Turbomachine assembly device

The turbomachine assembly device addresses safety and efficiency issues by using a gantry system with a plate and locking means to manage safe alignment and rotation of turbomachine portions, ensuring secure assembly and reducing operator risks.

FR3160728A1Active Publication Date: 2025-10-03SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2024003123
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-03-27
Publication Date
2025-10-03
Estimated Expiration
2044-03-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing turbomachine assembly devices face challenges in ensuring safe and efficient alignment and rotation of large, heavy turbomachine portions during assembly, particularly due to the complexity of fixing and rotating conditions that can pose safety risks to operators.

Method used

A turbomachine assembly device with a gantry system and a safety system that includes a plate and locking means, allowing for secure fixing and rotation conditions, featuring a plate that moves between holding and release positions and locking means that transition between locked and unlocked states to prevent unsafe operations.

Benefits of technology

The device ensures safe and efficient assembly by preventing unauthorized rotation of turbomachine portions during handling and allowing safe manual operations, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing assembly precision.

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Abstract

Assembly device (30) for a turbomachine with a longitudinal axis (X), said assembly device (30) comprising: a gantry (30') extending along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (X); a first part (31, 31') comprising a support (32) and a transport member (33, 33') free to rotate relative to the support (32) around the longitudinal axis (X); removable means (37a, 37b) for fixing the support (32) to the gantry (30'); and a safety system (38) comprising: a plate (42) mounted for movement on a first element among one of the transport member (33, 33') and the support (32) between a first holding position and a second release position; and locking means (50, 50') for rotation of the transport member (33, 33') relative to the support (32) capable of being moved between a first locking position, or into a second unlocking position. Abstract figure: Figure 3A
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Description

Title of the invention: Turbomachine assembly device Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of turbomachine assembly devices. Prior art

[0002] [Fig.l] represents a double-flow, double-spool turbomachine 1 after assembly. The axis of the turbomachine is referenced X and corresponds to the axis of rotation of the rotating parts. In the following concerning the prior art, the terms axial and radial are defined relative to the X axis.

[0003] The turbomachine 1 comprises, from upstream to downstream in the direction of gas flow, a fan 2, a low-pressure compressor 3, a high-pressure compressor 4, a combustion chamber 5, a high-pressure turbine 6 and a low-pressure turbine 7.

[0004] The air from the blower 2 is divided into a primary flow 8 flowing in a primary annular vein 9, and a secondary flow 10 flowing in a secondary annular vein 11 surrounding the primary annular vein 9.

[0005] The low pressure compressor 3, the high pressure compressor 4, the combustion chamber 5, the high pressure turbine 6 and the low pressure turbine 7 are arranged in the primary vein 9.

[0006] The rotor of the high pressure turbine 6 and the rotor of the high pressure compressor 4 are rotationally coupled via a first shaft 12 so as to form a high pressure body.

[0007] The rotor of the low pressure turbine 7 and the rotor of the low pressure compressor 3 are coupled in rotation by means of a second shaft 13 so as to form a low pressure body, the fan 2 being able to be connected directly to the rotor of the low pressure compressor 3 or else by means of an epicyclic gear train for example.

[0008] Before assembly, the turbomachine is typically split into two portions, a portion called upstream 1a and a portion called downstream 1b.

[0009] It is known from the prior art to use an assembly device to assemble the downstream and upstream portions of a turbomachine.

[0010] [Fig.2] represents such an assembly device 20 comprising a gantry 20a which extends parallel to the axis X.

[0011] The gantry 20a comprises an upstream cradle 22 and a downstream cradle 31' capable of transporting respectively the downstream and upstream portions 1a, 1b of the turbomachine to assemble, a first part 31 of the assembly device 20 comprising the downstream cradle 31'.

[0012] The upstream 22 and downstream 31' cradles are able to translate along the gantry 20a and are free to rotate around the X axis. The principle of the assembly method is to dock the downstream portion 1b on the upstream portion 1a by sliding the downstream cradle 31' towards the upstream cradle 22 using a rail 24 connecting the two cradles 22, 31'.

[0013] The assembly method notably involves phases during which the downstream cradle 31' transporting must comply with conditions of attachment to the gantry 20a and conditions of locking or unlocking of the rotation.

[0014] In other words, the downstream cradle 31' must be able to be in a position of fixing or release relative to the gantry 20a and in a position of locking or unlocking of the rotation during certain phases of the assembly process.

[0015] The assembly process takes place as follows. The operator moves the downstream portion 1b of the turbomachine using the downstream cradle 31' until the downstream cradle 31' is fixed to the rail 24 of the gantry 20a.

[0016] To achieve the docking of the downstream portion 1b with the upstream portion 1a, it is appropriate that the longitudinal axis of the downstream portion 1b is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the upstream portion 1a and that the downstream portion 1b is oriented circumferentially in the desired mounting position.

[0017] The conditions for fixing and rotating the downstream cradle 31' must be able to be ensured independently of these docking conditions, which proves to be complicated to achieve safely for an operator.

[0018] These conditions for fixing and rotating the downstream cradle 31' are safety measures which avoid any danger to the operators carrying out the assembly process.

[0019] Indeed, the assembly of an aircraft turbomachine is a delicate process, because it involves precisely handling portions of a turbomachine which have large dimensions, significant masses and must be accessible by operators.

[0020] These difficulties can also be transposed to methods of repairing and maintaining a turbomachine.

[0021] In this sense, the present document proposes an assembly device making it possible to achieve these fixing and rotation conditions. Summary

[0022] For this purpose, the present document may relate to a device for assembling a turbomachine with a longitudinal axis, said assembly device comprising: - a gantry extending along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, - a first part comprising a support and a transport member free to rotate relative to the support around the longitudinal axis and capable of allowing the transport of a first portion of the turbomachine; - removable means of fixing the support to the gantry; and - a security system including: — a plate mounted for movement on a first element among one of the transport member and the support between a first holding position in which said plate is capable of holding the removable fixing means in a position for fixing the support to the gantry, and a second release position in which said plate allows the release of the removable fixing means; and

[0023] — means for locking the transport member in rotation relative to the support capable of being moved between a first position of rotational locking of the transport member relative to the support, or in a second position of rotational unlocking of the transport member relative to the support.

[0024] In this document, the expressions downstream and upstream are defined with respect to the direction of flow of the flow in the turbomachine and the expressions axial, tangential, circumferential and radial are defined with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0025] The first portion of the turbomachine may be a downstream portion of the turbomachine.

[0026] The safety system can have several possible configurations depending on the holding position or the release position of the plate and the locking position or the unlocking position of the rotation locking means of the transport member relative to the support.

[0027] The safety system makes it possible to ensure the safety conditions necessary for the fixing and rotation of the assembly when the safety system is in one of the following two configurations: - according to a first configuration, when an operator wishes to manipulate the first portion of the turbomachine or bring the removable fixing means into a position for fixing the support to the gantry, the latter can, beforehand, bring the plate into its release position and the locking means into their locking position. This makes it possible to guarantee the safety of the operator by preventing any rotation of the first portion of the turbomachine transported by the transport member, during manipulations by the operator, and - according to a second configuration, when it is no longer necessary for the operator to have access to the assembly device (for example, when the removable fixing means are already in a position for fixing the support to the gantry), the latter can firstly bring the plate into its holding position and the locking means into their unlocking position. Thus, the first is left free to rotate portion of the turbomachine transported by the transport member because the operations of assembling the first portion of the turbomachine to a second portion of the turbomachine are completed.

[0028] The second portion of the turbomachine may be an upstream portion of the turbomachine.

[0029] It is understood that the plate can be mounted for movement directly or indirectly on the first element.

[0030] By indirect displacement mounting, we mean the displacement mounting of the plate on an intermediate element secured to the first element.

[0031] Alternatively, the security system could further comprise a spacer and the plate can be mounted directly for movement on the spacer and mounted indirectly on the first element, said spacer being integral with the first element and being arranged between the plate and the first element.

[0032] The first element can cooperate in translation with the plate along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0033] In other words, the plate moves from a holding position to a release position, or vice versa during a translation along this transverse axis.

[0034] The transverse axis therefore corresponds to the direction of movement of the plate.

[0035] The translation can be a horizontal translation.

[0036] In particular, the transverse axis may be an axis substantially tangent to a circle having the longitudinal axis as its center. By axis substantially tangent to a circle, we mean an axis having an angle of plus or minus 10° with an axis strictly tangent to the circle.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the first element or the plate comprises at least one translation rail and the plate is slidably mounted directly or indirectly on said at least one translation rail which allows the plate to move between the holding position and the release position.

[0038] In particular, said at least one translation rail can be arranged on the plate. As a result, mechanical weakening of the first element is avoided compared to a configuration where said at least one translation rail would be arranged on the first element.

[0039] In the case of a mounting with displacement of the plate on an intermediate element secured to the first element, the intermediate element may comprise said at least one translation rail and the plate is slidably mounted directly on said at least one translation rail which allows the plate to move between the holding position and the release position.

[0040] The locking means may comprise a locking rod, and a second element, distinct from the first element, is among the support or the locking member transport, the second element comprising a locking hole, the locking position corresponding to an insertion of the locking rod into the locking hole and the unlocking position corresponding to a disengagement of the locking rod from the locking hole.

[0041] In other words, the locking position corresponds to an extension of the locking rod towards the second element in one direction and the unlocking position corresponds to a retraction of the locking rod in an opposite direction.

[0042] Thus, in the locking position, the locking rod inserted into the locking orifice is in circumferential abutment against the second element to stop the rotation of the transport member relative to the support.

[0043] In practice, the rod must be sized so as to allow the transport member to be locked relative to the support when the first portion of the turbomachine is fixed to the transport member.

[0044] Furthermore, when the first portion of the turbomachine is coupled to a second portion of the turbomachine, the rod must be able to yield under a rotational force of the turbomachine. An operator could in fact activate the rotation while the rod is in its locking position and it is desired to avoid any damage to the turbomachine.

[0045] This double condition makes it possible to block the rotation of the first portion of the turbomachine, when undesired, on the one hand, and to avoid damaging the turbomachine with the rod in the event of involuntary actuation of the rotation, on the other hand.

[0046] In other words, the rod must be sized so as to have a rotational force threshold function.

[0047] The diameter of the rod may be between 6 mm and 15 mm, preferably equal to 10 mm.

[0048] The safety system may further comprise a member for moving the locking means in rotation of the transport member relative to the support between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0049] The member for moving the locking means facilitates the manipulation of the locking means by the operator for manual movement from the locking position to the unlocking position of the locking means, or vice versa.

[0050] Furthermore, the movement member allows the operator not to directly manipulate the locking means and avoids a potential danger.

[0051] The member for moving the locking means may comprise means for guiding the movement of the locking means carried by the plate, so that when the locking means are in the locking position, the plate is in the release position, and when the locking means are in the unlocked position, the plate is in the holding position.

[0052] In this way, the holding and releasing positions of the plate are coupled with the locking and unlocking positions of the locking means, so that the security system has only the two desired configurations: - the first configuration in which the plate is in the release position and the locking means are in the locking position, and - the second configuration in which the plate is in the holding position and the locking means are in the unlocking position

[0053] In other words, this arrangement prevents the plate from being in the release position when the locking means are in the unlocking position, and the plate from being in a holding position when the locking means are in the locking position.

[0054] In other words, this arrangement prevents the removable fixing means from being released when the transport member is rotating relative to the support, and prevents the removable fixing means from being held when the transport member is locked in rotation relative to the support.

[0055] The guidance means make it possible to avoid a handling error.

[0056] The displacement guide means of the locking means may comprising a fin included in a plane parallel to the transverse axis, said fin comprising at least one guide rail inclined at an angle α relative to said plane, the locking means being slidably mounted on said at least one guide rail which allows the locking means to move between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0057] The plane may be a horizontal plane.

[0058] The fact that said at least one guide rail is inclined at the angle a relative to said plane allows the plate to be moved simultaneously (in the direction of movement) for maintaining the removable fixing means and for inserting or disengaging the locking rod relative to the locking orifice.

[0059] In other words, said at least one guide rail is oblique by the angle α relative to said plane, said at least one guide rail comprising a dimension parallel to the direction of movement which allows the plate to move between the holding and release positions and a dimension orthogonal to the direction of movement which allows the locking means to move between the locking and unlocking positions.

[0060] The angle a must be small enough to avoid too great an effort by the operator who will have to manually move the position of the locking means, on the one hand, and large enough so that the movement of the locking means can be carried out lock position to unlock position.

[0061] The angle a can be between 20° and 30°, preferably equal to 25°.

[0062] Said dimension parallel to the direction of movement of said at least one guide rail may be between 60 mm and 130 mm, preferably equal to 95 mm.

[0063] Said dimension orthogonal to the direction of movement of said at least one guide rail may be between 35 mm and 45 mm, preferably equal to 40 mm.

[0064] The first element may be the transport member.

[0065] In this way, the mounting of the assembly device is facilitated. In particular, the mounting of the plate on the first element, formed by the transport member, is simplified, because the transport member is more accessible for an operator compared to the support.

[0066] By removable means of fixing the support to the gantry, we mean means of mechanical coupling by one or more fixing members, and not means of mechanical coupling by joint (such as welding for example).

[0067] The support may comprise at least one orifice intended to be arranged axially opposite at least one complementary orifice of an arm of the gantry and in which the removable fixing means are capable of passing through said at least one fixing orifice of the support and said at least one complementary fixing orifice of said arm, the removable fixing means preferably comprising at least one fixing pin.

[0068] The removable fastening means may comprise ball pins or self-locking stop pins.

[0069] The plate may comprise at least one tab extending from a base, and capable of holding the removable fixing means when the plate is in the holding position, and releasing the removable fixing means when the plate is in the release position.

[0070] The plate may comprise a number of tabs equal to the number of removable fixing means. In this way, each tab makes it possible to hold a corresponding removable fixing means when the plate is in the holding position.

[0071] The safety system may further comprise means for locking the plate in the holding position and the release position.

[0072] In this way, the plate is locked only in the holding position or the release position, it cannot be locked in an intermediate position.

[0073] The locking means may be an indexing finger: - passing through an orifice of the plate and a first orifice of the first element when the plate is in the release position, and - passing through the hole in the plate and a second hole in the first element when the plate is in the holding position.

[0074] In the case of a mounting with displacement of the plate on an intermediate element secured to the first element, the locking means may be an indexing finger: - passing through an orifice of the plate and a first orifice of the intermediate element when the plate is in the release position, and - passing through the hole in the plate and a second hole in the intermediate element when the plate is in the holding position.

[0075] The safety system may comprise means for elastically returning the indexing finger to the insertion position in said orifice of the plate. These means may be an elastic member, such as a spring, arranged around a foot of the indexing finger.

[0076] The indexing finger may comprise a spring so that the elastic return forces allow the indexing finger to pass through the first orifice of the plate and the intermediate element or the first orifice of the plate and the intermediate element.

[0077] Therefore, no operator action is required for the locking means to secure the plate in the release or holding positions.

[0078] The transport member may be arc-shaped and may be capable of surrounding a portion of the circumference of the first portion of the turbomachine.

[0079] The assembly device may further comprise a second part capable of allowing the transport of a second portion of the turbomachine, in which the first part is slidably mounted on the gantry.

[0080] In operation, the first part of the assembly device transports the first portion of the turbomachine with a safety system in its first configuration and translates on the third rail towards the second part so that the first portion docks with the second portion. Once docking has been carried out, the safety system of the first portion of the turbomachine is brought into its second configuration and assembly is carried out.

[0081] According to another aspect, the present document may also relate to a device for assembling a longitudinal axis turbomachine, said assembly device comprising: - a gantry extending along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, - a first part comprising a support and a transport member free to rotate relative to the support around the longitudinal axis and capable of allowing the transport of a first portion of the turbomachine; - removable means of fixing the support to the gantry; and - a security system including: — a plate rotatably mounted on a first element among one of the transport member and the support around a pivot member with a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the turbomachine between a first holding position in which said plate is capable of holding the removable fixing means in a position for fixing the support to the gantry, and a second release position in which said plate allows the release of the removable fixing means; and

[0082] — means for locking the transport member in rotation relative to the support capable of being moved between a first position of rotational locking of the transport member relative to the support, or in a second position of rotational unlocking of the transport member relative to the support.

[0083] The plate can be mounted in rotation directly or indirectly on the first element around a pivoting member with a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the turbomachine.

[0084] By indirect rotational mounting, we mean the rotational mounting of the plate on an intermediate element secured to the first element.

[0085] Alternatively, the security system could further comprise a spacer and the plate can be mounted directly in rotation on the spacer and mounted indirectly on the first element, said spacer being integral with the first element and being arranged between the plate and the first element.

[0086] The rotation of the plate between the holding position and the release position, and vice versa, may be a rotation of between 45° and 180° of the plate, preferably equal to 180°.

[0087] The pivoting member may comprise a stud passing through the plate and the first element, said stud comprising a head shaped so as to cooperate by form connection with and arranged in a complementary shape of the first element and a foot tightened by a nut.

[0088] The head of the stud may be a disc truncated by a circular segment (i.e. a flat is added to the disc). In this way, rotation of the stud is prevented when mounting the safety system.

[0089] In the case of a rotational mounting of the plate on an intermediate element secured to the first element, the head of the stud can be shaped so as to cooperate by form connection with and arranged in a complementary shape of the intermediate element.

[0090] The member for moving the locking means may comprise a toggle clamp cooperating with the locking means, so that a retracted position of the toggle clamp corresponds to the unlocking position of the locking means and an extended position of the toggle clamp corresponds to the locking position of the locking means.

[0091] The grasshopper may include a handle.

[0092] The handle facilitates the actuation of the clamp, and therefore the transition from the locking position to the unlocking position, or vice versa, of the locking means. rusting.

[0093] The removable fixing means may comprise at least one fixing pin. Brief description of the drawings

[0094] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which:

[0095] [Fig-1] is an axial sectional view of a turbomachine, a double-flow turbojet, of the prior art,

[0096] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a gantry for assembling two portions of a prior art turbomachine,

[0097] [Fig.3A] is an axial and detail view of an assembly device with a safety system in a first configuration, according to a first embodiment of the present document,

[0098] [Fig.3B] is an upper axial sectional view of the assembly device of [Fig.3A],

[0099] [Fig.3C] is a lower axial sectional view of the safety system of [Fig.3A],

[0100] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the security system of [Fig.3A],

[0101] [Fig.5A] is an axial and detail view of an assembly device with a safety system in a second configuration, according to the first embodiment of the present document,

[0102] [Fig.5B] is an upper axial sectional view of the assembly device of [Fig.5A],

[0103] [Fig.5C] is a lower axial sectional view of the safety system of [Fig.5A],

[0104] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the security system of [Fig.5A],

[0105] [Fig.7A] is an axial and detail view of an assembly device with a safety system in a first configuration, according to a second embodiment of the present document,

[0106] [Fig.7B] is an upper axial sectional view of the assembly device of [Fig.7A],

[0107] [Fig.7C] is a lower axial sectional view of the safety system of [Fig.7A],

[0108] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the security system of [Fig.7A],

[0109] [Fig.9] is a perspective and detail view from upstream to downstream of the system of security of [Fig.7A],

[0110] [Fig. 10A] is an axial and detail view of an assembly device with a safety system in a second configuration, according to the second embodiment of the present document,

[0111] [Fig. 10B] is an upper axial sectional view of the assembly device of the [Fig.lOA],

[0112] [Fig. 10C] is a lower axial sectional view of the safety system of [Fig.10A], and

[0113] [Fig.11] is a perspective view of the security system of [Fig.10A]. Description of the embodiments

[0114] Figures 3A to 3C represent a first embodiment of the assembly device according to the present document.

[0115] The assembly device 30 comprises a gantry 30'.

[0116] The assembly device 30 further comprises a first part 31 which includes a 31' downstream cradle.

[0117] The downstream cradle 31' comprises a support 32 and a transport member 33 comprising a hoop 33'.

[0118] The hoop 33' is capable of transporting a downstream portion of the turbomachine (not shown here) and having as its center a longitudinal axis X which is the axis of the turbomachine. An axis X' parallel to the axis X is shown.

[0119] The support 32 comprises at a first end and at a second end a first tangential shoulder 32a and a second tangential shoulder 32b respectively.

[0120] The first tangential shoulder 32a is inserted between hooks 36a, 36a' of a first arm 34a of the gantry 30'.

[0121] The second tangential shoulder 32b is inserted between hooks 36b, 36b' of a second arm 34b of the gantry 30.

[0122] The arms 34a, 34b are mounted to slide along an axis parallel to the longitudinal X axis on a rail of the gantry 30'.

[0123] The hooks 36a, 36a', 36b, 36b' each comprise a fixing orifice 36a-l, 36a'-l, 36b-l, 36b'-l and the tangential shoulders 32a, 32b each comprise a complementary fixing orifice 32a-1, 32b-1, the fixing orifices of the same arm and the complementary fixing orifices of a corresponding shoulder being axially aligned.

[0124] The assembly device 30 further comprises removable fixing means 37a, 37b in the form of a first pin 37a and a second pin 37b, illustrated in the fixing position.

[0125] The first and second pins 37a, 37b each comprise a foot 37a-1, 37b-1 and a head 37a-2, 37b-2.

[0126] The first pin 37a passes from downstream to upstream through the fixing orifices 36a-1, 36a'-1 of the hooks 34a-1, 34a-2 of the first arm 34a and the complementary fixing orifice 32a-1 of the first tangential shoulder 32a.

[0127] The second pin 37b passes from downstream to upstream through the fixing holes of the hooks 34b-1, 34b-2 of the second arm 34b and the complementary fixing hole 32b-1 of the second tangential shoulder 32b.

[0128] Thus the pins 37a, 37b allow the support 32 to be fixed to the arms 34a, 34b, and therefore the first part 31 to be fixed to the rail.

[0129] The assembly device 30 further comprises a safety system 38 illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3C and illustrated in detail in [Fig.4].

[0130] The safety system 38 further comprises an intermediate element (a spacer 40), a plate 42 and a displacement member 44 which comprises a fin 44'.

[0131] The spacer 40 is mounted integrally on the downstream face 33'a of the hoop 33' so that the spacer 40 is integral with the hoop 33'.

[0132] The plate 42 comprises legs 42a, 42b, a base 42c, and a sleeve 42d. The legs 42a, 42b extend from each circumferential side of the base 42c and the sleeve 42d is arranged on the base 42c.

[0133] The base 42c of the plate 42 is mounted integrally on the downstream face 40a of the spacer 40 and is slidably mounted on a translation rail 46, and an additional translation rail 46', the translation rails 46, 46' extending parallel to a displacement axis Y, said axis Y being orthogonal to the axis X.

[0134] Axially, the spacer 40 is therefore located between the arch 33' and the plate 42.

[0135] The fin 44' is mounted integrally on the downstream face 42e of the plate 42 and is oriented so that it is included in a plane which includes the Y axis and the X axis.

[0136] The fin 44' comprises on its upper face 44'a a second rail 44'b oriented at an angle a relative to the plane.

[0137] The safety system 38 further comprises means 50 for locking the hoop 33' in rotation relative to the support 32.

[0138] The locking means 50 comprise a locking rod 50' extending along the axis X', which is slidably mounted on the second rail 44'b.

[0139] In addition, the security system 38 comprises an indexing finger 52 arranged on the base 42c of the plate 42.

[0140] For example, this indexing finger 52 can be a finger of the MISUMI® brand and of reference SXPKN16L.

[0141] The indexing finger 52 comprises a head 52a, a foot 52b and a spring 52c arranged around the foot 52b. The spring 52a creates an axial elastic return force from downstream to upstream (i.e. towards the spacer 40) so that the foot 52b of the indexing finger 52 axially passes through a housing 42f of the plate 42 and a first complementary housing 40b (or a second complementary housing 40c depending on the position of the plate 42) of the spacer 40.

[0142] In operation, an operator may use the sleeve 42d to bring the security system 38 in a first configuration illustrated in Figures 3A to 3C.

[0143] In this first configuration: - the plate 42 is in a position for releasing the first pin 37a and the second pin 37b. The first tab 42a does not axially close the complementary fixing orifices 36a-1, 36a'-1 of the first arm 34a and the corresponding complementary fixing orifice 32a-1 of the first tangential shoulder 32a. The second tab 42b does not axially close the complementary fixing orifices 36b-1, 36b'-1 of the second arm 34b and the corresponding complementary fixing orifice 32b-1 of the second tangential shoulder 32b. The plate 42 is then in a so-called release position, - the indexing finger 52 axially passes through the housing 42f and the first complementary housing 40b, which allows the plate 42 to be held in this position, and - the locking rod 50' is inserted along the axis X' into a locking orifice 32c of the support 32. The rotation of the arch 33' relative to the support 32 is stopped by mechanical interaction between the support 32, the locking rod 50', the fin 44', the plate 42, the spacer 40 and the arch 33'. The locking rod 50' is then in a locking position.

[0144] The operator can then insert, from downstream to upstream, the first pin 37a into the complementary fixing orifices 36a-1, 36a'-1 of the first arm 34a and the corresponding complementary fixing orifice 32a-1 of the first tangential shoulder 32a.

[0145] In addition, it can insert, from downstream to upstream, the second pin 37b into the complementary fixing orifices 36b-l, 36b'-l of the second arm 34b and the corresponding complementary fixing orifice 32b-1 of the second tangential shoulder 32b.

[0146] Since the rotation of the hoop 33' relative to the support 32 is stopped, these insertions of the pins 37a, 37b can be carried out without danger for the operator.

[0147] Once the pins 37a, 37b are inserted, the operator no longer needs to have manual access to the assembly device 30. The latter can translate axially along the gantry 30' the downstream portion 1b of the turbomachine transported by the hoop 33' towards an upstream portion 1a of the turbomachine to carry out the docking.

[0148] Once docking has been carried out, the operator can bring the safety system into a second configuration illustrated in Figures 5A to 5C which illustrate the same assembly device as that of Figures 3A to 3C but with a safety system in a different configuration.

[0149] The security system 38 is illustrated in detail in [Fig.6].

[0150] To move from the first to the second configuration of the safety system 38, the operator pulls the indexing finger 52 from upstream to downstream and uses the sleeve 42d to effect a translation of the plate 42 in the direction D. The movement of the plate 42 will cause the axial movement from upstream to downstream of the locking rod 50' which will translate on the second rail 44'b of the fin 44'.

[0151] In this second configuration: - the plate 42 is in a position for holding the first pin 37a and the second pin 37b. The first tab 42a axially closes the complementary fixing orifices 36a-1, 36a'-1 of the first arm 34a and the corresponding complementary fixing orifice 32a-1 of the first tangential shoulder 32a. The second tab 42b axially closes the complementary fixing orifices 36b-1, 36b'-1 of the second arm 34b and the corresponding complementary fixing orifice 32b-1 of the second tangential shoulder 32b. The pins 37a, 37b are thus axially retained in their fixing position. The plate 42 is then in a so-called holding position, - the indexing finger 52 axially passes through the housing 42f and the second complementary housing 40c, which allows the plate 42 to be held in this position, and - the locking rod 50' is disengaged from the locking orifice 32c of the support 32. The hoop 33' is free to rotate relative to the support 32. The locking rod 50' is then in a so-called unlocking position.

[0152] In this way, the assembled turbomachine (i.e. the downstream 1b and upstream 1a portions) is secured to the gantry 30' by the axial retention of the pins 37a, 37b while allowing free rotation of the turbomachine.

[0153] Figures 7A to 7C represent a second embodiment of the assembly device according to the present document, with a safety system in the first configuration.

[0154] This second embodiment of the assembly device comprises a safety system different from the first embodiment of the assembly device. The safety system is illustrated in detail in [Fig.8].

[0155] In particular, the plate 42 comprises a first leg 42a and a second leg 42b extending in an oblique direction from the base 42c, and is rotatably mounted on the spacer 40 about a pivot axis X” parallel to the axis X.

[0156] The first leg 42a and the second leg 42b form an extension angle [3 with a plane comprising the horizontal axis Y' which is orthogonal to and intersecting with the pivot axis X”.

[0157] The plate includes specific dimensions to ensure its proper functioning: - the distance between the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis is equal to 765 mm, - the distance L1 between the pivot axis X” and a midpoint of an oblique tan- kindly external 42h of a 42b leg is equal to 235 mm, and - the vertical distance L2 between a vertical end of a leg 42a and the horizontal plane comprising the pivot axis X” and the horizontal axis Y' is equal to 180 mm.

[0158] A stud 56 provides the pivot connection and passes through an opening 40e of the spacer 40 and a complementary opening 42g in the middle of the base 42c of the plate 42.

[0159] [Fig.9] illustrates the stud 56 which has a pivoting member function.

[0160] The stud 56 comprises a head 56a having the shape of a truncated disc of a segment circular and arranged in the opening 40e of the spacer 40 which has a complementary shape. This cooperation by form connection thus ensures rotational locking during assembly.

[0161] The stud 56 further comprises a foot 56b opening onto the base 42c of the plate 42 which is tightened by a nut 58 arranged against the downstream face 42e of the plate 42.

[0162] Furthermore, the security system 38 comprises a grasshopper 60 which cooperates with the locking rod 50'.

[0163] The transition from an extended position to a retracted position of the toggle clamp 60 (and therefore from an insertion position to a disengagement position of the locking rod 50' cooperating with the toggle clamp 60) is carried out by actuating a handle 60a.

[0164] In the illustrated embodiment, this actuation is a rotation of the handle 60a by 180°. The handle 60a is actuated so that one passes from a position in which the handle 60a points in a vertical direction (i.e. orthogonal to X” and Y') opposite the first leg 42a and the second leg 42b (Figures 7A to 7C) to a position in which the handle 60a points in the same vertical direction as the first leg 42a and the second leg 42b (Figures 10A to 10C).

[0165] For example, the grasshopper 60 may be of the GANTER® brand and of reference GN 843.1.

[0166] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the actuation of the toggle switch 60a is a rotation of the handle 60a by 90°. In such a case, the handle 60a is actuated so that one passes from a position in which the handle 60a points in a vertical direction opposite to the first leg 42a and the second leg 42b (Figures 7A to 7C) to a position in which the handle 60a points in a direction parallel to the X axis”.

[0167] In operation, an operator may bring the safety system 38 into the first configuration illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7C in which the plate 42 is in the release position and the locking rod 50' is in the ver- rusting.

[0168] Similar to the first embodiment, the operator can insert, from downstream to upstream, the first pin 37a into the complementary fixing orifices 36a-1, 36a'-1 of the first arm 34a and the corresponding complementary fixing orifice 32a-1 of the first tangential shoulder 32a.

[0169] In addition, it can insert, from downstream to upstream, the second pin 37b into the complementary fixing orifices 36b-l, 36b'-l of the second arm 34b and the corresponding complementary fixing orifice 32b-1 of the second tangential shoulder 32b.

[0170] Since the rotation of the hoop 33' relative to the support 32 is stopped, these insertions of the pins 37a, 37b can be carried out without danger for the operator.

[0171] Once the pins 37a, 37b are inserted, the operator no longer needs to have manual access to the assembly device. The latter can translate axially along the gantry 30' the downstream portion 1b of the turbomachine transported by the hoop 33' towards an upstream portion 1a of the turbomachine to carry out the docking.

[0172] Once docking has been carried out, the operator can bring the safety system into a second configuration illustrated in Figures 10A to 10C which illustrate the same assembly device as that of Figures 7A to 7C, with a safety system in a different configuration.

[0173] In the example illustrated in Figures 7A to 7C, the indexing finger 52 axially passes through the second complementary housing 40c. It is understood that the indexing finger 52 can also be arranged so as to axially pass through the first complementary housing 40b.

[0174] In the example illustrated in Figures 10A to 10C, the indexing finger 52 axially passes through the first complementary housing 40b. It is understood that the indexing finger 52 can also be arranged so as to axially pass through the second complementary housing 40c.

[0175] To move from the first configuration to the second configuration of the safety system 38, the operator begins by retracting the toggle clamp 60 by pulling the handle 60a, which allows the locking rod 50' to be retracted. Then, the operator pulls on the indexing finger 52 and performs a 180° rotation R of the plate 42 around the pivot axis X”.

[0176] The operator can in particular grasp the legs 42a, 42b to carry out this rotation.

[0177] In this second configuration, the locking rod 50' is in the unlocking position and the rotation of the plate 42 allows the tabs 42a, 42b to be axially aligned with the pins 37a, 37b, the plate 42 thus being in the holding position.

[0178] In this way, the assembled turbomachine (i.e. the downstream 1b and upstream 1a portions) is secured to the gantry 30' by axial retention of the pins 37a, 37b while allowing free rotation of the turbomachine.

[0179] The locking and unlocking positions of the locking rod 50' and the holding and releasing positions of the plate 42 not being coupled for this second embodiment, the transition from the first to the second configuration is carried out with an additional step for the operator compared to the first embodiment.

Claims

1.

2.

3. Claims Assembly device (30) for a turbomachine with a longitudinal axis (X), said assembly device comprising: - a gantry (30') extending along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (X); - a first part (31, 31') comprising a support (32) and a transport member (33, 33') free to rotate relative to the support (32) around the longitudinal axis (X) and capable of allowing the transport of a first portion (1b) of the turbomachine; - removable means (37a, 37b) for fixing the support (32) to the gantry (30'); and - a security system (38) comprising: — a plate (42) mounted for movement on a first element among one of the transport member (33, 33') and the support (32) between a first holding position in which said plate (42) is capable of holding the removable fixing means (37a, 37b) in a position for fixing the support (32) to the gantry (30'), and a second release position in which said plate (42) allows the release of the removable fixing means (37a, 37b); and — locking means (50, 50') for rotation of the transport member (33, 33') relative to the support (32) capable of being moved between a first position for rotationally locking the transport member (33, 33') relative to the support (32), or into a second position for rotationally unlocking the transport member (33, 33') relative to the support (32). Assembly device (30) according to the preceding claim, in which the first element cooperates in translation with the plate (42) along an axis transverse (Y) to the longitudinal axis (X). Assembly device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the locking means (50, 50') comprise a locking rod (50'), and a second element, distinct from the first element, is among the support (32) or the transport member (33, 33'), the second element comprising a locking orifice (32c), the locking position corresponding to an insertion of the locking rod- locking rod (50') in the locking hole (32c) and the unlocking position corresponding to a disengagement of the locking rod (50') from the locking hole (32c).

4. Assembly device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the safety system (38) further comprises a member (44, 44') for moving the locking means (50, 50') in rotation of the transport member (33, 33') relative to the support (32) between the locking position and the unlocking position.

5. Assembly device (30) according to the preceding claim, in which the displacement member (44, 44') of the locking means (50, 50') comprises displacement guide means (44, 44') of the locking means (50, 50') carried by the plate (42), so that when the locking means (50, 50') are in the locking position, the plate (42) is in the release position, and when the locking means (50, 50') are in the unlocking position, the plate (42) is in the holding position.

6. Assembly device (30) according to the preceding claim, wherein the displacement guide means (44, 44') of the locking means (50, 50') comprise a fin (44') included in a plane parallel to the transverse axis (Y), said fin (44') comprising at least one guide rail (44'b) inclined at an angle α relative to said plane, the locking means (50, 50') being slidably mounted on said at least one guide rail (44'b) which allows the displacement of the locking means (50, 50') between the locking position and the unlocking position.

7. An assembly device (30) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first element is the transport member (33,33').

8. Assembly device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (32) comprises at least one orifice (32a-1, 32b-1) intended to be arranged axially opposite at least one complementary orifice (36a-1, 36a'-1, 36b-1, 36b'-1) of an arm (32a, 32b) of the gantry (30') and wherein the removable fixing means (37a, 37b) are capable of passing through said at least one fixing orifice of the support (32) and said at least one complementary fixing orifice of said arm (32a, 32b), the removable fixing means (37a, 37b) preferably comprising at least one fixing pin (37a, 37b).

9. An assembly device (30) according to any one of the claims previous, wherein the plate (42) comprises at least one tab (42a, 42b) extending from a base (42c), and capable of holding the removable fixing means (37a, 37b) when the plate (42) is in the holding position, and releasing the removable fixing means (37a, 37b) when the plate (42) is in the release position.

10. Assembly device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the safety system (38) further comprises means (52) for locking the plate (42) in the holding position and the release position.

11. Assembly device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a second part capable of allowing the transport of a second portion (la) of the turbomachine, in which the first part (31, 31') is slidably mounted on the gantry (30').

Citation Information

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