Machine tool with an assembly configuration with a cantilevered tool

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10315255-B2
Application number	US-201715840084-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Dec 13, 2017
Priority date	Dec 20, 2016
Publication date	Jun 11, 2019
Grant date	Jun 11, 2019

Abstract

A machine tool for carrying out operations on a part includes a longitudinal rail, a transverse arm, a module for connection between the transverse arm and the longitudinal rail, the module being fitted in translation on the longitudinal rail, a tool which is supported by the transverse arm, and a retention unit which is arranged at one end of the transverse arm, and includes at least one sucker. The machine tool has an assembly configuration—in which the retention unit and the tool are positioned respectively on both sides of the longitudinal rail, such that the tool is fitted cantilevered relative to the longitudinal rail. This provides the machine tool with great polyvalence, in that it makes it possible to carry out operations in areas which in particular have significant curvatures, which are difficult to access, or which are unsuitable for securing of the sucker(s) of the retention unit.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. A machine tool for carrying out operations on a part, the machine tool comprising:
a longitudinal rail configured to be positioned relative to the part;
a transverse arm orthogonal to the longitudinal rail, the transverse arm comprising two ends;
a module for connection between the transverse arm and the longitudinal rail, the connection module being fitted in translation on the longitudinal rail;
a tool supported by the transverse arm;
at least one retention unit arranged at one end of the transverse arm, and comprising at least one sucker permitting retention in position of the retention unit on the part,
wherein the transverse arm comprises means for securing on the connection module, positioned between the two ends of the transverse arm, such that the machine tool has an assembly configuration in which the retention unit and the tool are positioned respectively on both sides of the longitudinal rail, such that the tool is fitted cantilevered relative to the longitudinal rail, and
wherein the transverse arm further comprises means for securing on the connection module, positioned at the end of the transverse arm opposite that where the retention unit is arranged, such that the machine tool has an assembly configuration in which the tool is supported by the transverse arm between the longitudinal rail and the retention unit.

2. The machine tool according to claim 1 , wherein the retention unit comprises a displacement system configured for climbing on the part, parallel to the longitudinal rail.

3. The machine tool according to claim 2 , further comprising a control device, arranged so as to synchronise the movement of the retention unit with the movement of the connection module along the longitudinal rail.

4. The machine tool according to claim 1 , wherein the transverse arm is formed by a rectangular frame comprising two transverse uprights and two longitudinal uprights.

5. The machine tool according to claim 1 , wherein the connection between the tool and the transverse arm comprises a pivot permitting regulation of the orientation of the tool along a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal rail.

6. The machine tool according to claim 1 , wherein the connection between the tool and the transverse arm comprises a pivot permitting regulation of the orientation of the tool along a transverse axis substantially parallel to the transverse arm.

7. The machine tool according to claim 1 , wherein the connection between the tool and the transverse arm comprises a slide permitting regulation of the tool along an axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse directions.

8. The machine tool according to claim 1 , further comprising an optical system comprising a camera and permitting visualisation and analysis of an area opposite the tool.

9. The machine tool according to claim 1 , comprising a device selected from amongst: a sensor for the force on the transverse arm, a sensor for the force exerted on the longitudinal rail, an angular sensor configured to determine the angle between the transverse arm and the longitudinal rail, at least two linear sensors positioned on the connection module, at least two linear sensors positioned on the transverse arm.

10. The machine tool according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the retention unit and the connection module further comprises a device for detection of presence oriented in a displacement direction, and configured to detect an obstacle during a displacement of this type.

11. The machine tool according to claim 1 , comprising a plurality of controllers, each controller being dedicated to the respective control of the functions of an element or of a set of elements of the machine tool to which the controller is connected.

12. The machine tool according to claim 11 , wherein the plurality of controllers comprising:
a first controller connected to the transverse arm;
a second controller connected to the tool support; and
a third controller connected to the tool.

Assignees

• Airbus Sas

Inventors

• Albert Fabien
• Pospisil Eric
• Hollis Kyle
• Nelson Jeff
• Davis Eric

Classifications

• B23Q9/005 Primary

  angularly adjustable · CPC title

• B23Q17/2409

  Arrangements for indirect observation of the working space using image recording means, e.g. a camera · CPC title

• B23Q2210/008

  Flexible guiding rails · CPC title

• B23Q9/0007 Primary

  Portable machines comprising means for their guidance or support directly on the workpiece · CPC title

• B23B2270/483

  Measurement of force · CPC title