An automatic press riveting device and method for launching engine nozzle closure

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic riveting device and method for a launch engine nozzle cover, and belongs to the technical field of engine nozzles. The device comprises a riveting base, an X / Y module, a first rotating platform, a riveting positioning tool, a rotating cylinder, a stand, a Z-axis module, a second rotating platform, a precise force control push rod and a riveting head. The nozzle seat is arranged on the riveting positioning tool, and one nozzle cover to be riveted is arranged on each supporting column of the riveting positioning tool. The automatic riveting method is adopted, a plurality of launch engine nozzle covers can be riveted at one time, the working efficiency is greatly improved, and the speed, the pressure, the stroke and other parameters can be adjusted, and the riveting quality consistency of the nozzle cover is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic riveting device and method for a nozzle plug of a launch engine, belonging to the field of engine nozzle technology. Background Technology

[0002] The nozzle plug is a component of a solid rocket motor. Its main functions are to seal the combustion chamber of the engine, preventing moisture and dust. At the same time, it provides a momentary sealed container for the engine during ignition, allowing the combustion gases to remain in the combustion chamber for a period of time, which is beneficial for the establishment of ignition pressure, shortens the ignition delay time, and achieves reliable ignition.

[0003] The cap opening pressure is a crucial parameter for evaluating cap performance. Insufficient opening pressure can increase ignition delay time and propellant energy loss, potentially leading to engine shutdown. Conversely, excessively high opening pressure can cause a high initial ignition pressure peak, which is detrimental to the engine casing and could even cause an engine explosion. The launch nozzle assembly of a solid rocket motor consists of a launch nozzle mount and eight caps. These are manually riveted to ensure a tight fit between the caps and the nozzle expansion section. However, the riveting quality is inconsistent, resulting in significant dispersion in the cap opening pressure data. If the opening pressure of a batch fails to meet requirements, the entire batch must be reworked and re-riveted. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem solved by this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and propose an automatic riveting device and method for nozzle plugs of launch engines, which improves the consistency of plug riveting quality and reduces the dispersion of plug opening pressure data.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is: An automatic riveting device for nozzle plugs of launch engines includes a riveting base, an X / Y module, a first rotating platform, a riveting positioning fixture, a rotary cylinder, a column, a Z-axis module, a second rotating platform, a precision force-controlled push rod, a riveting head, a control system, and a host computer. The press-fit base is the base of the entire device; The first rotating platform is fixed on the X / Y module and rotates along the axis in the horizontal plane; The X / Y module is fixed on the press-fit base, and the relative position of the first rotating platform and the Z-axis module is adjusted by driving the first rotating platform to move. The riveting positioning fixture is fixed on the first rotating platform and has multiple support columns. The nozzle seat passes through the support columns and is fitted onto the riveting positioning fixture. A nozzle plug to be riveted is placed on each support column. The rotary cylinder is used to press the nozzle seat, so that the nozzle seat, nozzle plug and press-fit positioning fixture are in close contact. The column is fixed on the press-fit base; The Z-axis module is fixed to the side wall of the column, the second rotating platform is fixed to the Z-axis module, and the precision force control push rod is fixed to the second rotating platform; the Z-axis module drives the second rotating platform and the precision force control push rod to move up and down; the second rotating platform rotates along the axis in the vertical plane, driving the precision force control push rod to rotate; The press head is fixed to the extended end of the precision force control push rod and is used to press the nozzle plug cap until it is plastically deformed and completely fits the nozzle seat. The control system collects signal data and transmits control commands from the X / Y module, the first rotating platform, the rotating clamping cylinder, the Z-axis module, the second rotating platform, and the precision force control push rod according to the instructions from the host computer.

[0006] Furthermore, the surface of the press-fit base is provided with a groove, and a threaded hole is opened on the outer side of the groove; The groove has threaded holes, and the X / Y module is fixed to the groove with screws; the side and bottom surfaces of the groove serve as reference surfaces for the installation of the X / Y module. The threaded hole on the outside of the groove is used to fix the column to the press-fit base.

[0007] Furthermore, the press-fit positioning fixture is disc-shaped, with two symmetrical positioning holes on the outer periphery of the upper surface, and multiple support columns and two symmetrical positioning pins on the inner periphery; Two symmetrical positioning holes are used to position the first rotating platform; Two symmetrical locating pins are used to fix the nozzle seat to the press-fit locating fixture; Multiple support columns are used to fix and support a corresponding number of nozzle plugs to be pressed and riveted.

[0008] Furthermore, if the nozzle plug is vertically installed by press-fitting, multiple support columns will be vertically upward; if the nozzle plug is angled by press-fitting, the support columns will be designed with the corresponding angle.

[0009] Furthermore, the shape of the end of the press head is designed according to the inner surface of the nozzle plug, and a threaded hole is provided at the bottom, which is locked to the precision force control push rod by screws.

[0010] Furthermore, the host computer is used to set the riveting pressure, speed, and stroke parameters, and to issue motion commands to the X / Y module, the first rotary platform, the rotary cylinder, the Z-axis module, the second rotary platform, and the precision force control push rod.

[0011] Furthermore, signal transmission lines are used to connect the X / Y module, the first rotary platform, the rotary cylinder, the Z-axis module, the second rotary platform, the precision force control push rod, and the control system, and data lines are used to connect the control system and the host computer.

[0012] Furthermore, the column has multiple countersunk holes at the bottom and multiple threaded holes on the side; the column and the press-fit base are locked by screws passing through each countersunk hole, and the column and the Z-axis module are fastened by screws passing through each threaded hole.

[0013] An automatic riveting method for engine nozzle plugs, employing an automatic riveting device for engine nozzle plugs, includes the following steps if the nozzle plug to be riveted is vertically mounted on the nozzle seat: After powering on, fix each nozzle plug and nozzle seat to be riveted on the riveting positioning fixture, install the riveting positioning fixture on the first rotating platform, and set the riveting pressure, speed and stroke parameters to the precision force control push rod through the host computer; The control system controls the movement of the X / Y module and the first rotating platform to make the nozzle plug to be riveted and the riveting head on the same vertical line. The rotary cylinder presses the nozzle seat, and the Z-axis module drives the precision force control push rod to move downward to perform the first riveting action. After the current nozzle plug is riveted, the Z-axis module drives the precision force control push rod to rise, and the first rotating platform rotates the second nozzle plug to the riveting position directly below the riveting head. The Z-axis module then drives the precision force control push rod to move downward to perform the second riveting action. This process is repeated until all nozzle plugs are riveted. After all nozzle plugs are riveted, the Z-axis module drives the precision force control push rod to rise back to the zero position, the rotary cylinder is released, and the nozzle seat with the riveted nozzle plugs is removed.

[0014] An automatic riveting method for engine nozzle plugs, employing an automatic riveting device for engine nozzle plugs, includes the following steps if the nozzle plug to be riveted is installed at an angle on the nozzle seat: Each support column on the press-fit positioning fixture is set according to the installation angle of the corresponding nozzle plug; After powering on, fix each nozzle plug and nozzle seat to be riveted on the riveting positioning fixture, install the riveting positioning fixture on the first rotating platform, and set the riveting pressure, speed and stroke parameters to the precision force control push rod through the host computer; The control system controls the movement of the X / Y module, the first rotary platform, and the second rotary platform to make the nozzle plug to be riveted and the riveting head on the same vertical line. The rotary cylinder presses the nozzle seat, and the Z-axis module drives the precision force control push rod to move downward to perform the first riveting action. After the current nozzle plug is riveted, the Z-axis module drives the precision force control push rod to rise. The first and second rotating platforms rotate the second nozzle plug to the riveting position directly below the riveting head. The Z-axis module then drives the precision force control push rod to move downward to perform the second riveting action. This process is repeated until all nozzle plugs are riveted. After all nozzle plugs are riveted, the Z-axis module drives the precision force control push rod to rise back to the zero position, the rotary cylinder is released, and the nozzle seat with the riveted nozzle plugs is removed.

[0015] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are: (1) The present invention proposes an automatic riveting device integrating an X / Y module, a first rotating platform, a Z-axis module, and a precision force control push rod. The automatic riveting of all nozzle plugs on a nozzle seat can be completed in one clamping, thereby solving the problem of low efficiency of manually riveting one nozzle plug at a time.

[0016] (2) The device proposed in this invention is equipped with a rotary cylinder to eliminate the false contact between the nozzle seat and the nozzle plug and the riveting positioning fixture, so as to ensure the consistency of the riveting quality.

[0017] (3) The device proposed in this invention has a second rotating platform installed on the Z-axis module, which can be used to press and rivet nozzle plugs with a certain angle, thus increasing the application range of the device.

[0018] (4) The device proposed in this invention solves the problems of poor fit consistency, high dispersion of opening pressure data, and high rework rate caused by setting parameters such as pressure, speed, and stroke of riveting through a host computer. At the same time, the host computer has the function of viewing and storing data, which can realize the traceability of riveting data and optimize the riveting parameters according to the opening pressure data of the plug, thereby reducing the dispersion of the opening pressure data of the plug. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic riveting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the press-fit base according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an isometric drawing of the column according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is an isometric drawing of the riveting positioning fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is an isometric view of the riveting head according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the nozzle plug riveting method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0021] This invention proposes an automatic riveting device for nozzle plugs of launch engines, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a riveting base 1, an X / Y module 2, a first rotating platform 3, a riveting positioning fixture 4, a rotary cylinder 5, a column 6, a Z-axis module 7, a second rotating platform 8, a precision force control push rod 9, a riveting head 10, a signal transmission line 11, a control system 12, a data line 13, and a host computer 14.

[0022] Press-fit base 1 Figure 2 As shown, a U-shaped groove is designed (the side and bottom surfaces of the U-shaped groove serve as reference surfaces to ensure more precise assembly of the X / Y module), used for the installation and positioning of the X / Y module 2. Four threaded holes are distributed within the U-shaped groove for four screws to lock the X / Y module 2 and the press-fit base 1 together. Four threaded holes are also designed on the groove for four screws to lock the column 6 and the press-fit base 1 together. Two threaded holes are also designed on the groove for two screws to lock the rotary cylinder 5 and the press-fit base 1 together. The upper surface serves as the mounting and positioning surface for the X / Y module 2, column 6, and rotary cylinder 5; during machining, dimensional accuracy, geometric tolerances, and surface roughness must be ensured.

[0023] The X / Y module 2 is fixed to the riveting base 1 with screws and is used to adjust the relative position of the first rotating platform 3 and the Z-axis module 7 to ensure that the axis of the nozzle plug D with different diameters and different tilt angles can coincide with the axis of the riveting head 10, so as to ensure that the nozzle plug D is completely riveted on the nozzle seat C.

[0024] The first rotating platform 3 is fixed to the X / Y module 2 by assembly mating surfaces and screws. As the X / Y module 2 moves in the X and Y directions, it can rotate along the axis in the horizontal plane.

[0025] Riveting and positioning fixture 4 Figure 4 As shown, two symmetrical positioning holes are designed for mounting on the first rotating platform 3 for positioning. Two symmetrical positioning pins are designed on these holes for fixing the nozzle seat C to them for positioning. Eight support columns are designed on these holes to fix and support eight nozzle plugs D to be riveted. If the nozzle plug D is riveted at a certain angle, the eight support columns for fixing the nozzle plug D are designed with the corresponding angle. During riveting, they mainly serve a positioning and supporting function; therefore, dimensional accuracy, geometric tolerances, and surface roughness must be ensured during processing.

[0026] The rotary cylinder 5 is mounted on the side of the first rotary platform 3 by screws to eliminate the false contact between the nozzle seat C and the nozzle plug D and the riveting positioning fixture 4, thereby ensuring consistent riveting quality.

[0027] Column 6 Figure 3 As shown, four countersunk holes are designed to lock the column 6 and the press-fit base 1 together with four screws. Eight threaded holes are designed on its side to secure the column 6 and the Z-axis module 7 together. Its bottom and side surfaces are the mounting and positioning surfaces for the column 6, the press-fit base 1, and the Z-axis module 7. During machining, it is necessary to ensure dimensional accuracy, geometric tolerances, and surface roughness.

[0028] The Z-axis module 7 is mounted on the column 6 and is used to drive the precision force control push rod 9 to move up and down.

[0029] The second rotary platform 8 is fixed to the Z-axis module 7 by assembly mating surfaces and screws, enabling the second rotary platform 8 to move linearly up and down on the Z-axis and rotate on the XZ plane.

[0030] The precision force-controlled push rod 9 is fixed to the second rotating platform 8 by screws, which can realize the vertical linear motion of the precision force-controlled push rod 9 on the Z-axis and the rotational motion on the XZ plane.

[0031] 10-inch riveting head Figure 5 As shown, the press head 10 is designed as a stepped conical surface according to the inner shape of the nozzle plug, used to press the nozzle plug D until it undergoes plastic deformation and completely fits the nozzle seat C. A threaded hole is designed on it for locking it onto the precision force control push rod 9. The shape of the press head 10 has a significant impact on the fit of the press-fit nozzle plug; therefore, dimensional accuracy, geometric tolerances, and surface roughness must be ensured during machining.

[0032] The control system 12 has six signal interfaces connected via signal transmission lines 11 to the X / Y module 2, the first rotary platform 3, the rotary cylinder 5, the Z-axis module 7, the second rotary platform 8, and the precision force-controlled push rod 9. These interfaces are used to collect signal data from the X / Y module 2, the first rotary platform 3, the rotary clamping cylinder 5, the Z-axis module 7, the second rotary platform 8, and the precision force-controlled push rod 9, and to transmit control commands. It also has a data interface connected to the host computer 14 via a data cable 13. The collected signal data from the precision force-controlled push rod 9 includes the pressure, speed, and stroke during riveting. The transmitted control commands include instructions to control the movement speed, stroke, or angle of the X / Y module, the Z-axis module, the first rotary platform, and the second rotary platform.

[0033] The host computer 14 deploys control software, which can set parameters such as riveting pressure, speed and stroke, and issue motion commands to the X / Y module 2, the first rotating platform 3, the rotating cylinder 5, the Z-axis module 7, the second rotating platform 8 and the precision force control push rod 9. The software interface on it is used to display the riveting data of the nozzle plug D.

[0034] The method for riveting engine nozzle plugs using the automatic riveting device proposed in this invention is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, it includes: After powering on, align the two positioning holes of the nozzle plug D and nozzle seat C to be riveted with the two positioning pins of the riveting positioning fixture 4, install the riveting positioning fixture 4 onto the first rotating platform 3, and set the riveting pressure, speed and stroke parameters through the host computer 14 and send them to the precision force control push rod 9. The control system 12 controls the X / Y module 2 and the first rotating platform 3 to move to a position where one of the nozzle plugs D is perpendicular to the riveting head 10 on the precision force control push rod 9. The rotary cylinder 5 presses the nozzle seat C, and the Z-axis module 7 drives the precision force control push rod 9 to move downward to perform the first riveting action. After the first nozzle plug D is riveted, the Z-axis module 7 drives the precision force control push rod 9 to rise, the first rotating platform 3 rotates the second nozzle plug D to the correct riveting position, the Z-axis module 7 drives the precision force control push rod 9 to move downward to perform the second riveting action until the riveting action of the 8th nozzle plug D is completed, the Z-axis module 7 drives the precision force control push rod 9 to rise back to the zero position, the rotary cylinder 5 is released, and the riveting work is completed; The riveting parameters are uploaded to the host computer 14 and displayed via signal transmission line 11 and data line 13.

[0035] If the nozzle plug D is riveted at a certain angle, then replace it with a riveting positioning fixture 4 with the corresponding angle. The control system 12 controls the second rotating platform 8 to rotate at the corresponding angle until one of the nozzle plugs D is perpendicular to the riveting head 10 on the precision force control push rod 9, and then the first nozzle plug D can be riveted, until all nozzle plugs D are riveted.

[0036] This invention solves the problems of poor fit consistency, high dispersion of opening pressure data, and high rework rate caused by manual riveting by controlling parameters such as pressure, speed and stroke. It can automatically rivet multiple nozzle plugs in one clamping.

[0037] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. Ordinary variations and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic riveting device for a nozzle plug of a launch engine, characterized in that, It includes a riveting base, X / Y module, first rotary platform, riveting positioning fixture, rotary cylinder, column, Z-axis module, second rotary platform, precision force control push rod, riveting head, control system and host computer; The press-fit base is the base of the entire device; The first rotating platform is fixed on the X / Y module and rotates along the axis in the horizontal plane; The X / Y module is fixed on the press-fit base, and the relative position of the first rotating platform and the Z-axis module is adjusted by driving the first rotating platform to move. The riveting positioning fixture is fixed on the first rotating platform and has multiple support columns. The nozzle seat passes through the support columns and is fitted onto the riveting positioning fixture. A nozzle plug to be riveted is placed on each support column. The rotary cylinder is used to press the nozzle seat, so that the nozzle seat, nozzle plug and press-fit positioning fixture are in close contact. The column is fixed on the press-fit base; The Z-axis module is fixed to the side wall of the column, the second rotating platform is fixed to the Z-axis module, and the precision force control push rod is fixed to the second rotating platform. The Z-axis module drives the second rotary platform and the precision force-controlled push rod to move up and down; the second rotary platform rotates along the axis in the vertical plane, driving the precision force-controlled push rod to rotate; The press head is fixed to the extended end of the precision force control push rod and is used to press the nozzle plug cap until it is plastically deformed and completely fits the nozzle seat. The control system collects signal data and transmits control commands from the X / Y module, the first rotating platform, the rotating clamping cylinder, the Z-axis module, the second rotating platform, and the precision force control push rod according to the instructions from the host computer.

2. The automatic riveting device for a launch engine nozzle plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the press-fit base is provided with a groove, and a threaded hole is opened on the outside of the groove; The groove has threaded holes, and the X / Y module is fixed to the groove with screws; the side and bottom surfaces of the groove serve as reference surfaces for the installation of the X / Y module. The threaded hole on the outside of the groove is used to fix the column to the press-fit base.

3. The automatic riveting device for a launch engine nozzle plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The press-fit positioning fixture is disc-shaped, with two symmetrical positioning holes on the outer periphery of the upper surface and multiple support columns and two symmetrical positioning pins on the inner periphery. Two symmetrical positioning holes are used to position the first rotating platform; Two symmetrical locating pins are used to fix the nozzle seat to the press-fit locating fixture; Multiple support columns are used to fix and support a corresponding number of nozzle plugs to be pressed and riveted.

4. The automatic riveting device for a launch engine nozzle plug according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the nozzle plug is press-fitted vertically, multiple support columns will be vertically upward; if the nozzle plug is press-fitted at an angle, the support columns will be designed with the corresponding angle.

5. The automatic riveting device for a launch engine nozzle plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end shape of the press head is designed according to the inner surface of the nozzle plug, and the bottom is provided with a threaded hole, which is locked to the precision force control push rod by screws.

6. The automatic riveting device for a launch engine nozzle plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The host computer is used to set the riveting pressure, speed and stroke parameters, and to issue motion commands to the X / Y module, the first rotary platform, the rotary cylinder, the Z-axis module, the second rotary platform and the precision force control push rod.

7. The automatic riveting device for a launch engine nozzle plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The X / Y module, the first rotary platform, the rotary cylinder, the Z-axis module, the second rotary platform, the precision force control push rod and the control system are connected by signal transmission lines, and the control system and the host computer are connected by data lines.

8. The automatic riveting device for a launch engine nozzle plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The column has multiple countersunk holes at the bottom and multiple threaded holes on the side; the column and the press-fit base are locked by screws passing through each countersunk hole, and the column and the Z-axis module are fastened by screws passing through each threaded hole.

9. An automatic riveting method for an engine nozzle plug, employing the automatic riveting device for a launch engine nozzle plug as described in claim 1, characterized in that, If the nozzle plug to be riveted is installed vertically on the nozzle seat, it includes: After powering on, fix each nozzle plug and nozzle seat to be riveted on the riveting positioning fixture, install the riveting positioning fixture on the first rotating platform, and set the riveting pressure, speed and stroke parameters to the precision force control push rod through the host computer; The control system controls the movement of the X / Y module and the first rotating platform to make the nozzle plug to be riveted and the riveting head on the same vertical line. The rotary cylinder presses the nozzle seat, and the Z-axis module drives the precision force control push rod to move downward to perform the first riveting action. After the current nozzle plug is riveted, the Z-axis module drives the precision force control push rod to rise, and the first rotating platform rotates the second nozzle plug to the riveting position directly below the riveting head. The Z-axis module then drives the precision force control push rod to move downward to perform the second riveting action. This process is repeated until all nozzle plugs are riveted. After all nozzle plugs are riveted, the Z-axis module drives the precision force control push rod to rise back to the zero position, the rotary cylinder is released, and the nozzle seat with the riveted nozzle plugs is removed.

10. An automatic riveting method for an engine nozzle plug, employing the automatic riveting device for a launch engine nozzle plug as described in claim 1, characterized in that, If the nozzle plug to be riveted is installed at an angle on the nozzle seat, it includes: Each support column on the press-fit positioning fixture is set according to the installation angle of the corresponding nozzle plug; After powering on, fix each nozzle plug and nozzle seat to be riveted on the riveting positioning fixture, install the riveting positioning fixture on the first rotating platform, and set the riveting pressure, speed and stroke parameters to the precision force control push rod through the host computer; The control system controls the movement of the X / Y module, the first rotary platform, and the second rotary platform to make the nozzle plug to be riveted and the riveting head on the same vertical line. The rotary cylinder presses the nozzle seat, and the Z-axis module drives the precision force control push rod to move downward to perform the first riveting action. After the current nozzle plug is riveted, the Z-axis module drives the precision force control push rod to rise. The first and second rotating platforms rotate the second nozzle plug to the riveting position directly below the riveting head. The Z-axis module then drives the precision force control push rod to move downward to perform the second riveting action. This process is repeated until all nozzle plugs are riveted. After all nozzle plugs are riveted, the Z-axis module drives the precision force control push rod to rise back to the zero position, the rotary cylinder is released, and the nozzle seat with the riveted nozzle plugs is removed.

Images