Automatic tightening device, system and method for narrow space of inner cavity of aero-engine

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic tightening device, system and method for a narrow space of an inner cavity of an aero-engine, and belongs to the technical field of assembly tools, the device comprises a mechanism action system, an automatic tightening system, an automatic tightening system and an automatic tightening system, the visual control system is installed at the tail end of the mechanism action system and used for target hole site observation and image recognition; the feeding system is mounted on the mechanism action system and used for storing, feeding and supplying the nuts; and the automatic tightening system is arranged on the mechanism action system and is used for tightening and loosening the nut. According to the invention, the real assembly environment of the aero-engine is simulated, and the visual identification method is combined, so that the position of the to-be-tightened nut is automatically identified, the integrated operation of feeding, cap recognition, tightening, discharging and the like is completed, and the efficiency and the tightening precision of the tightening process are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of assembly tool technology, and particularly relates to an automated tightening device, system and method for the narrow space inside the cavity of an aero-engine. Background Technology

[0002] Aero-engines, operating under extreme conditions of high temperature and high pressure, face complex stress states that impose extremely stringent requirements on the precision of their fastening and assembly processes. The rotor system's components, including discs and shafts, and disc-to-disc parts, are primarily fastened using evenly distributed circumferential bolts. Therefore, the tightening quality and precision of these bolts directly impact the assembly accuracy of the aero-engine rotor system, thereby affecting its dynamic characteristics. As China is currently undergoing rapid iteration and upgrading of its aero-engines, efficiently improving the tightening quality and precision of bolt connections within the narrow and unseen internal space of the aero-engine is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.

[0003] Currently, there is limited research in China on automated identification, loading, and tightening of nuts in the confined space of aero engines. The traditional tightening method involves manually installing the nut onto a custom-made, slender L-shaped rod, then inserting the L-shaped rod into the hard-to-observe inner cavity of the aero engine. This process relies entirely on the operator's experience to complete the loading, capping, and tightening of the nut. The main drawbacks of this method are: (1) High operational difficulty and potential risks: When manually operating the L-shaped rod in the confined inner cavity of the aero engine, the obstructed view can easily lead to dangerous situations such as scraping the inner cavity of the aero engine and the nut falling off; (2) Complex process and low efficiency: There are many bolts to be tightened in aero engines, and the operator needs to repeat the loading, positioning, capping, and tightening operations each time, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive; (3) Tightening quality and accuracy are difficult to guarantee: The operation depends on the operator's proficiency and whether the position to be tightened is convenient to complete the operation, making it difficult to guarantee that all nuts reach the specified torque, resulting in tightening accuracy problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an automated tightening device and method for use in the narrow internal space of an aero-engine.

[0005] An automated tightening device for the narrow internal space of an aircraft engine includes:

[0006] The mechanism motion system is used to realize lifting, telescopic and indexing positioning actions, and to coordinate the completion of loading, cap recognition and tightening operations;

[0007] A vision control system is installed at the end of the mechanism's motion system for target hole observation and image recognition;

[0008] The feeding system, installed on the mechanism's action system, is used for the storage and supply of nuts;

[0009] An automatic tightening system is installed on the mechanism's actuation system and is used for tightening and loosening nuts.

[0010] The mechanism's action system includes a lifting system, which comprises a support base, multiple lifting drive components arranged circumferentially along the support base, and a lifting platform. The lifting drive components are connected to the lifting platform via a transmission assembly to drive the lifting platform to move up and down. The lifting platform is provided with a connecting part for installing a feeding system, an automatic tightening system, and protective components.

[0011] The mechanism's action system also includes an indexing transmission system, comprising a drive component and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is connected to the protective component. The drive component drives the transmission mechanism to rotate, thereby rotating the protective component and the installed feeding system and automatic tightening system to achieve alignment of different bolt hole positions.

[0012] The vision control system includes a vision inspection component installed at the front end of the protective component; the vision inspection component's field of view covers the working station of the automatic tightening system, and is used to observe the working status and identify the target hole position in real time.

[0013] The automatic tightening system includes a tightening gun, a transmission mechanism, and an actuator. Depending on the feeding or tightening requirements, the tightening gun is selectively connected to the actuator via the transmission mechanism. The actuator is connected to the protective component via a telescopic drive mechanism to switch between extended and retracted states. The tightening gun has a built-in detection component and is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0014] The feeding system includes a storage section, a feeding section, and a capping drive section. The storage section is installed inside the protective component and is used to store nuts. The feeding section rotates and switches with the storage section and the execution section to transport the nuts from the storage section to the corresponding position of the execution section. The capping drive section is arranged in parallel with the automatic tightening section and is selectively connected to the execution section to drive the execution section to complete the nut fitting.

[0015] The end of the feeding section is provided with a positioning structure for positioning the nut and assisting in fitting it.

[0016] All drive components are equipped with position detection components and are electrically connected to the control unit.

[0017] An automated tightening system for narrow spaces within the internal cavity of an aero-engine includes the aforementioned automated tightening device for narrow spaces within the internal cavity of an aero-engine, as well as an auxiliary platform and a clamping mechanism. The automated tightening device for narrow spaces within the internal cavity of the aero-engine and the workpiece to be assembled are mounted on the auxiliary platform, and the clamping mechanism is mounted on the auxiliary platform to fix and clamp the workpiece from above.

[0018] An automated tightening method for the narrow internal space of an aircraft engine, specifically employing the aforementioned automated tightening system for the narrow internal space of an aircraft engine, includes the following steps:

[0019] The device is reset, and nuts are installed in the storage compartment;

[0020] Install the automated tightening device and the workpiece to be assembled, and tighten and fix the workpiece to be assembled.

[0021] The visual control system identifies the target bolt hole position and drives the mechanism to align with the target bolt hole position.

[0022] The feeding system delivers the nut to the actuator and completes the fitting;

[0023] The drive actuator extends to the working position, and the tightening gun starts to complete the capping and tightening of the nut;

[0024] Rotate the indexing switch to the next target hole position, and repeat the above feeding system and tightening gun actions until all hole nuts are tightened.

[0025] By employing the above technical solution, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0026] This invention simulates the real assembly environment of an aero-engine and combines it with a visual recognition method to automatically identify the position of the nut to be tightened, and completes integrated operations such as loading, nut identification, tightening, and unloading, which greatly improves the efficiency and accuracy of the tightening process. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automated tightening device for the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a front view of the automated tightening device for the narrow space inside an aero-engine cavity according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 Left view of the automated tightening device for the narrow internal space of an aero-engine according to the present invention. Figure 1 (Gearbox retracted state);

[0030] Figure 4 Left view of the automated tightening device for the narrow internal space of an aero-engine according to the present invention. Figure 2 (Gearbox extended);

[0031] Figure 5 This is a right view of the automated tightening device for the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a top view of the automated tightening device for the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the automated tightening device for the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the automated tightening system for the narrow space inside an aero-engine according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary action platform of the automated tightening system for the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the workpiece electric clamping mechanism of the automated tightening system for the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly working state of the automated tightening system for the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a right view illustrating the connection of the feeding gears in the feeding system of this invention;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a rear view showing the connection of the feeding gears in the feeding system of this invention;

[0040] in:

[0041] 1. Protective barrel; 2. Vision control system; 3. Hole detector support; 4. Hole detector; 5. Automatic tightening system; 6. Feeding system; 7. Mechanism action system; 8. Tightening gun; 9. Cylinder; 10. Lifting connecting plate; 11. Tightening drive shaft; 12. Tightening power input shaft bearing seat; 13. Gearbox; 14. Rack; 15. Gearbox input end; 16. Tightening sleeve; 17. Capped drive shaft; 18. Electric cylinder; 19. Nut push rod; 20. Nut storage cylinder; 21. Feeding gear; 22. 23. Feeding rack; 24. Discharge hole; 25. Lifting motor; 26. Lead screw; 27. Synchronous pulley; 28. Front and rear power input shafts; 29. ​​Bottom cylindrical gear; 30. Indexing drive gear; 31. Indexing gear ring; 32. Blind-mounted workpiece translation table; 33. Lifting table; 34. Screw jack; 35. Guide column; 36. Pressure plate; 37. Support base; 38. Lifting platform; 39. Support base; 40. Lifting support; 41. Mounting base; 42. Protective cover; 43. Workpiece to be assembled. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To better explain and facilitate understanding of the present invention, the technical solution and effects of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0043] like Figures 1-7As shown, an automated tightening device for the narrow space inside an aero-engine cavity includes a mechanism action system 7, a vision control system 2, a feeding system 6, and an automatic tightening system 5, all of which are connected to an industrial control electromechanical system to work together to complete integrated operations such as feeding, cap recognition, tightening, and unloading.

[0044] The mechanism's motion system 7 is used for lifting, telescopic, and indexing actions, specifically including a lifting system, a gearbox telescopic motion system, and a circular rotation indexing transmission system. Specifically, the lifting system includes a support base 36, a lifting motor assembly, and a lifting platform 37. The lifting motor assembly includes four lifting motors 24 mounted on the support base 36, evenly distributed around the circumference of the support base 36. The lifting platform 37 is connected to the output end of the lifting motors 24 for lifting. A lifting connecting plate 10 is installed on the lifting platform 37 for connecting the automatic tightening system 5 and the feeding system 6. A protective bucket 1 is also installed on the lifting connecting plate 10, forming a semi-enclosed structure around the automatic tightening system 5 and the feeding system 6. A gearbox 13 is installed at the end of the protective bucket 1.

[0045] Specifically, the lifting motor 24 is connected to the lifting platform 37 via a lead screw 25. The four lifting motors 24 are driven synchronously, and through the connection of the lead screw 25, they drive the gearbox 13 to complete the descent feeding and rise disengagement actions.

[0046] Furthermore, the circumferential rotary indexing transmission system is used to complete the pointing action of each bolt hole position arranged circumferentially. Specifically, it includes a gear set driven by a motor, with the motor mounted on the support base 36; the lifting connecting plate 10 is rotatably connected to the lifting platform 37; and the protective barrel 1 is mounted on the driven end of the gear set. The gear set includes an indexing drive gear 29 connected to the output end of the motor, and an indexing gear ring 30 is mounted outside the protective barrel 1 and meshes with the indexing drive gear 29. The motor drives the indexing drive gear 29 to rotate, and through the meshing of the indexing drive gear 29 and the indexing gear ring 30, the lifting connecting plate 10 and the protective barrel 1 on it are driven to rotate, thereby driving the gearbox 13 to align with the different bolt hole positions arranged circumferentially.

[0047] The vision control system 2, used for observation and image recognition, specifically includes a borescope 4.

[0048] Specifically, the borescope 4 is mounted on the front end of the protective casing 1 via the borescope support 3, enabling direct observation of the position and status of bolt holes inside the engine, and automating the identification of capping and tightening status. In this embodiment, two borescopes 4 are arranged side-by-side on both sides of the lower part of the gearbox 13, forming a binocular vision system. This serves as a visual measurement and identification sensor and also allows operators to monitor the internal working conditions. The borescope 4's field of view covers the actual tightening positions of the tightening sleeve 16 at the front of the gearbox 13, ensuring full visibility.

[0049] The automatic tightening system 5, used for tightening and loosening nuts, specifically includes a tightening gun 8 that outputs tightening power, a tightening drive shaft 11 that transmits tightening power, and a gearbox 13 that outputs tightening power. Specifically, the tightening gun 8 is mounted on a lifting connecting plate 10, corresponding to the gearbox input end 15. Further, the lifting connecting plate 10 is mounted on the output end of a cylinder 9, which lifts and lowers the plate. The output end of the tightening gun 8 is connected to the tightening drive shaft 11. Driven by the cylinder 9, the tightening gun 8 moves down with the lifting connecting plate 10 and connects to the gearbox input end 15. After the tightening drive shaft 11 connects to the gearbox input end 15, the tightening gun 8 transmits its output torque to the gearbox input end 15 via the tightening drive shaft 11. A tightening sleeve 16 is mounted on the output end of the gearbox 13. The output torque is transmitted through the output end of the gearbox 13 to the tightening sleeve 16, and finally output to the nut on the tightening sleeve 16 to achieve the tightening operation. Driven by the cylinder 9, the tightening gun 8 moves upward with the lifting connecting plate 10, and the tightening gun 8 separates from the gearbox 13.

[0050] A bearing is provided between the tightening drive shaft 11 and the protective barrel 1 to achieve stable rotation of the tightening drive shaft 11. The bearing is fixedly installed by the tightening power input shaft bearing seat 12 installed on the protective barrel 1.

[0051] Furthermore, the gearbox 13 is connected to the protective barrel 1, which is positioned along its height, via a guide rail. A rack 14 is mounted on the gearbox 13, and the rack 14 meshes with a bottom cylindrical gear 28 installed inside the protective barrel 1. The bottom cylindrical gear 28 is driven by a synchronous belt drive system. The synchronous belt drive system drives the bottom cylindrical gear 28 to rotate, and through the meshing of the bottom cylindrical gear 28 with the rack 14 on the gearbox 13, the gearbox 13 moves laterally, thus switching between its extended and retracted states. The retracted and extended states of the gearbox 13 are as follows: Figures 3-4 As shown. When the tightening gun 8 is driven by the cylinder 9 and moves upward with the lifting connecting plate 10, the tightening gun 8 separates from the gearbox 13. The gearbox 13 moves along the guide rail to the retracted state, and the gear input end can correspond to the feeding system 6 to realize the feeding operation.

[0052] The synchronous belt drive system includes a drive pulley driven by a motor and a synchronous pulley 26 connected to it. The motor is mounted on the lifting connecting plate 10. Front and rear power input shafts 27 are mounted on the synchronous pulley 26. A bottom cylindrical gear 28 is mounted at the end of the front and rear power input shafts 27, which meshes with the rack 14. When the motor starts, it drives the drive pulley to rotate, which in turn drives the front and rear power input shafts 27 and the bottom cylindrical gear 28 on the synchronous pulley 26 to rotate. Through the meshing of the bottom cylindrical gear 28 with the rack 14, the gearbox 13 moves laterally along the guide rail, approaching or moving away from the circumferentially arranged bolt holes. The gearbox 13 is in an extended state, close to the bolt holes, and in a retracted state, away from the bolt holes.

[0053] The tightening gun 8 has a built-in torque sensor and an angle sensor, which are connected to the industrial control computer.

[0054] The feeding system 6, used for storing nuts and feeding them into the automatic tightening system 5, specifically includes a nut push rod 19 for receiving and feeding nuts and a nut storage cylinder 20 for storing nuts. The nut storage cylinder 20 is mounted on the lifting connecting plate 10, positioned along the height of the device, and located inside the protective barrel 1. Sixty nuts are placed into the nut storage cylinder 20 from the top, falling to the bottom by gravity and stopped by a baffle on the discharge hole 23. In the non-working state, the end outlet of the nut storage cylinder 20 corresponds to the baffle on the discharge hole 23. A feeding gear 21 is provided at the lower end of the nut storage cylinder 20, with a feeding rack 22 meshing on it. The feeding rack 22 is connected to the discharge hole 23, specifically to the baffle, and its movement direction is perpendicular to the axis of the nut storage cylinder 20. Figures 12-13 As shown, in the working state, the feeding gear 21 rotates, and through the meshing of the feeding gear 21 and the feeding rack 22, it drives the baffle to move, driving the discharge hole 23 to perform reciprocating linear motion. When the baffle moves away from the nut storage cylinder 20, the nut storage cylinder 20 is in the open state, and the nut falls into the discharge hole 23. When the baffle returns to the bottom of the nut storage cylinder 20, it blocks the nut from falling again, and the nut storage cylinder 20 is in the closed state. Through the intermittent action of opening and closing, the falling of a single nut from the discharge hole 23 is precisely controlled. The nut push rod 19 corresponds to the discharge hole 23, and the nut falls into the nut push rod 19 through the discharge hole 23.

[0055] Furthermore, the nut push rod 19 is driven by a motor and an electric cylinder 18. The motor is fixed on the lifting connecting plate 10, and the electric cylinder 18 is installed at the output end of the motor. When the gearbox 13 is in the retracted state, the nut push rod 19 corresponds to the tightening sleeve 16 at the output end of the gearbox 13, and the nuts removed from the nut storage cylinder 20 are installed into the tightening sleeve 16. Specifically, the motor drives the electric cylinder 18 and the nut push rod 19 to rotate. At the same time, the electric cylinder 18 drives the nut push rod 19 to rise, aligning the end of the nut push rod 19 with the discharge hole 23 when the nut storage cylinder 20 is closed. At this time, the feeding gear 21 rotates, driving the rack 14 to move laterally, causing the discharge hole 23 to perform linear reciprocating motion, sequentially conveying single nuts into the discharge hole 23. The nuts then fall along the discharge hole 23 to the head end of the nut push rod 19. After the nut is installed on the nut push rod 19, the nut push rod 19 is rotated by the motor and driven to descend by the electric cylinder 18, so that the nut on the nut push rod 19 is moved to the corresponding position below the tightening sleeve 16.

[0056] Furthermore, the feeding system 6 also includes a capped drive shaft 17 driven by a motor on the lifting connecting plate 10, arranged parallel to the tightening drive shaft 11. When the gearbox 13 is in the retracted state, the capped drive shaft 17 corresponds to the gearbox input end 15. The lifting connecting plate 10 drives the capped drive shaft 17 to move downward, connecting it to the gearbox input end 15. At this time, the motor rotates, driving the capped drive shaft 17 to rotate. The motor transmits the output torque to the gearbox input end 15 through the capped drive shaft 17, and the output torque is transmitted to the tightening sleeve 16 through the output end of the gearbox 13. Simultaneously, the electric cylinder 18 drives the nut push rod 19 to rise, pushing the nut on the nut push rod 19 into the tightening sleeve 16. The nut is clamped by the elastic clips inside the tightening sleeve 16, and the nut push rod 19 moves downward and retracts, completing the nut feeding operation.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the nut push rod 19 has a tapered boss at its head end, which is used to fit into the inner hole of the nut and assist in positioning the nut.

[0058] The automated tightening device also includes a mounting base 40 for mounting the automated tightening device on other platforms; a protective cover 41 is installed on the mounting base 40, which serves as the outer shell of the entire device, covering the internal structure of the device and providing protection.

[0059] All motors in the automated tightening device are equipped with absolute encoders and connected to the industrial control computer.

[0060] Meanwhile, all linear and rotary motion drive components in the automated tightening device are equipped with limit photoelectric switches, which are linked to the limit photoelectric switches and control the movement to be limited.

[0061] The method for automated tightening using the aforementioned automated tightening device in the narrow space of an aero-engine cavity specifically includes the following steps:

[0062] S1: All electrical components are reset to zero, and mechanical components are in their initial positions. Specifically: Gearbox 13 is in the retracted state, tightening drive shaft 11 is in the raised state, capped drive shaft 17 is in the lowered state and connected to the input end of gearbox 13, nut push rod 19 is located below discharge hole 23, lead screw 25 is raised to the highest position, blind-mounted workpiece translation table 31 is located at the farthest end away from lifting table 32, lifting table 32 is at the highest position, and clamping plate 35 is at the highest position; nuts to be tightened are sequentially filled into nut storage cylinder 20.

[0063] S2: Use an automated tightening device to lift the narrow space inside the aircraft engine and install it onto the aircraft engine transition flange.

[0064] S3: First, the vision control system 2 automatically identifies the location of the first target bolt hole, and then uses an automated tightening device to steer the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity toward the location of the target bolt hole. The identification of the target bolt hole location employs existing image recognition technology, performing hole position identification and positioning tailored to the application scenario. In this embodiment, the bolt hole positioning is performed using a hand-eye calibration method with a rotating mechanism and binocular endoscope in a confined space, as disclosed in application number 202411597797.8.

[0065] S4: The nut push rod 19 rotates to the position directly below the discharge hole 23 of the nut storage cylinder 20. The feeding rack 22 drives the discharge port to reciprocate in a straight line. When the baffle leaves the nut storage cylinder 20, the nut falls into the discharge hole 23. The nut falls down along the discharge hole 23 to the head end of the nut push rod 19. The nut push rod 19 carries the nut to the corresponding position below the tightening sleeve 16.

[0066] S5: Cylinder 9 drives lifting connecting plate 10 to move capping drive shaft 17 down, capping drive shaft 17 is connected to gearbox input end 15; motor drives capping drive shaft 17 to rotate, output torque is transmitted to tightening sleeve 16 through gearbox 13 output end; at the same time, electric cylinder 18 drives nut push rod 19 to rise, pushes nut on nut push rod 19 into tightening sleeve 16, nut is clamped by elastic clip in tightening sleeve 16, nut push rod 19 moves down and withdraws, completing nut loading operation.

[0067] This completes the automated material loading operation.

[0068] S6: After the nut loading is completed, the control cylinder 9 pushes the lifting connecting plate 10 to rise, the end of the nut-wearing transmission shaft 17 of the loading system 6 is separated from the gearbox input end 15, and the motor gear drives the rack 14 on the gearbox 13, so that the gearbox 13 moves radially from the retracted state to the extended state.

[0069] S7: Control cylinder 9 pushes the lifting connecting plate 10 down, so that the end of the tightening system tightening drive shaft 11 engages with the extended gearbox input end 15. In this state, the gearbox output end tightening sleeve 16 is located directly above the target hole bolt.

[0070] S8: Start the lifting motor 24. The four lifting motors 24 synchronously drive the four lead screws 25 to lower the gearbox 13. The tightening gun 8 works, causing the tightening sleeve 16 at the output end of the gearbox 13 to rotate and start putting on the bolt cap.

[0071] S9: After the nut is rotated and capped onto the bolt, the tightening gun 8 continues to be driven to begin tightening; the gearbox 13 descends synchronously until the tightening gun 8 reaches the set tightening torque value, completing the nut tightening work.

[0072] S10: The gearbox 13 rises, causing the tightening sleeve 16 to separate from the fastened nut.

[0073] This completes the capping and tightening process.

[0074] S11: Start the rotary indexing transmission system to make gearbox 13 point to the next target tightening hole; repeat steps S4~S10 to complete the automatic tightening of all hole nuts in sequence.

[0075] like Figures 8-11 As shown, the present invention also provides an automated tightening system for narrow spaces within the internal cavity of an aero-engine, including the aforementioned automated tightening device for narrow spaces within the internal cavity of an aero-engine; furthermore, it includes an auxiliary action platform and a workpiece electric clamping mechanism, wherein the auxiliary action platform is used for the installation and height adjustment of the automated tightening device for narrow spaces within the internal cavity of the aero-engine and for the installation of the workpiece 42 to be assembled, and the workpiece electric clamping mechanism is used for longitudinal clamping of the workpiece 42 to be assembled.

[0076] The auxiliary action platform includes a support base 38, on which a lifting platform 32 that moves up and down and a blind assembly workpiece translation worktable 31 that moves toward or away from the lifting platform 32 are provided. The lifting platform 32 is used for the installation and height adjustment of an automated tightening device in the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity, and the blind assembly workpiece translation worktable 31 is used for the installation of the workpiece 42 to be assembled.

[0077] Specifically, a lifting support 39 is provided on the support base 38, and the lifting platform 32 is slidably connected to the support base 38 via a longitudinal slide rail. The lifting platform 32 is raised and lowered through a screw drive system fixed on the support base 38, thereby enabling the automated tightening device for the narrow internal space of the aero-engine to move up and down along the longitudinal slide rail.

[0078] Furthermore, the lead screw transmission system is fixed on the support base 38, and the lifting platform 32 is threadedly connected to the lead screw and slidably connected to the longitudinal slide rail. The motor drives the lead screw to rotate, which, through the threaded connection, causes the lifting platform 32 to move up and down along the longitudinal slide rail.

[0079] The blind-assembly workpiece translation worktable 31 is slidably connected to the support base 38 via a transverse slide rail. The blind-assembly workpiece translation worktable 31 moves horizontally via a screw transmission system fixed to the support base 38, thereby enabling an automated tightening device to move closer to or further away from the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity on the lifting support 39.

[0080] Specifically, the lead screw drive system is fixed on the support base 38, and the blind-mounted workpiece translation table 31 is threadedly connected to the lead screw and slidably connected to the transverse slide rail. The motor drives the lead screw to rotate, and through the threaded connection, it drives the blind-mounted workpiece translation table 31 to move horizontally left and right along the transverse slide rail to approach or move away from the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity for the automated tightening device.

[0081] The workpiece electric clamping mechanism is mounted on the support base 38 and located below the automatic tightening device in the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity. During assembly, it clamps the workpiece 42 from above.

[0082] Specifically, the workpiece electric clamping mechanism includes a clamping base mounted on the support base 38. A clamping plate 35 is connected to the clamping base via a guide post 34, and the clamping plate 35 can move up and down along the guide post 34. Furthermore, a screw lifter 33 is provided between the clamping plate 35 and the clamping base to drive the clamping plate 35 to move up and down. When the workpiece 42 to be assembled is installed on the blind-assembly workpiece translation table 31 and moved to below the automated tightening device in the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity, the screw lifter 33 drives the clamping plate 35 to move downwards, longitudinally clamping the workpiece 42 from above.

[0083] The method for automated tightening using an automated tightening system in the narrow space of an aero-engine cavity, as described above, specifically includes the following steps:

[0084] A1: The narrow space inside the aircraft engine cavity is installed on the lifting platform 32 of the auxiliary action platform using an automated tightening device;

[0085] A2: Install the workpiece 42 to be assembled on the blind assembly workpiece translation worktable 31 of the auxiliary action platform, and move the blind assembly workpiece translation worktable 31 to below the lifting platform 32.

[0086] A3: Start the electric workpiece clamping mechanism to clamp the workpiece 42 to be assembled from above;

[0087] A4: Start the lifting platform 32 of the auxiliary action platform, move the automatic tightening device to the narrow space inside the aircraft engine cavity, and extend the vision control system 2 into the narrow space inside the workpiece 42 to be assembled.

[0088] A5: Following the above method of using an automated tightening device to automatically tighten the nuts in the narrow space of the aircraft engine cavity, execute steps S1 to S11 to complete the automated tightening of all the nuts in the holes of the workpiece 42 to be assembled.

Claims

1. An automated tightening device for the narrow space inside an aircraft engine cavity, characterized in that, include: The mechanism motion system is used to realize lifting, telescopic and indexing positioning actions, and to coordinate the completion of loading, cap recognition and tightening operations; A vision control system is installed at the end of the mechanism's motion system for target hole observation and image recognition; The feeding system, installed on the mechanism's action system, is used for the storage and supply of nuts; An automatic tightening system is installed on the mechanism's actuation system and is used for tightening and loosening nuts.

2. The automated tightening device for the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanism's action system includes a lifting system, which comprises a support base, multiple lifting drive components arranged circumferentially along the support base, and a lifting platform. The lifting drive components are connected to the lifting platform via a transmission assembly to drive the lifting platform to move up and down. The lifting platform is provided with a connecting part for installing a feeding system, an automatic tightening system, and protective components.

3. The automated tightening device for the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mechanism's action system also includes an indexing transmission system, comprising a drive component and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is connected to the protective component. The drive component drives the transmission mechanism to rotate, thereby rotating the protective component and the installed feeding system and automatic tightening system to achieve alignment of different bolt hole positions.

4. The automated tightening device for the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity according to claim 2, characterized in that: The vision control system includes a vision inspection component installed at the front end of the protective component; the vision inspection component's field of view covers the working station of the automatic tightening system, and is used to observe the working status and identify the target hole position in real time.

5. The automated tightening device for the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity according to claim 2, characterized in that: The automatic tightening system includes a tightening gun, a transmission mechanism, and an actuator. Depending on the feeding or tightening requirements, the tightening gun is selectively connected to the actuator via the transmission mechanism. The actuator is connected to the protective component via a telescopic drive mechanism to switch between extended and retracted states. The tightening gun has a built-in detection component and is electrically connected to the control unit.

6. The automated tightening device for the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity according to claim 5, characterized in that: The feeding system includes a storage section, a feeding section, and a capping drive section. The storage section is installed inside the protective component and is used to store nuts. The feeding section rotates and switches with the storage section and the execution section to transport the nuts from the storage section to the corresponding position of the execution section. The capping drive section is arranged in parallel with the automatic tightening section and is selectively connected to the execution section to drive the execution section to complete the nut fitting.

7. The automated tightening device for the narrow space inside an aircraft engine cavity according to claim 6, characterized in that: The end of the feeding section is provided with a positioning structure for positioning the nut and assisting in fitting it.

8. The automated tightening device for the narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that: All drive components are equipped with position detection components and are electrically connected to the control unit.

9. An automated tightening system for narrow spaces within the internal cavity of an aircraft engine, comprising the automated tightening device for narrow spaces within the internal cavity of an aircraft engine as described in claims 1-8, characterized in that: It also includes an auxiliary platform and a clamping mechanism. The narrow space inside the aero-engine cavity is used to install an automated tightening device and the workpiece to be assembled on the auxiliary platform. The clamping mechanism is set up on the auxiliary platform to fix and clamp the workpiece from above.

10. An automated tightening method for narrow spaces within the internal cavity of an aircraft engine, employing the automated tightening system for narrow spaces within the internal cavity of an aircraft engine according to claim 9, characterized in that, Specifically, the following steps are included: The device is reset, and nuts are installed in the storage compartment; Install the automated tightening device and the workpiece to be assembled, and tighten and fix the workpiece to be assembled. The visual control system identifies the target bolt hole position and drives the mechanism to align with the target bolt hole position. The feeding system delivers the nut to the actuator and completes the fitting; The drive actuator extends to the working position, and the tightening gun starts to complete the capping and tightening of the nut; Rotate the indexing switch to the next target hole position, and repeat the above feeding system and tightening gun actions until all hole nuts are tightened.

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