Patent Description:
A gas turbine engine includes one or more rotating assemblies. Each of these rotating assembly may include various components (e.g., bearings, seals, etc.) mounted on a shaft or other carrier. Various methods and tools are known in the art for removing a component mounted on a carrier. While these known methods and tools have various benefits, there is still room in the art for improvement. For example, known removal tools are typically configured for removal of a specific gas turbine engine component and, thus, multiple different removal tools may be needed for servicing and/or inspecting a gas turbine engine. Known removal tools may also be bulky and unwieldy to handle, particularly in tight confines of a gas turbine engine. There is a need in the art therefore for improved methods and tools for removing a component mounted to a carrier. Arrangements of the prior art are disclosed in the following documents:.

<CIT>: Method of assembly of a gas turbine engine and of the bearing compartment components with interference fit with a shaft, using a cooling plate between the loading ram and the component to be fitted on the shaft. -<CIT>: Method for pulling a bearing body off the rotor of a preferably stationary gas turbine comprising a housing which can preferably be separated into halves, while the housing is closed.

<CIT>: Method for dismantling sealing plate from two-shaft engine, involves separating partial motor unit from aircraft engine, dismantling sealing plate nut from partial motor unit, and dismantling sealing plate from partial motor unit.

<CIT>: Apparatus for extracting an outer bearing race from <NUM> its housing, said bearing race having diametrically opposed recesses in its inner surface.

<CIT>: Installation or removal of turbine blades at a turbine blade base thereof.

According to an aspect of the invention, a tool assembly is provided for removing a component from a carrier. The component circumscribes and is mounted on the carrier. The tool assembly includes a tool head, an adaptor and an actuator. The tool head is configured to couple to the component. The adaptor extends longitudinally along a centerline between an adaptor first end and an adaptor second end. The adaptor is attachable to the tool head at the adaptor first end by a first quick coupler. The actuator includes a housing and a ram. The housing is attachable to the adaptor at the adaptor second end by a second quick coupler. The ram extends longitudinally along the centerline within the adaptor and the tool head to a ram distal end. The ram distal end is configured to engage the carrier.

According to still another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for removing a component from a carrier. The component circumscribes and is mounted on the carrier. During this method, a tool assembly is provided that includes a plurality of tool heads, an adaptor and an actuator. Each of the tool heads has a different configuration. The adaptor extends longitudinally along a centerline between an adaptor first end and an adaptor second end. The adaptor is separately attachable to each of the tool heads at the adaptor first end through a first coupler. The actuator includes a housing and a ram. The housing is attached to the adaptor at the adaptor second end by a second coupler. The ram extends longitudinally along the centerline to a ram distal end. A first of the tool heads is selected based on a configuration of the component. The first of the tool heads is coupled to the component. The first of the tool heads is attached to the adaptor using the first coupler. The ram pushes longitudinally against the carrier to slide the component off of the carrier.

The following optional features may be applied to any of the above aspects.

The component and the carrier may be configured for a gas turbine engine.

The first component and the first carrier may be configured for a gas turbine engine. The second component and the second carrier may also be configured for the gas turbine engine.

At least one of the tool heads may be configured for coupling to a gas turbine engine bearing component mounted on the carrier.

At least one of the tool heads may be configured for coupling to a gas turbine engine seal element mounted on the carrier.

The first of the tool heads may be attached to the adaptor without use of a tool.

The first coupler may be configured as or otherwise include a first quick coupler. In addition or alternatively, the second coupler may be configured as or otherwise include a second quick coupler.

The adaptor may include the first quick coupler. The housing may include the second quick coupler.

The first quick coupler may be configured for attachment of the adaptor to the tool head without use of a tool. In addition or alternatively, the first quick coupler may be configured for removal of the adaptor from the tool head without use of a tool.

The first quick coupler may include a latch (e.g., a first latch or a first quick coupler latch). The latch may be pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch may be configured to engage a notch (e.g., a first notch or a tool head notch) when in the locked position to lock the adaptor onto the tool head.

The tool head may include a mount (e.g., a first mount or a head mount). The first quick coupler may include a receptacle (e.g., a first receptacle or a first quick coupler receptacle) configured to receive the mount. The mount may be configured to twist about the centerline within the receptacle between an unlocked position and a locked position. The tool head may be secured to the adaptor when in the locked position.

The first quick coupler may include a receptacle (e.g., a first receptacle or a first quick coupler receptacle) and a keyed interior rim with a keyed orifice to the receptacle. The tool head may include a mount (e.g., the first mount or the head mount) with a keyed exterior rim. The keyed exterior rim may be configured to pass through the keyed orifice into the receptacle. The mount and the receptacle may be configured to twist relative to one another between an unlocked position and a locked position. The keyed interior rim may capture the keyed exterior rim within the receptacle when in the locked position.

The second quick coupler may be configured for attachment of the housing to the adaptor without use of a tool. In addition or alternatively, the second quick coupler may be configured for removal of the housing from the adaptor without use of a tool.

The second quick coupler may include a latch (e.g., a second latch or a second quick coupler latch). The latch may be pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch may be configured to engage a notch (e.g., a second notch or an adaptor notch) when in the locked position to lock the housing onto the adaptor.

The adaptor may include a mount (e.g., a second mount or an adaptor mount). The second quick coupler may include a receptacle (e.g., a second receptacle or a second quick coupler receptacle) configured to receive the mount. The mount may be configured to twist about the centerline within the receptacle between an unlocked position and a locked position. The adaptor may be secured to the housing when in the locked position.

The second quick coupler may include a receptacle (e.g., a second receptacle or a second quick coupler receptacle) and a keyed interior rim with a keyed orifice to the receptacle. The adaptor may include a mount (e.g., the second mount or the adaptor mount) with a keyed exterior rim. The keyed exterior rim may be configured to pass through the keyed orifice into the receptacle. The mount and the receptacle may be configured to twist relative to one another between an unlocked position and a locked position. The keyed interior rim may capture the keyed exterior rim within the receptacle when in the locked position.

The adaptor may include the first quick coupler, a tubular sidewall and a mount (e.g., the adaptor mount). The tubular sidewall may extend circumferentially about the centerline. The tubular sidewall may extend longitudinally along the centerline between the first quick coupler and the mount. The mount may be mated with the second quick coupler to attach the housing to the adaptor.

The tool head may include a plurality of grips and a sleeve. The grips may be arrangeable about and may be configured to engage the component. A first of the grips may include a protrusion configured to project radially into an aperture in the component. The sleeve may be slidable over the grips to retain the grips in engagement with the component.

The actuator may be configured as or otherwise include a linear actuator.

The actuator may be configured as or otherwise include a hydraulic jack with a piston configured to move the ram longitudinally along the centerline.

The invention may include any one or more of the individual optional features disclosed above and/or below alone or in any combination thereof.

<FIG> illustrates a tool assembly <NUM> for removing a mounted component <NUM> from a component carrier <NUM>. The component <NUM> may be a bearing, a component (e.g., an inner race) of the bearing, a seal element or any other component of a rotating assembly <NUM> for a gas turbine engine which circumscribes and is mounted on the carrier <NUM>. The carrier <NUM> may be a shaft for the rotating assembly <NUM>, or another component mounted on and/or otherwise rotatable with the shaft or still another component of the rotating assembly <NUM>. The tool assembly <NUM> of the present disclosure, however, is not limited to the foregoing exemplary mounted component and carrier configurations. The tool assembly <NUM> of <FIG> includes a tool head <NUM>, a tool adaptor <NUM> and a tool actuator <NUM>.

The tool head <NUM> is configured to grip, hold and/or removably attach to the component <NUM>. The tool head <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, includes a grip head <NUM> and a head sleeve <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the grip head <NUM> extends longitudinally along a longitudinal centerline <NUM> of the tool assembly <NUM> and/or one or more of its members <NUM>-<NUM> (see <FIG>) between and to a first end <NUM> of the tool head <NUM> and its grip head <NUM> and a second end <NUM> of the tool head <NUM> and its grip head <NUM>. The grip head <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline <NUM>, which may provide the grip head <NUM> with a full-hoop tubular body. The grip head <NUM> of <FIG> includes a head base <NUM> and a head mount <NUM>.

The head base <NUM> provides the tool head <NUM> with a tool head receptacle <NUM> and a tool head orifice <NUM>. The head base <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, includes an annular tool head endwall <NUM>, a tubular tool head sidewall <NUM> and an interior (e.g., inward facing) tool head rim <NUM>; e.g., an annular protrusion.

The head endwall <NUM> is arranged at a second end <NUM> of the head base <NUM>, for example, proximate (but, longitudinally recessed from) the head second end <NUM>. The head endwall <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline <NUM>. The head endwall <NUM> extends radially between and to an inner side <NUM> of the grip head <NUM> and an outer side <NUM> of the grip head <NUM>.

The head sidewall <NUM> is connected to (e.g., formed integral with) the head endwall <NUM> at (e.g., on, adjacent or proximate) the grip head outer side <NUM>. The head sidewall <NUM> projects longitudinally out from the head endwall <NUM> to the head first end <NUM>. The head sidewall <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline <NUM>. The head sidewall <NUM> extends radially between and to an inner side <NUM> of the head sidewall <NUM> and the grip head outer side <NUM>, where the sidewall inner side <NUM> is recessed radially outward from the grip head inner side <NUM>. An annular shelf <NUM> extends radially between and to the grip head inner side <NUM> and the sidewall inner side <NUM>.

The head rim <NUM> is connected to (e.g., formed integral with) the head sidewall <NUM> at the head first end <NUM>. The head rim <NUM> projects radially inward from the head sidewall <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> of the head rim <NUM>. The head rim <NUM> extends longitudinally between and to the head first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> of the head rim <NUM>. The head rim <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline <NUM>.

With the foregoing arrangement, the head receptacle <NUM> is formed as an internal cavity within the grip head <NUM> by the tool head members <NUM>-<NUM>. The head receptacle <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, extends longitudinally within the tool head <NUM> between and to the head rim second end <NUM> (e.g., the shelf <NUM>) and a first end <NUM> of the head endwall <NUM>. The head receptacle <NUM> extends radially within the tool head <NUM> to the sidewall inner side <NUM>. The head orifice <NUM> is formed by the head rim <NUM> at its distal end <NUM>. The head orifice <NUM> provides a port (e.g., an opening) to the head receptacle <NUM>.

The head mount <NUM> of <FIG> includes a head mount base <NUM> and an exterior (e.g., outward facing) keyed tool head rim <NUM> ("keyed head rim"). The head mount base <NUM> is connected to (e.g., formed integral with) the head base <NUM> and its head endwall <NUM>. The head mount base <NUM> extends projects longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> out from the head endwall <NUM> to the head second end <NUM>. The head mount base <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline <NUM>. The head mount base <NUM> extends radially between and to the grip head inner side <NUM> and an outer side <NUM> of the head mount base <NUM>.

The keyed head rim <NUM> is connected to (e.g., formed integral with) the head mount base <NUM> at the head second end <NUM>. The keyed head rim <NUM> projects radially out (in a radial outward direction) from the head mount base <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> of the keyed head rim <NUM>. The keyed head rim <NUM> extends longitudinally between and to a first end <NUM> of the keyed head rim <NUM> and the head second end <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the keyed head rim <NUM> includes one or more tool head protrusions <NUM> (e.g., tabs, lugs, etc.) distributed circumferentially about the centerline <NUM> in an array. Each of these head protrusions <NUM> extends circumferentially about the centerline <NUM> between circumferentially opposing ends <NUM>, where each circumferential end <NUM> is circumferentially spaced from a respective circumferential end <NUM> of a neighboring head protrusion <NUM>. One or more of the head protrusions <NUM> may be configured with a notch <NUM>. This notch <NUM> may extend longitudinally through the respective head protrusion <NUM>. The notch <NUM> may extend circumferentially within the respective head protrusion <NUM>. The notch <NUM> may extend partially radially into the respective head protrusion <NUM> from the respective distal end <NUM>.

The grip head <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> is formed by an arrangement of a plurality discrete and separable grips <NUM>; e.g., a pair of clamp halves. Each of the grips <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> includes a respective section (e.g., half) of each of the grip head members <NUM> and <NUM>. With such an arrangement, referring to <FIG>, the grips <NUM> may be separated from one another to facilitate mating the grip head <NUM> with the component <NUM>. More particularly, a portion of the component <NUM> may extend through the head orifice <NUM> and into the head receptacle <NUM> (see <FIG>), where the head rim <NUM> projects radially into an aperture (e.g., a groove, a channel, a pocket, etc.) in the component <NUM>. The grip head <NUM> may thereby be removably attached to the component <NUM>.

To lock the grip head <NUM> onto the component <NUM>, the head sleeve <NUM> is mated with the grip head <NUM>. More particularly, the head sleeve <NUM> is translated longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> to slide over the grips <NUM>. The head sleeve <NUM> may thereby form a hoop retainer about the grips <NUM> which prevents (or limits) radial movement of the grips <NUM>; e.g., separation of the grips <NUM> from the component <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the head sleeve <NUM> may also include one or more slots <NUM> (see also <FIG>), where each of these slots <NUM> receives a pin <NUM> projecting out from the grip head <NUM> and a respective one of its grips <NUM>. This pin-slot connection may lock the head sleeve <NUM> onto the grip head <NUM> for the removal of the component <NUM> from the carrier <NUM>; see <FIG>.

The tool adaptor <NUM> of <FIG> is configured as an extension for the tool head <NUM> and an adaptor for the tool actuator <NUM>. The tool adaptor <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, extends longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> between and to a first end <NUM> of the tool adaptor <NUM> and a second end <NUM> of the tool adaptor <NUM>. The tool adaptor <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline <NUM>, which may provide the tool adaptor <NUM> with a full-hoop tubular body. The tool adaptor <NUM> includes a tool adaptor coupler <NUM>, a tool adaptor mount <NUM> and a tool adaptor extension <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the adaptor coupler <NUM> provides the tool adaptor <NUM> with a tool adaptor receptacle <NUM> and a keyed tool adaptor orifice <NUM> ("keyed adaptor orifice"). The adaptor coupler <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, includes an adaptor coupler base <NUM> and an interior keyed adaptor coupler rim <NUM> ("keyed adaptor rim"). The adaptor coupler <NUM> of <FIG> also includes an adaptor coupler latch <NUM> ("adaptor latch").

The adaptor coupler base <NUM> extends longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> between and to the adaptor first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> of the adaptor coupler base <NUM>. The adaptor coupler base <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline <NUM>. A (e.g., annular) first section <NUM> of the adaptor coupler base <NUM> arranged at the adaptor first end <NUM> extends radially between and to an inner side <NUM> of the base first section <NUM> and an outer side <NUM> of the adaptor coupler base <NUM>. A (e.g., annular) second section <NUM> of the adaptor coupler base <NUM> at the base second end <NUM> extends radially between an inner side <NUM> of the base second section <NUM> and the base outer side <NUM>, where the first section inner side <NUM> is recessed radially outward from the second section inner side <NUM>. An annular shelf <NUM> extends radially between and to the first section inner side <NUM> and the second section inner side <NUM>.

The keyed adaptor rim <NUM> is connected to (e.g., formed integral with) the adaptor coupler base <NUM> at the adaptor first end <NUM>. The keyed adaptor rim <NUM> projects radially out (in a radial inward direction) from the adaptor coupler base <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> of the keyed adaptor rim <NUM>. The keyed adaptor rim <NUM> extends longitudinally between and to the adaptor first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> of the keyed adaptor rim <NUM>, which is longitudinally adjacent the first section inner side <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the keyed adaptor rim <NUM> includes one or more adaptor coupler protrusions <NUM> (e.g., tabs, lugs, etc.) distributed circumferentially about the centerline <NUM> in an array. Each of these adaptor coupler protrusions <NUM> extends circumferentially about the centerline <NUM> between circumferentially opposing ends <NUM>, where each circumferential end <NUM> is circumferentially spaced from a respective circumferential end <NUM> of a neighboring adaptor coupler protrusion <NUM>. At least one of the adaptor protrusions <NUM> may be configured with a notch <NUM>. This notch <NUM> may extend longitudinally through the respective adaptor coupler protrusion <NUM>. The notch <NUM> may extend circumferentially within the respective adaptor coupler protrusion <NUM>. The notch <NUM> may extend partially radially into the respective adaptor coupler protrusion <NUM> from its distal end <NUM>.

With the foregoing arrangement, the adaptor receptacle <NUM> of <FIG> is formed as an internal groove within the adaptor coupler <NUM> by the adaptor coupler members <NUM> and <NUM>. The adaptor receptacle <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, extends longitudinally within the tool adaptor <NUM> between and to the annular shelf <NUM> and the adaptor rim second end <NUM>. The adaptor receptacle <NUM> extends radially within the tool adaptor <NUM> to the first section inner side <NUM>. The keyed adaptor orifice <NUM> is formed by the keyed adaptor rim <NUM> and the first section <NUM> of the adaptor coupler base <NUM> at the distal ends <NUM>; see also <FIG>.

The adaptor latch <NUM> of <FIG> is pivotally connected to the tool adaptor <NUM> and, for example, its adaptor extension <NUM> by a pivot connection (e.g., a pin connection) to one or more mounts; e.g., tabs. Referring to <FIG>, this adaptor latch <NUM> is configured to pivot about a pivot axis of the pivot connection, where the adaptor latch <NUM> may move between a locked position (solid line adaptor latch <NUM> in <FIG>) and an unlocked position (dashed line adaptor latch <NUM> in <FIG>). In its locked position, an end <NUM> of the adaptor latch <NUM> is mated with (e.g., received within, projects into) the notch <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a sequence of mating the adaptor coupler <NUM> with the head mount <NUM> to attach the tool adaptor <NUM> to the tool head <NUM> at the adaptor first end <NUM>. During this mating, referring to <FIG>, the adaptor coupler <NUM> (or the tool head <NUM>) may be clocked about the centerline <NUM> such that the head protrusions <NUM> (see also <FIG>) circumferentially align with gaps between the adaptor coupler protrusions <NUM> (see also <FIG>). The head mount <NUM> and its head protrusions <NUM> may thereby pass longitudinally through the keyed adaptor orifice <NUM> into the adaptor receptacle <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the adaptor coupler <NUM> (or the tool head <NUM>) may then be clocked about the centerline <NUM> from an unlocked position (see <FIG>) to a locked position (see <FIG>) such that the head protrusions <NUM> (see also <FIG>) circumferentially align with (e.g., circumferentially overlap) the adaptor coupler protrusions <NUM> (see also <FIG>). In this locked position of <FIG>, the adaptor coupler protrusions <NUM> longitudinally capture and hold the head protrusions <NUM> in the adaptor receptacle <NUM>. In addition, the end <NUM> of the adaptor latch <NUM> may also mate with the notch <NUM> to rotationally lock the adaptor coupler <NUM> to the head mount <NUM>.

The adaptor mount <NUM> of <FIG> includes an adaptor mount base <NUM> and an exterior adaptor mount keyed rim <NUM> ("keyed mount rim"). The adaptor mount base <NUM> of <FIG> extends longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> between and to a first end <NUM> of the adaptor mount base <NUM> and the adaptor second end <NUM>. The adaptor mount base <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline <NUM>. A (e.g., annular) first section <NUM> of the adaptor mount base <NUM> arranged at the base first end <NUM> extends radially between and to an inner side <NUM> of the adaptor mount base <NUM> and an outer side <NUM> of the adaptor mount base first section <NUM>. A (e.g., annular) second section <NUM> of the adaptor mount base <NUM> at the adaptor second end <NUM> extends radially between the adaptor mount base inner side <NUM> and an outer side <NUM> of the adaptor mount base <NUM>, where the second section outer side <NUM> is recessed radially inward from the first section outer side <NUM>. An annular shelf <NUM> extends radially between and to the first section outer side <NUM> and the second section outer side <NUM>.

The keyed mount rim <NUM> is connected to (e.g., formed integral with) the adaptor mount base <NUM> at the adaptor second end <NUM>. The keyed mount rim <NUM> projects radially out (in the radial outward direction) from the adaptor mount base <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> of the keyed mount rim <NUM>. The keyed mount rim <NUM> extends longitudinally between and to a first end <NUM> of the keyed mount rim <NUM> and the adaptor second end <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the keyed mount rim <NUM> includes one or more adaptor mount protrusions <NUM> (e.g., tabs, lugs, etc.) distributed circumferentially about the centerline <NUM> in an array. Each of these adaptor mount protrusions <NUM> extends circumferentially about the centerline <NUM> between circumferentially opposing ends <NUM>, where each circumferential end <NUM> if circumferentially spaced from a respective circumferential end <NUM> of a neighboring adaptor mount protrusion <NUM>. One or more of the adaptor mount protrusions <NUM> may be configured with a notch <NUM>. This notch <NUM> may extend longitudinally through the respective adaptor mount protrusion <NUM>. The notch <NUM> may extend circumferentially within the respective adaptor mount protrusion <NUM>. The notch <NUM> may extend partially radially into the respective adaptor mount protrusion <NUM> from the respective distal end <NUM>.

The adaptor extension <NUM> of <FIG> is connected to (e.g., formed integral with) the adaptor coupler <NUM> and its adaptor coupler base <NUM> and the adaptor mount <NUM> and its adaptor mount base <NUM>. The adaptor extension <NUM> extends longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> between and to the adaptor coupler base <NUM> and the adaptor mount base <NUM>. The adaptor extension <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline <NUM>. The adaptor extension <NUM> extends radially between and to an inner side <NUM> of the adaptor extension <NUM> and an outer side <NUM> of the adaptor extension <NUM>, which outer side <NUM> may also be the first section outer side <NUM>. The adaptor extension <NUM> may include one or more apertures <NUM> (e.g., through-holes, windows, etc.) arranged circumferentially about and/or longitudinally along the centerline <NUM>. Each of these apertures <NUM> may extend radially through a tubular sidewall of the adaptor extension <NUM> between the extension inner side <NUM> and the extension outer side <NUM>. With this configuration, the adaptor extension <NUM> may provide a tubular truss and/or web for structurally connecting the adaptor coupler <NUM> to the adaptor mount <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the tool actuator <NUM> may be configured as a linear actuator such as, but not limited to, a hydraulic jack. The tool actuator <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, includes a tool actuator housing <NUM> and a tool actuator driver <NUM>. The actuator housing <NUM> includes an actuator coupler <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the actuator coupler <NUM> provides the actuator housing <NUM> with a tool actuator receptacle <NUM> and a keyed tool actuator orifice <NUM> ("keyed actuator orifice"). The actuator coupler <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, includes an actuator coupler base <NUM> and an interior keyed actuator coupler rim <NUM> ("keyed actuator rim"). The actuator coupler <NUM> of <FIG> also includes an actuator coupler latch <NUM> ("actuator latch").

The actuator coupler base <NUM> extends longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> between and to a first end <NUM> of the actuator housing <NUM>. The actuator coupler base <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline <NUM>. A (e.g., annular) first section <NUM> of the actuator coupler base <NUM> arranged at the actuator first end <NUM> extends radially between and to an inner side <NUM> of the base first section <NUM> and an outer side <NUM> of the actuator coupler base <NUM>. A (e.g., annular) second section <NUM> of the actuator coupler base <NUM> extends radially between an inner side <NUM> of the base second section <NUM> and the base outer side <NUM>, where the first section inner side <NUM> is recessed radially outward from the second section inner side <NUM>. An annular shelf <NUM> extends radially between and to the first section inner side <NUM> and the second section inner side <NUM>.

The keyed actuator rim <NUM> is connected to (e.g., formed integral with) the actuator coupler base <NUM> at the actuator first end <NUM>. The keyed actuator rim <NUM> projects radially out (in the radial inward direction) from the actuator coupler base <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> of the keyed actuator rim <NUM>. The keyed actuator rim <NUM> extends longitudinally between and to the actuator first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> of the keyed actuator rim <NUM>, which is longitudinally adjacent the first section inner side <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the keyed actuator rim <NUM> includes one or more actuator coupler protrusions <NUM> (e.g., tabs, lugs, etc.) distributed circumferentially about the centerline <NUM> in an array. Each of these actuator coupler protrusions <NUM> extends circumferentially about the centerline <NUM> between circumferentially opposing ends <NUM>, where each circumferential end <NUM> is circumferentially spaced from a respective circumferential end <NUM> of a neighboring actuator coupler protrusion <NUM>. At least one of the actuator coupler protrusions <NUM> may be configured with a notch <NUM>. This notch <NUM> may extend longitudinally through the respective actuator coupler protrusion <NUM>. The notch <NUM> may extend circumferentially within the respective actuator coupler protrusion <NUM>. The notch <NUM> may extend partially radially into the respective actuator coupler protrusion <NUM> from its distal end <NUM> (see <FIG>).

With the foregoing arrangement, the actuator receptacle <NUM> of <FIG> is formed as an internal groove within the actuator coupler <NUM> by the actuator coupler members <NUM> and <NUM>. The actuator receptacle <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, extends longitudinally within the actuator housing <NUM> between and to the annular shelf <NUM> and the actuator rim second end <NUM>. The actuator receptacle <NUM> extends radially within the actuator housing <NUM> to the first section inner side <NUM>. The keyed actuator orifice <NUM> is formed by the keyed actuator rim <NUM> and the first section <NUM> of the actuator coupler base <NUM> at the distal ends <NUM>; see also <FIG>.

The actuator latch <NUM> of <FIG> is pivotally connected to the actuator housing <NUM> by a pivot connection (e.g., a pin connection) to one or more mounts; e.g., tabs. This actuator latch <NUM> is configured to pivot about a pivot axis of the pivot connection, where the actuator latch <NUM> may move between a locked position (solid line actuator latch <NUM> in <FIG>) and an unlocked position (dashed line actuator latch <NUM> in <FIG>). In its locked position, an end <NUM> of the actuator latch <NUM> is mated with (e.g., received within, projects into) the notch <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a sequence of mating the actuator coupler <NUM> with the adaptor mount <NUM> to attach the tool actuator <NUM> to the tool adaptor <NUM> at the adaptor second end <NUM>. During this mating, referring to <FIG>, the actuator coupler <NUM> (or the tool adaptor <NUM>) may be clocked about the centerline <NUM> such that the adaptor mount protrusions <NUM> (see <FIG>) circumferentially align with gaps between the actuator coupler protrusions <NUM> (see <FIG>). The adaptor mount <NUM> and its adaptor mount protrusions <NUM> may thereby pass longitudinally through the keyed actuator orifice <NUM> into the actuator receptacle <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the actuator coupler <NUM> (or the tool adaptor <NUM>) may then be clocked about the centerline <NUM> from an unlocked position (see <FIG>) to a locked position (see <FIG>) such that the adaptor mount protrusions <NUM> (see also <FIG>) circumferentially align with (e.g., circumferentially overlap) the actuator coupler protrusions <NUM> (see also <FIG>). In this locked position of <FIG>, the actuator coupler protrusions <NUM> longitudinally capture and hold the adaptor mount protrusions <NUM> in the actuator receptacle <NUM>. In addition, the end <NUM> of the actuator latch <NUM> may also mate with the notch <NUM> to rotationally lock the actuator coupler <NUM> to the adaptor mount <NUM>.

The actuator driver <NUM> of <FIG> includes a hydraulic piston <NUM> (schematically shown in <FIG>) and an actuator ram <NUM>. The hydraulic piston <NUM> is housed within the actuator housing <NUM>. This hydraulic piston <NUM> is motively coupled to the actuator ram <NUM>. The hydraulic piston <NUM> may thereby move (e.g., translate) the actuator ram <NUM> longitudinally along the centerline <NUM>.

The actuator ram <NUM> projects longitudinally along the centerline <NUM> out from the actuator housing <NUM>, within / out of an internal bore of the tool adaptor <NUM> and into / within an internal bore of the tool head <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> of the actuator ram <NUM>. The actuator ram <NUM> is configured to longitudinally engage (e.g., contact, abut, press against, etc.) the carrier <NUM> at the ram distal end <NUM>. With this arrangement, the tool assembly <NUM> may pull the component <NUM> longitudinally off of the carrier <NUM> as the hydraulic piston <NUM> pushes the actuator ram <NUM> longitudinally against the carrier <NUM> and thereby pulls the actuator housing <NUM> and the attached tool adaptor <NUM> and tool head <NUM> longitudinally away from the carrier <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the tool head <NUM> may be one of a plurality of tool heads 28A-C (generally referred to as "<NUM>"). Each of these tool heads <NUM> is configured to attach to the adaptor coupler <NUM> (e.g., see <FIG>), for example, as described above. However, each of the tool heads <NUM> may be configured to attach to a different mounted component <NUM> (see <FIG>). For example, one of the tool heads <NUM> may be configured to attach to a bearing or a bearing component (e.g., an inner race) with a first configuration (e.g., size, shape, etc.) and another one of the tool heads <NUM> may be configured to attached to a bearing or a bearing component (e.g., an inner race) with a second configuration that is different than the first configuration. One of the tool heads <NUM> may also or alternatively be configured to attach to a seal element with a first configuration (e.g., size, shape, etc.) and another one of the tool heads <NUM> may be configured to attached to a seal element with a second configuration that is different than the first configuration. Referring to <FIG>, a single tool adaptor <NUM> and a single tool actuator <NUM> may thereby be employed to remove various different types of components <NUM> by changing out the tool heads <NUM> using the adaptor coupler <NUM>.

The adaptor coupler <NUM> and/or the actuator coupler <NUM> may each be configured as a quick coupler; e.g., a tool free coupler. The term "quick coupler" may describe a coupler which may be attached to and/or removed from a respective mount relatively quickly (e.g., with a low number of process steps) and without use of a tool. Each of the couplers <NUM>, <NUM> described above, for example, may be attached or removed by performing a few simple process steps; e.g., manipulating the respective latch <NUM>, <NUM> and rotating the respective coupler <NUM>, <NUM> and/or mount <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the couplers <NUM>, <NUM> may also be attached or removed (e.g., only) using hands of an operator. Providing such quick couplers may reduce tool assembly <NUM> setup time.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of a method <NUM> for removing the component <NUM> from the carrier <NUM>. This removal method <NUM> is described below with reference to the tool assembly <NUM> of <FIG> for ease of description. The removal method <NUM> of the present disclosure, however, may alternatively be performed using tool assemblies with other configurations.

In step <NUM>, the tool assembly <NUM> is provided.

In step <NUM>, one of the tool heads <NUM> is selected that matches a configuration of the component <NUM> to be removed from the carrier <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the selected tool head <NUM> is coupled to the component <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the selected tool head <NUM> is attached to the tool adaptor <NUM>. This attachment step <NUM> may be performed before or after the coupling step <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the component <NUM> is removed from the carrier <NUM>. The tool actuator <NUM>, for example, is operated to longitudinally push against the carrier <NUM> and thereby pull the component <NUM> off of the carrier <NUM>.

The rotating assembly <NUM> may be included in various types and configurations of gas turbine engines. The rotating assembly <NUM>, for example, may be included in a geared gas turbine engine where a gear train connects one or more shafts to one or more rotors in a fan section, a compressor section and/or any other engine section. Alternatively, the rotating assembly <NUM> may be included in a direct drive gas turbine engine configured without a gear train. The rotating assembly <NUM> may be included in a gas turbine engine configured with a single spool, with two spools, or with more than two spools. The gas turbine engine may be configured as a turbofan engine, a turbojet engine, a turboprop engine, a turboshaft engine, a propfan engine, a pusher fan engine or any other type of gas turbine engine for propelling an aircraft. The gas turbine engine may alternative be configured as an auxiliary power unit (APU) or an industrial gas turbine engine. The present invention therefore is not limited to any particular types or configurations of gas turbine engines.

Claim 1:
A tool assembly for removing a component (<NUM>) from a carrier (<NUM>) of a gas turbine engine, the component (<NUM>) circumscribing and mounted on the carrier (<NUM>), the tool assembly comprising:
a tool head (<NUM>) configured to couple to the component (<NUM>);
an adaptor (<NUM>) extending longitudinally along a centerline (<NUM>) between an adaptor first end (<NUM>) and an adaptor second end (<NUM>), the adaptor (<NUM>) attachable to the tool head (<NUM>) at the adaptor first end (<NUM>) by a first quick coupler (<NUM>); and
an actuator (<NUM>) including a housing (<NUM>) and a ram (<NUM>), the housing (<NUM>) attachable to the adaptor (<NUM>) at the adaptor second end (<NUM>) by a second quick coupler (<NUM>), the ram (<NUM>) extending longitudinally along the centerline (<NUM>) within the adaptor (<NUM>) and the tool head (<NUM>) to a ram distal end (<NUM>), and the ram distal end (<NUM>) configured to engage the carrier (<NUM>).