PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR AIRCRAFT STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Abstract

The invention relates to a processing installation for aircraft structural components (2) having at least one processing station (3, 4), wherein the processing station (3, 4) has a clamping frame (7, 8) which extends along a longitudinal station axis (5, 6) for receiving the aircraft structural component (2) which is intended to be processed in each case and a processing unit (9, 10), preferably a riveting unit, for processing the aircraft structural component (2) and wherein the clamping frame (7, 8) is articulated so as to be adjustable in terms of height and pivotable to two positioning towers (11, 12) which are arranged in a vertical tower plane (13). It is proposed that there be provided transversely relative to the tower plane (13) a transverse offset of the clamping frame (7, 8) which enables an aircraft structural component (2) to be loaded onto and/or unloaded from the clamping frame (7, 8) along the tower plane (13) and at least one positioning tower (11, 12) to be passed laterally.

Claims

1. A processing installation for aircraft structural components comprising at least one processing station, wherein the processing station comprises a clamping frame which extends along a longitudinal station axis for receiving the aircraft structural component which is intended to be processed in each case, and a processing unit for processing the aircraft structural component, wherein the clamping frame is articulated so as to be adjustable in terms of height and pivotable to two positioning towers which are arranged in a vertical tower plane, and wherein there is provided transversely relative to the tower plane a transverse offset of the clamping frame which enables an aircraft structural component to be loaded onto and/or unloaded from the clamping frame along the tower plane and at least one positioning tower to be passed laterally.

2. The processing installation according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit comprises an upper tool and a lower tool and wherein the upper tool and the lower tool are arranged on a portal-like frame which can be displaced in a motorized manner parallel with the longitudinal station axis.

3. The processing installation according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit comprises an upper tool and a lower tool and wherein the upper tool and the lower tool are arranged on a C shaped frame which is configured to be displaced transversely relative to the longitudinal station axis and parallel with the longitudinal station axis.

4. The processing installation according to claim 3, wherein the frame is configured to be displaced transversely relative to the longitudinal station axis in such a manner that an aircraft structural component can be loaded onto and/or unloaded from the clamping frame parallel with the longitudinal station axis and is free from the frame laterally past at least one positioning tower.

5. The processing installation according to claim 1, wherein the clamping frame, at least in a basic position of the clamping frame, is orientated with the longitudinal frame axis thereof parallel with the longitudinal station axis.

6. The processing installation according to claim 1, further comprising a component carrier for the aircraft structural component, wherein the component carrier is releasably fixed to the clamping frame.

7. The processing installation according to claim 1, wherein the clamping frame defines a carrier region over which the clamped aircraft structural component passes and wherein the carrier region is arranged at the side of the positioning towers.

8. The processing installation according to claim 1, wherein there are associated with the clamping frame for the articulation thereof two articulation bearings which are arranged offset relative to each other along the longitudinal station axis and wherein the articulation bearings are in each case arranged offset transversely relative to the longitudinal station axis.

9. The processing installation according to claim 1, wherein the clamping frame is coupled to the positioning towers by carrier arms which extend transversely relative to the tower plane.

10. The processing installation according to claim 9, wherein the clamping frame is adjustable in terms of height with respect to the positioning towers in a motorized manner by the carrier arms, and/or wherein the clamping frame is configured to be pivoted in a motorized manner with respect to the positioning towers by one or more articulation bearings.

11. The processing installation according to claim 1, further comprising at least one transfer station for the loading and/or unloading, wherein the transfer station is arranged with respect to the longitudinal station axis on an end portion of the processing installation.

12. The processing installation according to claim 11, wherein the transfer station and/or the clamping frame has/have a longitudinal bearing arrangement for longitudinally displaceable support of the aircraft structural component so that the aircraft structural component is configured to be displaced between the transfer station and the clamping frame.

13. The processing installation according to claim 1, further comprising two processing stations, each of the two processing stations comprising a clamping frame, wherein the clamping frames are each articulated to the two positioning towers.

14. The processing installation according to claim 13, wherein the two clamping frames are arranged at two opposing sides with respect to the tower plane.

15. The processing installation according to claim 13, wherein the two processing stations with respect to the tower plane are constructed symmetrically with respect to each other, and/or wherein the longitudinal frame axes of the two clamping frames, at least in a basic position of the clamping frames, are orientated parallel with each other.

16. The processing installation according to claim 13, wherein the transfer stations are configured to be displaced transversely relative to the longitudinal station axes and can consequently be orientated in a motorized manner on the longitudinal frame axes of the two clamping frames.

17. A method for operating a processing installation according to claim 1, comprising loading and/or unloading the aircraft structural component by transporting the aircraft structural component between at least one transfer station and at least one processing station along the tower plane.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising, in order, transporting the aircraft structural component from a transfer station to the clamping frame of the processing station, processing the aircraft structural component with the processing unit at that location, and transporting the aircraft structural component to the transfer station or to an additional transfer station.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising processing the aircraft structural component on a first processing station and subsequently on a second processing station.

20. The processing installation according to claim 2, wherein the upper tool and the lower tool are arranged transversely relative to the longitudinal station axis in each case.

Description

[0017] The invention is explained in greater detail below with reference to drawings which purely illustrate embodiments. In the drawings:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a processing installation as proposed,

[0019] FIG. 2 shows the processing installation according to FIG. 1 a) during the loading operation, b) during the processing operation, c) during the unloading operation,

[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the processing installation according to FIG. 1 a) in a first material flow variant, b) in a second material flow variant and c) in a third material flow variant, and

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a processing installation as proposed in accordance with the illustration according to FIG. 1.

[0022] The processing installation 1 illustrated serves to process aircraft structural components 2 which may be, as mentioned above, fuselages, wings or other large aircraft structural components. The processing installation 1 has at least one processing station 3, 4 in this instance and preferably two processing stations 3, 4. In order to explain the processing stations 3, 4 in the context of a clear illustration, reference is made below primarily to the processing station 3 which is illustrated on the right in FIG. 1. These explanations accordingly apply to the additional processing station 4.

[0023] The processing station 3, 4 has a clamping frame 7, 8 which extends along a longitudinal station axis 5, 6 for receiving the aircraft structural component 2 which is intended to be processed in each case. The extent of the clamping frame 7, 8 along the longitudinal station axis 5, 6 is intended to be understood in a broad sense, it means that the clamping frame 7, 8 extends at least in a basic position parallel with the longitudinal station axis 5, 6.

[0024] The processing station 3, 4 is further provided with a processing unit 9, 10 for processing the aircraft structural component 2. The processing unit 9, 10 is in this instance and preferably a riveting unit.

[0025] The clamping frame 7, 8 is articulated so as to be able to be adjusted in terms of height and pivoted to two positioning towers 11, 12 which are arranged in a vertical tower plane 13. The height adjustability is designated 14, 15 in FIG. 1, whilst the pivotability is designated 16. In FIG. 1, it is clear that the height adjustability 14, 15 is possible separately for both positioning towers 11, 12 so that a pivoting of the clamping frame 7, 8 about a notional pivot axis which extends transversely to the longitudinal station axis 5, 6 is possible. To this end, there is provided for the clamping frame 7, 8 a longitudinal compensation 17 which ensures that in the event of a different height adjustment at both positioning towers 11, 12 there is no mechanical tension produced between the positioning towers 11, 12 and the clamping frame 7, 8.

[0026] The pivotability of the clamping frame 7, 8 defines a longitudinal frame axis 18, 19 which provides a corresponding pivot axis. The clamping frame 7, 8 is constructed so as to be elongate along the longitudinal frame axis 18, 19.

[0027] It is now advantageous that a transverse offset 20, 21 of the clamping frame 7, 8 with respect to the tower plane 13 is provided, which offset enables an aircraft structural component 2 to be loaded onto and/or unloaded from the clamping frame 7, 8 along the tower plane 13 and at least one positioning tower 11, 12 to be passed laterally.

[0028] The transition from FIG. 2a to FIG. 2b shows the loading of the clamping frame 7, 8 with the aircraft structural component 2. In this instance, it can be seen that the aircraft structural component 2 is moved past the positioning tower 11. The transition from FIG. 2b to FIG. 2c shows the unloading of the clamping frame 7, 8 in which the aircraft structural component 2 is moved past the other positioning tower 12. In this case, it is advantageous that, although the often high positioning towers 11, 12 in principle produce a collision risk for the aircraft structural component 2 during the loading or unloading operation. As a result of the transverse offset 20, 21 of the clamping frame 7, 8 as proposed, the positioning towers 11, 12 are located outside the movement region of the aircraft structural component 2.

[0029] Different advantageous variants are conceivable for the construction of the processing unit 9, 10. In the illustrated embodiment preferred in this regard, the processing unit 9, 10 has an upper tool 22, 23 and a lower tool 24, 25, wherein the upper tool 22, 23 and the lower tool 24, 25 are arranged on a frame 26, 27 which is portal-like in FIG. 1. The frame 26, 27 can be adjusted in a motorised manner parallel with the longitudinal station axis 5, 6. The adjustability of the frame 26, 27 is designated 28 in FIG. 1. In addition, the upper tool 22, 23 and lower tool 24, 25 are each arranged on the frame 26, 27 so as to be able to be adjusted transversely relative to the longitudinal station axis 5, 6. The upper tool 22, 23 can be adjusted independently of the lower tool 24, 25 so that a corresponding synchronisation in terms of technical control between the adjustment of the upper tool 22, 23 and the adjustment of the lower tool 24, 25 is required.

[0030] A preferred alternative embodiment for the processing unit 9, 10 is shown in FIG. 4. In this instance, the frame 26, 27 can be adjusted transversely relative to the longitudinal station axis 5, 6 and parallel with the longitudinal station axis 5, 6. These two adjustment possibilities are designated 29, 30 in FIG. 4. Furthermore, in this instance and preferably the frame 26, 27 is constructed in a C-shaped manner so that the processing unit 9, 10 can be moved in a simple manner out of the movement region of the aircraft structural component 2. In this instance, the upper tool 22, 23 and the lower tool 24, 25 are securely arranged transversely relative to the longitudinal station axis 5, 6 in each case on the frame 26, 27. With the exception of the construction of the processing unit 9, 10, the structure of the processing installation 1 illustrated in FIG. 4 corresponds to the structure of the processing installation 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. In this regard, in order to explain the processing installation 1 illustrated in FIG. 4, reference may be made to the statements relating to the processing installation 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0031] As indicated above, the frame 26, 27 illustrated in FIG. 4 can be adjusted transversely relative to the longitudinal station axis 5, 6 in such a manner that the loading or unloading of an aircraft structural component 2 onto or from the clamping frame 7, 8 parallel with the longitudinal station axis 5, 6 and laterally past at least one positioning tower 11, 12 is free from the frame 26, 27. A position of the frame 26, 27 adjusted in this manner is illustrated in FIG. 4 with broken lines. In this instance, it is possible to see in particular the advantage of a C-shaped frame 26, 27 whose construction which is open at one side first enables the operating method described above.

[0032] In this instance, it is preferable for the longitudinal station axis 5, 6 to be constructed parallel with the tower plane 13. Furthermore, it is the case here and preferable for the clamping frame 7, 8 at least in the basic position illustrated in FIG. 1 to be orientated with the longitudinal frame axis 18, 19 parallel with the longitudinal station axis 5, 6. Other possibilities for orientation are conceivable depending on the respective application.

[0033] In principle, the aircraft structural component 2 may be fixed directly to the clamping frame 7, 8, in particular clamped. For the purposes of a simple definition of tool reference points, however, it is preferable for there to be provided for the aircraft structural component 2 a component carrier 31, 32 which can be releasably fixed to the clamping frame 7, 8. Such a component carrier 31, 32 further provides the mechanical stability required for the transport of the aircraft structural component 2.

[0034] The lower detailed illustration in FIG. 1 shows that the clamping frame 7, 8 defines a carrier region 33 over which the clamped aircraft structural component 2 passes, wherein the carrier region 33 is arranged at the side of the positioning towers 11, 12. As a result of the lateral arrangement of the carrier region 33, the collision-free loading and unloading as proposed of an aircraft structural component 2 onto or from the clamping frame 7, 8 are ensured.

[0035] For the articulation thereof, there are associated with the clamping frame 7, 8 two articulation bearings 34, 35; 36, 37 which are arranged offset with respect to each other along the longitudinal station axis 5, 6 and which are each arranged offset transversely relative to the tower plane 13. In view of the fact that the height adjustability of the clamping frame 7, 8 at the positioning towers 11, 12 can be carried out separately, it is appropriate that the articulation bearings 34, 35; 36, 37 are constructed as cardan bearings. Other possibilities for the construction of the articulation bearings 34, 35; 36, 37 are conceivable.

[0036] A particularly simple implementation of the transverse offset as proposed of the clamping frame 7, 8 transversely relative to the tower plane 13 is shown in FIG. 1. In this instance, the clamping frame 7, 8 is coupled to the positioning towers 11, 12 by means of carrier arms 38, 39; 40, 41 which preferably and in this instance extend transversely relative to the tower plane 13. The carrier arms 38, 39; 40, 41 are in the illustrated embodiment preferred in this regard constructed in a box-like manner. However, it is also conceivable for the carrier arms 38, 39; 40, 41 to be constructed as simple steel profiles.

[0037] In order to achieve automated production, the clamping frame 7, 8 can be adjusted in terms of height in a motorised manner with respect to the positioning towers 11, 12 by means of the carrier arms 38, 39; 40, 41. Alternatively or additionally, it is the case that the clamping frame 7, 8 can be pivoted in a motorised manner with respect to the positioning towers 11, 12 by means of the articulation bearings 34, 35; 36, 37. For the height adjustability, a drive is preferably associated with the two positioning towers 11, 12, respectively. For the pivotability of the clamping frame 7, 8 about the longitudinal frame axis 18, 19, preferably only a single drive which is arranged at the end side of the clamping frame is associated with the clamping frame 7, 8.

[0038] FIG. 1 further shows that there is provided for the loading and/or the unloading at least one transfer station 42, 43 which is arranged with respect to the longitudinal station axis 5, 6 on an end portion of the processing installation 1. In this instance and preferably, there are provided a total of two transfer stations 42, 43 which are arranged accordingly at opposing end portions of the processing installation 1.

[0039] It is advantageous in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 that a transfer station 42 is arranged with respect to the material flow direction upstream of the processing unit 9, 10, whilst the transfer station 43 with respect to the material flow direction is arranged downstream of the processing unit 9, 10. The processing unit 42 may in particular be used as a set-up location for the processing unit 9, 10.

[0040] In principle, the transfer stations 42, 43 may be constructed as simple tables on which the aircraft structural component 2 can be deposited together with the component carrier 31, 32. The transport from the transfer station 42 to the clamping frame 7, 8 can then be carried out by means of transport devices, such as a crane or the like. However, the transport is particularly simple if, as illustrated, the transfer station 42, 43 and the clamping frame 7, 8 has or have a longitudinal bearing arrangement 44, 45 for longitudinally displaceable support of the aircraft structural component 2, and where applicable the component carrier 31, 32 which is connected thereto, so that the aircraft structural component 2 can be displaced between the transfer station 42, 43 and the clamping frame 7, 8. In the illustrated embodiment preferred in this regard, the longitudinal bearing arrangements 44, 45 each have a roller arrangement. Depending on the aircraft structural component 2 which is intended to be transported, it is then possible for the transport of the aircraft structural component 2 from the transfer station 42 to the clamping frame 7, 8 to be carried out manually. However, it is also conceivable for the roller arrangements to be driven in a motorised manner so that the transport is also carried out in an automated manner. In both cases, there is preferably provision for an end stop arrangement 46, 47 to limit the longitudinal displaceability of the aircraft structural component 2. The end stop arrangement 46, 47 can further preferably be controlled by means of corresponding actuators so that after the processing operation the further transport of the aircraft structural component 2 is possible.

[0041] Preferably, the height of the transfer stations 42, 43 is substantially identical to the height of the clamping frame 7, 8 as long as the clamping frame 7, 8 is located in a predetermined transfer position. Consequently, the loading of the clamping frame 7, 8 with the aircraft structural component 2 can be carried out without a complex height offset of the aircraft structural component 2 being required. For good longitudinal guiding, in this instance and preferably, an additional supporting roller arrangement is provided between the transfer station 42 and the clamping frame 7, 8.

[0042] FIG. 2a shows the situation during the loading of the clamping frame 7 with the aircraft structural component 2. The aircraft structural component 2 is located in this instance half-way to the clamping frame 7. The processing unit 9 is located in FIG. 2 at the right-hand side in order not to impede the loading.

[0043] FIG. 2b shows the clamping frame 7 in the loaded state. From this state, the aircraft structural component 2 is processed by the processing unit 9, in this instance riveted.

[0044] FIG. 2c finally shows the unloading operation, in which the aircraft structural component 2 is transported from the clamping frame 7 to the transfer station 43. The processing unit 9 is located in this instance in the left-hand position in FIG. 4 in which it does not impede the unloading.

[0045] It can best be seen from an overview of FIGS. 1 and 2 that the processing installation 1 in this instance has not only a single processing station 3, but instead two processing stations 3, 4 each having a clamping frame 7, 8, wherein the clamping frames 7, 8 in this instance and preferably are each articulated to the two positioning towers 11, 12. The positioning towers 11, 12 are thus used twice, that is to say, on the one hand, for the articulation of the clamping frame 7 and, on the other hand, for the articulation of the clamping frame 8. This leads to a generally compact and cost-effective arrangement.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment preferred in this regard, it is the case that the two clamping frames 7, 8 are arranged at two opposing sides with respect to the tower plane 13. It is thereby possible for the positioning towers 11, 12 at both sides of the tower plane 13 to be loaded in a similar manner, at least as a result of the gravitational force, which generally provides the stability of the arrangement.

[0047] A mechanically quite particularly stable arrangement is produced by the two processing stations 3, 4 being constructed symmetrically with respect to each other relative to the tower plane 13. Alternatively or additionally, the longitudinal frame axes 18, 19 of the two clamping frames 7, 8 at least in the illustrated basic position are orientated parallel with each other. This leads to a further increase of the symmetry of the arrangement, which in turn is linked with an increase of the mechanical stability.

[0048] It is advantageous in the illustrated embodiments preferred in this regard that the transfer station 42, 43 or the transfer stations 42, 43 can be displaced transversely relative to the longitudinal station axis 5, 6 and consequently can be orientated on the longitudinal frame axes 18, 19 of the two clamping frames 7, 8. This displaceability of the transfer station 42, 43 or the transfer stations 42, 43 can be provided manually or preferably in a motorised manner. For this transverse displaceability there is associated in each case with the transfer stations 42, 43 a transverse bearing arrangement 49, 50 which in the illustrated embodiment has a total of three linear bearings, which are indicated in each case in the drawing as a solid line.

[0049] According to an additional teaching which has independent significance, a method for operating a processing installation 1 as proposed is claimed per se.

[0050] It is significant according to the additional teaching for the loading and/or the unloading of the clamping frame 7, 8 by a transport, in this instance and preferably a displacement, of the aircraft structural component between at least one transfer station 42, 43 and at least one processing station 3, 4 to be carried out along the tower plane 13. This has already been explained above.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows different preferred embodiments of the method as proposed. In the illustration according to FIG. 3a, it is the case that the aircraft structural component 2 is first transported from a transfer station 42, 43 to the clamping frame 7, 8 of the processing station 3, 4. Subsequently, the aircraft structural component 2 is processed by means of the processing unit 9, 10 at that location. Finally, the aircraft structural component 2 is transported to another transfer station 43. This is the conventional case of a production line.

[0052] However, there may alternatively also be provision for the aircraft structural component 2 to be transported back to the same transfer station 42 after the processing operation. This is shown by way of example in FIG. 3b.

[0053] FIG. 3c shows another preferred embodiment of the method as proposed in which the aircraft structural component 2 is processed successively on a first processing station 3 and subsequently on a second processing station 4. Between the two processing steps, the aircraft structural component 2 is deposited on the transfer station 43 and subsequently supplied to the processing unit 10 of the processing station 4.

[0054] In an embodiment which is particularly preferred for linear production, there is provision for the transfer station 42, the processing unit 9, 10 and the additional transfer station 43 to be arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal station axis 5, 6.

[0055] As a result, the processing installation 1 as proposed affords numerous perspectives in particular for linear production. However, the illustration according to FIG. 3b shows in particular that the processing installation 1 as proposed can also advantageously be used as a standalone processing installation.