Device for manufacturing a stiffened panel made of composite material comprising a system for temporarily holding mandrels on a laying surface

Abstract

Device for manufacturing a stiffened panel made of composite material comprising a system for temporarily holding mandrels on a laying surface The subject of the invention is a device for manufacturing a stiffened panel made of composite material which comprises: a laying surface (34), a set of mandrels (36, 36') attached to each other on the laying surface (34) and configured to each support a profile made of composite material, their ends being connected to the laying surface (34), a compression system configured to press the mandrels (36, 36') against each other, a system for temporarily holding the mandrels (36, 36') which comprises at least one housing (50) secured at least temporarily to the laying surface (34) as well as, for each mandrel (36, 36'), at least one indexing pin (48) secured to the mandrel (36, 36') and configured to be housed at least temporarily in the accommodation (50). Figure 7

Description

Title of the invention: Device for manufacturing a stiffened panel made of composite material comprising a system for temporarily holding mandrels on a laying surface

[0001] The present application relates to a device for manufacturing a stiffened panel made of composite material comprising a system for temporarily holding mandrels on a laying surface as well as to a method for manufacturing a stiffened panel using said device.

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

[0003] According to an operating mode visible in [Fig.2], a method for manufacturing a stiffened panel made of composite material comprises a step of manufacturing U-shaped or L-shaped profiles 16 made of composite material, a step of placing mandrels 18 each supporting a profile 16 on a laying surface 20 as illustrated in part (A) of [Fig.2], the bases 16.1 of the profiles 16 being substantially parallel to the laying surface 20 and spaced from the latter, a step of placing a skin 22 made of composite material on the bases 16.1 of the profiles 16 as illustrated in part (B) of [Fig.2], a step of placing a polymerization or consolidation tool 24 as illustrated in part (C) of [Fig.2] and a polymerization or consolidation step.

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

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

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

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

[0008] Each time the compression beam 26 is withdrawn, the last mandrel placed and pressed deforms slightly due to the expansion of the profiles 16 in the raw or semi-cooked state. The accumulation of these slight deformations at each mandrel 18b to 18f leads to a relatively significant deformation 30 (visible in dotted lines in [Fig.4]) at the last mandrel 18f before the polymerization or consolidation step, which leads in particular to complicating the installation of the polymerization or consolidation tooling and to geometry defects at the finished part.

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

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

[0011] According to the invention, the manufacturing device comprises a system for temporarily holding the odd and even mandrels which comprises at least one housing secured at least temporarily to the laying surface as well as, for each odd or even mandrel, at least one indexing pin secured to the odd or even mandrel and located between its first and second ends, said indexing pin having at least one portion projecting at least temporarily relative to the contact surface of the odd or even mandrel and configured to be housed in the housing.

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

[0013] According to another characteristic, each indexing pin is retractable and configured to occupy a retracted state in which the portion of the indexing pin does not protrude relative to the contact surface and an extended state in which the portion of the indexing pin protrudes relative to the contact surface.

[0014] According to another characteristic, each odd or even mandrel comprises, for each indexing pin, a return element to maintain the indexing pin in the extended state.

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

[0016] According to another characteristic, each housing comprises a first edge configured to cooperate with an indexing pin. In addition, each indexing pin comprises a notch configured to cooperate with the first edge of a housing, the notch and the first edge being configured to maintain the indexing pin in the extended state when the rule is in the locked state.

[0017] According to another characteristic, the laying surface comprises, for each rule, a groove oriented in a direction parallel to the transverse direction, adapted to accommodate the rule and allow it to slide in the transverse direction.

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

[0019] According to another characteristic, the manufacturing device comprises, for each ruler, at least one locking element configured to occupy a mounted state in which the locking element is connected to the laying surface and maintains the ruler in the locked state as well as a disassembled state in which the locking element is separated from the laying surface, the disassembled state corresponding to the unlocked state of the ruler.

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

[0021] According to another characteristic, the locking element comprises a locking stud and a fixing element configured to removably connect the locking stud and the laying surface, the locking stud comprising a contact edge configured to bear against the rule, said contact edge being inclined so that when the locking stud approaches the laying surface, the locking stud pushes the rule.

[0022] According to another characteristic, the locking stud has a truncated pyramid shape. In addition, the groove comprises an imprint configured to receive the locking stud, the imprint having a shape complementary to that of the locking stud.

[0023] According to another characteristic, the manufacturing device comprises at least one set of rules comprising a first rule configured to cooperate with the indexing pins of the odd mandrels as well as a second rule configured to cooperate with the indexing pins of the even mandrels.

[0024] According to another characteristic, each set of rules comprises a third rule configured to cooperate with an indexing pin of the last mandrel placed on the laying surface.

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

[0026] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a stiffened panel made of composite material using a manufacturing device according to one of the preceding characteristics. This manufacturing method comprises: a. a step of laying on the laying surface of an odd or even mandrel supporting a profile made of raw or semi-cooked composite material, b. a step of fixing the first and second ends of the odd or even mandrel just placed on the laying surface, c. a step of compressing the odd or even mandrel just placed against a previously placed odd or even mandrel using a compression system, d. after each indexing pin connected to said odd or even mandrel just placed has been housed in a housing of a rule in the locked state, a step of removing the compression system, e. the preceding steps being repeated until all odd and even mandrels are placed on the laying surface, f. a consolidation or polymerization step in which the rules are in the unlocked state.

[0027] According to another characteristic, each odd mandrel cooperating with the first rule of each set of rules, each first rule of each set of rules is locked at the end of the compression step of an odd mandrel before the compression system is removed. In parallel, each even mandrel cooperating with the second rule of each set of rules, each second rule of each set of rules is locked at the end of the compression step of an even mandrel before the compression system is removed.

[0028] 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:

[0029] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a stiffened panel,

[0030] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of different stages of manufacturing a stiffened panel illustrating an embodiment of the prior art,

[0031] [Fig.3] is a top view of a device for manufacturing a stiffened panel during of a compression phase illustrating an embodiment of the prior art,

[0032] [Fig.4] is a top view of the manufacturing device visible in [Fig.3] before a polymerization or consolidation step,

[0033] [Fig.5] is a top view of a device for manufacturing a stiffened panel illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

[0034] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a portion of a laying surface of the device manufacturing visible on [Fig.5],

[0035] [Fig.7] is a cross-section along line VII-VII of [Fig.6] of the device of manufacturing,

[0036] [Fig.8] is a section of a mandrel of a manufacturing device equipped with a pin indexing illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

[0037] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of a locking pin in the mounted state illustrating an embodiment,

[0038] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the locking pin visible in [Fig.9] in the disassembled state.

[0039] According to an embodiment visible in Figures 5 to 8, a device 32 for manufacturing a stiffened panel comprises a laying surface 34 as well as several mandrels 36, 36' configured to be laid on the laying surface 34.

[0040] According to one configuration, the laying surface 34 is substantially flat. Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration. Thus, the laying surface 34 could be curved. For information purposes, the laying surface 34 may be the upper surface of a table.

[0041] Each mandrel 36 is an elongate element, which extends between first and second ends 36.1, 36.2, configured to support a profile made of material raw or semi-cured composite (not fully polymerized).

[0042] Each mandrel 36, 36' comprises a contact surface 38 configured to be pressed against the laying surface 34. When the profile has a U-shaped cross-section, each mandrel 36, 36' comprises, in addition to the contact surface 38, an upper face 42 (opposite the contact surface 38) against which the base of the U-shaped profile is positioned as well as first and second edges 40.1, 40.2 against which the wings of the U-shaped profile are positioned.

[0043] Each mandrel 36, 36' has a length (dimension taken from the first end 36.1 to the second end 36.1, 36.2) as well as a width (dimension taken between the first and second edges 40.1, 40.2). The mandrels all have substantially the same length.

[0044] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the mandrels 36, 36'. Whatever the embodiment, each mandrel 36, 36' comprises a contact surface 38 configured to be in contact with the laying surface 34 as well as at least one shaping or molding surface configured to receive at least one U-shaped or L-shaped profile. Each mandrel 36, 36' can flex in a plane parallel to the contact surface 38, between its first and second ends 36.1, 36.2, in particular due to a high length to width ratio, generally greater than 10. According to one embodiment, each mandrel 36, 36' is metallic.

[0045] The manufacturing device 32 comprises, for each mandrel 36, 36' placed on the placement surface 34, first and second fixing elements 44.1, 44.2 configured to respectively connect the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 of the mandrel 36, 36' to the placement surface 34. These fixing elements 44.1, 44.2 are not described further because they may be identical to those of the prior art.

[0046] When mounted on the laying surface 34, the mandrels 36, 36' are parallel to each other and oriented in a longitudinal direction (substantially parallel to the first and second edges 40.1, 40.2). A transverse direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0047] The manufacturing device 32 comprises a set of odd 36 and even 36' mandrels placed alternately on the laying surface 34, one next to the other, starting with a first mandrel 36a and ending with a last mandrel offset relative to the first mandrel 36a in the transverse direction and a mounting direction shown by the arrow F36.

[0048] The manufacturing device 32 also comprises a compression system 46 configured to press the mandrels 36, 36' against each other in a compression direction parallel to the transverse direction and in a compression direction (opposite to the assembly direction F36). By way of example, the com- pressure 46 is a compression beam identical to those of the prior art.

[0049] According to a feature of the invention, the manufacturing device 32 comprises a system for temporarily holding the mandrels 36, 36' which comprises, for each mandrel 36, 36', at least one indexing pin 48 secured to the mandrel 36, 36', having at least one part 48.1 projecting at least temporarily relative to the contact surface 38 of the mandrel 36, 36' and located between its first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 as well as at least one housing 50 secured at least temporarily to the laying surface 34 and configured to house the projecting part 48.1 of an indexing pin 48.

[0050] According to one configuration, each indexing pin 48 is retractable and configured to occupy a retracted state in which the indexing pin 48 does not protrude relative to the contact surface 38 as well as an extended state in which the indexing pin 48 comprises a portion 48.1 protruding relative to the contact surface 38. Each indexing pin 48 being retractable, the contact surface of each mandrel 36, 36' is in contact with the laying surface 34 even if the indexing pin 48 is not positioned in line with a housing 50.

[0051] According to one embodiment, each mandrel 36, 36' comprises, for each indexing pin 48, a return element 52 for maintaining the indexing pin 48 in the extended state.

[0052] According to one embodiment, each mandrel 36, 36' comprises, for each indexing pin 48, a blind hole 54 configured to house the indexing pin 48, said blind hole 54 opening out at the contact surface 38 and having a cylindrical side wall 54.1 as well as a bottom 54.2 distant from the contact surface 38. According to one configuration, the return element 52 is a compression spring interposed between the indexing pin 48 and the bottom 54.2 of the blind hole 54.

[0053] In addition, the indexing pin 48 comprises a cylindrical body 56 extending between first and second ends as well as a cylindrical head 58, integral with the second end of the cylindrical body 56, having a diameter smaller than that of the cylindrical side wall 54.1 of the blind hole 54, the head 58 being oriented towards the bottom 54.2, the return element 52 being interposed between the bottom 54.2 and the head 58. Each mandrel 36, 36' comprises, for each blind hole 54, a sliding ring 60 which has an outer cylindrical surface 60.1 having a diameter substantially equal to that of the cylindrical side wall 54.1 of the blind hole 54 as well as an inner cylindrical surface 60.2, coaxial with the outer cylindrical surface 60.1, having a diameter substantially equal to that of the cylindrical body 56 of the indexing pin 48.

[0054] According to one configuration, each mandrel 36, 36' comprises several indexing pins 48 distributed between the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 of the mandrel 36, 36'. The number of indexing pins 48 is a function of the length of the mandrel 36, 36', the latter having almost zero flexion in a plane substantially parallel to the contact surface 38, between two indexing pins 48 or between an indexing pin 48 and the first or second end 36.1, 36.2.

[0055] The manufacturing device 32 comprises several housings 50 located at the level of the laying surface 34 and configured to each house the projecting part 48.1 of an indexing pin 48, in particular the first end of its cylindrical body 56. The different housings 50 are positioned in order to limit the bending of the mandrels 36 36'.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the manufacturing device 32 comprises at least one rule 62 oriented in a transverse direction and movable in the transverse direction, the rule 62 having a first face 62.1 oriented towards the contact surface 38 of the mandrels 36, 36' when the latter are placed on the placement surface 34, said first face 62.1 of the rule 62 having at least one housing 50 configured to house the projecting part 48.1 of an indexing pin 48.

[0057] The laying surface 34 comprises, for each rule 62, a groove 64 oriented in a direction parallel to the transverse direction, adapted to house the rule 62 and allow it to slide in the transverse direction. The groove 64 and the rule 62 have substantially equal sections so that the first face 62.1 of the rule 62 is flush with the laying surface 34 (by flush, it is meant that the first face 62.1 of the rule 62 is substantially coplanar with the laying surface 34). Thus, the contact surface 38 of each mandrel 36, 36' is in contact with the laying surface 34.

[0058] The groove 64 extends between first and second ends 64.1, 64.2, the first end 64.1 being close to the last mandrel placed when all of the mandrels 36, 36' are placed on the placement surface 34.

[0059] The groove 64 has a dimension in the transverse direction greater than that of the rule 62 to allow it to slide in the groove 64 in the transverse direction.

[0060] The manufacturing device 32 comprises, for each ruler 62, at least one locking element 66 configured to occupy a mounted state in which the locking element 66 is connected to the laying surface 34 and maintains the ruler 62 in the locked state as well as a disassembled state in which the locking element 66 is separated from the laying surface 34, the disassembled state corresponding to the unlocked state of the ruler 62.

[0061] According to this embodiment, when the locking element 66 is in the mounted state, the rule 62 cannot move in the transverse direction in the mounting direction F36 and each mandrel 36, 36', which has an indexing pin 48 partially housed in a housing 50 provided at the level of the rule 62, cannot deform in bending in a plane parallel to the laying surface 34 in the mounting direction F36.

[0062] When the locking element 66 is in the disassembled state, the rule 62 can be translate along the transverse direction in both directions.

[0063] According to one configuration, the locking element 66 is configured to immobilize the rule 62 in the transverse direction in both directions in the mounted state.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the groove 64 has a dimension in the transverse direction substantially equal to the sum of the dimensions in the transverse direction of the rule 62 and of the locking element 66. In the mounted state, the locking element 66 is positioned at one end of the groove 64, in particular at its first end 64.1 so as to immobilize the rule 62 in translation in the groove 64.

[0065] According to an embodiment visible in Figures 9 and 10, the locking element 66 comprises a locking stud 68 as well as a fixing element 70 configured to removably connect the locking stud 68 and the laying surface 34. The locking stud 68 comprises first and second faces 68.1, 68.2 parallel to each other, the second face 68.2 being configured to be pressed against the laying surface 34, as well as a through hole 68.3, which opens at the first and second faces 68.1, 68.2, configured to house the fixing element 70. By way of example, the latter is a screw configured to pass through the locking stud 68 via the through hole 68.3 and screw into a threaded hole provided at the laying surface 34.

[0066] The locking stud 68 comprises a contact edge 68.4, connecting the first and second faces 68.1, 68.2, configured to bear against the rule 62. According to one arrangement, the contact edge 68.4 is inclined so that when the locking stud 68 approaches the laying surface 34 when screwing the fixing element 70, the contact edge 68.4 pushes the rule 62 towards the second end 64.2 of the groove 64.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the locking stud 68 has the shape of a truncated pyramid, the small base corresponding to the second face 68.2 oriented towards the laying surface 34. In addition, the groove 64 comprises at its first end 64.1 an imprint 72 configured to receive the locking stud 68. This imprint 72 has a shape complementary to that of the locking stud 68 so as to promote the positioning of the locking stud 68 in the imprint 72.

[0068] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the locking element 66. Whatever the embodiment, each rule 62 is movable in a transverse direction relative to the laying surface 34 and configured to occupy an unlocked state in which the rule 62 can translate relative to the laying surface 34 in the transverse direction in both directions and a locked state in which the rule 62 is blocked relative to the laying surface 34 and does not cannot translate in the transverse direction at least in the mounting direction F36.

[0069] As illustrated in [Fig.8], each housing 50 is delimited by a bottom 74.1 substantially parallel to the first face 62.1 of the rule 62, a first edge 74.2, oriented towards the first end 64.1 of the rule 62 and against which an indexing pin 48 bears, which connects the first face 62.1 of the rule 62 and the bottom 74.1 as well as a second edge 74.3 oriented towards the second end 64.2 of the rule 62 and connecting the first face 62.1 of the rule 62 and the bottom 74.1. The second edge 74.3 is substantially perpendicular to the bottom 74.1. According to a feature, the first edge 74.2 is inclined so that the distance between the first and second edges 74.2, 74.3 increases from the first face 62.1 of the rule 62 towards the bottom 74.1.

[0070] In addition, each indexing pin 48 comprises a notch 76 configured to cooperate with the first edge 74.2 of a housing 50, the notch 76 having a face substantially parallel to the first edge 74.2 of the housing 50. Thus, the notch 76 and the first edge 74.2 are configured to maintain the indexing pin 48 in the extended state when the rule 62 is in the locked state.

[0071] According to a configuration visible in [Fig.8], each rule 62 comprises, for each housing 50, a wedge 78 fixed against the bottom 74.1 of the housing 50 and having a beveled edge 78.1 which forms the first inclined edge 74.2.

[0072] According to another particularity, the manufacturing device 32 comprises at least one set of rules 82 comprising a first rule 62 configured to cooperate with the indexing pins 48 of the odd mandrels 36 as well as a second rule 62' configured to cooperate with the indexing pins 48 of the even mandrels 36'.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the manufacturing device 32 comprises at least one set of rules 82 comprising a first rule 62 configured to cooperate with the indexing pins 48 of the odd-numbered mandrels 36, a second rule 62' configured to cooperate with the indexing pins 48 of the even-numbered mandrels 36' as well as a third rule 62" configured to cooperate with an indexing pin 48 of the last mandrel 36, 36' placed on the placement surface 34.

[0074] According to one arrangement, the rules 62, 62', 62” of the same set of rules 82 are parallel to each other and slightly spaced apart. For information purposes, they are spaced apart by a distance of less than 15 cm.

[0075] According to one configuration, the manufacturing device 32 comprises several sets of rules 82, 82', 82” distributed between the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 of the mandrels 36, 36'. As illustrated in [Fig. 5], the manufacturing device 32 comprises first, second and third sets of rules 82, 82', 82”, a first set of rules 82 being positioned substantially equidistant from the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 of each mandrel 36, 36', the second and third sets of rules 82', 82” being located respectively near the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 of the mandrels 36, 36'.

[0076] The odd and even mandrels 36, 36' each comprise as many indexing pins as there are sets of rules 82, 82', 82”. According to the embodiment visible in [Fig.5], each of the odd and even mandrels 36, 36' comprises three indexing pins 48.

[0077] For all the odd mandrels 36, the indexing pins 48 are distributed in the same way between the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2. Thus, when the odd mandrels 36 are placed on the placement surface 34, their indexing pins 48 are aligned along several substantially parallel straight lines and oriented in transverse directions.

[0078] According to the embodiment visible in [Fig.5], each odd mandrel 36 comprises first, second and third indexing pins 48 cooperating with the first rules 62 of the sets of rules 82, 82', 82”.

[0079] For all the even mandrels 36', the indexing pins 48 are distributed in the same way between the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2. Thus, when the even mandrels 36' are placed on the placement surface 34, their indexing pins 48 are aligned along several substantially parallel straight lines and oriented in transverse directions.

[0080] According to the embodiment visible in [Fig.5], each even mandrel 36' comprises first, second and third indexing pins 48 cooperating with the second rules 62' of the sets of rules 82, 82', 82”.

[0081] The last mandrel comprises three indexing pins 48 cooperating with the third rules 62” of the sets of rules 82, 82', 82”.

[0082] The indexing pins 48 of the odd mandrels 36 are offset relative to those of the even mandrels 36' so that the indexing pins 48 of the odd mandrels 36 do not cooperate with the same rule as the indexing pins 48 of the even mandrels 36'.

[0083] The operating principle of the manufacturing device is as follows.

[0084] The different rulers 62, 62', 62” of the different sets of rulers 82, 82', 82” are in the unlocked state. The first mandrel 36a supporting a profile is positioned on the laying surface 34 and its first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 are connected to the laying surface 34 by means of the first and second fixing elements 44.1, 44.2. The indexing pins 48 of the first mandrel 36a are housed in the housings 50 of the first rulers 62 of the different sets of rulers 82, 82', 82” which are locked and immobilized in translation.

[0085] The second rules 62' of the different sets of rules 82, 82', 82” being still in the unlocked state, a second mandrel 36' supporting a profile is positioned on the laying surface 34 and its first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 are connected to the laying surface 34. The indexing pins 48 of the second mandrel 36' are housed in the housings 50 of the second rules 62' of the different sets of rules 82, 82', 82”. The compression system 46 is used to press the second mandrel 36' against the first mandrel 36a. When the second mandrel 36' is held pressed against the first mandrel 36a by the compression system 46, the second rules 62' of the different sets of rules 82, 82', 82” are locked. The compression system 46 is then removed. The first rules 62 of the different sets of rules 82, 82', 82” are then unlocked.

[0086] When each odd-numbered mandrel 36 supporting a profile is placed in position, the first rulers 62 of the different sets of rulers 82, 82', 82” are in the unlocked state. The odd-numbered mandrel 36 is placed on the placement surface 34 and its first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 are connected to the placement surface 34. The indexing pins 48 of the odd-numbered mandrel 36 are housed in the housings 50 of the first rulers 62 of the different sets of rulers 82, 82', 82” which are in the unlocked state. The compression system 46 is used to press the odd-numbered mandrel 36 against the last even-numbered mandrel 36' placed. When the odd mandrel 36 is held pressed against the last even mandrel 36' placed by the compression system 46, the first rules 62 of the different sets of rules 82, 82', 82” are locked. The compression system 46 is then removed. The second rules 62' of the different sets of rules 82, 82', 82” are then unlocked.

[0087] When each even mandrel 36' supporting a profile is placed in position, the second rules 62' of the different sets of rules 82, 82', 82” are in the unlocked state. The even mandrel 36' is placed on the placement surface 34 and its first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 are connected to the placement surface 34. The indexing pins 48 of the even mandrel 36' are housed in the housings 50 of the second rules 62' of the different sets of rules 82, 82', 82” which are in the unlocked state. The compression system 46 is used to press the even mandrel 36' against the last odd mandrel 36 placed. When the even mandrel 36' is held pressed against the last odd mandrel 36 placed by the compression system 46, the second rules 62' of the different sets of rules 82, 82', 82” are locked. The compression system 46 is then removed. The first rules 62 of the different sets of rules 82, 82', 82” are then unlocked.

[0088] When the last mandrel 36, 36' is placed in place, the first or second rules 62, 62' of the different sets of rules 82, 82', 82” cooperating with the indexing pins 48 of the mandrel 36, 36' previously placed are in the locked state. The third rules 62” of the different sets of rules 82, 82', 82” are in the unlocked state. The last mandrel 36, 36' is placed on the placement surface 34 and its first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 are connected to the placement surface 34. The compression system 46 is used to press the last mandrel 36, 36' against the previously placed mandrel 36, 36'. When the last mandrel 36, 36' is held pressed against the previously placed mandrel 36, 36' by the compression system 46, the third rulers 62” of the different sets of rulers 82, 82', 82” are locked. The compression system 46 is then removed. The first and second rulers 62, 62' of the different sets of rulers 82, 82', 82” are then unlocked.

[0089] During a polymerization or consolidation step, the different rules 62, 62', 62” of the different sets of rules 82, 82', 82” are unlocked.

[0090] The method of manufacturing a stiffened panel made of composite material using the manufacturing device previously described comprises: a. a step of placing an odd or even mandrel 36, 36' supporting a profile made of raw or semi-cooked composite material on the placing surface 34 against a previously placed odd or even mandrel 36, 36' supporting a profile made of raw or semi-cooked composite material, b. a step of fixing the first and second ends 36.1, 36.2 of the odd or even mandrel 36, 36' just placed on the laying surface 34, c. a compression step, using a compression system 46, of the odd or even mandrel 36, 36' just placed against the odd or even mandrel 36, 36' previously placed, d. after each indexing pin 48 connected to said odd or even mandrel just placed has been housed in a housing 50 of a rule 62, 62', 62” in the locked state, a step of removing the compression system 46, e. the preceding steps being repeated until all the odd and even mandrels 36, 36' are placed on the laying surface 34, f. a consolidation or polymerization step during which rules 62, 62', 62” are in the unlocked state.

[0091] According to one method of operation, each first ruler 62 of each set of rulers 82, 82', 82” is locked at the end of the step of compressing an odd mandrel 36 before the compression system 46 is removed. In the same way, each second ruler 62' of each set of rulers 82, 82', 82” is locked at the end of the step of compressing an even mandrel 36' before the compression system 46 is removed.

[0092] Unlike the prior art, after the compression system 46 has been removed, the odd or even mandrel 36, 36' just pressed does not deform because it is held by at least one indexing pin 48 which cooperates with a housing 50 of a rule 62, 62', 62'' in the locked state and immobile relative to the laying surface 34.

Claims

Claims

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

2. Manufacturing device according to claim 1, characterized in that each indexing pin (48) is retractable and configured to occupy a retracted state in which the portion (48.1) of the indexing pin (48) does not protrude relative to the contact surface (38) and an extended state in which the portion (48) of the indexing pin (48) protrudes relative to the contact surface (38).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. Manufacturing device according to one of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that the manufacturing device (32) comprises several sets of rules (82, 82', 82”) distributed between the first and second ends (36.1, 36.2) of the mandrels (36, 36').

15. A method of manufacturing a stiffened panel made of composite material using a manufacturing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manufacturing method comprises: a. a step of placing on the placing surface (34) an odd or even mandrel (36, 36') supporting a profile made of raw or semi-cooked composite material, b. a step of fixing the first and second ends (36.1, 36.2) of the odd or even mandrel (36, 36') just placed on the laying surface (34), c. a step of compressing the odd or even mandrel (36, 36') just laid against a previously laid odd or even mandrel (36, 36') by means of a compression system (46), d. after each indexing pin (48) connected to said just laid odd or even mandrel (36, 36') has been housed in a housing (50) of a ruler (62, 62', 62”) in the locked state, a step of removing the compression system (46), e. the previous steps being repeated until all the odd and even mandrels (36, 36') are laid on the laying surface (34), f. a consolidation or polymerization step in which the rules (62, 62', 62”) are in the unlocked state.

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

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