Ultrasonic cleaning and clamping device for aerospace large-size annular forgings

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ultrasonic cleaning and clamping device for aerospace large-size annular forgings, which belongs to the technical field of processing of annular forgings and comprises a rigid support frame, the rigid support frame is of a crisscross frame structure and comprises crisscross beams and a rectangular underframe formed by connecting beam arms of the crisscross beams, the crisscross beams can be used as inclined reinforcing ribs of the rigid support frame; the fixing hook is welded to the rigid supporting frame and connected with a production line flying bar in a matched mode. The adjustable positioning assembly is installed on the cross beam and used for radial positioning and axial limiting of the annular forge piece. The flexible protection module is arranged at the position where the clamping device makes contact with the forge piece and used for protecting the surface of the forge piece and isolating dissimilar metal contact. The forge piece cleaning device has the functions of adjustable clamping and damage prevention protection, and improves clamping universality and cleaning efficiency while ensuring that the forge piece cleaning meets the process requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of ring forging processing technology, and particularly relates to an ultrasonic cleaning and clamping device for large-size aerospace ring forgings, used for clamping during ultrasonic cleaning before coating protection before chemical milling. Background Technology

[0002] The large-sized annular titanium alloy casing is a core component of aero-engines, typically measuring ф1200×1200mm. Its outer surface is covered with numerous bosses of varying heights, resulting in a complex structure. According to design requirements, this part needs to be chemically milled. Before chemical milling, the non-chemically milled surfaces must be coated with a protective adhesive. The adhesive film's bonding strength depends on the cleanliness before coating, requiring the surface to be free of oil and dirt, and the water film to be continuous. Experiments have verified that ultrasonic cleaning technology can achieve this standard.

[0003] Ultrasonic cleaning involves immersing parts in an alkaline solution bath, utilizing the cavitation effect of ultrasound to remove contaminants. Currently, ultrasonic cleaning of large-sized ring forgings for aerospace applications utilizes automated production lines where overhead cranes immerse the parts in pre-programmed baths. Existing methods for hanging ring parts often employ baskets or straps. However, when used with large-sized ring forgings such as titanium alloy casings, this approach presents several problems due to the large size, numerous bosses, and uneven heights of the parts. These problems are detailed below:

[0004] Firstly, ring forgings are prone to damage. The poor fixation between the part and the clamping device makes it easy for collisions and friction to occur during cleaning, resulting in surface scratches. Furthermore, the clamping device is made of a different material than titanium alloy, and contact with it can easily cause electrochemical corrosion, affecting the surface accuracy and service life of the part.

[0005] Secondly, the cleaning uniformity is poor. The existing clamping mechanism cannot be stably positioned, and the parts are prone to displacement, resulting in uneven distances between the ultrasonic transducer and various surfaces. In addition, the large contact area between the clamping mechanism and the parts makes it difficult to effectively clean the contact area, leading to inconsistent cleaning quality.

[0006] Third, the cleaning efficiency is low. Uneven cleaning and collision damage require multiple rework processes, significantly increasing the rework rate and reducing overall cleaning efficiency.

[0007] In summary, there is an urgent need to develop a hanging fixture adapted to the structural characteristics of large-size ring forgings to meet the ultrasonic cleaning requirements of such parts. Utility Model Content

[0008] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides an ultrasonic cleaning clamping device for large-size aerospace ring forgings. The clamping part is adjustable according to the size of the forging, which can prevent damage during the cleaning process and ensure that the cleaning of the forging meets the process requirements while improving the clamping versatility and cleaning efficiency.

[0009] An ultrasonic cleaning and clamping device for large-size aerospace ring forgings includes a rigid support frame with a cross-shaped structure. The frame includes a cross beam and a rectangular base formed by the connection between the beam arms of the cross beam. The cross beam serves as an oblique reinforcing rib of the rigid support frame. A fixed hook is welded to the rigid support frame and is adapted to connect with the production line flybar. An adjustable positioning component is installed on the cross beam for radial positioning and axial limiting of the ring forging. A flexible protective module is located at the contact point between the clamping device and the forging to protect the forging surface and prevent contact between dissimilar metals.

[0010] The rigid support frame is made of 316 stainless steel with a steel thickness of ≥10mm; the bending strength of the cross beam is ≥860MPa.

[0011] The outer surface of the rigid support frame and the welded joints of the fixing hooks are covered with an adhesive layer, the thickness of which is 20um~30um.

[0012] The rigid support frame is equipped with shock-absorbing rubber pads at its bottom.

[0013] The fixed hook is made of 316 stainless steel in one piece. The transition area between the fixed hook and the rigid support frame adopts a 45-degree bending design, so that the clamping device is in the center of the cleaning tank after being suspended. A fixing bolt is provided on one side of the fixed hook.

[0014] The beam arm of the cross beam is provided with a T-shaped groove at its end, and the adjustable positioning component is connected to the T-shaped groove by bolts.

[0015] The adjustable positioning assembly includes a radial positioning unit and an axial limiting unit. The radial positioning unit includes two sets of sliding positioning blocks, two in each set, which are respectively installed at both ends of the cross beam. The clearance between the cross beam and the bolt is ≤0.1mm. The adjustment range of the sliding positioning blocks is 0mm-100mm, which is suitable for ring forgings with a diameter of φ900mm-1200mm. The axial limiting unit includes an adjustable tightening bolt.

[0016] The end of the sliding positioning block is provided with an arc-shaped groove, and a pad is placed inside the arc-shaped groove.

[0017] The flexible protection module includes a protective pad located in the arc-shaped groove of the sliding positioning block and at the end of the adjustable tightening bolt. The protective pad has a mesh groove on its surface. The tightening force of the adjustable tightening bolt is controlled by a torque wrench and the tightening force is ≤50 N·m.

[0018] It also includes a sensing device mounted on the adjustable positioning component.

[0019] By employing the above technical solution, this utility model application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0020] High stability: This utility model uses a cross frame as an oblique reinforcing rib to improve the overall stability of the device, reduce vibration deformation, increase the positioning accuracy of parts, and eliminate the risk of displacement.

[0021] High adaptability: The sliding positioning block has an adjustment range of 0mm-100mm, which can be adapted to ring forgings with a diameter of φ900mm-φ1200mm. No tooling changes are required, and the switching efficiency is improved by 80%.

[0022] Excellent protection: This utility model only contacts the mounting edge of the ring forging, and the contact area is reduced by 80% compared with the prior art; the design of the flexible protective pad can avoid hard contact scratches, isolate foreign metal corrosion, and reduce the surface damage rate of the forging to 0%.

[0023] Easy to operate: This utility model is equipped with a fixed hook. After the fixed hook is connected to the overhead crane flybar, it rests on the end face of the forging, i.e. the installation edge. The radial position can be adjusted directly. 1-2 people can complete the clamping, and the loading time is shortened by 60%. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 The front view of the ultrasonic cleaning and clamping device for large-size ring forgings in aerospace applications provided by this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 A top view of the ultrasonic cleaning and clamping device for large-size ring forgings in aerospace applications provided by this utility model.

[0026] Figure 3 Side view of the ultrasonic cleaning and clamping device for large-size ring forgings in aerospace applications provided by this utility model;

[0027] In the picture:

[0028] 1. Fixed hook; 2. Arc-shaped groove; 3. Radial positioning bolt; 4. Adjustable tightening bolt; 5. Rigid support frame; 6. Horizontal beam; 7. T-shaped slide; 8. Fixing bolt; 9. Shock-absorbing rubber pad; 10. PTFE gasket; 11. Laser sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To better explain and facilitate understanding of this utility model, the technical solution and effects of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0030] like Figures 1-3As shown, an ultrasonic cleaning and clamping device for large-size aerospace ring forgings includes a rigid support frame 5. The rigid support frame 5 serves as the overall load-bearing structure of the device and has a cross-shaped frame structure. It includes a rectangular base frame formed by cross beams and beam arms. The cross beams can also serve as diagonal reinforcing ribs of the rigid support frame 5 to improve the overall stability of the device.

[0031] The rigid support frame 5 is welded from 316 stainless steel with a steel thickness ≥10mm. The dimensions of the cross beam are 830mm×564mm×320mm, and the bending strength is ≥860MPa. The outer surface of the rigid support frame 5 is coated with adhesive with a thickness of 20um~30um, which is resistant to cleaning fluid corrosion and increases the service life by more than 5000 cycles.

[0032] Furthermore, the rigid support frame 5 is equipped with a shock-absorbing rubber pad 9 at its bottom to prevent vibration transmission. The ends of the crossbeam arms are provided with T-shaped grooves 7 for installing adjustable positioning components.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rigid support frame 5 is treated with sprayed polyethylene adhesive to prevent direct contact with the cleaning fluid.

[0034] A fixing hook 1, made of 316 stainless steel, is installed on the rigid support frame 5 and welded to the horizontal beam 6 of the rigid support frame 5. The weld is protected with adhesive spray. The fixing hook 1 is compatible with the production line flybar. The transition area between the fixing hook 1 and the rigid support frame 5 adopts a 45-degree bend design, so that the entire clamping device is located in the center of the slot. Furthermore, a fixing bolt 8 is provided on one side of the fixing hook 1 for connecting and fixing the entire device to prevent the parts from swinging during the movement of the trolley.

[0035] The clamping device further includes an adjustable positioning assembly, which comprises a radial positioning unit and an axial limiting unit. The radial positioning unit includes two sets of sliding positioning blocks, two in each set, connected to the T-shaped grooves 7 at the ends of the beam arms of the cross beam via T-bolts (radial positioning bolts 3), for radial positioning of the parts. The clearance between the beam arm and the radial positioning bolts 3 is ≤0.1mm. The adjustment range of the sliding positioning blocks is 0mm-100mm, suitable for annular forgings with a diameter of φ900mm-1200mm. To achieve connection and fixation of the forgings, the ends of the sliding positioning blocks are provided with inwardly recessed arc-shaped grooves 2 for clamping the forgings; a polytetrafluoroethylene gasket 10 is placed inside the arc-shaped groove 2 to prevent damage to the parts. The axial limiting unit includes an adjustable tightening bolt 4, which is positioned between the two radial positioning bolts 3 at the ends of each cross beam arm. The mounting edge of the forging is engaged in the arc-shaped groove 2. The adjustable tightening bolt 4 abuts against the mounting edge from the top of the mounting edge. The adjustable tightening bolt 4 tightens the end face of the mounting edge of the part, thereby achieving axial tightening and circumferential limiting of the part, thus enabling the forging to be lifted.

[0036] To further enhance protection, the clamping device also includes a flexible protective module, specifically flexible protective pads located at the ends of the arc-shaped groove 2 of the sliding positioning block and the adjustable tightening bolt 4, preventing surface scratches caused by contact with the parts. Simultaneously, the surface of the flexible protective pads has mesh grooves to increase the flow of cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the flexible protective module also includes adhesive spraying at the contact points between the rigid support frame 5 and the parts, specifically using polyethylene, to isolate dissimilar metals and prevent parts from impact and electrochemical corrosion.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, a sensing device is provided on the sliding positioning block, specifically including a laser sensor 11 mounted on the sliding positioning block via a bracket. The direction of the laser is perpendicular to the radial direction of the outer circle of the part. Furthermore, the laser emitting end of the laser sensor 11 is on the same longitudinal plane as the end face of the part's mounting edge that fits against the arc-shaped slot. This is used to accurately calculate the outer diameter of the part and to correct for part eccentricity. The outer diameter of the part is the difference between the mounting distance between the two laser sensors 11 and the sum of the detection distances of the two laser sensors 11. The sensing device eliminates the need for manual measurement of the part's outer diameter; adjustment is achieved through four-point detection by the four sliding positioning blocks. This retains the original high stability and damage resistance advantages of the device while improving the clamping and switching efficiency from manual adjustment to automatic positioning, further shortening the loading time.

[0038] Using the above-mentioned clamping device, taking the cleaning of a titanium alloy annular casing forging with a diameter of 1104mm and a width of 657mm as an example, the operation steps are as follows:

[0039] Device adjustment: Loosen the radial positioning bolt 3 and the adjustable top bolt, move the sliding positioning block to the inner diameter matching position, and then tighten the radial positioning bolt 3 to lock it.

[0040] Forging loading: Fix the fixed hook 1 to the fly bar, adjust the clamping device to the center position by the crane and lower the clamping device to the forging, and use the sensor to make the mounting edge of the forging completely fit with the arc-shaped slot 2, ensuring that the axis of the forging is aligned with the center of the rigid support frame 5.

[0041] Limit locking: Rotary adjustable top bolt 4, adapted to the width of the mounting edge of the casing forging, and the top tightening force is controlled by a torque wrench to ≤50 N·m.

[0042] Cleaning operation: Place the clamping device connected to the casing forging into the ultrasonic cleaning tank, ensuring that the forging is completely immersed in the cleaning solution for 3-5cm. Start the cleaning equipment at a frequency of 28KHz and clean for 20 minutes.

[0043] Forging blanking: After cleaning, loosen the fixing bolts 8 and adjustable tightening bolts 4 on the fixing hook 1, loosen the radial positioning block, and move the clamping device away by the crane to complete the cleaning work.

[0044] Final acceptance: The cleaned parts were free of oil and dirt, and the water film was continuous, and the final chemical milling was qualified.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic cleaning fixture for aerospace large size annular forgings, characterized by: It includes a rigid support frame, which is a cross-shaped frame structure, including a cross beam and a rectangular base frame formed by the connection between the beam arms of the cross beam. The cross beam can serve as diagonal reinforcing ribs of the rigid support frame. Fixed hooks are welded to the rigid support frame and are adapted to connect with the production line flybar. Adjustable positioning components are installed on the cross beam for radial positioning and axial limiting of the ring forging. Flexible protection modules are set at the part where the clamping device contacts the forging to protect the surface of the forging and isolate dissimilar metals from contact.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rigid support frame is made of 316 stainless steel with a steel thickness of ≥10mm; the bending strength of the cross beam is ≥860MPa.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the rigid support frame and the welded joints of the fixing hooks are covered with an adhesive layer, the thickness of which is 20um~30um.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rigid support frame is equipped with shock-absorbing rubber pads at its bottom.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein: The fixed hook is made of 316 stainless steel in one piece. The transition area between the fixed hook and the rigid support frame adopts a 45-degree bending design, so that the clamping device is in the center of the cleaning tank after being suspended. A fixing bolt is provided on one side of the fixed hook.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein: The beam arm of the cross beam is provided with a T-shaped groove at its end, and the adjustable positioning component is connected to the T-shaped groove by bolts.

7. The ultrasonic cleaning and clamping device for large-size aerospace ring forgings according to claim 6, characterized in that: The adjustable positioning assembly includes a radial positioning unit and an axial limiting unit. The radial positioning unit includes two sets of sliding positioning blocks, two in each set, which are respectively installed at both ends of the cross beam. The clearance between the cross beam and the bolt is ≤0.1mm. The adjustment range of the sliding positioning blocks is 0mm-100mm, which is suitable for ring forgings with a diameter of φ900mm-1200mm. The axial limiting unit includes an adjustable tightening bolt.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises: The end of the sliding positioning block is provided with an arc-shaped groove, and a pad is placed inside the arc-shaped groove.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises: The flexible protection module includes a protective pad located in the arc-shaped groove of the sliding positioning block and at the end of the adjustable tightening bolt. The protective pad has a mesh groove on its surface. The tightening force of the adjustable tightening bolt is controlled by a torque wrench and the tightening force is ≤50 N·m.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: It also includes a sensing device mounted on the adjustable positioning component.

Images