Installation for manufacturing a manufactured object by friction-stirring additive manufacturing and associated manufacturing process

Abstract

Installation for manufacturing a manufactured object by friction-stirring additive manufacturing and associated manufacturing method The manufacturing installation (10) comprises: - a manufacturing system (20) configured to manufacture a manufactured object by friction-stirring additive manufacturing from a manufacturing material; and - a supply system (40) configured to supply the manufacturing system (20) with manufacturing material; the supply system (40) comprising: - a spool (42) of a wire (44) of manufacturing material wound around a spool axis; - an unwinding device (50) configured to unwind the wire (44), to drive the spool (42) in rotation around a main rotation axis and to drive the wire (44) in rotation around its neutral fiber; and - a device (130) for guiding the wire (44) unwound to the manufacturing system (20). Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Installation for manufacturing a manufactured object by additive manufacturing by friction-stirring and associated manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to an installation for manufacturing a manufactured object by additive manufacturing by friction-stirring from a manufacturing material.

[0002] The state of the art is known of installations comprising a friction-stirring additive manufacturing system and a system for supplying the manufacturing system with manufacturing material.

[0003] It is known that the feeding system comprises a barrel or a loader in which a plurality of bars of manufacturing material of square cross section are installed. These bars of manufacturing material are discharged one after the other from the barrel or the loader to feed the manufacturing system. In such installations, the bar supplied to the manufacturing system is then introduced into a kneading pin to be kneaded in order to manufacture the manufactured object.

[0004] However, the use of such barrels or magazines has several drawbacks.

[0005] First of all, the preparation of the bars intended to be loaded into such barrels or magazines is long and tedious. Indeed, each of these bars must have precise dimensions complementary to the dimensions of a chamber of the barrel or magazine in which it is intended to be inserted.

[0006] In addition, these barrels or chargers must be frequently reloaded with bars by a human operator. This complicates the manufacture of the object and represents a risk for the operator.

[0007] Also, the square cross-section of the bars reduces the homogeneity of the addition of material taking place during additive manufacturing by friction-mixing at the outlet of the mixing pin, which is generally cylindrical or truncated. Indeed, the pressure loss during the finishing of the material is then not uniform, before the latter reaches the periphery of the pin.

[0008] The transition between two successive bars during manufacturing presents a significant risk of introducing defects. This transition can in particular result in a lack of material during manufacturing, a failure of a remainder of the bar being consumed when lifting the mixing pin or an inhomogeneity in the fluidity of the material added during manufacturing.

[0009] An aim of the invention is then to propose a manufacturing installation which is simple, rapid and efficient, which presents less risk for an operator intended to interact with it and which leads to the manufacturing of a superior quality object.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to an installation for manufacturing a manufactured object, comprising:

[0011] - a manufacturing system configured to manufacture the manufactured object by fa additive friction-stirring from a manufacturing material; and

[0012] - a power supply system configured to supply the manufacturing system with manufacturing material;

[0013] the power supply system comprising:

[0014] - a spool of manufacturing material wound around a spool axis, the wire of manufacturing material having a neutral fiber;

[0015] - a rotary unwinding device configured to unwind the material wire from fa brication from the reel; and

[0016] - a device for guiding the thread of manufacturing material unwound from the rotary unwinding device to the manufacturing system;

[0017] the rotary unwinding device being configured to:

[0018] - drive the coil in rotation about a main axis of rotation; and

[0019] - driving the unwound manufacturing material yarn in rotation around its fiber neutral.

[0020] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the installation comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0021] - the device for guiding the unwound manufacturing material wire comprises a a guide sheath extending from a proximal end connected to the rotary unwinding device to a distal end connected to the manufacturing system, the guide sheath configured to guide the unwound yarn of manufacturing material from the rotary unwinding device to the manufacturing system;

[0022] - the rotary unwinding device comprises:

[0023] - a support;

[0024] - a rotation mechanism mounted on the support and configured to drive the coil rotating around the main axis of rotation; and

[0025] - a mechanism for guiding the unwound manufacturing material wire, configured to guiding the unwound build material strand to the guide device and configured to constrain the unwound build material strand such that the unwound build material strand rotates about its neutral fiber at the input of the guide device;

[0026] - the guide device comprises an inlet intended to receive the material wire unrolled manufacturing provided by the rotary unrolling device,

[0027] the guide mechanism being configured so that the path of the unwound manufacturing material wire describes, between the spool and the inlet of the guide device, sen possibly a conical helix trajectory whose cone has its apex opposite the entrance of the guidance device;

[0028] - the rotation mechanism is configured to drive the spool and the guiding mechanism jointly rotating around the main rotation axis,

[0029] the guide mechanism comprising a central frame comprising:

[0030] - a central column extending along a column axis coincident with the axis of main rotation from a proximal end mounted on the rotation mechanism to a distal end mounted opposite the inlet of the guide device;

[0031] - a plurality of guide arms mounted on the central column so as to be distributed along the column axis, each guide arm extending substantially perpendicular to the column axis from the central column, each guide arm comprising a tubular guide element defining a guide orifice for the unwound manufacturing material wire through which the unwound manufacturing material wire is intended to extend;

[0032] - the tubular guide element comprises at least one rolling part, extending substantially into the guide orifice and intended to cooperate with the unwound wire of manufacturing material as it passes through the guide orifice;

[0033] - the central frame further comprises a dynamic balancing means mounted on the central column and arranged so that the masses of the dynamic balancing means, the guide arms and the unwound manufacturing material wire are distributed substantially symmetrically around the main axis of rotation;

[0034] - the dynamic balancing means comprises a balancing wire and a plurality of balancing arms mounted on the central column so as to be distributed along the column axis, each balancing arm extending substantially perpendicular to the column axis from the central column to a radial end, each balancing arm comprising a tubular holding element defining a balancing wire holding orifice through which the balancing wire extends,

[0035] the balancing arms and the balancing wire being arranged such that the mass of the balancing arms and the balancing wire is distributed symmetrically around the main axis of rotation relative to the mass of the guide arms and the unwound wire of manufacturing material;

[0036] - the manufacturing system comprises:

[0037] - at least one motor;

[0038] - an effector configured to be driven in rotation by the at least one motor;

[0039] - a mixing pin configured to be rotated by the effector, the pin kneading being intended to knead the unwound manufacturing material wire to manufacture the manufactured object;

[0040] - a device for advancing the unwound manufacturing material wire, configured to move the unwound manufacturing material wire towards the mixing pin;

[0041] - the rotation speed of the mixing pin is substantially equal to the speed of rotation of the unwound manufacturing material thread around its neutral fiber;

[0042] - the main rotation axis is merged with the spool axis, the setting mechanism rotating comprising a plate movable in rotation about the main axis of rotation, the spool being intended to rest on the plate so that the spool axis is substantially perpendicular to the plate and so that rotation of the plate about the main axis of rotation causes rotation of the spool about the main axis of rotation;

[0043] - the rotation mechanism further comprises:

[0044] - an engine;

[0045] - a shaft extending substantially along the main axis of rotation and configured to be rotated by the motor around the main rotation axis; and - a freewheel;

[0046] the plate being mounted on the shaft by means of the freewheel,

[0047] rotation of the shaft around the main rotation axis causing rotation of the plate around the main rotation axis via the freewheel,

[0048] the freewheel allowing additional rotation of the plate around the main rotation axis relative to the shaft,

[0049] the advancement of the manufacturing material wire unwound by the advancement device causing the further rotation of the plate about the main rotation axis relative to the shaft and the unwinding of the manufacturing material wire from the spool;

[0050] - the speed of the additional rotation of the plate around the axis of rotation main relative to the shaft is between 0 revolutions per minute and 100 revolutions per minute, for example between 0 revolutions per minute and 5 revolutions per minute;

[0051] - the rotation mechanism further comprises means for confining the reel,

[0052] the containment means being mounted on the shaft so as to be movable in rotation around the main axis of rotation jointly with the shaft,

[0053] the confinement means comprising a confinement apparatus comprising at least one confinement element movable in translation in a radial direction substantially orthogonal to the main axis of rotation between:

[0054] - a strong support position in which the at least one confinement element is in support on the external circumference of the coil so as to rotationally secure the coil and the plate with the shaft; and

[0055] - a weak support position in which the at least one confinement element is resting on the outer circumference of the spool so as to allow additional rotation of the plate around the main axis of rotation relative to the shaft while confining the spool radially relative to the main axis of rotation;

[0056] - the confinement means further comprise a constraint apparatus configured to radially constrain the at least one containment element against the spool toward the main axis of rotation;

[0057] - the confinement means further comprise a supplementary constraint apparatus element configured to radially constrain the coil toward the at least one containment element;

[0058] - the main rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the coil axis and passes through the center of the coil, the coil being mounted to rotate about the coil axis on the rotation mechanism;

[0059] - the advancement of the manufacturing material wire unwound by the device advancement causes the spool to rotate further around the spool axis and unwind the manufacturing material wire from the spool;

[0060] - the guide mechanism comprises a guide funnel having a passage tubular extending substantially along the main axis of rotation opposite the entrance of the guide device, the tubular passage being intended to channel the unwound wire of manufacturing material so that the wire rotates around its neutral fiber at the entrance of the guide device;

[0061] - the installation further comprises an auxiliary manufacturing system configured to to manufacture the manufactured object or to manufacture an auxiliary manufactured object by additive manufacturing by friction kneading from the manufacturing material,

[0062] the feed system being further configured to feed the auxiliary manufacturing system with manufacturing material, the feed system further comprising an auxiliary spool of a yarn of manufacturing material wound around an auxiliary spool axis,

[0063] the rotary unwinding device being further configured to unwind the manufacturing material yarn from the auxiliary spool, the feeding system further comprising an auxiliary guiding device for the manufacturing material yarn unwound from the auxiliary spool from the rotary unwinding device to the auxiliary manufacturing system,

[0064] the auxiliary manufacturing system comprising:

[0065] - an auxiliary kneading pin for kneading the manufacturing material wire unwound from the auxiliary reel to manufacture the manufactured object or the auxiliary manufactured object; and

[0066] - an auxiliary device for advancing the thread of manufacturing material unwound from the auxiliary reel, configured to move the unwound manufacturing material wire from the auxiliary coil to the auxiliary mixing pin;

[0067] the kneading pin and the auxiliary kneading pin being capable of being arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry, so that vectors of forces exerted respectively by the kneading pin and by the auxiliary kneading pin are of substantially equal directions and norms but of opposite senses and so that the material for manufacturing the coil and the material for manufacturing the auxiliary coil are kneaded and advanced along respective symmetrical trajectories.

[0068] - the auxiliary manufacturing system comprises:

[0069] - at least one auxiliary engine;

[0070] - an auxiliary effector configured to be driven in rotation by the at least one auxiliary engine;

[0071] - an auxiliary device for advancing the thread of manufacturing material unwound from the auxiliary spool, configured to move the unwound manufacturing material yarn from the auxiliary spool to the auxiliary kneading pin;

[0072] the auxiliary mixing pin being configured to be rotated by the auxiliary effector;

[0073] - the coil and the auxiliary coil are mounted on the rotating mechanism such that the coil and the auxiliary coil extend in a same plane, the rotation mechanism being configured to drive the coil and the auxiliary coil jointly in rotation about a main axis of rotation, the main axis of rotation extending substantially tangentially relative to the outer circumference of each of the coil and the auxiliary coil;

[0074] - the coil manufacturing material wire is intended to be conveyed to the guiding device in a general direction, the wire of manufacturing material of the auxiliary coil being intended to be conveyed towards the auxiliary guiding device in an auxiliary general direction substantially opposite to the general direction, the general direction and the auxiliary general direction being substantially parallel to the main axis of rotation of the rotation mechanism; and

[0075] - the advancement of the manufacturing material wire unwound by the device advancement device causes the bobbin to rotate further about the bobbin axis and unwind the manufacturing material yarn from the bobbin, the advancement of the manufacturing material yarn unwound by the auxiliary advancement device causing the auxiliary bobbin to rotate further about the auxiliary bobbin axis and unwind the manufacturing material yarn from the auxiliary bobbin.

[0076] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a manufactured object from a manufacturing material using a manufacturing installation such as described above, the method comprising:

[0077] - a step of supplying the manufacturing system with manufacturing material by the power supply system; and

[0078] - a step of manufacturing the manufactured object by friction manufacturing- mixing from the manufacturing material by the manufacturing system;

[0079] the feeding step comprising a sub-step of unwinding the manufacturing material wire from the spool by the rotary unwinding device and a sub-step of guiding the manufacturing material wire unwound from the rotary unwinding device to the manufacturing system by the guiding device,

[0080] the unfolding sub-step further comprising:

[0081] - a rotation of the coil around the main rotation axis; and

[0082] - a rotation of the thread of manufacturing material unwound around its fiber neutral by the rotating unwinding device. (.

[0083] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0084] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective view from above of the manufacturing facility according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0085] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a side view of the manufacturing facility of [Fig.l];

[0086] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a sectional view along a vertical sectional plane of the system supply of the manufacturing facility of figures 1 and 2;

[0087] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from above of a portion of the device of rotary unwinding of the feed system of [Fig.3];

[0088] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective view from above of the portion of the device of rotary unwinding of [Fig.4], on which a spool of manufacturing material wire is arranged;

[0089] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a sectional view along section plane VLVI of a part of the portion of the rotary unwinding device of [Fig.5];

[0090] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view from above of a portion of the device of rotary unwinding of the feed system of [Fig.3], including in particular part of the coil confinement means;

[0091] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a sectional view along section plane VIII-VIII of a part of the portion of the rotary unwinding device illustrated in [Fig.7];

[0092] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a side view of a portion of the wire guide mechanism of manufacturing material unrolled from the rotary unrolling device of the feeding system of [Fig.3];

[0093] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is an enlarged view of a detail X of [Fig.3];

[0094] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view from above of a portion of the device of rotary unwinding of the feed system of [Fig.3];

[0095] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation of the manufacturing method according to the invention;

[0096] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a simplified schematic representation of a portion of a manufacturing installation according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

[0097] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a simplified schematic representation of a portion of a manufacturing installation according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0098] With reference to Figures 1 to 11, an installation 10 is described for manufacturing a manufactured object according to a first embodiment, in particular by additive manufacturing by friction-stir deposition (in English "additive friction stir deposition") from a manufacturing material.

[0099] The installation 10 comprises a manufacturing system 20 and a system 40 for supplying the manufacturing system 20 with manufacturing material.

[0100] The manufacturing system 20 is configured to manufacture the manufactured object by friction stir additive manufacturing from the manufacturing material.

[0101] With reference to figures 1 and 2, the manufacturing system 20 comprises for example at least one motor 22, an effector 24, a mixing pin 26 and an advancement device 27.

[0102] Optionally, the manufacturing system 20 further comprises a rectifier 28.

[0103] For example, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the manufacturing system 20 further comprises a robot 30 configured to manipulate the assembly comprising the at least one motor 22, the effector 24, the mixing pin 26, the advancement device 27 and where appropriate the rectifier 28.

[0104] The effector 24 is configured to be driven in rotation by the at least one motor 22.

[0105] The mixing pin 26 is configured to be driven in rotation by the effector 24.

[0106] The kneading pin 26 is in particular intended to knead a wire 44 of unwound manufacturing material, supplied by the feed system 40 (described in more detail below), to manufacture the manufactured object. In particular, kneading the wire 44 of unwound manufacturing material makes it possible to make the manufacturing material of the wire malleable in order to add this malleable material to a substrate in order to gradually manufacture the manufactured object.

[0107] The advancement device 27 is a device for advancing the wire 44 of unwound manufacturing material. The device 27 is configured to move the wire 44 of unwound manufacturing material towards the kneading pin 26. The wire 44 of unwound manufacturing material is continuous so that the manufacturing material is supplied from continuously to the mixing pin 26, in particular by the advancement device 27, as the manufacturing material is consumed.

[0108] Advantageously, as will be described in more detail below, the advancement device 27 is configured to drive a plate 58 of a rotation mechanism 56 of a rotary unwinding device 50 of the feed system 40, in rotation about a main rotation axis RI relative to a shaft 62 of the rotation mechanism 56, by advancing the wire 44, in particular by means of a free wheel 59.

[0109] The rectifier 28 is arranged upstream of the mixing pin 26.

[0110] The straightener 28 is configured to tension the curvature of the wire 44 of material of manufacturing rolled out to 0.

[0111] The robot 30 comprises at least one articulated arm 32 and at least one motorization device 34 configured to move the at least one articulated arm 32.

[0112] The at least one articulated arm 32 carries the assembly comprising the at least one motor 22, the effector 24, the mixing pin 26, the advancement device 27 and, where appropriate, the rectifier 28.

[0113] The at least one arm 32 is movable between a plurality of positions allowing the kneading pin 26 to be arranged precisely relative to the substrate of the manufactured object to be manufactured.

[0114] Advantageously, the manufacturing system 20 further comprises a motorization adaptation unit (not shown) configured to control and drive, in torque and force, the rotation of the mixing pin 26 (by controlling and driving for example the torque generated by the at least one motor 22 and the force generated by the robot 30) and the consumption of the manufacturing material during the mixing. Advantageously, the consumption of the manufacturing material during the mixing conditions the supply of manufacturing material supplied by the supply system 40. In particular, the motorization adaptation unit is further configured to control and drive the advancement device 27, in order to adapt the supply of the manufacturing material to the mixing pin 26 according to the consumption of the manufacturing material during the mixing.

[0115] The supply system 40 is configured to supply the manufacturing system 20 with manufacturing material, in particular according to the manufacturing material needs of the manufacturing system 20.

[0116] The feed system 40 comprises a spool 42 of manufacturing material wire, a rotary unwinding device 50 and a guide device 130.

[0117] The coil 42 (visible in Figures 1, 5 and 6) comprises the wire 44 of manufacturing material wound around a coil axis A-A'.

[0118] Advantageously, the coil 42 is intended to rest on the plate 58 of the mechanism for rotating 56 the rotary unwinding device 50 so that the reel axis A-A' is substantially perpendicular to the plate 58 and so that the rotation of the plate 58 around the main rotation axis RI causes the rotation of the reel 42 around the main rotation axis RI.

[0119] The manufacturing material is, for example, an alloy of iron, nickel, titanium, aluminum and / or magnesium. According to a particular example, the manufacturing material is invar, i.e. an alloy of iron and nickel.

[0120] The coil 42 comprises in particular between 15 kg and 50 kg of manufacturing material, preferably between 25 kg and 40 kg of manufacturing material.

[0121] The wire 44 of manufacturing material is, for example, a wire with a substantially circular normal section, having a diameter of between 2 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm, in particular substantially equal to 4 mm.

[0122] The wire 44 of manufacturing material has a neutral fiber. By "neutral fiber" is meant a line passing through the center of gravity of the normal sections of the wire 44.

[0123] The rotary unwinding device 50 is configured to unwind the yarn 44 of manufacturing material from the spool 42.

[0124] As will be described in more detail below, the rotary unwinding device 50 is configured to:

[0125] - driving the coil 42 in rotation around a main rotation axis RI; and

[0126] - drive the thread 44 of manufacturing material unwound in rotation around its fiber neutral.

[0127] In particular, the rotary unwinding device 50 comprises a support 52, the rotation mechanism 56, and a guide mechanism 100.

[0128] Still advantageously, as visible in figures 1 to 3, 10 and 11, the rotary unwinding device 50 further comprises a protection mechanism 126.

[0129] The support 52 is configured to support the rotation mechanism 56, the guide mechanism 100 and, if applicable, the protection mechanism 126.

[0130] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the support 52 comprises a box 53 mounted on wheels.

[0131] The support 52 is movable in a horizontal plane substantially parallel to the ground on which the box 53 rests. This makes it possible to arrange the assembly comprising the rotation mechanism 56, the guidance mechanism 100 and, where appropriate, the protection mechanism 126 relative to the manufacturing system 20.

[0132] As illustrated in the examples of Figures 1 and 2, the support 52 further comprises a post 54 for holding the guide device 130.

[0133] The holding post 54 is in particular arranged between on the one hand the assembly comprising the rotation mechanism 56, the guide mechanism 100 and where appropriate the protection mechanism 126 and on the other hand the manufacturing system 20.

[0134] As visible in the example of [Fig.2], the holding post 54 is mounted on the body 53. Advantageously, the holding post 54 is also mounted around a main axis of the robot 30. This makes it possible to facilitate the movement of the supply system 40 essentially in rotation around this main axis of the robot 30.

[0135] The holding post 54 comprises an element 55 for holding a guide sheath 132 of the guide device 130.

[0136] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the holding element 55 comprises for example a bracket and at least one pulley, the at least one pulley comprising a sheave configured to cooperate with the guide sheath 132.

[0137] The rotation mechanism 56 is mounted on the support 52.

[0138] The rotation mechanism 56 is configured to drive the spool 42 in rotation around the main rotation axis RL According to the example illustrated in figures 1 to 11, the main rotation axis RI is coincident with the coil axis A-A'.

[0139] In particular, the rotation mechanism 56 is configured to drive the spool 42 and the guide mechanism 100 jointly in rotation about the main rotation axis RL

[0140] Advantageously, the rotation mechanism 56 comprises the plate 58.

[0141] Still advantageously, the rotation mechanism 56 further comprises:

[0142] - a 60 engine;

[0143] - a tree 62; and

[0144] - a freewheel 59 (figures 3 and 6).

[0145] Still advantageously, the rotation mechanism 56 further comprises means 70 for confining the coil 42.

[0146] The plate 58 is movable in rotation around the main rotation axis RL

[0147] For example, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the tray 58 is a plate annular extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the main axis of rotation RL

[0148] The plate 58 is mounted on the shaft 62 by means of the freewheel 59.

[0149] The plate 58 is configured to be rotated by the shaft 62 by through the freewheel 59.

[0150] The shaft 62 extends substantially along the main rotation axis RI and is configured to be driven in rotation by the motor 60 around the main rotation axis RL.

[0151] Advantageously, the shaft 62 comprises two parts removably mounted on one another. The two parts of the shaft 62 are separable to allow the coil 42 to be mounted on the plate 58.

[0152] The rotation of the shaft 62 around the main rotation axis RI causes the rotation of the plate 58 around the main rotation axis RI via the freewheel 59.

[0153] For example, the rotation speed of the plate 58 around the main rotation axis RI, generated by the motor 60 and via the freewheel 59, is between 500 revolutions per minute and 5,000 revolutions per minute.

[0154] The freewheel 59 allows an additional rotation of the plate 58 around the main rotation axis RI relative to the shaft 62.

[0155] The advancement of the wire 44 of manufacturing material unwound by the advancement device 27 causes the additional rotation of the plate 58 around the main rotation axis RI relative to the shaft 62 and the unwinding of the wire 44 of manufacturing material from the spool 42.

[0156] The additional rotation speed of the plate 58 around the main rotation axis RI relative to the shaft 62 is for example between 0 revolutions per minute and 100 revolutions per minute, in particular between 0 revolutions per minute and 5 revolutions per minute.

[0157] The confinement means 70 are mounted on the shaft 62, in particular directly on the shaft 62, so as to be movable in rotation around the main rotation axis RI jointly with the shaft 62.

[0158] The confinement means 70 comprise an apparatus 72 for confining the coil 42.

[0159] Still advantageously, the confinement means 70 further comprise a constraint device 80.

[0160] Still advantageously, the confinement means 70 further comprise a complementary constraint device 86.

[0161] The containment apparatus 72 comprises at least one containment element 75.

[0162] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 7, the containment apparatus 72 comprises by example two containment elements 75 arranged symmetrically around the main rotation axis RL

[0163] For example, the at least one containment element 75 is a roller (as illustrated in Figures 3, 7 and 8) or a shoe.

[0164] As illustrated in Figures 3, 7 and 8, the at least one confinement element is movable in translation in a radial direction P substantially orthogonal to the main axis of rotation RI between:

[0165] - a strong support position in which the at least one confinement element 75 is resting on the external circumference of the coil 42, so as to rotationally secure the coil 42 and the plate 58 with the shaft 62; and

[0166] - a weak support position in which the at least one confinement element 75 is supported on the external circumference of the coil so as to allow the additional rotation of the plate 58 around the main axis of rotation RI relative to the shaft 62 while confining the coil 42 radially relative to the main axis of rotation RL

[0167] In particular, in the strong support position, the force exerted by the at least one confinement element 75 on the external circumference of the coil 42 is greater than the force exerted by the at least one confinement element 75 on the external circumference of the coil 42 in the weak support position.

[0168] The radial confinement of the coil 42 makes it possible to ensure unwinding that is optimally oriented relative to the guide mechanism 100, in particular relative to guide arms 106 of the guide mechanism 100.

[0169] As illustrated in the example of Figures 7 and 8, the confinement apparatus 72 further comprises, for each confinement element 75:

[0170] - a foot 73, the corresponding containment element 75 being mounted on the foot 73;

[0171] - an annular element 76 projecting radially from a peri-surface external spherical of the containment element 75; and

[0172] - a counter-support element 77.

[0173] Advantageously, the foot 73 is integral with the corresponding confinement element 75 in translation along the radial direction P.

[0174] The confinement element 75 has an external peripheral surface intended to be in contact with the coil 42, in particular the external circumference of the coil 42, in the strong and weak support positions.

[0175] The annular element 76 is configured to serve as an upper stop for the wire 44 of manufacturing material exiting the spool 42.

[0176] For example, the annular element 76 extends around the entire outer circumference of the containment element 75.

[0177] The counter-support element 77 projects over the foot 73 to the containment element 75. The counter-support element 77 is arranged so that the containment element 75 is constrained between the coil 42 and the counter-support element 77, particularly when the containment element 75 is in the strong support position. This makes it possible to optimize the contact between the outer circumference of the coil 42 and the containment element 75, particularly in the strong support position, by avoiding excessive bending of the containment element 75.

[0178] The constraining apparatus 80 is configured to radially constrain the at least one confinement element 75 against the coil 42 in the direction of the main rotation axis RL

[0179] As illustrated in Figures 3, 7 and 8, the constraining apparatus 80 comprises in particular a jack 81, a cable 82 and a rotary decoupling part 63.

[0180] The jack 81 is integral with the support 52 and is mounted on the shaft 62.

[0181] The cable 82 connects the at least one confinement element 75, in particular the foot 73, and the jack 81.

[0182] The rotary decoupling part 63 makes it possible to decouple the cylinder 81 and the shaft 62 in rotation.

[0183] The jack is configured to pull the at least one confinement element 75, in particular the foot 73, by means of the cable 82 radially in the direction of the main rotation axis RI in the radial direction P.

[0184] With reference to Figures 3 to 6, the complementary constraining apparatus 86 is configured to radially constrain the coil 42 towards the at least one confinement element 75.

[0185] The additional constraint device 86 makes it possible in particular to increase the support of the confinement element 75 on the external circumference of the coil 42, in particular in the strong support position.

[0186] In particular, the complementary constraint apparatus 86 comprises a plurality of rods 88 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the main rotation axis RI, and a plurality of constraint elements 90.

[0187] As visible in the example of figures 4 and 5, the complementary constraint apparatus 86 comprises in particular six rods 88 distributed uniformly opposite the internal circumference of the coil 42 when the coil 42 is mounted on the plate 58.

[0188] For example, as illustrated in Figures 3 to 6, the rods 88 are arranged around the shaft 62 of the rotation mechanism 56.

[0189] The rods 88 are mounted to move in translation on the rotation mechanism 56 in the radial direction P.

[0190] The rods 88 are intended to bear on the internal circumference of the coil 42.

[0191] As illustrated in [Fig.6], the constraining elements 90 are compression springs integral with the plate 58 configured to constrain the rods 88 toward the inner circumference of the coil 42.

[0192] The guide mechanism 100 is configured to guide the unwound yarn 44 of manufacturing material to the guide device 130, in particular to the guide sheath 132 of the guide device 130, in particular to a tubular passage 134 of the guide sheath 132 of the guide device 130, and is configured to constrain the unwound yarn 44 of manufacturing material so that the unwound yarn 44 of manufacturing material rotates around its neutral fiber at the inlet of the guide device 130.

[0193] As illustrated in [Fig.3], the conveyance of the wire 44 of manufacturing material from the reel 42 to the guide device 130 takes place in a general direction D substantially parallel to the main axis of rotation RL.

[0194] In particular, as seen in Figures 1 and 3, the guide mechanism 100 is configured so that the path of the unwound manufacturing material wire 44 describes, between the coil 42 and an inlet 131 of the guide device 130, substantially a conical (or spiral) helix trajectory whose cone has its apex opposite the inlet 131 of the guide device 130 ([Fig. 10]), in particular opposite a proximal end 132A of the guide sheath 132.

[0195] The guide mechanism 100 comprises a central frame 102 mounted on the rotation mechanism 56, in particular on the shaft 62.

[0196] Advantageously, as illustrated in [Fig.3], the central frame 102 comprises a central column 104 and a plurality of guide arms 106 mounted on the central column 104.

[0197] Still advantageously, the central frame 102 further comprises a dynamic balancing means 116. The dynamic balancing means 116 is also an aerodynamic balancing means.

[0198] The central column 104 extends along a column axis B-B' coincident with the main rotation axis RL

[0199] With reference to figures 3 and 10, the central column 104 extends in particular from a proximal end 104A mounted on the rotation mechanism 56, in particular on the shaft 62, to a distal end 104B mounted opposite the proximal end 132A of the guide sheath 132.

[0200] The central column 104 is in particular driven in rotation around the main rotation axis RI by the rotation mechanism 56, in particular by the shaft 62.

[0201] The guide arms 106 are mounted on the central column 104 so as to be distributed along the column axis B-B'.

[0202] Each guide arm 106 extends substantially perpendicular to the column axis B-B' from the central column 104 to a radial end 106A.

[0203] With reference to Figures 3 and 9, each guide arm 106 comprises a tubular guide element 108. The tubular guide element 108 is notably arranged at the radial end 106A of the corresponding guide arm 106.

[0204] Advantageously, the tubular guide element 108 delimits an orifice 110 for guiding the wire 44 of unwound manufacturing material through which the wire of unwound manufacturing material is intended to extend and in particular to pass during its routing towards the guide device 130.

[0205] Still advantageously, the tubular guide element 108 comprises at least one rolling part 112 extending substantially into the guide orifice 110 and intended to cooperate with the wire 44 of manufacturing material unwound during its passage through the guide orifice 110. According to the example illustrated in [Fig. 9], the tubular guide element 108 comprises three rolling parts 112. The rolling parts 112 make it possible to facilitate the passage of the wire 44 of manufacturing material unwound through the guide hole 110 and to guide the path of the wire 44 precisely.

[0206] The at least one rolling part 112 is, for example, a roller or a ball.

[0207] With reference to Figures 3 and 9, the dynamic balancing means 116 is mounted on the central column 104.

[0208] The dynamic balancing means 116 is arranged so that the masses of the dynamic balancing means 116, the guide arms 106 and the wire 44 of unwound manufacturing material extending between the coil 42 and the sheath 132, are distributed substantially symmetrically around the main axis of rotation RI.

[0209] In particular, with reference to Figures 3 and 9, the dynamic balancing means 116 comprises a plurality of balancing arms 118 and a balancing wire 124.

[0210] The balancing arms 118 are mounted on the central column 104 so as to be distributed along the column axis B-B'.

[0211] Each balancing arm 118 extends substantially perpendicular to the column axis B-B' from the central column 104 to a radial end 118A.

[0212] As illustrated in the examples of Figures 3 and 9, each balancing arm 118 extends from the central column 104 opposite a corresponding guide arm 106, in the direction of extension but in a direction opposite the corresponding guide arm 106. This allows dynamic, but also aerodynamic, balancing.

[0213] Each balancing arm 118 comprises a tubular holding element 120. The tubular holding element 120 is notably arranged on the radial end 118A.

[0214] The tubular holding element 120 delimits an orifice 122 for holding the balancing wire 124 through which the balancing wire 124 extends.

[0215] The balancing wire 124 and the balancing arms 118, in particular the tubular holding elements 120, are arranged so that the mass of the balancing arms 118 and the balancing wire 124 is distributed symmetrically around the main axis of rotation RI relative to the mass of the guide arms 106 and the wire 44 of unwound manufacturing material extending between the coil 42 and the sheath 132.

[0216] In particular, the guide mechanism 100 is configured so that the trajectory of the balancing wire 124 describes substantially a conical (or spiral) helix trajectory whose cone has its apex opposite the inlet 131 of the guide device 130, this trajectory being advantageously substantially symmetrical to the trajectory of the wire 44 of manufacturing material unwound between the spool 42 and the inlet 131, relative to the main axis of rotation RL

[0217] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and 11, the protection mechanism 126 comprises a frame 127 mounted on the support 52, a casing 128 mounted on the frame 127 and a removable cover 129 mounted on the casing 128.

[0218] The frame 127 is mounted on the support 52 and extends between the rotation mechanism 56 and the guide device 130, in particular the proximal end 132A of the guide sheath 132.

[0219] The casing 128 delimits, in particular with the support 52 and with the removable cover 129 when the latter is closed, an enclosure in which the rotation mechanism 56 and the guide mechanism 100 are arranged and in which the wire 44 of unwound manufacturing material is intended to move from the reel 42 towards the guide device 130.

[0220] For example, the casing 128 has a generally truncated conical shape.

[0221] The removable cover 129 is movable between an open position (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the removable cover 129 provides access to the enclosure from the outside and a closed position (not shown) in which access to the enclosure is prevented. In the closed position, the operation of unwinding the wire from the spool 42 to the guide device 130 is protected from any harmful interaction with elements external to the feed system 40.

[0222] For example, the assembly comprising the casing 128 and the removable cover 129 has, when the removable cover 129 is in its closed position, a generally conical shape.

[0223] The guide device 130 is configured to guide the yarn 44 of manufacturing material unwound from the rotary unwinding device 50 to the manufacturing system 20.

[0224] As illustrated in the example of Figures 1 to 3 and 10, the guide device 130 comprises a guide sheath 132.

[0225] The guiding device 130 comprises an inlet 131. The inlet 131 corresponds for example to a proximal end 132A of the guiding sheath 132.

[0226] The guide sheath 132 extends from the proximal end 132A connected to the rotary unwinding device 50 to a distal end 132B connected to the manufacturing system 20.

[0227] Advantageously, the guide sheath 132, in particular the proximal end 132A, is mounted on the support 52, in particular by means of the protection mechanism 126. As illustrated in the example of FIGS. 3 and 10, the guide sheath 132, in particular the proximal end 132A, is mounted on the frame 127 of the protection mechanism 126.

[0228] The guide sheath 132 is configured to guide the yarn 44 of unwound manufacturing material from the rotary unwinding device 50 to the manufacturing system 20.

[0229] In particular, the guide sheath 132 delimits a tubular passage 134 in which the wire 44 of material is intended to extend and move, both in rotation and in translation.

[0230] The guide sheath 132 advantageously has a circular cross section.

[0231] The guide sheath 132 has, for example, an internal diameter of between 12 mm and 26 mm.

[0232] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the guide sheath 132 extends between the proximal end 132A and the distal end 132B along a curved path.

[0233] For example, the trajectory of the guide sheath 132 has a minimum radius of curvature of between 1 m and 2 m.

[0234] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate several possible positions of the guide sheath 132 depending on the positioning of the support 52 and depending on the positioning of the at least one arm 32 of the robot 30. A first positioning of the guide sheath 132 is shown in a continuous line and two alternative positions of the guide sheath 132 are shown in dotted lines in Figures 1 and 2.

[0235] Advantageously, the guide device 130 further comprises a mechanism for cooling the guide sheath 132 (not shown).

[0236] For example, the cooling mechanism comprises a means for circulating a cooling fluid configured to circulate the cooling fluid in contact with the guide sheath 132. For example, the means for circulating the cooling fluid is configured to circulate the cooling fluid in the guide sheath 132, in particular in the tubular passage 134 around the wire 44 of unwound manufacturing material, or around the guide sheath 132.

[0237] The cooling fluid is for example air.

[0238] The means for circulating the cooling fluid comprises, for example, a compressor.

[0239] In the following, with reference to [Fig. 12], a method 200 for manufacturing a manufactured object using the manufacturing installation 10 is described.

[0240] The manufacturing method 200 comprises a step 202 of supplying the manufacturing system 20 with manufacturing material by the supply system 40.

[0241] The feeding step includes a substep 202A of unwinding the yarn 44 of manufacturing material from the spool 42 by the rotary unwinding device 50.

[0242] The unwinding sub-step 202A comprises rotating the spool 42 around the main rotation axis RI and rotating the yarn 44 of manufacturing material unwound around its neutral fiber by the rotary unwinding device 50.

[0243] In particular, the rotation mechanism 56 drives the coil 42 and the guide mechanism 100 jointly in rotation around the main rotation axis RL. This makes it possible in particular to rotate the wire 44 around its neutral fiber at the distal end 104B of the central column 104 of the guide mechanism 100.

[0244] Advantageously, the sub-step 202A of unwinding the wire 44 further comprises conveying the wire 44 of manufacturing material unwound from the reel 42 to the guide device 130 in the general direction D, in particular by advancing the wire 44 of manufacturing material unwound by the advancement device 27 of the manufacturing system 20.

[0245] Still advantageously, the sub-step 202A of unwinding the wire 44 further comprises guiding the wire 44 of manufacturing material unwound to the guide sheath 132 by the guide mechanism 100, in particular by gradually rotating it around its neutral fiber.

[0246] For example, the guide mechanism 100 guides the wire 44 so that the trajectory of the unwound wire 44 substantially describes a conical helix trajectory whose cone has its apex opposite the inlet 131 of the guide device 130.

[0247] In particular, when guiding the wire 44 by the mechanism 100, the wire 44 of unwound material extends through the guide orifices 110 delimited by the tubular guide elements 108 of the guide arms 106.

[0248] In particular, the wire 44 cooperates with the at least one rolling part 112 of each tubular guide element 108.

[0249] The feeding step 202 further comprises a sub-step 202B of guiding the wire 44 of manufacturing material unwound from the rotary unwinding device 50 to the manufacturing system 20 by the guiding device 130, in particular by the guiding sheath 132.

[0250] In particular, during the guiding sub-step 202B, the wire 44 of material extends and moves, both in rotation around its neutral fiber and in translation in the tubular passage 134 delimited by the guiding sheath 132.

[0251] The method further comprises a step 204 of manufacturing the manufactured object by friction-stirring manufacturing from the manufacturing material by the manufacturing system 20.

[0252] In particular, the manufacturing step 204 comprises a sub-step of kneading the wire 44 of manufacturing material unwound by the kneading pin 26 to manufacture the manufactured object.

[0253] In particular, in parallel with the sub-step of kneading the wire 44, the manufacturing step further comprises a sub-step of advancing the wire 44 of manufacturing material by the advancing device 27.

[0254] Optionally, before the kneading sub-step, the manufacturing step comprises a sub-step of straightening the wire 44 of manufacturing material unwound by the straightener 28. In particular, during the straightening sub-step, the straightener 28 causes the curvature of the wire 44 of manufacturing material unwound to tend towards 0.

[0255] According to a non-illustrated variant, the guide mechanism 100 comprises at least an annular guide element mounted on the internal circumference of the casing 128 or on the frame 127.

[0256] The at least one annular guide element comprises an internal radial surface for supporting the wire 44 of unwound manufacturing material, on which the wire 44 is intended to rest during its transit from the reel 42 to the guide device 130.

[0257] For example, the guide mechanism 100 comprises a plurality of annular guide elements distributed along the main rotation axis RI, arranged so that the wire 44 is constrained so that it describes substantially a conical helix trajectory as mentioned above.

[0258] According to another variant not illustrated, the guide device 130 comprises at least one ball bushing arranged inside the guide sheath 132, in particular in the tubular passage 134.

[0259] The at least one ball bushing delimits a hollow internal tubular space in which the unwound wire 44 of manufacturing material is intended to circulate. This makes it possible to guide the unwound wire 44 of manufacturing material in the tubular passage 134 in rotation without friction.

[0260] The at least one ball bushing is configured to reduce friction resulting from rotational and translational movements of the unwound wire 44 of manufacturing material relative to the guide sleeve 132.

[0261] Advantageously, the guide device 130 comprises a plurality of ball bushings arranged between different longitudinal sections of the guide sheath 132.

[0262] According to yet another non-illustrated variant, the cooling mechanism comprises a sealed flexible conduit surrounding the guide sheath 132.

[0263] According to this variant, the cooling mechanism further comprises a means for circulating an auxiliary cooling fluid configured to circulate the auxiliary cooling fluid, for example water, in an annular space delimited by the guide sheath 132 and the flexible pipe.

[0264] According to a second embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 13], the rotation mechanism 256 is configured to drive the spool 242 in rotation about a main rotation axis R2 substantially perpendicular to the spool axis 242 and passing through the center of the spool 242. In this embodiment, the spool 242 is further rotatable about the spool axis C-C' so that the advancement of the wire 244 of manufacturing material unwound by the advancement device causes the spool 242 to further rotate about the spool axis 242 and to unwind the wire 244 of manufacturing material from the spool 242.

[0265] In the second embodiment, the mechanism 300 for guiding the unwound manufacturing material wire comprises a guide funnel 302 comprising a tubular passage 304 extending substantially along the main rotation axis R2 in facing the inlet of the guide device 330. The tubular passage 304 is intended to channel the unwound yarn 244 of manufacturing material so that the yarn 244 rotates around its neutral fiber at the inlet of the guide device 330. The rotation of the coil 42 around the main rotation axis R2 substantially perpendicular to the axis of the coil 42, in particular in conjunction with the cooperation of the yarn 244 with the guide funnel 302, causes the rotation of the unwound yarn 244 of manufacturing material around its neutral fiber.

[0266] According to a third embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 14], the manufacturing installation 10 comprises a manufacturing system 420 and an auxiliary manufacturing system 421. The auxiliary manufacturing system 421 is configured to manufacture the manufactured object together with the manufacturing system 420 or an auxiliary manufactured object, by friction stir additive manufacturing from the manufacturing material.

[0267] The manufacturing system 420 notably comprises:

[0268] - at least one engine;

[0269] - an effector configured to be driven in rotation by the at least one motor;

[0270] - a mixing pin 426 configured to be driven in rotation by the effector, the kneading pin 426 being intended to knead a wire 444 of manufacturing material unwound from a spool 442 to manufacture the manufactured object, the kneading pin 426 being configured to be rotated by the auxiliary effector;

[0271] - a device 428 for advancing the wire 444 of manufacturing material unwound from the spool 442, configured to move the yarn 444 of unwound manufacturing material from the spool 442 to the kneading pin 426.

[0272] The auxiliary manufacturing system 421 comprises in particular:

[0273] - at least one auxiliary engine;

[0274] - an auxiliary effector configured to be rotated by the at least one auxiliary engine;

[0275] - an auxiliary mixing pin 427 configured to be rotated by the auxiliary effector, the auxiliary kneading pin 427 being intended to knead a wire 445 of manufacturing material unwound from an auxiliary spool 443 to manufacture the manufactured object or the auxiliary manufactured object, the auxiliary kneading pin 427 being configured to be rotated by the auxiliary effector;

[0276] - an auxiliary device 429 for advancing the wire 445 of manufacturing material unwound from the auxiliary spool 443, configured to move the yarn 445 of manufacturing material unwound from the auxiliary spool to the auxiliary kneading pin 427.

[0277] In the third embodiment, the supply system 440 is configured to supply the manufacturing system 420 and the auxiliary manufacturing system 421 with manufacturing material.

[0278] The feed system 440 comprises the spool 442 of a manufacturing material wire wound around a spool axis D-D' and the auxiliary spool 443 of a manufacturing material wire wound around an auxiliary spool axis E-E'. The spool axis D-D' and the auxiliary spool axis E-E' are notably parallel.

[0279] The rotary unwinding device 450 is configured to unwind the manufacturing material wire from the spool 442 and the manufacturing material wire from the auxiliary spool 443.

[0280] The feed system 440 comprises a device 530 for guiding the manufacturing material wire unwound from the reel 442 from the rotary unwinding device 450 to the manufacturing system 420 and a device 531 for auxiliary guiding the manufacturing material wire unwound from the reel 443 from the rotary unwinding device 450 to the auxiliary manufacturing system 421.

[0281] The guide device 530 includes a guide sheath 532 extending from a proximal end connected to the rotary unwinding device 450 to a distal end connected to the manufacturing system 420.

[0282] The guide sheath 532 is configured to guide the wire of manufacturing material unwound from the spool 442 from the rotary unwinding device 450 to the manufacturing system 420.

[0283] The auxiliary guide device 531 includes an auxiliary guide sheath 533 extending from a proximal end connected to the rotary unwinding device 450 to a distal end connected to the auxiliary manufacturing system 421.

[0284] The auxiliary guide sheath 533 is configured to guide the manufacturing material yarn unwound from the auxiliary spool 443 from the rotary unwinding device 450 to the auxiliary manufacturing system 421.

[0285] For example, the coil 442 and the auxiliary coil 443 are mounted on the rotation mechanism 456 such that the coil 442 and the auxiliary coil 443 extend in a common plane.

[0286] The rotation mechanism 456 is configured to jointly drive the spool 442 and the auxiliary spool 443 to rotate about a main rotation axis R3, the main rotation axis R3 extending substantially tangentially to the outer circumference of each of the spool 442 and the auxiliary spool 443.

[0287] The manufacturing material wire of the coil 442 is conveyed towards the guide device 530 in a general direction DI.

[0288] The manufacturing material wire of the auxiliary coil 443 is conveyed to the auxiliary guide device 531 in a general auxiliary direction D2 substantially opposite to the general direction DI. The general direction DI and the general auxiliary direction D2 are substantially parallel to the main rotation axis R3 of the 456 rotating mechanism.

[0289] In particular, the guide mechanism 500 is configured to guide the yarn 444 and the yarn 445 of manufacturing material unwound to the guide device 530, respectively 531 and to constrain the yarn 444 and the yarn 445 so that the yarns 444, 445 rotate around their respective neutral fiber at the entrance of the guide device 530, respectively 531.

[0290] In particular, as illustrated in [Fig. 14], the guide mechanism 500 is configured to guide and / or constrain the spool manufacturing material wire 442 and the auxiliary spool manufacturing material wire 443 so that they extend substantially along the main rotation axis R3 between the spool 442 and the guide device 530, respectively between the auxiliary spool 443 and the auxiliary guide device 531.

[0291] The unwinding of the wire from the spool 442 and the wire from the spool 443 is then done by additional rotations of the two spools 442 and 443 around their respective spool axis D-D' and E-E'.

[0292] Advantageously, in the third embodiment, the mechanism 500 for guiding the unwound yarn of manufacturing material comprises a first guide funnel 502 and a second guide funnel 503. The first guide funnel 502 comprises a tubular passage 404 extending substantially along the main axis of rotation R3 opposite the inlet of the guide device 530. The tubular passage 404 is intended to channel the yarn 444 of unwound manufacturing material so that the yarn 444 rotates around its neutral fiber at the inlet of the guide device 530. The second guide funnel 503 comprises a tubular passage 406 extending substantially along the main axis of rotation R3 opposite the inlet of the auxiliary guide device 531. The tubular passage 406 is intended to channel the yarn 445 of unwound manufacturing material so that the yarn 445 rotates around its neutral fiber at the input of the auxiliary guidance device 531.The rotation of the coils 442 and 443 around the main rotation axis R3, which is in particular substantially perpendicular to the plane comprising the axes D-D' and E-E', in particular in conjunction with the cooperation of the wires 444 and 445 with the guide funnels 502, 503, causes the rotation of the wires 444 and 445 of manufacturing material unwound around their respective neutral fiber.

[0293] Advantageously, the manufacturing system 420 and the auxiliary manufacturing system 421 are arranged so that the mixing pin 426 and the auxiliary mixing pin 427 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry S, so that the force vectors exerted respectively by the mixing pin 426 and by the auxiliary mixing pin 427 are of substantially equal directions and norms but of opposite directions and so that the manufacturing material of the coil 442 and the manufacturing material of the auxiliary coil 443 are kneaded and advanced along respective symmetrical trajectories. This makes it possible to obtain a total component of the forces exerted by the kneading pin 426 and the auxiliary kneading pin 427 which is very significantly reduced, while advancing and kneading the material along symmetrical trajectories, in particular with respect to the plane of symmetry S.

[0294] Also advantageously, the mixing pin 426 and the auxiliary mixing pin 427 are supplied with the same quantity of manufacturing material per unit of time.

[0295] For example, the kneading pin 426 and the auxiliary kneading pin 427 are intended for the manufacture of two opposite portions of a manufactured object extending substantially along the plane of symmetry S. As a variant, the kneading pin 426 and the auxiliary kneading pin 427 are intended for the manufacture of two manufactured objects arranged against each other in a symmetrical manner with respect to the plane of symmetry S.

[0296] The manufacturing installation 10 according to the invention is simple, fast and efficient. It also presents less risk for an operator intended to interact with it and leads to the manufacture of a manufactured object of superior quality.

[0297] Indeed, the reels 42 of manufacturing material are easy to manufacture and easily stored and transported.

[0298] By using these coils, the manufacturing material is consumed continuously without requiring any operator monitoring for the supply of manufacturing material. The manufacturing of the manufactured object is therefore facilitated and the quality of the manufactured object obtained is improved.

[0299] Furthermore, the joint use of the rotation mechanism 56 and the guide mechanism 100 makes it possible to transform a rotation of the spool 42 into a rotation of the wire 44 on itself at high speed and to generate an unwinding of the wire 44 at relatively lower speed, according to the needs of the manufacturing system 20.

[0300] The guiding of the wire 44 by the guiding device 130, in particular by the guiding sheath 132, allows a significant straightening of the curvature of the wire 44 (which the latter adopts in particular because of its storage in wound form in the spool 42).

[0301] The use of the dynamic balancing means 116 makes it possible to obtain a dynamic and aerodynamic balance of the power supply system 40 which is native and stable.

[0302] The use of the constraint device 80 and the complementary constraint device 86 makes it possible to counteract the possible ejection of the wire 44 by centrifugal force during rotation around the main rotation axis RL. The force of the jack 81 will be set according to this phenomenon, in particular in the strong support position, while allowing in the weak support position, to deconfine the wire 44 by additional rotation of the spool 42 and the plate 58, mounted on a freewheel.

Claims

Claims

1. An installation (10) for manufacturing a manufactured object, comprising: - a manufacturing system (20; 420) configured to manufacture the manufactured object by friction-stir additive manufacturing from a manufacturing material; and - a supply system (40; 440) configured to supply the manufacturing system (20; 420) with manufacturing material; the supply system (40) comprising: - a spool (42; 242; 442) of a wire (44; 244; 444) of manufacturing material wound around a spool axis (A-A'; C-C'; D-D'), the wire (44; 244; 444) of manufacturing material having a neutral fiber; - a rotary unwinding device (50; 250; 450) configured to unwind the yarn (44; 244; 444) of manufacturing material from the spool (42; 242; 442); and - a device (130; 330; 530) for guiding the yarn (44; 244; 444) of manufacturing material unwound from the rotary unwinding device (50; 250;450) to the manufacturing system (20; 420); the rotary unwinding device (50; 250; 450) being configured to: - drive the spool (42; 242; 442) in rotation about a main rotation axis (RI; R2; R3); and - drive the unwound yarn (44; 244; 444) of manufacturing material in rotation about its neutral fiber.;

2. The manufacturing installation (10) of claim 1, wherein the device (130; 330; 530) for guiding the wire (44; 244; 444) of unwound manufacturing material comprises a guide sheath (132; 532) extending from a proximal end (132A) connected to the rotary unwinding device (50; 250; 450) to a distal end (132B) connected to the manufacturing system (20; 420), the guide sheath (132; 532) being configured to guide the wire (44; 244; 444) of unwound manufacturing material from the rotary unwinding device (50; 250; 450) to the manufacturing system (20; 420).

3. Manufacturing installation (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotary unwinding device (50; 250; 450) comprises: - a support (52; 252; 452); - a rotation mechanism (56; 256; 456) mounted on the support (52; 252; 452) and configured to drive the spool (42; 242; 442) in rotation about the main axis of rotation (RI; R2; R3); and - a mechanism (100; 300; 500) for guiding the unwound yarn (44; 244; 444) of manufacturing material, configured to guide the unwound yarn (44; 244; 444) of manufacturing material to the guiding device (130; 330; 530) and configured to constrain the unwound yarn (44; 244; 444) of manufacturing material so that the unwound yarn (44; 244; 444) of manufacturing material rotates about its neutral fiber at the inlet of the guiding device (130; 330; 530).

4. Manufacturing installation (10) according to claim 3, wherein the guide device (130) comprises an inlet (131) for receiving the yarn (44) of manufacturing material unwound supplied by the rotary unwinding device (50), the guide mechanism (100) being configured so that the trajectory of the yarn (44) of manufacturing material unwound describes, between the spool (42) and the inlet (131) of the guide device (130), substantially a conical helix trajectory whose cone has its apex opposite the inlet (131) of the guide device (130).

5. Manufacturing installation (10) according to claim 4, in which the rotation mechanism (56) is configured to drive the coil (42) and the guide mechanism (100) jointly in rotation about the main rotation axis (RI), the guide mechanism (100) comprising a central frame (102) comprising: - a central column (104) extending along a column axis (B-B') merged with the main rotation axis (RI) from a proximal end (104A) mounted on the rotation mechanism (56) to a distal end (104B) mounted opposite the inlet (131) of the guide device (130);- a plurality of guide arms (106) mounted on the central column (104) so as to be distributed along the column axis (B-B'), each guide arm (106) extending substantially perpendicular to the column axis (B-B') from the central column (104), each guide arm (106) comprising a tubular guide element (108) delimiting an orifice (110) for guiding the wire (44) of unwound manufacturing material through which the wire (44) of unwound manufacturing material is intended to extend.;

6. A manufacturing facility (10) according to claim 5, wherein the tubular guide element (108) comprises at least one rolling part (112), extending substantially into the guide orifice (110) and intended to cooperate with the wire (44) of manufacturing material unwound during its passage through the guide orifice (110).

7. A manufacturing facility (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the central frame (102) further comprises dynamic balancing means (116) mounted on the central column (104) and arranged such that the masses of the dynamic balancing means (116), the guide arms (106) and the unwound wire (44) of manufacturing material are distributed substantially symmetrically around the main axis of rotation (RI).

8. Manufacturing installation (10) according to claim 7, wherein the dynamic balancing means (116) comprises a balancing wire (124) and a plurality of balancing arms (118) mounted on the central column (104) so as to be distributed along the column axis (B-B'), each balancing arm (118) extending substantially perpendicular to the column axis (B-B') from the central column (104) to a radial end (118A), each balancing arm (118) comprising a tubular holding element (120) delimiting an orifice (122) for holding the balancing wire (124) through which the balancing wire (124) extends,the balancing arms (118) and the balancing wire (124) being arranged such that the mass of the balancing arms (118) and the balancing wire (124) is distributed symmetrically around the main axis of rotation (RI) relative to the mass of the guide arms (106) and the wire (44) of unwound manufacturing material.,

9. Manufacturing installation (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the manufacturing system (20; 420) comprises: - at least one motor (22); - an effector (24) configured to be driven in rotation by the at least one motor (22); - a kneading pin (26; 426) configured to be driven in rotation by the effector (24), the kneading pin (26; 426) being intended to knead the unwound wire (44; 444) of manufacturing material to manufacture the manufactured object; - a device (27; 428) for advancing the unwound wire (44; 444) of manufacturing material, configured to move the unwound wire (44; 444) of material manufacturing rolled out towards the mixing pin (26; 426).

10. Manufacturing installation (10) according to claim 9, in which the rotation speed of the kneading pin (26) is substantially equal to the rotation speed of the wire (44) of manufacturing material unwound around its neutral fiber.

11. Manufacturing installation (10) according to claim 9 or 10, in which the main rotation axis (RI) coincides with the coil axis (A-A'), the rotation mechanism (56) comprising a plate (58) movable in rotation around the main rotation axis (RI), the coil (42) being intended to rest on the plate (58) so that the coil axis (A-A') is substantially perpendicular to the plate (58) and so that the rotation of the plate (58) around the main rotation axis (RI) causes the rotation of the coil (42) around the main rotation axis (RI).

12. Manufacturing installation (10) according to claim 11, in which the rotation mechanism (56) further comprises: - a motor (60); - a shaft (62) extending substantially along the main rotation axis (RI) and configured to be rotated by the motor (60) around the main rotation axis (RI); and - a freewheel (59);the plate (58) being mounted on the shaft (62) via the freewheel (59), rotation of the shaft (62) about the main rotation axis (RI) causing rotation of the plate (58) about the main rotation axis (RI) via the freewheel (59), the freewheel (59) allowing further rotation of the plate (58) about the main rotation axis (RI) relative to the shaft (62), advancement of the wire (44) of manufacturing material unwound by the advancement device (27) causing further rotation of the plate (58) about the main rotation axis (RI) relative to the shaft (62) and unwinding of the wire (44) of manufacturing material from the spool (42).;

13. Manufacturing installation (10) according to claim 12, in which the speed of the additional rotation of the plate (58) around the main rotation axis (RI) relative to the shaft (62) is between 0 revolutions per minute and 100 revolutions per minute, for example between 0 revolutions per minute and 5 revolutions per minute.

14. Manufacturing installation (10) according to claim 12 or 13, in which the rotation mechanism (56) further comprises means (70) for confining the coil (42), the confining means (70) being mounted on the shaft (62) so as to be movable in rotation around the main axis of rotation (RI) together with the shaft (62), the confining means (70) comprising a confining apparatus (72) comprising at least one confining element (75) movable in translation in a radial direction (P) substantially orthogonal to the main axis of rotation (RI) between: - a strong support position in which the at least one confining element (75) bears on the external circumference of the coil (42) so as to rotationally secure the coil (42) and the plate (58) with the shaft (62);and - a weak support position in which the at least one confinement element (75) bears on the external circumference of the coil (42) so as to allow the additional rotation of the plate (58) around the main axis of rotation (RI) relative to the shaft (62) while confining the coil (42) radially relative to the main axis of rotation (RI).;

15. A manufacturing facility (10) according to claim 14, wherein the containment means (70) further comprises a constraining apparatus (80) configured to radially constrain the at least one containment element (75) against the coil (42) in the direction of the main axis of rotation (RI).

16. A manufacturing facility (10) according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the containment means (70) further comprises a complementary constraining apparatus (86) configured to radially constrain the coil (42) towards the at least one containment element (75).

17. Manufacturing installation (10) according to claim 3, in which the main rotation axis (R2) is substantially perpendicular to the coil axis (C-C') and passes through the center of the coil (242), the coil (242) being mounted rotatably about the coil axis (C-C') on the rotation mechanism (256).

18. A manufacturing installation (10) according to claim 17 when taken in combination with claim 9 or 10, wherein the advancement of the yarn (244) of manufacturing material unwound by the advancement device (27) causes the further rotation of the spool. (242) around the spool axis (C-C') and unwinding the yarn (244) of manufacturing material from the spool (242).

19. A manufacturing facility (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 when taken in combination with claim 9 or 10, further comprising an auxiliary manufacturing system (421) configured to manufacture the manufactured object or to manufacture an auxiliary manufactured object by friction stir additive manufacturing from the manufacturing material, the supply system (440) being further configured to supply the auxiliary manufacturing system (421) with manufacturing material, the supply system (440) further comprising an auxiliary spool (443) of a yarn (445) of manufacturing material wound around an auxiliary spool axis (E-E'), the rotary unwinding device (450) being further configured to unwind the yarn (445) of manufacturing material from the auxiliary spool (443),the feeding system (440) further comprising a device (531) for auxiliary guiding the yarn (445) of manufacturing material unwound from the auxiliary reel (443) from the rotary unwinding device (450) to the auxiliary manufacturing system (421), the auxiliary manufacturing system (421) comprising:, - an auxiliary kneading pin (427) for kneading the yarn (445) of manufacturing material unwound from the auxiliary reel (443) to manufacture the manufactured object or the auxiliary manufactured object; and - an auxiliary device (429) for advancing the yarn (445) of manufacturing material unwound from the auxiliary reel (443), configured to move the yarn (445) of manufacturing material unwound from the auxiliary reel (443) towards the auxiliary kneading pin (427); the kneading pin (426) and the auxiliary kneading pin (427) being capable of being arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry (S), so that force vectors exerted respectively by the kneading pin (426) and by the auxiliary kneading pin (427) are of substantially equal directions and norms but of opposite directions and so that the manufacturing material of the coil (442) and the manufacturing material of the auxiliary coil (443) are kneaded and advanced according to respective symmetrical trajectories.

20. A method (200) of manufacturing a manufactured article from a manufacturing material using a manufacturing facility (10) according to any preceding claim, the method (200) including: - a step (202) of supplying the manufacturing system (20) with manufacturing material by the supply system (40); and - a step (204) of manufacturing the manufactured object by friction-stirring manufacturing from the manufacturing material by the manufacturing system (20); the feeding step (202) comprising a sub-step (202A) of unwinding the manufacturing material wire (44) from the spool (42) by the rotary unwinding device (50) and a sub-step (202B) of guiding the manufacturing material wire (44) unwound from the rotary unwinding device (50) to the manufacturing system (20) by the guiding device (130), the unwinding sub-step (202A) further comprising: - a rotation of the coil (42) around the main rotation axis (RI); and - rotation of the thread (44) of manufacturing material unwound around its neutral fiber by the rotary unwinding device (50).

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