Pre-cut intermediate element for producing an intermediate disc positioned between parts of an assembly, and method for assembling at least two parts using at least one such pre-cut intermediate element

Description

[0001] This application relates to a pre-cut spacer element for obtaining a spacer washer positioned between parts of an assembly and to a method for assembling at least two parts using at least one such pre-cut spacer element.

[0002] According to an embodiment visible on the figure 1 An assembly comprises at least two parts 10, 12 held together by at least one bolt 14. The first part 10 comprises a first face 10.1 oriented towards the second part 12, a second face 10.2 opposite the first face 10.1, and a through hole 10.3, one for each bolt 14, opening at the first and second faces 10.1, 10.2. The second part 12 comprises a first face 12.1 oriented towards the first part 10, a second face 12.2 opposite the first face 12.1, and a through hole 12.3, one for each bolt 14, opening at the first and second faces 12.1, 12.2. The bolt 14 comprises a screw having a head 14.1 pressed against the second face 10.2 of the first part 10 and a threaded rod 14.2 housed in the through holes 10.3, 12.3 of the first and second parts 10, 12 and a nut 14.3 screwed onto the threaded rod 14.2 and pressed against the second face 12.2 of the second part 12.

[0003] According to one configuration, the assembly includes, for each bolt 14, an interlocking washer 16 positioned between the first and second parts 10, 12 and around the threaded rod 14.2 of the bolt 14. This interlocking washer 16 includes faces 16.1, 16.2 having high coefficients of friction.

[0004] This spacer washer 16 improves the mechanical characteristics of the assembly, particularly in terms of shear strength.

[0005] According to a first procedure, the threaded rods 14.2 of the various bolts 14 are inserted into the through holes 10.3 of the first part 10, and then the spacer washers 16 are slipped onto the threaded rods 14.2. Next, the second part 12 is put in place, and then the nuts 14.3 of the various bolts 14 are tightened. This procedure is not suitable when the parts 10 and 12 to be assembled are large and must be positioned relative to each other before the threaded rods 14.2 are inserted.

[0006] According to an embodiment visible on the figure 2 , an interlocking washer 16 includes a centering ring 18. The interlocking washer 16 and the centering ring 18 are integral and the centering ring 18 has an outside diameter substantially equal to that of the through orifice 10.3 of the first part 10.

[0007] According to a second operating method visible on the figure 3 , an intercalated washer 16 is positioned at each through-hole 10.3 of the first part 10 by inserting the centering ring 18 into the through-hole 10.3, as illustrated in part (A) of the figure 3 Next, the first and second parts 10, 12 are positioned relative to each other, aligning the through holes 10.3 of the first part 10 with those of the second part 12, then the threaded rods 14.2 of the bolts 14 are inserted into the through holes 10.3, 12.3 of the first and second parts 10, 12, as illustrated in part (B) of the figure 3 Finally, the nuts 14.3 of the various bolts 14 are tightened, as illustrated in part (C) of the figure 3 .

[0008] Even though the centering ring 18 allows each spacer washer 16 to remain positioned at the right of the through holes 10.3, 12.3 before the threaded rods 14.2 are put in place, this operating method is not satisfactory because the centering rings 18 can interfere with the threaded rods 14.2 and make it difficult to put them in place.

[0009] Document DE2418598 describes a washer inserted between a part and a nut, positioned around a threaded rod. This washer comprises a first outer ring bearing against the part and a second inner ring offset towards the nut relative to the first outer ring. This second inner ring has an opening for the threaded rod and is connected to the first ring by a breakaway link in case of excessive stress. In the event of breakage, the second inner ring is positioned in the opening of the first outer ring. This washer does not include any centering pins. Furthermore, it is not designed to break during the insertion of the threaded rod.

[0010] Document JP2010101401 describes stackable washers comprising a plurality of studs allowing the washers to be separated.

[0011] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to an intercalary element enabling the obtaining of an intercalary washer comprising first and second faces, a thickness, a perimeter and a through hole having an inner diameter, said intercalary washer being configured to be positioned between first and second parts of an assembly, said first and second parts comprising through holes having inner diameters configured to house a rod of a connecting element.

[0013] According to the invention, the intercalating element comprises: a body having first and second faces corresponding to the first and second faces of the spacer washer to be obtained, a thickness and circumference identical to those of the spacer washer to be obtained, a circular pre-cut of diameter equal to the inner diameter of the spacer washer to be obtained, a centering stud positioned on one of the first and second faces of the body, integral with the body and centered with respect to the pre-cut, the pre-cut being configured to break when the stem of a connecting element is inserted into the through holes of the first and second parts in one of which the centering stud is positioned.

[0014] Thanks to the centering pin, the spacer element remains correctly positioned when positioning the assembly parts.

[0015] Because the pre-cut breaks when the stem of an insertion element is inserted, no non-detachable element, such as a centering ring of an interstitial washer of the prior art, interferes with the stem during its insertion, which facilitates the placement of the connecting elements.

[0016] According to the invention, the centering pin and the body are connected by a non-permanent link allowing the centering pin to be detached from a disc of the body when the pre-cut is broken.

[0017] According to another feature, the centering pin and the body are connected by a permanent link.

[0018] According to another characteristic, the centering pin is cylindrical and has an outside diameter equal to the inside diameter of the through hole in which the centering pin is to be positioned.

[0019] According to another characteristic, the centering stud is cylindrical and has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the through-hole in which the centering stud is to be positioned. Additionally, the spacer element includes a spring ring having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the centering stud and an outer diameter equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the through-hole in which the centering stud is to be positioned. This spring ring is positioned around the centering stud and configured to compress between the centering stud and the through-hole in which the centering stud is to be positioned.

[0020] According to another feature, the centering stud has a cylindrical side wall, two end faces, one of which is pressed against one of the body faces, and a peripheral groove provided on the side wall, away from the end faces and configured to house the elastic ring.

[0021] According to another characteristic, the pre-cutting includes a series of notches passing through the body.

[0022] The invention also relates to a method for assembling at least two parts held together by at least one connecting element, said connecting element comprising first and second stops and a rod connecting said first and second stops, the parts to be assembled each comprising, for each connecting element, a through hole configured to house the rod of the connecting element, characterized in that the method comprises: a positioning step of at least one intermediate element according to one of the preceding characteristics, by inserting and centering its centering stud in one of the through holes intended to receive a connecting element, a positioning step of the parts to be assembled, the body of each intermediate element being positioned between the parts, a step of inserting the stem of a connecting element into the through hole, in which the centering stud of the intermediate element is positioned, during which the pre-cut breaks, allowing the stem to pass through the parts, a part of the intermediate element being retained between the parts and forming an intermediate washer, a tightening step of each connecting element.

[0023] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which: There figure 1 is a cross-section of an assembly of at least two parts, The figure 2 is a perspective view of an intercalated disc illustrating a method of embodiment of the prior art, The figure 3 represents cross-sections illustrating different stages of a process for assembling two parts using spacer washers as illustrated on the figure 2 , There figure 4 is a perspective view of a body of a pre-cut intercalated element illustrating one embodiment of the invention, The figure 5 is a perspective view of a pre-cut insert illustrating one embodiment of the invention, The figure 6 represents cross-sections illustrating different stages of a process for assembling at least two parts using pre-cut interlayer elements as illustrated on the figure 5 , and La figure 7 is a perspective view of a pre-cut interleaving element and its various parts illustrating one embodiment of the invention.

[0024] According to an embodiment visible in part (D) of the figure 6 , an assembly comprises at least first and second parts 20, 22, held together by at least one connecting element 24.

[0025] The first part 20 comprises a first face 20.1 oriented towards the second part 22, a second face 20.2 opposite the first face 20.1 and a through orifice 20.3, one for each connecting element 24, opening at the first and second faces 20.1, 20.2. The second part 22 comprises a first face 22.1 oriented towards the first part 20, a second face 22.2 opposite the first face 22.1 and a through orifice 22.3, one for each connecting element 24, opening at the first and second faces 22.1, 22.2.

[0026] Each connecting element 24 comprises a first stop 24.1 pressed against the second face 20.2 of the first part 20, a second stop 24.2 pressed against the second face 22.2 of the second part 22, and a rod 24.3, connecting the first and second stops 24.1 and 24.2, housed in the through holes 20.3 and 22.3 of the first and second parts 20 and 22. In one configuration, the connecting element 24 is a bolt, the first stop 24.1 corresponding to the head of the bolt, the rod 24.3 corresponding to the threaded shank of the bolt, and the second stop 24.2 corresponding to the nut of the bolt. Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration for the connecting elements 24. By way of example, the connecting element 24 could be a rivet.

[0027] Dimensionally, for a given connecting element 24, the through-hole 20.3 of the first part 20, which houses the rod 24.3 of the connecting element 24, has a first internal diameter D1. The through-hole 22.3 of the second part 22, which houses the rod 24.3 of the connecting element 24, has a second internal diameter D2 that is substantially equal to the first diameter D1. The rod 24.3 of the connecting element 24 has an external diameter D24 that is smaller than the first and second internal diameters D1 and D2.

[0028] For at least one of the connecting elements 24, the assembly includes an interlocking washer 26 positioned between the first and second parts 20, 22 and around the rod 24.3 of the connecting element 24. According to one configuration, the assembly includes an interlocking washer 26 for each connecting element 24. The interlocking washer 26 has a first face F1 oriented towards the first part 20 in operation and a second face F2 parallel to the first face F1 and oriented towards the second part 22 in operation.

[0029] Dimensionally, the spacer washer 26 has a washer thickness (distance separating the first and second faces F1, F2) of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter to a few millimeters. It includes a through hole 26.1 which has an inner diameter Di26 greater than the outer diameter D24 of the rod 24.3 of the connecting element 24, approximately equal to the first or second inner diameter D1, D2 of the through hole 20.3, 22.3 of the first or second part 20, 22. The spacer washer 26 includes a circumference 26.2 having at least one dimension greater than the inner diameters D1, D2 of the through holes 20.3, 22.3 of the first and second parts 20, 22. In one configuration, the circumference 26.2 of the spacer washer 26 is circular and has an outer diameter De26 greater than the inner diameters D1, D2 of the through holes 20.3, 22.3 of the first and second parts 20, 22.Of course, the invention is not limited to this shape for the perimeter 26.2.

[0030] In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second faces F1, F2 of the spacer washer 26 has a high coefficient of friction. Preferably, both faces F1, F2 have high coefficients of friction. This embodiment improves the mechanical properties of the assembly, particularly its shear strength.

[0031] According to one characteristic, each spacer washer 26 is obtained from a spacer element 28, visible on the figures 5 And 7comprising a flat body 30 having a thickness equal to the thickness of the washer and a circumference 30.1 identical to the circumference 26.2 of the spacer washer 26. This spacer element 28 does not include any through holes. When the spacer washer 26 has a circular circumference 26.2, the body 30 is a disc having an outside diameter D30 equal to the outside diameter De26 of the spacer washer 26.

[0032] The body 30 of the intercalated element 28 has first and second faces which correspond to the first and second faces F1, F2 of the intercalated washer 26 and which have coefficients of friction identical to those desired for the intercalated washer 26.

[0033] The body 30 of the spacer element 28 includes a circular pre-cut 32 with a diameter equal to the inner diameter Di26 of the spacer washer 26.

[0034] This pre-cut 32 delimits on the outside an intermediate washer 26 and on the inside a disc 34.

[0035] This pre-cut 32 is configured to keep the spacer washer 26 and the disc 34 connected to each other as long as the separation force exerted on the spacer washer 26 and / or the disc 34 is below a given threshold, and to break and separate the spacer washer 26 and the disc 34 when the separation force exceeds the given threshold. This threshold is determined so that the disc 34 detaches from the spacer washer 26 when the rod 24.3 of a connecting element 24 is inserted into the through holes 20.3, 22.3 of the first and second parts 10, 12.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the pre-cut 32 is made by machining a circular groove with a hole saw on a certain thickness of the body 30 of the intermediate element 28.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the pre-cut 32 is made using a circular, notched cutter 36, as illustrated in the figure 7 allowing discontinuous notches to be obtained along the pre-cut 32. In this case, the pre-cut 32 comprises a succession of notches passing through the body 30.

[0038] Of course, the invention is not limited to these embodiments for obtaining the pre-cut 32.

[0039] The body 30 of the intercalating element 28 can be metallic or made of composite material.

[0040] As illustrated on the figures 5 à 7 , the intermediate element 28 includes a centering stud 38 positioned on one of the faces of the body 30, attached to the latter and centered with respect to the pre-cut 32.

[0041] This centering block 38 is cylindrical and has a cylindrical side wall 38.1 and two end faces 38.2, 38.3 that are flat and substantially perpendicular to the axis of the side wall 38.1, one of the end faces 38.2 being pressed against one of the faces of the body 30 of the intercalated element 28.

[0042] Depending on the configuration, the centering pin 38 and the body 30 are connected by a permanent link, such as by gluing for example.

[0043] According to the invention, the centering pin 38 and the body 30 are connected by a non-permanent bond, using repositionable adhesive or hook-and-loop fasteners, for example, allowing the centering pin 38 to be detached from the rest of the body 30, particularly when the pre-cut 32 is broken. This configuration allows the centering pin 38 to be reused.

[0044] In one embodiment, the centering block 38 is made of composite material or plastic. It can be produced by 3D printing or molding. Of course, the invention is not limited to these materials or manufacturing methods.

[0045] This centering block 38 has a height (distance separating the end faces 38.2, 38.3) of the order of a few millimeters to a few centimeters.

[0046] This centering block 38 is configured to center the pre-cut 32 with respect to the through holes 20.3, 22.3 of the first and second parts 20, 22 by inserting itself into one of said through holes 20.3, 22.3.

[0047] According to an embodiment visible on the figure 5 , the centering pin 38 has an outside diameter D38 equal to the inside diameter D1 of the through hole 20.3 in which it must be positioned.

[0048] According to another embodiment visible on the figure 7 The centering pin 38 has an outer diameter D38 smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the through-hole 20.3 in which it is to be positioned. Its side wall 38.1 has a peripheral groove 40 located away from the end faces 38.2, 38.3. Additionally, the spacer element 28 includes a spring ring 42 configured to surround the centering pin 38 and fit into the peripheral groove 40. This spring ring 42 has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter D38 of the centering pin 38 and an outer diameter equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter D1 of the through-hole 20.3 in which the centering pin 38 is to be positioned.

[0049] This elastic ring 42 is configured to be able to compress between the centering stud 38, more particularly the bottom of the peripheral groove 40, and the wall of the through orifice 20.3 in which the centering stud 38 is to be positioned.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the elastic ring 42 is an O-ring.

[0051] The operating principle is described with regard to the figure 6 .

[0052] As illustrated in part (A), the assembly process includes a step of positioning at least one complete interlayer element 28, the pre-cut 32 not being broken, at the level of a through hole 20.3 of the first part 20 in which the rod 24.3 of a connecting element 24 is to be housed. For each interlayer element 28, the centering stud 38 is positioned in the through hole 20.3 in a centered manner and the body 30 is pressed against the first face 20.1 of the first part 20.

[0053] Following, as illustrated in part (B) of the figure 6 The assembly process includes a step of positioning the first and second parts 20, 22 relative to each other by making the through holes 20.3, 22.3 of the first and second parts 20, 22 coincide, the body 30 of each intermediate element 28 being positioned between the parts 20, 22.

[0054] As illustrated in part (C) of the figure 6 The assembly process includes a step of inserting the rods 24.3 of the connecting elements 24 into the through holes 20.3 of the first part 20 from the second face 20.2. During this rod insertion step, the pre-cut 32 of each spacer element 28 breaks, allowing the rod 24.3 to pass through the parts 20, 22. Thus, the disc 34 and the centering pin 38 of each spacer element 28 are ejected from the through hole 22.3 of the second part 22. Only a portion of the spacer element 28 remains between the parts 20, 22, forming a spacer washer 26.

[0055] Since the stem 24.3 of each connecting element 24 protrudes from the second face 22.2 of the second part 22, the assembly process includes a step of tightening the connecting elements 24 by positioning the second stop 24.2 of each connecting element 24, such as the nut, to hold the first and second parts 20, 22 pressed against the spacer washers 26, as illustrated in part (D) of the figure 6 .

[0056] The centering block 38 allows the intermediate element 28 to be held in position when the parts 10, 12 of the assembly are positioned relative to each other.

[0057] Unlike the centering rings 18 of the spacer washers 16 of the prior art, no non-removable element interferes with the rods 24.3 of the connecting elements 24.

[0058] Finally, the play between the stem of the connecting elements and the parts to be assembled can be reduced insofar as it is not necessary, as with the prior art, to provide a spacing between the stem of the connecting element and at least one of the parts to accommodate a centering ring of an intercalary washer.

Claims

1. Spacer element serving to obtain a spacer washer (26) comprising first and second faces (F1, F2), a thickness, a perimeter (26.2) and a through-hole (26.1) having an internal diameter (Di26), said spacer washer (26) being designed to be positioned between first and second parts (20, 22) of an assembly, said first and second parts (20, 22) comprising through-orifices (20.3, 22.3) having internal diameters (D1, D2) designed to accommodate a shank (24.3) of a connection element (24); the spacer element (28) comprising: - a body (30) having first and second faces corresponding to the first and second faces (F1, F2) of the spacer washer (26) that is to be obtained, a thickness and a perimeter that are identical to those of the spacer washer (26) that is to be obtained, said body (30) comprising a circular score line (32) whose diameter is equal to the internal diameter (Di26) of the spacer washer (26) that is to be obtained, - a centering pad (38) positioned on either the first or second face of the body (30), being secured to the body (30) and centered with respect to the score line (32), - the score line (32) being designed to break when the shank (24.3) of a connection element (24) is inserted into the through-orifices (20.3, 22.3) of the first and second parts (10, 12) in one of which the centering pad (38) is positioned, characterized in that : - the centering pad (38) and the body (30) are connected by a non-permanent connection, allowing the centering pad (38) to be detached from a disk (34) of the body (30) when the score line (32) is broken.

2. Spacer element as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the centering pad (38) is cylindrical and has an external diameter (D38) equal to the internal diameter (D1) of the through-orifice in which the centering pad (38) is to be positioned.

3. Spacer element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the centering pad (38) is cylindrical and has an external diameter (D38) smaller than the internal diameter (D1) of the through-orifice (20.3) in which the centering pad (38) is to be positioned, and wherein the spacer element (28) comprises an elastic ring (42) having an internal diameter smaller than the external diameter (D38) of the centering pad (38) and an external diameter equal to or slightly greater than the internal diameter (D1) of the through-orifice (20.3) in which the centering pad (38) is to be positioned, said elastic ring (42) being positioned around the centering pad (38) and designed to be able to be compressed between the centering pad (38) and the through-orifice (20.3) in which the centering pad (38) is to be positioned.

4. Spacer element as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the centering pad (38) has a cylindrical lateral wall (38.1), two end faces (38.2, 38.3) of which one is pressed against one of the faces of the body (30), and a peripheral channel (40) provided on the lateral wall (38.1), spaced apart from the end faces (38.2, 38.3) and designed to accommodate the elastic ring (42).

5. Spacer element as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the score line (32) comprises a succession of cuts passing through the body (30).

6. Method for assembling at least two parts (10, 12) that are held assembled by at least one connection element (24), said connection element (24) comprising a first and a second abutment (24.1, 24.2) and a shank (24.3) connecting said first and second abutment (24.1, 24.2), the parts (10, 12) to be assembled each comprising, for each connection element (24), a through-orifice (20.3, 22.3) designed to accommodate the shank (24.3) of the connection element (24), wherein the method comprises: - a step of positioning at least one spacer element (28) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, by inserting and centering its centering pad (38) into one of the through-orifices (20.3, 22.3) that are intended to receive a connection element (24), - a step of positioning the parts (20, 22) that are to be assembled, the body (30) of each spacer element (28) being positioned between the parts (20, 22), - a step of inserting the shank (24.3) of a connection element (24) into the through-orifice (20.3) in which the centering pad (38) of the spacer element (28) is positioned, during which step the score line (32) breaks, allowing the shank (24.3) to pass through the parts (20, 22), a portion of the spacer element (28) being retained between the parts (20, 22) and forming a spacer washer (26), - a step of tightening each connection element (24).