DEVICE FOR PRODUCE A STRENGTHENSED COMPOSITE PANEL MADE OF A COMPOSITE MATERIAL WITH A SYSTEM FOR TEMPORARILY HOLDING TENDS ON A LAID-OVER SURFACE

Description

[0001] This application relates to a device for manufacturing a stiffened composite panel comprising a system for temporarily holding mandrels on a mounting surface, and to a method for manufacturing a stiffened panel using said device. FR3015347A1 describes a device for manufacturing a stiffened composite panel according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] According to an embodiment visible on the figure 1 , a stiffened panel 10 comprises a wall 12 which has first and second faces 12.1, 12.2 and a plurality of stiffeners 14 substantially parallel to each other, perpendicular to the wall 12 and positioned on the first face 12.1.

[0003] According to a method of operation visible on the figure 2 A method for manufacturing a stiffened composite panel includes a step of manufacturing U-shaped or L-shaped profiles 16 from composite material, and a step of mounting mandrels 18, each supporting a profile 16, on a mounting surface 20 as illustrated in part (A) of the figure 2 , the bases 16.1 of the profiles 16 being substantially parallel to the mounting surface 20 and offset from the latter, a step of mounting a skin 22 made of composite material onto the bases 16.1 of the profiles 16 as illustrated in part (B) of the figure 2 , a step in setting up polymerization or consolidation tooling 24 as illustrated in part (C) of the figure 2 and a polymerization or consolidation step.

[0004] According to one embodiment, each U-shaped profile is obtained by draping flat layers of fibers to form a flat preform and then deforming the flat preform on a mold so as to bend the two wings 16.2, 16.3 of the U-shaped profile 16. The profile could be L-shaped.

[0005] According to one configuration, each mandrel 18 comprises an upper face 18.1 against which is positioned the base 16.1 of a U-shaped profile 16, a lower face 18.2 (parallel to the upper face 18.1) in contact with the mounting surface 20 as well as right and left lateral faces against which are positioned the wings 16.2, 16.3 of the profile 16.

[0006] As illustrated on the figures 3 et 4 , a device for manufacturing a stiffened panel includes a mounting surface 20 and several mandrels 18a to 18f placed on the mounting surface 20 and joined together in order to press a first wing 16.2 of a profile 16 of a first mandrel 18a against a second wing 16.3 of a profile 16 of a second mandrel 18b, the first and second wings 16.2, 16.3 forming, after the polymerization or consolidation step, a stiffener 14 of the stiffened panel 10.

[0007] According to the procedure, the first mandrel 18a is placed on the mounting surface 20 and then connected at each of its ends to the mounting surface 20 using screws 28.1, 28.2. Subsequently, the second mandrel 18b is placed on the mounting surface 20 and pressed against the first mandrel 18a during a compression phase using a compression beam 26, as illustrated in the figure 3 In parallel, the ends of the second mandrel 18b are connected to the mounting surface 20 using screws 28.1, 28.2. Next, the compression beam 26 is removed, and the third mandrel 18c is placed on the mounting surface 20 and pressed against the second mandrel 18b using the compression beam 26. These steps are repeated for all the other mandrels 18d, 18e, 18f so as to obtain a set of mandrels 18a to 18f joined together as illustrated in the figure. figure 4 , the ends of each mandrel 18a to 18f being connected to the mounting surface 20.

[0008] With each removal of the compression beam 26, the last mandrel placed and clamped deforms slightly due to the expansion of the profiles 16 in their raw or semi-baked state. The accumulation of these slight deformations at each mandrel 18b to 18f leads to a deformation 30 (visible as a dotted line on the figure 4 ) relatively important at the level of the last mandrel 18f before the polymerization or consolidation stage, which leads in particular to more complex setup of the polymerization or consolidation tooling and to geometry defects in the finished part.

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a device for manufacturing a stiffened panel made of composite material comprising a mounting surface and a set of odd and even mandrels joined together, oriented in a longitudinal direction and mounted one after the other in a direction of assembly; each odd or even mandrel having first and second ends, a contact surface configured to be pressed against the mounting surface and at least one molding surface configured to receive at least one profile made of composite material; the manufacturing device comprising a compression system configured to press the odd and even mandrels against each other and first and second fixing elements configured to connect respectively the first and second ends of each odd or even mandrel to the mounting surface.

[0011] According to the invention, the manufacturing device includes a temporary holding system for odd and even mandrels which comprises at least one housing attached at least temporarily to the mounting surface and, for each odd or even mandrel, at least one indexing pin attached to the odd or even mandrel and located between its first and second ends, said indexing pin having at least one part projecting at least temporarily from the contact surface of the odd or even mandrel and configured to fit into the housing.

[0012] Unlike the prior art, after the removal of the compression system, the odd or even mandrel just plated does not deform because it is held by the temporary holding system.

[0013] According to another feature, each indexing pin is retractable and configured to occupy a retracted state in which the part of the indexing pin is not protruding from the contact surface and an extended state in which the part of the indexing pin is protruding from the contact surface.

[0014] According to another feature, each odd or even chuck includes, for each indexing pin, a return element to keep the indexing pin in the extended state.

[0015] According to another feature, the manufacturing device includes at least one rule having at least one housing configured to house the protruding part of an indexing pin, each rule being movable in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with respect to the mounting surface and configured to occupy an unlocked state in which the rule can translate in the transverse direction as well as a locked state in which the rule is blocked at least in the mounting direction.

[0016] According to another feature, each housing includes a first edge configured to cooperate with an indexing pin. Additionally, each indexing pin includes a notch configured to cooperate with the first edge of a housing, with both the notch and the first edge configured to hold the indexing pin in the extended state when the rule is locked.

[0017] According to another feature, the mounting surface includes, for each ruler, a groove oriented in a direction parallel to the transverse direction, adapted to house the ruler and allow it to slide in the transverse direction.

[0018] According to another characteristic, the groove and the ruler have substantially equal sections so that the first face of the ruler is flush with the laying surface.

[0019] According to another feature, the manufacturing device includes, for each rule, at least one locking element configured to occupy a mounted state in which the locking element is connected to the mounting surface and maintains the rule in the locked state, and a dismounted state in which the locking element is separated from the mounting surface, the dismounted state corresponding to the unlocked state of the rule.

[0020] According to another feature, in the mounted state, the locking element is positioned at one end of the groove, the groove having a dimension along the transverse direction substantially equal to the sum of the dimensions along the transverse direction of the rule and the locking element.

[0021] According to another feature, the locking element includes a locking stud and a fixing element configured to connect the locking stud and the laying surface in a removable manner, the locking stud having a contact edge configured to bear against the rule, said contact edge being inclined so that when the locking stud approaches the laying surface, the locking stud pushes the rule.

[0022] Another characteristic is that the locking pin has a truncated pyramid shape. Additionally, the groove includes a recess designed to receive the locking pin, the recess having a shape complementary to that of the locking pin.

[0023] According to another feature, the manufacturing device includes at least one set of rules comprising a first rule configured to cooperate with the indexing pins of the odd-numbered mandrels and a second rule configured to cooperate with the indexing pins of the even-numbered mandrels.

[0024] According to another feature, each set of rules includes a third rule configured to cooperate with an indexing pawl of the last mandrel placed on the placement surface.

[0025] According to another feature, the manufacturing device includes several sets of rules distributed between the first and second ends of the mandrels.

[0026] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a stiffened panel made of composite material using a manufacturing device according to one of the preceding characteristics.

[0027] This manufacturing process includes: a step of placing on the placement surface an odd or even mandrel supporting a raw or semi-cured composite material profile, a step of fixing the first and second ends of the odd or even mandrel just placed on the placement surface, a step of compressing the odd or even mandrel just placed against an odd or even mandrel previously placed by means of a compression system, after each indexing pin connected to said odd or even mandrel just placed has been housed in a housing of a rule in the locked state, a step of removing the compression system, the previous steps being repeated until all the odd and even mandrels are placed on the placement surface, a consolidation or polymerization step during which the rules are in the unlocked state.

[0028] According to another feature, for each odd-numbered chuck cooperating with the first rule of each set of rules, the first rule of each set of rules is locked after the compression step of an odd-numbered chuck, before the compression system is removed. Conversely, for each even-numbered chuck cooperating with the second rule of each set of rules, the second rule of each set of rules is locked after the compression step of an even-numbered chuck, before the compression system is removed.

[0029] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which: There figure 1 is a perspective view of a stiffened panel, The figure 2 is a schematic representation of different stages in the manufacture of a stiffened panel illustrating a method of implementation from the earlier art, The figure 3 is a top view of a device for manufacturing a stiffened panel during a compression phase, illustrating a prior art embodiment, The figure 4 is a top view of the manufacturing device visible on the figure 3 before a polymerization or consolidation step, the figure 5 is a top view of a device for manufacturing a stiffened panel illustrating one embodiment of the invention, The figure 6 is a perspective view of part of a mounting surface of the manufacturing device visible on the figure 5 , There figure 7 is a cross-section along line VII-VII of the figure 6 of the manufacturing device, The figure 8 is a cross-section of a mandrel of a manufacturing device equipped with an indexing pin illustrating one embodiment of the invention, The figure 9 is a perspective view of a locking pin in the mounted state illustrating one embodiment, The figure 10 is a perspective view of the locking pawn visible on the figure 9 in its disassembled state.

[0030] According to an embodiment visible on the figures 5 à 8 , a device for manufacturing 32 of a stiffened panel includes a mounting surface 34 as well as several mandrels 36, 36' configured to be mounted on the mounting surface 34.

[0031] In one configuration, the mounting surface 34 is substantially flat. Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration. Thus, the mounting surface 34 could be curved. For example, the mounting surface 34 could be the top surface of a table.

[0032] Each mandrel 36 is a long, thin element, extending between first and second ends 36.1, 36.2, configured to support a profile of raw or semi-cured (not fully polymerized) composite material.

[0033] Each mandrel 36, 36' includes a contact surface 38 configured to be pressed against the mounting surface 34. When the profile has a U-shaped cross-section, each mandrel 36, 36' includes, in addition to the contact surface 38, a top face 42 (opposite to the contact surface 38) against which the base of the U-shaped profile is positioned, as well as first and second edges 40.1, 40.2 against which the wings of the U-shaped profile are positioned.

[0034] Each mandrel 36, 36' has a length (dimension taken from the first end 36.1 to the second end 36.1, 36.2) and a width (dimension taken between the first and second edges 40.1, 40.2). The mandrels are all approximately the same length.

[0035] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the mandrels 36, 36'. Regardless of the embodiment, each mandrel 36, 36' comprises a contact surface 38 configured to be in contact with the mounting surface 34 and at least one shaping or molding surface configured to receive at least one U-shaped or L-shaped profile. Each mandrel 36, 36' can flex in a plane parallel to the contact surface 38, between its first and second ends 36.1, 36.2, due in particular to a large length-to-width ratio, generally greater than 10. According to one embodiment, each mandrel 36, 36' is metallic.

[0036] The manufacturing device 32 includes, for each mandrel 36, 36' placed on the mounting surface 34, first and second fixing elements 44.1, 44.2 configured to connect respectively the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 of the mandrel 36, 36' to the mounting surface 34. These fixing elements 44.1, 44.2 are not described further as they may be identical to those of the prior art.

[0037] When mounted on the mounting surface 34, the mandrels 36, 36' are parallel to each other and oriented along a longitudinal direction (approximately parallel to the first and second edges 40.1, 40.2). A transverse direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0038] The manufacturing device 32 comprises a set of odd mandrels 36 and even mandrels 36' placed alternately on the mounting surface 34, one next to the other, starting with a first mandrel 36a and ending with a last mandrel offset from the first mandrel 36a in the transverse direction and a mounting direction materialized by the arrow F36.

[0039] The manufacturing device 32 also includes a compression system 46 configured to press the mandrels 36, 36' against each other in a compression direction parallel to the transverse direction and in a compression direction opposite to the mounting direction F36. By way of example, the compression system 46 is a compression beam identical to those of the prior art.

[0040] According to a particular feature of the invention, the manufacturing device 32 includes a system for temporarily holding the mandrels 36, 36' which comprises, for each mandrel 36, 36', at least one indexing pin 48 integral with the mandrel 36, 36', having at least one part 48.1 projecting at least temporarily from the contact surface 38 of the mandrel 36, 36' and located between its first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 as well as at least one housing 50 integral at least temporarily with the mounting surface 34 and configured to house the projecting part 48.1 of an indexing pin 48.

[0041] According to one configuration, each indexing pin 48 is retractable and configured to occupy a retracted state in which the indexing pin 48 does not protrude from the contact surface 38, and an extended state in which the indexing pin 48 includes a portion 48.1 protruding from the contact surface 38. Since each indexing pin 48 is retractable, the contact surface of each chuck 36, 36' is in contact with the mounting surface 34 even if the indexing pin 48 is not positioned over a housing 50.

[0042] According to one embodiment, each chuck 36, 36' comprises, for each indexing pin 48, a return element 52 to maintain the indexing pin 48 in the extended state.

[0043] According to one embodiment, each chuck 36, 36' comprises, for each indexing pin 48, a blind hole 54 configured to house the indexing pin 48, said blind hole 54 opening at the level of the contact surface 38 and having a cylindrical side wall 54.1 as well as a bottom 54.2 distant from the contact surface 38. According to one configuration, the return element 52 is a compression spring interposed between the indexing pin 48 and the bottom 54.2 of the blind hole 54.

[0044] In addition, the indexing pin 48 comprises a cylindrical body 56 extending between the first and second ends and a cylindrical head 58, integral with the second end of the cylindrical body 56, having a diameter less than that of the cylindrical side wall 54.1 of the blind hole 54, the head 58 being oriented towards the bottom 54.2, the return element 52 being interposed between the bottom 54.2 and the head 58. Each chuck 36, 36' comprises, for each blind hole 54, a sliding ring 60 which has an outer cylindrical surface 60.1 having a diameter substantially equal to that of the cylindrical side wall 54.1 of the blind hole 54 and an inner cylindrical surface 60.2, coaxial with the outer cylindrical surface 60.1, having a diameter substantially equal to that of the cylindrical body 56 of the indexing pin 48.

[0045] According to one configuration, each chuck 36, 36' comprises several indexing pins 48 distributed between the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 of the chuck 36, 36'. The number of indexing pins 48 is a function of the length of the chuck 36, 36', the latter having almost zero deflection in a plane substantially parallel to the contact surface 38, between two indexing pins 48 or between an indexing pin 48 and the first or second end 36.1, 36.2.

[0046] The manufacturing device 32 includes several housings 50 located at the level of the mounting surface 34 and configured to house each the protruding part 48.1 of an indexing pin 48, in particular the first end of its cylindrical body 56. The various housings 50 are positioned to limit the bending of the mandrels 36 36'.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the manufacturing device 32 comprises at least one rule 62 oriented along a transverse direction and movable along the transverse direction, the rule 62 having a first face 62.1 oriented towards the contact surface 38 of the mandrels 36, 36' when the latter are placed on the mounting surface 34, said first face 62.1 of the rule 62 having at least one housing 50 configured to house the projecting part 48.1 of an indexing pin 48.

[0048] The mounting surface 34 comprises, for each rule 62, a groove 64 oriented in a direction parallel to the transverse direction, adapted to accommodate the rule 62 and allow it to slide in the transverse direction. The groove 64 and the rule 62 have substantially equal cross-sections such that the first face 62.1 of the rule 62 is flush with the mounting surface 34 (by flush, it is understood that the first face 62.1 of the rule 62 is substantially coplanar with the mounting surface 34). Thus, the contact surface 38 of each mandrel 36, 36' is in contact with the mounting surface 34.

[0049] The groove 64 extends between first and second ends 64.1, 64.2, the first end 64.1 being close to the last mandrel placed when all the mandrels 36, 36' are placed on the mounting surface 34.

[0050] The groove 64 has a dimension in the transverse direction greater than that of the rule 62 to allow it to slide in the groove 64 in the transverse direction.

[0051] The manufacturing device 32 includes, for each rule 62, at least one locking element 66 configured to occupy a mounted state in which the locking element 66 is connected to the mounting surface 34 and maintains the rule 62 in the locked state and a dismounted state in which the locking element 66 is separated from the mounting surface 34, the dismounted state corresponding to the unlocked state of the rule 62.

[0052] According to this embodiment, when the locking element 66 is in the mounted state, the rule 62 cannot move in the transverse direction in the mounting direction F36 and each mandrel 36, 36', which has an indexing pin 48 partially housed in a housing 50 provided at the level of the rule 62, cannot deform in bending in a plane parallel to the mounting surface 34 in the mounting direction F36.

[0053] When the locking element 66 is in the disassembled state, the rule 62 can translate along the transverse direction in both directions.

[0054] According to one configuration, the locking element 66 is configured to immobilize the rule 62 in the transverse direction in both directions in the mounted state.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the groove 64 has a dimension along the transverse direction substantially equal to the sum of the dimensions along the transverse direction of the rule 62 and the locking element 66. In the assembled state, the locking element 66 is positioned at one end of the groove 64, in particular at its first end 64.1 so as to immobilize the rule 62 in translation within the groove 64.

[0056] According to an embodiment visible on the figures 9 et 10 The locking element 66 comprises a locking pin 68 and a fixing element 70 configured to connect the locking pin 68 and the mounting surface 34 in a removable manner. The locking pin 68 comprises first and second faces 68.1, 68.2 parallel to each other, the second face 68.2 being configured to be pressed against the mounting surface 34, and a through hole 68.3, which opens at the first and second faces 68.1, 68.2, configured to house the fixing element 70. By way of example, the latter is a screw configured to pass through the locking pin 68 via the through hole 68.3 and screw into a threaded hole provided at the mounting surface 34.

[0057] The locking stud 68 includes a contact edge 68.4, connecting the first and second faces 68.1, 68.2, configured to bear against the rule 62. According to an arrangement, the contact edge 68.4 is inclined so that when the locking stud 68 approaches the mounting surface 34 during the screwing of the fixing element 70, the contact edge 68.4 pushes the rule 62 towards the second end 64.2 of the groove 64.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the locking stud 68 has a truncated pyramid shape, the smaller base corresponding to the second face 68.2 oriented towards the mounting surface 34. In addition, the groove 64 includes at its first end 64.1 a recess 72 configured to receive the locking stud 68. This recess 72 has a shape complementary to that of the locking stud 68 so as to facilitate the positioning of the locking stud 68 in the recess 72.

[0059] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the locking element 66. Regardless of the embodiment, each rule 62 is movable in a transverse direction relative to the mounting surface 34 and configured to occupy an unlocked state in which the rule 62 can translate relative to the mounting surface 34 in the transverse direction in both directions and a locked state in which the rule 62 is blocked relative to the mounting surface 34 and cannot translate in the transverse direction at least in the mounting direction F36.

[0060] As illustrated on the figure 8 Each housing 50 is delimited by a base 74.1 substantially parallel to the first face 62.1 of the rule 62, a first edge 74.2, oriented towards the first end 64.1 of the rule 62 and against which rests an indexing pin 48, which connects the first face 62.1 of the rule 62 and the base 74.1, as well as a second edge 74.3 oriented towards the second end 64.2 of the rule 62 and connecting the first face 62.1 of the rule 62 and the base 74.1. The second edge 74.3 is substantially perpendicular to the base 74.1. According to a particular feature, the first edge 74.2 is inclined so that the distance between the first and second edges 74.2, 74.3 increases from the first face 62.1 of the rule 62 towards the base 74.1. In addition, each indexing pin 48 includes a notch 76 configured to cooperate with the first edge 74.2 of a housing 50, the notch 76 having a face substantially parallel to the first edge 74.2 of the housing 50. Thus, the notch 76 and the first edge 74.2 are configured to keep indexing pawn 48 in the out state when rule 62 is in the locked state.

[0061] According to a configuration visible on the figure 8 , each rule 62 includes, for each housing 50, a wedge 78 fixed against the bottom 74.1 of the housing 50 and having a beveled edge 78.1 which forms the first inclined edge 74.2.

[0062] According to another feature, the manufacturing device 32 includes at least one set of rules 82 comprising a first rule 62 configured to cooperate with the indexing pins 48 of the odd mandrels 36 and a second rule 62' configured to cooperate with the indexing pins 48 of the even mandrels 36'.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the manufacturing device 32 includes at least one set of rules 82 comprising a first rule 62 configured to cooperate with the indexing pins 48 of the odd mandrels 36, a second rule 62' configured to cooperate with the indexing pins 48 of the even mandrels 36' and a third rule 62" configured to cooperate with an indexing pin 48 of the last mandrel 36, 36' placed on the mounting surface 34.

[0064] In a specific arrangement, the 62, 62', and 62" rulers of a set of 82 rulers are parallel to each other and closely spaced. For reference, they are spaced less than 15 cm apart.

[0065] In one configuration, the manufacturing device 32 comprises several sets of rulers 82, 82', 82" distributed between the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 of the mandrels 36, 36'. As illustrated in the figure 5 , the manufacturing device 32 includes first, second and third sets of rules 82, 82', 82", a first set of rules 82 being positioned substantially equidistant from the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 of each mandrel 36, 36', the second and third sets of rules 82', 82" being located respectively near the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 of the mandrels 36, 36'.

[0066] The odd and even mandrels 36, 36' each comprise as many indexing pins as rule sets 82, 82', 82". According to the embodiment shown on the figure 5 , each of the odd and even mandrels 36, 36' includes three indexing pins 48.

[0067] For all odd mandrels 36, the indexing pins 48 are distributed in the same way between the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2. Thus, when the odd mandrels 36 are placed on the mounting surface 34, their indexing pins 48 are aligned along several substantially parallel lines and oriented along transverse directions.

[0068] According to the embodiment shown on the figure 5 , each odd mandrel 36 includes first, second and third indexing pawns 48 cooperating with the first rules 62 of the rule sets 82, 82', 82".

[0069] For all even mandrels 36', the indexing pins 48 are distributed in the same way between the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2. Thus, when the even mandrels 36' are placed on the mounting surface 34, their indexing pins 48 are aligned along several substantially parallel lines and oriented along transverse directions.

[0070] According to the embodiment shown on the figure 5 , each even mandrel 36' includes first, second and third indexing pawns 48 cooperating with the second rules 62' of the rule sets 82, 82', 82".

[0071] The last mandrel includes three indexing pawns 48 cooperating with the third rules 62" of the rule sets 82, 82', 82".

[0072] The indexing pins 48 of the odd mandrels 36 are offset from those of the even mandrels 36' so that the indexing pins 48 of the odd mandrels 36 do not cooperate with the same rule as the indexing pins 48 of the even mandrels 36'.

[0073] The operating principle of the manufacturing device is as follows.

[0074] The various guides 62, 62', 62" of the different sets of guides 82, 82', 82" are in the unlocked state. The first mandrel 36a supporting a profile is positioned on the mounting surface 34 and its first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 are connected to the mounting surface 34 by means of the first and second fixing elements 44.1, 44.2. The indexing pins 48 of the first mandrel 36a are housed in the slots 50 of the first guides 62 of the different sets of guides 82, 82', 82" which are locked and prevented from moving.

[0075] With the second set of rules 62' of the various sets of rules 82, 82', 82" always in the unlocked state, a second mandrel 36' supporting a profile is positioned on the mounting surface 34 and its first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 are connected to the mounting surface 34. The indexing pins 48 of the second mandrel 36' are housed in the recesses 50 of the second set of rules 62' of the various sets of rules 82, 82', 82". The compression system 46 is used to press the second mandrel 36' against the first mandrel 36a. When the second mandrel 36' is held against the first mandrel 36a by the compression system 46, the second set of rules 62' of the various sets of rules 82, 82', 82" are locked. The compression system 46 is then removed. The first set of rules 62 of the various sets of rules 82, 82', 82" are then unlocked.

[0076] During the installation of each odd-numbered mandrel 36 supporting a profile, the first guides 62 of the various sets of guides 82, 82', 82" are in the unlocked state. The odd-numbered mandrel 36 is placed on the mounting surface 34, and its first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 are connected to the mounting surface 34. The indexing pins 48 of the odd-numbered mandrel 36 are housed in the slots 50 of the first guides 62 of the various sets of guides 82, 82', 82" which are in the unlocked state. The compression system 46 is used to press the odd-numbered mandrel 36 against the last even-numbered mandrel 36' installed. When the odd-numbered mandrel 36 is held against the last even-numbered mandrel 36' by the compression system 46, the first stiles 62 of the various sets of stiles 82, 82', 82" are locked. The compression system 46 is then removed. The second stiles 62' of the various sets of stiles 82, 82', 82" are then unlocked.

[0077] During the installation of each even-numbered mandrel 36' supporting a profile, the second set of guides 62' of the various sets of guides 82, 82', 82" are in the unlocked position. The even-numbered mandrel 36' is placed on the mounting surface 34, and its first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 are connected to the mounting surface 34. The indexing pins 48 of the even-numbered mandrel 36' are housed in the recesses 50 of the second set of guides 62' of the various sets of guides 82, 82', 82" which are in the unlocked position. The compression system 46 is used to press the even-numbered mandrel 36' against the last odd-numbered mandrel 36 installed. When the even-numbered mandrel 36' is held against the last odd-numbered mandrel 36 positioned by the compression system 46, the second set of rules 62' of the various sets of rules 82, 82', 82" are locked. The compression system 46 is then removed. The first set of rules 62 of the various sets of rules 82, 82', 82" are then unlocked.

[0078] During the installation of the last mandrel 36, 36', the first or second guides 62, 62' of the various sets of guides 82, 82', 82" cooperating with the indexing pins 48 of the previously installed mandrel 36, 36' are in the locked state. The third guides 62" of the various sets of guides 82, 82', 82" are in the unlocked state. The last mandrel 36, 36' is placed on the mounting surface 34, and its first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 are connected to the mounting surface 34. The compression system 46 is used to press the last mandrel 36, 36' against the previously installed mandrel 36, 36'. When the last mandrel 36, 36' is held pressed against the previously installed mandrel 36, 36' by the Compression system 46 locks the third 62" rules of the various 82, 82', 82" rule sets. Compression system 46 is then removed. The first and second 62, 62' rules of the various 82, 82', 82" rule sets are then unlocked.

[0079] During a polymerization or consolidation step, the different rules 62, 62', 62" of the different sets of rules 82, 82', 82" are unlocked.

[0080] The manufacturing process for a stiffened composite material panel using the manufacturing device described above includes: a step of placing an odd or even mandrel 36, 36' supporting a raw or semi-baked composite material profile on the placement surface 34 against an odd or even mandrel 36, 36' previously placed supporting a raw or semi-baked composite material profile, a step of fixing the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 of the odd or even mandrel 36, 36' just placed on the placement surface 34, a compression step, by means of a compression system 46, of the odd or even mandrel 36, 36' just placed against the odd or even mandrel 36, 36' previously placed, after each indexing pin 48 connected to said odd or even mandrel just placed has been housed in a housing 50 of a rule 62, 62', 62" in the locked state, a withdrawal step of the compression system 46, the previous steps being repeated until all the odd and even mandrels 36, 36' are placed on the placement surface 34, a consolidation or polymerization step during which the rules 62, 62', 62" are in the unlocked state.

[0081] According to the procedure, the first rule 62 of each set of rules 82, 82', 82" is locked after the compression step of an odd-numbered mandrel 36 before the compression system 46 is removed. Similarly, the second rule 62' of each set of rules 82, 82', 82" is locked after the compression step of an even-numbered mandrel 36' before the compression system 46 is removed.

[0082] Unlike the prior art, after the removal of the compression system 46, the odd or even mandrel 36, 36' just plated does not deform because it is held by at least one indexing pin 48 which cooperates with a housing 50 of a rule 62, 62', 62" in the locked and immobile state relative to the laying surface 34.

Claims

1. Device for manufacturing a stiffened panel of composite material comprising a laying surface (34) and a set of odd and even mandrels (36, 36') attached to one another, oriented in a longitudinal direction and mounted one after the other in a direction of assembly (F36), each odd or even mandrel (36, 36') having first and second ends (36.1, 36.2), a contact surface (38) configured to be pressed against the laying surface (34), and at least one moulding surface configured to receive at least one profile of composite material, the manufacturing device comprising a compression system (46) configured to press the odd and even mandrels (36, 36') against one another, and first and second fasteners (44.1, 44.2) configured to connect the first and second ends (36.1, 36.2), respectively, of each odd or even mandrel (36, 36') to the laying surface (34); characterized in that the manufacturing device (32) comprises a system for temporarily holding the odd and even mandrels (36, 36'), which comprises at least one housing (50) secured at least temporarily to the laying surface (34), and, for each odd or even mandrel (36, 36'), at least one indexing pin (48) secured to the odd or even mandrel (36, 36') and located between its first and second ends (36.1, 36.2), said indexing pin (48) having at least one part (48.1) projecting at least temporarily from the contact surface (38) of the odd or even mandrel (36, 36') and configured to be received in the housing (50).

2. Manufacturing device according to Claim 1, characterized in that each indexing pin (48) is retractable and configured to occupy a retracted state, in which the part (48.1) of the indexing pin (48) does not project from the contact surface (38), and an extended state, in which the part (48) of the indexing pin (48) projects from the contact surface (38).

3. Manufacturing device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each odd or even mandrel (36, 36') comprises, for each indexing pin (48), a return element (52) for maintaining the indexing pin (48) in the extended state.

4. Manufacturing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manufacturing device comprises at least one rule (62) having at least one housing (50) configured to house the projecting part (48.1) of an indexing pin (48), each rule (62) being movable in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction relative to the laying surface (34) and configured to occupy an unlocked state, in which the rule (62) is able to move in translation in the transverse direction, and a locked state, in which the rule (62) is blocked at least in the direction of assembly (F36).

5. Manufacturing device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each housing (50) comprises a first edge (74.2) configured to cooperate with an indexing pin (48), and in that each indexing pin (48) comprises a notch (76) configured to cooperate with the first edge (74.2) of a housing (50), the notch (76) and the first edge (74.2) being configured to maintain the indexing pin (48) in the extended state when the rule (62) is in the locked state.

6. Manufacturing device according to either of Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the laying surface (34) comprises, for each rule (62), a groove (64) oriented in a direction parallel to the transverse direction and adapted to house the rule (62) and to allow the latter to slide in the transverse direction.

7. Manufacturing device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the groove (64) and the rule (62) have substantially equal cross sections, so that the first face (62.1) of the rule (62) is flush with the laying surface (34).

8. Manufacturing device according to either of Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the manufacturing device (32) comprises, for each rule (62), at least one locking element (66) configured to occupy an assembled state, in which the locking element (66) is connected to the laying surface (34) and maintains the rule (62) in the locked state, and a disassembled state, in which the locking element (66) is separated from the laying surface (34), the disassembled state corresponding to the unlocked state of the rule (62).

9. Manufacturing device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, in the assembled state, the locking element (66) is positioned at one end of the groove (64), the groove (64) having a dimension in the transverse direction substantially equal to the sum of the dimensions in the transverse direction of the rule (62) and of the locking element (66).

10. Manufacturing device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking element (66) comprises a locking stud (68) and a fastener (70) which is configured to releasably connect the locking stud (68) and the laying surface (34), the locking stud (68) comprising a contact edge (68.4) configured to bear against the rule (62), said contact edge (68.4) being inclined such that, when the locking stud (68) approaches the laying surface (34), the locking stud (68) pushes the rule (62).

11. Manufacturing device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking stud (68) has the shape of a truncated pyramid, and in that the groove (64) comprises a recess (72) configured to receive the locking stud (68), the recess (72) having a shape complementary to that of the locking stud (68).

12. Manufacturing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manufacturing device (32) comprises at least one rules set (82) comprising a first rule (62) configured to cooperate with the indexing pins (48) of the odd mandrels (36) and a second rule (62') configured to cooperate with the indexing pins (48) of the even mandrels (36').

13. Manufacturing device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each rules set (82) comprises a third rule (62'') configured to cooperate with an indexing pin (48) of the last mandrel (36, 36') laid on the laying surface (34).

14. Manufacturing device according to either of Claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the manufacturing device (32) comprises a plurality of rules sets (82, 82', 82") distributed between the first and second ends (36.1, 36.2) of the mandrels (36, 36').

15. Method of manufacturing a stiffened panel of composite material using a manufacturing device according to any one of the preceding claims, such that the manufacturing method comprises: - a step of laying, on the laying surface (34), an odd or even mandrel (36, 36') supporting a profile made of raw or semi-fired composite material, - a step of fastening the first and second ends (36.1, 36.2) of the odd or even mandrel (36, 36') just laid on the laying surface (34), - a step in which the odd or even mandrel (36, 36') just laid is compressed by a compression system (46) against an odd or even mandrel (36, 36') previously laid, - after each indexing pin (48) connected to said odd or even mandrel just laid (36, 36') has been housed in a housing (50) of a rule (62, 62', 62") in the locked state, a step of withdrawing the compression system (46), - the preceding steps being repeated until all the odd and even mandrels (36, 36') are laid on the laying surface (34), - a consolidation or polymerization step during which the rules (62, 62', 62") are in the unlocked state.

16. Manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each odd mandrel (36) cooperates with the first rule (62) of each rules set (82, 82, 82"), in that each even mandrel (36') cooperates with the second rule (62') of each rules set (82, 82', 82''), in that each first rule (62) of each rules set (82, 82', 82") is locked at the end of the step of compression of an odd mandrel (36) before the compression system (46) is withdrawn, and in that each second rule (62') of each rules set (82, 82', 82'') is locked at the end of the step of compression of an even mandrel (36') before the compression system (46) is withdrawn.