Automatic crimping device and method for flanging self-locking nut

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic crimping device and method for a flanging self-locking nut, and the device comprises a rack which is used for placing a to-be-machined part; the crimping assembly comprises a crimping head capable of moving relative to the rack; the driving part is connected with the crimping assembly and is used for driving the crimping head to apply pressure to the flanging self-locking nut on the part; the pressure sensor is arranged on the crimping assembly and used for detecting the applied crimping pressure in real time; and the controller is electrically connected with the driving part and the pressure sensor, and the controller is used for receiving the real-time crimping pressure value acquired by the pressure sensor and controlling the driving part to adjust output when the real-time crimping pressure value is different from a preset target pressure value, so that the real-time crimping pressure value is kept the same as the target pressure value. High-strength manual operation is replaced by automation, accurate control over the crimping force is achieved through a system of the pressure sensor and the controller, the problem that manual crimping pressure is uncontrollable is solved, and meanwhile the maintenance quality is remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of crimping testing equipment, and in particular to an automatic crimping device and method for a self-locking flanged nut. Background Technology

[0002] In the aerospace industry, flanged self-locking nuts are a widely used type of special fastener. Their structural feature is that after installation, the edges are pressed with a tool to induce plastic deformation (i.e., "flanging"), thus firmly riveting the nut to the mounting hole of the component and achieving a reliable self-locking function.

[0003] Due to the harsh operating environment of engines, subjected to high temperatures, high pressures, and severe vibrations over extended periods, these flanged self-locking nuts are used in every disassembly and assembly of components, resulting in a relatively high failure rate. According to maintenance procedures, damaged self-locking nuts typically require complete replacement. The replacement process involves removing the old nut, placing a new self-locking nut into the mounting hole, and then applying precise axial pressure using a flared pressure rod to flange the edge of the new nut outwards, ensuring a tight fit against the mounting base. In current maintenance practices, maintenance personnel commonly use manual crimping. This method relies entirely on the physical strength and experience of the maintenance personnel. Precise control of manual pressure is difficult; insufficient pressure leads to a weak connection and the risk of loosening and falling off, while excessive pressure can directly damage valuable engine components. This uncontrollability poses a potential safety hazard. Furthermore, different operators, and even the same operator at different times, cannot consistently apply the same force. Additionally, manuals often require maintaining pressure for a certain period, but it is difficult to maintain a constant high pressure manually for extended periods, resulting in inconsistent crimping quality.

[0004] On the other hand, manual operation cannot display the applied pressure value in real time, the maintenance process cannot be quantified, and key process parameters cannot be recorded for quality traceability. Moreover, different simple tooling is often required to make on the spot for different parts and different specifications of self-locking nuts, lacking universal and standardized solutions.

[0005] In summary, the existing technology lacks a dedicated device that can translate the precise pressure requirements in maintenance manuals into standardized, automated, and controllable operations. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, this application provides an automatic crimping device and method for flanged self-locking nuts. The main purpose is to solve a series of technical problems caused by the manual crimping method in the prior art, such as uncontrollable pressure, unstable quality, high labor intensity, safety risks, and poor versatility.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an automatic crimping device for a self-locking flanged nut is provided, comprising: a frame for placing a part to be processed; a crimping assembly including a crimping head movable relative to the frame; a drive unit connected to the crimping assembly for driving the crimping head to apply pressure to the self-locking flanged nut on the part; a pressure sensor disposed on the crimping assembly for real-time detection of the crimping pressure applied by the crimping head; and a controller electrically connected to the drive unit and the pressure sensor, wherein the controller receives the real-time crimping pressure value acquired by the pressure sensor, and controls the drive unit to adjust its output when the real-time crimping pressure value differs from a preset target pressure value, so that the real-time crimping pressure value remains the same as the target pressure value.

[0008] Furthermore, after the real-time pressing pressure value reaches the target pressure value, the controller controls the drive unit to continuously apply pressure for a preset time. This function can strictly meet the pressure holding time requirements in the maintenance manual, ensuring that the flanging is fully formed.

[0009] Furthermore, the controller includes a human-machine interface, which has an input module for setting the target pressure value and a digital display module for displaying the real-time pressing pressure value, making the operation intuitive and convenient, and the process parameters clear at a glance.

[0010] Furthermore, the crimp connector is designed as a detachable structure to accommodate self-locking nuts of different specifications or angles, enhancing the versatility and flexibility of the device, allowing one device to serve the repair of various parts.

[0011] Furthermore, the frame includes a base, at least two support arms fixedly connected to the base, and a pressure plate connected to the top of the support arms. This gantry structure provides a stable and open processing space, capable of accommodating parts of different sizes.

[0012] Furthermore, the crimping assembly also includes a crossbeam slidably disposed on the support arm, and the crimping joint is mounted on the lower end of the crossbeam.

[0013] Furthermore, the drive unit can be a pneumatic pump, a hydraulic pump, or an electric servo mechanism, which can be flexibly selected according to pressure requirements and cleanliness requirements.

[0014] Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for repairing a flanged self-locking nut using the automatic crimping device described in any of the foregoing inventions is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0015] S1. Place the component with the self-locking flange nut to be repaired on the frame of the device; S2. Set a target pressure value through the controller of the device; S3. Start the device, and drive the crimping joint to apply pressure to the self-locking flange nut; S4. Monitor the real-time crimping pressure applied to the self-locking flange nut in real time through a pressure sensor; and automatically adjust the output of the drive unit by the controller so that the real-time crimping pressure reaches and is maintained at the target pressure value.

[0016] Furthermore, the method also includes the step: S5, after the real-time pressing pressure value reaches the target pressure value, the controller controls the drive unit to continuously apply pressure for a preset time.

[0017] Furthermore, the method also includes the step of replacing the crimping assembly with a matching crimping connector according to the specifications of the self-locking flange nut to be repaired before starting the device.

[0018] This invention provides an automatic crimping device and method for self-locking flanged nuts. This application upgrades the intensive manual operation to an automated process, and through a closed-loop feedback system of pressure sensors and controllers, achieves precise control of the crimping force, with errors kept within an extremely small range. This fundamentally solves the problem of uncontrollable pressure during manual crimping. The precise pressure control ensures that every crimping operation strictly conforms to the maintenance manual standards, avoiding nut loosening or component damage due to excessive or insufficient pressure, significantly improving maintenance quality and flight safety reliability.

[0019] On the other hand, the control panel in this application can display pressure values ​​in real time, making the operation process transparent and data-driven. Key process parameters can be recorded, enabling quality management and process traceability. Moreover, the replaceable crimp connector design in this application allows the same equipment to be adapted to repair work of different models and specifications of flanged self-locking nuts by replacing small, low-cost parts, greatly improving equipment utilization and economy.

[0020] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are provided to further illustrate the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. Clearly, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0022] In the attached diagram:

[0023] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of an automatic crimping device for a self-locking flange nut provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 A flowchart of the automatic crimping method for the self-locking flange nut provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Icon labels:

[0026] 1. Pressure plate; 2. Crossbeam; 3. Base; 4. Drive unit; 5. Sleeve; 6. Support arm; 7. Second base; 8. Controller; 9. Pressure sensor; 10. Press fitting.

[0027] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] Example

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this embodiment of the invention provides an automatic crimping device for a self-locking flanged nut. The device mainly consists of a gantry frame, a crimping assembly, a drive unit 4, a pressure sensor 9, and a controller 8.

[0033] The frame, used to hold parts to be processed, includes a sturdy steel base 3, at least two support arms 6 fixedly connected to the base 3, and a pressure plate 1 connected to the top of the support arms 6. The support arms 6 have smooth surfaces and act as guide rails. This structure forms a robust frame capable of withstanding the enormous reaction force generated during pressing and provides open operating space for placing parts of different sizes (such as the APU combustion chamber). Different support components can be placed on the base 3 as needed to stably support parts of various irregular shapes.

[0034] The frame also includes a second base 7, which is located at the lower part of the base, and the drive unit 4 is fixedly mounted on the second base by bolts.

[0035] In one feasible embodiment, the crimping assembly includes a crossbeam 2 that can smoothly slide on two support arms 6, and a crimping connector 10 mounted below the crossbeam 2. The crimping connector 10 is a working part that directly contacts the flanged self-locking nut, and its end is typically machined into a tapered or flared shape to match the flanged requirements of the nut. In this embodiment, the crimping connector 10 is designed to be quick-disassembly and replacement, and is connected to the crossbeam 2 by means of threads or quick-change chucks, thereby enabling easy replacement of crimping connectors of different angles and sizes to accommodate the crimping of different types of self-locking nuts.

[0036] In one feasible implementation, the drive unit 4 is the core component providing the pressing power. In this embodiment, the drive unit 4 is an electronic pressure pump (air pump or hydraulic pump), whose power output end is connected to the crossbeam 2, for driving the crossbeam 2 and the pressing head 10 to move vertically downward along the support arm 6, thereby applying pressure to the workpiece placed on the base 3. The drive unit 4 can also be other forms of power source such as an air pump, hydraulic pump, or electric servo mechanism.

[0037] The core technology of this invention lies in its closed-loop control system. This system consists of a pressure sensor 9 and a controller 8. The pressure sensor 9 is integrated into the upstream position of the pressure connector 10, or directly built into the pressure connector 10, and its function is to accurately and without delay measure the pressure actually applied to the self-locking nut by the pressure connector 10.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, in one feasible embodiment, this application discloses a method for repairing a flanged self-locking nut using the aforementioned automatic crimping device, comprising the following steps: Before starting the device, according to the specifications of the flanged self-locking nut to be repaired, a matching crimping connector 10 is replaced for the crimping assembly. After replacement, S1, the component with the flanged self-locking nut to be repaired is placed on the frame of the device. S2, a target pressure value is set by the controller 8 of the device. S3, the device is started, and the drive unit 4 drives the crimping connector 10 to apply pressure to the flanged self-locking nut. S4, the real-time crimping pressure applied to the flanged self-locking nut is monitored in real time by the pressure sensor 9; and the output of the drive unit 4 is automatically adjusted by the controller 8 so that the real-time crimping pressure reaches and remains at the target pressure value.

[0039] In this embodiment, the method further includes the step: S5, after the real-time crimping pressure value reaches the target pressure value, the controller 8 controls the drive unit 4 to continuously apply pressure for a preset time. The specific implementation process of the method is as follows: the component with the self-locking flange nut to be repaired is placed on the frame of the device; a preset target pressure value is set by the controller 8 of the device; the device is started, and the drive unit 4 drives the crimping head 10 to apply pressure to the self-locking flange nut; the real-time crimping pressure applied to the self-locking flange nut is monitored in real time by the pressure sensor 9; and the controller 8 automatically adjusts the output of the drive unit 4 so that the real-time crimping pressure reaches and is maintained at the target pressure value to complete the crimping repair.

[0040] In this embodiment, the controller 8 is a human-machine interface (HMI) with an input module for setting the target pressure value and a digital display module for displaying the real-time pressing pressure value. Specifically, the controller 8 is typically a control panel with a display screen and operation buttons, and it is electrically connected to both the drive unit 4 and the pressure sensor 9. Its internal microprocessor operates according to the following logic:

[0041] 1. Parameter setting: According to the maintenance manual, the maintenance personnel shall input the target pressure value (e.g., 1900 lbf) and the pressure holding time (e.g., 5 minutes) through the interface of controller 8.

[0042] 2. Start crimping: After pressing the start button, the controller 8 sends a command to the drive unit 4 to start driving the crimping connector 10 to descend and contact the nut.

[0043] III. Real-time Feedback and Adjustment: Once the crimping connector 10 begins to apply force, the pressure sensor 9 continuously transmits the detected real-time pressure value to the controller 8. The controller 8 compares this real-time value with a preset target value at high speed. When the real-time crimping pressure value differs from the preset target pressure value, the controller controls the drive unit 4 to adjust its output to keep the real-time crimping pressure value the same as the target pressure value. Specifically, when the real-time crimping pressure value is less than the target pressure value, the controller 8 instructs the drive unit 4 to continue increasing its output. When the real-time crimping pressure value exceeds the target pressure value, the controller 8 instructs the drive unit 4 to decrease its output or stop. In this application, this "measurement-comparison-adjustment" process is repeated at a very high frequency, thereby enabling the crimping pressure to be stabilized very accurately near the target value.

[0044] IV. Pressure Holding and Stopping: Once the real-time crimping pressure value reaches and stabilizes at the target pressure value, the controller 8 starts a timer to maintain the pressure for the set holding time (e.g., 5 minutes). After the pressure holding period ends, the controller 8 instructs the drive unit 4 to release the pressure, and the crimping connector 10 automatically returns to its original position, thus completing one crimping process.

[0045] In this embodiment, the method further includes replacing the crimping assembly with a matching crimping connector 10 according to the specifications of the self-locking flange nut to be repaired before activating the device. Through the aforementioned device and method, the manual crimping work, which originally required enormous physical effort and could not guarantee quality, is replaced by a standardized, reliable, and efficient automated process, ensuring that every repair meets the high standards of aviation safety.

[0046] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple 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 present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic crimping device for a self-locking flanged nut, characterized in that, include: A rack is used to hold parts to be processed. A crimping assembly, the crimping assembly including a crimping head (10) movable relative to the frame; The drive unit (4) is connected to the crimping assembly and is used to drive the crimping head (10) to apply pressure to the flanged self-locking nut on the component; A pressure sensor (9) is provided on the crimping assembly for real-time detection of the crimping pressure applied by the crimping joint (10); The controller (8) is electrically connected to the drive unit (4) and the pressure sensor (9), respectively. The controller (8) is used to receive the real-time pressing pressure value obtained by the pressure sensor (9), and when the real-time pressing pressure value is different from the preset target pressure value, control the drive unit (4) to adjust the output so that the real-time pressing pressure value is the same as the target pressure value.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the real-time pressing pressure value reaches the target pressure value, the controller (8) controls the drive unit (4) to continuously apply pressure for a preset time.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The controller (8) includes a human-machine interface, which has an input module for setting the target pressure value and a digital display module for displaying the real-time pressing pressure value.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The crimp connector (10) is designed to be detachable to accommodate self-locking nuts of different specifications or angles.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame includes a base (3), at least two support arms (6) fixedly connected to the base (3), and a pressure plate (1) connected to the top of the support arms (6).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: The crimping assembly also includes a crossbeam (2) which is slidably disposed on the support arm (6), and the crimping head (10) is installed at the lower end of the crossbeam (2).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive unit (4) is a pneumatic pump, a hydraulic pump, or an electric servo mechanism.

8. A method for repairing a flanged self-locking nut using the automatic crimping device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Place the component with the self-locking nut to be repaired on the frame of the device; S2. A target pressure value is set through the controller (8) of the device; S3. Start the device and drive the pressure connector (10) to apply pressure to the flanged self-locking nut by the drive unit (4); S4. The real-time crimping pressure applied to the flanged self-locking nut is monitored in real time by the pressure sensor (9); and the output of the drive unit (4) is automatically adjusted by the controller (8) so that the real-time crimping pressure reaches and is maintained at the target pressure value.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The method further includes the following steps: S5. After the real-time pressing pressure value reaches the target pressure value, the controller (8) controls the drive unit (4) to continuously apply pressure for a preset time.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The method further includes the following steps: Before starting the device, replace the crimping assembly with a matching crimping connector (10) according to the specifications of the self-locking flange nut to be repaired.

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