JPH01237230A - Engine holding/transporting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To hold an engine for an aircraft at a prescribed height in inspection and maintenance and safely transport the engine between processes with superior operation performance by constituting the title device from a cradle for holding the engine and a transport dolly for transporting the engine by its own driving source. CONSTITUTION:An engine holding/transporting device is constituted of a cradle 2 for holding an engine 1 and a transporting dolly 10 which mounts the cradle 2 and transports by its own driving source. Therefore, the engine 1 can be transported by only elevating and lowering a lift 15 in the state where the cradle 2 is inserted between the wheel frames 14 of the transport dolly 10, and the need of using a crane, etc., and mounting/demounting a connecting rod is obviated. Further, if the engine 1 is demounted from the body of an aircraft and mounted onto the cradle 2, the use as a temporary placing board in a maintenance factory or a working board for the equipment installation work before the test operation is permitted. Therefore, the transport between processes can be carried out by transporting the cradle 2 on which the engine 1 is mounted onto the transport dolly 10 in a simple operation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention is used to maintain an aircraft engine at an airport, etc., and to maintain the engine at a predetermined height for test run preparation, and to transport the engine between each process. This invention relates to an engine holding/transporting device for carrying out such operations.

After a certain amount of operating time has elapsed, or when an abnormality is discovered, the engine of an aircraft manufactured by U.S. technology is removed from the aircraft, undergoes several stages of inspection, maintenance, trial operation, and storage. It will be reinstalled on the aircraft.

Conventionally, for this purpose, an engine holding/transfer means for holding the engine at a predetermined height above the ground in each process and transporting the engine between each process has been used to hold the engine 1 as shown in FIG. It was constructed by combining a cradle 2 to be carried, a trailer 3 on which the cradle 2 is placed, and a tractor (not shown) that pulls the trailer 3.

On both sides of an aircraft engine, for example, a pair of left and right
A total of four engine support trunnions are provided, two in the front and the front, and the cradle 2, which serves as a pedestal for placing the engine removed from the aircraft on the ground side, is a support that supports the trunnion from below. 4 pillar-like arms 4 with 4a
It is configured as a frame 2a made of m.

The overall height of this cradle 2 is low, and even if the engine is supported on it, the bottom surface of the cradle will not touch the ground and it will not be possible to maintain it at the height above the ground required to mount the engine. By placing the engine on the cradle support beams 5 provided on both sides of the trailer 3, the engine can only be supported at the required ground height when the trailer 3 compensates for the lack of height of the cradle 2. At the same time, it becomes possible to transport the engine by towing it with a tractor via a connecting rod 6 attached to the front end of the trailer 3.

The reason for this configuration is that there are many types of aircraft engines, and each engine requires its own dedicated trailer.
Since it is economically disadvantageous to prepare a cradle with feet on the ground, a trailer with a transportation function can be used commonly, and on the other hand, for engines whose shapes and dimensions change, the cradle armrests should be adjusted to suit the partner engine. This is because the cradle was treated as a trailer attachment, either by adjusting the position of 4 or using a different type of cradle if the shape and dimensions were significantly different.

FIGS. 5(a), (b), (c), and (d) show a perspective view, a top view, a front view, and a side view of an example of a trailer, respectively.

Two cradle support beams 5 for fixing the cradle M are provided in parallel on both sides of the trailer. Further, a tow bar 6 for connecting to a tractor is connected to a front wheel 7 serving as a steering wheel via a link mechanism. That is, this trailer 3 is a towed road vehicle.

The tractor that pulls the trailer 3 is a motorized vehicle that is coupled to the tow bar of the trailer 3 to transport the engine to a required location.

The conventional engine holding/transporting device described above requires inspection, maintenance,
Each process of test run and storage is operated as follows.

(b) Inspection and maintenance ■ Remove the engine from the machine frame.

■ Place the removed engine in the cradle on the trailer.

■ The trailer is pulled by a tractor and delivered to a maintenance shop.

(Small) Lift the engine with a crane and remove it from the cradle.

■ In preparation for inspection 1lii, the engine was transferred to the engine support bridge (pedestal) installed on the floor.

■ Inspect and maintain the engine.

(b) Trial run■ Place the engine that has been inspected and maintained in the cradle on the trailer.

■ A tractor pulls the trailer and transports it to the trial run area.

■ With the engine still placed in the cradle on the trailer, attach the adapter (engine hanging tool) to the top of the engine to attach the engine to the test run stand installed at the top of the test run room.

■ Piping, wiring, such as fuel piping and electric wires necessary for trial operation,
Alternatively, the engine is equipped with equipment such as a bell mouth to rectify the intake air.

■ Hoist the engine with a hoist and install it on the test run frame.

■　Operate the engine.

(c) Storage ■ Place the engine that has been tested on the cradle on the trailer.

■ Remove adapters and accessories from the engine.

■ Tow the trailer with a tractor and transport it to the storage area.

■ Store the engine at the required speed with the engine mounted on the trailer.

In this conventional device, as mentioned above, the combination of the cradle 2 and the trailer 3 functions as an engine mount, and as a matter of course, the traveling function and holding function are required when transporting the engine. The cradle can also be used when it is sufficient to simply support the engine, such as when waiting before inspection and maintenance, before test operation, when the engine is being mounted on the aircraft after maintenance, or when the engine is not installed and is ready for work. There was a waste in that the vehicle and the trailer were put in a state of idle storage together.

In addition, at maintenance shops, the engine placed on the trailer and cradle is lifted by a crane and transferred to the engine support bridge (pedestal) on the ground, as leaving the engine on the trailer would interfere with inspection and maintenance work. After inspection, maintenance, or overhaul was completed, it was necessary to transfer the vehicle to the cradle and return it to the cradle on the trailer.

In recent years, the amount of air transportation, both passenger and cargo, has increased significantly, and the number of aircraft in service has increased accordingly, making engine inspection and maintenance operations busier than ever. At times like this, the conventional engine holding and transport system that was adapted to low-frequency work is no longer suitable for the current situation, even if it is a cradle and trailer.
Even if the number of engines was increased, it would not only be inefficient and uneconomical, but it would also be an operational hindrance in maintaining and testing a large number of engines in limited maintenance shops and trial operating rooms.

On the other hand, from the perspective of driving operations, the transportation method in which the trailer is towed by a tractor via a single connecting rod to transport goods may be fine if the trailer is pulled by a tractor, but the When pushing a trailer backwards, considerable driving skill is required to move along a predetermined course, and the operation is cumbersome and inefficient. In other words, when transporting an engine to a maintenance shop, you can remove the detached tractor, or connect the tractor and move it back to the trailer.
This is a drawback because engines are often transported in a backwards position, taking into consideration when transporting the engine.

Furthermore, when transporting an engine, the direction in which the engine is mounted on the trailer is not necessarily fixed.

For example, ■ When installing or removing an engine, the approach to the aircraft body may be from the front depending on the model;
Some approach from behind.

■! ! Even when an engine is delivered to a fl factory or test operation room, the direction in which the engine is delivered is not necessarily constant.

If the conditions of (1) and (2) are an unfavorable combination, it is not possible to change the loading direction of the cradle with respect to the trailer each time with the conventional technology. The troublesome method used was to remove the connecting rod 6 of the trailer and attach it to the opposite side to convert the front and rear of the trailer. Therefore, the trailer must be equipped with a device that allows connecting rods to be attached and detached from the front and rear, and the wheels must also be equipped with a steering mechanism at both the front and rear. but,
If the rear wheel remains a steering wheel that can swing, running stability cannot be achieved, so every time you change the attachment of the connecting rod, change the mechanism to prevent the rocking of the rear wheel. It was necessary to lock it.

By the way, as a transport device that can transport objects placed on the ground by mounting them on a transport cart integrated with a driver's cab without using a combination of a trailer and a tractor, and without using a crane or the like, , for example, in the 1980s-
There is a reach forklift truck as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 9900. This model is excellent in that it is easy to transfer, transport, and turn in a small radius in narrow areas, but the means for transferring the load is to have two fork mechanisms protrude from the body of the vehicle to scoop up the load. Because of its structure, it is heavy, similar to an aircraft engine.

In order to handle such heavy objects, which are not suitable for handling objects that are long in the longitudinal direction, the vehicle body must be made larger and heavier and more rigid in order to prevent it from falling forward during transfer operations. This defeats the purpose of making a small turn. In the reach forklift truck described in the above-mentioned Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1988-9900, the rigidity of the vehicle frame is strengthened, but it is necessary to ensure the small turning function necessary when loading an article long in the longitudinal direction such as an aircraft engine. has not been given any consideration.

In view of the above-mentioned problems of conventional aircraft engine holding and transport devices and vehicles for transferring and transporting loads placed on the ground, the present invention provides a method for inspecting and maintaining aircraft engines and preparing for test runs. It is an object of the present invention to provide an engine holding/transfer device that can hold an engine at a predetermined height above the ground, and can carry out transport and transfer between processes with good operability, high efficiency, and safety.

Means for Achieving the Object In order to achieve the above object, the engine holding/transporting device of the present invention includes a cradle main body for supporting an engine, and a cradle main body for supporting the engine, and a cradle main body for supporting the engine, and a cradle main body for supporting the engine. a cradle that has a plurality of legs that support the cradle body and stand on its own, and support parts provided on both sides of the cradle body; and two car frames that extend parallel to each other in a bifurcated manner with the cradle interposed therebetween; installed on each car frame,
a lift means that supports and raises and lowers the support portion of the cradle; a drive portion that is integrally connected to one end of both the vehicle frames; and a drive wheel that supports the front and rear of a structure constituted by the vehicle frames and the drive portion. The vehicle is characterized by comprising a transport vehicle having running wheels including:

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The structure and operation of the present invention will be explained in detail below based on embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an engine holding/transfer device of the present invention.

This device consists of a cradle 2 that holds an engine 1, and a carrier 10 on which the cradle 2 is mounted and is moved by its own drive source.

The cradle 2 is similar to the cradle of a conventional device in that four arms 4 supporting the trunnion of the engine 1 are erected on a frame 2a made of W4.
8 is provided with a total of four leg portions 11, one pair on the left and right at the front and rear, and a support portion 12, which is a downward horizontal surface that can be supported from below, is provided on the lower surface of the left and right members of the frame 2a. ing. This support part may be provided not only on the lower surface of the frame 2a, but also on the inner and outer sides (left and right sides) or the upper part of the left and right frames 2a.
2, so that it does not get in the way when the support part is supported from below by the lift of the transport vehicle. The cradle 2 can be stably supported on the ground by the legs 11 with the engine 1 mounted thereon, and the height of the engine from the ground at this time is suitable for inspection and maintenance and installation of equipment before trial operation. The length of the legs is set so that the height is as high as possible.

On the other hand, the transport vehicle 10 is formed into a U-shape by an operation drive unit 13 and two fork-shaped vehicle frames 14 that extend rearward integrally with the drive unit 13. Car frame 14 on both sides
A plurality of lifts 15 operated by hydraulic pressure or the like are attached to the top, and a lift beam 16 extending back and forth and having a horizontal upper surface is attached to the upper end of each lift on both sides.
The distance between the vehicle frames 14 on both sides is made wider than the distance between the outer sides of the legs on both sides of the cradle 2, and the distance between the center lines of each lift beam 16 is equal to the distance between the center lines of the support portions 12 of the cradle. It is generally in agreement. The driving unit 13 is provided with an engine or a motor, a driving steering device, and a transmission device as a driving source for driving the transport vehicle 10. A pair of left and right running wheels 17 and 18 are provided at the front and rear of the transport vehicle 10, respectively, with the front wheel 17 serving as a steering wheel and the rear wheel 18 serving as a driving wheel. However, if the four-wheel metal part is used as a steering wheel, it becomes easier to turn around a layered defile, and it is also possible to increase the climbing force by using the four-wheel metal part as a driving wheel.

Since this device has the above configuration, the cradle 2
In order to transport the engine 1 placed on the
0 with its rear facing toward cradle 2, and cradle 2 is connected to trolley 1.
0 so as to fit between the vehicle frames 14 on both sides of the cradle 2, creating the condition as shown in FIG. Push up the part 12, as shown in Fig. 3(a).
As shown in the figure, the lower end surface of the leg 11 is in contact with the ground,
And from the state supporting the weight of cradle 2, the third
As shown in Figure (b), the lower end surface of one leg 11 is separated from the ground, and the weight of the engine 1 and cradle 2 is transferred to the carrier 10.
, and then transported to a desired location in a state where it is lifted by, for example, loo+m+.

When the engine is taken down at a maintenance shop, trial operation room, etc., the lift 15 is operated to lower the lift beam 16, and the cradle 2 supported by the lift beam 16 is lowered, contrary to the above. When lowered by about 100 mm, the lower end of the leg 11 of the cradle touches the ground, and when the lift beam 16 is further lowered by the lift 15, the support 12 of the cradle 2 separates from the lift beam 16. When the carrier vehicle 10 is then started, the cradle 2 on which the engine 1 is mounted is left standing on the ground. The height of the engine 1 placed on the cradle 2 from the ground is set to a height suitable for inspection and maintenance, so there is no need to transfer it to the pedestal.
It can be submitted for inspection and maintenance as is. It also serves as a workbench when installing equipment before a trial run, and serves as a temporary storage stand when the engine is on standby.

As mentioned above, the engine is transferred to the vehicle frame 14 of the transport vehicle IQ.
This can be done by simply raising and lowering the lift 15 to a slight height with the cradle 2 inserted between them, and there is no need to use a crane or the like, and there is no need to attach or detach a connecting rod.

In addition, if the engine is removed from the aircraft body and placed on the cradle, the cradle can be used as a pedestal for inspection and maintenance work in a maintenance shop, a temporary storage stand when the engine is on standby, or a workbench for equipment work before trial operation. It can be used as is, and transportation between each process can be done by simply transferring the cradle with the engine mounted onto the carrier 10 as described above, and then reinstalling it on the aircraft. From the perspective of operating the Wi trolley, the trailer can be omitted and the trailer can be left on the cradle until the trailer is pulled through, and there is no need to attach or detach the connecting rod, just like when towing a trailer with a tractor. In addition, in order to determine the direction in which the engine is to be carried in according to the desired work, by selecting only the direction in which the transport vehicle is to be carried in when supporting the cradle, the engine can be held and carried either forward or backward. This eliminates the need for hassles such as replacing trailer pull bars. In addition, when carrying the engine to a maintenance shop or test operation room, the necessary reverse approach when pulling out the engine, and the turning of narrow roads are possible using a trailer.
- Easier and safer than single-tractor or reach forklift truck systems. Furthermore, since the rear end of the vehicle frame of the transport vehicle is supported by wheels, there is no risk of the vehicle tilting forward when the cradle is placed on the cradle. Furthermore, from the perspective of equipment, as shown in Figure 6, as a driving means, it is sufficient to have a number of transport vehicles corresponding to the number of conventional tractors, and a number corresponding to the number of conventional trailer and cradle pairs. Only a few cradles with legs are required, and there are at least 11 work processes, and the trailers required for the number of engines are completely unnecessary. Furthermore, there is no need for a pedestal at a repair shop.

EFFECTS As described above, the engine holding/transporting device of the present invention is superior to conventional holding/transporting devices in terms of engine transfer efficiency, ease of operation, and quantity of equipment. This can contribute to the efficient use of limited airport facilities by dealing with the increase in aircraft engine maintenance and test runs associated with the increase in air transportation.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the engine running state, and FIG. 3(a)
(b) is a front view showing the states when the carriage is inserted and when the cradle is mounted on the carriage when the cradle is supported by the carriage, and Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an example of the conventional engine holding and carrying device.
Figures (a), (b), (C), and (d) are respectively a perspective view, a plan view, a front view, and a side view of the trailer, and Figure 6 shows the number of equipment in the system of the present invention and the conventional system. Figure 2 is a table showing a comparison. 1...Engine 2...Cradle 3...Trailer (conventional device) 4...Brace 10...Transportation cart 11...Cradle leg 12...Support 13...Transportation Bogie drive unit 14...Car frame 15...Lift 16...Lift beam 17...Front wheel (steer @) 18...Rear wheel (drive shaft) (1 other person) Figure 4 Fighter N Showa April 26, 1963 Director General of the Japan Patent Office Kunio Ogawa1, Indication of the case Patent Application No. 064841 of 19882, Title of the invention Engine holding/conveying device 3, Person making the amendment Relationship to the case Patent applicant Name (097) Kawasaki Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. 4, Agent address 2-32-4 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Showa year
Date 6, Column 7 of Detailed Description of the Invention and Brief Explanation of Drawings in the Specification Subject to Amendment, Contents of Amendment (1) "Draw bar" in Line 17 of Page 4 of the Specification to "Connecting Rod"
I am corrected. (2) In the first line of page 5 of the same book, the word ``drunk offering'' is corrected to ``connecting rod 6.'' (3) In line 7 of the same page of the same book, "one aircraft slot" is corrected to "aircraft." (4) Insert "wo" between "engine" and "equipped" on page 7, line 9 of the same book. (5) Delete "placed on a trailer and cradle" in lines 14-15 of the same page of the circular. (6) "Cradle" in line 18 of the same page of the same book is corrected to "crane." (7) Delete the "de" next to "tractor" on page 8, line 12 of the same book. (8) Delete "wo" before "organization" in line 4 of page 10 of the same book. (9) “Towing rod” in line 6 of page 17 of the same book is “connecting rod.”
I am corrected. (10) In lines 11 to 13 of the same page of the same book, the phrase ``There is no fear of transport vehicles'' is deleted. (11) Insert "," between "Perspective view" and "Figure 5" on page 18, line 14 of the same book.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An engine holding/transfer device that holds the engine at a predetermined height position for maintenance, test run preparation, etc., and transports the engine between each process, comprising: a cradle body that supports the engine; A cradle having a plurality of legs that support the cradle body and stand on its own so that the engine supported by the cradle is held at a predetermined height above the ground, and supporting parts provided on both sides of the cradle body; two vehicle frames extending parallel to each other in a bifurcated manner such that the cradles are interposed therebetween; a lift means provided on each vehicle frame for supporting the support portion of the cradle and raising and lowering it; a drive unit coupled to;
An engine holding/transfer device comprising a transport vehicle having running wheels including a drive shaft that supports the front and rear of a structure comprising both vehicle frames and a drive section.