the step of ground staff inserting the end of the air conditioning supply pipe into the through hole of the second mounting plate 2, saving even more time and effort.

[0032] Example 2: This example further provides a specific implementation scheme for the drive mechanism 3 based on Example 1; see details below. Figure 2 and Figure 3Each drive mechanism 3 includes an elongated connecting plate 31. On the same side of the connecting plate 31, a drive wheel 32 and a driven wheel 34 are rotatably mounted along its length via shafts and / or bearings. A toothed belt 36 is fitted onto the drive wheel 32 and the driven wheel 34. On the outer surface of the toothed belt 36, a plurality of protrusions 361 are fixed at intervals.

[0033] Working principle: The drive unit drives the drive wheel 32 to rotate, and the drive wheel 32 drives the toothed belt 36 to rotate through toothed meshing, and the driven wheel 34 rotates accordingly. When the air conditioning supply duct passes through the center of multiple drive mechanisms 3, the protrusions 361 on the outer surface of each belt contact or engage with the outer wall of the supply duct. In the circumferential array layout, the friction and engagement forces of multiple belts combine to form a strong axial thrust or tension, thereby realizing the automatic retraction and extension of the supply duct. The protrusions 361 can increase the pressure at the contact point or engage with the corrugated skeleton of the supply duct to prevent slippage. This design is applicable to both corrugated and smooth supply duct structures.

[0034] Technical effect: The combination of toothed belt 36 and protrusion 361 provides stable and efficient friction drive and snap-fit ​​power, ensuring that the air supply pipe can be effectively driven even when a large pulling force is required, and avoiding slippage and idling.

[0035] Example 3: This embodiment provides a manually adjustable belt tensioning solution based on any of the above embodiments. See details... Figure 2 and Figure 3 Two support arm plates 35 are symmetrically hinged to the central axis of the driven wheel 34. A tensioning wheel 33 is hinged to the other end of each support arm plate 35. One of the support arm plates 35, closer to the connecting plate 31, has an arc-shaped groove. A lockable connector, such as a bolt and nut, passes through this arc-shaped groove and is locked to the connecting plate 31.

[0036] Working principle: When tensioning of the toothed belt 36 is required, the locking bolt can be loosened. At this time, the support arm plate 35 can be moved to rotate around the axis of the driven wheel 34. This rotation will change the position of the tensioning wheel 33, thereby pressing it towards or away from the inner side of the toothed belt 36, achieving tensioning or loosening. After adjusting to the appropriate position, tightening the bolt will fix the support arm plate 35 to the connecting plate 31, maintaining the tensioned state.

[0037] Technical benefits: This structure solves the slippage problem caused by belt elongation after long-term use, ensuring transmission reliability. Simultaneously, the arc-shaped groove provides a continuous adjustment range, allowing the device to adapt to belts of different initial lengths, enhancing the versatility of components and the device's fault tolerance.

[0038] Example 4: This example elaborates on the guide mechanism 8 based on the above examples. Specifically, refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 4 Each guide mechanism 8 includes a guide support frame 82 fixedly mounted on the second mounting plate 2. A guide shaft 81 is fixed on the guide support frame 82, and a guide roller 83 (not shown in the figure) is rotatably mounted on the guide shaft 81 via a bearing. A guide rod 4, which passes through and connects the first mounting plate 1 and the second mounting plate 2, is used to reduce friction in the air conditioning supply duct, preventing the supply duct from contacting other structures and reducing friction or abrasion.

[0039] Working principle: When the air supply pipe is extended or retracted, its outer wall comes into contact with the guide roller 83. Since the guide roller 83 can rotate freely, the friction between it and the air supply pipe is rolling friction, which greatly reduces the resistance when the pipe enters and exits. After entering the auxiliary device, under the action of the guide rod 4, the contact area is greatly reduced, resulting in better frictional resistance, which is beneficial to protecting the air supply pipe and more conducive to driving the extension and retraction.

[0040] Technical benefits: It effectively protects the outer skin of the air supply pipe from scratches, while making the retraction and extension process more labor-saving and smooth. In particular, when the air supply pipe is slightly bent, the guide roller can play a good guiding and straightening role.

[0041] Example 5: This example provides a power distribution scheme that ensures the synchronous operation of all drive mechanisms, based on the above examples.

[0042] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The drive unit employs a dual-head motor 5. Each drive wheel 32 is fixedly connected to a drive shaft. Adjacent drive shafts are connected via universal joints 6. The output shafts at both ends of the dual-head motor 5 are also connected to the ends of the drive shafts located on either side of it via universal joints 6. To enhance system stability, connecting shafts can be added between adjacent drive shafts and connected via universal joints 6. These connecting shafts are supported by bearing seats 7 fixed to the mounting plate. After the dual-head motor 5 starts, power is output from both ends and synchronously transmitted to all circumferentially arranged drive wheels 32 through the transmission chain formed by the universal joints 6 and the drive shafts. The universal joints 6 allow for a certain angular deviation, reducing the stringent requirements for concentricity during installation. This design ensures synchronized speeds at all drive points, fundamentally avoiding the risk of the air supply pipe being "twisted" or jammed due to asynchronous drive forces. It achieves uniform and stable drive of the air supply pipe, which is the core of protecting the air pipe and improving the quality of air supply and deceleration.

[0043] Example 6: Based on Example 3, this embodiment further provides another preferred solution for automatic tensioning.

[0044] In this embodiment, the connection between the support arm plate 35 and the connecting plate 31 is no longer a locking mechanism, but is replaced by an adaptive adjustment mechanism. This mechanism can be a spring that is always in a compressed state, or an anti-tilt spring assembly, such as a compression spring or a tension spring, with its two ends acting on the support arm plate 35 and the connecting plate 31 respectively.

[0045] Working principle: A spring or spring plate continuously applies a torque to the support arm plate 35, which forces the tensioning pulley 33 to constantly press against the inside of the toothed belt 36. When the belt vibrates momentarily or stretches slightly due to the load, the tensioning pulley 33 automatically follows the spring force to maintain a constant tension. This achieves fully automatic and dynamic adjustment of the tension without manual intervention, always maintaining the optimal transmission state. This is particularly effective in dealing with changes in the diameter of the air supply pipe or load fluctuations during the extension and retraction process, providing a higher level of drive stability and reliability.

[0046] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct assist device, used for retracting and extending the bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct, characterized in that: It includes multiple drive mechanisms (3) arranged in a circular array for driving air conditioning air supply pipes. Both ends of any one of the drive mechanisms (3) are fixedly connected to a first mounting plate (1) and a second mounting plate (2), respectively. The first mounting plate (1) and the second mounting plate (2) are provided with through holes for accommodating air conditioning air supply pipes. The second mounting plate (2) is provided with multiple guide mechanisms (8) arranged in a circular array at the outer edge of the through holes for guiding the movement of air conditioning air supply pipes.

2. The bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct assist device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive mechanism (3) includes a connecting plate (31) for fixing the first mounting plate (1) and the second mounting plate (2). The connecting plate (31) has a drive wheel (32) and a driven wheel (34) rotatably mounted on the same side along the length direction, and a toothed belt (36) driven on the drive wheel (32) and the driven wheel (34). The toothed belt (36) has a plurality of protrusions (361) spaced apart on the outer side for driving the air conditioning supply pipe to move. The drive wheel (32) is rotatably mounted on the connecting plate (31) and connected to the drive unit through a bearing (37).

3. The bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct assist device according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least one support plate (35) is hinged to the central shaft of the driven wheel (34), and a tensioning wheel (33) is hinged to the other end of the support plate (35). At least one support plate (35) is adjustablely and fixedly connected to the adjacent connecting plate (31) through a locking mechanism.

4. The bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct assist device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support arm plate (35) consists of two pieces, symmetrically distributed on both sides of the driven wheel (34). The other end of the support arm plate (35) is hinged to a tension wheel (33). The support arm plate (35) closer to the connecting plate (31) adjusts the positional relationship between the support arm plate (35) and the connecting plate (31) through a locking mechanism to adjust the pressing state of the tension wheel (33) on the toothed belt (36).

5. The bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct assist device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The locking mechanism includes a lockable connector that passes through the arm plate (35) and the connecting plate (31), and an arc-shaped groove that is optionally provided on the arm plate (35) or the connecting plate (31).

6. The bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct assist device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guiding mechanism (8) includes a guide support frame (82) fixed on the second mounting plate (2), a guide shaft (81) provided on the guide support frame (82), and a guide roller (83) rotatably mounted on the guide shaft (81); and a guide rod (4) that passes through and connects the first mounting plate (1) and the second mounting plate (2) to reduce the friction of the air conditioning supply pipe.

7. The bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct assist device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The drive unit includes a dual-head motor (5) for providing driving force. Each of the drive wheels (32) is fixedly connected to a drive shaft. Adjacent drive shafts are connected by at least one universal joint (6). The output shaft of the dual-head motor (5) is connected to the two ends of the adjacent drive shafts respectively through the universal joint (6).

8. The bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct assist device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A connecting shaft is also provided between two adjacent drive shafts. The drive shaft and the connecting shaft are connected by a universal joint (6). Each connecting shaft is provided with a bearing shaft (7) that is fixedly installed on the first mounting plate (1) or the second mounting plate (2).

9. The bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct assist device according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least one support plate (35) is hinged to the central shaft of the driven wheel (34), and a tensioning wheel (33) is hinged to the other end of the support plate (35). At least one support plate (35) is connected to the adjacent connecting plate (31) through an adaptive adjustment mechanism, and the tensioning wheel (33) is always driven to the inside of the toothed belt (36).

10. The bridge-mounted air conditioning supply duct assist device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The adaptive adjustment mechanism is a spring sheet or anti-tilt spring assembly that is in a compressed state between the support plate (35) and the connecting plate (31).

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