Painting device comprising a mobile robotic arm supporting a tool and mobile equipment connected to the tool via an umbilical link

The painting device addresses long umbilical connection issues by using mobile supports and removable connections to improve paint flow, reduce energy consumption, and enhance operational efficiency and versatility.

FR3150129A1Inactive Publication Date: 2024-12-27AIRBUS (SAS) +2
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2023006618
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-06-26
Publication Date
2024-12-27
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing painting systems face challenges with long umbilical connections that complicate paint flow, require powerful energy-consuming pumps, and result in significant paint loss and cleaning inefficiencies during conduit cleaning.

Method used

A painting device with a robotic arm connected via an umbilical connection to mobile supports, reducing the length of fluid and energy conduits, and allowing for removable connections to facilitate tool changes and minimize cleaning losses.

Benefits of technology

The solution enhances paint flow efficiency, reduces energy consumption, minimizes paint and cleaning product waste, and increases operational flexibility by enabling quick tool changes and versatile use of multiple tools.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Painting device comprising a movable robotic arm supporting a tool and movable equipment connected to the tool by an umbilical link. The invention relates to a painting device comprising at least one guidance system (32), at least one first movable support (34) configured to move along the guidance system (32), a robotic arm (36) fixed to the first movable support (34), at least one first tool (38) connected to the free end (36.2) of the robotic arm (36), and at least one first piece of equipment (56) connected to the first tool (38) by at least one umbilical link (58), said first piece of equipment (56) being movable and connected to the first movable support (34). This configuration reduces the length of the umbilical link (58). The invention also relates to a painting installation comprising at least one such painting device. Figure 2
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Description

Title of the invention: Painting device comprising a mobile robotic arm supporting a tool and mobile equipment connected by an umbilical link to the tool

[0001] The present application relates to a painting device comprising a mobile robotic arm supporting a tool and mobile equipment connected by an umbilical link to the tool as well as to a painting installation comprising at least one such painting device.

[0002] According to an embodiment described in document US20150375390, a painting installation configured to paint an aircraft comprises several painting devices each comprising a platform, a jib movable relative to the platform and a robotic arm connected to the jib. The jib comprises a mast and a horizontal cross member movable vertically along the mast, the robotic arm being movable along the cross member of the jib. In the case of a large aircraft, the mast of the jib has a height greater than 10 m and the cross member has a length of a few meters.

[0003] According to an embodiment visible in [Fig.l], a painting device 10 comprises a guide system 12, such as the crosspiece of a jib, as well as a robotic arm 14 movable along the guide system 12. The robotic arm 14 comprises a base 16 movable along the guide system 12, a free end 18 configured to support a tool 20, at least first and second segments 22, 22' as well as articulations 24 connecting the first and second segments 22, 22' to each other and the first segment 22 to the base 16.

[0004] For each robotic arm 14, the painting installation comprises a control and power supply system 26 comprising a control station 26.1, a power supply 26.2 and a cable harness 26.3 connecting the control station 26.1 and the power supply 26.2 to the robotic arm 14.

[0005] To supply the tool 20 with paint, the painting installation comprises a paint supply system 28 comprising at least one fixed paint reservoir 28.1 as well as at least one paint conduit 28.2 configured to convey the paint from the paint reservoir 28.1 to the tool 20.

[0006] The cable harness 26.3 and the paint conduit 28.2 have significant lengths, several tens of meters in the case of a painting device adapted to an aircraft, to follow the movements of the robotic arm 14 when the latter moves along the mast and / or the crosspiece.

[0007] Now, the flow of paint in a paint conduit 28.2 measuring several tens of meters is difficult and requires relatively powerful and therefore energy-intensive pumps. In addition, since the paint duct 28.2 is very long, cleaning operations in said duct, during a paint change for example, result in a significant loss of paint, significant consumption of cleaning products and require a lot of time.

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a painting device comprising at least one guidance system, at least one first mobile support configured to move along the guidance system, a robotic arm secured to the first mobile support and comprising a free end, at least one first tool connected to the free end of the robotic arm as well as at least one first piece of equipment connected by at least one umbilical connection to the first tool.

[0010] According to the invention, the first equipment associated with the first tool is connected to the first mobile support supporting the robotic arm.

[0011] This solution makes it possible to reduce the length of the umbilical connection connecting the first equipment and the first tool, which facilitates the flow of a fluid in the umbilical connection.

[0012] According to another characteristic, the first equipment is connected to a second mobile support, itself connected to the first mobile support, configured to move along the guidance system.

[0013] According to another characteristic, the first and second mobile supports are connected by an articulated connection.

[0014] According to another characteristic, the first tool is connected to the free end of the robotic arm by a first removable connection.

[0015] According to another characteristic, the first equipment is connected to the first mobile support by a removable connection.

[0016] According to another characteristic, the first equipment is integral with a second mobile support connected by a removable link to the first mobile support.

[0017] According to another characteristic, the first tool is associated with at least one first piece of equipment dedicated to the first tool and directly or indirectly connected to the first tool by a first umbilical connection as well as at least one second piece of equipment common to several tools and directly or indirectly connected to the first tool by a second umbilical connection, each first piece of equipment being connected in a removable manner to the first mobile support, each second piece of equipment being permanently connected to the first mobile support.

[0018] According to another characteristic, at least one umbilical connection is secured to the robotic arm by at least one removable connection.

[0019] The invention also relates to a painting installation suitable for painting an aircraft comprising at least one painting device according to one of the preceding characteristics.

[0020] According to another characteristic, the painting installation comprises several guidance systems arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical median plane and distributed around a circle having a diameter greater than that of a fuselage of an aircraft to be painted.

[0021] According to another characteristic, the painting installation comprises a painting booth which has walls forming an enclosure as well as at least one structure supporting the walls and each guidance system.

[0022] According to another characteristic, the painting installation comprises at least one storage area configured to store at least one tool, at least one tool accessory or at least one consumable and positioned in the extension of the painting booth, at least one guide system being sufficiently long to be positioned partly in the tool storage area.

[0023] According to another characteristic, the storage area comprises at least one support configured to support at least one tool, at least one tool accessory or at least one consumable, the support and the guidance system being arranged so that a robotic arm sliding along the guidance system can reach a tool, a tool accessory or a consumable positioned on the support.

[0024] According to another characteristic, the painting installation comprises at least one support carriage configured to support at least one tool.

[0025] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings, among which:

[0026] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of a painting device illustrating an embodiment of the prior art,

[0027] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a painting device illustrating a embodiment of the invention,

[0028] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of the painting device visible on the [Fig.2] without tools,

[0029] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a tool support carriage illustrating a embodiment of the invention,

[0030] [Fig.5] is a front view of a painting device illustrating a mode of rea lization of the invention,

[0031] [Fig.6] is a front view of a painting device illustrating another mode of rea lization of the invention,

[0032] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a painting installation, comprising a paint booth in the open state, illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

[0033] [Fig-8] is a perspective view of a structure of a paint booth, in the open state, illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

[0034] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the structure of the paint booth visible in [Fig.8] in the closed state,

[0035] [Fig. 10] is a schematic cross-section of a structure of a paint booth illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

[0036] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of a lower portion of a paint booth illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0037] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view of a tool storage station illustrating one embodiment of the invention.

[0038] According to an embodiment visible in figures 2, 3, 5 and 6, a painting device 30 comprises at least one guidance system 32, at least one first mobile support 34 configured to move along the guidance system 32, a robotic arm 36 secured to the first mobile support 34 as well as at least one first tool 38 moved by the robotic arm 36.

[0039] The robotic arm 36 comprises a first end 36.1 secured to the first mobile support 34, a free end 36.2, several segments 40, 40' as well as at least one articulation 42 connecting the segments 40, 40' together and comprising at least one pivot connection. Of course, the invention is not limited to this type of robotic arm 36. Thus, the latter could be a Cartesian type robotic arm.

[0040] According to an embodiment visible in Figures 5 and 6, the first end 36.1 is a base fixed on the first mobile support 34. The robotic arm 36 comprises first and second segments 40, 40', the first segment 40 being connected to the base by a first articulation 42, the first and second segments 40, 40' being connected to each other by a second articulation 42'. The invention is not limited to this number of segments. Generally, the robotic arm comprises a maximum of three segments and each articulation 42 only allows rotational movements.

[0041] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the first tool 38 is directly or indirectly connected to the free end 36.2. According to one embodiment, the first tool 38 is a tool configured to spray paint.

[0042] According to one configuration, the painting device 30 comprises a tool holder 44, also called an effector, secured to the free end 36.2 of the robotic arm 36 and configured to support the first tool 38. The tool holder 44 can be connected to the free end 36.2 by an articulation.

[0043] The painting device 30 also comprises a control and power supply system 46 configured to power and remotely control the robotic arm 36. According to one embodiment, the control and power supply system comprises a control station 46.1, a power supply 46.2 and a cable harness 46.3 connecting the control station 46.1 and the power supply 46.2 to the robotic arm 36. According to one arrangement, the cable harness 46.3 runs along the guidance system 32 and possibly along or inside the segments 40, 40' of the robotic arm 36.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the tool holder 44 comprises at least one actuator, in particular for holding or releasing the first tool 38. According to a first variant, the control and power supply system 46 is configured to supply power and remotely control the robotic arm 36 and the tool holder 44. According to a second variant, the painting device 30 comprises a first control and power supply system 46 configured to supply power and remotely control the robotic arm 36 as well as a second control and power supply system configured to supply power and remotely control the tool holder 44.

[0045] The painting device 30 comprises at least one first fluid supply system 48 configured to supply the first tool 38 with fluid. According to one embodiment, the first fluid supply system 48 comprises at least one fluid supply 48.1 as well as at least one fluid conduit 48.2 configured to convey a fluid between the fluid supply 48.1 and the first tool 38. Depending on the case, the fluid conduit 48.2 is directly connected to the first tool 38 and / or via the tool holder 44.

[0046] When the first tool 38 is configured to spray paint, the fluid supply 48.1 is a reservoir configured to store paint and the first fluid supply system 48 includes at least one pump for delivering paint from the reservoir to the first tool 38.

[0047] According to a feature of the invention, the painting device 30 comprises at least one support 50 supporting the fluid supply 48.1 and connected to the first mobile support 34. According to a first configuration, the support 50 and the first mobile support 34 are connected by a rigid and permanent connection or form a single element. According to a second configuration, the support 50 is a second mobile support, distinct from the first mobile support 34, configured to move along the guide system 32 connected by a connection 52 to the first mobile support 34. According to one arrangement, this connection 52 is articulated. Whatever the configuration, the fluid supply 48.1 is close to the robotic arm 36. Consequently, the fluid conduit 48.2 has a reduced length of the order of a few meters, which facilitates the flow of the fluid.In addition, when changing the paint applied with the first tool 38, the operation of cleaning the fluid conduit 48.2 results in less loss of products (paints, varnishes, etc.), lasts less time and requires less. of cleaning products due to the reduced length of the fluid conduit 48.2.

[0048] According to one configuration, the painting device 30 comprises a control and power supply system 48' configured to supply power to and remotely control the first tool 38 comprising a control station and / or a power supply as well as a cable harness connecting the control station and / or the power supply 46.2 to the first tool 38.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the first tool 38 is connected to the free end 36.2 of the robotic arm 36 by a first removable connection 54. In addition, the first fluid supply system 48 associated with the first tool 38 is connected to the first mobile support 34 by a removable connection. According to a configuration visible in [Fig. 3], when the first fluid supply system 48 is fixed on a second mobile support 50, the connection 52 connecting the first and second mobile supports 34, 50 is a removable connection.

[0050] A detachable connection is understood to mean a connection that can be quickly disassembled and reassembled repeatedly without being damaged. According to one configuration, the first detachable connection 54 connecting the first tool 38 to the free end 36.2 is configured to be able to be assembled and disassembled in an automated manner.

[0051] According to one embodiment, when the first tool 38 is connected to the free end 36.2 of the robotic arm 36 by a first removable connection 54, the painting device 30 comprises, in addition to the first tool 38, at least one second tool configured to be directly or indirectly secured to the free end 36.2 of the robotic arm 36. Thus, the first and second tools 38 are alternately connected to the free end 36.2 of the robotic arm 36.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the painting device 30 is not exclusively dedicated to painting operations. It can be used to carry out operations complementary to the painting operation, such as operations for preparing the surfaces to be painted (sandblasting or degreasing).

[0053] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, regardless of the embodiment, the painting device 30 comprises a first tool 38 as well as at least one piece of equipment 56 directly or indirectly connected to the first tool 38 by at least one umbilical connection 58. For example, the equipment 56 may be a fluid and / or energy supply system, a fluid suction system, a control system or any other system. According to a first arrangement visible in [Fig. 5], the umbilical connection 58 is directly connected to the first tool 38. According to another arrangement, the umbilical connection 58 is connected to the first tool 38 via the tool holder 44. According to another arrangement visible in [Fig. 6], the umbilical connection 58 is directly connected to the first tool 38 and / or indirectly to the first tool 38 via the tool holder 44.

[0054] According to a feature of the invention, at least one piece of equipment 56 associated with the first tool 38 is connected to the first mobile support 34 supporting the robotic arm 36. This solution makes it possible to reduce the length of the umbilical connection 58, which facilitates the flow of a fluid in the umbilical connection 58. In addition, when changing the product applied with the first tool 38, the operation of cleaning the umbilical connection 58 causes less loss of products (paints, varnishes, etc.), lasts less time and requires fewer cleaning products, such as solvents for example, due to the reduced length of the umbilical connection.

[0055] Depending on the case, the equipment 56 is connected to: a. a second mobile support 50 configured to move along the guidance system 32 and connected to the first mobile support 34, b. a support 50' rigidly and permanently connected to the first mobile support 34 or forming a single element with the first mobile support 34.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the first tool 38 is removable and the painting device 30 is configured to use at least one second tool in addition to the first tool 38. According to this embodiment visible in particular in [Fig.6], the first tool 38 is associated with: a. at least one first piece of equipment 56 dedicated to the first tool 38 and directly or indirectly connected to the first tool 38 by a first umbilical link 58, b. at least one second piece of equipment 56' common to several tools and directly or indirectly connected to the first tool 38 by a second umbilical link 58'.

[0057] In this case, the first equipment 56 is connected to the first mobile support 34 by a removable connection. When this first equipment 56 is fixed on a second mobile support 50, the latter is connected to the first support by a removable connection 52. According to this embodiment, the first tool 38, each first equipment 56 and each first umbilical connection 58 can be detached from the robotic arm 36 and from the first mobile support 34. Each second equipment 56' is permanently connected to the first mobile support 34.

[0058] After the removal of the first tool 38 and each first piece of equipment 56 dedicated to it, a second tool can be mounted at the free end 36.2 of the robotic arm 36 in place of the first tool 38. If this second tool requires, in addition to the second piece of equipment 56', at least one specific piece of equipment, the latter can be connected to the first mobile support 34 in place of the first piece of equipment 56 dedicated to the first tool 38.

[0059] According to one configuration, at least one umbilical link 58, in particular that connecting the first tool 38 and a first removable piece of equipment 56, is secured to the robotic arm 36 by at least one removable connection 59, as illustrated in [Fig.2]. Each second umbilical connection 58' connected to a second fixed piece of equipment 56' can be secured to the robotic arm by a non-removable connection.

[0060] The ability to use different tools with the robotic arm 36 gives the painting device 30 greater versatility.

[0061] According to one application, a complete painting process comprises several different successive steps, such as cleaning, sanding, masking, spraying, inspection operations, each requiring a tool which may be specific to the operation, this tool possibly requiring a specific umbilical connection 58 and / or specific equipment.

[0062] When the robotic arm 36 is configured to support different tools, unlike the prior art which provides a single umbilical connection configured to provide the different energies, the different fluids and the different data of the different tools, it is according to the invention possible to change the equipment and / or the umbilical connection in order to adapt it to the tool used. Consequently, the umbilical connection has a smaller section than that of an umbilical connection of the prior art.

[0063] By way of example, the second equipment 56' may be a suction station, the second tool may be a sanding tool and the second umbilical connection 58' may be a conduit configured to convey air and dust from the sanding tool to the suction station.

[0064] As illustrated in [Fig.l 1], a painting installation adapted for painting an aircraft 60 comprises at least one painting device 30.

[0065] In a known manner, each aircraft 60 comprises a fuselage 62 which extends between a front tip and a rear tip, wings 64 which extend on either side of the fuselage 62 as well as a tailplane 66, positioned at the rear tip, comprising a vertical part 66.1 as well as horizontal parts 66.2 located on either side of the rear tip. The aircraft 60 has an aircraft longitudinal axis XX which is horizontal when the aircraft 60 is on the ground and passes through the front and rear tips.

[0066] The fuselage 62 has a length corresponding to a dimension of the fuselage 62 taken horizontally from the front tip to the rear tip as well as a width corresponding to a dimension of the fuselage 62 taken horizontally, in a transverse plane perpendicular to the aircraft longitudinal axis XX. The fuselage 62 has a front portion 62A located in front of the wings 64 as well as a rear portion 62B located at the rear of the wings 64. Each wing 64 comprises a trailing edge 64.1 and forms a given angle with the fuselage 62, this angle being measured between the trailing edge 64.1 and the fuselage 62.

[0067] The painting installation comprises a platform S on which the aircraft 60 to be painted is immobilized as well as at least one rectilinear guidance system 32 oriented in a longitudinal direction, the aircraft 60 being immobilized on the platform S so that the aircraft longitudinal axis XX is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. As illustrated in [Fig. 11], one or more robotic arms can move along the same guidance system 32.

[0068] According to an arrangement visible in [Fig. 10], the painting installation comprises several guidance systems 32, arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical median plane PMV, distributed in the vertical direction and around a circle having a diameter greater than that of the fuselage of the aircraft to be painted. According to one arrangement, the painting installation comprises three guidance systems 32 positioned on each side of the vertical median plane PMV. In operation, an aircraft 60 to be painted is immobilized on the platform S so that the aircraft longitudinal axis XX is contained in the vertical median plane PMV.

[0069] According to one embodiment, each guidance system 32 comprises at least one slide or rectilinear rail parallel to the longitudinal direction. Each guidance system 32 has a length greater than that of the aircraft 60.

[0070] According to an embodiment visible in Figures 7 to 9, the painting installation comprises a painting booth 70 located, inside a building, on a platform S (such as the ground) configured to allow an aircraft to be painted to park there, said painting booth 70 comprising first and second side walls 72, 74 parallel to each other and to the longitudinal direction as well as an upper wall 76, distant from the platform S, substantially parallel to the platform S and connecting the first and second side walls 72, 74. According to one arrangement, the upper wall 76 is substantially horizontal and the first and second side walls 72, 74 are substantially vertical.

[0071] The walls 72, 74, 76 are rigid and have a length (dimension taken in the longitudinal direction) greater than or equal to the length of the fuselage 62 so that the fuselage 62 of the aircraft can contain in the interior zone delimited by the paint booth 70. The first and second side walls 72, 74 comprise first and second lateral openings 72.1, 74.1 sized to allow the wings 64 to pass through the first and second side walls 72, 74 while leaving a small clearance around the wings 64. Thanks to these lateral openings 72.1, 74.1, the first and second side walls 72, 74 are brought closer to the fuselage 62, which makes it possible to reduce the volume of the interior zone in which the fuselage 62 is positioned. According to one arrangement, the fuselage 6 is approximately centered between the first and second side walls 72, 74. According to a configuration, the first and second side walls 72, 74 are spaced apart by a distance of between 1.5 and 3 times the width of the fuselage.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the upper wall 76 comprises an upper opening 76.1 sized to allow the empennage 66, and more particularly its vertical part 66.1, to pass through the upper wall 76 while leaving a small clearance around the empennage 66. Thanks to this upper opening 76.1, the upper wall 76 can be brought closer to the fuselage 62, which makes it possible to reduce the volume of the interior zone in which the fuselage 62 is positioned. To give an order of magnitude, the upper wall 76 is separated from the platform S by a distance of between 1.5 and 3 times the height of the fuselage 72 (dimension taken in a vertical direction).

[0073] As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the paint booth 70 comprises at least one structure 78 (visible in Figures 8 and 9) supporting the first and second side walls 72, 74, the upper wall 76 forming the enclosure of the paint booth as well as each guide system 32. According to one embodiment, the structure 78 comprises frames 78.1 positioned in transverse planes as well as side members 78.2 connecting the frames 78.1 to each other and oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction. Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration for the structure 78.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the paint booth 70 comprises at least first and second parts 80, 82 respectively comprising at least a part of the first and second side walls 72, 74, at least one of the first and second parts 80, 82 being movable between a spaced apart position, corresponding to an open state of the paint booth 70 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 8, in which a fuselage of an aircraft can be positioned between the first and second parts 80, 82 as well as a close position, corresponding to a closed state of the paint booth 70 as illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0075] The first part 80 comprises at least a part of the first side wall 72 as well as a first portion of the upper wall 76. The second part 82 comprises at least a part of the second side wall 74 as well as a second portion of the upper wall 76, the first and second portions of the side wall being joined when the first and second parts 80, 82 are brought together and the paint booth 70 is in the closed state.

[0076] According to one configuration, the first and second parts 80, 82 are substantially symmetrical with respect to the vertical median plane PMV. In this case, the first and second portions of the upper wall 76 comprise cutouts so as to form the upper opening 76.1 when the first and second parts 80, 82 are brought together.

[0077] According to one configuration, the painting installation comprises, for each of the first and second parts 80, 82, at least one sliding connection 80.1, 82.1, connecting the first or second part 80, 82 and the platform S, configured to allow the first or second part 80, 82 to translate between the open and closed states.

[0078] To reduce the dimensions of the lateral openings 72.1, 74.1, each sliding connection 80.1, 82.1 forms with the vertical median plane PMV an angle substantially equal to that formed between the fuselage 62 and each wing 64.

[0079] According to one configuration, the painting installation comprises, for each of the first and second parts 80, 82, at least one motorization for moving the first and second parts 80, 82.

[0080] The paint booth 70 comprises a first section 84 configured to house the front portion 62A and a second section 86 configured to house the rear portion 62B. The first and second sections 84, 86 respectively comprise first and second end faces 84.1, 86.1 positioned in transverse planes. At least one of the first and second sections 84, 86 is movable between a first position, corresponding to the closed state of the paint booth 70, in which the first and second transverse faces 84.1, 86.1 are pressed against each other and a second position, corresponding to the open state of the paint booth 70, in which the first and second transverse faces 84.1, 86.1 are separated.

[0081] According to one configuration, the first section 84 is fixed. In addition, the second section 86 comprises first and second parts 80, 82 movable between a position spaced from the vertical median plane corresponding to the open state of the paint booth 70 (visible in FIGS. 7 and 8) and a position close to the vertical median plane corresponding to the closed state of the paint booth 70 (visible in [Fig. 9]). This configuration makes it possible to limit the dimensions of the moving parts and their travel.

[0082] According to one arrangement, the first section 84 comprises the lateral openings 72.1, 74.1 which open at the level of the first end face 84.1. Alternatively, the lateral openings 72.1, 74.1 are located on the second section 86 or straddling the first and second sections 84, 86.

[0083] According to an embodiment visible in figures 7 to 9 and 12, the painting installation comprises at least one storage area 88 configured to store at least one tool, at least one tool accessory or at least one consumable, such as a sanding disc for example, positioned in the extension of the painting booth 70, at the first end 70.1 of the painting booth 70. According to one arrangement, each guide system 32 is long enough to be positioned partly in the storage area 88.

[0084] According to one arrangement, the storage area 88 comprises at least one support 88.1 configured to support at least one tool 38, at least one tool accessory or at least one consumable. Each support 88.1 and each guidance system 32 are arranged such that a robotic arm 36 sliding along the guidance system 32 can reach a tool 38, a tool accessory or a consumable positioned on the support 88.1.

[0085] According to an embodiment visible in [Fig.4], the painting installation comprises at least one support carriage 90 configured to support at least one tool 38, at least one tool accessory or at least one consumable. This support carriage 90 is also configured to support an item of equipment 56 connected by an umbilical connection 58 to the tool 38. This support carriage 90 makes it possible to move at least one tool 38, at least one tool accessory or at least one consumable and each item of equipment 56 connected to the tool 38 by an umbilical connection 58 and / or to carry out maintenance operations on the tool 38. According to one configuration, the support carriage 90 is adapted to support several tools simultaneously.

[0086] Of course, the invention is not limited to the painting operation. Thus, the painting device and the painting installation can be used to carry out operations preparatory to the painting operation, such as an initial inspection operation, sanding, cleaning, masking for example, and / or subsequent operations such as decoration operations, final inspection for example.

Claims

Claims

1. Painting device comprising at least one guide system (32), at least one first mobile support (34) configured to move along the guide system (32), a robotic arm (36) secured to the first mobile support (34) and comprising a free end (36.2), at least one first tool (38) connected to the free end (36.2) of the robotic arm (36) as well as at least one first equipment (56) connected by at least one umbilical connection (58) to the first tool (38); characterized in that the first equipment (56) associated with the first tool (38) is connected to the first mobile support (34) supporting the robotic arm (36).

2. Painting device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first equipment (56) is connected to a second mobile support (50), itself connected to the first mobile support (34) configured to move along the guide system (32).

3. Painting device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first and second movable supports (34, 50) are connected by an articulated connection (52).

4. Painting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first tool (38) is connected to the free end (36.2) of the robotic arm (36) by a first removable connection (54).

5. Painting device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first equipment (56) is connected to the first mobile support (34) by a removable connection.

6. Painting device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first equipment (56) is integral with a second mobile support (50) connected by a removable link (52) to the first mobile support (34).

7. Painting device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first tool (38) is associated with at least one first piece of equipment (56) dedicated to the first tool (38) and directly or indirectly connected to the first tool (38) by a first umbilical connection (58) as well as at least one second piece of equipment (56') common to several tools and directly or indirectly connected to the first tool (38) by a second umbilical connection (58'), each first piece of equipment (56) being connected in a removable manner to the first mobile support (34), each second piece of equipment (56') being permanently connected to the first mobile support (34).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one umbilical connection (58) is secured to the robotic arm (36) by at least one removable connection (59).

9. Painting installation adapted for painting an aircraft (60) comprising at least one painting device according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Painting installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the painting installation comprises several guide systems (32) arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical median plane (PMV) and distributed around a circle having a diameter greater than that of a fuselage of an aircraft to be painted.

11. Painting installation according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the painting installation comprises a paint booth (70) which comprises walls (72, 74, 76) forming an enclosure as well as at least one structure (78) supporting the walls (72, 74, 76) and each guide system (32).

12. Painting installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the painting installation comprises at least one storage area (88) configured to store at least one tool, at least one tool accessory or at least one consumable and positioned in the extension of the painting booth (70), at least one guide system (32) being sufficiently long to be positioned partly in the tool storage area (88).

13. Painting installations according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the storage area (88) comprises at least one support (88.1) configured to support at least one tool (38), at least one tool accessory or at least one consumable, the support (88.1) and the guide system (32) being arranged so that a robotic arm (36) sliding along the guide system (32) can reach a tool (38), a tool accessory or a consumable positioned on the support (88.1).

14. Painting installation according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the painting installation comprises at least one support carriage (90) configured to support at least one tool (38).

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