Trolleys used for assembling and transporting aircraft engines to the testing lab

Abstract

A trolley (2) for transporting an aircraft engine is disclosed, comprising: a base frame (4) equipped with wheels (6) for traveling on a floor; at least two engine arms (14, 16) extending horizontally and movable vertically relative to the base frame, constructed and designed to support the aircraft engine; and at least two adapter arms (20) extending horizontally at a level higher than the at least two engine arms, constructed and designed to support an adapter attached to the top of the aircraft engine. A method for transporting an aircraft engine to a test chamber is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aircraft engines, particularly to the field of aircraft engine handling in production assembly lines, for repairing, inspecting and / or testing in a test chamber, as well as transporting aircraft engines to and from the test chamber. Background Technology

[0002] Test chambers are typically used for testing aircraft engines. Specialized test chamber equipment is usually employed, including bellows, cowlings or test nacelles, nozzles and plugs, aprons, and adapters. The adapters are designed to attach the upper part of the test nacelle to an upper support within the test chamber, ensuring the aircraft engine and test equipment components are properly secured within the chamber.

[0003] Assembling aircraft engines and testing equipment requires manipulating the engines relative to the testing equipment. This manipulation is complex, time-consuming, and can damage the engines and testing equipment if not handled carefully. Nowadays, aircraft engines are typically manipulated using cranes or monorail suspension systems.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to facilitate the assembly of test equipment (sensors, enclosures, starters, wiring harnesses, fuel lines, etc.) onto the aircraft engine, followed by the final assembly of the engine onto its adapter, and the transport of the resulting packaged components to the test chamber. The same applies to the reverse scenario, such as transporting the components out of the test chamber and removing the aircraft engine from the test equipment once testing is complete.

[0005] Publicly available prior art patent document US2012 / 0224944A1 discloses a trolley for handling aircraft engines during assembly. The trolley includes a liftable and towable base frame and side frames with a rotating carrier bearing an aircraft engine core. The rotating carrier is configured to receive the core in a vertical direction and to pivot the core to a horizontal orientation for assembly with another module of the aircraft engine. This trolley is designed for specific operations in aircraft engine assembly, and is not suitable for assembling a complete aircraft engine using testing equipment.

[0006] Publicly available prior art patent document FR3078058A1 discloses a trolley for transporting aircraft engines, particularly a trolley equipped with a thrust reversing device. The trolley primarily comprises a base frame optionally equipped with wheels, and two side arms pivotally mounted on the base frame. The upper ends of these side arms engage with two upper anchor points of the aircraft engine, located below the engine's nacelle. The trolley may also include a lower transverse support beam arranged on the base frame, with its two side ends engaging with the two lower anchor points of the aircraft engine. The purpose and advantage of this trolley is its compactness, particularly in width, primarily for facilitating the transport of aircraft engines. It is unsuitable for assembling aircraft engines onto test equipment or transporting such components to test chambers.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to promote and improve the assembly of aircraft engines onto test equipment and the transportation of such components to the test chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention relates to [1] a trolley for transporting an aircraft engine, comprising: a base frame equipped with wheels for traveling on the floor; at least two engine arms that extend horizontally and are vertically movable relative to the base frame, configured and designed to support the aircraft engine; and at least two adapter arms that extend horizontally at a level higher than the at least two engine arms, configured and designed to support an adapter attached to the top of the aircraft engine.

[0009] An adapter is a test equipment adapter, which is used to attach an aircraft engine to a thrust bracket in a test chamber, including a test bay or fairing.

[0010] According to the preferred embodiment of [1] [2], at least two engine arms are arranged on two opposite sides of the base frame.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of any one of [1] and [2] [3], at least two support arms are arranged on two opposite sides of the base frame.

[0012] According to any of the preferred embodiments of [1] to [3] [4], at least two support arms are arranged on two opposite sides of the base frame where at least two engine arms are arranged.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of any one of [1] to [4] [5], each of at least two engine arms and at least two adapter arms includes a free end having a recessed upper profile constructed and designed for secure engagement with the aircraft engine and the adapter, respectively.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of any one of [1] to [5] [6], each of at least two engine arms and adapter arms extends toward the central longitudinal axis of the trolley.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of any one of [1] to [6] [7], the trolley also includes at least two pillars that rigidly extend from the base frame and carry at least two engine arms and at least two adapter arms.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of any one of [1] to [7] [8], at least two pillars comprise at least four of the pillars.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of any one of [1] to [8] [9], at least two struts include guide and drive components for each of at least two engine arms.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of any one of [1] to [9]

[10] , at least two motor arms include: two facing front motor arms extending transversely to the central longitudinal axis of the trolley; and at least one rear motor arm configured and designed to pivot horizontally between an active position extending transversely to the central longitudinal axis of the trolley and an inactive position extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of any one of [1] to

[10]

[11] , at least two adapter arms are movable between an active position extending toward the central longitudinal axis of the trolley and an inactive position that releases or widens the central area accessed from above compared to the active position.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment

[12] of any one of [1] to

[11] , the wheel is mounted on the base frame such that the base frame can be selectively raised or lowered relative to the wheel.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of any one of [1] to

[12]

[13] , each wheel is steerable.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of any one of [1] to

[13]

[14] , at least one, preferably two, wheels are driven.

[0023] The present invention also relates to

[15] a method for transporting an aircraft engine to a test chamber, comprising the steps of: assembling the aircraft engine into a test bay, the test bay being attached to an adapter resting on a support; and transporting the aircraft engine and test bay assembly to the test chamber; wherein the assembly and transport steps are performed using a trolley comprising: a base frame equipped with wheels for traveling on the floor; at least two engine arms; and at least two adapter arms; wherein the assembly step comprises the following sub-steps: positioning and securing the aircraft engine relative to the test bay (or fairing) while the aircraft engine is carried by at least two engine arms; and lifting at least two adapter arms to engage the adapters and carry the aircraft engine and test bay assembly.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of

[15]

[16] , the positioning and securing sub-steps include the following actions: carrying the front portion of the aircraft engine with two of the at least two engine arms, and carrying the rear portion of the aircraft engine with a central strut supported on a base frame, while the rear portion is inserted into the test cabin, showing the open lower portion; deploying at least one of the at least two engine arms, the rear engine arm, to carry the rear portion of the aircraft engine; aligning the aircraft engine with the test cabin by moving the engine arm relative to the base frame; and securing the aircraft engine to the test cabin.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of

[17] of

[15] and

[16] , the positioning and fixing sub-step between the unfolding and engaging actions further includes: removing the central support.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of any one of

[15] to

[17]

[18] , the lifting sub-step includes lifting the base frame relative to the floor.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of any one of

[15] to

[18]

[19] , between the positioning and fixing sub-step and the lifting sub-step, the assembly step includes the following additional sub-step: releasing at least two engine arms.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of any one of

[15] to

[19]

[20] , the trolley is self-driven and steerable during the assembly and transport steps. The operator may also manually drive and reposition the trolley.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of any one of

[15] to

[20]

[21] , the method includes the step of mounting the aircraft engine on a trolley prior to the assembly step.

[0030] This invention is of particular interest because it provides an efficient and practical method for assembling an aircraft engine with a test cabin and for transporting the component to the test chamber and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a trolley for transporting aircraft engines according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a side view of an approaching stage of the process of assembling an aircraft engine into a test cabin using the trolley of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a side view of the joining stage of the process of assembling an aircraft engine into a test cabin using the trolley of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 It is to assemble the aircraft engine into Figure 3A top view of the assembly phase of the test cabin.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a side view at the end of the joining phase of the process of assembling the aircraft engine into the test bay.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a rear view of the lifting phase of the process of assembling the aircraft engine into the test bay.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the steps involved in transporting an aircraft engine and test cabin components to a test chamber using the trolley of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Various embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples to enable those skilled in the art to practice this disclosure. It is important to note that the following drawings and examples are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Certain elements of this disclosure may be implemented partially or entirely using known components (or methods or processes), and only those portions of these known components (or methods or processes) necessary for understanding this disclosure will be described, while detailed descriptions of other portions of these known components (or methods or processes) will be omitted so as not to obscure this disclosure. Furthermore, the various embodiments include current and future known equivalents of the components mentioned herein by way of illustration.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a trolley for transporting aircraft engines according to the present invention.

[0040] The trolley 2 includes a base frame 4, which is advantageously generally flat, although showing a certain depth, for example at least 200 mm, and is equipped with wheels 6, for example hidden within the base frame. Advantageously, each wheel 6 is steerable and is driven by rotation, for example by an electric motor. The wheels 6 are advantageously constructed and designed to allow the trolley to steer itself, i.e., a turning radius close to or equal to 0.

[0041] The trolley 2 also includes vertical supports 8 and 10 extending from the base frame 4. The supports may include two front supports 8 and two rear supports 10. Each of them is located near the edge of the base frame 4. The two front supports 8 and the two rear supports 10 are located on either side of the longitudinal axis 12 of the trolley 2.

[0042] The trolley 2 also includes engine arms 14 and 16, constructed and designed to carry the aircraft engine 18. These engine arms 14 and 16 extend horizontally and are vertically movable. They are supported by struts 8 and 10. The engine arms include, for example, two front engine arms 14, each carried by a front strut 8. The right front engine arm 14... Figure 1Not visible in the middle. The engine arm also includes a rear engine arm 16 supported by a rear strut 10 (right rear strut 10 in this example). Each strut 8 and 10 supporting the engine arm 14 or 16 includes a guide rail and a mechanism for vertically moving the engine arm along the guide rail. This mechanism may be a vertically arranged threaded shaft and engage with a nut fastened to the corresponding engine arm. Other mechanisms, such as hydraulic cylinders (but not limited to), may be considered. The two front engine arms 14 are generally straight and extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 12 of the trolley 2, while the rear engine arm 16 includes a first portion 16.1 directly supported by the rear strut 10 and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 12, and a second portion 16.2 pivotally connected to the first portion 16.1, the second portion 16.2 being movable between a position substantially in line with the first portion 16.1 and a position extending laterally, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 12.

[0043] The front engine arm 14 and / or the rear engine arm 16 may each include a distal portion removably attached to the main portion of the arm for modularity. Each distal removable portion will then be adapted to a specific aircraft engine model or type with a given geometry. The attachment of the distal removable portion to the main portion of the corresponding engine arm can be achieved through self-locking engagement, with or without fasteners.

[0044] Engine arms 14 and 16 can be removably engaged with the corresponding front strut 8 and rear strut 10 so that they can be easily replaced by other arms suitable for another type of engine.

[0045] The trolley 2 also includes an adapter arm 20, which is positioned higher than the engine arms 14 and 16 and configured to engage with an adapter for the test equipment, which will be combined below. Figure 6 A detailed description is provided. In this embodiment, the adapter arms 20 include four adapter arms 20, that is, two adapter arms 20 on each side of the longitudinal axis 12 of the trolley 2. The adapter arms 20 are designed to work in coordination, i.e., they do not need to be movable relative to each other. In this embodiment, on each side of the longitudinal axis 12 of the trolley 2, each pair of adapter arms 20 is rigidly fastened to a common longitudinal beam 22 supported by corresponding front pillar 8 and rear pillar 10. The longitudinal beam 22 is advantageously pivotally mounted on the front pillar 8 and rear pillar 10 about the longitudinal axis. This pivoting movement is used to move the adapter arms 20 from an active position extending substantially horizontally to an inactive position that releases or widens the central area accessed from above compared to the active position, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the reverse is also true.

[0046] In this embodiment, the adapter arm remains fixed in an active position, for example, through appropriate stop and / or abutment devices (not visible or shown) in the pivot connection between the longitudinal beam 22 and the corresponding front strut 8 and rear strut 10. In this case, wheels 6 are mounted on the base frame 4, such that the base frame can be selectively raised or lowered relative to the wheels 6, thereby selectively raising or lowering the adapter arm 20. As an alternative or supplement to such wheels, the base frame may include an integral jack configured to be lowered to contact the ground and lift the base frame 4 upward, similar to the outriggers and stabilizers on a mobile crane.

[0047] Alternatively, the adapter arm 20 can move vertically, similar to the engine arms 14 and 16, in which case the base frame 4 does not need to move vertically relative to the wheels 6 or the ground.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, each adapter arm 20 includes a free end 20.1 having a recessed upper profile constructed and designed for secure engagement with the adapter. The same applies to the engine arm, which... Figure 1 It cannot be seen in the middle, but... Figure 7 It is clearly visible in the middle (see 14.1).

[0049] The base frame 4 advantageously includes a generally flat floor 4.1, which is particularly suitable for enabling and facilitating personnel to work on and around the aircraft engine 18, while being supported by engine arms 14 and 16, as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0050] The trolley 2 may include a control unit for the wheels 6, which is constructed and designed to enable the trolley to move as a self-propelled vehicle. It may also include a guide device along a track on the floor, such as an optical and / or magnetic detection device, a laser scanner (but not limited thereto), to enable the trolley to move autonomously along the track, similar to a trolley in a production plant that safely transports parts or workpieces between workstations (with personnel and equipment protection).

[0051] Figure 1 The trolley 2 shown will be combined Figures 2 to 7 Further detailed description.

[0052] Figures 1 to 7 The sequential stages of a method for transporting an aircraft engine to a test chamber according to the present invention are also shown.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the middle, the aircraft engine 18 is mounted on engine arms 14 and 16 via an external device similar to a crane. For this purpose, as... Figure 1As shown, the adapter arm 20 is advantageously in its inactive position, which, compared to the active position, releases or widens the central area accessed from above. More specifically, in Figure 1 In the center, the aircraft engine 18 is supported at its front by two front engine arms 14 and at its rear by a (right) rear engine arm 16. In this position, at the height of the arms, the engine can be comfortably further assembled and / or prepared for testing.

[0054] exist Figure 2 In this process, a trolley 2 carrying an aircraft engine 18 moves toward a test device 24 placed on a support 26. The test device 24 includes, for example, an adapter 24.1 and a test cabin 24.2, with the test cabin 24.2 attached to its upper part by the adapter 24.1. Such a test device 24 is known to those skilled in the art and does not require further specific description. Figure 2 As shown, the rear of the aircraft engine 18 is oriented toward the main opening of the test cabin 24.2 in order to penetrate it.

[0055] Furthermore, the central strut 28 is positioned below the rear of the aircraft engine 18 to support the rear portion. The rear engine arm 16 disengages from the rear of the engine and pivots to its fully longitudinally extended inactive position, i.e., the position where the second portion 16.2 is aligned with the first portion 16.1.

[0056] exist Figure 3 and 4 In the process, the trolley 2 carrying the aircraft engine 18 moves further toward the test equipment 24, wherein the rear of the aircraft engine 18 begins to penetrate the test cabin 24.2. The rear engine arm 16 does not interfere with the test cabin 24.2 because it is brought to a non-active position extending between the corresponding front strut 8 and rear strut 10.

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown, the rear struts 10 are spaced far enough apart laterally to extend beyond the exterior of the test cabin 24.2.

[0058] Similarly, Figure 4 As shown, when the trolley 2 moves further toward the test device 24, the adapter arm 20 is in its active position so as to pass under the adapter 24.1.

[0059] It is important to note that the test cabin is essentially composed of two half-shells, which are hinged together at the upper part adjacent to adapter 24.1 and separated from each other at the lower part (see...). Figure 6 This allows the central pillar 28 to pass freely through the lower free space.

[0060] exist Figure 5In the test nacelle 24.2, the aircraft engine 18 has reached its final position. From this position, the rear engine arm 16 can be brought back to its active position, i.e., by bringing its second section ( Figure 5 The rear engine arm 16 (not visible in the center) is positioned laterally extending toward the rear of the aircraft engine 18 for re-engagement with the engine. Once engaged with the aircraft engine 18, the rear engine arm 16 can be slightly raised to release the center strut 28, which can then be removed. The aircraft engine 18 is then carried by two front engine arms 14 and a rear engine arm 16. Its position relative to the test nacelle 24.2 can be finely adjusted by adjusting the height of the engine arms 14 and 16. Once the position of the aircraft engine 18 is aligned with the test nacelle 24.2, the engine is rigidly secured to the test nacelle 24.2.

[0061] Engine arms 14 and 16 can then be lowered to detach from aircraft engine 18, while aircraft engine 18 and test cabin 24.2 are held in place by adapter 24.1 placed on support 26.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, the test equipment 24 may include a horn 24.3 simulating the entrance to the actual aircraft cabin. Once the aircraft engine 18 has reached its final position relative to the test cabin 24.2, the horn 24.3 may be installed at the front of the aircraft engine 18.

[0063] exist Figure 6 In this configuration, adapter arm 20 is raised to engage with adapter 24.1, thereby lifting the adapter from support 26. For this purpose, refer to the above regarding... Figure 1 Regarding the discussion of the wheels of trolley 2, this movement can be achieved by lifting the base frame 4 relative to the wheels (which are not visible), while the adapter arm 20 remains in a fixed position relative to the base frame 4. Referring again to the discussion above, this can also be achieved through relative movement of the adapter arm 20. Once the adapter 24.1 is lifted from the support 26, for example by a few millimeters or centimeters, trolley 2 can be moved away from the support 26 by reverse or forward movement. The aircraft engine 18 and the test cabin assembly 24.2 are then supported specifically by the adapter arm 20 via the adapter 24.1.

[0064] Figure 7 The image shows the trolley 2 carrying the aircraft engine 18 and test cabin assembly 24.2 after the support member 26 has been detached, as shown regarding... Figure 6 The trolley 2 can then transport the aircraft engine 18 and the test cabin assembly 24.2 to the test chamber.

[0065] It goes without saying that once the test is complete, the above stages can be performed in reverse order.

[0066] In the foregoing specification, this disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, the above process flow has been described with reference to a specific sequence of process actions. However, the order of many described process actions can be changed without affecting the scope or operation of this disclosure. Therefore, the specification and drawings are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A trolley (2) for transporting an aircraft engine (18), comprising: a base frame (4) equipped with wheels (6) for running on a floor; at least two engine arms (14, 16) extending horizontally and vertically movable relative to the base frame (4), configured and designed for supporting an aircraft engine (18); and at least two adapter arms (20) extending horizontally at a higher level than the at least two engine arms (14, 16), at the top of the aircraft engine (18), configured and designed for supporting an adapter (24.1) connected to a test cell (24.2), wherein each adapter arm (20) is configured to be vertically moved relative to the base frame (4) between a lowered position and a raised position to lift the adapter (24.1); and wherein the trolley (2) is configured such that after the adapter (24.1) is lifted, the aircraft engine (18) and test cell (24.2) assembly is supported via the adapter (24.1) only by the adapter arms (20).

2. The cart (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two engine arms (14, 16) are arranged at two opposite sides of the base frame (4).

3. The cart (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two adapter arms (20) are arranged at two opposite sides of the base frame (4).

4. The cart (2) according to claim 3, wherein, The at least two adapter arms (20) are arranged at two opposite sides of the base frame (4) where the at least two engine arms (14, 16) are arranged.

5. The cart (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two engine arms (14, 16) and the at least two adapter arms (20) each comprise a free end (20.1) having a recessed upper profile configured and designed for firm engagement with the aircraft engine (18) and adapter (24.1), respectively.

6. The cart (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two engine arms and the at least two adapter arms (20) each extend towards a central longitudinal axis of the trolley.

7. The trolley (2) according to claim 1, further comprising: at least two struts (8, 10) rigidly extending from the base frame (4) and carrying the at least two engine arms (14, 16) and the at least two adapter arms (20).

8. The cart (2) according to claim 7, wherein, The at least two struts (8, 10) comprise at least four of the struts.

9. The cart of claim 7, wherein, The at least two struts (8, 10) comprise a guiding and driving assembly for each of the at least two engine arms (14, 16).

10. The cart (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two engine arms (14, 16) comprise: two facing front engine arms (14) extending transversely to a central longitudinal axis of the trolley; and at least one rear engine arm (16) configured and designed for horizontal pivoting between an active position extending transversely to the central longitudinal axis of the trolley and an inactive position extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis.

11. The cart (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two adapter arms (20) are movable between an active position extending towards the central longitudinal axis of the trolley and an inactive position releasing or widening a central area accessible from above compared to the active position.

12. The cart (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The wheels (6) are mounted on the base frame which is selectively raised or lowered relative to the wheels (6).

13. The cart (2) according to claim 1, wherein, Each wheel (6) is steerable.

14. The cart (2) according to claim 1, wherein, At least two wheels (6) are driven.

15. A method of transporting an aircraft engine (18) to a test cell, comprising the steps of: assembling the aircraft engine (18) to a test cell nacelle (24.2), which test cell nacelle is attached to an adapter (24.1) resting on a support (26); and transporting the aircraft engine (18) and test cell assembly to a test cell; wherein the assembling and transporting steps are performed using a cart (2) comprising: a base frame (4) equipped with wheels (6) for running on a floor; at least two engine arms (14, 16); and at least two adapter arms (20); wherein the assembling step comprises the sub-steps of: positioning and fixing the aircraft engine (18) relative to the test cell nacelle (24.2) while the aircraft engine (18) is carried by the at least two engine arms (14, 16); lifting the at least two adapter arms (20) so as to engage the adapter (24.1) and carry the aircraft engine (18) and test cell assembly, and wherein the lifting is performed by moving the at least two adapter arms (20) vertically relative to the base frame (4) so as to lift the adapter (24.1) relative to the base frame (4).

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, the positioning and fixing sub-step comprises the actions of: carrying a front portion of the aircraft engine (18) with two front engine arms (14) of the at least two engine arms (14, 16) and a rear portion of the aircraft engine (18) with a central strut (28) supported on the base frame (4) while the rear portion is inserted into the test cell nacelle (24.2) showing an open lower portion; deploying at least one rear engine arm (16) of the at least two engine arms (14, 16) to carry the rear portion of the aircraft engine (18); cooperating the aircraft engine (18) relative to the test cell nacelle (24.2) by moving the engine arms (14, 16) relative to the base frame (4); and fixing the aircraft engine (18) to the test cell nacelle (24.2).

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, the positioning and fixing sub-step further comprises, between the deploying and cooperating actions: removing the central strut (28).

18. The method of claim 15, wherein, the lifting sub-step comprises lifting the base frame (4) relative to the floor.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein, between the positioning and fixing sub-step and the lifting sub-step, the assembling step comprises the additional sub-step of: releasing the at least two engine arms (14, 16).

20. The method of claim 15, wherein, during the assembling and transporting steps, the cart (2) is self-propelled and steerable.

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