TOOLING, INSTALLATION AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING / DISASSEMBLING A TURBOMACHINE MODULE

Abstract

Tooling (10) for assembling / disassembling an aircraft turbomachine module (12), comprising: - a fixed frame (16) configured to be supported on the ground, - a movable support (18) mounted on the frame (16) and which is movable in rotation about a horizontal axis (A) and also in translation along a vertical axis (C), and - a first movable platform (20) mounted on the support (18) and which is movable in rotation about an axis (B) relative to the support (18), this movable platform (20) comprising a support platform (66) intended to receive a turbomachine module (12), and a central mast (68) connected to the platform (66) and intended to pass through the turbomachine module (12), characterized in that said platform (20) is removably mounted on the support (18) and is interchangeable so that another platform (20) can be mounted on the support (18). Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: TOOLING, INSTALLATION AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING / DISASSEMBLING A TURBOMACHINE MODULE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates in particular to a tool, an installation and a method for mounting / dismounting a turbomachine module, such as a turbine module of an aircraft turbomachine. Technical background

[0002] In this application, a turbomachine module or turbomachine turbine module means a part of such a turbomachine or turbine. An aircraft turbomachine is generally modular and comprises several assembled modules. The turbomachine has a generally elongated shape along an axis and is formed by several axial parts arranged one behind the other or even interlocked with one another.

[0003] A turbomachine includes, for example, from upstream to downstream with reference to the gas flow in normal operation, a blower module, a low-pressure compressor module, a high-pressure compressor module, a combustion chamber module, a high-pressure turbine module, a low-pressure turbine module and an exhaust module.

[0004] The low-pressure turbine module comprises, for example, a low-pressure turbine within an annular housing. This module includes a rotor and a stator of the low-pressure turbine. The rotor of the low-pressure turbine comprises several bladed wheels that are fixed to one another. The stator of the low-pressure turbine comprises bladed distributors that are interposed between the bladed wheels and that are fixed by their outer peripheries to the housing.

[0005] A turbomachine module undergoes regular maintenance operations during which the module is removed from the turbomachine and handled to undergo several inspection steps. These inspection operations require the disassembly and reassembly of the module and are carried out using suitable tooling that allows the module to be supported and moved around an axis, for example.

[0006] Since a turbomachine module is heavy and bulky, the tooling used to support and move it is itself heavy and bulky. In current technology, there is tooling designed for a particular module and therefore dedicated to that module. To support and move two different modules, two different tools are therefore required. It is thus understandable that, in a maintenance workshop, ten different turbomachine modules, this workshop includes ten different tools to support and move these modules.

[0007] A tool generally comprises a fixed frame and a movable support that carries a support plate for a module. The plate is permanently fixed to the support, so that the presence of a module being assembled or disassembled on the plate prevents the tool from being used to assemble or disassemble another module.

[0008] The present invention is an improvement on the prior art and provides a simple, effective and economical solution to at least some of the problems mentioned above. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention provides a tooling for assembling / disassembling an aircraft turbomachine module, comprising:

[0010] - a fixed frame configured to be supported on the ground,

[0011] - a movable support which is mounted on the frame and which is movable in rotation around a first horizontal axis, and

[0012] - a first movable platform which is mounted on the support and which is rotatably movable around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis with respect to the support, this mobile platform includes a support platform intended to receive a turbomachine module, and a central mast connected to the platform and intended to pass through the turbomachine module,

[0013] characterized in that said tray is mounted removably on the support and is interchangeable so that another tray can be mounted on the support.

[0014] The present invention therefore proposes a tool in which the module support plate is removable, unlike the prior art. This is particularly advantageous because the same tool can successively accommodate several plates. For example, it is possible to begin assembling a module on a plate, then remove that plate and replace it with another support plate for a module whose assembly becomes urgent. The invention thus allows for greater tool flexibility. Another advantage is that different plates, but compatible with the tool's support, can be successively mounted on the support.In the aforementioned example, it is possible, for instance, to mount a first module on a first platform placed on the tooling support, then remove this first platform and replace it with a second platform, different from the first, which allows for the mounting of a second module different from the first. For example, the first module is a turbine module for a CFM engine and the second module is a turbine module for a LEAP engine. This makes it possible to limit the number of tooling sets required in a workshop, since the same... Tooling can be used to assemble and disassemble different modules from different engines.

[0015] The tooling according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in combination with each other:

[0016] - the frame has a general L-shape and includes a configured horizontal part to be supported on the ground, and a vertical part which is connected to one end of the horizontal part;

[0017] - the support is mounted on one side or face of the vertical part of the frame, and at- above the horizontal part of the frame;

[0018] - the tooling includes a motor power supply cabinet and of tooling equipment, this cabinet being located on one side or face of the vertical part of the frame, opposite the support, and being configured to be connected to an electrical network;

[0019] - the support is also mobile in translation along a vertical axis;

[0020] - the support comprises a ring centered on the second axis, this ring having a first annular part and a second annular part movable relative to the first part, this second part being configured to receive the tray;

[0021] - the support includes at least one removable pin which extends parallel to said second axis and which is configured to guide the platform during its mounting on the support;

[0022] - the tooling includes a motor control console and equipment the tools,

[0023] - the console is supported by an articulated arm fixed to said frame;

[0024] - the tooling includes at least one light source carried by an articulated arm or flexible ;

[0025] - the tooling further includes at least one pedal for rotating the platform around said second axis;

[0026] - the platform includes a heating belt and a first connection socket electric heating belt, the frame including a second socket or an electrical cable configured to be connected to the first socket;

[0027] - the tray includes:

[0028] + a first annular surface on which an annular edge of a housing said The module is configured to be in support mode.

[0029] + a second annular surface which is coaxial with the first surface, which is located within the first surface, and on which a rotor of said module is configured to be supported, and

[0030] + at least one system for clamping or fixing said module to the platform;

[0031] - the platform is configured so that said second surface is movable in translation along said second axis with respect to said first surface.

[0032] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising tooling as described above, and a turbomachine module, and in particular a turbomachine turbine, which is placed and fixed on said platform, the module comprising an annular casing which extends around the mast and which is supported by an annular edge on the support platform, and a multi-bladed rotor which is traversed by said mast, which is located inside the casing and which is supported by one of its wheels on the support platform, the mast passing through this turbomachine module.

[0033] The present invention also relates to an installation comprising tooling or an assembly as described above, and at least one other interchangeable plate which is configured to be mounted on the support in place of the first plate, this other plate being able to also support a turbomachine module, and in particular a turbomachine turbine.

[0034] The installation according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in combination with each other:

[0035] - the installation includes several other interchangeable trays;

[0036] - at least some of the trays among the first tray and the other trays, are different and in particular have different support platforms.

[0037] The invention further relates to a method for assembling / disassembling a turbomachine module using tooling as described above, comprising the steps of:

[0038] a) mount the first tray onto the support,

[0039] b) mount a turbomachine module on the first platform, or remove the turbomachine module located on this first platform, and

[0040] c) remove the first tray from the support and mount another tray in its place to carry out a new step b), step c) being able to be repeated. Brief description of the figures

[0041] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of a non-limiting embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0042] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic perspective view of an assembly tool / dismantling according to the invention,

[0043] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic side view of the tooling of [Fig.1],

[0044] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic front view of the tooling of [Fig.1],

[0045] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view of a fixed frame of the tooling of the [Fig.l],

[0046] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective view of the mobile support of the tooling of [Fig.1],

[0047] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic perspective view of the fixed frame and the support mobile tooling of the [Fig.1],

[0048] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a larger-scale view of part of the movable support of the tooling of [Fig.1],

[0049] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the movable support and from a tray of the tooling of the [Fig.1],

[0050] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is another partial schematic cross-sectional view of the movable support and the tray, and shows a locking system for the tray on the support,

[0051] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a schematic perspective view of a movable platform of the tooling of [Fig. 1],

[0052] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the plate and shows a clamping system,

[0053] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a partial schematic view of the board and shows a capacitive sensor,

[0054] [Fig. 13a-13d] Figures 13a to 13d are views similar to those in [Fig. 10] and show several different trays that can be mounted on the tooling support of [Fig.1],

[0055] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a schematic side view of the tooling of [Fig. 1] and illustrates a step in mounting a plate onto the support of this tooling,

[0056] [Fig.15] [Fig.15] is a schematic view of a tooling platform of [Fig.1], and of a trolley for moving this platform,

[0057] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a schematic view of a tooling tray of [Fig. 1], a module mounted on this tray, and a storage pallet for the tray and the module,

[0058] [Fig. 17a-17c] Figures 17a to 17c are partial schematic views of the tooling of [Fig. 1] and show a light source from this tooling,

[0059] [Fig. 18a-18b] Figure 18a is a partial schematic view of the tooling of [Fig. 1] and shows a control console for this tooling; Figure 18b is a schematic view of a user interface accessible from a screen of the control console.

[0060] [Fig. 19] [Fig. 19] is a partial schematic view of the tooling of [Fig. 1] and shows the control console and another light source of this tooling,

[0061] [Fig.20] [Fig.20] is a partial schematic view of the tooling of [Fig.1] and shows an actuator of this tool,

[0062] [Fig.21] [Fig.21] is a partial schematic view of the tooling of [Fig.1] and shows a system for extracting the tray from this tooling,

[0063] [Fig.22] [Fig.22] is another schematic view of the user interface accessible from the control console screen,

[0064] [Fig.23] [Fig.23] is a schematic perspective view of a wireless connection and communication block between the support and the frame of the tooling of [Fig.1],

[0065] [Fig. 24a-24b] Figures 24a and 24b are partial schematic views of The tooling of [Fig. 1] and show electrical connection sockets supported respectively by the platform and the frame,

[0066] [Fig. 25] [Fig. 25] is a partial schematic view of the tooling of [Fig. 1] and shows a protective cover located on the tooling support, and

[0067] [Fig. 26a-26b] Figure 26a is a schematic cross-sectional view of the plate and the Figure 26b is a partial schematic view of the tooling in [Fig. 1] and shows a heating belt for the plate, and shows the electrical connection sockets for this belt. Detailed description of the invention

[0068] The figures illustrate an embodiment and therefore an example of the embodiment of a tool 10 according to the invention, this tool 10 allows maintenance operations to be carried out on a turbomachine module 12 and in particular assembly and disassembly steps of this module 12.

[0069] As mentioned above, module 12 is, for example, a low-pressure turbine module and comprises a low-pressure turbine within an annular housing. Figure 16 schematically illustrates the module housing 14, which is also visible in Figures 18a-18b and 22.

[0070] In a known and therefore unillustrated manner, the low-pressure turbine comprises a rotor and a stator. The rotor of the low-pressure turbine comprises several bladed wheels that are fixed to one another. The stator of the low-pressure turbine comprises bladed distributors that are interposed between the bladed wheels and that are fixed by their outer peripheries to the housing.

[0071] Figure 1 represents the tooling 10 as a whole, which essentially comprises three parts, namely:

[0072] - a fixed frame 16 configured to be supported on the ground,

[0073] - a movable support 18 which is mounted on the frame 16 and which is rotatably movable around a first horizontal axis A, and

[0074] - a first movable platform 20 which is mounted on the support 18 and which is movable in rotation around a second axis B perpendicular to the first axis A with respect to support 18.

[0075] Tooling 10, for example, has a width of 150cm + / -50cm, a depth of 80cm+ / -50cm, and a height of 200cm+ / -50cm.

[0076] The fixed frame 16 is visible alone in [Fig.4].

[0077] The frame 16 has a general L-shape and comprises a horizontal part 16a configured to be supported on the ground, and a vertical part 16b which is connected to one end of the horizontal part 16a.

[0078] The horizontal part 16a includes an end, here front, which is free and an end, here rear, which is connected to the vertical part 16b. The horizontal part 16a may include retractable wheels 22 and arrangements 24 for the passage of the arms of a fork of a pallet truck or the like.

[0079] At its front end, the horizontal part 16a includes pedals 26 for controlling at least one function of the tooling 10. There are two of these pedals 26, arranged side by side, one on the right and the other on the left when an operator is standing in front of and facing the frame 16.

[0080] The vertical part 16b comprises a front face and a rear face. On the rear face is arranged a cabinet 28 for the electrical supply of motors and equipment of the tooling 10. The cabinet 28 is configured to be connected to an electrical network in particular of the workshop in which the tooling 10 is located.

[0081] The mobile support 18 is visible alone in [Fig.5].

[0082] The support 18 is mounted on the front face of the vertical part 16b. In the example shown, the support 18 has a general L-shape and comprises a base 30 in two parts, respectively fixed 30a and movable 30b, and a ring 32 also in two parts 32a and 32b.

[0083] The base 30 is substantially vertical and its fixed part 30a is fixed on the front face of the vertical part 16b of the frame 16. The movable part 30b of the base 30 is movable relative to its fixed part 30a in rotation around the axis A.

[0084] Part 32a of the ring 32 is rigidly connected to part 30b of the base 30 to form together a general L-shape. Part 32b of the ring 32 is mounted to rotate about an axis B on part 32a of this ring 32. The axis B is perpendicular to the axis A. When the ring 32 is located in a horizontal plane, the axis B is vertical as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 5].

[0085] The parts 32a, 32b of the ring 32 are thus mounted one on top of the other, the upper part of the ring 32 intended to accommodate the plate 20 being the part 32b which is movable around the axis B.

[0086] The support 18 is advantageously also movable relative to the frame 16, in translation along a vertical axis C ([Fig. 1]). For this purpose, the support 18 can be mounted on the frame 16 by means of a rail and slide system, for example.

[0087] Fig. 1 shows the displacements along the axes A, B and C. The support 18 is therefore mobile in rotation around the axis A (arrow Fl) and along the axis C (arrow F2). Part 32b of support 18 is mobile in rotation around axis B with respect to the rest of support 18 (arrow F3).

[0088] At least some of these movements can be controlled by the aforementioned pedals 26. For example, the right pedal can be operated by an operator's foot to move part 32b of the support 18 counterclockwise with respect to axis B, and the left pedal can be operated by an operator's foot to move part 32b of the support 18 clockwise with respect to axis B.

[0089] The movements can be achieved by motors which are not shown. The equipment of tooling 10 is also not all shown and includes, for example, actuators, sensors, etc.

[0090] These movements can also be controlled by a control console 34 of the tooling 10.

[0091] This console 34 is configured for example to control motors and equipment of the tooling, and preferably all the motors, equipment, etc., of the tooling 10, and also to receive and process all information and signals from the elements of the tooling.

[0092] In the example shown, the bracket 34 is supported by the frame 14 and can be connected to the frame 14 by an articulated arm 36. The bracket 34 can be connected to one end of the arm 36 whose opposite end is connected to an upper end of the frame 14 and in particular to its vertical part 14a.

[0093] The console 34 may include side handles 38 to facilitate its gripping, movement and orientation by the operator.

[0094] The console 34 is advantageously equipped with a screen 40, preferably a touchscreen, which allows both the visualization of an operating step of the tooling 10 and / or operating parameters of the tooling 10, and which allows data to be entered and / or validated. The console 34 could naturally have a keyboard or data entry elements separate from the screen 40.

[0095] Figures 18a and 22 show an example of a user interface accessible from the screen 40 of the console 34.

[0096] This user interface allows, for example, the visualization of the height or vertical position of the support 18 along axis C. It also allows the visualization of the status of the equipment of the tooling 10, such as the status of sensors. This "status" can be represented by a color code, for example, red for a negative response to a detection and green for a positive response to this detection. It can also allow the visualization of possible movements along arrows Fl F2, F3 as a function of the height of the support 18 and the states of the equipment.

[0097] To facilitate the operator's working conditions, the tooling 10 may include at least one light source.

[0098] In the example shown, a spotlight 42 is mounted on the console 34 and connected to this console 34 by a flexible arm 44 ([Fig. 19]). The operator can thus direct the spotlight 42 to illuminate a specific area of ​​the platform 20 and the module 12 mounted on the platform 20.

[0099] A neon light 46 is also supported by the frame 16, for example by means of an articulated arm 48 connected to the upper end of the frame 16 (Figures 17a-17c). The operator can thus extend the arm 48 to orient the neon light 46 as desired and can store the neon light 46 above the frame 16 at the end of a maintenance operation.

[0100] Part 32b of ring 32 is configured to receive plate 20. Ring 32 extends around axis B and plate 20 is intended to be mounted coaxially on ring 32 and therefore also centered on axis B.

[0101] To facilitate the mounting and centering of the plate 20 on the support 18, the latter may include at least one removable pin or drageoir 50 which extends parallel to the axis B (figures 6 and 7).

[0102] Part 32b of the ring 32 includes centering and support surfaces for the plate 20, as can be seen in figures 8 and 9.

[0103] Part 32b includes, for example, an annular surface 52 which extends radially with respect to the axis B and which forms a support surface for the plate 20. Part 32b also includes an internal cylindrical surface 54 which forms a guide surface for the plate 20. Part 32b may include other annular and cylindrical surfaces having similar functions.

[0104] The support 18, and in particular part 32b of the ring 32, is also equipped with locking systems for the tray 20 when it is mounted on the support. The systems are, for example, regularly distributed around the axis B and each includes a pin 56, for example of the ball type, which is oriented radially with respect to the axis B and which can be moved in that direction ([Fig.9]).

[0105] Each pin 56 is movable from a retracted position (radially outwards) in which the tray 20 is not locked and can be removed from the support 18, to a deployed position (radially inwards) in which the tray 20 is locked onto the support 18.

[0106] In the example shown, the pin 56 passes through an orifice 58 in the support 18 which opens onto the surface 54, and can be engaged in an orifice 60 in the plate 20 ([Fig. 9]). A ball-bearing ratchet system is present at the free end of each pin intended to be engaged in the orifice 60 of the plate 20. In order to radially align the orifices 58, 60 and allow the locking of the plate 20, the plate 20 must have a precise angular position on the support 18, which is made possible, for example, by the aforementioned pins 50.

[0107] The support 18 includes a sensor 62 for detecting the position of each pin 56 and therefore allows us to know the position of pin 56 among the two positions mentioned above. This sensor 62 is, for example, of the capacitive type.

[0108] The spindle 56 of each system can be controlled manually or via an actuator or motor controlled by the console 34. The signals emitted by the sensors 62 are also transmitted to the console 34, which displays the status of these sensors to the operator, thus indicating, for example, whether the table 20 is correctly locked. The tooling 10 is preferably configured so that incomplete locking prevents the activation of the kinematic tilting and rotation functions around axes A and B.

[0109] The support 18 and the frame 16 can communicate with each other via wired and / or wireless connection. Figure 23 shows, for example, a wireless communication box 64, for example of the Wi-Fi type, carried by the support 18 and intended to communicate with a similar box carried by the frame 16. This allows the support 18 to be free of any movement relative to the frame 16 without risk of stretching or pinching the connecting wires and cables.

[0110] A plate 20 is shown alone in [Fig. 10].

[0111] The platform 20 includes a support platform 66 intended to receive module 12, a platform and a central mast 68 connected to the platform 66 and intended to pass through module 12.

[0112] The plate 20 is placed on the support 18 so that its platform 66 is placed flat on the ring 32 and its mast 68 extends along the axis B. The platform 66 of the plate 20 is therefore horizontal when the ring 32 of the support 18 is horizontal.

[0113] Tray 20 preferably includes:

[0114] - a first annular surface 70 on which an annular edge of the housing 14 of the Module 12 is configured to be in support mode.

[0115] - a second annular surface 72 which is coaxial with the first surface 70, which is located within the first surface 70, and on which the rotor of module 12 is configured to be supported, and

[0116] - at least one system 74 for clamping or fixing the module 12 onto the plate 20.

[0117] The platform 20 may further include centering elements or surfaces of the module 12 and centering elements or surfaces on support 18.

[0118] The plate 20 includes, for example, centering elements 76 projecting from the platform 66 which are intended to cooperate by sliding with the inner periphery of the rotor of the module 12 ([Fig. 10]). These centering elements 76 are located with the clamping systems 74 on the face of the platform 66 on which the mast 68 extends. This inner periphery is, for example, the inner annular edge of the leek-shaped disc of a bladed rotor wheel.

[0119] The centering elements 76 may have PTFE coatings intended to cooperate by sliding with module 12.

[0120] The plate 20 includes, for example, bearing and centering surfaces 78, 80 on the support 18 of the tooling 10 ([Fig. 8]). The plate 20 thus includes an annular bearing surface 78 on the surface, and an external cylindrical surface 80 intended to cooperate by sliding with the surface 54. The centering of the surfaces 54, 80 is preferably of the H7 / g6 type.

[0121] Fig. 11 shows one of the module clamping systems on the platform. These systems are distributed around axis B and located on the platform, for example, interposed between the centering elements 76.

[0122] These surfaces 78, 80 are located on the face of the plate 20 opposite the mast 68.

[0123] Each clamping system 74 includes, for example, a pad 82, for example made of PTFE, movable in an axial direction (parallel to the axis B - [Fig. 11]) between a release position of the plate 20 and a locking position of the plate 20. In the locking position, the pads 82 bear axially, for example, on the bladed wheel closest to the plate 20.

[0124] The plate 20 preferably includes a sensor 82 for detecting the position of each clamping system 74 and thus makes it possible to know the position of the pad 82 among the two positions mentioned above. This sensor 82 is, for example, of the capacitive type.

[0125] The skate 82 of each system 74 can be controlled manually or via an actuator or motor which is controlled by the console 34. The signals emitted by the sensors 84 are also transmitted to the console 34 which displays the status of these sensors to the operator and thus indicates to him whether the module 12 is correctly locked for example.

[0126] The housing 14 can also be fixed by screws to the plate 20.

[0127] Advantageously, the plate 20 includes a heating belt 86 at its outer periphery, which extends around the bearing surface 70 of the housing 14. This belt 86 can heat or be heated by induction.

[0128] Heating is preferably carried out before the module 12 is mounted and stopped when the module 12 is placed on the platform 20. The platform 20 preferably includes a cylindrical rim on its outer periphery which expands radially outwards under the effect of heating. Stopping the heating causes the rim to cool and contract, resting radially inwards on the housing along its entire periphery. The rim thus firmly grips the housing to immobilize it. This holds the housing 14 in place and prevents it from deforming during maintenance. It also allows the housing 14, which may have become oval during the use of the module 12, to be re-rounded.

[0129] The plate 20 includes a first electrical connection socket 88 for the heating belt 86, which is visible in Figures 24a and following. The frame 16 includes a second 90 socket or an electrical cable configured to be connected to the first 88 socket, as illustrated in figures 24b and following.

[0130] Since the tray 20 is removable and interchangeable, it is capable of being disassembled and removed from the support 18 and the electrical connection of its belt 86 and its other equipment must therefore be able to be interrupted, which is possible with these plugs 88, 90.

[0131] The plate 20 is preferably configured so that its surface 70 is movable in translation along the axis B with respect to the surface 72. The surfaces 70, 72 can for example be moved from each other to be at a distance varying between 0 and 8mm.

[0132] In the example shown in figures 20 and 21, it is the assembly formed by the part 32b of the ring 32 with the surface 70 which goes up and down on the axis B, the surface 72 remaining static.

[0133] Part 32b of the ring 32 is equipped with drive carriages 91 fitted with rollers 91a which roll on an annular track 93 extending around the axis B and oriented upwards. This track 93 includes ramps 93a on which the carriages 91 can roll. The rolling of the carriages 91 on the ramps 93a causes the assembly formed by part 32b of the ring 32 with the surface 70 to move relative to the surface 72, by cam action.

[0134] An actuator 92 is controlled by the console 34 and enables this movement. This actuator 92 is located on the support 18 and comprises a rod 92a articulated on the element carrying the track 93 to move it in rotation around the axis B.

[0135] The ramp allows the aforementioned distance between surfaces 70, 72 to be precisely adjusted.

[0136] The resetting of surfaces 70, 72 to “zero” is ensured mechanically by the descent of the trolleys 91 on the ramps 93a and can correspond to the contact of surface 78 on surface 52 (figures 8 and 9).

[0137] The platform 20 can further include an extraction system 94 carried by the platform 20 and intended to facilitate the extraction of the module 12 from the platform 20. This system 94 includes, for example, fingers 96 housed in recesses 98 of the surface 70 and adapted to protrude from this surface 70 to bear against the housing 14 and push it along the axis B and away from the surface 70 and therefore from the platform 66.

[0138] Fig. 14 shows a step in mounting a plate 20 onto the support 18 of the tooling 10. The plate 20 can be moved by means of a hoist system, for example, which is connected by a chain to a hook or ring 100 on the upper end of the mast 68. The plate 20 is first moved horizontally towards the support so that the axis of the mast 68 coincides with the axis B of the ring 32 (arrow F4). Then the plate 20 is moved vertically towards the support 18 until the surfaces 52, 78 and 54, 80 cooperate (arrow F5). This final movement is guided by the pins 50 (not shown in this [Fig. 14]) which are engaged and slide in corresponding holes in the plate 20. The plate 20 can then be locked onto the support 18 by means of the pins 56.

[0139] Removing the plate 20 from the support 18 is done by repeating these steps in reverse order.

[0140] The support 18 can be equipped with side covers 102 to protect equipment or motors of the tooling 10 and prevent the operator from coming into contact with them, or from being damaged during an operation of mounting or dismounting the plate 20 on the support 18 ([Fig.25]).

[0141] During the handling of the tray 20, before or after its mounting on the support 18, the tray 20 can be placed on a trolley 106 equipped with wheels and moved by an operator ([Fig. 15]), or can be stored on a pallet 108 which is then moved by a pallet truck or similar and can be stacked or stored in suitable shelving ([Fig. 16]).

[0142] As mentioned above, the special feature of the plate 20 of the tool 10 is that it is removable and interchangeable. This means that it can be removed from the tool 10 and replaced with another plate 20, this other plate 20 being either identical to the first or different.

[0143] Figures 13a to 13d show several different plates 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d which can be mounted successively on the support 18 of the tooling 10.

[0144] The plates 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d of these figures exhibit similarities and differences.

[0145] Among the similarities, they all include a platform 66 and a central mast 68. Furthermore, insofar as they are intended to cooperate with the ring 32 of the support 18, they have interfaces for connection to this ring 32 which are similar and preferably include, for example, all bearing surfaces 78 and centering surfaces 80 on the part 32b of the ring 32.

[0146] Among the differences, the masts 68 of the platforms 20 may differ in their length and / or diameter, for example. The platforms 66 may differ from each other in their dimensions and in particular the dimensions of the surfaces 70, 72 which accommodate the corresponding module 12, which itself may have different shapes and dimensions.

[0147] The present invention further relates to an assembly comprising a tool 10 as described above, and a module 12 placed and fixed on the plate 20 of the tool 10.

[0148] The present invention also relates to an installation comprising this type of tooling 10 or assembly and at least one other plate 20 interchangeable with the first one placed on the tooling. At least some of these plates 20 may be identical or different, as mentioned above.

[0149] The present invention also relates to a method of mounting / dismounting a module as mentioned above.

[0150] The present invention offers several advantages, including:

[0151] - the reduction in the number of tools required for the maintenance of the various modules,

[0152] - the reduction of maintenance costs,

[0153] - saving floor space and storage space in the workshop,

[0154] - the flexibility of the assembly / disassembly line thanks to the possibility of interrupting the assembly / disassembly of a module, which is not possible with current technology,

[0155] - etc.

Claims

Claims

1. Tool (10) for mounting / dismounting an aircraft turbomachine module (12), comprising: - a fixed frame (16) configured to rest on the ground, - a mobile support (18) which is mounted on the frame (16) and which is rotatable about a first horizontal axis (A), and - a first mobile plate (20) which is mounted on the support (18) so as to be able to be moved about the first horizontal axis (A), said mobile plate (20) being rotatable about a second axis (B) perpendicular to the first axis (A) with respect to the support (18), this mobile plate (20) comprising a support platform (66) intended to receive a turbomachine module (12), and a central mast (68) connected to the platform (66) and intended to pass through the turbomachine module (12), characterized in that said plate (20) is removably mounted on the support (18) and is interchangeable so that another tray (20) can be mounted on the support (18).

2. Tool (10) according to claim 1, in which the frame (16) has a general L shape and comprises a horizontal part (16a) configured to rest on the ground, and a vertical part (16b) which is connected to one end of the horizontal part (16a).

3. Tooling (10) according to claim 2, wherein the support (18) is mounted on a side or face of the vertical portion (16b) of the frame (16), and above the horizontal portion (16a) of the frame (16).

4. Tool (10) according to claim 3, in which it comprises a cabinet (28) for supplying electricity to motors and equipment of the tool, this cabinet (28) being located on one side or one face of the vertical part (16b) of the frame (16), opposite the support (18), and being configured to be connected to an electrical network.

5. Tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support (18) is furthermore movable in translation along a vertical axis (C).

6. Tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support (18) comprises a ring (32) centered on the second axis (B), this ring (32) comprising a first annular part (32a) and a second annular part (32b) movable relative to the first part (32a), this second part (32b) being configured to receive the plate (20).

7. Tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support (18) comprises at least one removable rod (50) which extends parallel to said second axis (B) and which is configured to guide the plate (20) during its mounting on the support (18).

8. Tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which it comprises a console (34) for controlling motors and equipment of the tool, this console (34) preferably being carried by an articulated arm (36) fixed to said frame (16).

9. Tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which it comprises at least one light source carried by an articulated (48) or flexible (44) arm.

10. Tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which it further comprises at least one pedal (26) for rotating the plate (20) around said second axis (B).

11. Tooling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the plate (20) comprises a heating belt (86) and a first socket (88) for electrically connecting the heating belt (86), the frame (16) comprising a second socket (90) or an electrical cable configured to be connected to the first socket (88).

12. Tooling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate (20) comprises: - a first annular surface (70) on which an annular edge of a casing (14) of said module (12) is configured to bear, - a second annular surface (72) which is coaxial with the first surface (70), which is located inside the first surface (72), and on which a rotor of said module (12) is configured to bear, and - at least one system (74) for clamping or fixing said module (12) on the plate (20).

13. Tooling (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the plate (20) is configured so that said second surface (72) is movable in translation along said second axis (B) relative to said first surface (70).

14. Assembly comprising a tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, and a turbomachine module (12), and in particular a turbomachine turbine, which is placed and fixed on said plate (20), the module (12) comprising an annular casing (14) which extends around the mast (68) and which is supported by an annular edge on the platform (66) support (18), and a rotor with several bladed wheels which is crossed by said mast (68), which is located inside the casing (14) and which is supported by one of its wheels on the support platform (66), the mast (68) crossing this turbomachine module (12).

15. Installation comprising a tool (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13 or an assembly according to claim 14, and at least one other interchangeable plate (20) which is configured to be mounted on the support (18) in place of the first plate (20), this other plate (20) also being able to support a turbomachine module (12), and in particular a turbomachine turbine.

16. Installation according to the preceding claim, in which it comprises several other interchangeable trays (20).

17. Installation according to claim 16, in which at least some trays (20) among the first tray and the other trays, are different and in particular have different support platforms (66).

18. Method for mounting / dismounting a turbomachine module by means of a tool (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps of: a) mounting the first plate (20) on the support (18), b) mounting a turbomachine module (12) on the first plate (20), or dismounting the turbomachine module (12) located on this first plate (20), and c) removing the first plate (20) from the support (18) and mounting another plate (20) therein in order to carry out a new step b), step c) being able to be repeated.

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