Helicopter engine bleed valve closure point detection device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522606171.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-12-09
AI Technical Summary
[0005]现有两种发动机放气活门关闭点检测方式,一种存在飞行安全隐患,另外一种操作复杂、所需外接工具多、使用外接气源过程中操作者还需佩戴防护器具
[0016]本实用新型一种直升机发动机放气活门关闭点检测装置的结构简单,制造容易,因为大部分使用了尼龙、橡胶、聚氨酯、硅胶等材料,工装总重量轻,便于携带。本工装工作原理简单,使用操作易上手,工作效率高,检测效果直接。
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Figure CN224888260U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of helicopter engine maintenance and testing technology, specifically relating to a detection device for the closing point of a helicopter engine vent valve. Background Technology
[0002] The ARREEL series engine bleed valve is located between the axial compressor and centrifugal compressor in the air system, at the top of the compressor casing. It controls the opening and closing of the internal butterfly valve by detecting the pressure ratios between the P3 air inlet and P0 air, and between the P2 air outlet and P0 air pressure. This triggers a microswitch, converting the mechanical signal into an electrical signal and transmitting it to the multifunction display. This effectively prevents axial compressor surge and ensures normal engine power output at NG speed. The ARREEL series engine maintenance manual, section 75-31-00, clearly explains the detection process for the bleed valve's closing point.
[0003] First, practical testing was conducted during helicopter flight. The opening and closing points of the bleed valve on the multi-function display were observed, and the closing point of the bleed valve was tested and recorded. If the bleed valve fails to close properly, the P2 exhaust port will continuously discharge air, the NG speed will continue to drop, and the engine will be unable to maintain the required power, posing a flight safety hazard.
[0004] Secondly, during helicopter ground maintenance, prepare the following tools: an 800 kPa dry and filtered compressed air source, a pressure gauge, a 24V DC power supply, an on / off contact control box, control wiring harness, and a 1.9mm nozzle fixing pipe connector. The operator, referring to the maintenance manual, disassembles the bleed valve. Install the 1.9mm nozzle fixing pipe connector on the P3 air inlet and connect it to the dry and filtered compressed air source. Install the control wiring harness on the electrical connector of the bleed valve and connect it to the on / off contact control box. Connect the on / off contact control box to the 24V DC power supply. Close and open the bleed valve three times consecutively. Wearing safety goggles or a face mask, the operator uses the dry and filtered compressed air source, slowly increasing the pressure and visually checking that the bleed valve begins to close. Continue slowly increasing the pressure until the bleed valve is fully closed; the red CONTACT ON indicator light on the control box will illuminate when the throttle is closed. After the test, the operator disassembles the external tools and reassembles the bleed valve according to the maintenance manual.
[0005] There are two existing methods for detecting the engine bleed valve closure point. One method poses a flight safety hazard, while the other is complex to operate, requires many external tools, and the operator must wear protective equipment when using an external air source. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this utility model is:
[0007] This invention abandons existing in-flight and complex ground-based testing methods and proposes a new testing device for rapid, convenient, and safe testing of the bleed valve closure point of helicopter engines. It eliminates the safety hazard of insufficient engine speed during in-flight testing, which can affect engine power. Furthermore, it discards the complex and cumbersome testing procedures involving disassembling the bleed valve on the ground and connecting an external air source and on / off contact control box. This new device allows for easy testing of the engine bleed valve closure point simply by connecting it to ground power.
[0008] The technical solution of this utility model is:
[0009] To achieve the above objectives, a helicopter engine bleed valve closure point detection device is installed at the air outlet of the engine bleed valve P2, comprising a handle, a guide pin, a retaining support cover, a cylindrical nut, a roller support frame, a roller, and a roller support shaft; the retaining support cover has a through hole in its center, and the guide pin is radially arranged along the through hole and connected to the retaining support cover; the handle has a U-shaped groove that cooperates with the guide pins on both sides; the cylindrical nut is threaded to the end of the handle, the roller support frame is fixedly connected to the cylindrical nut, and the roller and roller support shaft are connected to the roller support frame.
[0010] In one possible embodiment, the retaining support cover is also provided with an observation hole. Visual observation is performed through the observation hole on the retaining support cover.
[0011] In one possible embodiment, the outer surface of the handle should have anti-slip texture to increase friction and ensure that the operator does not easily drop the handle during use.
[0012] In one possible embodiment, a rubber gasket is bonded to the inner surface of the retaining support cover.
[0013] In one possible embodiment, the roller is made of one of rubber, polyurethane, or silicone.
[0014] In one possible embodiment, the guide pin, roller support shaft, and roller support frame are made of metal.
[0015] The advantages of this utility model are:
[0016] This utility model discloses a helicopter engine bleed valve closure point detection device. It features a simple structure and is easy to manufacture, as it primarily utilizes materials such as nylon, rubber, polyurethane, and silicone. The overall weight of the fixture is light, making it easy to carry. The fixture operates on a simple principle, is easy to use and operate, has high work efficiency, and provides direct detection results.
[0017] Compared to the two previous methods for detecting the engine bleed valve closure point, one posed a flight safety hazard, while the other was complex to operate, required numerous external tools, and necessitated the operator wearing protective gear when using an external air source. Using this new fixture to detect the engine bleed valve closure point eliminates the helicopter flight safety hazard, eliminates the need for numerous external tools, and removes the need for the operator to wear protective gear or perform tedious bleed valve disassembly / installation. The detection work can be completed simply by connecting to ground power, significantly improving work efficiency, greatly reducing safety risks to the helicopter and operator, and saving costs. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1A This is a front view of the device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] 1. Handle 2. Guide pin 3. Retaining support cover 4. Cylindrical nut 5. Roller support bracket 6. Roller 7. Roller support shaft 8. Observation hole
[0020] Figure 1B This is a right view of the device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 1C This is a top view of the device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the vent valve structure;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the vent valve. Detailed Implementation
[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0025] The features and illustrative embodiments of various aspects of this utility model will now be described in detail. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of this utility model. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this utility model can be practiced without requiring some of these specific details. The following description of embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of this utility model by illustrating examples of it. This utility model is by no means limited to any specific arrangements and methods set forth below, but covers any improvements, substitutions, and modifications to the structure, method, and apparatus without departing from the spirit of this utility model. In the accompanying drawings and the following description, well-known structures and techniques are not shown to avoid unnecessarily obscuring this utility model.
[0026] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments of this utility model and the features therein can be combined with each other, and the various embodiments can be referenced and cited in turn. The present utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0027] See also Figure 1A-1C As shown,
[0028] This fixture is not subjected to significant stress. Part 2 (guide pin), Part 7 (roller support shaft), and Part 5 (roller support frame) can be made of metal. Part 1 (handle), Part 3 (holding support cover), and Part 4 (cylindrical nut) can be made of nylon. The outer surface of Part 1 (handle) should have anti-slip texture to increase friction and ensure that the operator does not easily drop it during use. Part 3 (holding support cover) should have an observation hole on its surface and a rubber gasket bonded to its inner surface to prevent the operator from damaging or wearing the bleed valve housing when pressing on the P2 air outlet of the engine bleed valve during testing. Part 6 (roller) directly contacts the butterfly valve of the engine bleed valve, which is only 2mm thick. To prevent Part 6 (roller) from scratching the butterfly valve during rolling, it can be made of soft materials such as rubber, polyurethane, or silicone.
[0029] During the use of this tooling, keep the support cover and handle outside the vent valve, and the rest of the parts need to be inserted into the vent valve. To prevent the parts from becoming loose and falling into the vent valve or engine during the use of the tooling, the connection points of the tooling connectors need to be tightened to ensure that the installation is secure and the use is reliable.
[0030] Tooling maintenance requirements:
[0031] Visually inspect the tooling before and after use. The tooling should meet the following conditions:
[0032] 1. All parts of the tooling are securely connected and there is no looseness;
[0033] 2. The handle of tooling part 1 rotates and moves up and down freely along the guide pin without any jamming; 3. There is no excess material stuck to the outer surface of the roller of tooling part 6;
[0034] 4. The support shafts of rollers 6 and 7 of the tooling are well matched, and the roller support frame 5. The rollers of part 6 rotate smoothly.
[0035] 5. After use, seal the tooling for storage to prevent corrosion of the metal parts and to prevent excess material from adhering to the roller surface.
[0036] Working principle:
[0037] With the helicopter powered on, the air pressure ratio between the P3 air inlet and P0 air outlets of the engine bleed valve is 0, and the bleed valve is normally open. The bleed valve indicator light on the cockpit display control panel is illuminated. The operator installs the tooling retaining support cover onto the P2 air outlet of the engine bleed valve. Visually observing through the observation hole on the retaining support cover, the operator slowly rotates and pulls the handle of tooling part 1. This causes the end of the guide pin of part 2, connected to roller part 6 via the cylindrical nut of part 4, roller support bracket of part 5, and roller support shaft of part 7, to act on the butterfly valve of the engine bleed valve. Roller part 6 slowly rolls along the closing direction of the butterfly valve, pushing it to close slowly. The butterfly valve, through a connected pinion, drives a rack fixed to the piston downwards, causing the piston to move downwards. The microswitch contacts open under the action of the piston, and no signal is transmitted to the electronic regulator. The bleed valve indicator light on the helicopter cockpit display control panel is extinguished. See the attached diagram for the bleed valve structure and working principle. Figure 2 , 3 .
[0038] The specific steps for testing the bleed valve closing point of an ARREEL series 2C engine (model H425) for a certain user are as follows:
[0039] 1. The operator checks whether the tooling of this utility model is intact; confirms that all connecting parts of the tooling are in good working order.
[0040] Check if the connection is tight and reliable; inspect the outer surface of the roller to ensure there are no foreign objects on the outer surface of the roller; push and pull the handle to confirm whether there is any jamming in the movement of the guide pin.
[0041] 2. With the helicopter powered on from the ground, the operator observes whether the bleed valve indicator light on the control panel in the cockpit is lit. At this time, the engine bleed valve is in the open position.
[0042] 3. The operator pulls out the handle of tool #1.
[0043] 4. The operator installs the fixture onto the engine bleed valve to be inspected, that is, the retaining support cover of fixture part 3 is pressed against the air outlet of the bleed valve P2.
[0044] 5. The operator visually observes the situation through observation hole No. 8 on the support cover of tooling No. 3.
[0045] With the motor bleed valve in its venting position, insert the handle of part 1 at a suitable angle to make the roller of part 6 contact the center of rotation of the butterfly valve.
[0046] 6. The operator manipulates the handle of tool #1, rotating it along the guide pin of tool #2 while...
[0047] Move downwards so that roller #6 presses against the butterfly valve, causing it to slowly rotate in the closing direction until it is pressed against the closing point. During this process, the rotation of the butterfly valve, transmitted through gears and racks, pulls the piston downwards. When the butterfly valve is pressed against the closing point, the piston moves down to the contact point, disconnecting the microswitch and causing the electronic regulator signal to disappear.
[0048] 7. The operator notifies other maintenance personnel in the cockpit to observe the vent valve on the display control panel.
[0049] Check if the light is off. Confirm that the bleed valve indicator light on the cockpit display control panel is off, consistent with the current closed state of the bleed valve, to complete the test.
[0050] 8. After completing the inspection, the operator slowly lifts the handle of tool #1 upwards, through...
[0051] Continue to observe the vent valve through observation hole No. 8 on the support cover of tooling No. 3. After observing that the roller of part No. 6 is completely disengaged from the vent valve, remove the support cover of part No. 3 that is pressing against the air outlet of the vent valve P2, and then remove the tooling.
[0052] 9. Power off the helicopter and clear away any remaining debris from the scene.
[0053] 10. Inspect and maintain the tooling.
[0054] 11. The tooling should be sealed and stored.
Claims
1. A device for detecting the closing point of a helicopter engine bleed valve, characterized in that, The device includes a handle, guide pins, a retaining support cover, a cylindrical nut, a roller support frame, a roller, and a roller support shaft. The retaining support cover has a through hole in its center, and the guide pin is radially arranged along the through hole and connected to the retaining support cover. The handle has a U-shaped groove that engages with the guide pins on both sides. The cylindrical nut is threaded to the end of the handle, the roller support frame is fixedly connected to the cylindrical nut, and the roller and roller support shaft are connected to the roller support frame.
2. The helicopter engine bleed valve closure point detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support cover is also provided with an observation hole.
3. The helicopter engine bleed valve closure point detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the handle is provided with anti-slip texture.
4. The helicopter engine bleed valve closure point detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface of the retaining support cover is bonded with a rubber gasket.
5. The helicopter engine bleed valve closure point detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rollers are made of one of the following materials: rubber, polyurethane, or silicone.
6. The helicopter engine bleed valve closing point detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide pin, roller support shaft, and roller support frame are made of metal materials.