A hidden automatic pulsating assembly line and assembly method for aero-engine whole machine assembly

Abstract

The application discloses a hidden automatic pulsating assembly line and an assembly method for assembling an aero-engine. The assembly line comprises a ground, an underground space concrete layer, a movable electric lifting turnover machine installed on the ground, an electric lifting lifting platform installed in the underground space concrete layer and a lifting platform expansion space. The movable electric lifting turnover machine comprises a movable electric lifting turnover machine stand, a Y-axis telescopic structure, a rotating assembly and a clamping jaw assembly. The electric lifting lifting platform comprises a lifting platform, a protective cover plate, a movable cover plate, a lifting servo, a frame mechanism, an oil receiving disc, a part anti-falling device and a cover plate trolley. When the assembly line is used for assembly, the electric lifting lifting platform is hidden in the underground space, and the movable electric lifting turnover machine is used to realize automatic pulsating assembly of the aero-engine, so that the assembly efficiency of the aero-engine and product consistency are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aero-engine assembly technology, specifically a concealed automated pulse assembly line and assembly method for assembling aero-engines. Background Technology

[0002] Current aero-engine assembly technology mainly adopts a fixed-station assembly mode, the main characteristics of which are: (1) After the aero-engine completes all the assembly work at the fixed work station, it is transferred to the next work station. The work station and the process are sequential, and the assembly cycle is long. At the same time, the bench is higher than the ground, and the personnel have to go up and down the assembly bench, which affects the assembly efficiency. (2) The convenience of human-machine interaction was not fully considered. Workers frequently had to climb and bend over during operation. It was inconvenient to transport parts and take up production auxiliary devices. The operation risk was high. The consistency of assembled products was greatly affected by human factors, resulting in poor product consistency.

[0003] Currently, the company is at a critical stage of transitioning engine research and development to mass production, and urgently needs to increase assembly capacity. Traditional fixed-station assembly methods have low levels of automation and intelligence, rely heavily on manual labor, and involve frequent climbing, bending, and parts transportation, resulting in high labor intensity and operational risks. Furthermore, the high degree of manual intervention in traditional fixed-station assembly significantly impacts assembly consistency, failing to meet the company's requirements for rapid assembly and improved consistency. In comparison, existing automotive assembly lines primarily use continuous moving assembly lines, which, while highly efficient, suffer from high cumulative errors during operation while moving, making it difficult to meet the precision requirements of aero-engine assembly.

[0004] For the reasons mentioned above, there is an urgent need to adjust the current assembly method for aero engines and design an assembly line that meets the requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a hidden automated pulse assembly line and assembly method for the assembly of aero engines, which significantly improves the assembly efficiency and product consistency of aero engines through the hidden automated pulse assembly method.

[0006] A concealed automated pulsed assembly line for the assembly of aircraft engines includes: The ground is covered with a track for the movable electric lifting and tilting machine, and the upper end of the track is flush with the ground. The underground space concrete layer is located below the ground. The underground space concrete layer includes multiple spaced lifting platform extension spaces, electric lifting platform installation positions, and underground parts of the movable electric lifting tilting machine track. A mobile electric lifting and tilting machine is slidably installed on a mobile electric lifting and tilting machine track on the ground. There are at least two mobile electric lifting and tilting machines. The first mobile electric lifting and tilting machine is used as the on-line tilting machine responsible for positioning the engine on the assembly line, and the last mobile electric lifting and tilting machine is used as the off-line tilting machine responsible for transferring the engine off the assembly line. An electric lifting platform is installed in an electric lifting platform mounting position; The movable electric lifting and tilting machine includes a movable electric lifting and tilting machine column, a Y-axis telescopic structure, a rotary assembly, and a gripper assembly. The movable electric lifting and tilting machine column is a steel structure, and its lower end slides into a track for moving the movable electric lifting and tilting machine. The Y-axis telescopic structure is installed on the movable electric lifting and tilting machine column and extends and retracts along a direction parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the height of the movable electric lifting and tilting machine column. The rotary assembly is installed on the Y-axis telescopic structure to form a rotary structure, and the extension and retraction direction of the Y-axis telescopic structure is the rotary center axis. One end of the gripper assembly is fixed to the rotary center of the rotary assembly. The gripper assembly is a C-shaped ring gripper, which includes two positioning grippers and two auxiliary grippers. The positioning grippers are equipped with precision positioning pins. The electric lifting platform includes a lifting platform, a protective cover, a movable cover, a lifting servo, a frame mechanism, an oil receiving tray, a parts anti-fall device, and a cover trolley. The lifting platform serves as the engine placement platform. The protective cover and the movable cover are flush with the ground, forming a standing area for assembly personnel. The frame mechanism is located below the protective cover and the movable cover. The lifting servo and the oil receiving tray are located within the frame mechanism. The lifting platform is driven by the lifting servo to move from below the protective cover and the movable cover to above. The parts anti-fall device is located within the lifting platform.

[0007] As one option, a steel structure is installed within the extended space of the lifting platform.

[0008] As one embodiment, the Y-axis telescopic structure includes meshing gears and racks and a servo motor that drives the gears to rotate, wherein the direction of movement of the rack is consistent with the direction of extension and retraction of the Y-axis telescopic structure.

[0009] As one option, an electrical control cabinet is installed on the column of the mobile electric lifting and tilting machine.

[0010] As one solution, the concealed automated pulse assembly line for the assembly of aero-engines also includes a cover plate trolley, which is placed on the ground for the transfer of protective and movable cover plates.

[0011] As one option, the electric lifting platform is installed in the electric lifting platform mounting position via a frame mechanism.

[0012] As one option, the part-prevention device is made of high-density nylon mesh.

[0013] A concealed automated pulse assembly method for assembling aero-engines, employing the aforementioned concealed automated pulse assembly line, and comprising: Before assembly begins, the number and location of the movable electric lifting tilting machine and the electric lifting platform are determined according to the technical requirements of the engine to be assembled. Then, the movable electric lifting tilting machine is moved to the designated location, and the lifting platform of the electric lifting platform is raised to the designated height above the ground. During the assembly process, the mobile electric lifting and tilting machine, through the coordinated work of the Y-axis telescopic structure, rotating component and gripper component, accurately grabs the engine to be assembled, and performs flipping and translation operations according to the predetermined angle and direction, and adjusts the engine to the posture required for the next assembly process. Keeping the engine posture unchanged, the mobile electric lifting and tilting machine is moved along the track on the ground to place the engine on the lifting platform. The corresponding assembly operation is completed on the lifting platform. After all the assembly operations on the lifting platform are completed, the mobile electric lifting and tilting machine is used to transfer the engine to the next lifting platform for the corresponding assembly operation.

[0014] As one option, during the assembly process, the lifting platform that has completed the assembly operation is lowered below the ground and covered by a movable cover plate.

[0015] As one option, during the assembly process, oil is pumped from the oil receiving pan on the ground using an oil pump.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, this invention designs a hidden pulsed assembly line that achieves a deep integration of high-precision assembly and flexible production of aero engines through modular design, intelligent integration and space optimization technology.

[0017] The concealed automated pulse assembly method employed in this invention features intermittent movement at fixed intervals, with the product remaining stationary during assembly. This retains the high precision of fixed-position systems while incorporating the high efficiency of assembly lines. The tilting machine and lifting platform can flexibly adjust the engine's attitude and height, reducing direct manual intervention and minimizing the risk of human error. This significantly improves the assembly efficiency of aero-engines while enhancing product quality and consistency. The C-shaped gripper used in the movable electric lifting tilting machine perfectly encloses the lifting platform, preventing interference during tilting and clamping. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall architecture of the hidden automated pulsed assembly line for the assembly of aero-engines in this invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a portable electric lifting and tilting machine; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an electric lifting platform; In the diagram, 1-Mobile electric lifting and tilting machine, 2-Electric lifting support platform, 3-Lifting platform expansion space, 4-Underground space concrete layer, 5-Ground, 6-Mobile electric lifting and tilting machine column, 7-Y-axis telescopic structure, 8-Rotation component, 9-Gripper component, 10-Electrical control cabinet, 11-Lifting platform, 12-Protective cover plate, 13-Mobile cover plate, 14-Lifting servo, 15-Frame mechanism, 16-Oil receiving tray, 17-Parts anti-fall device, 18-Cover plate trolley. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments, but it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter of the present invention to the following embodiments. All modifications, substitutions and alterations made based on ordinary technical knowledge and common practices in the art without departing from the above-described technical concept of the present invention are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0020] In this invention, the concealed automated pulse assembly line for the assembly of aero-engines adopts a concealed, automated pulse assembly mode, and its core modules include the following: (1) Underground transport and lifting system with concealed mechanical structure and space optimization scheme: Embedded track design: An underground guide rail system (i.e., the track for the mobile electric lifting and tilting machine) is constructed. The engine handling grippers (i.e., the gripper assembly 9 of the mobile electric lifting and tilting machine 1) are precisely deployed on the concealed guide rail. The track is rationally arranged in the underground concrete layer 4 below ground level 5 (compared to the conventional solution where the track is higher than ground level 5, in this invention, a foundation pit is excavated in advance, and a portion of the track for the mobile electric lifting and tilting machine is installed in the underground concrete layer 4 below ground level 5. After assembly, the upper end of the track for the mobile electric lifting and tilting machine is flush with ground level 5), reducing ground space occupancy by over 50% and avoiding assembly collision risks. The mobile electric lifting and tilting machine 1 cooperates with the track on the ground level 5 below. The mobile electric lifting and tilting machine 1 is driven by a power mechanism composed of a gear rack, servo motor, and reducer, and supported and positioned by the guide rail slider, realizing the translation of the mobile electric lifting and tilting machine 1.

[0021] Synchronous lifting platform: The assembly station is equipped with a high-precision servo lifting device (i.e., an electric lifting platform 2 including a lifting servo 14), with a stroke of ±1m. It utilizes servo control technology and position sensors to achieve precise docking between engine workpieces and tooling.

[0022] (2) Human-machine collaboration and safety protection system: Intelligent height adaptation: The electric lifting platform 2 is equipped with an intelligent control system, which automatically raises and lowers to a height suitable for workers' operation, reducing labor intensity and improving operating accuracy.

[0023] Dynamic isolation of the area: The assembly area is equipped with dynamic isolation devices to quickly isolate the assembly area from the surrounding environment during operation, preventing unauthorized personnel, tooling and workpieces from entering and preventing accidental collisions.

[0024] Laser obstacle avoidance protection: Laser obstacle avoidance sensors are installed all around the assembly area to create a safety net. If personnel or foreign objects are detected approaching the work area, an alarm is immediately triggered and equipment operation is suspended, ensuring separation of personnel and machinery and safe operation.

[0025] (3) Modular, intelligent integrated and digital management system: The modular design and assembly system includes underground conveying, lifting, and tilting modules, facilitating maintenance and upgrades. As the hardware foundation, this assembly line integrates ergonomics and data traceability technologies to achieve intelligent collaboration between equipment. A digital management platform monitors and analyzes the assembly process in real time, transforming complex assembly procedures into precisely predictable and controllable digital processes, thus laying a solid technological foundation for next-generation aero-engine manufacturing.

[0026] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this invention presents a concealed automated pulsed assembly line for the assembly of aero-engines, wherein: The mobile electric lifting and tilting machine 1 includes an upper-line tilting machine and an lower-line tilting machine, distributed at both ends of the assembly line. It is responsible for the upper-line positioning and lower-line transfer of engines, and has three-dimensional posture adjustment capabilities to ensure a smooth transition of engines during the assembly process. The number of mobile electric lifting and tilting machines 1 can be increased when needed.

[0027] The core components of the electric lifting platform 2 are concealed underground, saving space. It is electrically driven to lift to a height of approximately one meter above the ground, adapting to the operational needs of personnel in different assembly states and providing a comfortable assembly work surface. Figure 3 The electric lifting platform 2 includes a lifting platform 11, a protective cover plate 12, a movable cover plate 13, a lifting servo 14, a frame mechanism 15, an oil receiving tray 16, a parts anti-fall device 17, and a cover plate trolley 18.

[0028] The lifting platform expansion space 3 is currently filled with steel structure to enhance the structural stability of the lifting platform, support heavy components, and reserve space for future functional expansion, such as integrating auxiliary assembly tools and material storage devices.

[0029] The underground concrete layer 4 serves as the foundation for the concealed assembly system, providing stable support for the movable electric lifting and tilting machine's track and the electric lifting platform 2, isolating it from adverse ground factors, and ensuring high-precision operation of the equipment.

[0030] Ground 5 has been specially treated to be flat and smooth, which is conducive to the passage of personnel and materials. The personnel passage area is formed by the connection of patterned steel plates and concealed equipment, maintaining the simple and efficient appearance of the workshop.

[0031] The movable electric lifting tilting machine column 6 provides structural support for the tilting machine to carry the engine and perform the tilting action.

[0032] The Y-axis telescopic structure 7 is based on a rack and pinion structure and is driven by a servo motor to achieve rapid and precise telescopic movement. The telescopic direction is perpendicular to the height of the movable electric lifting and tilting machine column 6, i.e., horizontal telescopic movement. During assembly, the lateral position of the grippers can be flexibly adjusted according to the requirements of the engine part to ensure all-round gripping of parts and adapt to complex assembly processes.

[0033] The slewing assembly 8 has a built-in high-precision slewing bearing with small slewing clearance, enabling precise horizontal rotation of the engine and meeting multi-angle assembly requirements such as adjusting the fan nozzle to face upwards or downwards, thus ensuring assembly accuracy.

[0034] The gripper assembly 9 includes a C-ring gripper, which contains two positioning grippers and two auxiliary grippers. Figure 2 In the C-shaped ring gripper, located at both ends within the concave area at the center are two auxiliary grippers, with a positioning gripper between them. The positioning gripper is equipped with a precision positioning pin, which quickly locks in place when gripping the C-shaped ring, ensuring accurate part assembly, preventing displacement and wobbling, and improving assembly quality. Furthermore, the concave area of ​​the C-shaped ring gripper can accommodate the lifting platform 11 without interference during rotation, facilitating the operation of the positioning and auxiliary grippers.

[0035] The electrical control cabinet 10 serves as the "control center" of the device, integrating advanced control algorithms, electrical drive systems, and communication interfaces. It receives and processes signals from sensors and operating terminals, precisely controls the actions of motors and actuators, and achieves automated and intelligent assembly. It also has fault diagnosis and alarm functions to ensure stable equipment operation.

[0036] To achieve efficient use of workshop space and ensure the safety and convenience of the ground working environment, this invention innovatively designs the entire equipment as a sunken structure. In the early stages of planning and construction of the aero-engine assembly workshop, the equipment installation area was precisely delineated based on the equipment's external dimensions, operating trajectory, and the space required for the underground concealment.

[0037] During the assembly process of an aero-engine, before starting the assembly line, operators need to conduct a comprehensive pre-inspection of the assembly line, including checking the power supply of the lift servo 14, the communication connection of the control system, and the working status of various sensors, to ensure that the assembly line is in a normal standby state.

[0038] When the assembly process begins, the operator sends a command to the electric lifting platform 2 through the control console. Driven by the lifting servo 14, the platform rises quickly and smoothly to the predetermined initial assembly height. This height is automatically calculated by the control system based on pre-stored ergonomic parameters to ensure that the operating surface is at the optimal human-machine operation height, making it convenient for workers to assemble parts.

[0039] During assembly, as the assembly process progresses and the engine's posture needs adjustment, the movable electric lifting and tilting machine 1 is activated upon command. Through the coordinated operation of its internal Y-axis telescopic structure 7, rotating assembly 8, and gripper assembly 9, it precisely grasps the engine and tilts and translates it according to a predetermined angle and direction, adjusting the engine to the posture required for the next assembly step. At this time, the electric lifting platform 2 and the movable electric lifting and tilting machine 1 automatically connect via position sensors and communication protocols, ensuring smooth and safe engine transfer without the need for manual hoisting and handling, effectively reducing the risks of manual operation and improving assembly efficiency.

[0040] During assembly, if it is necessary to completely shield the lifting platform 11 or operate from the area on the lifting platform 11, the operator can easily operate the movable cover 13. By opening or closing the movable cover 13, the gap between the lifting platform 11 and the engine is covered, quickly obtaining a standing space for operation. The protective cover 12 always serves as the operating platform, providing reliable protection for the operation of the equipment at the bottom and preventing the intrusion of foreign objects; the parts anti-fall device 17 is made of high-density nylon mesh to prevent accidentally falling parts from falling into the bottom of the pit during assembly.

[0041] The oil collection tray 16 continuously collects the liquid medium generated during the assembly process. When the liquid volume reaches a certain height, the operator can start the oil pump from the pit's oil extraction port according to the prescribed operating procedures to pump the liquid medium at the bottom to a designated collection location on the ground. Personnel do not need to go down into the pit to operate. The cover trolley 18 is placed around the equipment to facilitate workers to quickly and efficiently complete the handling task when it is necessary to replace the protective cover 12 or the movable cover 13.

[0042] Contents not described in detail in this specification are prior art known to those skilled in the art. Although illustrative specific embodiments of the invention have been described above to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments. Various modifications are readily apparent to those skilled in the art as long as they fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined and determined by the appended claims, and all inventions utilizing the concept of this invention are protected.

Claims

1. A concealed automated pulsed assembly line for the assembly of aircraft engines, characterized in that, include: Ground (5), on which a movable electric lifting and tilting machine is laid a track, and the upper end of the movable electric lifting and tilting machine track is flush with the ground (5); The underground space concrete layer (4) is located below the ground (5). The underground space concrete layer (4) includes multiple spaced lifting platform extension spaces (3), electric lifting platform installation positions, and underground parts of the track for moving the movable electric lifting and turning machine. A mobile electric lifting and turning machine (1) is slidably installed on a mobile electric lifting and turning machine track on the ground (5). There are at least two mobile electric lifting and turning machines (1). The first mobile electric lifting and turning machine (1) is used as the on-line turning machine responsible for engine on-line positioning in the assembly line, and the last mobile electric lifting and turning machine (1) is used as the off-line turning machine responsible for engine off-line transfer in the assembly line. Electric lifting platform (2), wherein the electric lifting platform (2) is installed in the electric lifting platform mounting position; The movable electric lifting and tilting machine (1) includes a movable electric lifting and tilting machine column (6), a Y-axis telescopic structure (7), a rotary assembly (8), and a gripper assembly (9). The movable electric lifting and tilting machine column (6) is a steel structure, and its lower end is slidably connected to the movable electric lifting and tilting machine moving track. The Y-axis telescopic structure (7) is installed on the movable electric lifting and tilting machine column (6) and extends and retracts along a direction parallel to the ground (5) and perpendicular to the height of the movable electric lifting and tilting machine column (6). The rotary assembly (8) is installed on the Y-axis telescopic structure (7) to form a rotary structure, and the extension and retraction direction of the Y-axis telescopic structure (7) is the rotary center axis. One end of the gripper assembly (9) is fixed to the rotary center of the rotary assembly (8). The gripper assembly (9) is a C-shaped ring gripper. The C-shaped ring gripper includes two positioning grippers and two auxiliary grippers. The positioning grippers are equipped with precision positioning pins. The electric lifting platform (2) includes a lifting platform (11), a protective cover (12), a movable cover (13), a lifting servo (14), a frame mechanism (15), an oil receiving tray (16), a parts anti-fall device (17), and a cover trolley (18). The lifting platform (11) serves as a platform for placing the engine. The protective cover (12) and the movable cover (13) are flush with the ground (5) to form a standing area for assembly personnel. The frame mechanism (15) is located below the protective cover (12) and the movable cover (13). The lifting servo (14) and the oil receiving tray (16) are located inside the frame mechanism (15). The lifting platform (11) is driven by the lifting servo (14) to lift from below the protective cover (12) and the movable cover (13) to above. The parts anti-fall device (17) is located in the lifting platform (11).

2. The concealed automated pulse assembly line for assembling aero-engines according to claim 1, characterized in that: A steel structure is installed in the extended space (3) of the lifting platform.

3. The concealed automated pulse assembly line for assembling aero-engines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Y-axis telescopic structure (7) includes meshing gears and racks and a servo motor that drives the gears to rotate. The direction of movement of the rack is consistent with the direction of extension and retraction of the Y-axis telescopic structure (7).

4. A concealed automated pulse assembly line for assembling aero-engines according to claim 1, characterized in that: An electrical control cabinet (10) is installed on the column (6) of the movable electric lifting and tilting machine.

5. A concealed automated pulse assembly line for assembling aero-engines according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a cover trolley (18), which is placed on the ground (5) for the transfer of the protective cover (12) and the movable cover (13).

6. A concealed automated pulse assembly line for assembling aero-engines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electric lifting platform (2) is installed in the electric lifting platform mounting position through the frame mechanism (15).

7. A concealed automated pulse assembly line for assembling aero-engines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The part anti-fall device (17) is made of high-density nylon mesh.

8. A concealed automated pulse assembly method for the assembly of an aero-engine, characterized in that, The concealed automated pulse assembly line of claim 1 is adopted, and includes: Before assembly begins, the quantity and position of the movable electric lifting tilting machine (1) and the electric lifting platform (2) are determined according to the technical requirements of the engine to be assembled. Then the movable electric lifting tilting machine (1) is moved to the designated position, and the lifting platform (11) of the electric lifting platform (2) is raised to the designated height position (5) above the ground. During the assembly process, the movable electric lifting and tilting machine (1) works together with the Y-axis telescopic structure (7), the rotary component (8) and the gripper component (9) to accurately grab the engine to be assembled, and perform flipping and translation operations according to the predetermined angle and direction, and adjust the engine to the posture required for the next assembly process, keeping the engine posture unchanged. The movable electric lifting and tilting machine (1) is moved along the track on the ground (5) to place the engine on the lifting platform (11), and the corresponding assembly operation is completed on the lifting platform (11). After all the assembly operations on the lifting platform (11) are completed, the engine is transferred to the next lifting platform (11) by the movable electric lifting and tilting machine (1) to carry out the corresponding assembly operation.

9. A concealed automated pulse assembly method for assembling an aero-engine as described in claim 8, characterized in that: During the assembly process, the lifting platform (11) that has completed the assembly operation is lowered to below the ground (5) and covered by a movable cover plate (13).

10. A concealed automated pulse assembly method for assembling an aero-engine as described in claim 8, characterized in that: During the assembly process, oil is pumped from the oil receiving pan (16) on the ground (5).

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