Method for dismounting a torque tube of an aircraft footrest

Abstract

The application is suitable for the technical field of dismounting of torsion tube, and provides a dismounting method of torsion tube of airplane footrest. The dismounting steps of the torsion tube comprise: moving the inner tube towards the first bushing, cutting off the part of the inner tube exposed to the outer tube through the first bushing; moving the inner tube towards the second bushing, so that at least part of the inner wall of the first bushing is exposed to the inner tube; fixedly connecting the plug in the first bushing; applying force to the plug, separating the plug and the first bushing from the outer tube together, and taking out the inner tube; fixedly connecting the plug in the second bushing; applying force to the plug, separating the plug and the second bushing from the outer tube. In the application, the cooperation structure of the outer tube and the inner tube is used to cut off part of the inner tube, so that the first bushing is exposed to the inner tube, the plug is fixed with the first bushing, the force point of the first bushing is increased, the operator can separate the plug and the first bushing from the outer tube, the dismounting of the torsion tube is completed without damaging the structure of the outer tube, and the replacement cost of the torsion tube is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of torque tube disassembly and assembly technology, specifically relating to a method for disassembling and assembling the torque tube of an aircraft foot pedal. Background Technology

[0002] Most general-purpose fixed-wing aircraft use torque tube assemblies to enable the pilots in the left and right seats to control and coordinate the brakes and rudder. Due to the frequent braking during takeoff, landing, and taxiing of the aircraft, and the large alternating stress at the connection between the inner tube and the brake actuator, the inner tube of the pedal torque tube is prone to cracking at both ends. However, since it cannot be disassembled, the entire torque tube assembly must be replaced.

[0003] However, due to the high manufacturing cost of the pedal torque tube assembly, the basic cost of a single piece of original equipment from the US manufacturer is about $5,000, and the entire assembly costs about $6,000, resulting in excessive replacement costs for the torque tube assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for assembling and disassembling the torque tube of an aircraft foot pedal, thereby solving the aforementioned technical problems in the background art.

[0005] This invention is implemented as follows:

[0006] This application provides a method for disassembling and assembling an aircraft foot pedal torque tube. The torque tube includes an outer tube, an inner tube, and a first bushing and a second bushing fixed inside the outer tube. The outer tube is sleeved outside the inner tube, and both ends of the inner tube pass through the first bushing and the second bushing, respectively, and protrude from the outer tube. The outer diameter of the middle part of the inner tube is larger than the inner diameter of the first bushing and the second bushing. The disassembly and assembly steps of the torque tube include: S1: moving the inner tube toward the first bushing and cutting off the portion of the inner tube that passes through the first bushing and protrudes from the outer tube; S2: moving the inner tube toward the second bushing, so that at least a portion of the inner peripheral wall of the first bushing is exposed outside the inner tube; S3: fixing a plug inside the first bushing; S4: applying force to the plug to separate the plug and the first bushing together from the outer tube and remove the inner tube; S5: fixing a plug inside the second bushing; S6: applying force to the plug to separate the plug and the second bushing together from the outer tube.

[0007] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0008] In this invention, the inner and outer tubes are fitted together. The portion of the inner tube exposed outside the outer tube is cut, exposing at least a portion of the inner circumferential wall of the first bushing located between the inner and outer tubes. This facilitates the processing of the inner circumferential wall of the first bushing. A plug is fixedly connected inside the first bushing, increasing the force application point. By applying force to the plug, it is separated from the outer tube. Since the first bushing is fixedly connected to the plug, separating the plug from the outer tube also separates the first bushing from the outer tube, thus releasing the constraint of the first bushing on the inner tube. The inner tube can then be removed from the outer tube, completing the disassembly of the inner tube. The second bushing is then removed by fixing it with a plug. The entire disassembly process does not damage the outer tube; subsequent replacement only requires new bushings and inner tubes, significantly reducing the replacement cost of the torsion tube. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a disassembly and assembly method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a torsion tube provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a torsion tube provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0013] Figure 4 This application provides a process for disassembling and assembling a torque tube according to some embodiments. Figure 1 ;

[0014] Figure 5 This application provides a process for disassembling and assembling a torque tube according to some embodiments. Figure 2 ;

[0015] Figure 6 This application provides a process for disassembling and assembling a torque tube according to some embodiments. Figure 3 ;

[0016] Figure 7 This application provides a process for disassembling and assembling a torque tube according to some embodiments. Figure 4 ;

[0017] Figure 8 This application provides a process for disassembling and assembling a torque tube according to some embodiments. Figure 5 ;

[0018] Figure 9 This application provides a process for disassembling and assembling a torque tube according to some embodiments. Figure 6 ;

[0019] Figure 10 This application provides a process for disassembling and assembling a torque tube according to some embodiments. Figure 7 ;

[0020] Figure 11 This application provides a process for disassembling and assembling a torque tube according to some embodiments. Figure 8 ;

[0021] Figure 12 This application provides a process for disassembling and assembling a torque tube according to some embodiments. Figure 9 ;

[0022] Figure 13 This application provides a process for disassembling and assembling a torque tube according to some embodiments. Figure 10 ;

[0023] Figure 14 This application provides a process for disassembling and assembling a torque tube according to some embodiments. Figure 10 one;

[0024] Figure 15 This application provides a process for disassembling and assembling a torque tube according to some embodiments. Figure 10 two;

[0025] Figure 16 This application provides a process for disassembling and assembling a torque tube according to some embodiments. Figure 10 three;

[0026] Figure 17 This application provides a process for disassembling and assembling a torque tube according to some embodiments. Figure 10 Four;

[0027] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure for disassembling the liner provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0028] In the diagram: 100-torsion tube, 110-outer tube, 120-inner tube, 121-first sub-pipe section, 122-second sub-pipe section, 123-third sub-pipe section, 130-first bushing, 140-second bushing, 200-taper, 300-plug, 310-assembly groove, 400-punch rod, 500-removal bushing, 510-mounting hole, 520-mounting groove. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following description provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various features of the invention. The elements and arrangements described in the specific examples below are only for concise expression of the invention and are merely examples, not intended to limit the invention.

[0030] This application provides a method for disassembling and assembling an aircraft foot pedal torque tube 100, which is used to remove the inner tube 120 and the outer tube 110 of the torque tube 100, keep the structure of the outer tube 110 intact, replace the inner tube 120, and reduce the replacement cost of the torque tube 100.

[0031] Structural reference for the torsion tube 100 adapted to the above disassembly and assembly method Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the torsion tube 100 includes an outer tube 110, an inner tube 120, and two bushings. The two bushings are generally of the same type and structure. For clarity, they are named the first bushing 130 and the second bushing 140. Both bushings 130 and 140 are fixed within the outer tube 110, typically located at either end of the outer tube 110. The outer tube 110 is fitted over the inner tube 120, allowing the inner tube 120 to slide within it. Both ends of the inner tube 120 pass through the first bushing 130 and protrude from the outer tube 110. The outer diameter of the inner tube 120 is different from its inner diameter, with the middle portion having a larger outer diameter than the inner diameters of the first and second bushings 130. This restricts the sliding distance of the inner tube 120 within the outer tube 110, preventing it from sliding out of the outer tube 110, while also allowing the inner tube 120 a certain degree of freedom within the outer tube 110.

[0032] In specific implementation, the inner pipe 120 generally includes a first sub-pipe section 121, a second sub-pipe section 122, and a third sub-pipe section 123 distributed along its axial direction, as shown in the reference. Figure 17 As shown, the outer diameter of the second sub-pipe segment 122 is larger than the outer diameter of the first sub-pipe segment 121 and the outer diameter of the second sub-pipe segment 122. The first sub-pipe segment 121 passes through the first bushing 130, and the third sub-pipe segment 123 passes through the second bushing 140. The second sub-pipe segment 122 is located between the first bushing 130 and the second bushing 140. The outer diameter of the second sub-pipe segment 122 is larger than the inner diameter of the first bushing 130 and the second bushing 140, and the axial length of the second sub-pipe segment 122 is smaller than the axial length of the outer pipe 110 between the first bushing 130 and the second bushing 140. This arrangement allows the second sub-pipe segment 122 to slide between the first bushing 130 and the second bushing 140, and the inner pipe 120 to slide a certain distance within the outer pipe 110. Furthermore, because the outer diameter of the second sub-pipe segment 122 is larger than the inner diameter of the first bushing 130 and the second bushing 140, the inner pipe 120 is prevented from sliding out of the outer pipe 110.

[0033] When installing the torsion tube 100, it is only necessary to insert the inner tube 120 into the outer tube 110, and then press two bushings into both ends of the outer tube 110 respectively. The installation is simple. However, after the bushings are pressed into the outer tube 110, the entire assembly has no force point to clamp the bushings. If pressure is forcibly applied to one end of the inner tube 120, the other end of the outer tube 110 will expand and crack. Therefore, in the prior art, the torsion tube 100 cannot be disassembled and assembled, and it can only be scrapped as a whole, which is too costly. Therefore, the embodiments of this application provide a disassembly and assembly method for the torsion tube 100 with the above structure to reduce the replacement cost of the torsion tube 100.

[0034] The disassembly and assembly steps of the Torque Tube 100 can be roughly divided into six steps, see reference. Figure 1 As shown, the specific steps are as follows:

[0035] S1: Move the inner tube 120 toward the first bushing 130, so that as much of the inner tube 120 passing through the first bushing 130 as possible is exposed outside the outer tube 110, and cut off the portion of the inner tube 120 that is exposed outside the outer tube 110 after passing through the first bushing 130. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, Figure 4 In the diagram, the direction of the dashed arrow indicates the direction of movement of the inner tube 120. Figure 5 In this process, one end of the inner tube 120 has been cut off. In practice, a cutting device, such as a saw, can be used to cut off the inner tube 120. When cutting, care should be taken to avoid cutting the outer tube 110.

[0036] S2: After cutting, move the inner tube 120 toward the second bushing 140. Since a portion of the inner tube 120 has been cut, after the inner tube 120 moves to abut against the second bushing 140, the inner tube 120 located on the side of the first bushing 130 can no longer be exposed outside the outer tube 110 and will retract into the first bushing 130. (Refer to...) Figure 6 As shown, the direction indicated by the dashed arrow is the movement direction of the inner tube 120. This ensures that at least a portion of the inner circumferential wall of the first bushing 130 is exposed outside the inner tube 120, facilitating subsequent processing of this portion of the first bushing 130. It should be noted that if, after cutting off a portion of the inner tube 120, the inner circumferential wall of the first bushing 130 still cannot be exposed outside the inner tube 120, it is necessary to return to step S1, move the inner tube 120 again, and recut the inner tube 120. If the inner circumferential wall of the first bushing 130 is exposed outside the inner tube 120, then step S3 is executed.

[0037] S3: A plug 300 is fixedly connected inside the first bushing 130, for reference. Figure 8As shown. The plug 300 is used to seal the annular cavity inside the first bushing 130 and is fixedly connected to the first bushing 130 to form an integral unit, thereby increasing the force points of the first bushing 130 and facilitating the control of the position of the first bushing 130. The fixed connection between the plug 300 and the first bushing 130 can be a conventional fixing method. The embodiments provided in this application do not impose specific limitations, such as plug-in connection, threaded connection, screw connection, adhesive connection, etc. The only requirement is that the connection between the plug 300 and the first bushing 130 needs to be tight to prevent the plug 300 from detaching from the first bushing 130 while the first bushing 130 remains connected to the outer tube 110.

[0038] S4: After the plug 300 is fixedly connected to the first bushing 130, force can be applied to the plug 300 to separate it from the outer tube 110. The first bushing 130, which is fixed to the plug 300, also moves with the plug 300 and separates from the outer tube 110. Without the restriction of the first bushing 130, the inner tube 120 can be slid out of the outer tube 110, separating the inner tube 120 and the outer tube 110. During the separation of the outer tube 110 and the plug 300, in order to ensure the integrity of the structure of the outer tube 110, the main force-bearing component is the plug 300. Keep the outer tube 110 in place and push the plug 300 out of the outer tube 110, or pull the plug 300 to pull it out of the outer tube 110. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the torsion tube 100 after the first bushing 130 and the plug 300 are separated from the outer tube 110.

[0039] S5: Similar to the first bushing 130, operate on the second bushing 140, and fix the plug 300 inside the second bushing 140. (Refer to...) Figure 13 As shown.

[0040] S6: Apply force to the plug 300 to separate the plug 300 and the second bushing 140 from the outer tube 110, completing the disassembly and assembly of the torque tube 100. (Refer to...) Figure 16 As shown.

[0041] Steps S5 and S6 can be performed after the inner circumferential wall of the second bushing 140 is exposed, without waiting for the inner tube 120 to be completely separated from the outer tube 110.

[0042] Using the above-described disassembly and assembly method, the inner tube 120, outer tube 110, first bushing 130, and second bushing 140 can all be separated without damaging the structure of the outer tube 110. Furthermore, the methods used in the disassembly and assembly are not complex and are easy to operate, greatly improving the ease of disassembly and assembly of the torque tube 100 and reducing its disassembly and assembly costs. Moreover, the disassembly and assembly method provided in this application embodiment has good versatility; it can be used to disassemble the inner tube 120 of similar general-purpose aircraft pedal torque tubes 100 or similar components.

[0043] In some preferred embodiments, in step S3, a threaded connection is selected between the first bushing 130 and the plug 300. Before the plug 300 is threadedly connected to the first bushing 130, the inner circumferential wall of the first bushing 130 needs to be tapped to form threads. After tapping, the metal shavings generated during tapping are cleaned. A threaded plug 300 is then selected and inserted into the first bushing 130, forming a threaded connection, thus completing the fixation between the first bushing 130 and the plug 300. In specific implementations, a tap 200 can be used to tap the first bushing 130, see reference [reference needed]. Figure 7 As shown, the dimensions of tap 200 and plug 300 are selected and determined based on the dimensions of the first bushing 130. In step S5, the connection between the second bushing 140 and plug 300 is the same as that of the first bushing 130. The inner circumferential wall of the second bushing 140 is tapped using tap 200. (Refer to...) Figure 12 As shown, the plug 300 is threaded into the second bushing 140. In addition, to further improve the stability of the connection between the plug 300 and the first bushing 130 or the second bushing 140, the plug 300 is a machined steel part to improve its structural strength.

[0044] The plug 300 has a threaded portion on its peripheral wall that connects to the first bushing 130 or the second bushing 140, and one end of the plug 300 is provided with an assembly groove 310, see reference. Figure 17 As shown, the mounting groove 310 is used to engage with a wrench, allowing the plug 300 to connect more tightly with the first bushing 130 or the second bushing 140. When installing the plug 300, it is important to ensure that the end of the plug 300 with the mounting groove 310 is exposed to facilitate engagement with the wrench.

[0045] In implementing the disassembly and assembly method provided in this application embodiment, it should be noted that if the connection between the first bushing 130 or the second bushing 140 and the plug 300 is broken during the separation of the plug 300 and the outer tube 110, and only the plug 300 is separated from the outer tube 110 while the first bushing 130 or the second bushing 140 remains inside the outer tube 110, then it is necessary to return to step S1 and re-cut the inner tube 120 to increase the length of the first bushing 130 exposed outside the inner tube 120, or return to steps S3 and S5 to increase the tapping area of ​​the first bushing 130 and the second bushing 140, thereby improving the connection stability between the plug 300 and the first bushing 130 and the second bushing 140.

[0046] In some preferred embodiments of this application, the plug 300 is pushed out of the outer tube 110 to further avoid potential damage to the outer tube 110 during disassembly and assembly. Specifically, a punch 400 can be inserted into the inner tube 120 from the end of the inner tube 120 furthest from the first bushing 130, as described in the reference. Figure 10 As shown, the plug 300 is pushed using the punch 400, and then the plug 300 and the first bushing 130 are pushed out of the outer tube 110. During the removal of the second bushing 140, the punch 400 is inserted into the outer tube 110 from the end of the outer tube 110 away from the second bushing 140, as shown in the reference diagram. Figure 15 As shown, the punch 400 pushes the plug 300, pushing the plug 300 and the second bushing 140 out of the outer tube 110. The punch 400 can be made of alloy steel to give it a certain structural strength, and the length of the punch 400 is preferably longer than that of the inner tube 120 to facilitate the application of force to the punch 400. The outer diameter of the punch 400 is generally smaller than the inner diameter of the inner tube 120 to facilitate the smooth insertion of the punch 400 into the inner tube 120, ensuring that the punch 400 slides smoothly in the inner tube 120 and reducing the resistance encountered by the punch 400 in pushing the plug 300.

[0047] During the process of pushing the plug 300 using the punch 400, it is necessary to stabilize the position of the outer tube 110. In some embodiments of this application, a disassembly sleeve 500 is provided to stabilize the position of the outer tube 110. The structure of the disassembly sleeve 500 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 18 As shown, the disassembly sleeve 500 has a mounting hole 510 for accommodating the plug 300, and the inner diameter of the mounting hole 510 is larger than the inner diameter of the first bushing 130 and the second bushing 140, so that the first bushing 130 and the second bushing 140 can be smoothly pushed into the mounting hole 510. In addition, the axial length of the mounting hole 510 needs to be long enough to accommodate the plug 300, the first bushing 130, and the second bushing 140 that are pushed out of the outer tube 110. A schematic diagram of the use of the disassembly sleeve 500 can be found here. Figure 9 and Figure 14 As shown, the portion of the plug 300 exposed outside the first bushing 130 or the second bushing 140 is placed inside the mounting hole 510 of the disassembly sleeve 500. The end of the outer tube 110 near the plug 300 is tightly fitted against the disassembly sleeve 500. Then, the disassembly sleeve 500 is fixed in position by being in close contact with the ground, tabletop, or other working surface. Because the outer tube 110 is tightly fitted against the disassembly sleeve 500, the position of the outer tube 110 is also fixed. The disassembly sleeve provides a receiving space for the plug 300, the first bushing 130, and the second bushing 140, and supports the outer tube 110, so that the outer tube 110 is subjected to forces as evenly as possible in the circumferential direction, avoiding structural damage caused by stress concentration in the outer tube 110.

[0048] In some preferred embodiments, the disassembly sleeve 500 can be made of aluminum alloy to ensure that the outer tube 110 is not damaged when supporting the outer tube 110, and has a certain degree of hardness and durability.

[0049] refer to Figure 18 As shown, the disassembly sleeve 500 is also provided with a mounting groove 520. The radial dimension of the mounting groove 520 is larger than the radial dimension of the mounting hole 510. The mounting groove 520 is fitted outside the mounting hole 510 and communicates with the mounting hole 510. The bottom wall of the mounting groove 520 is used to abut against the end of the outer tube 110 near the plug 300. With this layout, the circumferential groove wall of the mounting groove 520 is used to limit the outer tube 110 and stabilize the position of the outer tube 110, thereby stabilizing the position of the plug 300, the first bushing 130 or the second bushing 140 located in the outer tube 110. This prevents the plug 300, the first bushing 130 and the second bushing 140 from abutting against the circumferential side wall of the mounting hole 510 during the process of being pushed out of the outer tube 110, which would affect the normal force application of the punch 400.

[0050] In some preferred embodiments, in steps S4 and S6, before using the punch 400 to push the plug 300, the outer tube 110 is placed vertically on the surface of the operating table, which is a horizontal plane. The disassembly sleeve 500 is supported between the operating table and the torque tube 100 to facilitate applying force to the punch 400.

[0051] In some other embodiments provided in this application, in steps S4 and S6, a tension member can be used to fix the plug 300. By pulling the tension member, the plug 300 and the first bushing 130 can be pulled out of the outer tube 110, or the plug 300 and the second bushing 140 can be pulled out of the outer tube 110. The tension member and the plug 300 can be connected by a hook or by bolts or other fixing methods. The position of the plug 300 can be controlled by pulling the tension member.

[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for assembling and disassembling the torque tube of an aircraft foot pedal, characterized in that, The torsion tube includes an outer tube, an inner tube, and a first bushing and a second bushing fixed inside the outer tube. The outer tube is sleeved outside the inner tube, and both ends of the inner tube pass through the first bushing and the second bushing, respectively, and protrude from the outer tube. The outer diameter of the middle part of the inner tube is larger than the inner diameter of the first bushing and the second bushing. The disassembly and assembly steps of the torsion tube include: S1: Move the inner tube toward the first bushing and cut off the portion of the inner tube that passes through the first bushing and protrudes from the outer tube; S2: Move the inner tube toward the second bushing so that at least a portion of the inner peripheral wall of the first bushing is exposed outside the inner tube; S3: A plug is fixedly connected inside the first bushing; S4: Apply force to the plug to separate the plug and the first bushing from the outer tube, and remove the inner tube; S5: A plug is fixedly connected inside the second bushing; S6: Apply force to the plug to separate the plug and the second bushing from the outer tube; In step S4, a punch is inserted into the inner tube from the end of the inner tube away from the first bushing, and the plug is pushed out of the outer tube along with the first bushing. In step S6, a punch is inserted into the outer tube from the end of the outer tube away from the second bushing, and the plug is pushed out of the outer tube along with the second bushing. In steps S4 and S6, before using the punch rod to push the plug, the part of the plug exposed in the first bushing or the second bushing is placed in the disassembly sleeve. The disassembly sleeve has a mounting hole for accommodating the plug. The inner diameter of the mounting hole is larger than the outer diameter of the first bushing and the second bushing, and the end of the outer tube near the plug abuts against the disassembly sleeve. The disassembly sleeve is also provided with an installation groove, the radial dimension of which is larger than the radial dimension of the installation hole. The installation groove is fitted outside the installation hole and communicates with the installation hole. The bottom wall of the installation groove is used to abut against the end of the outer tube near the plug.

2. The method for assembling and disassembling the torsion tube of an aircraft foot pedal according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S3 includes tapping the inner circumferential wall of the first bushing and threading the plug into the first bushing. Step S5 includes tapping the inner circumferential wall of the second bushing and threading the plug into the second bushing.

3. The method for assembling and disassembling the torsion tube of an aircraft foot pedal according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plug has a threaded portion that connects to the first bushing or the second bushing, and one end of the plug is provided with a mounting groove for engaging with a wrench.

4. The method for disassembling and assembling the torsion tube of an aircraft foot pedal according to claim 1, characterized in that, In steps S4 and S6, before using the punch rod to push the plug, the outer tube is placed vertically on the operating table surface, and the liner support is disassembled and set between the operating table and the torque tube.

5. The method for disassembling and assembling the torsion tube of an aircraft foot pedal according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S4 includes using a tension member to fix the plug, pulling the tension member, and pulling the plug and the first bushing out of the outer tube; Step S6 includes using a tension member to fix the plug, pulling the tension member, and pulling the plug and second bushing out of the outer tube.

6. The method for assembling and disassembling the torsion tube of an aircraft foot pedal according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S2 includes determining whether the inner peripheral wall of the first bushing is exposed outside the inner tube. If yes, proceed to step S3; otherwise, return to step S1.

Images