Transportable machinery for precision mechanical machining in situ

Abstract

Transportable machinery (1) for precision mechanical machining, comprising: • - an anchoring plate (3) acting as a centering system; • - a tube-holder (20) fixed to said plate; • - a tube (21), inserted in said tube-holder • - at least a stabilization rest (23), positioned along the tube to reduce vibrations; • - a screw movement system, which allows the sliding of the tube inside the tube-holder; • - a spindle shaft (22), inserted in the tube and equipped, on one side, with a mechanical connection (24) for a motor which activates the rotation thereof and, on the other side, with a fixing system for a machining tool; the shape of said machinery can be inscribed in a parallelepiped with maximum dimensions of 4000mm x 1500mm x 1500mm, these dimensions allow the easy transport thereof without reducing the precision thereof; said machinery is able to carry out machining on blind holes of great depth.

Description

[0001] “Transportable machinery for precision mechanical machining in situ”

[0002] Description

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The invention falls within the field of machine tools and equipment for mechanical machining. It specifically focuses on the development of an innovative solution for performing precision boring and drilling directly in situ, without the need to dismantle components. This machine-equipment aims to optimize the time and costs associated with the maintenance and repair of medium and large-sized mechanical components, while ensuring high standards of precision, operating versatility and an advanced anchoring and stabilization system, as well as the ability to operate on blind holes and integrate innovative features to optimize performance and usability.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] In the field of precision mechanical machining, there is often a need to perform high- accuracy operations on medium and large-sized components. Traditionally, such machining requires the transportation of components to specialized workshops equipped with large, fixed machinery. However, this practice entails significant disadvantages in terms of time, costs and risks associated with the dismantling, transportation and subsequent reassembly of the components.

[0007] The currently available solutions for in-situ machining have significant limitations. The existing transportable machinery, while offering some flexibility, often does not achieve the levels of precision required for high-quality machining. Furthermore, their excessive size and weight compromise the ease of transport and installation thereof on the job site. Such limitations make this machinery unsuitable for interventions on large components or in confined spaces.

[0008] Another problem encountered in current solutions concerns the stability and rigidity of the system during machining. The vibrations and pitching generated by cutting forces can negatively affect the machining accuracy and quality, requiring frequent interruptions for the recalibration of the machinery. Furthermore, the lack of active vibration compensation systems limits the ability of this machinery to adapt to variable operating conditions.

[0009] The versatility of the machining that can be carried out represents another critical aspect. Conventional transportable machinery is often designed for specific operations and does not offer the necessary flexibility to adapt to different types of machining. The lack of automatic tool change systems and integrated tool storage forces operators to manually replace tools, increasing machining times and reducing overall process efficiency.

[0010] Furthermore, the existing solutions often overlook the importance of an efficient cooling and lubrication system. Inadequate management of the heat generated during machining can lead to thermal deformations of the components and the machinery itself, compromising precision.

[0011] Finally, the current transportable machinery does not always have advanced scanning and geometry acquisition systems for the components to be machined. The lack of accurate data on the shape and dimensions of parts can make it difficult to correctly set machining parameters and align the machinery, resulting in errors.

[0012] In summary, the solutions currently available for in-situ precision machining have several limitations, including poor precision, excessive size and weight, limited stability and rigidity, reduced versatility of the machining operations that can be carried out, inefficient cooling and lubrication systems, and the absence of advanced component scanning and geometry acquisition systems. These issues highlight the need to develop innovative machinery that overcomes these limitations, offering a transportable, precise, versatile and efficient solution for high-quality mechanical machining directly at the component installation site.

[0013] The present patent document introduces transportable machinery for precision mechanical machining in situ, designed to address the above-mentioned challenges and provide an advanced solution for carrying out high-quality machining on medium and large-sized components, without the need for dismantling and transportation to specialized workshops. This innovative machinery stands out for its ability to combine precision, transportability, versatility and efficiency, overcoming the limitations of the existing solutions and opening up new possibilities in the field of in-situ mechanical machining.

[0014] A discussion provided below addresses how industrial patents do not solve the problem presented.

[0015] CN201483023U describes an automatic horizontal milling and boring machine comprising a base, a lower slide, an upper slide, a work table, an operating head, a column, a boring axis, an advancement servomotor, and an electrical system. The operating head is internally provided with a variable speed spindle activation mechanism comprising a variable frequency motor, a variable shaft and two drive shafts. The base is provided with four guides to increase the overall rigidity and load capacity of the machine tool. The work table adopts the disc spring clamping and hydraulic release method, greatly improving the clamping reliability of the work table. The main movement is activated by the variable frequency motor, the advancement movement is activated by the servo motor, thus allowing to obtain continuous spindle speed regulation, continuous advancement speed regulation and singleaxis automatic positioning. The control system is internally designed with automatic milling, boring, drilling and tapping cycle, greatly simplifying operation, significantly improving production efficiency, and giving the horizontal milling and boring machine an automatic machining function.

[0016] While this solution offers some advantages in terms of automation and flexibility, it does not adequately address the issues highlighted. Therefore, while it represents an improvement with respect to the traditional solutions, it does not fully meet the requirements of transportable machinery for precision machining in situ.

[0017] JP4533866B2 refers to a complex machine tool capable of carrying out a plurality of machining operations and a boring method for a cylinder block hole.

[0018] In this machine tool, the applicant proposed a composite machine tool capable of carrying out boring and honing compositely. According to this invention, it is possible to omit the oscillation mechanism used during the sanding process, to save the machining line, simplify the equipment and reduce the manufacturing cost of the machined product. Furthermore, when boring is carried out under high machining load, the machining can be carried out with higher axial rigidity, and the hole machining can be carried out with high precision.

[0019] In the machine tool as described above, the expansion force or position control of the boring tool in the radial direction of the hole is carried out by means of hydraulic pressure or the like. For this reason, it is difficult to control (fine-tune) the expansion force and expansion position, and there is a limit to carrying out the hole machining with greater precision.

[0020] While these solutions offer some improvements with respect to the conventional techniques, they still have several limitations.

[0021] In summary, the industrial patents cited do not adequately resolve the problems highlighted in the first part of the introduction. While they offer some advantages with respect to the traditional solutions, they still have significant limitations in terms of accuracy, size and weight, stability and rigidity, machining versatility, cooling and lubrication system efficiency, and ability to acquire component geometry.

[0022] Therefore, it is necessary to develop innovative machinery that overcomes these limitations, offering a transportable, precise, versatile and efficient solution for high-quality mechanical machining directly at the component installation site. This machinery must be able to faithfully reproduce the assembled state of the product, while ensuring high productivity and a reduction in the time and costs associated with the dismantling, transport and reassembly operations of the components.

[0023] In the following sections of the present patent document, a detailed description of the inventive concept will be provided, illustrating how it addresses and solves the above- mentioned problems, representing a significant advancement with respect to the state of the art in the field of in-situ precision mechanical machining.

[0024] Description of the invention

[0025] With the present patent application for an industrial invention, it is intended to describe and claim machinery provided with at least a new and alternative solution to the solutions known so far and / or to satisfy one or more needs perceived in the art and in particular deduced from what has been reported above. To achieve this object, the inventors have developed transportable machinery for precision mechanical machining in situ, designed to carry out precision mechanical machining directly in the operating site of medium and large-sized industrial machines that are difficult to move. This innovative machinery offers the great advantage of avoiding dismantling, transport to and from the machining workshop, and reassembly of the components on which the machining is to be carried out, allowing boring and drilling to be carried out directly in the field with a significant saving of human resources and machinery, as well as the reduction of machine downtime, without sacrificing the precision with which such machining must be carried out. For this purpose, a centering system consisting of an anchoring plate has been developed, adapted to firmly fix the machinery to the mechanical component to be machined. Such an anchoring plate is preferably made of strong and durable material, such as steel or high-strength metal alloys, to ensure stability and rigidity during machining operations. The anchoring plate can be provided with holes, slots or other fixing elements to allow a firm anchoring to the component to be machined and to permit an accurate centering of the machinery. A tubeholder is fixed to the anchoring plate. Said tube-holder can be provided with bearings or guides to allow a smooth and precise movement of a tube inserted therein. Said tube is preferably made of material such as steel or high-strength metal alloys. The length and diameter of the tube are determined based on the dimensions of the component to be machined and the specific machining requirements and its longitudinal movement occurs thanks to a screw movement system, adapted to allow the tube to slide inside the tubeholder. Said system preferably consists of one or more precision screws, activated by electric motors or manually by the operator; the rotation of the precision screws allows a precise and controlled linear movement of the tube inside the tube-holder, allowing the position of the machining tool to be adjusted with respect to the component to be machined with extreme precision. The tube can be hollow or solid, depending on the required rigidity and stability needs. Inside the tube is inserted a spindle shaft provided, on one side, with a mechanical connection for a motor adapted to activate the rotation of the spindle shaft itself. The mechanical connection can be achieved by means of a joint or, in a preferred version, by means of a ribbed coupling. The motor, preferably electric, is able to vary the torque and rotation speed, thus allowing the operator to choose the appropriate values for carrying out the machining. On the other side of the said spindle shaft there is a fixing system for a machining tool such as a boring bar or reamer. The fixing system can be made by means of a self-centering spindle or other clamping devices. In order to reduce vibrations and pitching of the machinery during operation, at least a stabilization rest is positioned along the tube. Said rest is preferably made of metal material and can be provided with bearings or contact elements to ensure stable support for the tube during rotation. The position and number of stabilization rests can vary depending on the length of the tube and the stability needs required. A distinctive feature of the transportable machinery for in-situ precision mechanical machining is that its shape can be inscribed in a parallelepiped with maximum dimensions of 4000mm x 1500mm x 1500mm. These compact dimensions allow for easy transportation of the machinery, allowing it to be taken directly to the worksite without the need to dismantle or move the components to be machined. Despite its small size, the machinery maintains extremely high machining precision thanks to its rigid structure, integrated stabilization systems, as well as the anchoring plate that offers a high-precision centering system. Furthermore, the machinery is able to carry out machining on blind holes with a depth of up to 4000 mm. This ability is made possible by the length of the tube and the presence of the stabilization rests, which allow maintaining precision and stability even during deep machining. The possibility of machining blind holes of considerable depth significantly expands the field of application of the machinery, extending its field of use where the art up to now has required complicated and expensive additional operations such as the need for workshop machining with consequent dismantling, transport, reassembly of the component and, above all, machine downtime. In an advantageous version of the invention, the anchoring plate coupling system is electromagnetic. This system consists of a plurality of high-power electromagnets, uniformly distributed on the surface of said plate, which is placed in contact with the component to be machined. The electromagnets are preferably made of materials with high magnetic permeability, such as soft iron or nickeliron alloys, and are wrapped with coils of conductive wire. When the coils are subjected to electric current, the electromagnets generate an intense and localized magnetic field, which strongly attracts the component to be machined towards the anchoring plate, ensuring a stable and secure coupling. The electromagnetic coupling system is preferably controlled by a dedicated power supply and control unit. This power supply and control unit regulates the current supplied to the electromagnet coils, allowing the intensity of the generated magnetic field to be modulated and, consequently, the attractive force exerted on the component to be machined. This feature allows operators to make any necessary adjustments to the machinery before the final fixing of the component to be machined. The power supply and control unit can be programmed to automatically adapt the attraction force based on the features of the component to be machined, such as material, thickness and geometry of the contact surface. This automatic adjustment ensures an optimal coupling between the anchoring plate and the component, avoiding both insufficient attraction that could compromise stability during machining, and excessive attraction that could deform or damage the component. Furthermore, in an improved configuration thereof, the electromagnetic coupling system includes proximity or force sensors, which constantly monitor the quality of the coupling between the anchoring plate and the component to be machined. These sensors send feedback signals to the power supply and control unit, which can then adjust the current supplied to the electromagnets to always maintain an optimal coupling, even in the presence of vibrations or temperature variations during machining. The anchoring plate, in its version with electromagnetic coupling system, offers several advantages with respect to traditional mechanical anchoring systems. Firstly, electromagnetic coupling is quicker and easier to activate and deactivate, as it does not require tightening or loosening mechanical fixing elements. This further reduces machinery set-up and dismantling times, increasing the overall efficiency of the in-situ machining operations. Furthermore, electromagnetic coupling is more flexible and adaptable with respect to mechanical systems, since it can be modulated according to the specific needs of each component to be machined. This allows working on a wider range of components, with different geometries and materials, without having to physically reconfigure the anchoring plate. Finally, electromagnetic coupling exerts a uniform attractive force across the entire contact surface, avoiding localized stress concentrations that could deform or damage the component to be machined. This ensures greater structural integrity of the component during and after machining, improving the overall quality of the process. In an improved variant, the transportable machinery for precision mechanical machining comprises a cooling and lubrication system to improve heat dissipation and reduce friction during machining. The cooling and lubrication system consists of a series of nozzles positioned to direct a flow of liquid into the contact area between the machining tool and the component being machined. The nozzles are preferably made of material such as stainless steel or special alloys. The nozzles can be fixed or orientable, allowing to adjust the direction and angle of the flow according to specific machining needs. The cooling and lubrication system is fed by a pump that draws coolant and lubricant liquid from a tank and sends it pressurized to the nozzles. The pump is preferably of the positive displacement type, such as a gear or screw pump, capable of providing a constant, controlled liquid flow rate. The pressure and flow rate of the liquid can be adjusted. Said tank is provided with a low-level indicator adapted to inform the operator of this condition. The coolant and lubricant liquid used in the system is preferably a water or oil-based fluid, with additives that improve cooling, lubrication and corrosion protection properties. The composition of the liquid can be optimized according to the type of material to be machined, the cutting conditions and the surface finishing requirements. In some cases, cryogenic fluids, such as liquid nitrogen, can also be used to achieve even more effective cooling. The cooling and lubrication system carries out multiple functions during the machining process. Firstly, the coolant removes the heat generated in the cutting area, preventing the overheating of the tool and the component. This is particularly important in high-speed machining or on difficult-to-machine materials, where heat build-up can lead to premature tool wear and thermal deformation of the component. Furthermore, the lubricant liquid reduces friction between the tool and the material to be machined, making cutting easier and improving surface finish. Lubrication also contributes to extending tool life, reducing abrasive and adhesive wear. In some cases, the lubricant liquid can contain antiwear or anti-adherent additives, which form a protective film on the surface of the tool and component. Another advantage of the cooling and lubrication system is the removal of chips from the cutting area. The flow of coolant and lubricant liquid helps carry away chips produced during machining, preventing them from accumulating and interfering with the cutting process. This is especially important when machining deep holes or complex geometries, where chip buildup can cause damage to the tool or component. To ensure an efficient and continuous operation of the cooling and lubrication system, the cooling and lubrication system can be provided with a liquid filtration and recirculation system. The liquid collected after machining is filtered to remove chips and other impurities, and then returned to the tank for reuse. This recirculation system reduces the consumption of coolant and lubricant liquid, with consequent economic and environmental benefits. The filtering and recirculation device preferably consists of a series of interconnected elements: a collection tank, positioned so as to collect the coolant and lubricant liquid after it has carried out its functions. Said tank can be provided with a discharge system for to any impurities that have settled on the bottom. One or more filters to which the liquid is conveyed by means of a pump, preferably of the centrifugal or membrane type. Said filters have the task of removing impurities and small debris accumulated during the machining process. Filters can be cartridge, mesh or membrane type, and are chosen according to the features of the liquid and the filtration level required for reuse. The integration of the filtering and recirculation device into the cooling and lubrication system offers several advantages. Firstly, it significantly reduces coolant and lubricant liquid consumption, as the fluid is continuously recovered, filtered and reused, rather than being dispersed into the environment after a single use. This translates into reduced operating costs and lower environmental impact, in line with the principles of sustainability and resource efficiency. Furthermore, the constant filtering of the coolant and lubricant liquid helps maintain the quality and performance of the fluid over time. The removal of impurities and debris accumulated during machining prevents the deterioration of the cooling and lubrication properties of the liquid, thus ensuring greater effectiveness and durability of the cooling and lubrication system as a whole. The use of the filtering and recirculation device also helps extend the useful life of the machining tools and improve the quality of the machining itself. Clean, well-maintained coolant and lubricant liquid reduces friction and wear on tools, minimizing the risk of damage or premature failure. Furthermore, optimal cooling and lubrication in the contact area between the tool and the component promote better material removal, resulting in more precise and uniform surface finishes. In a further version, the machinery comprises a thermal comparison system, adapted to measure the thermal deformations of the elements of the machinery itself and / or of the component being machines. This system, consisting of a plurality of temperature sensors, is designed to detect and compensate for dimensional variations caused by temperature fluctuations, ensuring greater machining precision and repeatability. Said sensors can be thermocouples, resistance thermometers, or other similar devices capable of accurately measuring temperature. The temperature sensors are positioned so as to detect thermal variations at critical points of the machinery, such as the anchoring plate, the tube-holder, the tube itself, the spindle shaft and the stabilization rests. Furthermore, additional sensors can be applied directly on the component to be machined, to monitor the thermal deformations of the piece itself during the machining process. The thermal comparison system integrates a user interface that allows the operator to monitor the detected temperatures and apply the necessary corrections. The user interface can display temperatures using numerical indicators, providing the operator with detailed information. The implementation of the thermal comparison system in the transportable machinery offers the advantage of being able to effectively compensate for thermal deformations, ensuring greater dimensional precision of the machining operations. This is especially important when working with large components, where even small temperature variations can cause significant errors. Furthermore, the thermal comparison system improves the repeatability of machining over time. The machinery, in an advantageous version thereof, includes a 3D scanning system, comprising a plurality of optical and / or laser sensors. Said sensors are preferably mounted on adjustable supports, allowing a precise alignment with the component to be machined. The optical sensors can be, for example, high -resolution cameras, capable of acquiring detailed images of the component surface while laser sensors can project a structured light pattern onto the surface, allowing the reconstruction of the three-dimensional geometry. The 3D scanning system is connected to a processing unit. Said unit is provided with image machining and 3D reconstruction algorithms, capable of analyzing the data acquired by the sensors and generating an accurate digital model of the component to be machined. This digital model includes detailed information about the geometry, dimensions and any imperfections or deviations from the nominal shape of the component. The data acquired by the 3D scanning system is used, by means of a dedicated user interface, to precisely adjust the transportable machinery for precision mechanical machining in situ. The control system compares the digital model of the component with the selected machining parameters, suggesting any corrections or adjustments necessary to ensure maximum precision. During the machining process, the optical and / or laser sensors can continuously acquire data on the component surface, enabling real-time monitoring of geometry and tolerances. Any deviations or errors can be detected immediately, allowing the operator to intervene promptly to make corrections or adjustments.

[0026] In a further version thereof, the machinery comprises an active vibration compensation system, adapted to detect and counteract the vibrations generated during a process in real time in order to reduce machining errors. The active vibration compensation system consists of a plurality of piezoelectric and / or electromagnetic actuators, integrated into the stabilization rests and / or into the anchoring plate of the machinery. The piezoelectric actuators exploit the piezoelectric effect of certain materials, such as quartz or piezoelectric ceramics, which deform when subjected to an electric field. The electromagnetic actuators instead exploit the forces generated by a variable magnetic field, produced by an electromagnet or a coil. The system comprises a control unit, adapted to manage the operation of the piezoelectric and / or electromagnetic actuators. The control unit is preferably provided with sensors, such as accelerometers or displacement sensors, capable of detecting the vibrations generated during machining. The signals from the sensors are processed by the control unit, which determines the magnitude and frequency of the vibrations. According to the information collected by the sensors, the control unit generates command signals for the piezoelectric and / or electromagnetic actuators, in order to counteract the detected vibrations. The actuators respond quickly, allowing an active and continuous compensation of vibrations throughout the entire machining process. The integration of piezoelectric and / or electromagnetic actuators in the stabilization rests allows vibrations to be counteracted directly at the point where the tube is supported. This localized approach allows a targeted vibration compensation, reducing the influence thereof on machining precision. Furthermore, the integration of the actuators in the anchoring plate allows counteracting the vibrations transmitted by the component being machined to the machinery, ensuring greater overall stability. A feature comprised in an advantageous version of the transportable machinery for precision mechanical machining is an alignment and centering system, adapted to detect the position and orientation of the component to be machined with respect to the machinery itself. This system is essential to ensure precise calibration of the machinery and correct positioning of the machining tool with respect to the component, thus ensuring the maximum precision and quality of the machining operations carried out. The alignment and centering system consists of a plurality of proximity or vision sensors. These sensors are able to detect the distance, angle and relative position of the component to be machined with respect to the machinery, providing essential data for the correct positioning and alignment of the machinery itself. The proximity sensors can be of various types, such as capacitive, inductive or ultrasonic sensors, depending on the features of the component to be machined and the environmental conditions. These sensors are able to detect the presence and distance of the component without the need for physical contact, allowing continuous and real-time monitoring of the relative position between the machinery and the component. Alternatively or in combination with said proximity sensors, the alignment and centering system can use vision sensors, such as cameras or optical scanners. These sensors acquire three-dimensional images or data of the component to be machined, allowing the reconstruction of the geometry and orientation in space thereof. The data acquired by the vision sensors and proximity sensors are processed by processing and computer vision algorithms to extract precise information on the position and alignment of the component with respect to the machinery, processing it to determine any misalignments or positioning errors. Based on this information, said algorithms generate instructions that are provided to the operator by means of an on-board user interface, by means of which the operator is able to receive the necessary indications to correct the position of the machinery with respect to the component. The user interface can present the operator with a graphic representation of the relative position between the machinery and the component being machined, highlighting any misalignments or positioning errors. Furthermore, the interface can provide the operator with detailed instructions on how to intervene to correct the position of the machinery, for example by indicating the direction and extent of the necessary movements. Thanks to the integration of the alignment and centering system, the transportable machinery for precision mechanical machining is able to always guarantee maximum precision and quality of the machining. This system significantly reduces setup and calibration times, simplifies the operator's work and helps minimize machining errors due to misalignments or positioning errors.

[0027] In a better and more advantageous version of the invention, the machinery can be installed on a three-axis X-Y-Z movement system, which allows it to carry out milling work on the surfaces of elements without the need to move such elements from their work place, saving considerable amounts of logistical, human and economic resources, as well as increasing the safety of the operators who will avoid handling and transporting pieces of considerable weight. The machinery is mounted on a structure consisting of a base frame, a lower slide and an upper slide. The frame is provided with devices for anchoring to the element on which the machining is carried out, a nut screw useful for controlling the movement of said lower slide and linear guides which allow the movement of the lower slide on one of the three axes. The lower slide is in turn provided, at the base, with sliding blocks that allow it to slide in the guides present on the frame, with linear guides that allow the upper slide to move on the second axis and with a nut screw that is responsible for controlling this movement. The upper slide, like the previous one, is provided, at the base, with sliding blocks that allow it to slide in the guides present on the lower slide, with a support hole to contain the tubeholder and with an area intended for coupling with the anchoring plate of the machinery. The upper slide further comprises a nut screw adapted to carry out the movement of the machinery on the third axis. In conclusion, the advantages of the present invention are evident in light of the description set forth thus far and will be even more evident from the analysis of the attached figures and the subsequent detailed description.

[0028] The invention will now be illustrated with the aid of the attached figures in an embodiment thereof which represents a non-limiting example of the inventive concept. In particular: Figure 1 depicts an overall view of the transportable machinery 1. The machinery 1 is fixed to the mechanical component to be machined by means of an anchoring plate 3. A tubeholder 20 is mounted on said anchoring plate 3, which supports a tube 21. Said tube 21 is inserted in said tube-holder 20 and can slide therein thanks to a screw movement system. Inside said tube 21 is housed a spindle shaft 22, which has at one end a mechanical connection 24 for a motor that activates the rotation thereof, and at the other end a fixing system for a machining tool, such as a boring bar or a reamer. At least a stabilization rest 23 is positioned along said tube 21, which has the function of reducing vibrations and pitching of the machinery during operation. The rest 23 can incorporate piezoelectric and / or electromagnetic actuators 10 which have the purpose of increasing the vibration reduction effect exerted by said rest 23.

[0029] Detailed description of the invention

[0030] It will be immediately obvious that countless variations and modifications can be made to what has been described, for example relating to shape, dimensions, arrangements and parts with equivalent functionality, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as appears in the attached claims. With reference to the first figure, the present invention will now be illustrated in an embodiment thereof which represents a non-limiting example of the inventive concept. In particular, Figure 1 depicts an overall view of the transportable machinery 1 for precision mechanical machining in situ. Such machinery 1 is designed to be easily transported and positioned near the mechanical component to be machined, allowing precision machining to be carried out directly at the place where the component itself is installed, without the need to dismantle it or transport it to a dedicated workshop. The machinery 1 is firmly fixed to the mechanical component to be machined by means of an anchoring plate 3. The anchoring plate 3 is a fundamental element of the machinery 1 as it guarantees the stability and rigidity necessary to carry out precision machining, as well as allowing the alignment of the machinery 1 as it constitutes the centering system of the machinery 1 itself. The anchoring plate 3, made of high-strength materials such as steel or aluminum alloys, can have a contact surface specially shaped to adapt to the geometry of the component to be machined. Furthermore, said anchoring plate 3 is provided with complementary fixing systems, such as clamps, screws or magnets, to ensure safe and stable anchoring to the component. A tube-holder 20 is mounted on the anchoring plate 3, which has the function of supporting and guiding a tube 21, applied therein. Said tube-holder 20 is a structural element that gives rigidity and precision to the machinery 1, allowing the tube 21 to slide therein with a controlled linear movement. The tube-holder 20, also made of materials with high strength and rigidity, such as steel or cast iron, and can have ground sliding guides or recirculating ball bearings to ensure a smooth and precise movement of the tube 21. Said tube 21 is a hollow cylindrical element that is inserted into said tube-holder 20 and that slides therein thanks to a screw movement system. The tube 21 has the function of housing and supporting a spindle shaft 22, the main rotating element of the machinery 1. The tube 21 is preferably made of materials with high strength and rigidity, such as steel or aluminum alloys and has a ground inner surface to ensure a precise housing of said spindle shaft 22. The screw movement system, which allows the tube 21 to slide inside the tubeholder 20, preferably consists of a recirculating ball screw or a trapezoidal screw. Inside the tube 21 is housed said spindle shaft 22, which is the main rotating element of the machinery 1. The spindle shaft 22 has, at one end, a mechanical connection 24 for a motor that activates the rotation thereof and, at the other end, a fixing system for a machining tool such as, for example, a boring bar or a reamer. The spindle shaft 22, like the other components, is preferably made of materials with high strength and rigidity, such as steel or titanium alloys, and can have a ground external surface that ensures a precise and balanced rotation. The mechanical connection 24 for the motor can consist of a flexible coupling or a coupling with grooved profiles, while the fixing system for the machining tool is preferably a selfcentering spindle. At least a stabilization rest 23 is positioned along the tube 21, which has the function of reducing the vibrations and pitching of the machinery 1 during operation. The stabilization rest 23 is a support element that embraces the tube 21 and supports it at one or more points along its length, limiting the deformations and oscillations caused by the cutting forces during machining. The stabilization rest 23 is preferably made of high-tenacity materials, such as steel or cast iron, and has contact surfaces coated with anti-friction materials to reduce friction and wear. To further enhance the vibration reduction effect of the stabilization rest 23, it can incorporate piezoelectric and / or electromagnetic actuators 10. Said actuators 10 are devices which, when excited by an electrical signal, are able to generate small movements or high-frequency forces, which oppose the vibrations generated during machining. The piezoelectric actuators consist of materials that expand or contract when an electrical voltage is applied, while electromagnetic actuators use magnetic forces generated by electromagnetic fields to generate movement. By integrating such actuators 10 into the stabilization rest 23, it is possible to create an active vibration compensation system that detects the oscillations of the spindle shaft 22 in real time and generates counter forces that eliminate such oscillations, ensuring greater stability and precision during machining.

[0031] A further element integrated into the machinery l is a cooling and lubrication system, which has the purpose of dissipating the heat generated during machining and reducing the friction and wear of the tools and components. Such a system comprises a coolant and lubricant liquid distribution circuit, with nozzles positioned near the contact area between the tool and the piece to be machined, and a filtering and recirculation device for the used liquid, to reduce waste and environmental impact.

[0032] In conclusion, the transportable machinery 1 for precision mechanical machining in situ represents an innovative and versatile solution for carrying out high-quality machining directly at the installation site of the mechanical components, without the need to dismantle them and transport them to the workshop. Thanks to its compact and robust structure, its vibration control and compensation systems and the possibility of integration with further systems and devices that improve its precision and the quality of its machining operations, this invention offers high performance and great flexibility of use, reducing the times and costs associated with precision mechanical machining on medium and large-sized elements.

[0033] Finally, it is clear that additions or variations which are obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the invention described so far, without thereby departing from the scope of protection which is defined by the attached claims.

Claims

Claims1. Transportable machinery (1) for precision mechanical machining in situ, adapted to carry out precision mechanical machining on medium and large sized components of industrial machines - larger than an element that can be inscribed in a cube of 2000mm x 2000mm x 2000mm - without the necessity of moving or dismantling said machines and / or said components; said machinery comprising at least: an anchoring plate (3), adapted to securely fix the machinery (1) to the mechanical component to be machined; a tube-holder (20), fixed to said anchoring plate (3), adapted to support a tube (21); said tube (21), inserted in said tube-holder (20), adapted to support a spindle shaft (22); at least a stabilization rest (23), positioned along said tube (21), adapted to reduce vibrations and pitching of the machinery during operation; a screw movement system, adapted to allow the sliding of said tube (21) inside said tube-holder (20); said spindle shaft (22), inserted in said tube (21) equipped, on one side, with a mechanical connection (24) for a motor, adapted to activate the rotation of said spindle shaft (22) and, on the other side, with a fixing system for a machining tool such as a boring bar or reamer; said machinery (1) being characterized in that said anchoring plate (3) constitutes a centering system of the machinery (1) itself; that its shape can be inscribed in a parallelepiped with maximum dimensions of 4000mm x 1500mm x 1500mm, that these dimensions allow it to be easily transported, that its transportability does not reduce its precision, that said machinery is capable of carrying out machining on blind holes of depth up to 4000mm thanks to the presence of said rest (23) which, positioned at an intermediate point of the tube, in conjunction with the strong structure of the centering system consisting of said anchoring plate (3), preferably made of high-grade metal alloy, gives the tube (21) and the spindle shaft (22) inserted therein considerable stability, sufficient to carry out machining without the need for the application of a bearing opposite the position of said motor.

2. Transportable machinery (1) for precision mechanical machining in situ, according tothe preceding claim 1, characterized in that said anchoring plate (3) comprises an electromagnetic coupling system adapted to anchor it to the component to be machined, said coupling system comprising: a power supply and control unit adapted to regulate the current supplied to the electromagnet coils; a plurality of proximity or force sensors, which constantly monitor the quality of the coupling, sending feedback signals to said power supply and control unit.

3. Transportable machinery (1) for precision mechanical machining in situ, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a cooling and lubrication system comprising nozzles for directing a flow of coolant and lubricant liquid into the contact area between said tool and the component being machined; a pump adapted to feed said nozzles; a tank containing said coolant and lubricant liquid, equipped with at least a low level indicator sensor; said system is adapted to improve heat dissipation and reduce the friction generated by the machining itself.

4. Transportable machinery (1) for precision mechanical machining in situ, according to the preceding claim 3, characterized in that said cooling and lubrication system comprises a device for filtering and recirculating the coolant and lubricant liquid, adapted to reduce waste and environmental impact; said filtering and recirculation device comprising: a collection tank for said liquid at the end of its lubricating function, said tank equipped with a discharge system to remove any impurities settled on the bottom; a pumping system adapted to pump said liquid inside one or more filters, adapted to purify said liquid; a distribution system adapted to reintroduce said liquid inside the cooling and lubrication system.

5. Transportable machinery (1) for precision mechanical machining in situ, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a thermal comparison system, equipped with a plurality of temperature sensors, adapted to measure the thermal deformations of the elements of said machinery and / or the component being machined,allowing a better calibration of said machinery for greater precision and repeatability.

6. Transportable machinery (1) for precision mechanical machining in situ, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a 3D scanning system equipped with optical and / or laser sensors to acquire the exact geometry of the component to be machined and allow a more precise adjustment of said machinery; said system comprising a processing unit, equipped with image processing and 3D reconstruction algorithms; and a dedicated user interface.

7. Transportable machinery (1) for precision mechanical machining in situ, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an active vibration compensation system, adapted to detect and counteract the vibrations generated during machining to reduce the machining error, said system comprising piezoelectric and / or electromagnetic actuators (10), integrated in said stabilization rests (23) and / or in said anchoring plate (3); sensors, such as accelerometers or displacement sensors, adapted to detect vibrations generated during processing; a control unit which processes the signals detected by the sensors to determine the extent of the vibrations and which generates control signals for said actuators.

8. Transportable machinery (1) for precision mechanical machining in situ, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an alignment and centering system, which comprises proximity and / or vision sensors adapted to detect the position and the orientation of the component to be machined with respect to the machine; processing and computer vision algorithms adapted to collect the information detected by the sensors and process precise data on the position and alignment of the component with respect to the machinery; a user interface on the machine, adapted to provide the operator with feedback on the data processed in order to obtain a precise calibration of the machinery.

9. Transportable machinery (1) for precision mechanical machining in situ, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said machinery (1) can be installed on a movement system on three X-Y-Z axes, adapted to convert said machinery (1) in a surface milling machine; said movement system comprising:a base frame comprising anchoring members, a lead screw and a plurality of guides adapted to allow the movement of a lower slide on the X axis; said lower slide comprising a plurality of slides adapted to allow the movement of said lower slide on the X axis, a lead screw and a plurality of guides adapted to move an upper slide on the Y axis; said upper slide comprising a plurality of sliding blocks adapted suitable for moving said upper slide on the Y axis, a support hole for said tube-holder (21), an anchoring area for said anchoring plate (3) and a lead screw for the movement of said machinery (1) on the Z axis.

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