초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for machining of thin panels, in particular, panels having a complex shape, specifically non-deformable panels, in which the panel to be machined is placed beforehand in an isostatic position, characterized by: one defines one or more areas of a predetermined extent for purpo

An apparatus and method for machining of thin panels, in particular, panels having a complex shape, specifically non-deformable panels, in which the panel to be machined is placed beforehand in an isostatic position, characterized by: one defines one or more areas of a predetermined extent for purposes of machining, named machining windows, in the area of the panel to be machined; and perpendicular to each machining window; one of surfaces of panel is held in position without introducing positioning hyperstatism; the actual shape of the aforementioned surface is measured; the desired machining operation is performed on the opposite surface by taking the aforementioned measured surface as a reference; and the aforementioned surface is released.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A device for positioning and machining a thin panel having a complex non-deformable shape, said device including: a means for isostatic positioning of the panel that is to be machined, a means for holding one of the surfaces of the panel in position over a predetermined

The invention claimed is: 1. A device for positioning and machining a thin panel having a complex non-deformable shape, said device including: a means for isostatic positioning of the panel that is to be machined, a means for holding one of the surfaces of the panel in position over a predetermined extent, without introducing hyperstatism; a means for measuring an actual shape of said surface with regard to said holding means; a means for displacing said holding means with regard to said surface of the panel; a multi-axis means of machining located over to another surface of the panel; and means for synchronously controlling the successive displacement and location of said holding means with regard to each of one or more said machining windows, and said machining means successively perpendicular to each machining window. 2. A device according to claim 1, said means for holding without hyperstatism comprising a support having at least two positioning stops operating in conjunction with said isostatic positioning means to ensure isostatic positioning, a plurality of prehensile suction cups movable into a usual position with regard to said surface that is to be held in position, and means for contacting and locking each suction cup in a position for holding said surface, after isostatic positioning of the panel. 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said holding means includes a plurality of suction cups that are lockable into position for holding the surface of the panel, and wherein said means for measuring the actual shape of the surface of the panel with regard to said holding means comprising for each of said suction cups, a sensor that measures the location of the respective suction cup after the respective suction cup is locked in position for holding the surface of the panel, said sensors being connected to a means for calculating the shape of the surface of the panel by interpolation of the positions of the various suction cups. 4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the holding means includes a turntable, at least three stops that are arranged in a triangle, and a plurality of suction cup devices distributed evenly in the space between said stops, with each suction cup device including a suction cup mounted to slide perpendicular to the turntable, and a means for placing the respective suction cup against the surface of the panel, applying a vacuum to the respective suction cup, and locking the respective suction cup in a position of capture without a local deformation of said panel. 5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the means for locking the respective suction cup in a position of capture comprise a motor, detachable means for translational displacement of a sleeve, detachable means for arresting the displacement of said sleeve, and a sliding centering pin installed in said sleeve and connected to a suction cup via a contractible bladder. 6. A device according to claim 4, wherein the suction cup devices are installed on said turntable in a retractable manner.