An assembly device and method for an aircraft engine fuel manifold

Abstract

The application discloses an assembling device and method for an aero-engine fuel manifold, which comprises a total oil pipe positioning device and an oil inlet pipe positioning device. The total oil pipe positioning device comprises multiple positioning structures, the fuel manifold is positioned in a pipe-shaped groove through the multiple positioning structures, and the oil inlet is located at a predetermined position, so that the fuel manifold is accurately positioned. The oil inlet pipe positioning device comprises a centering structure and multiple positioning blocks. The multiple positioning blocks are used for positioning and supporting each linear segment of the oil inlet pipe, and the centering structure is used for centering the end of the oil inlet pipe, so that the fuel manifold and the oil inlet pipe are positioned. The oil inlet pipe positioning device solves the problem of reverse installation of the oil pipe at two ends. The oil inlet pipe is accurately positioned with the oil inlet hole through the positioning of the oil inlet pipe, so that the problem of mispositioning of the contact profile of the oil inlet pipe and the oil inlet hole is solved, and the safety performance of the aero-engine is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aircraft engine assembly, specifically to an assembly device and method for an aircraft engine fuel manifold. Background Technology

[0002] The fuel manifold is part of the aircraft engine's fuel system. Fuel enters the fuel distribution pipes through the fuel inlet pipe of the fuel manifold, and after being diffused and atomized by the nozzles, it mixes thoroughly with air in the form of fuel mist and burns. Currently, the position control of the fuel inlet pipe on the fuel manifold is mainly ensured during parts manufacturing, and secondly, it relies on the production experience of workers to manually control the assembly connection position of the fuel inlet pipe and the fuel manifold. When the position of the fuel distribution pipe deviates from the standard, multiple rework or recalibration is required, affecting the product production and delivery cycle. In severe cases, it can lead to excessive assembly stress causing the fuel inlet pipe to break, resulting in a decrease in engine performance. Once there is a position problem with the parts or the workers fail to detect the position deviation in time, assembly stress may be generated during the final assembly of the combustion chamber components, posing certain safety hazards to engine operation.

[0003] Secondly, the fuel inlet pipe on the fuel main of an aero-engine has many bends and inflections, and its spatial shape is complex. The space layout of the clamping device is limited, which places high demands on the spatial layout and dimensional control when controlling the position of the fuel inlet pipe. Because the connection structures at both ends of the fuel inlet pipe are similar, workers are prone to installing the two ends of the fuel inlet pipe backwards during assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides an assembly device and method for an aero-engine fuel manifold. By using a fuel manifold assembly positioning device, the stress caused by deviations in the pipe profile and the impact on the pipe are reduced, thereby improving the product assembly quality.

[0005] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] An assembly device for an aircraft engine fuel main pipe includes a mounting platform, and a main fuel pipe positioning device and an inlet fuel pipe positioning device disposed thereon.

[0007] The main fuel line positioning device includes a tubular groove and positioning structures. The tubular groove is formed on the surface of the mounting platform and arranged along the axis of the fuel line. Multiple positioning structures are fixed at intervals on the mounting platform along the extension direction of the tubular groove for press-fit positioning of the fuel line.

[0008] The oil inlet pipe positioning device includes a centering structure and multiple positioning blocks. The multiple positioning blocks are arranged along the axis of the oil inlet pipe. The centering structure is set at the inlet end of the oil inlet pipe. Each straight segment of the oil inlet pipe is positioned and supported on the positioning blocks. The centering structure is used to position the oil inlet of the oil inlet pipe.

[0009] Preferably, the plurality of positioning structures are respectively installed at the corresponding positions of the fuel inlet and fuel outlet of the fuel main.

[0010] Preferably, the positioning structure includes a positioning base, a pressure plate, and a positioning pin;

[0011] The positioning base is mounted on the mounting platform by fasteners. One end of the pressure plate is rotatably connected to the top of the positioning base, and the positioning pin is installed on the other end of the pressure plate. The positioning pin is used to insert into the oil inlet.

[0012] Preferably, the pressure plate is provided with a locking structure, which locks the pressure plate to the positioning base when the positioning pin is inserted into the oil inlet hole.

[0013] Preferably, the positioning block is provided with a positioning surface, and the straight section of the oil inlet pipe is in line contact with the positioning surface.

[0014] Preferably, the top of the positioning surface forms a recessed step surface, and the top surface of the step surface is the positioning surface.

[0015] Preferably, the centering structure includes a positioning seat and a centering pin disposed on its upper end, the centering pin being coaxially disposed with the oil inlet of the oil inlet pipe.

[0016] Preferably, the positioning pin is a stepped pin, and the end face of the oil inlet pipe abuts against the stepped surface of the stepped pin.

[0017] An assembly method for an assembly device for an aircraft engine fuel manifold includes the following steps:

[0018] Step 1: Place the fuel main pipe into the pipe groove on the mounting platform;

[0019] Step 2: Use a positioning structure to position the fuel main pipe and place the fuel inlet in the predetermined position;

[0020] Step 3: Support and position each straight section of the oil inlet pipe on the positioning block, and determine the length of the oil inlet pipe according to the oil inlet and the positioning structure;

[0021] Step 4: Adjust the oil inlet pipe according to the length determined in Step 3, position the adjusted oil inlet pipe on the positioning block, and install the pipe fitting at the end of the oil inlet pipe.

[0022] Step 4: Use the light transmission method to check the fit between the profile of each straight section of the oil inlet pipe and each positioning block;

[0023] Step 5: Once the fit meets the requirements, weld the fuel inlet pipe to the fuel inlet of the main fuel pipe, and weld the fuel inlet pipe to the pipe fitting.

[0024] Preferably, in step 2, a positioning structure is first installed at the corresponding position of the fuel inlet of the fuel main pipe to position the fuel inlet. Then, positioning structures are installed at each fuel outlet position of the fuel main pipe to position the fuel outlet. Finally, the positioning structure installed at the corresponding position of the fuel inlet is removed so that the fuel inlet is located in the predetermined position.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0026] This invention provides an assembly device for an aero-engine fuel manifold, comprising a main fuel pipe positioning device and an inlet pipe positioning device. The main fuel pipe positioning device includes multiple positioning structures that position the fuel manifold in a tubular groove and position the inlet at a predetermined location, achieving precise positioning of the fuel manifold. The inlet pipe positioning device includes a centering structure and multiple positioning blocks that provide positioning support for each straight segment of the inlet pipe. Simultaneously, the centering structure centers the ends of the inlet pipe, achieving positioning of the fuel manifold and the inlet pipe. Furthermore, the inlet pipe positioning device solves the problem of reverse installation at both ends of the fuel pipe. By positioning the inlet pipe, the inlet pipe and the inlet hole are precisely positioned, resolving the existing problem of misalignment between the contact surfaces of the inlet pipe and the inlet hole, thus improving the safety performance of the aero-engine. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning device of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view of AA;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Sectional view of BB;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the error-proof structure of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 A plan view of the error-proof structure;

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Sectional view of AA;

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 4 Sectional view of CC;

[0034] In the diagram: 1 Mounting platform, 2 Positioning structure, 3 Clamping screw, 4 Fuel main pipe, 5 Oil inlet, 6 Positioning pin, 8 Oil inlet pipe, 9 Centering pin, 11 First positioning block, 12 Second positioning block, 13 Third positioning block, 14 Centering structure, 21 Positioning base, 22 Pressure plate. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These descriptions are intended to explain the invention and not to limit it.

[0036] See Figure 1-3 An assembly device for an aircraft engine fuel main pipe includes a mounting platform 1, and a main fuel pipe positioning device and an inlet fuel pipe positioning device disposed thereon.

[0037] The main fuel line positioning device includes a tubular groove and a positioning structure 2. The tubular groove is formed on the surface of the mounting platform 1 and arranged along the axis of the fuel line 4. Multiple positioning structures 2 are fixed at intervals on the mounting platform 1 along the extension direction of the tubular groove for press-fit positioning of the fuel line 4.

[0038] The oil inlet pipe positioning device includes multiple positioning blocks, which are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the oil inlet pipe 8. The positioning blocks are used to position the assembly position of the oil inlet pipe 8 and the fuel main pipe 4.

[0039] The tubular groove is a semi-circular groove, and its length direction is set on the surface of the mounting platform 1 along the curvature of the fuel main pipe 4. The diameter of the semi-circular groove is the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the fuel main pipe 4, so as to improve the efficiency of the fuel main pipe 4 during installation.

[0040] The positioning structure 2 is arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the tubular groove, and positions the fuel main pipe 4 by pressing, so that the fuel inlet 5 of the fuel main pipe 4 is in a predetermined position.

[0041] The positioning structure 2 includes an inlet positioning device and an outlet positioning device. The fuel main pipe 4 is provided with an inlet 5 and multiple outlets. The inlet 5 is used to connect to the inlet pipe 8. The connection between the inlet 5 and the fuel main pipe 4 forms a T-junction structure, that is, the inlet 5 is provided with an inlet branch pipe. Fuel enters the fuel main pipe 4 through the inlet pipe 8 and the inlet 5 and then flows out from the multiple outlets.

[0042] The oil inlet 5 positioning device and the oil outlet positioning device have the same structure. The following detailed explanation will only take the oil inlet 5 positioning device as an example.

[0043] The positioning structure includes a positioning base 21, a pressure plate 22, and a positioning pin. The positioning base 21 is mounted on the mounting platform 1 by fasteners and is located on one side of the mounting groove. One end of the pressure plate 22 is rotatably connected to the top of the positioning base 21. Alternatively, it can be understood that one end of the pressure plate is pinned to the protruding connecting block on the positioning base by the positioning pin. The positioning pin is installed on the other end of the pressure plate. When positioning, the pressure plate 22 is rotated so that the positioning pin 6 is inserted into the oil inlet hole 5 of the fuel main pipe 4.

[0044] The pressure plate 2 is provided with a locking structure. When the positioning pin 6 is inserted into the oil inlet hole 5, the pressure plate is locked to the positioning base by the locking structure. In this embodiment, the locking structure is a clamping screw 3, which passes through the pressure plate 22 and connects to the top surface of the positioning base 21.

[0045] During the positioning process of the fuel main pipe 4, the fuel inlet 5 of the fuel main pipe 4 is first positioned by the positioning structure 2, and then the other positioning structures are used to position the fuel outlet on the fuel main pipe 4. Then the positioning device corresponding to the fuel inlet 5 is removed. Since the fuel inlet 5 needs to be connected to the fuel inlet pipe 8, the fuel inlet 5 is used as the positioning reference and the positioning structure of the fuel inlet 5 is removed.

[0046] See Figure 4-7 The oil inlet pipe positioning device includes multiple positioning blocks and a centering structure 14. The multiple positioning blocks are arranged along the axis of the oil inlet pipe, and the centering structure 14 is set at the inlet end of the oil inlet pipe. Each bend of the oil inlet pipe is positioned and supported on the positioning blocks. The centering structure 14 is coaxially inserted with the oil inlet of the oil inlet pipe 8, and the outlet end of the oil inlet pipe is inserted with the oil inlet of the fuel main pipe.

[0047] The oil inlet pipe includes three consecutive bends. In this embodiment, three positioning blocks are provided, namely the first positioning block 11, the second positioning block 12 and the third positioning block 13. Each positioning block is located in the middle of each bend of the oil inlet pipe. The top of the positioning block is provided with a recessed positioning surface. The bottom surface of the outer wall of the oil inlet pipe abuts against the positioning surface and forms a line contact.

[0048] The centering structure 14 includes a positioning seat and a centering pin 9 disposed on its upper end. The centering pin 9 is coaxially disposed with the oil inlet of the oil inlet pipe. The positioning pin is a stepped pin, and the end face of the oil inlet pipe abuts against the stepped surface of the stepped pin.

[0049] The assembly method of the above-mentioned assembly device for the fuel manifold of an aircraft engine is described in further detail below, including the following steps:

[0050] Step 1: Place the fuel main pipe 4 into the pipe groove of the mounting platform 1.

[0051] Step 2: Install the oil inlet positioning device in a fixed position on the mounting platform 1.

[0052] Step 3: Adjust the position of the fuel main pipe 4 in the pipe groove, and insert the positioning pin 6 of the fuel inlet positioning device into the fuel inlet 5 of the fuel main pipe 4.

[0053] Step 4: Fix the pressure plate to the positioning base using the clamping screws 3.

[0054] Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 to install multiple oil outlet positioning devices on the mounting platform 1 in sequence, insert the positioning pin of each oil outlet positioning device into the corresponding oil outlet, and lock each pressure plate to the corresponding positioning base.

[0055] Step 6: Remove the fuel inlet positioning device at the fuel inlet position, that is, loosen the pressure plate at the tee part connected to the fuel inlet pipe 4 on the fuel main pipe 4, take out the positioning pin, and remove the fuel inlet positioning device.

[0056] Step 7: Place the oil inlet pipe 4 on the first positioning block 11, the second positioning block 12 and the third positioning block 13, and adjust the position of the oil inlet pipe 4 so that all straight sections of the oil inlet pipe 4 are in contact with the positioning surfaces of each positioning block, and the two ends of the oil inlet pipe are staggered from the positioning pins and the oil inlet.

[0057] During the initial installation of the oil inlet pipe, since the oil inlet pipe has a margin at both ends in the rough machining state, the margin needs to be cut off. Therefore, this step is to perform rough positioning of the oil inlet pipe.

[0058] Step 8: Determine and mark the length of the oil inlet pipe outlet end based on the location of the oil inlet, and determine and mark the length of the oil inlet pipe inlet end based on the step surface of the locating pin.

[0059] Step 9: Cut off the excess tubing at both ends of the oil inlet pipe 8 according to the marked lines.

[0060] Step 10: Install the pipe fitting at the oil inlet end of the oil inlet pipe, align the outlet end of the oil inlet pipe with the oil inlet, and install each section of the oil inlet pipe on the positioning surface of the positioning block.

[0061] Step 11: Check the fit between the straight sections of the oil inlet pipe and each positioning block using the light transmission method.

[0062] Step 12: When the straight section surfaces do not fit with the positioning blocks, adjust or repair the end face or straight section surfaces of the oil inlet pipe 3 to make each straight section of the oil inlet pipe fit evenly with each positioning block.

[0063] Step 13: Repair the welding gap between the oil inlet pipe 4 and the oil inlet to make the gap meet the welding requirements.

[0064] Step 14: After separating the fuel inlet pipe from the fuel main pipe, weld the fuel inlet pipe 3 and the pipe fitting.

[0065] Step 15: Fit one end of the fuel inlet pipe with the fitting tightly to the centering structure, and weld the other end of the fuel inlet pipe 3 to the fuel inlet position to complete the precise assembly of the fuel inlet pipe and the fuel main pipe.

[0066] This invention provides an assembly device for an aircraft engine fuel manifold, designed to eliminate instability caused by human experience. By using a fuel manifold assembly positioning fixture, it reduces stress-induced assembly due to pipe profile deviations, thereby improving product assembly quality. Furthermore, the device incorporates a positioning block for error prevention, avoiding reverse pipe installation that could lead to deviations in product technical quality, rework, or scrapping.

[0067] The above content is only for illustrating the technical concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications made to the technical solution based on the technical concept proposed in this invention shall fall within the scope of protection of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. An assembly method for an assembly device for an aircraft engine fuel manifold, characterized in that, The assembly device includes a mounting platform (1), and a main oil pipe positioning device and an inlet oil pipe positioning device disposed thereon; The main oil pipe positioning device includes a pipe groove and a positioning structure (2). The pipe groove is formed on the surface of the mounting platform (1) and arranged along the axis of the fuel main pipe (4). Multiple positioning structures (2) are fixed at intervals on the mounting platform (1) along the extension direction of the pipe groove for press-fit positioning of the fuel main pipe (4). The oil inlet pipe positioning device includes a centering structure and multiple positioning blocks. The multiple positioning blocks are arranged along the axis of the oil inlet pipe. The centering structure (14) is set at the inlet end of the oil inlet pipe. Each straight segment of the oil inlet pipe is positioned and supported on the positioning blocks. The centering structure (14) is used to position the oil inlet of the oil inlet pipe (8). The plurality of positioning structures (2) are respectively installed at the corresponding positions of the fuel inlet and fuel outlet of the fuel main pipe; The assembly method of the assembly device includes the following steps: Step 1: Place the fuel main pipe (4) in the pipe groove of the mounting platform (1); Step 2: Position the fuel main pipe using a positioning structure and position the fuel inlet in the predetermined position. The method is as follows: First, install the positioning structure at the corresponding position of the fuel inlet of the fuel main pipe to position the fuel inlet. Then, install the positioning structure at each fuel outlet position of the fuel main pipe to position the fuel outlet. Finally, remove the positioning structure at the corresponding position of the fuel inlet and install it to position the fuel inlet in the predetermined position. Step 3: Support and position each straight section of the oil inlet pipe on the positioning block, and determine the length of the oil inlet pipe according to the oil inlet and the positioning structure; Step 4: Adjust the oil inlet pipe according to the length determined in Step 3, position the adjusted oil inlet pipe on the positioning block, and install the pipe fitting at the end of the oil inlet pipe. Step 4: Use the light transmission method to check the fit between the profile of each straight section of the oil inlet pipe and each positioning block; Step 5: Once the fit meets the requirements, weld the fuel inlet pipe to the fuel inlet of the main fuel pipe, and weld the fuel inlet pipe to the pipe fitting.

2. The assembly method of the assembly device for an aircraft engine fuel manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning structure includes a positioning base (21), a pressure plate (22), and a positioning pin; The positioning base (21) is installed on the mounting platform (1) by fasteners. One end of the pressure plate (22) is rotatably connected to the top of the positioning base (21). The positioning pin is installed on the other end of the pressure plate. The positioning pin corresponding to the oil inlet is used to insert into the oil inlet.

3. The assembly method of the assembly device for an aircraft engine fuel manifold according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure plate (22) is provided with a locking structure. When the positioning pin (6) is inserted into the oil inlet hole (5), the locking structure locks the pressure plate and the positioning base.

4. The assembly method of the assembly device for an aircraft engine fuel manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning block is provided with a positioning surface, and the straight section of the oil inlet pipe is in contact with the positioning surface.

5. The assembly method of the assembly device for an aircraft engine fuel manifold according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top of the positioning surface forms a recessed step surface, and the top surface of the step surface is the positioning surface.

6. The assembly method of the assembly device for an aircraft engine fuel manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centering structure (14) includes a positioning seat and a centering pin (9) disposed on its upper end. The centering pin (9) is coaxially disposed with the oil inlet of the oil inlet pipe.

7. The assembly method of the assembly device for an aircraft engine fuel manifold according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning pin is a stepped pin, and the end face of the oil inlet pipe abuts against the stepped surface of the stepped pin corresponding to the oil inlet pipe.

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