Method for milling a covering layer of a metal plate, control program, computer-readable data carrier, control unit for a milling device, and milling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for milling a cover layer of a metal sheet, a control program, a computer-readable data carrier, a control unit for a milling device, and a milling device. There is provided a method, in particular for removing a coating layer from a coated sheet, the method comprising the steps of: providing a milling tool configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, the milling tool having at least one milling face extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation and adapted to face a metal sheet, the covering layer can be milled conveniently; and providing a securing assembly configured for securing the metal sheet and defining a working plane with which at least a flat section of the metal sheet should be aligned such that a surface normal of the flat section extends substantially perpendicular to the working plane; wherein, during the milling process, the axis of rotation is inclined at at least one working angle with respect to the surface normal of the flat section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of milling, i.e., machining, metal sheets in preparation for other manufacturing steps, such as joining metal sheets together by friction stir welding (FSW), commonly used in aircraft structures. In particular, this disclosure relates to methods, control programs, computer-readable data carriers, control units for milling milling apparatuses for removing cladding layers from metal sheets, and milling apparatuses for removing cladding layers from metal sheets. Background Technology

[0002] Methods for preparing metal sheets, particularly those involving milling the surfaces and / or edges, are known in the art. Typically, regardless of the milling tool used, the surfaces and / or edges are milled in a manner controlled by a corresponding control unit, for example, by the application of computer numerical control (CNC). This control must be very precise, especially for FSW, to ensure that the required tolerances are maintained when preparing the edges of two workpieces to be joined by the welding process.

[0003] For example, US11,219,969B2 relates to a method for edge-to-edge welding of a first metal plate panel to a second metal plate panel on a support structure. The method includes: positioning and securing the first panel to the support structure; positioning and securing the second panel to the support structure, wherein the second panel overlaps with the original edges of the first panel; co-cutting the first and second panels in the overlapping area to form a connecting edge between the first and second panels; removing scrap shavings from the first and second panels; and performing friction stir welding on the connecting edges.

[0004] EP 1 912 759B1 relates to a method for joining at least two sheet material components, particularly at least two metal plates of thin material thickness for aircraft, the method comprising the steps of: assembling the sheet materials edge-to-edge to form a joining region; machining the material and / or the joining region; subjecting the sheet material and / or the joining region to a mechanical and / or chemical adhesion pretreatment; and adhering at least one reinforcing element to an area on the upper and / or lower side of the joining region, the at least one reinforcing element having a width greater than the width of the joining region to create a second load path. By adhering at least one reinforcing element near the joining region between the sheet material components, the cost of creating a thickening in the joint region, which is typically necessary in conventional joining between metal plates to reduce joint loads, is eliminated. The invention also relates to a connector produced according to the foregoing method, and finally to a lightweight structure having at least one connector of the present invention.

[0005] EP 1 439 121B1 relates to a lightweight structure comprising at least one skin metal plate and reinforcing elements, the reinforcing elements being arranged longitudinally and / or vertically on the metal plate and connected to the metal plate using legs of the reinforcing elements. The linkage of the reinforcing elements is formed by two legs on the side of the steering metal plate. The two legs are connected to the metal plate using two separate connection areas. A method for manufacturing lightweight structural components is also provided.

[0006] Typical edge preparation methods known from the prior art involve using a three-sided milling tool to mill the upper and lower sides of the edge to remove the cladding and mill the sides, thereby obtaining the correct shape for the FSW. In the next step, a mechanical roller is typically used to guide the height or vertical position of the milling tool so that the cladding removal approximates the true or actual shape of the metal sheet. This is only suitable for flat or near-ideal cylindrical parts. For non-ideal parts or plates used for the fuselage, with varying edge curvature, it is impossible to remove the cladding within the required tolerances. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the objective can be viewed as improving the edge and / or surface preparation of sheet metal components, for example, for FSW. In particular, the objective can be viewed as improving the accuracy and / or efficiency of milling sheet metal components to maintain tight manufacturing tolerances, such as those required for FSW. These objectives are achieved, at least in part, through the subject matter of the main aspects of the invention.

[0008] According to one aspect, a method is provided for milling a cover layer on a metal sheet, particularly for removing a cover layer from a covered sheet, the method comprising the steps of: providing a milling tool configured to rotate about a rotation axis, the milling tool having at least one milling face extending substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis and adapted to face the metal sheet for milling the cover layer; and providing a fixing assembly configured to fix the metal sheet and define a working plane, at least a flat portion of the metal sheet being aligned with the working plane such that the surface normal of the flat portion extends substantially perpendicular to the working plane; wherein, during the milling process, the rotation axis is inclined at at least one working angle relative to the surface normal of the flat portion.

[0009] According to one aspect, a control program is provided, the control program including instructions that cause the control unit to perform a corresponding method when the control program is executed by a control unit for a milling apparatus.

[0010] According to one aspect, a computer-readable data carrier is provided, which has a corresponding control program stored thereon.

[0011] According to one aspect, a control unit for a milling apparatus is provided, the control unit being configured to execute a corresponding control program and / or include a corresponding computer-readable data carrier.

[0012] According to one aspect, a milling apparatus is provided for milling a coating layer on a metal sheet, particularly for removing the coating layer from a covered sheet, the milling apparatus comprising a milling tool configured to perform a corresponding method and / or a corresponding control unit.

[0013] This solution allows for exceptionally high cladding removal accuracy on edge metal plates prepared for FSW. The corresponding fixing component can be part of the milling machine's table. The table can have a predetermined orientation relative to the milling tool. The proposed solution has the advantage over existing technologies in that it allows for milled surfaces with manufacturing tolerances better than actual design parameters; for example, the service can be constructed with a manufacturing tolerance of ±0.05 mm, instead of the ±0.1 mm or worse manufacturing tolerances according to existing technologies.

[0014] Other improvements can be derived from the appended aspects of the invention and the following description. Features described with reference to apparatus and arrangement can be implemented as method steps, or features described with reference to method steps can be implemented as apparatus and arrangement. Therefore, the description provided in the context of the method and its steps is similarly applicable to corresponding apparatuses, tools, and their elements and / or components. In particular, the function of a milling apparatus and its components can be implemented as a method step of the method, and the method step can be implemented as the function and / or component of a milling apparatus and its components.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the method, the at least one working angle includes a lateral angle adapted to compensate for longitudinal irregularities in the metal sheet. Longitudinal irregularities can appear as random irregularities along the corresponding edges of the metal sheet component, particularly the longitudinal edges. For example, certain corrugations can appear as longitudinal irregularities. Tilting the milling tool at a lateral angle so that the milling tool rolls around the edge to adapt the working angle to such irregularities helps to further improve the accuracy of the method.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the method, the opposing milling faces of the milling tool are positioned and arranged opposite to and substantially parallel to the at least one milling face to provide free space between the at least one milling face and the opposing milling face for receiving the metal sheet. Milling can be performed on two opposite surfaces of the metal sheet simultaneously. This helps to improve the efficiency of the milling process.

[0017] According to the implementation of the method, the net width of the free space, measured substantially parallel to the axis of rotation, is selected as the minimum radius for accommodating the curved section of the metal sheet within the free space. The net width can be at least fixed for milling at least one metal sheet component. In other words, the net width can be adapted to allow the curved section to be accommodated within the free space. This helps to further improve the accuracy when milling the curved section.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the method, the at least one working angle includes a longitudinal angle adapted to the net width. In other words, when milling a generally straight section of a metal sheet, the axis of rotation can be tilted at a longitudinal angle. The axis of rotation can be tilted at two working angles, including a lateral angle and a longitudinal angle. The working angle can reach 0° to 5° or greater. In a planar section of the metal sheet, depending on the net width, the at least one working angle can reach 0.1° to 5°, preferably 1° to 4°, and most preferably 2° to 3°. This helps to further improve the accuracy of the milling process.

[0019] According to the implementation of the method, the axis of rotation is aligned with the surface normal of the curved section. This alignment can be performed in the transition section between the flat and curved sections. Consequently, the working angle, particularly the longitudinal angle, can be gradually adjusted from the tilt position of the milling tool until the axis of rotation is approximately parallel to the surface normal of the curved section and the curved section, particularly its minimum radius. This allows for precise consideration of the shape variations of the metal sheet component to be milled, and thus further improves the accuracy of the milling process.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the method, the at least one milled surface and / or the opposing milled surface form a secant with respect to the inner circumference of the curved section. At least two contact points or contact positions can be established, wherein the milled surface and / or the opposing milled surface abuts against the surface of the sheet metal component along the inner circumference of the curved section. This facilitates milling the surface of the sheet metal component in the curved section in a highly precise and controllable manner.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the method, the at least one milled surface and / or the opposing milled surface forms a tangent relative to the outer circumference of the curved section. Preferably, a contact point or contact position can be established, wherein the milled surface and / or the opposing milled surface abuts against the surface of the sheet metal component along the outer circumference of the curved section. This further facilitates milling the surface of the sheet metal component in the curved section in a highly precise and controllable manner.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the method, the diameter of the at least one milled face is smaller than the diameter of the opposing milled face. The milled face to be located on the inner circumference of the curved section can be smaller than the opposing milled face to be located on the outer circumference of the curved section. Therefore, the upper section arranged along the outer circumference can be larger than the corresponding opposing milled face to allow the welding tool to engage the milled surface. Alternatively or additionally, for example, for a specific application of FSW, the welding tool can be configured as a double-shoulder member, which may require milled faces of the same size. Adapting the size of the milled face to the diameter of the nearby circumference further contributes to improving the accuracy and precision of the milling process.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the method, the method further includes the step of providing a lateral milling facet of a milling tool for simultaneously milling the lateral surfaces of a metal plate. The upper, lower, and / or lateral portions, i.e., edges, of the metal plate can be milled simultaneously using the at least one milling facet, opposing milling faces, and / or lateral milling faces. For example, three roller-guided lateral milling tools can be provided, which can be mounted on a milling apparatus. This helps to further improve the efficiency and accuracy of the milling process.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the method, the method further includes the following steps: obtaining the design shape of the plate component to be milled; measuring the actual shape of the plate component before the milling process; determining the deviation between the actual shape and the design shape; and controlling the milling cutter according to the deviation during the milling process. The profile of the metal plate edge can be measured for adjusting, particularly for determining, at least one working angle of multiple increments of the working path of the milling tool mounted on the milling machine. In other words, before starting the milling process, the edge to be milled can be measured, for example by means of an ultrasonic distance system, a laser scanner, or a tactile measurement system, to obtain the edge profile, particularly the curvature and angle of the edge. Using this data, corresponding calculations can be performed to obtain the difference between the ideal (CAD model-based) curvature and the ideal angle of the edge. Using this data, the NC program of the milling machine is modified so that the milling tool is guided to the actual shape of the edge, and thus, the accuracy can be further improved, preferably higher than the accuracy when using only a CAD model-based NC program. If the forming process of the metal plate is already very precise, the program can directly calculate from the CAD model that the milling tool deviates from the orthogonal axis at the straight portion, particularly at the edge where it changes from straight to curved, and becomes orthogonal in the curved region. This method can be applied to the lateral and / or transverse sides of each sheet metal part to be milled, and helps to improve the accuracy and precision of the milling process. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The subject matter will be described below in conjunction with the following figures, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and in the figures:

[0026] Figure 1 It is a schematic side view of a device in the form of an aircraft, such as a vehicle.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The fuselage of the aircraft shown is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional line AA depicted in the figure.

[0028] Figure 3 It is a schematic perspective view of a metal sheet component before it is formed, such as a part used in the fuselage.

[0029] Figure 4 It is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of a metal sheet component after it has been formed, such as a part used in the fuselage.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic front view of a milling apparatus having a milling tool for milling sheet metal parts under optimal conditions.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic front view of a milling apparatus having a milling tool for milling metal sheet components under suboptimal conditions.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic side view of a milling process performed at the working angle between the rotation axis of the milling tool and the surface normal of the straight section of the metal plate component.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic top view of the milling process performed at the working angle between the rotation axis of the milling tool and the surface normal of the metal plate component.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic side view of the milling process of the curved section of a metal sheet component.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a milling apparatus equipped with a control system for controlling the milling tool.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the steps of the corresponding method. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit the invention or its uses. Furthermore, it is not intended to be limited to the foregoing background art or any theory set forth in the following detailed description. The representations and illustrations in the drawings are schematic and not to scale. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. A deeper understanding of the described subject matter can be obtained by reviewing the illustrations and the subsequent detailed description.

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a device 1 in the form of an aircraft, such as a vehicle, is shown. Device 1 includes a support structure 2 in the form of a fuselage, the support structure 2 having several support structure segments 3 connected together. For example, the support structure segments 3 include a first segment 3a, a second segment 3b, a third segment 3c, a fourth segment 3d, and / or a fifth segment 3e. The first segment 3a may be the central segment of the support structure 2. The second segment 3b may be the rear segment of the support structure 2. The third segment 3c may be the front segment of the support structure 2. The fourth segment 3d may be the tail segment of the support structure 2. The fifth segment 3e may be the nose segment of the support structure 2.

[0039] The support structure 2 can be rested on the ground 4 by means of the landing gear 5, and can surround the internal space 6, which accommodates the mounting structure 7 installed to the support structure 2 (see...). Figure 2 The mounting structure can hold the load 8, such as a passenger seat, and can be at least partially covered by an internal structure 9, such as a floor panel. The device 1 and therefore its aforementioned components extend along the longitudinal direction X, the lateral direction Y, and the vertical direction Z, which together form a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0040] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The support structure 2 of the vehicle 1 shown in the figure runs along Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional line AA. It is evident here that the mounting structure 7 is mounted to the support structure 2. The internal structure 9 rests on the mounting structure 7. The support structure 2 and / or the internal structure 9 may be made of and / or include the metal plate component 10.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of a sheet metal component 10 before molding, such as a component used for supporting structure 2, for example, a fuselage section. The sheet metal component 10 may have an upper side portion 11, a lower side portion 12, and a side surface 13. The upper side portion 11 and / or the lower side portion 12 may have a surface normal N, which extends substantially parallel to the height direction Z and correspondingly points towards the height direction Z or in the opposite direction to the height direction Z. The side surface 13 may form an edge defining the outer periphery of the sheet metal component 10.

[0042] Figure 4 A schematic perspective view of a formed sheet metal component 10, such as a component used for supporting structure 2, for example, a fuselage section, is shown. The forming process may result in certain corrugations W in the sheet metal component 10. Due to the corrugations W, in the straight sections A and / or B of the sheet metal component 10 (see... Figure 9There may be height deviation h and corresponding angle deviation in the data.

[0043] Figure 5 A schematic front view of a milling apparatus 20 is shown, in which a milling tool 21 mills a sheet metal component 10 under optimal conditions. The sheet metal component 10 may include a cover layer 14, which should be removed before further processing of certain portions of the sheet metal component 10, such as for performing FSW. The milling apparatus 20 also includes a worktable 22 having a fixing assembly 23 and a tool support 24.

[0044] The fixing component 22 is configured to fix the metal plate component 10 and provide a working plane E. The metal plate component 10 can be based on the design dataset D (see...). Figure 10 The corresponding design parameters P of the measuring tool 25 are arranged in a predetermined manner relative to the working plane E. The measuring tool 25 may be configured, for example, to be connected to, supported by, and / or integrated into the worktable 22 and / or the fixing assembly 23. The measuring tool 25, for example in the form of an ultrasonic distance measuring device, a laser scanner, and / or a tactile measuring system, can provide, for example, a measurement value M related to the actual shape O of the sheet metal component 10 relative to the working plane E (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0045] The tool support 24 may include a support roller 26 and a roller base 27. The support roller 26 may support and / or guide the milling tool 21 along a predetermined path relative to the sheet metal component in a predetermined position R. The roller base 27 may hold and / or support the roller 26. A shaft 28 may be configured to hold the milling tool 21 and rotate it about a rotation axis R. The milling tool 21 includes at least one cutter 30 that provides at least one milling face 31 configured to mill the sheet metal component 10.

[0046] In such Figure 5 Under the optimal conditions illustrated, a portion of the cover layer 14 to be removed is engaged by the cutter 30, such that during the milling process, at least one milled surface 31 can be cut into the metal plate component 10 at a milling depth t. In this example, the milling depth t can be measured substantially parallel to the height direction Z and also corresponds to the thickness or depth of the cover layer 14 measured substantially parallel to the height direction Z. The corresponding measurement can be performed by means of a measuring tool 25, which can be arranged at a measuring distance a from the currently milled segment of the metal plate component 10.

[0047] Figure 6A schematic front view of a milling apparatus is shown, in which a milling tool mills a sheet metal component under suboptimal conditions. Here, for example, due to a certain corrugation W of the sheet metal component 10, a deviation angle δ occurs between the sheet metal component 10 to be milled and the working plane E defined by the fixing component 23. Due to the deviation angle δ and the deviation of the measurement distance, a depth deviation Δt relative to the milling depth t is induced in the section to be milled.

[0048] Therefore, in this example, the depth deviation Δt may be subtracted from the milling depth t required to remove the cover layer 14. Consequently, the cutter 30 of the milling tool 21, particularly at least one milling face 31 of the cutter 30, does not engage the sheet metal component 10 at the milling depth t required to remove the cover layer 14. Therefore, the milling tool 21 will not completely remove the cover layer 24a as required. Alternatively or additionally, in other sections where a contrasting deviation angle δ may exist nearby, this could cause the depth deviation Δt to be added to the milling depth t, resulting in the milling tool 21 engaging the sheet metal component too deeply and thus removing more material than necessary, for example, cutting deeper than the thickness of the cover layer 14.

[0049] Figure 7 A schematic side view is shown of a milling process performed at a working angle γ between the axis of rotation of the milling tool and the surface normal N of the straight section A of the sheet metal component 10. The straight section A of the sheet metal component 10 has an initial material thickness T before the milling process and / or a machined material thickness U after the milling process. The initial material thickness T and the machined material thickness U are substantially parallel to each other. Figure 7 The height direction Z and orientation of the sheet metal component 10 are shown in the figure. In this example, the milling tool 21 includes a tool holder 29 that can hold the roller base 27, the shaft 28, and / or at least three cutters 30 that respectively provide at least one milled surface 31, a relative milled surface 32, and / or a lateral milled surface 33. The tool holder 29 can be adapted to move relative to the work plane E according to the desired and required movement of a particular milling process. The cutters 30 may respectively include: a first cutter or upper cutter 41 that provides at least one milled surface 31; a second cutter or lower cutter 42 that provides a relative milled surface 32; and / or a third cutter or lateral cutter 43 that provides a lateral milled surface 33.

[0050] The working angle γ may include a lateral angle α and a longitudinal angle β. In this example, the lateral angle α can be set and / or adjusted by rolling the milling tool 21 around the lateral side 13 of the sheet metal component 10, and can be particularly applied to compensate for longitudinal irregularities, such as ripples W, that occur when the milling tool 21 is moved along the working plane E, for example, along the longitudinal axis X. In this example, the longitudinal angle β can be adjusted by tilting the milling tool 21 relative to the working plane E, and can be particularly applied to adapt the orientation of the milling tool 21 to the net width H of the free space 44, which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation R and is disposed between the first cutter 41 and the second cutter 42, and particularly between at least one milling surface 31 and the opposing milling surface 32 disposed therein.

[0051] Furthermore, at least one milling diameter D31 provided by at least one milling surface 31 may be greater than the relative milling diameter D32 provided by the opposing milling surface 32. Both at least one milling diameter D31 and the relative milling diameter D32 may be greater than the lateral milling diameter D33 of the lateral milling surface 33. The shape and orientation of the sheet metal component 10, the working angle γ, the net width H, and / or the milling diameters D31, D32, and D33 determine the milling depth t.

[0052] Figure 8 A schematic top view is shown of a milling process performed at a working angle γ between the rotation axis R of the milling tool and the surface normal N of the sheet metal component 10. Here, it becomes apparent that at least one milling surface 31, a relative milling surface 32, and / or a lateral milling surface 33, due to their different milling diameters D31, D32, D33, correspondingly provide at least one milling radius R31, at least one relative milling radius R32, and / or at least one lateral milling radius R33. The different milling radii R31, R32, R33, particularly at least one milling radius R31 and at least one relative milling radius R32, respectively determine the milling depth t, particularly the corresponding lateral milling depth r, and the starting point I, particularly at least one starting point I31 and at least one relative starting point I32, of the milling process performed using at least one milling surface 31 and the relative milling surface 32, which can be determined or at least approximated by the following two equations:

[0053]

[0054] The corresponding working angle γ can be determined or at least approximated by the following equation:

[0055]

[0056] Figure 9A schematic side view shows the milling process of the bent section B of the sheet metal component 10. The bent section B may have a bend C. In addition to the corrugated portion W, the bend C should have a defined radius and a basic design parameter P defined in the corresponding design dataset D (see [reference]). Figure 10 In this example, the surface normal N in the region of the rotation axis R extends substantially parallel to each other at least in projection along the transverse direction Y, such that at least one milled surface 31 and both the milled surface 31 and the opposing milled surface 32 contribute to the milling process. Preferably, at least one milled surface 31 abuts the upper side at two contact points or regions along a corresponding secant, and / or the opposing milled surface 33 abuts the lower side 13 at a single contact point or region and thus forms a tangent relative to the surface of the sheet metal component 10 during the milling process.

[0057] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a milling apparatus 20 is shown, which is equipped with a control system 50 for controlling a milling tool. The computer system 50 can provide a control application 51 and includes a control unit 52 for implementing a corresponding method by means of a corresponding control program 3 and / or a computer-readable data carrier 54. The control unit 2 is configured to execute the control program 53. The computer-readable data carrier 54 has the control program 53 stored thereon and can take the form of a computer-readable medium 54a and / or a data carrier signal 54b. Furthermore, the computer system 50 may include computer workstations 55 and / or server devices 56 connected to each other via transmission lines 57 for communication with each other and with measuring tools (see...). Figure 5 The control unit 52 can be configured as a milling tool 21, a measuring tool 25, a computer workstation 55 and / or a server device 56, and / or can be connected to the milling tool 21, the measuring tool 25, the computer workstation 55 and / or the server device 56 via corresponding transmission lines 7.

[0058] Control application 51 allows for the corresponding acquisition of design dataset D, design parameters P, and / or empirical evaluation parameters in the form of actual shape O and / or corresponding measurement values ​​M. In operation, design application 10 compares the actual shape O and / or corresponding measurement values ​​M with the corresponding design dataset D and / or design parameters P to derive a corresponding deviation F between the design dataset D, design parameters P, actual shape O, and / or measurement values ​​M, and adjusts the working angle γ accordingly based on or at least by means of deviation F and / or considering deviation F. For example, design application 10 will correspondingly use the corresponding longitudinal coordinate x, lateral coordinate y, and / or height coordinate z, measured substantially along the longitudinal direction X, the lateral direction Y, and / or the height direction Z, to control the movement of the milling tool 21 relative to the sheet metal part 10. Any component of the device 1 and the milling apparatus 20 shown herein—including, but not limited to, the sheet metal component 10 and the milling tool 21—and any of its associated parameters and values ​​can be represented by a corresponding image dataset G that can be used by the control unit 52, the computer workstation 55, and / or the server device 56, to display them on a corresponding display device for operation of the milling apparatus 20.

[0059] For example, in operation, based on the corresponding coordinates x, y, z, the curvature distance c between at least one milled surface 31 and the upper side 11 of the metal plate component 10 can be determined or at least approximated based on the corresponding working angle γ, particularly the longitudinal angle β, by means of the following exemplary equation:

[0060]

[0061] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of steps S of the corresponding method, which can be defined in control program 53, is shown. For example, in the first step S1, a design dataset D for the sheet metal part 10 to be milled can be obtained. In the second step, the corresponding design parameters P can be extracted from the design dataset D, for example, by means of a transformation function configured to adapt the data from the design dataset D to the single sheet metal part 10 to be milled.

[0062] In the third step S3, the measurement value M from the metal plate component 10 to be milled can be obtained. In the fourth step S4, the actual shape O of the metal plate component 10 to be milled can be constructed based on the measurement value M. In the fifth step S5, the deviation F between the defined shape D and the actual shape O can be determined. In the sixth step S6, the milling tool 21 can be controlled based on the determined deviation F.

[0063] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that a great many variations exist. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0064] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" or "including" does not exclude any other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality or multiple elements. It should also be noted that the features or steps described with reference to one exemplary embodiment of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be construed as limiting.

[0065] List of reference numerals

[0066] 1. Equipment / Transportation / Aircraft

[0067] 2 Support structure / body 30 cutter

[0068] 3. Section 31 Milling Surface

[0069] 3a to 3e, first to fifth sections, 32 relative milling surfaces

[0070] 4. Ground 33 Lateral milled surface

[0071] 5 landing gear

[0072] 6. Internal space 41. First cutter / upper cutter

[0073] 7. Installation Structure 42 Second Cutter / Lower Cutter

[0074] 8 Load 43 Third Cutter / Side Cutter

[0075] 9. Internal structure 44. Free space

[0076] 10 Metal Plate Components 50 Control System

[0077] 11 Upper side 51 control application

[0078] 12 Lower side 52 control unit

[0079] 13 Lateral Side 53 Control Program

[0080] 14 Overlay layer 54 Computer-readable data carrier

[0081] 20 Milling apparatus 54a Computer-readable medium

[0082] 21 Milling tool 54b data carrier signal

[0083] 22 workbenches, 55 computer workstations

[0084] 23 Fixed components 56 Server devices

[0085] 24 Tool support components 57 Transmission lines

[0086] 25 Measuring tools

[0087] 26. Support roller a - Measuring distance

[0088] 27. Roll base curvature distance c

[0089] 28-axis r lateral depth

[0090] 29 Tool holder t Milling depth

[0091] α Lateral angle

[0092] A. Straight section β longitudinal angle

[0093] B. Working angle of the curved section γ

[0094] C. Bending section δ deviation angle

[0095] D Design shape / Design dataset Δt depth deviation

[0096] E Working plane D31 Milling diameter

[0097] F Deviation D32 relative to milling diameter

[0098] G image dataset D33 side milling diameter

[0099] H Clear Width

[0100] I. Starting point R31 milling radius

[0101] K is the distance from the curved surface R32 relative to the milling radius.

[0102] M Measured value R33 Lateral milling radius

[0103] N Surface Normal

[0104] O Actual shape

[0105] P Design parameters S1 provide design

[0106] R Rotation axis S2 Extract / determine design parameters

[0107] Step S3: Obtain the measured value

[0108] T Initial material thickness S4 Constructs the actual shape

[0109] U. Determine the deviation of material thickness S5 during processing.

[0110] W-shaped corrugated section S6 controlled milling device

[0111] X Vertical direction

[0112] Y (horizontal direction)

[0113] Z represents the height direction.

Claims

1. A method for milling a covering layer (14) of a metal plate (10), particularly a method for removing a covering layer from a covered plate, the method comprising the steps of: A milling tool (21) is provided, the milling tool (21) being configured to rotate about a rotation axis (R), the milling tool (21) having at least one milling face (31, 32, 33) extending substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis (R) and adapted to face the metal plate (10) for milling the cover layer (14); as well as A fixing component (23) is provided, the fixing component (23) being configured to fix the metal plate (10) and define a working plane (E), at least a flat portion (A) of the metal plate (10) being aligned with the working plane (E) such that the surface normal (N) of the flat portion (A) extends substantially perpendicular to the working plane (E). During the milling process, the axis of rotation (R) is inclined at at least one working angle (γ) relative to the surface normal (N) of the flat section (A).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one working angle (γ) includes a lateral angle (α) adapted to compensate for longitudinal irregularities of the metal plate (10).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The opposing milling faces (31, 32, 33) of the milling tool (21) are set and arranged to be opposite to and substantially parallel to the at least one milling face to provide free space (44) between the at least one milling face (31, 32, 33) and the opposing milling faces (31, 32, 33) for receiving the metal plate (10).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The net width (H) of the free space (44), which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (R), is selected as the minimum radius of the curved section (C) of the metal plate (10) contained in the free space (44).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one working angle (γ) includes a longitudinal angle (β) adapted to the net width (H).

6. The method according to at least one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The axis of rotation (R) is aligned with the surface normal (N) of the curved section (B).

7. The method according to at least one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, The at least one milled surface (31, 32, 33) and / or the opposite milled surface (31, 32, 33) form a secant line relative to the inner circumference of the curved segment (B).

8. The method according to at least one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, The at least one milled surface (31, 32, 33) and / or the opposite milled surface (31, 32, 33) form a tangent relative to the outer circumference of the curved section (B).

9. The method according to at least one of claims 2 to 8, wherein, The diameter (D31, D32, D33) of the at least one milled surface (31, 32, 33) is smaller than the diameter (D31, D32, D33) of the opposite milled surface (31, 32, 33).

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, It also includes the following steps: The milling tool (21) is provided with lateral milling surfaces (31, 32, 33) for simultaneously milling the lateral surface (13) of the metal plate (10).

11. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising the step of: Obtain the design shape (D) of the plate component (10) to be milled; The actual shape (O) of the plate component (10) is measured prior to the milling process; Determine the deviation (F) between the actual shape (O) and the designed shape (D); as well as The milling tool (21) is controlled according to the deviation (F) during the milling process.

12. A control program (53) comprising instructions that, when the control program (53) is executed by a control unit (52) for a milling apparatus (21), cause the control unit (52) to perform the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A computer-readable data carrier (54, 54a, 54b) having a control program (53) according to claim 12 stored on the computer-readable data carrier (54, 54a, 54b).

14. A control unit (52) for a milling apparatus (21), the control unit (52) being configured to execute a control program (53) according to claim 12 and / or include a computer-readable data carrier (54, 54a, 54b) according to claim 13.

15. A milling apparatus (21) for milling a cover layer (14) of a metal plate (10), particularly for removing the cover layer from the covered plate, the milling apparatus (21) comprising a milling tool (21) configured to perform the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 11 and / or a control unit according to claim 14.

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