Multi-spindle robot effector with means of adjusting the center distance between drilling tools.

Abstract

Multi-spindle robot effector with means for adjusting the center distance between drilling tools. The invention relates to a multi-spindle robot effector (10), intended to drill a part, comprising: - a body (2), - a number n of spindles (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) mounted in the body forming a matrix, each spindle being intended to carry a drilling tool (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) adapted to perform drilling in a direction (Z) called the feed direction, - means for adjusting the center distances (e2) between the n spindles in at least one direction (X and / or Y) orthogonal to the feed direction (Z). Figure for the abstract: fig.1

Description

Title of the invention: Multi-spindle robot effector with means for adjusting the center distance between drilling tools. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of drilling composite materials, and more particularly to the drilling of parts intended for aeronautical use, in particular sound traps.

[0002] The invention aims mainly to propose a reliable and easy solution Prior art

[0003] A sound trap, also called a silencer or noise attenuator, is a device for capturing sounds in an air flow and attenuating the amplitude of the acoustic waves.

[0004] Sound traps, which are used in particular on aeronautical parts, are made by drilling areas in composite parts, according to specific patterns, determined by acousticians.

[0005] These patterns must first respect a ratio between open surface and closed surface. This ratio is directly linked to the hole diameter and the distance between the holes.

[0006] The increasingly drastic constraints on aircraft noise reduction lead to: - introduce the acoustic reduction function on a maximum number of parts, which results in an increase in the number of part references, - have significant variability in the definition of acoustic patterns.

[0007] Until now, mechanical drilling technology has been recognized and approved for the production of these holes.

[0008] For drilling sound traps, robotic arms or 5-axis machines carrying a head, also called a multi-spindle effector integrating drilling tools (spindles and cutting tools) arranged in line or according to a matrix, are generally used to carry out simultaneous multi-drilling.

[0009] The definition of a multi-spindle effector, that is to say the number of spindles on board and their relative arrangement, is directly linked to the geometry and structure of the part, or even only to an area of it, which one wishes to drill.

[0010] The multiplication of part references and definitions of drilling patterns as well as the need for productivity imply investments in a greater number of effectors and therefore increasingly significant investment costs.

[0011] The difficulty lies in finding a good compromise between means, needs capacity and production costs.

[0012] There is therefore a need to make multi-spindle effectors more flexible for drilling sound traps, and more generally parts, in order to meet the varied and growing demands on the drilling market while limiting investments.

[0013] The aim of the invention is to meet at least part of this need. Statement of the invention

[0014] To this end, the invention relates, in one of its aspects, to a multi-spindle robot effector, intended to drill a part, comprising:

[0015] - a body,

[0016] - a number n of pins mounted in the body forming a matrix, each spindle being intended to carry a drilling tool adapted to carry out drilling in a direction (Z) called feed,

[0017] - means for adjusting the center distances (e2) between the n pins according to at least one direction (X and / or Y) orthogonal to the direction of advance (Z).

[0018] According to an advantageous configuration, the effector comprises a number n of actuators each adapted for the advance or the raising of a spindle, the n actuators being mounted in the body and being arranged with a fixed center distance (el) between them.

[0019] Preferably, the actuators are electric screw jacks or linear motors.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the center distance adjustment means comprise:

[0021] - a number n of rigid mechanical links connecting each actuator to a pin, each rigid mechanical connection being a sliding connection adapted to allow a translation of the spindle relative to the actuator in a direction (X) orthogonal to the direction of advance (Z) so as to adjust the center distances (e2) between them,

[0022] - a number n of free bearings, arranged in the body, each comprising a bearing surface and in each of which is mounted a spindle, adapted to allow movement of the spindle in the direction of advance (Z),

[0023] - a center distance adjustment plate, removably fixed to the body, comprising n through holes in each of which a bearing surface is adjusted while being centered, the center distances between through holes defining the desired center distances (e2; e21, e23).

[0024] The invention also relates to a kit comprising:

[0025] - a multi-spindle effector as described previously,

[0026] - a plurality of separate center distance adjustment plates, the center distances between holes emerging from one plate being different from another plate of the plurality.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for drilling a workpiece, implemented by at least one multi-spindle effector as described above, comprising, prior to the drilling step, a step of adjusting the center distances of the spindles.

[0028] According to an advantageous variant, the step of adjusting the center distances of the pins comprises the following sub-steps:

[0029] - provision of a center distance adjustment plate, the center distances between holes of which plugging correspond to the desired pin center distances,

[0030] - fixing the plate on the body of the effector by adjusting the bearing surfaces in the holes emerging.

[0031] The invention also relates to the use of a multi-spindle effector as described above and / or of the method as described above, for machining an aeronautical part, in particular a sound trap.

[0032] The invention finally relates to a part, in particular an aeronautical part, machined by means of a multi-spindle effector as described previously and / or according to the method as described previously.

[0033] Thus, the invention essentially consists of a multi-spindle robot effector whose spindle centers can be adjusted according to the needs of the required drilling.

[0034] Ultimately, the invention provides numerous advantages over the methods according to the state of the art, among which we can cite: - the possibility of a multitude of configurations of the pin matrix geometry for the same effector, which an end user can change easily and quickly, - a lower investment in multi-spindle effectors since with the same effector kit with several adjustment plates of different center distances, it can machine different types of parts and according to different required drilling profiles.

[0035] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of examples of implementation of the invention given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the following figures. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a longitudinal sectional view of an example of a two-effector rows of pins according to the invention.

[0037] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal sectional view of an example of a three-effector rows of pins according to the invention. Detailed description

[0038] Throughout the present application, the terms "front" and "rear" are understand by reference to a multi-spindle effector according to the invention in operating configuration, with the drilling tool which is its most forward component.

[0039] The multi-spindle effector 1, illustrated in [Fig.l], firstly comprises a body 2 consisting of a blind cylinder or parallelepiped 20 forming the lateral envelope and the bottom, and a front block forming the cover 21. The front block 21 can be fixed, for example screwed, or made integrally with the blind cylinder or parallelepiped 20.

[0040] Two actuators 3.1, 3.2 are fixed at a fixed center distance el to the bottom of the blind cylinder of the body 2. These actuators 3.1, 3.2, preferably identical, can be electric actuators or linear motors adapted to move in a direction of advance (Z).

[0041] Each actuator 3.1, 3.2 comprises, at its front end, a connecting piece 30.1, 30.2.

[0042] Inside each of the two sheaths 4.1, 4.2, a spindle 5.1, 5.2 is housed and held, which itself houses and holds a drilling tool 6.1, 6.2.

[0043] The assembly consisting of a sheath 4.1, 4.2, a spindle 5.1, 5.2, and a drilling tool 6.1, 6.2 forms a subassembly 7.1, 7.2.

[0044] Each sheath 4.1, 4.2 comprises at its rear end, a connecting piece 40.1, 40.2, adapted to cooperate with a connecting piece 30.1, 30.2 of an actuator 3.1, 3.2, so as to produce a rigid sliding connection.

[0045] This sliding connection is adapted to allow a translation of the sheath 4.1, 4.2, and therefore of the subassembly 7.1, 7.2 relative to the actuator 3.1, 3.2, in a direction (X) orthogonal to the direction of advance (Z) so as to adjust the center distance (e2) between them.

[0046] As an example of connecting parts 30.1, 30.2 and 40.1, 40.2 making it possible to produce the sliding connection, it is possible to envisage a connecting screw fixed to the front end of the actuator, the T-shaped head of which slides in a rail fixed to the end of the sheath.

[0047] Each subassembly 7.1, 7.2 is supported by a free bearing 8.1, 8.2, housed and guided in the block 21 forming the cover of the body. A free bearing 8.1, 8.2 allows movement of the subassembly 7.1, 7.2 in the direction of advance (Z).

[0048] A center distance adjustment plate 9 is removably fixed to the front block 21 of the body 2, for example by screwing. This plate 9 comprises two through holes 91, 92 in each of which a bearing surface 80.1, 80.2 of the free bearing 8.1, 8.2 is adjusted while being centered.

[0049] Thus, the center distances between through holes 91, 92 define the desired center distances (e2) between sub-assemblies 7.1, 7.2 and therefore between the pins and their drilling tools.

[0050] A method for adjusting desired center distances in a multi-spindle effector 1, illustrated in [Fig.l], is now briefly described.

[0051] An operator first determines an adjustment plate 9, the center distances between the through holes of which correspond to the desired pin center distances.

[0052] Once this has been provided, the operator fixes the plate 9 on the front block 21 of the body by adjusting the bearing surfaces 80.1, 80.2 in the through holes 91, 92.

[0053] As soon as a user wishes to keep the same effector 1 while modifying the center distances, it is sufficient to fix another plate 9 whose center distances between through holes 91, 92 are calibrated for the new desired center distances.

[0054] The example of [Fig.2] shows another example of an effector according to the invention with three rows of actuators 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and sub-assemblies 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 with the same types of sliding links 30.1, 30.2, 30.3 and 40.1, 40.2, 40.3.

[0055] Here, the center distance adjustment plate 9 can have two different center distances (e21, e23) between these holes opening out respectively 91, 92 and 92, 93.

[0056] It is therefore possible to obtain two different center distances between the drilling tools 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 carried by the same effector.

[0057] The invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described; it is possible in particular to combine characteristics of the examples illustrated within non-illustrated variants.

[0058] Other variants and improvements may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0059] The invention can be implemented for any effector regardless of the configuration of the drilling tool matrix to be produced, the center distances being able to be different between rows and between columns.

Claims

Claims

1. Multi-spindle robot effector (10), intended to drill a part, comprising: - a body (2), - a number n of spindles (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) mounted in the body forming a matrix, each spindle being intended to carry a drilling tool (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) adapted to perform drilling in a direction (Z) called feed direction, - means for adjusting the center distances (e2) between the n spindles in at least one direction (X and / or Y) orthogonal to the feed direction (Z).

2. Multi-spindle effector according to claim 1, comprising a number n of actuators (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) each adapted for the advance or the raising of a spindle, the n actuators being fixed in the body by being arranged with a fixed center distance (el) between them,

3. A multi-spindle effector according to claim 2, the actuators being electric screw jacks or linear motors.

4. Multi-spindle effector according to one of claims 2 or 3, the center distance adjustment means comprising: - a number n of rigid mechanical connections connecting each actuator to a spindle, each rigid mechanical connection being a sliding connection (30.1, 30.2, 30.3; 40.1, 40.2, 40.3) adapted to allow translation of the spindle relative to the actuator in a direction (X) orthogonal to the direction of advance (Z) so as to adjust the center distances (e2) between them, - a number n of free bearings (8.1, 8.2, 8.3), arranged in the body, each comprising a bearing surface and in each of which is mounted a spindle, adapted to allow movement of the spindle in the direction of advance (Z), - a center distance adjustment plate (9), removably fixed to the body, comprising n through holes in each of which a bearing surface is adjusted while being centered, the center distances between through holes defining the desired center distances (e2; e2b e23).

5. Kit comprising: - a multi-spindle effector according to one of the preceding claims, - a plurality of separate center distance adjustment plates, the center distances between holes emerging from one plate being different from another plate of the plurality.

6. Method for drilling a workpiece, implemented by at least one multi-spindle effector according to one of the preceding claims, comprising, prior to the drilling step, a step of adjusting the center distances of the spindles.

7. Method according to claim 6, the effector being according to claim 3, the step of adjusting the center distances of the pins, comprising the following sub-steps: - providing a center distance adjustment plate, the center distances between through holes of which correspond to the desired center distances of pins, - fixing the plate on the body of the effector by adjusting the bearing surfaces in the through holes.

8. Use of a multi-spindle effector according to one of claims 1 to 4 and / or of the method according to claim 6 or 7, for machining an aeronautical part, in particular a sound trap.

9. Part, in particular an aeronautical part, machined by means of a multi-spindle effector according to one of claims 1 to 4 and / or according to the method according to claim 6 or 7.

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