Repair apparatus, repair system, and repair method

Abstract

To provide a repair device, a repair system, and a repair method capable of easily performing seal repair processing.SOLUTION: A repair apparatus comprises: a box-like casing opened in a first direction and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a brush device stored in the casing from the first direction; and a jack disposed between a bottom surface of the casing and the brush device and capable of adjusting a position of the brush device in the first direction with respect to the bottom surface of the casing. The brush device includes: a base; a guide disposed at a position fixed to the base, and projecting in the first direction from an opening of the casing; a plurality of brushes attached to the base, projecting in the first direction from the opening of the casing more than the guide, and adapted to apply a seal material to a processed surface facing the first direction; and an actuator for moving the base in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions and capable of adjusting the positions of the brushes in the third direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a repair device, a repair system, and a repair method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an aircraft wing structure. The wing is composed of an outer plate and a stringer. The outer plate and the stringer are overlapped with each other. The stringer has a connection part that connects to the outer plate and a protrusion that is spaced apart from the outer plate. A hollow part is formed between the protrusion and the outer plate.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a method of manually repairing defects by sealing with a brush. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-104443 A [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6071359 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In some cases, defects may occur in the hollow space between the skin and the stringer. In such cases, the location of the defect is very narrow, making it difficult to perform seal repair by manual work using a brush as described above.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a repair device, a repair system, and a repair method that can easily perform seal repair processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the repair device disclosed herein comprises a box-shaped casing that opens in a first direction and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a brush device stored in the casing from the first direction, and a jack portion arranged between the bottom surface of the casing and the brush device and capable of adjusting the position of the brush device in the first direction relative to the bottom surface of the casing, wherein the brush device has a base, a guide arranged at a fixed position relative to the base and protruding from the opening of the casing in the first direction, a plurality of brushes attached to the base, protruding from the opening of the casing in the first direction further than the guides and applying a sealant to a treated surface facing the first direction, and an actuator that moves the base in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction and is capable of adjusting the position of the brushes in the third direction.

[0008] The repair system of the present disclosure comprises the above-mentioned repair device, a pipe connected to the repair device from the second direction, and a moving mechanism that grasps the end of the pipe opposite the repair device in the second direction and moves the pipe in the second direction.

[0009] A repair method according to the present disclosure is a repair method using the above-mentioned repair device, wherein the jack portion is a bag body that expands and contracts due to the pressure of air inside, thereby allowing the position of the base to be adjusted in the first direction, and includes the steps of supplying air into the bag body and pressing the brush in the first direction against the treated surface facing the first direction, moving the repair device in the second direction while pressing the brush, and evacuating the air from inside the bag body while moving the repair device in the second direction, thereby moving the brush away from the treated surface in the first direction. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the repair device, repair system, and repair method disclosed herein, the seal repair process can be easily performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a repair system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an automation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a connecting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a repair device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a repair device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a repair device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams illustrating a method of using a repair device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of a repair method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, a repair device 50, a repair system 1, and a repair method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] (Repair System) A repair system 1 (see Figs. 1 and 2) is used, for example, to repair an aircraft wing. Hereinafter, the wing to be repaired will be referred to as an object 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the object 2 includes an outer panel 3 and a stringer 4.

[0014] The skin 3 forms the outer shell of the wing of an aircraft. The skin 3 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The stringer 4 is attached to the skin 3. The stringer 4 includes a connection portion 4a that connects to the skin 3, and a protrusion portion 4b that separates the stringer 4 from the skin 3. The connection portion 4a is located on the side closer to the skin 3 than the protrusion portion 4b. The protrusion portion 4b is located on the side farther away from the skin 3 than the connection portion 4a.

[0015] A hollow portion (hereinafter referred to as a narrow portion 4c) is formed between the protrusion 4b and the outer plate 3. The stringer 4 is, for example, a hat-shaped hat stringer. The outer plate 3 and the stringer 4 are made of a composite material such as glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) or carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).

[0016] 1 and 2 is used to repair a narrow portion 4c between a protrusion 4b and an outer plate 3. The repair system 1 applies a sealant with a brush 64 (described later) to a defect that has occurred on the surface of the outer plate 3 within the narrow portion 4c (hereinafter, the treated surface 5) to perform brush coating (seal repair processing).

[0017] The repair system 1 includes a repair device 50, an automated device 10, a pipe 6, and a connecting member 20. The repair device 50, while inserted into the narrow portion 4c, is moved within the narrow portion 4c by the automated device 10, which will be described later, to apply a sealant to the treatment surface 5. A detailed configuration of the repair device 50 will be described later.

[0018] In the following, the three mutually intersecting directions are referred to as a first direction D1, a second direction D2, and a third direction D3. In this embodiment, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are mutually orthogonal, and the first direction D1 is orthogonal to the horizontal plane, and the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are along the horizontal plane. Note that the first direction D1 may be slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, and the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 may slightly intersect the horizontal plane. In the following, the first direction D1 may be referred to as the up-down direction, the second direction D2 as the front-rear direction, and the third direction D3 as the left-right direction.

[0019] (automated equipment) The automation device 10 automatically moves the repair device 50 in the second direction D2. The automation device 10 includes a cart 11, a jack 12, and an automation device main body 13.

[0020] (Trolley) The dolly 11 moves the jack 12 and the automation device main body 13. The dolly 11 includes a body 11a, casters 11b, and a handle 11c. The body 11a is disposed at a position slightly above the floor surface and extends horizontally. The body 11a is formed in a rectangular shape extending in a second direction D2 (front-rear direction) when viewed in a first direction D1 (up-down direction).

[0021] When viewed in the first direction D1, casters 11b are provided at the four corners of the body 11a. The casters 11b are attached to the underside of the body 11a. Each caster 11b is provided so as to be able to roll on the floor surface. The four casters 11b support the body 11a from below. The handle 11c is provided at an end of the body 11a on one side in the second direction D2 (the rear side in the front-rear direction). The handle 11c extends upward from the body 11a. An operator moves the cart 11 by gripping the handle 11c.

[0022] (jack) The jack 12 is placed on the body 11a of the cart 11. The automation device main body 13 is placed on the jack 12. The jack 12 is provided so as to be extendable and retractable in a first direction D1. The position of the automation device main body 13 in the first direction D1 is adjusted by the jack 12 extending and retracting in the first direction D1.

[0023] (Automated equipment body) The automation device main body 13 includes a base plate 14 , a moving mechanism 15 , and a clamping mechanism 16 . The substrate 14 rests on the jack 12 .

[0024] (Moving mechanism) The moving mechanism 15 is placed on the substrate 14. A pipe 6 connected to the repair device 50 is connected to the moving mechanism 15. The pipe 6 extends in the second direction D2. The moving mechanism 15 grips the end of the pipe 6 on the opposite side to the repair device 50 in the second direction D2, and moves the pipe 6 in the second direction D2. The moving mechanism 15 is, for example, an electric actuator, and has a base 15a and an operating unit 15b. The base 15a extends in the second direction D2. The operating unit 15b is attached to the base 15a. One end of the pipe 6 in the second direction D2 is fixed to the operating unit 15b. The operating unit 15b moves on the base 15a in the second direction D2. When the operating unit 15b moves in the second direction D2, the pipe 6 moves in the second direction D2, and the repair device 50 connected to the pipe 6 also moves in the second direction D2 in conjunction with the pipe 6.

[0025] (Clamp mechanism) The clamp mechanism 16 is provided at an end of the substrate 14 on the other side in the second direction D2 (front side in the front-rear direction). A pair of clamp mechanisms 16 are provided sandwiching the moving mechanism 15 in the third direction D3 (left-right direction). The clamp mechanism 16 has a leg 16a standing upward from the substrate 14, and a gripper 16b provided at the upper end of the leg 16a. The leg 16a supports the gripper 16b from below. The gripper 16b holds the object 2 from both sides in the first direction D1 (up-down direction). This prevents the object 2 from shifting in position in the horizontal direction. The two clamping mechanisms 16 may be arranged offset in the second direction D2. By arranging them in this manner, the automated device 10 can be used even if the end of the object 2 on the clamping mechanism 16 side is inclined with respect to the third direction D3.

[0026] (pipe) The pipe 6 extends from the operating unit 15b of the moving mechanism 15 toward the repair device 50 in the second direction D2. The pipe 6 is connected to the repair device 50 from the second direction D2. The pipe 6 transmits power to move the repair device 50, which is disposed in the narrow portion 4c between the outer plate 3 and the stringer 4, in the second direction D2 (front-rear direction). In the illustrated example, a pair of pipes 6 are provided, one on each side of the repair device 50 in the second direction D2 (front-rear direction), and the automation device 10 is provided only on the pipe 6 on one side in the second direction D2 (front-rear direction). Note that this pipe 6 may be provided only on one side in the second direction D2 (front side in the front-rear direction) of the repair device 50. Also, the automation device 10 may be provided on each of the two pipes 6. The length L1 of the pipe 6 in the first direction D1 is designed to be, for example, 1.5 m or more and 2.5 m or less, and the outer diameter R1 of the pipe 6 is designed to be, for example, 20 mm or more and 25 mm or less.

[0027] (Connecting parts) The connecting member 20 connects the pipe 6 to a connecting pipe 55b extending from the repair device 50 in the second direction D2. The connecting member 20 has a central shaft portion 21, a male thread portion 22, and a flange portion 23.

[0028] (center shaft part) The central shaft portion 21 extends in the second direction D2. One end of the central shaft portion 21 in the second direction D2 is inserted into either the pipe 6 or the connecting pipe 55b. The other end of the central shaft portion 21 in the second direction D2 is inserted into the other of the pipe 6 or the connecting pipe 55b. In the illustrated example, the rear end of the central shaft portion 21 is inserted into the pipe 6, and the front end of the central shaft portion 21 is inserted into the connecting pipe 55b.

[0029] (Male thread) The male thread portion 22 is provided at both ends of the central shaft portion 21 in the second direction D2. The male thread portion 22 is designed to be able to screw into the inner circumferential surfaces of the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b. The outer diameter of the male thread portion 22 is formed slightly larger than the inner diameter of the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b. This allows the connecting member 20 to be firmly connected to the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b.

[0030] (Flange) The flange 23 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface at the center of the central shaft portion 21 in the second direction D2 beyond the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b. The flange 23 is formed of a material (such as resin) having a lower hardness than the treated surface 5. The flange 23 prevents the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b from contacting the inner surface (such as the treated surface 5) of the narrow portion 4c of the object 2 composed of the outer plate 3 and the stringer 4. Instead of the flange 23, the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b may be wrapped with a material having a low hardness, such as a film or rubber. Such a measure can also prevent the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b from contacting the inner surface of the narrow portion 4c and causing scratches.

[0031] (Configuration of repair device) The repair device 50 is disposed in the narrow portion 4c of the target object 2. (In the illustrated example, the repair device 50 is inserted into the narrow portion 4c from the second direction D2.) The repair device 50 repairs the treated surface 5 on which a defect has occurred. As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, the repair device 50 includes a casing 51, a pan 52, a brush device 60, a jack unit 53, a sub-roller 54, and a pipe attachment unit 55.

[0032] (Casing) The casing 51 extends in the second direction D2. The casing 51 is formed in a box shape having an opening 51a that opens in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the casing 51 is formed in a cube shape that extends in the second direction D2. Tube holes 51b are formed at both ends in the second direction D2 of the bottom surface of the casing 51. A tube 53b for supplying air to the bag body 53a, which will be described later, is drawn out from the tube hole 51b. In addition, a recess 51d that is recessed toward the bottom surface of the casing 51 is formed on both side edges of the opening 51a of the casing 51 in the third direction D3. The recess 51d extends in the second direction D2. In addition, drawing holes 51c that penetrate the casing 51 in the second direction D2 are formed at both ends in the second direction D2 of the opening 51a of the casing 51.

[0033] (bread) The pan 52 covers the bottom of the casing 51 from below. The pan 52 extends in the second direction D2. Both ends of the pan 52 in the second direction D2 protrude further outward in the second direction D2 than the casing 51. The pan 52 is placed on the inner surface of the narrow portion 4c (the inner surface of the stringer 4). A tube 53b drawn out from a tube hole 51b is disposed inside the pan 52. The pan 52 is formed of a material such as plastic that can slide against the narrow portion 4c without damaging the narrow portion 4c. The pan 52 allows the repair device 50 to slide on the inner surface inside the narrow portion 4c. It is not necessary to provide the pan 52. In this case, the casing 51 is placed directly on the inner surface of the narrow portion 4c.

[0034] (Brush device) The brush device 60 applies a sealant to the treatment surface 5. The brush device 60 is housed in the casing 51 from the first direction D1. The brush device 60 has an inner casing 61, a base 62, a guide 63, a brush 64, and an actuator 65.

[0035] (inner casing) The inner casing 61 is housed in the casing 51 through an opening of the casing 51. The inner casing 61 is formed in a box shape having an opening 61a that opens on the same side as the casing 51 in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the inner casing 61 is formed in a cube shape extending in the second direction D2. In addition, recesses 61b that drop toward the bottom surface of the casing 51 are formed on the side edges on both sides of the opening 61a of the inner casing 61 in the third direction D3. The recesses 61b extend in the second direction D2. The recesses 51d of the casing 51 and the recesses 61b of the inner casing 61 are overlapped in the third direction D3. Moreover, the inner casing 61 of this embodiment is formed in the same shape as the casing 51 when viewed in the first direction D1, and is slidable relative to the casing 51.

[0036] (base) The base 62 is accommodated in the inner casing 61. The base 62 has two divided bodies 66 divided in the third direction D3. The two divided bodies 66 are formed in a symmetrical shape. Each divided body 66 extends in the second direction D2. The divided body 66 has an attachment portion 66a, a brush support portion 66b, and an engagement portion 66c. The attachment portion 66a is provided at both ends of the divided body 66 in the second direction D2. The attachment portion 66a is attached to an actuator 65 described later. The brush support portion 66b is provided so as to bridge the attachment portion 66a in the second direction D2. The brush support portion 66b is disposed in a position raised above the inner casing 61 while being closer to the bottom surface of the inner casing 61 in the first direction D1 than the attachment portion 66a. In addition, an engagement portion 66c consisting of a plurality of steps 66d aligned in the second direction D2 is formed on the side surface of the divided body 66 facing the other divided body 66. Three adjacent steps 66d among these steps 66d are arranged to form a single staircase when viewed in the first direction D1. If these three steps 66d arranged in a staircase form are considered as one set, then a plurality of sets of steps 66d (four in total in the illustrated example) are provided aligned in the second direction D2. The engagement portions 66c of a pair of divided bodies 66 engage with each other, thereby preventing the positional deviation of the two divided bodies 66 in the second direction D2.

[0037] (guide) The guide 63 is housed in the inner casing 61. The guide 63 is disposed at a fixed position relative to the base 62. The guide 63 is attached inside the inner casing 61 to both ends of the opening 61a in the second direction D2. The guide 63 protrudes from the openings of the casing 51 and the inner casing 61 in the first direction D1. The guide 63 is a roller 63a that is rotatable about an axis that extends in the third direction D3.

[0038] (Brush) A plurality of brushes 64 are attached to the base 62. The brushes 64 apply a sealant to the surface 5 to be treated that faces the first direction D1. Each brush 64 protrudes in the first direction D1 from the opening of the casing 51 and the inner casing 61 beyond the guide 63 by a height H1 (see FIG. 8). This height H1 is a small height of about a few millimeters. The brushes 64 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 are arranged with a shift in the third direction D3. In this embodiment, one brush 64 is attached to each step 66d, so that the plurality of brushes 64 are evenly provided on each divided body 66.

[0039] (Actuator) The actuator 65 is housed in the casing 51. The actuator 65 supports the base 62 from below and is capable of moving the base 62 in a third direction D3 intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 to adjust the position of the brush 64 in the third direction D3. In this embodiment, one actuator 65 is provided at each end of the base 62 in the second direction D2. Each actuator 65 is provided so as to bridge two mounting portions 66a corresponding to the third direction D3.

[0040] Here, a virtual line located between the two divided bodies 66 and extending in the second direction D2 is defined as a "reference center line L." The actuator 65 moves the two divided bodies 66 closer to or farther away from each other in the third direction D3 in conjunction with each other while maintaining the distance from the reference center line L equal.

[0041] (Jack part) 8, the jack portion 53 is disposed between the bottom surface of the casing 51 and the brush device 60. The jack portion 53 makes it possible to adjust the position of the brush device 60 relative to the bottom surface of the casing 51 in the first direction D1. The jack part 53 is a bag body 53a that expands and contracts due to the pressure of the air inside to change its volume, and the position of the base part 62 can be adjusted in the first direction D1. The bag body 53a is a rubber bag that extends entirely in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 and is laid over the entire bottom surface of the casing 51. Another example of the bag body 53a is a rubber balloon. The bag body 53a is provided with a tube 53b for supplying and discharging air, and this tube 53b is drawn out to the outside of the casing 51 through a tube hole 51b of the casing 51.

[0042] (Saburo) The sub-rollers 54 are provided in pairs spaced apart in the third direction D3 on both sides in the second direction D2 of the casing 51. In this embodiment, two are provided on each end of the pan 52 in the second direction D2. The sub-rollers 54 are rotatable around an axis extending in the first direction D1.

[0043] (Pipe attachment part) The pipe 6 is attached to the pipe attachment portion 55 via the above-mentioned connecting member 20. One pipe attachment portion 55 is provided at each end of the inner casing 61 in the second direction D2. The pipe attachment portion 55 has a connection portion 55a and a connecting pipe 55b. The connection portion 55a is connected to the inner casing 61. The connection portion 55a extends in the second direction D2 from a side surface of the inner casing 61 facing the second direction D2. The connection portion 55a is drawn out further to the outside in the second direction D2 than the casing 51 through a drawing hole 51c of the casing 51.

[0044] (Connecting pipe) The connecting pipe 55b is arranged side by side in the second direction D2 with respect to the casing 51. The connecting pipe 55b extends in the second direction D2 from an end of the connecting part 55a on the opposite side in the second direction D2 to the inner casing 61. The connecting pipe 55b is connected to the pipe 6 via the connecting member 20 described above.

[0045] (controller) The controller 7 is wired to the repair device 50 via a cable (not shown). The controller 7 may be wirelessly connected to the repair device 50. For example, the worker can operate the actuator 65 of the repair device 50 by operating the controller 7. The worker can also control the supply of air to the bag body 53a by operating the controller 7.

[0046] (Repair procedure) The repair method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow in Fig. 9. The repair described here is a process (seal repair process) in which, when a defect occurs in a narrow portion 4c between an outer plate 3 and a stringer 4 that constitute an object 2 (an aircraft wing), for example, a sealant is applied by a brush 64 to coat the treated surface 5.

[0047] First, a sealant is applied to the brush (step S1), and then the actuator 65 is operated to move the two divided bodies 66 closer to each other in the third direction D3 (left-right direction) to close the brush 64 (step S2).

[0048] Thereafter, in a state where the object 2 is arranged so that the outer plate 3 is on the upper side and the stringer 4 is on the lower side, the automated device 10 is operated to insert the repair device 50 into the narrow portion 4c from the second direction D2 and move it to the treated surface 5 of the repair location (step S3). Note that in step S3, an operator may hold the pipe 6 and manually move the repair device 50. After step S3, the actuator 65 is operated to move the brush 64 away from the third direction D3 (left-right direction) and deploy the brush 64 (step S4).

[0049] After step S4, air is supplied into the bag body 53a to press the brush 64 against the surface 5 to be treated in the first direction D1 (step S5). In step S5, if an excessive pressing force is applied to the brush 64, the guide 63 comes into contact with the surface 5 to be treated, preventing the brush 64 from being pressed excessively.

[0050] After step S5, the repair device 50 is moved in the second direction D2 while the brush 64 is pressed (step S6). In step S6, the movement mechanism 15 of the automation device 10 is operated to reciprocate the repair device 50 in the second direction D2. After step S6, the repair device 50 is moved in the second direction D2 while evacuating the air from the bag body 53a, and the brush 64 is moved away from the treatment surface 5 in the first direction D1 (step S7). To evacuate the air from the bag body 53a, for example, in addition to evacuating the air by adjusting a regulator, the tube 53b of the bag body 53a is connected to a vacuum pump to evacuate the air.

[0051] Thereafter, the actuator 65 is operated to move the two divided bodies 66 closer to each other in the third direction D3 (left-right direction), and the brush 64 is closed (step S8). After step S8, the automation device 10 is operated to pull the repair device 50 out of the narrow portion 4c in the first direction D1, and the repair device 50 is removed (step S9). Note that in step S9, an operator may hold the pipe 6 and manually pull out the repair device 50. Through the above steps, the sealant is applied to the surface 5 to be treated, and the brush coating is completed.

[0052] (Action and effect) The repair device 50, the repair system 1, and the repair method of the present embodiment can achieve the following operational effects.

[0053] In this embodiment, the repair device 50 includes a box-shaped casing 51 that opens in a first direction D1 and extends in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1, a brush device 60 that is housed in the casing 51 from the first direction D1, and a jack unit 53 that is disposed between the bottom surface of the casing 51 and the brush device 60 and is capable of adjusting the position of the brush device 60 in the first direction D1 relative to the bottom surface of the casing 51. The brush device 60 includes a base 62, a guide 63 that is attached to the base 62 and protrudes from the opening of the casing 51 in the first direction D1, a plurality of brushes 64 that are attached to the base 62 and protrude from the opening of the casing 51 in the first direction D1 beyond the guide 63 to apply a sealant to the treatment surface 5 facing the first direction D1, and an actuator 65 that moves the base 62 in a third direction D3 intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and is capable of adjusting the position of the brush 64 in the third direction D3.

[0054] For example, when repairing a defect occurring in a narrow portion 4c between the skin 3 and the stringer 4 that constitute the wing, the repair device 50 is first inserted into the narrow portion 4c from the second direction D2. At this time, the repair device 50 is arranged so that the brush 64 faces the treated surface 5 in the first direction D1. Next, the jack unit 53 is operated to press the brush 64 against the treated surface 5 from the first direction D1. At this time, if the brush 64 is about to be pressed excessively against the treated surface 5, the guide 63 abuts against the treated surface 5, and the pressing of the brush 64 is stopped. This allows the brush 64 to be pressed against the treated surface 5 with an appropriate pressing force. In this state, the sealant attached to the brush 64 can be uniformly applied to the treated surface 5 simply by moving the entire repair device 50 in the second direction D2. Moreover, the actuator 65 can be operated to adjust the position of the brush 64 in the third direction D3. In this way, the seal repair process can be easily carried out even in the narrow portion 4c where manual work is difficult.

[0055] The guide 63 in this embodiment is a roller 63a that is rotatable about an axis that extends in the third direction D3.

[0056] The guide 63 can rotate in the second direction D2 while in contact with the treated surface 5. The repair device 50 can be smoothly moved in the second direction D2 while the guide 63 is in contact with the treated surface 5. Therefore, the sealant attached to the brush 64 can be evenly applied to the treated surface 5.

[0057] In this embodiment, the repair device 50 is provided in pairs on both sides of the second direction D2 of the casing 51, spaced apart in the third direction D3, and further includes sub-rollers 54 that protrude in the third direction D3 relative to the casing 51 and are rotatable around an axis extending in the second direction D2.

[0058] As a result, when the repair device 50 is inserted into the narrow portion 4c from the second direction D2, the repair device 50 can be smoothly inserted while preventing positional deviation in the third direction D3. This makes it easier to perform the seal repair process.

[0059] The base 62 has two divided bodies 66 divided in the third direction D3, and the brushes 64 are evenly provided on each divided body 66. The actuator 65 is located between the two divided bodies 66, and moves the two divided bodies 66 closer to or farther away from each other in the third direction D3 in conjunction with each other while maintaining the same distance from the reference center line L extending in the second direction D2.

[0060] According to the above configuration, the brush 64 can be evenly arranged in the third direction D3, so that the sealant can be applied with a uniform thickness. Furthermore, by closing the brush 64 in the third direction D3, it is possible to prevent the sealant from being applied to areas other than the repair area during the movement to the repair area.

[0061] In this embodiment, the jack portion 53 is a bag body 53a that expands and contracts due to the air pressure inside, making it possible to adjust the position of the base portion 62 in the first direction D1.

[0062] This allows the bag body 53a to be disposed within the casing 51 so as to extend in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. Therefore, a pressing force in the first direction D1 can be applied uniformly to all of the brushes 64. Moreover, by adjusting the amount of air supplied to the bag body 53a, the position in the first direction D1 can be easily adjusted with high accuracy. Furthermore, since the jack 12 can be simply configured, it is possible to reduce the size of the repair device 50 and improve manufacturing efficiency.

[0063] The repair system 1 comprises a repair device 50, a pipe 6 connected to the repair device 50 from a second direction D2, and a moving mechanism 15 that grasps the end of the pipe 6 opposite the repair device 50 in the second direction D2 and moves the pipe 6 in the second direction D2.

[0064] This makes it possible to automatically position the repair device 50 in the second direction D2 and move the brush 64 in the second direction D2 while pressing it against the treatment surface 5. This makes it possible to automate the entire seal repair process, making it possible to perform the seal repair process even more efficiently.

[0065] In this embodiment, the repair device 50 further includes a connecting pipe 55b extending in the second direction D2. The repair system 1 further includes a connecting member 20 connecting the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b. The connecting member 20 has a central shaft portion 21 extending in the second direction D2, one end in the second direction D2 being inserted into either the pipe 6 or the connecting pipe 55b and the other end in the second direction D2 being inserted into the other of the pipe 6 or the connecting pipe 55b, male thread portions 22 provided at both ends of the central shaft portion 21 in the second direction D2 and capable of screwing into the inner peripheral surfaces of the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b, and a flange portion 23 extending radially outward from the outer peripheral surface at the center of the central shaft portion 21 in the second direction D2 beyond the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b.

[0066] The connecting member 20 is firmly fixed to both the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b of the repair device 50 by the male thread portion 22. In addition, the flange portion 23 protrudes radially outward from the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b. This makes it possible to prevent the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b from colliding with surrounding members (such as the treated surface 5). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flange portion 23 is formed of a material that is lower in hardness than the treated surface 5, so that even if the flange portion 23 comes into contact with the treated surface 5, damage to the treated surface 5 can be avoided.

[0067] In this embodiment, the length L1 of the pipe 6 in the first direction D1 is designed to be, for example, 1.5 m or more and 2.5 m or less, and the outer diameter R1 of the pipe 6 is designed to be, for example, 20 mm or more and 25 mm or less.

[0068] By designing the cross-sectional dimensions (length L1, outer diameter R1) of the pipe 6 in this way, the pipe 6 can obtain flexibility that allows it to follow the curved shape of the object 2 (in this embodiment, an aircraft wing) and robustness that does not buckle when pushed in the second direction D2. From the viewpoint of achieving both flexibility and robustness, it is most preferable that the length L1 of the pipe 6 is designed to be, for example, 2.0 m, and the outer diameter R1 of the pipe 6 is designed to be, for example, 22 mm. Furthermore, when the pipe 6 and the repair device 50 are connected, it is desirable that the total length in the second direction D2 from the pipe 6 to the repair device 50 is, for example, 30 m or less. By doing so, even when the pipe 6 and the repair device 50 are connected, the pipe 6 is less likely to buckle when the repair device 50 is pushed and pulled in the second direction D2.

[0069] The repair method of this embodiment includes the steps of supplying air into the bag body 53a and pressing the brush 64 against the treated surface 5 in a first direction D1, moving the repair device 50 in a second direction D2 while pressing the brush 64, and evacuating the air from the bag body 53a while moving the repair device 50 in the second direction D2, and moving the brush 64 away from the treated surface 5 in the first direction D1.

[0070] After the sealant is applied, the inside of the bag body 53a can be evacuated to gradually separate the brush 64 from the treatment surface 5. This makes it possible to prevent brush marks from being left on the treatment surface 5. This makes it possible to further improve the accuracy of the seal repair.

[0071] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are also included. In the above embodiment, the case where the automated device 10 moves the repair device 50 in the second direction D2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two or more workers may hold each of the two pipes 6 extending from both sides of the repair device 50 in the second direction D2 and manually move the repair device 50 in the second direction D2. In the case of manual operation, by providing scales or marks on the pipes 6 or a mechanism for holding the pipes 6 (for example, the base 15a of the moving mechanism 15), the brush 64 can be reciprocated within an accurate operating range. In addition, instead of the pipe 6, two wires may be provided, one on each side of the repair device 50 in the second direction D2 (front-back direction), and the repair device 50 may be moved in the second direction D2 by pulling these two wires against each other in the second direction D2.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the jack unit 53 is the bag body 53a whose volume can be changed by adjusting the amount of air therein and whose base 62 can be adjusted in position in the first direction D1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the jack unit 53 may be an air cylinder, an oil cylinder, an electric actuator, or the like that can expand and contract in the first direction D1.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the guide 63 is the roller 63a that can rotate around an axis extending in the third direction D3, but is not limited to this. For example, the guide 63 may be a block made of a material that can slide on the treatment surface 5.

[0074] <Additional Notes> The repair device 50, the repair system 1, and the repair method described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0075] (1) A repair device 50 according to a first aspect includes a box-shaped casing 51 that opens in a first direction D1 and extends in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1, a brush device 60 stored in the casing 51 from the first direction D1, and a jack portion 53 that is disposed between a bottom surface of the casing 51 and the brush device 60 and that is capable of adjusting the position of the brush device 60 in the first direction D1 relative to the bottom surface of the casing 51. The brush device 60 includes a base 62 and a jack portion 53 that is fixed to the base 62. the casing 51 includes a guide 63 disposed at a predetermined position and protruding from the opening of the casing 51 in the first direction D1, a plurality of brushes 64 attached to the base 62 and protruding from the opening of the casing 51 in the first direction D1 further than the guide 63, and applying a sealant to the treated surface 5 facing the first direction D1, and an actuator 65 that moves the base 62 in a third direction D3 intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and is capable of adjusting the position of the brushes 64 in the third direction D3.

[0076] For example, when repairing a defect occurring in a narrow portion 4c between the skin 3 and stringer 4 that constitute a wing, the repair device 50 is first inserted into the narrow portion 4c from the second direction D2. At this time, the repair device 50 is positioned so that the brush 64 faces the treated surface 5 in the first direction D1. Next, the jack unit 53 is operated to press the brush 64 against the treated surface 5 from the first direction D1. At this time, if the brush 64 is about to be pressed against the treated surface 5 excessively, the guide 63 comes into contact with the treated surface 5, and the pressing of the brush 64 is stopped. This allows the brush 64 to be pressed against the treated surface 5 with an appropriate pressing force. Moreover, the actuator 65 can be operated to adjust the position of the brush 64 in the third direction D3.

[0077] (2) A repair device 50 of a second aspect is the repair device 50 of (1), and the guide 63 may be a roller 63a that is rotatable about an axis that extends in the third direction D3.

[0078] The guide 63 can rotate in the second direction D2 while in contact with the surface to be treated 5. With the guide 63 in contact with the surface to be treated 5, the repair device 50 can be smoothly moved in the second direction D2.

[0079] (3) A third aspect of the repair device 50 is the repair device 50 of (1) or (2), and may further include sub-rollers 54 that are provided in pairs on both sides of the casing 51 in the second direction D2, spaced apart in the third direction D3, protrude in the third direction D3 relative to the casing 51, and are rotatable around an axis extending in the second direction D2.

[0080] As a result, when the repair device 50 is inserted into the narrow portion 4c from the second direction D2, the repair device 50 can be smoothly inserted while being prevented from being displaced in the third direction D3.

[0081] (4) A fourth aspect of the repair device 50 is any one of the repair devices 50 of (1) to (3), wherein the base 62 has two divided bodies 66 divided in the third direction D3, the brushes 64 are evenly provided on each of the divided bodies 66, and the actuator 65 is located between the two divided bodies 66 and may move the two divided bodies 66 closer to or farther away from each other in the third direction D3 in conjunction with each other while maintaining the distance from the reference center line L extending in the second direction D2 equal.

[0082] According to the above configuration, the brush 64 can be evenly arranged in the third direction D3, so that the sealant can be applied with a uniform thickness. Furthermore, by closing the brush 64 in the third direction D3, it is possible to prevent the sealant from being applied to areas other than the repair area during the movement to the repair area.

[0083] (5) The repair device 50 of a fifth aspect is any one of the repair devices 50 of (1) to (4), and the jack portion 53 may be a bag body 53a that expands and contracts due to the air pressure inside, thereby adjusting the position of the base portion 62 in the first direction D1.

[0084] This allows the bag body 53a to be disposed within the casing 51 so as to extend in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. Therefore, a pressing force in the first direction D1 can be applied uniformly to all of the brushes 64.

[0085] (6) A fifth aspect of the repair system 1 includes a repair device 50 selected from any one of (1) to (5), a pipe 6 connected to the repair device 50 from the second direction D2, and a moving mechanism 15 that grasps the end of the pipe 6 opposite the repair device 50 in the second direction D2 and moves the pipe 6 in the second direction D2.

[0086] This makes it possible to automatically position the repair device 50 in the second direction D2 and to automatically move the brush 64 in the second direction D2 while pressing it against the surface 5 to be treated.

[0087] (7) A seventh aspect of the repair system 1 is any one of the repair systems 1 of (6), wherein the repair device 50 further includes a connecting pipe 55b extending in the second direction D2, and further includes a connecting member 20 connecting the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b, and the connecting member 20 extends in the second direction D2 and has a central shaft portion 21 having one end in the second direction D2 inserted into either the pipe 6 or the connecting pipe 55b and the other end in the second direction D2 inserted into the other of the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b, male thread portions 22 provided at both ends of the central shaft portion 21 in the second direction D2 and capable of screwing into inner surfaces of the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b, and a flange portion 23 extending radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the central shaft portion 21 at the center of the second direction D2 more than the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b.

[0088] The connecting member 20 is firmly fixed to both the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b of the repair device 50 by the male thread portion 22. In addition, the flange portion 23 protrudes radially outward beyond the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b. This makes it possible to prevent the pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 55b from colliding with the surrounding treatment surface 5, etc.

[0089] (8) A repair method of an eighth aspect is a repair method using any one of the repair devices 50 of (1) to (5), wherein the jack portion 53 is a bag body 53a whose volume can be changed by adjusting the amount of air inside, and the position of the base 62 can be adjusted in the first direction D1, and includes the steps of supplying air into the bag body 53a to press the brush 64 against the treated surface 5 in the first direction D1, moving the repair device 50 in the second direction D2 while pressing the brush 64, and evacuating the air from the bag body 53a while moving the repair device 50 in the second direction D2, and moving the brush 64 away from the treated surface 5 in the first direction D1.

[0090] After the sealant is applied, the inside of the bag body 53a can be evacuated, and the brush 64 can be gradually moved away from the surface to be treated 5. This makes it possible to prevent brush marks from being left on the surface to be treated 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...Repair system 2...Object 3...Outer plate 4...Stringer 4a...Connection 4b...Protrusion 4c...Narrow area 5...Treated surface 6...Pipe 7...Controller 10...Automated device 11...Cart 11a...Body 11b...Caster 11c...Handle 12...Jack 13...Automated device main body 14...Platform 15...Movement mechanism 15a...Base 15b...Operation section 16Clamp mechanism 16a...Leg 16b...Grip 20...Connecting member 21...Central shaft 22...Male thread 23...Flange 50...Repair device 51...Casing 51a...Opening 51b...Tube hole 51c...Pull-out hole 51d...Recess 52...Pan 53...Jack section 53a...Bag 53b...Tube 54...Sub-roller 55... Pipe mounting portion 55a... Connection portion 55b... Connecting pipe 60... Brush device 61... Inner casing 61a... Opening 61b... Recess 62... Base 63... Guide 63a... Roller 64... Brush 65... Actuator 66... ​​Divided body 66a... Mounting portion 66b... Brush support portion 66c... Engagement portion 66d... Step portion D1... First direction D2... Second direction D3... Third direction L... Reference center line

Claims

1. a box-shaped casing that opens in a first direction and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a brush device accommodated in the casing from the first direction; a jack portion disposed between a bottom surface of the casing and the brush device, the jack portion being capable of adjusting a position of the brush device in the first direction relative to the bottom surface of the casing; Equipped with The brush device is A base and a guide disposed at a fixed position relative to the base and protruding from an opening of the casing in the first direction; a plurality of brushes attached to the base, protruding from the opening of the casing in the first direction beyond the guide, and applying a sealant to a treatment surface facing the first direction; an actuator that moves the base in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and is capable of adjusting a position of the brush in the third direction; A repair device having the above structure.

2. The repair device according to claim 1 , wherein the guide is a roller rotatable about an axis extending in the third direction.

3. The repair device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a pair of sub-rollers arranged on both sides of the casing in the second direction and spaced apart in the third direction, protruding in the third direction relative to the casing, and rotatable around an axis extending in the second direction.

4. The base portion has two divided bodies divided in the third direction, The brushes are evenly provided on each of the divided bodies, The repair device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuator is positioned between the two divided bodies and moves the two divided bodies closer to or farther away from each other in the third direction while maintaining the distance from a reference center line extending in the second direction equal.

5. The repair device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the jack portion is a bag body that is inflated and contracted by air pressure therein, and the position of the base portion is adjustable in the first direction.

6. A repair device according to claim 1 or 2; A pipe connected to the repair device from the second direction; a moving mechanism that grips an end of the pipe opposite to the repair device in the second direction and moves the pipe in the second direction; A repair system comprising:

7. The repair device further includes a connecting pipe extending in the second direction, A connecting member that connects the pipe and the connecting pipe is further provided, The connecting member is a central shaft portion extending in the second direction, one end portion in the second direction being inserted into one of the pipe and the connecting pipe, and the other end portion in the second direction being inserted into the other of the pipe and the connecting pipe; male thread portions provided at both ends of the central shaft portion in the second direction and capable of threadably engaging with inner circumferential surfaces of the pipe and the connecting pipe; a flange portion extending radially outward from an outer circumferential surface of the central shaft portion at a center portion in the second direction beyond the pipe and the connecting pipe; The repair system of claim 6 comprising:

8. A repair method using the repair device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: the jack portion is a bag body that is inflated and contracted by an internal air pressure to adjust the position of the base portion in the first direction, supplying air into the bag to press the brush in the first direction against the surface to be treated that faces the first direction; moving the repair tool in the second direction while pressing the brush; While moving the repair device in the second direction, the air in the bag is exhausted to move the brush away from the surface to be treated in the first direction; A repair method comprising:

Images