Machine tool installation for supporting and machining workpieces

Abstract: 1. A machine tool installation for the support and machining of a workpiece, having a frame (4) on which is mounted a machining head (5) and support means on which the workpiece (9) is mounted to be machined, characterised in that the support means comprises a plurality of columns (2) which are grouped together in sets arranged on independently movable transverse modules (1), such that each module (1) can be independently displaced in a horizontal direction (6); in that each of the columns (2) on each module (1) is capable of being displaced along said module (1) independently of the other columns (2) in a direction (7) perpendicular to the direction (6); in that each column (2) has at its upper end a workpiece fixing member (3) which can be displaced vertically with respect to the directions (67) and (7); and in that all the aforesaid movements in three perpendicular directions are computer controlled to permit the automatic positioning of the fixing member (3) until they occupy the desired positions for supporting and fixing the workpiece (9).

Description: The invention relates to a machine tool installation for supporting and machining workpieces according to the preamble of claim 1. In sectors such as the aeronautical and shipping industry, it is necessary to carry out processes for the machining of workpieces which in many cases are large dimensions and have a variety of shapes, which considerably complicates the handling and the secure fastening of such workpieces during the working processes. EP-A-0069230 discloses a machine tool for the support of a large thin walled workpiece during machining comprising a plurality of suction caps, the height of which can be adjusted electrically or hydraulically. According to the invention a machine tool installation for the support and machining of a workpiece comprising a frame, a track along which the frame is movable, a machining head on the frame and movable transversely of the track, a plurality of columns, a workpiece fixing member at the upper end of each column and which can be moved vertically, and computer control means for controlling said vertical movement to permit the automatic positioning of the fixing members until they occupy the desired positions for supporting and fixing the workpiece during machining, is characterised by a plurality of modules extending transversely of the track and independently movable along the track, and by motor means for individually moving the modules along the tracks, the columns being mounted on the modules and being independently movable along the modules, each column being individually connected to means for moving the respective columns transversely of the track, and each column incorporating motor means for moving the fixing members vertically. Each fixing member may comprise respective upper and lower part-spherical pieces which are coupled together to form a cup and ball joint assembly, a support face provided with a suction cup on the upper piece, the lower piece forming a cup and ball joint assembly on a bush mounted on the column, and an elastic connecting means extending centrally through the fixing member and connected at its respective ends to the upper piece and to the bush to couple the fixing member together to define a double joint assembly between the pieces and the bush whereby the suction cup can be inclined up to forty five degrees with respect to the column. The upper part spherical piece may have a central orifice for the passage of the elastic connecting means and a plurality of orifices covered by filters through which air can be blown or suction applied, and said elastic connecting means may be formed with a head by which it is retained in the upper piece, the lower end of the elastic connecting means being retained in a clamp fixed to the bush. Each column may have a hollow stem, the upper end of which carries the fixing member, a leadscrew being arranged within the stem and driven by an independent motor controlled by an impulse meter, each column incorporating, for the control of its motor, an electronic control unit, equipped with a microprocessor and connected by means of a central processing unit, with a governing computer. Each column may incorporate a pneumatically actuated clamp for clamping the stem against movement. Electrical feeds and fluid feeds to the mechanisms of the frame, to those of the modules and to those of the columns may be achieved by means of respective longitudinal and transverse cable carrying chains which are arranged, one on top of the other, in vertical correlation, and in that the chains of the columns extend between enclosures situated at the opposite ends of the modules. Track means are preferably arranged under the floor and on which the modules can move, each module being supported on end plates which are slidable along the tracks. Motor means are preferably provided for moving the modules along the tracks, which motor means are controlled by respective impulse meters, and are operatively coupled to rack and pinion means disposed at each end of the modules. The floor may be formed with slots through which end plates extend and which means closing the slots. The movement of the columns along the modules may be achieved on common guides by common leadscrews engaged by respective independent nuts for each column and which nuts are driven by independent motors which are controlled by impulse meters. The invention is diagrammatically illustrated, by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a representation in perspective and schematically of one practical embodiment of machine tool installation; Figure 2 is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 1 but with a workpiece in place; Figure 3 is a front view of the installation, showing in cross section the part of the mechanism which is situated below floor level; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the front part of the installation shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is an amplified front view of the assembly of a mechanism for moving the modules (1), with a detail from a joint (17) for closing channels on the floor; Figure 6 is a transverse cross sectional view of a module; Figure 7 is a view of an upper part of a column (2), in partial cross section; Figure 8 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 7; Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of a column (2); Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the upper part of each column (2); Figure 11 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a fixing member (3) incorporated in the upper end of the columns (2); Figure 12 is a greatly enlarged cross sectional side view of a fixing member (3); Figure 13 is a view generally similar to Figure 12, but with the moveable part of the fixing member (3) in a different operating position, and Figure 14 shows is a diagram showing means for the automatic control of the positioning of the members (3) Clarifying details 1. Modules 2. Columns 3. Fixing member 4. Frame 5. Head 6. Longitudinal direction 7. Transverse direction 8. Motor 9. Workpiece to be machined 10. Beams 11. Side plates of the modules 12. Pinion 13. Rack 14. Reduction motor 15. Impulse meter 16. Cable carrying chains 17. Flexible joints 18. Guides 19. Support plate 20. Shoes 21. Leadscrew 22. Motor 23. Body 24. Hollow stem 25. Leadscrew 26. Toothed belt 27. Impulse meter 28. Double clamp 29. Joints 30. Spring means 31. Beams 32. Side plates of the frame 33. Cable carrying chains 34. Enclosure 35. Enclosure 36. "U"-shaped profiles 37. Steel strip 38. Upper shell 39. Lower shell 40. Seating bush 41. Connecting rod 42. Connecting rod retaining bush 43. Suction cup 44. Suction orifices 45. Filters 46. Control unit 47. Central processing unit (CPU) 48. Controlling computer 49. Remote control unit In the drawings, a support installation for the machining of workpieces is shown which, in its general structure is formed, as can be seen in Figure 1, by a frame (4) which carries a head (5) which carries the machining tools, and by a set of modules (1) which are arranged parallel to the aforementioned frame (4) in the transverse direction to the installation, each module (1) comprising a series of columns (2) which at their upper end are equipped with a fixing member (3) for the support, on the fixing members (3), of the workpieces (9) which have to be supported for machining. Each module (1) is supported on beams (10) which are arranged under the floor in the longitudinal direction of the installation, as can be seen in figures 3, 4 and 5, and which make guides for the moving of the said modules (1) in that direction longitudinal to the installation, following the direction (6) indicated in figure 1, it having been foreseen that the guiding of the aforementioned modules (1) should be achieved alternatively on one side and the other of the aforementioned beams (10), to which end the corresponding plates (11), by means of which their mounting on the guides is achieved, can be larger in width, thus providing greater rigidity. Said moving of the modules (1) in the longitudinal direction of the installation which is indicated with the arrow (6) in figure 1, takes place by means of respective rack (13) and pinion (12) assemblies, from both ends of the module (1), through actuation by means of respective sets of reduction motors (14), in such a way that the two respective motors corresponding to each module (1), work in synchronization, being controlled in their position by appropriate impulse meters (15) (see figure 4). As can be seen in figures 7 and 8, along each module (1) are installed two guides (18), on which are mounted, by means of corresponding plates (19), the respective columns (2) which correspond to each one of the said modules (1), in such a way that the plates referred to (19), equipped with shoes (20) for sliding over the aforementioned guides (18), are capable of being moved along the two corresponding modules (1), in the transverse direction of the installation, following the direction indicated in figure 1, with the arrow marked number (7), transporting with them in this displacement to the respective corresponding columns (2) joined to the plates (19). This displacement of the columns (2) following the direction (7), is effected by means of a leadscrew (21), which is common for all the columns (2) of each module (1), and above which said columns (2) are independently coupled, by means of respective nuts which are worked by respective motors (22) incorporated over the corresponding plates (19), each one of the said motors (22) being controlled in its position by an impulse meter. Each column (2) is equipped in addition with a body (23), through which as can be seen in figure 9, passes a hollow stem (24) guided axially, which at its upper end incorporates the fixing element (3), said stem (24) being vertically displaceable by means of a leadscrew (25). The leadscrew (25) is driveable by means of a toothed belt (26) by a motor (8) with which each of the columns (2) is provided and which for its part is controlled by a respective rotary impulse meter (27). In the interior of the body (23), the said vertically displaceable shaft (24) passes through a double clamp (28) formed from two pieces which end in cones and have longitudinal slots which give flexibility (see figure 10), incorporating themselves between the double clamp (28), some joints (29) and spring means (30). In this way and if pressurised air is allowed to enter between the two parts which comprise the double clamp (28), those two parts are displaced in opposite directions, gripping the stem (24) and immobilising it in the position in which it finds itself, which allows a rigid axial fixing of each column (2) once the fixing member (3) is sited at the precise height, in accordance with the contact which has to be established on the part (9) to be supported. In this way the fixing member (3) which is incorporated in each column (2) can achieve a combined movement in three perpendicular directions, along the three axes X, Y and Z, which allows it to be fixed at any point in space. In this way the precise support can be achieved on the fixing members (3) of the corresponding part (9) which has to be sustained in each case, independently of the shape which the same may have and of the positioning in which it has to be placed. The fixing members (3), are formed, as can be seen in figures 10, 11, 12 and 13, by a set of two parts (38) and (39) in the shape of spherical shells, which are coupled together in a mutual engagement establishing a pivot assembly. The external part (39) of this assembly, is arranged in support on the extremity of a bush like part (40), on which establishes in turn a pivot assembly coupling; the fixing together of all this assembly being established by means of an elastic connecting rod (41), which is held in tension by means of a bush (42) fixed in the interior of the part (40). This part (40) is that which in turn established the necessary fixing on the moveable tubular stem (24) of the column (2). In this way, the assembly of each one of the said fixing members (3) allows a combined movement of the two pivot assemblies defined between the parts (38), (39) and (40), thus making possible a field of movement in inclination of the plane which contains the free edges of the part (38), with respect to the horizontal plane, to an angle "α" of some 45 degrees, (see figure 13), on the part (38), is incorporated moreover a suction cup (43), with which the support on the workpiece (9) which has to be supported, is obtained with an adhesive fixing, which assures a firm clamping. But for greater effectiveness of the said fixing, in the actual front face of the part (38) are foreseen orifices (44), provided with respective filters (45) in its exterior opening, through which can be established, inside the assembly, the communication with a system of suction or vacuum, in such a way that the creation of a vacuum inside the suction cup (43), means that the fixing of the same in its support on the part (9) to be fixed, is totally effective. This embodiment allows, in addition to the creation of a vacuum, the blowing in of air under pressure to help the initial movement of the parts to be worked on the fixing members (3) until the parts reach their correct position, at which time the entrance of pressurised air is interrupted and the fixing vacuum is established. On the other hand the frame (4) of the installation is displaceable in turn in the longitudinal direction (6) of the installation, by means of respective guides and actuating mechanisms, which are also arranged below the floor; while the head (5) is displaceable in its turn along said frame (4), that is to say in the transverse direction (7) of the installation; while the support of the machining tools, which comprises the said head (5), is for its part movably positionable, both in the vertical direction and in rotation, for its correct incidence on the points to be machined in the part (9) on which one has to work. In this way the installation allows the fixing in space in a precise and exact manner, of whatever type of part (9) is to be machined, independently of its form and dimensions, and of the position in which it has to be situated to perform on it the necessary operations by means of the implements or tools of the head (5) incorporated in the frame (4), which during the work process will constantly manoeuvre to the corresponding work positions, while the columns (2) remain static sustaining the workpiece (9) to be worked on, in the precise position for the carrying out of the work. In so far as the frame (4) is concerned, as can be seen in figures 3 and 4, the displacements of the same are achieved on rolling guides defined on corresponding beams (31), the mounting of the said frame (4) in relation to the aforementioned beams (31) being achieved by means of plates (32) which pass through a slot formed in the floor; while the actuation is achieved, at both ends of the said frame (4), by means of two synchronised reduction motors, which engage with helicoidal racks fixed to the beams (31), the displacement being controlled by two linear impulse meters situated on the said beams (31). It is foreseen that, for the control and command of all the moveable elements of the installation, the corresponding actuating members of said moveable elements are connected with a programmable computer unit, in such a way that introducing in the same the precise information in each case, by means of the corresponding programme, the process of positioning of the different columns (2) in the directions (6) and (7) of the installation and the height positioning of the corresponding fixing members (3) of the upper end of the same, to conform to the shape, dimensions and positioning of the corresponding workpiece (9), are produced in a totally automatic manner and with the most absolute precision, equally the mobility of the frame (4) and of the corresponding head (5), are produced also in an automatic way to act on each one of the points of the workpiece (9) on which work has to be carried out. Thus for example, for the height positioning of the members (3) in accordance with the corresponding part (9) which is to be supported, as can be seen in the diagram in figure 14, each column (2) is connected with a corresponding control unit (46) provided with a microprocessor; the different control units (46) for the particular columns (2) are connected, through a central processing unit "CPU" (47) with the controlling computer (48); in such a way that from the said computer (48) the corresponding order is sent to each control unit (46), of the position which its respective column (2) must occupy, at the same time as the computer itself (48) is informed of the actual position of each column (2), in order to suitably control the process. The system can moreover incorporate a remote control unit (49), by means of which any of the columns (2) are able to be manipulated manually, raising or lowering it to the situation of the corresponding member (3) in the suitable position, which allows, amongst other things, the possibility of manual adaptations to overcome unforeseen irregularities which the supported part (9) may have. Likewise it is foreseen that the elastic connecting rod (41) of each fixing member (3) should have a lower pipe through which to blow in air at low pressure, this pipe being open in the upper part of the connecting rod (41) and coupled by its middle lower part to a pressure sensor. When contact is established between the fixing member (3) and the part to be machined (9) the air exit closes, increasing the pressure within the inner pipe of the connecting rod (41), which is detected by the pressure sensor, this giving the signal that the contact has been made. In this way a rapid approach of the columns (2) towards the part (9) can be achieved to a prearranged distance and from here a slow approach until contact with the part (9) is detected by the aforementioned pressure sensor. With this the contact between each fixing member (3) and the part (9) can always be assured even in the case where there are irregularities which have not been detected and, also, the actual system can thus offer information on the differences between the marked distances and the real distances at which the contact has been produced, which serves as a test of the surface irregularities of the parts to be machined (9). All the electrical connections to the actuating means of the modules (1), as well as to the actuating means of the frame (4), and the arrangement of the necessary fluid pipes are attained through carrying chains (16) which extend beneath the floor, as can be seen in figures 3, 4, and 5, which completely eliminates the obstructions and risks of accident which said cables and pipes can create. The supply to the particular columns (2) of the different modules (1) is achieved also by means of carrying chains (33) through the interior of which pass all the feed pipes to the said columns (2), both for air under pressure and vacuum and those which supply electricity; in such a way that no cable nor tube is ever visible. It has been foreseen, as a preferred solution, that the chains (33) of some of the columns (2) of each module (1), issue from an enclosure (35) situated in one side of the installation, and the chains (33) of the other columns (2) of each module (1) from an enclosure (34) situated in the opposite side. In figure 6, it can be seen moreover how the different chains (33) which correspond to the particular columns (2) of each module (1), are arranged on "U" shaped support profiles (36), which keep them completely isolated so as not to interfere with each other. The side plates (11), by means of which each module (1) is supported, and through which is achieved the moveable mounting of the same on the corresponding beams (10) situated beneath the floor, pass through the floor through longitudinal slots which are closed by means of flexible joints (17), as can be seen in detail in figure 5; while the plates (32), through which is achieved the moveable mounting of the frame (4) on the beams (31), pass in their turn through corresponding longitudinal slots in the floor, which in their case are closed by a steel strip (37) which is shaped like a loop, being joined by its extremities to the corresponding plate (32), in such a way that said strip (37) is displaced in conjunction with the frame (4), bringing about the closing of the respective slot in step with the corresponding plate (32), along the whole length of the installation, except for the space occupied by the plate itself (32), where it is the said plate (32) which causes the closing of the slot. In this way the displacement of the moveable elements is achieved without the least obstacle, and at the same time completely blocks the passage of swarf, debris and dirt to the lower area where are housed the mechanisms and displacement guides of the frame (4) and of the modules (1), thereby permitting easy cleaning of the area, seeing that through the displacement of the frame (4) and of the modules (1) towards one end, the whole of the floor level remains totally free. Without altering the essence of the invention, the possibility is foreseen that the beams (10) and (31), on which are made up the longitudinal guides for the frame (4) and the modules (1), can be situated above floor level, according to a variation in the practical embodiment. Likewise it has been foreseen, as another variation in the practical embodiment, that the different columns (2) may be arranged in a trench, which would allow the fixing members (3) to be closer in relation to floor level, giving access to those working on them across bridges and catwalks which would extend across such trenches. These embodiments or any other will be a function of the characteristics of the place where the installation is mounted and of the characteristics of the parts (9) which are to be worked, but do not in any case alter the essence of the invention while the essential characteristics of the same are maintained, with regard to the positioning of the support columns (2), the double joint assembly of the fixing members (3), etc.

Claims: A machine tool installation for the support and machining of a workpiece (9) comprising a frame (4), a track (31) along which the frame is movable, a machining head (5) on the frame and movable transversely of the track, a plurality of columns (2), a workpiece fixing member (3) at the upper end of each column (2) and which can be moved vertically, and computer control means for controlling said vertical movemement to permit the automatic positioning of the fixing members until they occupy the desired positions for supporting and fixing the workpiece during machining, characterised by a plurality of modules (1) extending transversely of the track (31) and independently movable along the track, and by motor means (14) for individually moving the modules along the tracks, the columns (2) being mounted on the modules (1) and being independently movable along the modules, each column being individually connected to means (21,22) for moving the respective columns transversely of the track, and each column (2) incorporating motor means (8) for moving the fixing members (3) vertically. A machine tool installation according to claim 1, characterised in that each fixing member (3) comprises respective upper and lower part-spherical pieces (38 and 39) which are coupled together to form a cup and ball joint assembly, the upper piece (38) having a support face provided with a suction cup (43); the lower piece (39) forming a cup and ball joint assembly on a bush (40) mounted on the column, an elastic connecting means (41) double joint assembly between the pieces (38,39) and the bush (40) whereby the suction cup (43) can be inclined up to forty five degrees with respect to the column. A machine tool installation according to claim 2, characterised in that the upper part spherical piece (38) has a central orifice for the passage of the elastic connecting means (41) and a plurality of orifices (44) covered by filters through which air can be blown or suction applied, and characterised in that said elastic connecting means (41) is formed with a head by which it is retained in the upper piece (38), the lower end of the elastic connecting means being retained in a clamp fixed to the bush (40). A machine tool installation according to any preceding claim, characterised in that each column (2) has a hollow stem (24), the upper end of which carries the fixing member (3), a leadscrew (25) being arranged within the stem and driven by an independent motor (8) controlled by an impulse meter (27), each column incorporating, for the control of its motor (8), an electronic control unit (46), equipped with a microprocessor and connected by means of a central processing unit (47), with a governing computer (48). A machine tool installation according to claim 4, characterised in that each column (2) incorporates a pneumatically actuated clamp (28) for clamping the stem (24) against movement. A machine tool installation according to any preceding claim, characterised in that electrical feeds and fluid feeds to the mechanisms of the frame (4), to those of the modules (1) and to those of the columns (2) are achieved by means of respective longitudinal and transverse cable carrying chains (16,33) which are arranged, one on top of the other, in vertical correlation, and in that the chains (33) of the columns (2) extend between enclosures (34,35) situated at the opposite ends of the modules (1). A machine tool installation according to any preceding claim, characterised by track means (10) arranged under the floor and on which the modules (1) can move, each module being supported on end plates (11) which are slidable along the tracks (10) and characterised by motor means (14) for moving the modules along the tracks, the motor means being controlled by respective impulse meters (15), and being operatively coupled to rack and pinion means (12,13) disposed at each end of the modules. A machine tool installation according to claim 7, characterised in that the floor is formed with slots through which end plates (11) extend and by means (17,37) closing the slots. A machine tool installation according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the movement of the columns (2) along the modules (1) is achieved on common guides (18) by common leadscrews (21) engaged by respective independent nuts for each column and which nuts are driven by independent motors (22) which are controlled by impulse meters.

Inventors: TORRES MARTINEZ MANUEL, TORRES MARTINEZ, MANUEL
Applicants: TORRES MARTINEZ M, TORRES MARTINEZ, MANUEL
Application year: 1991
Main classification: B23Q1
IPC codes: B23Q3, B23Q1, B23Q11, B21J15