Aircraft loading vehicle

• US 20030216840A1
• Filed: 05/20/2002
• Published: 11/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: B.L. USA Inc.
• Original Assignee: B.L. USA Inc.
• Inventors: Bivas, Refael
• Granted Patent: US 7,181,322 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: B66F 9/07568 Steering arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B66F 9/07572 Propulsion arrangements

Abstract

A motorized hydraulically-operated and driven aircraft loading vehicle is particularly suited for the loading of bombs, which are raised by a pair of hydraulically-operated arms. Vehicle has two selectable operation modes. A first, working mode provides four-wheel hydraulic steering and enables vehicle to be driven at a small turning radius, and at a speed of up to 10 km/h. A second, traveling mode automatically locks the rear wheel steering system allowing vehicle to be driven at a speed of up to 20 km/h, all being computer controlled.

Safety devices include an emergency stop switch and a no-driver no-actuation switch, and devices preventing accidents if hydraulic power is lost.

Claims

1. A motorized hydraulically-operated Computer controlled and driven aircraft loading vehicle particularly suited for the loading of bombs, said vehicle being provided with a pair of hydraulically-operated arms for raising and lowering a load, said vehicle having two selectable operation modes, a first, working mode providing four-wheel hydraulic steering and enabling said vehicle to be driven at a small turning radius, and at a speed of up to 10 km/h, and a second, traveling mode wherein the rear wheel steering system is automatically locked at straight orientation and said vehicle can be road driven at a speed of up to 20 km/h, all being controlled by a computer.

2. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein said computer converts the engine speed signal into an automotive drive characteristics to control the non feed back proportional axial piston pump, plus an electric two speed bent axis motor.

3. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein said computer controls said axial piston pump via two proportional pressure reducing valves.

4. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the automotive control curve,

is a function of the engine speed measured with the integral pulse pickup mounted on the pump.

5. The aircraft loading vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said turning radius measured at the inner face of said vehicle is about 1.6 meters.

6. The aircraft loading vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein two independent braking systems are provided, a first braking system of conventional design for normal use and a second braking system hydraulically operated and automatically applied in case of loss of hydraulic pressure.

7. The aircraft loading vehicle as claimed in claim 3, further including an emergency hand-operated pump, said pump being usable to release said second braking system and to operate said arms upwards or downwards.

8. The aircraft loading vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further including a switch element activated by the weight of the driver sitting in his seat, and halting said vehicle when said driver rises from said seat.

9. The aircraft loading vehicle as claimed in claim 1, said vehicle being provided with a combustion engine for powering the hydraulic systems, further including a hand-operated emergency switch for locking said hydraulically-operated arms, for applying the vehicle brakes and for shutting off said engine.

10. The aircraft loading vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further including a rupture valve in the hydraulic system operating said hydraulically-operated arms, said rupture valve preventing the falling of said arms if hydraulic pressure thereto is lost.