Metal parts cutting system

Abstract

The invention relates to a metal part cutting system (2) comprising at least one enclosure (4) comprising at least one metal part cutting robot (6), the enclosure (4) being arranged to allow the operation and transport of the cutting robot (6) inside the enclosure (4). Figure 1 for the abstract

Description

Title of the invention: Metal part cutting system

[0001] The invention relates to devices for cutting metal parts.

[0002] This could, for example, be a counterweight. A counterweight is understood to be a small mass acting by inertia, gravity, or centrifugal force, generally added to a moving part to ensure its balance. In foundry work, for example, a counterweight is a small mass of variable size, depending on the size or complexity of the part, to ensure manufacturing quality during casting.

[0003] The technique of using a standard saw, for example, equipped with a cutting disc rotating at 4,000 revolutions per minute, is already known. The drawbacks of this method lie in the associated risks (for example, the risk of projectile injury to an operator during cutting), the inability to make multiple cuts, and the relative slowness of the cutting system. Furthermore, these devices are difficult to move and take a long time to set up after being moved to a new site.

[0004] Robotic solutions also exist, potentially developed specifically for an industrial client. However, these solutions remain difficult to transport and time-consuming to set up after being moved to a site.

[0005] The invention aims in particular to provide a metal part cutting device that can perform various cuts while being easily movable and easily put into operation after moving.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a metal part cutting system comprising at least one enclosure comprising at least one metal part cutting robot, the enclosure being arranged to allow the operation and transport of the cutting robot inside the enclosure.

[0007] Thus, a cutting robot is used to make several cuts quickly, unlike the use of a cutting disc operated by an operator.

[0008] Furthermore, repeatedly placing the robot in an enclosure allows it to be easily moved from one site to another. The enclosure could, for example, be a standard shipping container, for example, a 15-foot container.

[0009] Finally, the enclosure is equipped with everything necessary to start the robot, which also ensures a quick start-up of the latter.

[0010] Depending on other optional features of the cutting system according to the invention, taken alone or in combination:

[0011] - the enclosure is a container, preferably of the maritime type;

[0012] - the metal parts are weights;

[0013] - The cutting robot is arranged to perform cutting or machining according to minus six cutting axes. The number of possible cuts is therefore optimized;

[0014] - The enclosure includes structural reinforcement elements. This allows to increase the repeatability of the cuts without compromising the integrity of the enclosure;

[0015] -The system includes a cutting robot shut-off device, the stop device being configured to stop the cutting robot if the force exerted by the latter during a cut exceeds a threshold value. This protects the cutting robot against excessive force that could lead to its degradation;

[0016] - The enclosure includes on at least one external face a mounting base for a electrical cabinet. This facilitates access to the electrical panel for maintenance (i.e., without having to enter the enclosure);

[0017] - The enclosure includes on at least one external face a mounting plate for the hydraulic and / or pneumatic systems of the cutting robot. Again, this facilitates access to these different systems for maintenance (i.e. without having to enter the enclosure);

[0018] - The enclosure includes at least one access door to the inside of the system, the door access includes structural reinforcement elements. This allows easy access to the inside of the enclosure when needed (for example, for maintenance of the cutting robot) while ensuring repeatable cuts without damaging the enclosure, as explained above. It also allows the robot to be removed for replacement if necessary;

[0019] - The enclosure includes an original access door to the container on the side being equipped with a safety sensor;

[0020] - The enclosure includes sound insulation elements for the enclosure. This allows to meet current safety standards in terms of noise level;

[0021] - The enclosure includes at least one window equipped with means of obstruction configured to let in light. The presence of a window allows for some visibility of the work area while ensuring a certain level of safety thanks to the presence of means of obstruction allowing light to pass through;

[0022] - The enclosure includes at least one connection element for the cutting system to a gas extraction system. This is particularly relevant to the treatment of lubricating vapors. Again, the aim here is to be able to get the cutting robot up and running as quickly as possible;

[0023] - The system includes a conveyor attached to the enclosure and configured to separate the cut metal parts from the chips resulting from the cutting process. This allows for a rapid separation of the metal parts and the chips resulting from the cutting process;

[0024] - The enclosure includes a pivoting cutting table. Such a cutting table It allows for an even greater number of different cuts, in addition to the cutting possibilities inherent to the nature of the cutting robot, and is capable of pivoting quickly; and

[0025] - wherein the cutting table includes centering and holding elements Pieces to be cut. This makes the cutting process more robust. Brief description of the figures

[0026] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of a cutting system according to the invention,

[0028] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a cutting system according to the invention,

[0029] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a side view of a cutting robot according to the invention,

[0030] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a saw block according to the invention,

[0031] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a view of a first face of an enclosure of the system cutting,

[0032] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view of a second side of an enclosure of the system cutting,

[0033] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a conveyor according to the invention,

[0034] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a view of a third side of an enclosure of the system cutting,

[0035] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a view of a first face of a cutting table according the invention, and

[0036] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a view of a second side of a cutting table according to the invention. Detailed description

[0037] Reference is now made to the figures illustrating a cutting system 2 for metal parts, for example weights. These metal parts can, for example, be made of aluminum.

[0038] The latter comprises at least one enclosure 4, for example a container, for example a 15-foot container, if the chosen embodiment involves incorporating a cutting system within a container. It may therefore be an existing structure to be adapted or, conversely, a specially designed structure. The advantage of a standard container modified for this purpose is that it allows for easy transport due to the existence of standardized dimensions.

[0039] The enclosure 4 includes a cutting robot 6 for metal parts intended to to operate inside enclosure 4. The enclosure is therefore designed, as explained below, to allow the operation and transport of the cutting robot 6 within it. In other words, the cutting robot 6 is permanently installed inside enclosure 4, and everything is designed to ensure its operation within the enclosure. Because of its permanent placement within enclosure 4, transporting the cutting robot is very easy, especially since the enclosure is a container with standardized dimensions.

[0040] Regarding the cutting robot 6, it can be configured to perform cutting or machining along at least six cutting axes. This is then referred to as a six-axis robot. Six-axis robot arms are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. The robot can consist of a sawing unit 8 comprising a saw 10 and a motor 12, positioned at the end of a six-axis robot arm 14, preferably at an angle of 90° to the extension direction of the end of the robot arm 14. The coupling between the saw and the motor can be achieved via a single-piece shaft 32 guided by two bearings extending from the motor to the saw, the coupling being achieved by means of an anti-vibration device located on the single-piece shaft.

[0041] Regarding the choice of motor, it could, for example, be a brushless motor. Due to their design and operating principle, this type of motor guarantees constant speed, sufficient power for this application, and is compact. An internal motor cooling system and a programmable speed controller can be considered.

[0042] In order to protect the robot against excessive stress which could lead to degradation, the cutting system 2 may include a cutting robot shut-off device, the shut-off device being configured to stop the cutting robot if the force exerted by the latter during a cut exceeds a threshold value.

[0043] In order to ensure the repeatability of the cuts without damaging the structure of the enclosure 4. This may, for example, involve metal plates placed on the internal faces of the structure of the enclosure and / or beams in the internal corners of the enclosure 4.

[0044] The enclosure 4 may also include at least one access door 18 inside the cutting system 2 (two in the figures). Like the structure of the enclosure 4, this access door may be reinforced, for the same reasons and using the same means as the structure. The enclosure 4 may, for example, include an original access door, for example when the enclosure is a container, the access door being equipped with a safety sensor that activates when the door is opened.

[0045] The enclosure 4 may include at least one window 28 equipped with obstruction means configured to allow light to pass through. The presence of the window 28 allows for some visibility of the work area while ensuring a A certain level of security is ensured by the presence of means of obstruction allowing light to pass through. These means of obstruction can take the form of a wire mesh, a window, a transparent panel, etc.

[0046] One of the advantages of the cutting system 2 according to the invention lies in making the components requiring maintenance as accessible as possible. To this end, the enclosure 4 may include, on one of its external faces, a base 18 for mounting an electrical cabinet 20. Pursuing this same objective, the enclosure 4 may include, on at least one external face, a mounting plate 22 for the hydraulic and / or pneumatic systems of the cutting robot 6. All of this allows easy access to these components, particularly for maintenance of the assembly. A control bay 34 for the cutting robot 6 can also be mounted on the outside of the enclosure 4.

[0047] Furthermore, in order to comply with noise exposure safety standards, the enclosure can be equipped, for example on its internal surfaces, with soundproofing elements. Examples include panels made of foam or rock wool covered with perforated sheet metal, specifically designed for such insulation, or any other means providing such insulation.

[0048] It is also possible that the enclosure includes at least one connection point between the cutting system and a gas extraction system. This is particularly relevant for the treatment of lubricating vapors. Again, the aim here is to be able to put the cutting robot into operation as quickly as possible by rapidly placing the entire assembly in optimal safety conditions. Installation of an extraction system at the user's premises can then be considered.

[0049] After the metal parts have been cut, all the cut products are conveyed out of enclosure 4 (by a conveyor belt, by installing an inclined conduit at the exit of the cutting area, etc.). They can be conveyed to a conveyor 24 adjacent to enclosure 4. This conveyor is configured to separate the cut metal parts from the chips produced by the cutting process.

[0050] For example, it may consist of a conveyor comprising, at a point in line with the exit of the cut products from the enclosure 4, a separation grid 36 extending above a receiving bin 38 for the chips resulting from the cutting. It may be a grid inclined towards a conveyor belt 40.

[0051] Thus, all the products from the cutting are brought to the separation grid 36. The latter is dimensioned (i.e. spacing between the bars) to allow the chips from the cutting to pass through and fall into the receiving bin 38. The metal parts do not pass through the grid, slide along it and reach the conveyor belt 40 of the conveyor 24 to be collected.

[0052] In order to improve the ergonomics of the cutting system 2, to allow loading To enable the cutting system to operate in the background and increase the number of possible cuts, enclosure 4 can include a rotating cutting table 26. This eliminates the need for multiple cutting tables.

[0053] The cutting table 26 is pivotable, preferably through an angular stroke of 0° to 180°, by means of a motor from the cutting table 42, preferably a brushless motor. The cutting table 26 can, for example, complete its rotation in three seconds.

[0054] To secure the rotation of the cutting table 26 in the event of loading it by an operator, a laser scanner is used to detect, in operation, the entry of an operator into an area close to the cutting table 26 in order to stop the cutting system 2. It should also be noted that there is a reception area 30 in front of the cutting table 26 for an operator.

[0055] The cutting table 26 can potentially pivot between a vertical position and a horizontal position and can include an adjoining chute (extending along at least one external face of the enclosure 4) allowing the routing of electrical and hydraulic cables.

[0056] Furthermore, to ensure the holding and positioning of the parts to be cut (and therefore the repeatability of the cuts), the cutting table 26 includes centering and holding elements for the parts to be cut. These may, for example, be hydraulic clamps 44 to ensure clamping, and therefore holding in position, the parts to be cut, and pneumatic centering devices including springs (the hardness of which can be variable and determined after testing under real conditions). Digital references

[0057] 2: cutting system

[0058] 4: enclosure

[0059] 6: cutting robot

[0060] 8: sawing block

[0061] 10: saw

[0062] 12: motor

[0063] 14: robot arm

[0064] 16: access doors

[0065] 18: base

[0066] 20: electrical cabinet

[0067] 22: receiving platform

[0068] 24: conveyor

[0069] 26: cutting table

[0070] 28: window

[0071] 30: receiving area

[0072] 32: monobloc axis

[0073]

[0074]

[0075]

[0076]

[0077] 34: Cutting robot control bay 36: Separation grid 38: Receiving tray 40: Conveyor belt 42: Cutting table motor

Claims

Claims

1. System for cutting (2) metal parts, characterized in that it comprises at least one enclosure (4) comprising at least one robot (6) for cutting the metal parts, the enclosure (4) being arranged to allow the operation and transport of the cutting robot (6) inside the enclosure (4), characterized in that the enclosure (4) comprises a pivoting cutting table (26).

2. Cutting system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure (4) is a container, preferably of the maritime type.

3. Cutting system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the metal parts are weights.

4. Cutting system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the cutting robot (6) is arranged to carry out cutting or machining along at least six cutting axes.

5. Cutting system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the enclosure (4) comprises elements for reinforcing its structure.

6. Cutting system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a device for cutting off the cutting robot (6), the stopping device being configured to stop the cutting robot (6) if the force exerted by the latter during cutting exceeds a threshold value.

7. Cutting system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the enclosure (4) comprises on an external face at least one fixing base (18) of an electrical cabinet (20).

8. Cutting system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the enclosure (4) comprises on an external face at least one receiving plate (22) for the hydraulic and / or pneumatic systems of the cutting robot (6).

9. Cutting system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosure (4) comprises at least one access door (16) inside the cutting system (2), the access door (16) comprising elements for reinforcing its structure.

10. Cutting system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosure comprises sound insulation elements of the enclosure.

11. Cutting system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims- preceding, in which the enclosure (4) comprises at least one window (28) provided with obstruction means configured to allow light to pass through.

12. Cutting system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the enclosure (4) comprises at least one member for connecting the cutting system (2) to a gas suction means.

13. Cutting system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a conveyor (24) adjoining the enclosure (4) and configured to separate the cut metal parts from the chips resulting from the cutting.

14. Cutting system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cutting table (26) comprises elements for centering and holding the pieces to be cut.

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