Gearbox assembly tooling and assembly method
By using a combination of clamping parts and lifting devices in the gearbox assembly fixture, the state adjustment of the gearbox is realized, which solves the problems of complex structure and high cost in the existing technology and improves assembly efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202011040693.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2020-09-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-09-28
AI Technical Summary
The existing gearbox assembly tooling has a complex structure and is difficult to operate, resulting in high production costs and low efficiency. In addition, different models require customized tooling of different specifications, which increases material and processing costs.
The first and second clamping parts are used to clamp the gearbox at both ends of the axial direction. Combined with the first and second lifting tools, the gearbox can be lifted, flipped and stored horizontally by setting the first and second protrusions, which can adapt to different models of gearboxes.
The assembly tooling structure has been simplified, the operation difficulty has been reduced, the production cost has been reduced, the assembly efficiency has been improved, and the needs of different gearbox models have been met.
Smart Images
Figure CN114314288B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of assembly, and in particular to an assembly fixture and assembly method for a gearbox. Background Technology
[0002] Gearboxes, such as the central gearbox (IGB) in a gas turbine engine transmission system, mainly consist of a driving bevel gear, a driven bevel gear, bearings, and oil pipes. During the assembly and measurement of the IGB, its spatial configuration needs to be adjusted, requiring flipping and storage. During final assembly, it must be kept in a horizontal or vertical position. These functions are typically achieved through separately designed tooling. Different models require customized tooling of different specifications, which not only complicates the structure and makes operation difficult but also increases material and processing costs. Customized tooling also requires a certain lead time, reducing production efficiency, increasing production time costs, and resulting in significant waste.
[0003] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a gearbox assembly tooling and assembly method to reduce assembly costs and improve assembly efficiency. Summary of the Invention
[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a gearbox assembly fixture.
[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a gearbox assembly method.
[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a gearbox assembly fixture includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member, both used to clamp the gearbox at both axial ends respectively; a first lifting device and a second lifting device, which can be used to pivotally connect the shaft of the gearbox respectively, wherein a first protrusion and a second protrusion extend from the first clamping member and the second clamping member respectively, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion can abut and limit each other axially with the first lifting device and the second lifting device respectively; a first support and a second support, which can be connected to the first clamping member and the second clamping member respectively, so that the gearbox is supported on a plane.
[0007] In one or more embodiments of the gearbox assembly fixture, the gearbox includes a driving gear and a driven gear. The first clamping member is sleeve-shaped, and the second clamping member is plate-shaped or block-shaped. The first clamping member and the second clamping member respectively clamp the driving gear at both axial ends. The sleeve-shaped first clamping member has an internal accommodating space that accommodates the driven gear. The first clamping member can be connected to a flexible screw, and the flexible screw contacts and fixes the driven gear.
[0008] In one or more embodiments of the gearbox assembly fixture, the first clamping member includes a large sleeve and a small sleeve axially connected thereto. The large sleeve is clamped to the drive gear, and the small sleeve has a first protrusion. The small sleeve can be connected to the first support.
[0009] In one or more embodiments of the gearbox assembly fixture, the first support and the second support are vertical rods, and an L-shaped adapter is provided between the second support and the second clamping member. The L-shaped adapter has an axial portion and a vertical portion, the axial portion is connected to the second clamping member, and the vertical portion is connected to the second support.
[0010] In one or more embodiments of the gearbox assembly fixture, the first lifting device further includes a first fixing hole, and the shaft further includes a second fixing hole corresponding to the first fixing hole. Fasteners can fix the first lifting device to the shaft by connecting the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole.
[0011] In one or more embodiments of the gearbox assembly fixture, a vertical placement member is further included, which includes a base and a placement hole located in the base, the size of which corresponds to the size of the shaft.
[0012] In one or more embodiments of the gearbox assembly fixture, a first clamping nut and a second clamping nut are further included, which respectively clamp the first clamping member and the second clamping member.
[0013] In one or more embodiments of the gearbox assembly fixture, it has: a vertical lifting state, in which the first clamping member and the second clamping member respectively clamp the gearbox at both axial ends, and the first lifting device is pivotally connected to the shaft of the gearbox; a flipping state, in which, based on the vertical lifting state, the second lifting device is pivotally connected to the shaft of the gearbox, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are respectively abutted and limited by the first lifting device and the second lifting device in the axial direction; and a horizontal state, in which the first support and the second support are respectively connected to the first clamping member and the second clamping member, and the gearbox is supported on the plane.
[0014] In one or more embodiments of the gearbox assembly fixture, in the flipped state and the horizontal state, the first clamping member is connected to a flexible screw, which contacts and fixes the gear inside the gearbox.
[0015] A gearbox assembly method according to another aspect of the present invention includes:
[0016] In the vertical lifting step, the gearbox shaft is passed through the first clamping member and the second clamping member in sequence to clamp the gearbox. The first lifting device is pivotally connected to the shaft. A lifting force is applied to the first lifting device to lift the gearbox vertically.
[0017] In the flipping step, for the gearbox that has been vertically lifted, the second lifting device is pivotally connected to the shaft, and a lifting force is applied to the second lifting device until the first protrusion of the first clamping member abuts against the first lifting device and the second protrusion of the second clamping member abuts against the second lifting device and is limited. The gearbox is then flipped to adjust its posture.
[0018] In the horizontal placement step, for a gearbox that can already be flipped, the first support and the second support are connected to the first clamping member and the second clamping member respectively, so that the gearbox is supported on a plane for measurement and inspection operations.
[0019] In one or more embodiments of the gearbox assembly method, during the flipping step and the horizontal placement step, a flexible screw is provided on the first clamping member to contact and fix the gear inside the gearbox.
[0020] The positive effects of this case include, but are not limited to:
[0021] By clamping the first and second clamping parts at both ends and by setting the first and second protrusions on the first and second clamping parts, a simple structure is achieved that integrates multiple functions required for adjusting the state of the gearbox during assembly, such as hoisting, flipping, and horizontal storage. Furthermore, by changing the size of the clamping parts, it can be adapted to different models of gearboxes. This not only overcomes the shortcomings of the existing technical solutions, such as complex tooling structures and difficult operation, but also overcomes the shortcomings of the existing technology, such as the need to design corresponding tooling for each function and the need to customize tooling of different specifications for different models, resulting in high assembly costs and low efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0022] The above and other features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that the drawings are merely illustrative and are not drawn to scale, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection actually claimed by the present invention, wherein:
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly tooling and gearbox of one embodiment.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vertically placed assembly tooling according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The following discloses various implementation methods or embodiments of the described subject matter. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of the elements and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0026] Furthermore, it should be understood that terms such as "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments," or "one or more embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," or "one or more embodiments" mentioned twice or more in different locations in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this application can be appropriately combined.
[0027] In the following description, the gearbox 200 is illustrated using the central drive gearbox of a gas turbine engine as an example, including the driving bevel gear 16 and the driven bevel gear 17.
[0028] refer to Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the gearbox assembly fixture 100 includes a first clamping member 7, a second clamping member 11, a first lifting device 1, a second lifting device 10, and a first support 9 and a second support 15. The first clamping member 7 and the second clamping member 11 respectively clamp the gearbox 200 at both axial ends. The specific clamping structure can be achieved by clamping nuts, for example... Figure 1 As shown, the first clamping nut 6 is clamped to the first clamping member 7, and the second clamping nut 14 is clamped to the second clamping member 11. The first lifting device 1 and the second lifting device 10 can be pivotally connected to the shaft 4 of the gearbox, respectively. A first protrusion 70 and a second protrusion 110 protrude from the first clamping member 7 and the second clamping member 11, respectively. The first protrusion 70 and the second protrusion 110 can abut and limit each other axially with the first lifting device 1 and the second lifting device 10, respectively. Their specific functions will be described below. The first support 9 and the second support 15 of the gearbox assembly fixture 100 are respectively connected to the first clamping member 7 and the second clamping member 11, so that the gearbox 200 can be supported on a horizontal plane.
[0029] The above embodiments describe a gearbox assembly fixture 100. During the assembly of the gearbox 200, the first and second clamping members are clamped at both ends, and the first and second protrusions on the first and second clamping members are provided. This achieves a simple structure that integrates multiple functions required for adjusting the gearbox's state during assembly, such as lifting, flipping, and horizontal storage. Furthermore, by changing the size of the clamping members, it can adapt to different gearbox models. This not only overcomes the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as complex fixture structures and difficult operation, but also overcomes the high assembly costs and low efficiency caused by the need to design separate fixtures for each function and customize different specifications of fixtures for different models. For example, when vertical lifting is required, the gearbox assembly fixture 100 is in a vertical lifting state. The specific steps can be:
[0030] A1. Pass the shaft 4 and the second clamping member 11 through the rear end of the drive bevel gear 16, and install the second clamping nut 14 to achieve the clamping of the second clamping member 11 on one end of the gearbox 200 axial direction;
[0031] A2. Install a first clamping member 7 and a first clamping nut 6 at the front end of the drive bevel gear 16 to achieve clamping of the first clamping member 7 on the other end of the gearbox 200 in the axial direction;
[0032] A3. By pivoting the first lifting device 1 to the shaft 4 and connecting the first lifting device 1 to the crane, the crane can apply lifting force to the first lifting device 1 to achieve vertical lifting of the gearbox 200.
[0033] For example, when it is necessary to flip the gearbox 200, the gearbox assembly fixture 100 is in a flipped state. The specific steps can be as follows:
[0034] B1. At this time, the gearbox 200 has been vertically lifted, and the second lifting device 10 is pivotally connected to the rear end of the shaft 4 and connected to the crane. The crane applies lifting force.
[0035] B2. Until the first flipping boss 101 of the first lifting device 1 and the second flipping boss 102 of the second lifting device 10 abut against and limit the first protrusion 70 of the first pressing member 7 and the second protrusion 110 of the second pressing member 11 respectively, the gearbox 200 flipping posture is adjusted under the action of contact force.
[0036] For example, when the gearbox 200 needs to be placed horizontally, the gearbox assembly fixture 100 is in a horizontal position. The specific steps can be as follows:
[0037] C1. The gearbox 200 is in a horizontal position under the action of the lifting device. The first support 9 is installed on the first clamping member 7 and fixed with the pin 8.
[0038] C2. Install the second support 15 on the second clamping member 11 and fix it with a pin;
[0039] C3. By controlling the crane, the gearbox 200 can be placed horizontally in the designated position, at which point a series of operations such as measurement and inspection can be completed.
[0040] If the gearbox 200 needs to be assembled horizontally during final assembly:
[0041] D1. After flipping to the horizontal position, the first lifting device 1 will be locked by pivoting it with the shaft 4;
[0042] D2. Remove the second clamping component 11, the second clamping nut 14, and the second lifting tool 10;
[0043] D3. Control the first lifting device 1 to maintain the assembly level and complete the assembly of gearbox 200.
[0044] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 The structure for pivotally locking the first lifting device 1 and the shaft 4 can be as follows: the first lifting device 1 includes a first fixing hole, and the shaft 4 includes a second fixing hole corresponding to the first fixing hole. The fastener 3, such as a screw, can be used to fix the first lifting device 1 and the shaft 4 by connecting the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole to lock the pivot connection between the first lifting device 1 and the shaft 4 and maintain the horizontal state of the gearbox 200.
[0045] If the gearbox 200 needs to be assembled vertically during final assembly:
[0046] E1. Using this tool set, vertically lift gearbox 200 (with the front end of gearbox 200 facing upwards);
[0047] E2. Install the first support 9 to the first clamping member 7 through the pin 8. At this time, under the action of the driven bevel gear 17 of the gearbox 200 and the first support 9, the gearbox 200 is basically in a vertical state. If the overall state is slightly tilted or a tilting force is generated during the assembly process, the first support 9 can be controlled to adjust the gearbox 200 during the assembly process.
[0048] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the specific structures of the first clamping member 7 and the second clamping member 11 can be as follows: the first clamping member 7 is sleeve-shaped, and the second clamping member 11 is plate-shaped or block-shaped. Those skilled in the art will understand that the difference between plate-shaped and block-shaped generally lies in thickness. If the thickness is large and the area is small, it is generally considered to be block-shaped; conversely, if the thickness is small and the area is large, it is generally considered to be plate-shaped. The first clamping member 7 and the second clamping member 11 respectively clamp the driving bevel gear 16 at both axial ends. The accommodating space inside the sleeve-shaped first clamping member 7 accommodates the driven bevel gear 17 (it should be explained here that although...). Figure 1The driven bevel gear 17 is shown located outside the first clamping member 7 (although there is also a space within the first clamping member 7 where the driven bevel gear 17 is located). The first clamping member 7 is connected to a flexible screw 5, which contacts the driven bevel gear 17 to clamp and fix it. This allows the gearbox assembly fixture 100 to rotate circumferentially in both its flipped and horizontal states, preventing damage to the gearbox 200 during these processes. Specifically, in both the flipped and horizontal states, the first clamping member 7 is connected to the flexible screw 5, which contacts and fixes the gear inside the gearbox 200. The flexible screw 5 can have a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material at its front end, serving both clamping and fixing functions. Furthermore, the inventors have found in practice that using a flexible screw 5 significantly reduces damage to the driven bevel gear 17 compared to using a rigid screw.
[0049] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In one or more embodiments, the first clamping member 7 includes a large sleeve 71 and a small sleeve 72 axially connected thereto. The large sleeve 71 is clamped to the drive bevel gear 16, and the small sleeve 72 has a first protrusion 70 extending outwards. The small sleeve 70 is connected to the first support 9. The advantage of this arrangement is that after disassembling the gearbox assembly fixture 100, the large sleeve 71 and the small sleeve 72 can be stacked together, reducing the space occupied in the assembly area.
[0050] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In one or more embodiments, the first support 9 and the second support 15 are vertical rods. The second support 15 and the second clamping member have an L-shaped adapter 13. The L-shaped adapter 13 has an axial portion 131 and a vertical portion 132. The axial portion 131 is connected to the second clamping member 11, and the vertical portion 132 is connected to the second support 15. Specifically, in step C2 when the gearbox assembly fixture 100 is in a horizontal state, two L-shaped adapters 13 are installed using bolts 12, and the two second supports 15 are fixed to the L-shaped adapters 13 using pins 8. The advantage of using the L-shaped adapter 13 is that it provides a point of application of force, making it easier for the operator to perform manual operation during hoisting.
[0051] refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment, the gearbox assembly fixture 100 may further include a vertical placement member 18, which includes a base 180 and a placement hole 181 located in the base 180. The size of the placement hole 181 corresponds to the size of the shaft 4. For different gearboxes 200, as long as the size of the shaft 4 is consistent, one vertical placement member 18 can adapt to the vertical placement requirements of different gearboxes 200. When it is necessary to place the gearbox 200 vertically, the specific steps are as follows:
[0052] F1. The gearbox 200 is in a vertical position (either the front end or the rear end of the gearbox 200 is facing upwards), and the vertical placement component 18 is placed in the designated position;
[0053] F2. Check to ensure that the L-shaped adapter 13, the first support 9, and the second support 15 are not connected to the first clamping member 7 and the second clamping member 11;
[0054] F3. Control the crane to align the shaft 4 of the gearbox 200 with the placement hole 181, so that the gearbox 200 is placed vertically on the vertical placement piece 18. At this point, subsequent measurement, inspection, and other operations can be performed. (Reference) Figure 2 The base 180 can also be equipped with lifting lugs for lifting the base 180.
[0055] As described above, the assembly method for the gearbox 200 includes:
[0056] In the vertical lifting process, the gearbox shaft 4 is passed through the first clamping member 7 and the second clamping member 11 in succession to clamp the gearbox 200. The first lifting device 1 is pivotally connected to the shaft 4. A lifting force is applied to the first lifting device 1 so that the gearbox 200 is lifted vertically.
[0057] In the flipping step, for the gearbox 200 that has been vertically lifted, the second lifting device 10 is pivotally connected to the shaft 4, and a lifting force is applied to the second lifting device 10 until the first protrusion 70 of the first clamping member 7 abuts against the first lifting device 1 and the second protrusion 110 of the second clamping member 11 abuts against the second lifting device 10 and is limited. The gearbox 200 is then flipped and its posture is adjusted.
[0058] In the horizontal placement step, for the gearbox 200 that can be flipped, the first support 9 and the second support 15 are connected to the first clamping member 7 and the second clamping member 11 respectively, so that the gearbox 200 is supported on a plane for measurement and inspection operations.
[0059] Furthermore, in the flipping step and the horizontal placement step, the first clamping member 7 may be provided with a flexible screw 5 that contacts and clamps the driven bevel gear 17 inside the gearbox 200 to prevent the rotation of the driven bevel gear 17 from damaging the gearbox 200 during the flipping and horizontal placement process.
[0060] In summary, the beneficial effects of the gearbox assembly fixture and assembly method described in the above embodiments include, but are not limited to: by clamping the first and second clamping parts at both ends and by setting the first and second protrusions on the first and second clamping parts, multiple functions such as hoisting, flipping, and horizontal storage required for adjusting the state of the gearbox during assembly are integrated in a simple structure. Furthermore, by changing the size of the clamping parts, different models of gearboxes can be accommodated. This not only overcomes the defects of complex fixture structure and difficult operation in the prior art, but also overcomes the defects of high assembly cost and low efficiency caused by the need to design corresponding fixtures for each function and customize different specifications of fixtures for different models.
[0061] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to the embodiments described, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any variations and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the invention, fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A gearbox assembly fixture, characterized in that, include: The first clamping member and the second clamping member are used to clamp the gearbox at both axial ends of the gearbox respectively. The first lifting device and the second lifting device can be used to pivotally connect the shaft of the gearbox, wherein a first protrusion and a second protrusion extend from the first clamping member and the second clamping member, respectively, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion can abut and limit the first lifting device and the second lifting device in the axial direction, respectively; The first support and the second support can be connected to the first clamping member and the second clamping member respectively, so that the gearbox is supported on a plane; wherein, the gearbox assembly fixture has the following state: In the vertical lifting state, the first clamping member and the second clamping member respectively clamp the gearbox at both ends of the gearbox in the axial direction, and the first lifting device is pivotally connected to the shaft of the gearbox; In the flipped state, based on the vertical lifting state, the second lifting device is pivotally connected to the shaft of the gearbox, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are respectively abutted and limited by the first lifting device and the second lifting device in the axial direction; In a horizontal position, the first support and the second support are respectively connected to the first clamping member and the second clamping member, and the gearbox is supported on the plane.
2. The gearbox assembly fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The gearbox includes a driving gear and a driven gear. The first clamping member is sleeve-shaped, and the second clamping member is plate-shaped or block-shaped. The first clamping member and the second clamping member respectively clamp the driving gear at both ends of the axial direction. The sleeve-shaped first clamping member has an internal accommodating space that accommodates the driven gear. The first clamping member can be connected to a flexible screw, and the flexible screw contacts and fixes the driven gear.
3. The gearbox assembly fixture as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first clamping member includes a large sleeve and a small sleeve axially connected thereto. The large sleeve is clamped to the drive gear, and the small sleeve has a first protrusion. The small sleeve can be connected to the first support.
4. The gearbox assembly fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first support and the second support are vertical rods. An L-shaped adapter is provided between the second support and the second clamping member. The L-shaped adapter has an axial part and a vertical part. The axial part is connected to the second clamping member, and the vertical part is connected to the second support.
5. The gearbox assembly fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first lifting device further includes a first fixing hole, and the shaft further includes a second fixing hole corresponding to the first fixing hole. Fasteners can fix the first lifting device and the shaft by connecting the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole.
6. The gearbox assembly fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a vertical placement component, which includes a base and a placement hole located in the base, the size of which corresponds to the size of the shaft.
7. The gearbox assembly fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first clamping nut and a second clamping nut, which respectively clamp the first clamping member and the second clamping member.
8. The gearbox assembly fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the flipped state and the horizontal state, the first clamping member is connected to a flexible screw, which contacts and fixes itself to the gear inside the gearbox.
9. A gearbox assembly method, characterized in that, The gearbox assembly method, employing the gearbox assembly fixture as described in any one of claims 1-8, includes: In the vertical lifting step, the gearbox shaft is passed through the first clamping member and the second clamping member in sequence to clamp the gearbox. The first lifting device is pivotally connected to the shaft. A lifting force is applied to the first lifting device to lift the gearbox vertically. In the flipping step, for the gearbox that has been vertically lifted, the second lifting device is pivotally connected to the shaft, and a lifting force is applied to the second lifting device until the first protrusion of the first clamping member abuts against the first lifting device and the second protrusion of the second clamping member abuts against the second lifting device and is limited. The gearbox is then flipped to adjust its posture. In the horizontal placement step, for a gearbox that can already be flipped, the first support and the second support are connected to the first clamping member and the second clamping member respectively, so that the gearbox is supported on a plane for measurement and inspection operations.
10. The assembly method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, In the flipping step and the horizontal placement step, a flexible screw is provided on the first clamping member to contact and fix it to the gear in the gearbox.
Citation Information
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