Tool, a machine, and a method for orbitally drilling an orifice
AssigneeRecoules S.A.
InventorsClaude Debat, Michel Bureller
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The tool comprises firstly a cutter support for being driven in rotation about a first axis of rotation that is to coincide with the axis of the orifice, and a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter support to rotate about a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation and spaced apart therefrom by a non-zero offset distance. A front segment of the cutter support has maximum radial extent relative to the first axis of rotation that is less than or equal to the radius of the orifice to enable the front segment to penetrate into the orifice during drilling. The tool is particularly applicable to drilling machines used in the aviation industry.
Claims12
1/ A tool for drilling an orifice in a part, the tool being of the type comprising:
- a cutter support designed to be rotated about a first axis of rotation that is to coincide with the axis of the orifice;
- and
- a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter support to drill the orifice by pressing the cutter axially forwards against the part, a central axis of the cutter forming a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation and spaced apart therefrom by a non-zero offset, the cutter being designed to be rotated about the second axis of rotation relative to the cutter support in order to drill the orifice;
- wherein at least a front segment of the cutter support has a maximum radial extent relative to the first axis of rotation that is less than or equal to the radius of the orifice so as to enable the front segment to penetrate into the orifice during drilling.
2/ A tool according to claim 1, wherein the maximum radial extent is substantially equal to the radius of the orifice so that the front segment possesses at least one bearing surface for bearing against the wall of the orifice to guide the cutter during drilling.
3/ A tool according to claim 2, wherein the or each bearing surface of the cutter support has an outline that is circular or in the form of an arc of a circle centered on the first axis of rotation and with a radius that is substantially equal to the radius of the orifice.
4/ A tool according to claim 1, wherein the cutter support comprises a tube.
5/ A tool according to claim 1, including swarf-removal means for removing swarf formed by the cutter.
6/ A tool according to claim 4, including swarf-removal means for removing swarf formed by the cutter, and wherein the swarf-removal means comprise an opening passing radially through the tube.
7/ A tool according to claim 1, including an intermediate member for transmitting rotary motion to the cutter, and wherein at least one segment of the intermediate member is both centered on the first axis of rotation and rotatable about the first axis of rotation.
8/ A tool according to claim 1, wherein the cutter support is centered on the first axis of rotation.
9/ A machine for drilling an orifice, the machine comprising:
- a drilling tool according to claim 1;
- and
- motorized drive means for driving the cutter support in rotation about the first axis of rotation and for driving the cutter in rotation about the second axis of rotation.
10/ A machine according to claim 9, including a spindle on which the cutter support is removably mounted, the spindle being rotatable about the first axis of rotation by the drive means.
11/ A method of drilling an orifice in a part, the method comprising the steps of:
- driving the cutter support of a drilling tool according claim 1 in rotation about a first axis of rotation;
- driving the cutter in rotation about the second axis of rotation;
- pressing the cutter axially forward against the part in order to drill the orifice therein;
- and
- causing at least the front segment of the cutter support to penetrate into the orifice as it is being drilled.
12/ A method according to claim 11, including the step of guiding the cutter in the orifice by pressing the cutter support radially against the wall of the orifice as the orifice is being drilled.