Aeroengine ground washing apparatus and method

Abstract

The application discloses an aero-engine ground cleaning device and method, and belongs to the technical field of aero-engine cleaning. The device comprises a solution storage system, a pipeline system and a control system arranged in the device body. The solution storage system comprises a cleaning liquid tank and a clean water tank. A temperature control assembly is arranged in the solution storage system, which controls the temperature in the cleaning liquid tank and the clean water tank. The clean water tank and the cleaning liquid tank are connected with the pipeline system, which controls the automatic switching and flow regulation of the clean water tank and the cleaning liquid tank. The control system is connected with the temperature control assembly and the pipeline system, and controls the cleaning temperature and the cleaning speed. The cleaning liquid tank and the clean water tank are switched to sequentially and finely clean the aero-engine with the cleaning liquid and the clean water, and the temperature of the cleaning liquid and the clean water is controlled. The cleaning parameters are set according to the type of the aero-engine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of aircraft engine cleaning technology, and specifically relates to aircraft engine ground cleaning equipment and methods. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most aircraft engine cleaning equipment is bulky and complex to operate, making it difficult to use in the field or in confined spaces. Traditional equipment has low automation and low operating efficiency in terms of cleaning fluid ratio, temperature control, and pipeline switching. It also lacks a sound electrical safety design, making it difficult to meet the high reliability and high environmental adaptability requirements of aviation ground support equipment.

[0003] The application, with application number 201721759866.6, is entitled "A High-Efficiency and Energy-Saving Aircraft Engine Cleaning Device." It includes a cleaning vehicle equipped with a controller and a battery, a cleaning agent storage tank, and a cleaning tank. The cleaning agent storage tank contains a first level sensor, a first temperature sensor, a first water pump, and several first heating tubes. The cleaning tank contains a second level sensor, a second temperature sensor, a second water pump, and several second heating tubes. A solar panel is mounted on the top of the cleaning agent storage tank. The first water pump is connected to a first pipe, which is equipped with a first solenoid valve. The second water pump is connected to a second pipe, which is equipped with a second solenoid valve. The first and second pipes are connected to a third pipe via a tee connector. A cleaning spray gun is mounted at the other end of the third pipe. This design is bulky and difficult to use in complex environments.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a ground cleaning equipment for aircraft engines that can adapt to multiple environments and is convenient and universal. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides ground cleaning equipment for aircraft engines, including a solution storage system, a piping system, and a control system housed within the equipment body; The solution storage system includes a cleaning solution tank and a clean water tank; a temperature control component is installed in the solution storage system to control the temperature in the cleaning solution tank and the clean water tank. The clean water tank and the cleaning fluid tank are connected to a pipeline system, which controls the automatic switching and flow regulation of the clean water tank and the cleaning fluid tank. The control system is connected to the temperature control components and the piping system, and controls the cleaning temperature and cleaning speed.

[0006] Furthermore, the temperature control component includes a temperature sensor one (71) and a temperature sensor two (72); the temperature sensor one (71) is installed on the clean water tank and the temperature sensor two (72) is installed on the cleaning liquid tank; a heater one (61) is installed in the clean water tank and a heater two (62) is installed in the cleaning liquid tank.

[0007] Furthermore, the pipeline system includes an electromagnetic reversing valve (1), a water pump (2), a water regulating valve (3), a pressure sensor (4), and a flow sensor (5) connected in sequence through pipelines; the inlet end of the electromagnetic reversing valve (1) is connected to the cleaning fluid tank and the clean water tank respectively.

[0008] Furthermore, both the cleaning fluid tank and the clean water tank are located in the water tank (8), which is divided into a cleaning fluid tank and a clean water tank by a partition.

[0009] Furthermore, a circulation loop is provided between the water pump (2) and the water regulating valve (3) in the pipeline system, and a normally closed solenoid valve (9) is provided on the circulation pipeline. The output end of the normally closed solenoid valve (9) is connected to the cleaning liquid tank.

[0010] Furthermore, a filter screen is provided in the cleaning fluid tank; and rollers are installed at the bottom of the device body.

[0011] Furthermore, the control system includes a constant temperature control system, which includes a host computer, a PID control module and a solid-state relay connected in sequence. The solid-state relay is connected to heater one (61) and heater two (62); temperature sensor one (71) and temperature sensor two (72) are connected to the PID control module.

[0012] Furthermore, the device body is equipped with an operation panel, which integrates a touch screen (11), a main voltage switch, a water pump (2) switch, a gear selection button, and a flow rate adjustment button.

[0013] Furthermore, the device body is equipped with a breather valve at the water inlet of the water tank (8).

[0014] This application provides a ground cleaning method for aircraft engines, based on the aforementioned ground cleaning equipment for aircraft engines, including: Select the aircraft engine type and enter the cleaning parameters; Based on the cleaning parameters, the temperature control component is activated to heat the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank; Switch the pipeline system to be connected to the cleaning fluid tank, start the water pump (2), and spray the cleaning fluid according to the cleaning parameters for cleaning; Then switch the piping system to connect to the clean water tank and spray clean water to flush the engine.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages: 1. This application performs sequential and meticulous cleaning of the aircraft engine using cleaning fluid and clean water by switching between the cleaning fluid tank and the clean water tank, and controls the temperature of the cleaning fluid and clean water; the cleaning parameters are set specifically according to the aircraft engine model.

[0016] 2. This application starts the water pump and normally closed solenoid valve to circulate and heat the cleaning solution while heating the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank, thereby avoiding emulsification of the cleaning solution, which would affect the cleaning effect and prevent pipeline blockage.

[0017] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the application. The objectives and other advantages of this application may be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description, claims and drawings. 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 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 A schematic diagram of the overall system in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the external structure of the device from a first-view perspective in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the external structure of the device from a second perspective in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the constant temperature control system in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] In the diagram, 1. Solenoid directional valve; 2. Water pump; 3. Water regulating valve; 4. Pressure sensor; 5. Flow sensor; 61. Heater 1; 62. Heater 2; 71. Temperature sensor 1; 72. Temperature sensor 2; 8. Water tank; 9. Normally closed solenoid valve; 10. Breathing valve; 11. Touch screen. 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, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] This application provides ground cleaning equipment for aircraft engines, for reference. Figure 1 This includes the solution storage system, piping system, and control system installed within the equipment body; The solution storage system includes a cleaning solution tank and a clean water tank; a temperature control component is installed in the solution storage system to control the temperature in the cleaning solution tank and the clean water tank. The clean water tank and the cleaning fluid tank are connected to a pipeline system, which controls the automatic switching and flow regulation of the clean water tank and the cleaning fluid tank. The control system is connected to the temperature control components and the piping system, and controls the cleaning temperature and cleaning speed.

[0026] The temperature control component includes a temperature sensor 71 and a temperature sensor 72; the temperature sensor 71 is installed on the clean water tank and the temperature sensor 72 is installed on the cleaning fluid tank; a heater 61 is installed in the clean water tank and a heater 62 is installed in the cleaning fluid tank.

[0027] The hydraulic piping system uses DIN face seals or 24° cone O-ring seals for its pipe joints; the electrical control system uses a safe DC 24V voltage, ensuring good safety.

[0028] Before use in a cold environment, add cleaning fluid and clean water to the cleaning fluid tank and clean water tank respectively, exceeding the required volume for engine cleaning; set the heating temperature of the solution, and start heater 1 61 and heater 2 62 via AC220V; when the temperature reaches the set value, it will automatically enter the heat preservation program to ensure the temperature of the engine cleaning fluid.

[0029] Next, switch the piping system to connect with the cleaning fluid tank, and spray the cleaning fluid into the engine's internal flow channels through the engine cleaning interface to perform cleaning; then switch the piping system to connect with the clean water tank, and spray clean water into the engine's internal flow channels through the engine cleaning interface to perform cleaning.

[0030] This application performs sequential and meticulous cleaning of the aircraft engine using cleaning fluid and clean water by switching between the cleaning fluid tank and the clean water tank, and controls the temperature of the cleaning fluid and clean water; the cleaning parameters are set specifically according to the aircraft engine model.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pipeline system includes an electromagnetic reversing valve 1, a water pump 2, a water regulating valve 3, a pressure sensor 4, and a flow sensor 5 connected in sequence through pipelines; the inlet end of the electromagnetic reversing valve 1 is connected to a cleaning fluid tank and a clean water tank, respectively.

[0032] The control system is based on a programmable logic controller (PLC) and includes a touch screen 11, a PWM speed controller, and solid-state relays. The PLC is connected to temperature sensor 1 71, temperature sensor 2 72, pressure sensor 4, and flow sensor 5 to collect operating parameters.

[0033] Specifically, the process involves first switching to the cleaning fluid tank via the solenoid reversing valve 1, then starting the water pump 2. The cleaning fluid in the tank flows sequentially through the pipeline, passing through the solenoid reversing valve 1, the water regulating valve 3, the pressure sensor 4, and the flow meter. The cleaning fluid is then sprayed into the engine's internal flow channels through the engine cleaning interface for cleaning. Afterward, the process switches to the clean water tank to release clean water for cleaning.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, both the cleaning fluid tank and the clean water tank are located in the water tank 8, and the water tank 8 is divided into the cleaning fluid tank and the clean water tank by a partition.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, a circulation loop is provided between the water pump 2 and the water regulating valve 3 in the pipeline system, and a normally closed solenoid valve 9 is provided on the circulation pipeline. The output end of the normally closed solenoid valve 9 is connected to the cleaning liquid tank.

[0036] The cleaning fluid tank is equipped with a filter screen.

[0037] Specifically, when heating the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank, start the water pump 2 and the normally closed solenoid valve 9 to begin circulating and heating the cleaning solution, thus preventing emulsification of the cleaning solution, which would affect the cleaning effect and prevent clogging of the pipeline.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 4 The control system includes a constant temperature control system, which includes a host computer, a PID control module, and a solid-state relay connected in sequence. The solid-state relay is connected to heater 61 and heater 62. Temperature sensor 71 and temperature sensor 72 are connected to the PID control module.

[0039] Heater 1 (61) and Heater 2 (62) achieve constant temperature control through a PID algorithm, resulting in high control accuracy. The control system employs a PID control algorithm, which controls solid-state relays to adjust heaters 1 (61) and 2 (62) based on the deviation between the feedback values ​​of temperature sensors 1 (71) and 2 (72) and the set values. The solid-state relays control the start and stop of heaters 1 (61) and 2 (62), and maintain the constant temperature of the test cleaning solution and clean water with a control accuracy of ±1℃.

[0040] The constant temperature control system employs a PID control loop algorithm, using a solid-state relay to control the electric heater, ultimately achieving and maintaining the given temperature. For example... Figure 4 The controller continuously collects temperature parameters from temperature sensors 71 and 72, compares them with the set temperature value, and outputs the data via DA conversion to a solid-state relay. This relay then acts on heater 61 or heater 62, achieving precise temperature regulation. Furthermore, the PID controller has a self-tuning function, automatically finding the optimal parameters based on the characteristics of the controlled object to achieve excellent control. Using this method, servo control of the solution tank temperature can achieve constant temperature control of the solution, with a control accuracy of ±1℃.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 2 , Figure 2 In this context, 'a' represents the outlet for clean water or cleaning solution; rollers are installed at the bottom of the device body.

[0042] The device body is equipped with a breather valve 10 at the water inlet of the water tank 8.

[0043] The main body of the equipment is designed as a portable structure and is equipped with a pull rod and wheels to ensure that the overall weight meets the standard requirements for easy carrying by a single person. The main body of the equipment also has a built-in cable reel. The main body of the equipment has an inlet that connects to the clean water tank and the cleaning fluid tank. The breather valve 10 is installed on the inlet to maintain the same pressure inside and outside.

[0044] The water tank 8 is made of PETG material and is manufactured by integral injection molding, which greatly reduces the weight of the cleaning equipment to 50% of that of traditional cleaning equipment.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 3 , Figure 3 In the diagram, 'b' represents the cable outlet. The equipment body is equipped with an operation panel, which integrates a touch screen 11, a main voltage switch, a water pump 2 switch, a speed selection button, and a flow adjustment button.

[0046] The water pump 2 is driven by a DC motor. The solution flow rate can be adjusted in multiple stages and levels through the touch screen 11 or the flow adjustment knob. The control system is based on a PLC and integrates the touch screen 11. The PLC controls the speed of the water pump 2 and the motor through the flow adjustment knob. The PLC uses PWM adjustment technology to adjust the speed of the water pump 2 motor to achieve multi-level flow control, which changes the current situation of the rough cleaning of traditional cleaning equipment.

[0047] This application features a lightweight design, simple structure, and convenient operation. The main body of the equipment, pipelines, switches, and various electrical components are durable and highly reliable. The structure and performance meet the technical requirements. The overall structure of the equipment conforms to standardization, serialization, and universality. The design takes into account manufacturability, reliability, and maintainability.

[0048] The equipment in this application is capable of operating in environments with working temperatures ranging from -20℃ to +55℃, and all components in the equipment are selected as products that are resistant to high and low temperatures, salt spray, and moisture.

[0049] This application features one-click operation, real-time parameter monitoring, and rapid model changeover and maintenance. Through designs such as separation of strong and weak currents, safe voltage, and wide-temperature touch screen selection (solution heating uses AC220V AC power, and the control voltage of the electrical control system is DC24V safe voltage, achieving separation of strong and weak currents and operational safety; the touch screen 11 is a wide-temperature touch screen that can be used reliably in low or high temperature environments), it achieves high reliability, high safety, and strong environmental adaptability, making it particularly suitable for aircraft engine cleaning operations in field environments.

[0050] This application proposes a ground cleaning method for aircraft engines, based on the aforementioned ground cleaning equipment for aircraft engines, including: Select the aircraft engine type and enter the cleaning parameters; Based on the cleaning parameters, the temperature control component is activated to heat the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank; Switch the pipeline system to be connected to the cleaning fluid tank, start water pump 2, and spray cleaning fluid according to the cleaning parameters for cleaning; Then switch the piping system to connect to the clean water tank and spray clean water to flush the engine.

[0051] Specifically, the cleaning equipment is powered on, and the engine model is selected via the touchscreen 11, which automatically imports the cleaning parameters. Cleaning fluid and clean water are injected into the cleaning fluid tank and clean water tank, respectively, located in the two side water tanks 8. The heaters are activated as needed to heat the cleaning fluid and clean water, and a PID controller maintains a constant temperature. During engine cleaning, the solenoid valve 1 switches to the cleaning fluid tank, and the water pump 2 pumps the cleaning fluid out. After passing through the water regulating valve 3, pressure sensor 4, and flow sensor 5, the fluid is sprayed out through the engine cleaning fluid inlet via a pipeline, allowing the engine to cold-run and complete the internal flow channel cleaning. After cleaning, the solenoid valve 1 switches to the clean water tank, spraying clean water into the engine's internal flow channels to rinse away any remaining cleaning fluid, completing the engine cleaning process.

[0052] In addition, for engines without preset cleaning parameters, parameters such as pressure, temperature, and cleaning time can be input into the electrical control system, and the flow rate of the cleaning solution can be manually adjusted through the flow adjustment knob of the cleaning equipment to complete the engine cleaning, which has excellent versatility.

[0053] This application utilizes programmed control to meet the cleaning requirements of various types of aircraft engines. It develops a dedicated cleaning program that enables real-time digital display and adjustment of the cleaning solution's temperature and flow rate. One-button cleaning: Pre-set cleaning parameters for various engine types allow users to select the engine model to be cleaned and simply press the "start" button to automatically complete the cleaning and exit operation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. External cables and pipes use standard quick-release connectors and are equipped with multi-engine cleaning interface adapters, allowing users to change the cleaning engine in under 5 minutes, ensuring speed and efficiency. The cleaning equipment itself is maintenance-free; external pipes and cables are stored in internal damped reels for easy portability and maintenance. The cleaning fluid and water tanks are integrally injection molded from PETG material, and all electrical components have IPX4 moisture resistance. The cleaning equipment can operate stably in environments ranging from -20℃ to +55℃, meeting the requirements for use in field and outdoor environments. The control voltage is a safe DC 24V, and the insulation resistance of key components is greater than 2MΩ, ensuring high safety.

[0054] Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. Ground cleaning equipment for aircraft engines, characterized in that, This includes the solution storage system, piping system, and control system installed within the equipment body; The solution storage system includes a cleaning solution tank and a clean water tank; a temperature control component is installed in the solution storage system to control the temperature in the cleaning solution tank and the clean water tank. The clean water tank and the cleaning fluid tank are connected to a pipeline system, which controls the automatic switching and flow regulation of the clean water tank and the cleaning fluid tank. The control system is connected to the temperature control components and the piping system, and controls the cleaning temperature and cleaning speed.

2. The aircraft engine ground cleaning equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control component includes a temperature sensor one (71) and a temperature sensor two (72); the temperature sensor one (71) is installed on the clean water tank and the temperature sensor two (72) is installed on the cleaning liquid tank; a heater one (61) is installed in the clean water tank and a heater two (62) is installed in the cleaning liquid tank.

3. The aircraft engine ground cleaning equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pipeline system includes an electromagnetic reversing valve (1), a water pump (2), a water regulating valve (3), a pressure sensor (4), and a flow sensor (5) connected in sequence through pipelines; the inlet end of the electromagnetic reversing valve (1) is connected to the cleaning fluid tank and the clean water tank respectively.

4. The aircraft engine ground cleaning equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cleaning fluid tank and the clean water tank are both located in the water tank (8), which is divided into a cleaning fluid tank and a clean water tank by a partition.

5. The aircraft engine ground cleaning equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, A circulation loop is provided between the water pump (2) and the water regulating valve (3) in the pipeline system. A normally closed solenoid valve (9) is provided on the circulation pipeline, and the output end of the normally closed solenoid valve (9) is connected to the cleaning liquid tank.

6. The aircraft engine ground cleaning equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning fluid tank is equipped with a filter screen; the bottom of the device body is equipped with rollers.

7. The aircraft engine ground cleaning equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control system includes a constant temperature control system, which includes a host computer, a PID control module and a solid-state relay connected in sequence. The solid-state relay is connected to heater one (61) and heater two (62); temperature sensor one (71) and temperature sensor two (72) are connected to the PID control module.

8. The aircraft engine ground cleaning equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The device body is equipped with an operation panel, which integrates a touch screen (11), a main voltage switch, a water pump (2) switch, a gear selection button, and a flow rate adjustment button.

9. The aircraft engine ground cleaning equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The device body has a breather valve installed at the water inlet of the water tank (8).

10. A method for cleaning the ground of an aircraft engine, based on the aircraft engine ground cleaning equipment according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, include: Select the aircraft engine type and enter the cleaning parameters; Based on the cleaning parameters, the temperature control component is activated to heat the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank; Switch the pipeline system to be connected to the cleaning fluid tank, start the water pump (2), and spray the cleaning fluid according to the cleaning parameters for cleaning; Then switch the piping system to connect to the clean water tank and spray clean water to flush the engine.

Images