MOVING CAM LOCKING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A MOVING CAM LOCKING DEVICE

Abstract

MOVABLE CAM LOCKING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING A MOVABLE CAM LOCKING DEVICE TO A WIRE ELEMENT A cam locking device comprises a head (1), a cam (3) and a spring (11) biasing the cam (3) towards an extended position. A textile wire element (8) connects the cam (3) to a trigger (7) mounted movably between first and second positions. The cam (3) defines a first hole (3a) and a second hole (3b). The textile wire element (8) passes through the first hole (3a) and the second hole (3b) to introduce friction between the textile wire element (8) and the cam (3). An end portion of the textile wire element (8) passes through a third hole (3c) connecting the sides of the cam and / or is wedged in a groove (3d) formed in one of the sides.The terminal portion of the textile wire element (8) is arranged posterior to the second hole (3b) in a longitudinal direction of the textile wire element (8) from the trigger (7).

Description

Title of the invention: MOVING CAM LOCKING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A MOVING CAM LOCKING DEVICE Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a movable cam locking device and to a method of manufacturing a movable cam locking device. Prior art

[0002] During the climbing phases, a climber is required to place protection points in a wall. The climber successively installs several protection points which are intended to support him in the event of a fall. Some walls are equipped with pre-installed protection points, for example in the form of bolts which are sealed in the rock. Other walls are not equipped with such points so that the climber must find the crevice which is most suitable for the installation of his protection point.

[0003] When the climber has to set up his protection points, it is conventional to install passive chocks and active chocks. The chocks are intended to be inserted into crevices which are generally holes, cracks, chutes or any other hollow which is deep enough to allow the introduction of a chock. Each particular shape of crevice is adapted to a particular configuration of chock. Passive chocks are often formed by metal parts having a specific shape. In a first spatial position, the chock can be inserted into a fault in a wall and, in a second spatial position, the chock is wedged between two opposite faces. It is then possible to easily install and remove the chock or to wedge it provided that it is placed in the correct spatial configuration inside the hole.

[0004] In addition to passive jammers, active jammers are known, also called cam jammers or cam locking devices. The cam jammer is provided with a head which has a plurality of cams. The cams are mounted movably around one or more rotating shafts.

[0005] The cams move between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the head takes up less space than in the extended position. The wedge head is introduced into a crack in its retracted position, then the cams seek to move to the extended position, which presses the cams against the two opposite walls of a crack. The shape of the cams has the effect of increasing the force applied to the faces of the crack when the wedge is pulled.

[0006] Conventionally, a cam lock has, at a first end, a head provided with several rotating cams. The second end of the cam lock is an annular end which is configured to receive a carabiner and serve as an anchor point for the climber.

[0007] The cams are actuated by means of a trigger which is mounted to slide along the rod. When the user pulls the trigger towards the annular end, the cams move to the retracted position. When the user stops this pull, a spring returns the cams to the extended position.

[0008] The movable cam(s) are pivotally mounted and are connected to the trigger by one or more wire elements which are generally steel cables of the “piano wire” type. Conventionally, the steel cable has each of its ends fixed to a movable cam and the steel cable passes through the trigger to form the mechanical connection between the cams and the trigger. The fixing can be obtained by crimping or riveting. Since the cross-section of the steel cable is small, the cable deteriorates quickly and it is common for it to break, which requires a repair operation in an approved center. In addition, fixing the cable with the rotating cam is all the more difficult as the cross-section of the cable decreases and the cross-section of the rotating cam is small.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment, the steel cable is replaced by a textile cable. Each end of the cable is fixed to a cam. Each cam is provided with a hole which allows the textile cable to pass through the cam. The end of the textile cable is fixed to the cam by gluing and / or by means of a knot whose cross-section is greater than the cross-section of the hole. Fixing by gluing or by means of a knot becomes increasingly complicated as the size of the jammer decreases because the thickness of the knot causes the textile cable to protrude from the cam and / or the cable length becomes difficult to control.

[0010] During the manufacture of the cam locking device, there is a random variation in the length of the wire element before its attachment to the trigger and the cams and there is a random variation in the effective length of the wire element after the step of attachment to the cams. These different variations mean that the behavior of the cam locking devices can vary or must be compensated by springs which have the purpose of moving the trigger and the cams apart to tension the wire element. Subject of the invention

[0011] An object of the invention is to provide a cam locking device whose mechanical connection between the trigger and the movable cam is better controlled and is preferably easier to replace.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the cam locking device comprises: - a head; - at least one cam pivotably mounted about at least one pivot shaft, the at least one cam being movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the at least one pivot shaft being fixed to the head, the at least one cam defining at least a first hole and a second hole which are through between a first side and a second side of the at least one cam; - a spring operatively coupled to the at least one cam to bias the at least one cam toward the extended position; - an annular end mechanically coupled to the head; - a rod extending from the head to the annular end; - a trigger mounted movable between a first trigger position and a second trigger position, - a textile wire element having a first end fixedly mounted with the at least one cam, the textile wire element connecting the trigger to the at least one cam, the textile wire element operatively connecting the trigger to the at least one cam, when the trigger is in the second trigger position the at least one cam is in the retracted position.

[0013] The cam locking device is remarkable in that the textile wire element passes through the first hole and the second hole to introduce friction between the textile wire element and the at least one cam and in that an end portion of the textile wire element passes through a third hole connecting the first side and the second side and / or is wedged in a groove provided in the first side or the second side, the end portion of the textile wire element being arranged posterior to the second hole in a longitudinal direction of the textile wire element from the trigger.

[0014] Preferably, the cam defines the third hole. A downstream strand of the textile wire element is wedged against a face of the at least one cam by an upstream strand of the textile wire element, the downstream strand being arranged further from the trigger than the upstream strand in the longitudinal direction of the textile wire element.

[0015] Advantageously, the at least one cam defines the at least one groove. A terminal end of the textile wire element is embedded in the at least one groove.

[0016] In a particular configuration, the groove connects the first hole and the third hole.

[0017] In an advantageous development, the downstream strand is wedged in the groove.

[0018] Preferably, the textile wire element passes successively through the first hole and the second hole in the longitudinal direction of the textile wire element from the trigger. The first hole defines a first end with the first side and a second end with the second side. The textile wire element enters the first hole from the second side, the second end forming a second support zone of the textile wire element. The second support zone has an edge which is less sharp than the first end of the first hole and / or an edge of an end of the second hole with one and / or the other of the first side and the second side.

[0019] According to one embodiment, a side wall of the first hole connects a face of the at least one cam forming the second side. The support zone of the second end is an arc of a circle having a radius of curvature at least equal to half the thickness of the textile wire element.

[0020] In an advantageous development, the side wall of the first hole defines with the second face of the at least one cam and / or a side wall of the second hole defines with the first face or the second face of the at least one cam a sharp edge.

[0021] Preferably, the first hole and the second hole open into a thinned zone of the at least one cam, the thinned zone representing a thinning at least equal to a thickness of one strand of the textile wire element.

[0022] In another advantageous development, the section of the textile wire element is smaller than the section of the first hole and the second hole from one end to the other of the textile wire element in the longitudinal direction of the textile wire element.

[0023] Preferably, the textile wire element is only fixed to the at least one cam by wedging in the groove and / or by friction at the ends of the first hole, the second hole and the third hole.

[0024] In an advantageous configuration, the at least one cam has a first cam and a second cam. The textile wire element has a first end attached to a first cam and an opposite second end attached to the second cam.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a cam locking device for a wire support element which is easy to implement and in particular which allows easy fixing of a textile wire element with a cam while ensuring good mechanical fixing.

[0026] This result is tended to be achieved by means of a manufacturing process comprising the following steps: - comprising providing a textile wire element and a cam locking device provided with: - of a head; - at least one cam mounted to pivot about at least one pivot shaft, the at least one cam being movable between a retracted position and a extended position, the at least one pivot shaft being attached to the head, the at least one cam defining at least a first hole and a second hole; - a spring operatively coupled to the at least one cam to bias the at least one cam toward the extended position; - an annular end mechanically coupled to the head; - a rod extending from the head to the annular end; - a trigger operatively linked to the at least one cam, the trigger being mounted movably between a first trigger position and a second trigger position, and in the second trigger position the at least one cam is in the retracted position.

[0027] The manufacturing method is remarkable in that the at least one cam comprises at least one third hole and / or at least one groove; wherein the thread element passes through the first hole, the second hole and the at least one third hole to form consecutive friction zones between the textile thread element and the at least one cam along a longitudinal direction of the textile thread element; and / or wherein the at least one groove has a width less than or equal to a width of the textile wire element, the textile wire element being embedded by deformation in the at least one groove. Summary description of the drawings

[0028] Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments and implementations of the invention given as non-limiting examples and represented in the appended drawings, in which:

[0029] [Fig-1]: [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a device for cam lock;

[0030] [Fig.2]: [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a side view of a cam locking device;

[0031] [Fig.3]: [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a front view of a cam locking device;

[0032] [Fig.4]: [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a moving cam and a textile wire element;

[0033] [Fig.5a]: [Fig.5a] schematically illustrates a view of the first side of a movable cam with a strand of textile wire element;

[0034] [Fig.5b]: [Fig.5b] schematically illustrates a sectional view along AA of the moving cam;

[0035] [Fig.5c]: [Fig.5c] schematically illustrates a view of the second side of a moving cam;

[0036] [Fig.6a]: [Fig.6a] schematically illustrates a view of the first side of a cam mobile with a strand of textile wire element;

[0037] [Fig.6b]: [Fig.6b] schematically illustrates a sectional view along AA of the movable cam with a strand of textile wire element which repeatedly passes through the movable cam;

[0038] [Fig.6c]: [Fig.6c] schematically illustrates a view of the second side of a cam mobile with a strand of textile wire element;

[0039] [Fig.7]: [Fig.7] schematically illustrates a perspective view of another cam locking device;

[0040] [Fig.8]: [Fig.8] schematically illustrates a side view of another device of cam lock;

[0041] [Fig.9]: [Fig.9] schematically illustrates a front view of another device of cam lock;

[0042] [Fig. 10]: [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a movable cam and a textile wire element of another cam locking device;

[0043] [Fig.11a]: [Fig.11a] schematically illustrates a view of the first side of a movable cam of another cam locking device;

[0044] [Fig. 11b]: [Fig. 11b] schematically illustrates a sectional view along AA of the movable cam of another cam locking device;

[0045] [Fig. 11c]: [Fig. 11c] schematically illustrates a view of the second side of a movable cam of another cam locking device;

[0046] [Fig. 12a]: [Fig. 12a] schematically illustrates a view of the first side of a movable cam with a strand of textile wire element of another cam locking device;

[0047] [Fig. 12b]: [Fig. 12b] schematically illustrates a sectional view along AA of the movable cam with a strand of textile wire element which repeatedly crosses the movable cam of another cam locking device;

[0048] [Fig. 12c]: [Fig. 12c] schematically illustrates a view of the second side of a movable cam with a strand of textile wire element of another cam locking device. Description of the embodiments

[0049] Figures 1 to 12c illustrate different embodiments of a cam locking device also known as a "cam lock". The cam locking device is an active locking device.

[0050] The cam locking device comprises a first end which is provided with a head 1 and a second opposite end which is an annular end 2. The head 1 is coupled to at least one cam 3 and preferably to several cams 3 which are mounted to pivot between an extended position and a retracted position. The space requirement in the extended position is greater than the space requirement in the retracted position. The cam(s) 3 are movably mounted around at least one pivot shaft 4. The cam(s) 3 are mechanically coupled to the head 1 so as to provide mechanical continuity between the cams 3 and the annular end 2. The pivot shaft 4 is fixed to the head 1. More precisely, the pivot shaft 4 is fixed to a body 1a of the head 1. The body 1a may be formed by one or more parts. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 12c, the cam locking device has two shafts 4, preferably parallel. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4, 5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b, 6c, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 12a, 12b, 12c, the cam 3 defines a hole 3Y for housing the pivot shaft 4 so that the cam pivots about the pivot shaft 4.

[0051] Conventionally, the annular end 2 is in the form of a ring which defines a through hole configured to receive a carabiner. The annular end 2 is capable of supporting the weight of a user. The ring defines a through hole configured to receive a portion of the hand during the actuation phases of the cams 3.

[0052] The cam locking device has a wire element 5 which mechanically connects the head 1 to the annular end 2. The wire element 5 mechanically couples the cams 3 to the annular end 2 so that a user fixed to the annular end 2 is retained by means of the cams 3 wedged for example in a crack. The wire element 5 is the element which ensures the mechanical continuity between the head 1 and the annular end 2. The wire element 5 is fixed to the head 1 so as to mechanically couple the wire element 5 and the head 1. The wire element 5 extends in a first direction XX so as to provide the mechanical hold in this first direction XX. The pivot shaft 4 extends mainly in a second direction YY which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction XX.

[0053] The wire element 5 is fixed to the head 1 and it extends continuously from the head 1 until it reaches the annular end 2 to achieve mechanical continuity along the locking device. The wire element 5 may be in the form of a ring, preferably a ring made of textile material. The wire element 5 may be a strap or a rope. The ring made of textile material may be a ring made of polyethylene with a very high molar mass, for example in a material marketed under the names Dyneema or Spectra. A metal wire element, for example a cable, may also be used.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, the head 1 is provided with an anchor, preferably an anchor in the form of a shaft. Preferably, the wire element 5 goes around the anchor in order to fix the wire element 5 with the anchor so as to allow the force to be taken up with the annular end 2. In other words, the element wire 5 defines at least one loop and the anchor shaft passes through the loop to carry out the force absorption.

[0055] It is advantageous for the ring to be obtained by sewing the two ends of the wire element 5 onto each other, the wire element 5 being a textile. Sewing is a well-controlled process which makes it easier to obtain a ring whose mechanical strength is controlled. The use of a sewing step makes it possible to form a ring which is less expensive and whose dimension is better controlled than its equivalent obtained by splicing. It is advantageous for the ring to be free of crimping and splicing.

[0056] The locking device preferably comprises a rod 6 which extends from the head 1 to the annular end 2. Preferably, the rod 6 is more rigid than the wire element 5 perpendicular to the direction XX, which makes it possible to hold the cam locking device by means of the rod 6 and to precisely place the locking device in a crack in comparison with an equivalent device without the rod 6.

[0057] The locking device comprises an actuation system coupled to the at least one cam 3. The actuation system is configured to selectively engage the retracted position of the at least one cam 3. The actuation system has a trigger 7 slidably mounted along a first direction XX connecting the head 1 and the annular end 2. The trigger 7 is slidably mounted along the wire element 5 and along the rod 6 if applicable. The trigger 7 moves relative to the head 1 and the annular end 2.

[0058] In other words, the trigger 7 is mounted to move relative to the head 1 and it is coupled to the at least one cam 3. The trigger 7 is coupled to the at least one cam 3 so that the movement of the trigger 7 away from the head 1 causes a movement of the at least one cam 3 towards the retracted position. Preferably, the trigger 7 is coupled to all the cams 3 so that the movement of the trigger 7 away from the head 1 causes a movement of the cams 3 towards their retracted position. The first trigger position is closer to the head 1 than the second trigger position.

[0059] The trigger 7 is movable between a first trigger position and a second trigger position. In the first trigger position, the cam(s) 3 may be in the extended position. In the second trigger position, the cam(s) 3 are in the retracted position. Outside the first trigger position, the cam(s) are outside the extended position.

[0060] It is advantageous that a movement of the trigger 7 in the direction of the head 1 does not impose any movement of the cam 3 and in particular does not translate into a movement of the cam 3 towards the extended position.

[0061] Preferably, the rod 6 extends continuously from the head 1 to the annular end 2 so as to provide good mechanical strength when the locking device is held by the annular end 2 and the trigger 7. It is advantageous for the trigger 7 to be slidably mounted along the rod 6 and for the rod 6 to separate the wire element 5 and the trigger 7. The rod 6 is preferably hollow.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the trigger 7 is slidably mounted along the wire element 5 between the head 1 and the annular end 2. The trigger 7 is coupled to the cam 3 or to each cam 3 by a textile wire element 8. The textile wire element 8 is a textile element, preferably a wire element made of synthetic material, for example plastic material. The textile wire element 8 couples the cam 3 to the trigger 7 and makes it possible to translate a movement of the trigger 7 towards the annular end 2 into a movement of the cam 3 towards the retracted position. The textile wire element 8 is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6a, 6b, 6c, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12a, 12b and 12c.

[0063] The textile wire element 8 forms a flexible link between the cam 3 and the trigger 7. The flexible link makes it possible to urge the cam 3 towards the retracted position when the trigger 7 is moved towards the annular end 2. The flexible link does not make it possible to urge the cam 3 towards the extended position when the trigger 7 is moved towards the head 1.

[0064] Advantageously, the trigger 7 has anchoring holes 7a which are intended for the passage of the textile wire element 8 through the trigger. The textile wire element 8 extends from the trigger 7 to one of the cams 3. Preferably, the first and second opposite ends of the textile wire element are fixedly mounted to one of the cams 3 and the textile wire element 8 is fixed to the trigger 7 so that the movement of the trigger 7 towards the annular end 2 causes the pivoting of the cams 3 towards the retracted position.

[0065] The cam locking device has a spring 9 which is configured to bias the at least one cam 3 towards the extended position. The spring 9 can be made in any technology, it can be a helical spring operating in tension, compression, torsion or bending. It can also be a blade or a metal wire which is elastically deformed. In the absence of bias and obstacle, the spring places the cam(s) 3 in the extended position. The force applied to the trigger 7 to move away from the head 1 corresponds to a force applied to the cam 3 which is opposite to the force applied by the spring 9 to move the cam(s) 3 towards the retracted position. In one embodiment, the spring 9 is fixed on the one hand to the cam 3 and on the other hand to the head 1.In another embodiment, the spring 9 is fixed on the one hand to a first cam 3 and on the other hand to a second cam 3 which is for example mounted on a different pivot shaft 4 than the first cam 3. The . locking device may comprise as many springs 9 as cams 3 or as many springs 9 as pairs of cams 3. The springs 11 are illustrated in figures 1 and 2. The figures illustrate hooking holes 3z intended to fix the ends of the springs 9.

[0066] By urging the cam(s) 3 towards the extended position, the spring 9 urges the trigger 7 towards the first trigger position. The spring 9 is configured so that the extended position and the first trigger position are rest positions of the locking device, i.e. in the absence of external stress.

[0067] The cam locking device comprises at least one rod 6 which extends from the head 1 towards the annular end 2, i.e. in the first direction XX. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10, the cam locking device comprises a single rod 6 which extends longitudinally in the first direction XX in abutment against the head 1 and which defines the through hole of the annular end 2.

[0068] It is particularly advantageous to produce the cam(s) 3 in a metallic material, preferably in an aluminum alloy or in steel.

[0069] The use of a textile wire element 8 which ensures the mechanical connection between the cam(s) 3 and the trigger 7 is particularly advantageous in comparison with a metal wire element. However, it is also important that the locking device is able to ensure effective fixing of the textile wire element 8 on the cam 3, that is to say a stationary mounting of a portion of the textile wire element 8 on a part of the cam 3. The fixing must withstand the forces which exist between the trigger 7 and the cam 3. This precaution makes it possible to effectively transcribe the movement of the trigger 7 towards the annular end 2 into a pivoting of the cam 3 towards the retracted position. It is also important that this fixing of the end of the textile wire element does not generate significant bulk because this complicates its use for small-sized locking devices.Preferably, the fixing configuration which provides the fixing between the end of the textile wire element 8 and a cam 3 also provides a function of adjusting the length of the textile wire element 8 in order to be able to better adapt to the actual length of the textile wire element 8 and to the spacing between the rest position of the trigger 7 and the cam 3.

[0070] During formation, the textile wire element 8 is made to have a target length. However, depending on manufacturing hazards, the actual length may be slightly longer or shorter than the target length. This has the effect of moving the position of the trigger 7 relative to the head 1 and therefore of modifying the operation of the locking device. If the textile wire element 8 is too short, it is not possible to reach the extended position where the size of the cam 3 is maximum. If the textile wire element is too large, the complete retraction of the cams may not be possible where the excess textile wire element 8 may hinder the movement of the cams 3 or it must be cut. It is therefore advantageous to provide that variations in length can be compensated for when fixing the textile wire element 8 with the cam 3.

[0071] The inventors have observed that multiple passages of the textile wire element through holes and / or grooves provided in the cam 3 make it possible to generate significant friction between the textile wire element and the cam 3. This friction makes it possible to ensure the fixing of the textile wire element 8 on the cam 3 and the movement of the cam 3 when the trigger 7 is moved towards the annular end 2.

[0072] To ensure effective attachment of one end of the textile wire element 8 with a cam 3, the cam 3 defines at least a first hole 3a and a second hole 3b which are both through holes. These holes connect a first side of the cam 3 with a second side of the cam 3. The first side is opposite the second side in a direction YY which corresponds to the pivot axis of the cam(s) 3. The strand of textile wire element 8 passes through the first hole 3a and through the second hole 3b. The first hole 3a is distinct from the second hole 3b and the two holes are separated by a strip of material. In other words, the two holes are not contiguous.

[0073] To ensure effective attachment of one end of the textile wire element 8 with a cam 3, the cam 3 defines at least one of a third hole 3c or a groove 3d. The third hole 3c is a through hole that connects the first side and the second side. The third hole 3c may be contiguous to one of the first hole 3a or the second hole 3b or it may be made at a distance from the two previous holes. The groove 3d may be made on the surface of the first side or the second side. The groove 3d has at least one portion whose width is less than or equal to the width of the textile wire element 8. The textile wire element 8 is wedged by embedding in the groove 3d. It is advantageous for the textile wire element 8 to enter the first hole 3a from the second side towards the first side and for the groove 3d to be formed in the first side.The textile wire element 8 enters the first hole 3a from the second side towards the first side in a path along the longitudinal direction of the textile wire element 8 from the trigger 7.

[0074] In other words, a terminal portion of the textile wire element 8 passes through the third hole 3c connecting the first side and the second side and / or is wedged in the groove 3d formed in the first side or the second side. The terminal portion of the textile wire element 8 is arranged posterior to the second hole 3b in a longitudinal direction of the textile wire element from the trigger 7.

[0075] In a particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 12c, the cam 3 defines the first hole 3a, the second hole 3b and the third hole 3c. The textile wire element 8 passes through the first hole 3a, the second hole 3b and the third hole 3c. The textile wire element successively passes through the first hole 3a, the second hole 3b and the third hole 3c according to the longitudinal direction of the textile wire element 8 from the trigger 7. The longitudinal direction is the direction which connects the two opposite ends of the textile wire element 8. For example, the two ends are fixed to two different cams 3.

[0076] As illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 4, 6a, 6b, 6c, 7, 8, 10, 12a, 12b and 12c, the textile wire element 8 travels from the first side to the second side and vice versa, passing through the holes. The changes in direction cause the textile wire element 8 to touch the ends of the holes to change direction, which introduces friction. The multiple frictions make it possible to ensure the fixing of the textile wire element 8. Depending on the needs, at least a fourth hole can be envisaged in order to increase the friction.

[0077] The sections of the first hole 3a, the second hole 3b and the third hole 3c may be identical or different. The sections are preferably slightly greater than or equal to the section of the textile wire element 8 so as to allow easier passage of the textile wire element 8 during the manufacture of the locking device or during the replacement of the textile wire element 8.

[0078] Preferably, the third through hole 3c is arranged in the angular sector delimited by the straight line connecting the pivot axis of the cam 3 and the center of the first hole 3a and by the straight line connecting the pivot axis of the cam 3 and the center of the second hole 3b. The observation is made along the pivot axis of the cam 3 as illustrated in Figures 5a, 5c, 11a and 11c. By center of the first hole 3a and center of the second hole 3b is meant the center of the circle when the hole is circular or the barycenter of the shape defined by the hole. With such an arrangement, the textile wire element 8 has a portion which is directed in the opposite direction to the direction taken by a previous portion along the longitudinal direction of the textile wire element. The direction of the direction is observed along the textile wire element from the trigger 7 to the end of the textile wire element 8.

[0079] Advantageously and as illustrated in figures 4, 6a, 6b, 6c, 10, 12a, 12b and 12c, the textile wire element 8 forms a ring surrounding the cam 3. A first strand 8a of the textile wire element 8 is wedged against a face of the cam 3 by a second strand 8b of the textile wire element 8. The first strand 8a of the textile wire element 8 is further from the portion connected to the trigger 7 than the second strand 8b in the longitudinal direction of the textile wire element 8. When the trigger 7 is moved towards the annular end 2, the second strand 8b applies a force to the first strand 8a to press it against the face of the cam 3. The force applied by the second strand 8b prevents the movement of the first strand 8a which ensures the fixing of the textile wire element 8 with the cam 3. The first strand 8a of the textile wire element 8 is fixedly mounted to the cam 3.

[0080] More generally, an upstream strand wedges a downstream strand against a side face of the cam 3. The greater the force applied by the trigger 7, the more the upstream strand wedges the downstream strand against the cam and the more the fixing is ensured. The upstream part is the part closest to the trigger 7 in the longitudinal direction of the textile wire element 8. This configuration can be used with three, four or more holes passing through the cam 3.

[0081] Advantageously, the first strand 8a is a terminal strand of the textile wire element 8 which is wedged against a face of the cam 3 by a second strand 8b of the textile wire element 8. The terminal strand is the part of the textile wire element 8 furthest from the portion connected to the trigger 7.

[0082] The attachment may be free of glue, knot and ensure the resistance of the forces applied by the trigger 7 on the cam 3 to oppose the forces of the spring 9. The thickness of the attachment corresponds substantially to twice the thickness of the textile wire element 8. It is advantageous to thin a portion 3e of the cam 3 so that the strand(s) of textile wire element 8 do not form a projecting zone beyond the size of the cam, that is to say the volume occupied by the cam 3 in its movements between the extended position and the retracted position in the absence of textile wire element 8.

[0083] In an advantageous embodiment illustrated in Figures 4, 5a and 5c, the first through hole 3a, the second through hole 3b and the third through hole 3c are aligned. When a force is applied to the textile thread element 8 in the direction of the trigger 7, the first strand 8a and the second strand 8b seek to move in different directions. This arrangement of the two strands tends to make the movement of the first strand 8a and the second strand 8b more complicated.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 10, 12a and 12c, the first through hole 3a, the second through hole 3b and the third through hole 3c are not aligned, but the cam 3 defines a recess 3f with a wall 3g. The wall 3g connects the three holes so that the portion of textile wire element 8 connecting the first hole 3a and the second hole 3b covers the third hole 3c in an observation along the YY direction. The first strand 8a is wedged against the wall of the cam 3 by means of the second strand 8b as for the previous embodiment.

[0085] The configurations presented above are particularly advantageous because they allow the textile wire element 8 to be fixed with the cam 3 and they offer freedom of adjustment of the length of the textile wire element 8. Preferably, the installation of the terminal portion of the textile wire element 8 in a recess of the cam 3 makes it possible to ensure that the surplus textile wire element 8 will not interfere with the movements of the cams 3 relative to each other.

[0086] Alternatively or in addition to the third hole 3c, the cam 3 may define a groove 3d on one of these sides. Advantageously, the groove 3d is arranged after the first hole 3a and after the second hole 3b, along the longitudinal direction of the textile wire element 8 from the trigger 7. The groove 3d makes it possible to wedge a portion of the textile wire element 8, preferably the terminal portion of the textile wire element 8. Preferably, the groove 3d makes it possible to wedge a greater or lesser quantity of textile wire element 8, which makes it possible to adjust the effective length of the textile wire element 8.

[0087] Preferably illustrated in the various figures, the groove 3d is arranged between the second hole 3b and the third hole 3c. In addition to having the first strand 8a wedged against the wall of the cam 3 by means of the second strand 8b, the first strand 8a is installed in the groove 3d which allows for another wedge of the first strand 8a. The textile wire element 8 is then able to withstand much greater forces.

[0088] Advantageously, the groove 3d connects the first hole 3a and the third hole 3d as illustrated in Figures 5a and 11a. This configuration makes it possible to improve the compromise between the fixing of the textile wire element 8, the size of the cam 3 and the mechanical strength of the cam 3.

[0089] In a particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 5b, 6b, 11b and 12b, the textile wire element 8 passes successively through the first hole 3a and the second hole 3b in the longitudinal direction of the textile wire element 8 from the trigger 7 before getting stuck in the groove 3d and / or passing into the third hole 3c. The successive passages of the textile wire element 8 through the multiple holes introduce changes in direction of the textile wire element 8 and therefore friction between the textile wire element 8 and the cam 3. The textile wire element 8 bears at each of the ends of the first hole 3a, the second hole 3b and the third hole 3c where appropriate. Each bearing generates friction which makes it more complicated for the textile wire element 8 to slide relative to the cam 3.

[0090] In order to have significant friction between the textile wire element 8 and the cam 3, it is preferable that at least one of the first hole 3a, the second hole 3b and the third hole 3c defines a sharp edge with the wall which defines the first side or the second side of the cam 3. Preferably, the angle between the side wall of the hole and the side wall is between 75° and 105°, more preferably equal to 90°.

[0091] Advantageously, the first hole 3a has a second end with a bearing zone whose edge is less sharp than at least one other edge on which the textile wire element 8 bears. In other words, the edge of the bearing zone of the second end is less sharp than the edge of the bearing zone of the first end of the first hole 3a or the edge of any of the bearing zones of the second hole 3b or the third hole 3c where appropriate. Preferably, the first hole 3a has a second end whose edge of the bearing zone is less sharp than the edge of the other bearing zone of the first hole 3a and than the edges of the second hole 3b. Even more preferably, the first hole 3a has a second end whose edge is less sharp than all the other edges on which the textile wire element 8 bears. By less sharp, we mean an edge whose angle between the side wall of the hole and the wall of the lateral edge of the cam defining the side is further from the value of 90° than the comparison edge. We also mean that the bearing zone has a greater number of edges, for example two, three or four edges.

[0092] Advantageously, the first hole 3a has a second end whose bearing zone is a rounded edge, that is to say without a sharp edge. When the edge is rounded, it is advantageous for the edge to define a radius which is greater than half the thickness of the textile wire element 8, preferably greater than twice the thickness of the textile wire element 8. A bearing zone with a rounded edge corresponds to a bearing zone which has an infinite number of edges.

[0093] The inventors have observed that the stress applied by the trigger 7 to the textile wire element 8 in association with the pivoting of the cam 3 has the effect of degrading the textile wire element 8 in the friction zone. Such behavior is not observed for the other support points for which the displacements are much smaller. By introducing a greater number of edges and preferably a rounded portion, it is possible to improve the service life of the textile wire element 8, which allows for a greater choice in the accessible materials and in the usable sections. This makes it possible in particular to reduce the section of the textile wire element 8, which is preferable for small-sized locking devices because it makes it possible to reduce the sections of the holes, grooves, and thinning zones.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 12c, the first hole 3a and the second hole 3b open into a thinned zone of the at least one cam 3. The thinned zone represents a thinning at least equal to a thickness of one strand of the textile filamentary element 8. The thinned zone on the first side represents a thinning relative to the most protruding zone of the first side. The thinned zone on the second side represents a thinning relative to the most protruding zone of the second side. The protruding character is observed along the pivot axis of the cam 3. The protruding zone is the zone furthest from the median plane of the cam and perpendicular to the YY direction. The use of a thinned zone, preferably thinned on each of the sides, makes it possible to bring the cams closer to each other without the textile filamentary element which winds between the opposite sides hindering the pivoting.

[0095] As indicated above, it is preferable for the section of the textile wire element to be less than the section of the first hole 3a and the second hole 3b from one end to the other of the textile wire element in the longitudinal direction of the textile wire element 8. The section is observed in the absence of any stress, in particular longitudinal tensile stress of the textile wire element so as to allow easy installation by an individual.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the textile wire element 8 is only fixed to the cam 3 by wedging in the groove 3d and / or by friction at the ends of the first hole 3a, the second hole 3b and the third hole 3c. This configuration makes it possible to avoid the formation of a knot whose position and size are poorly controlled, which induces a hazard on the effective length between the trigger 7 and the cam 3. This configuration makes it possible to avoid the formation of a glue point whose quality can change over time because the locking device is intended to be used outdoors in various weather conditions.

[0097] In a particular embodiment, the cam locking device has at least two cams 3. A first cam 3 and a second cam 3 are pivotally mounted and the textile wire element 8 has a first end fixed to a first cam 3 and a second opposite end fixed to the second cam 3. The two cams define the holes and / or grooves as described above. Each of the two ends is fixed according to one of the embodiments which have been presented previously.

[0098] For the manufacture of a cam locking device, the textile wire element 8 is provided on the one hand and the cam locking device as presented according to any one of the preceding configurations on the other hand.

[0099] The textile wire element 8 is connected to the trigger 7 and the terminal end of the strand of textile wire element is introduced into the first hole 3a, then into the second hole 3b. The terminal end of the strand then passes through the third hole 3c or through the groove 3d. Preferably, the terminal end of the strand then passes through the third hole 3c and is then embedded in the groove 3d.

[0100] Preferably, the third hole 3c is arranged in the angular sector delimited by the first hole 3a, the axis of rotation of the cam 3 and the second hole 3b. The circulation of the textile wire element through the three holes makes it possible to form a ring whose terminal end of the strand is trapped by another strand.

[0101] In order to adjust the textile wire element 8 to the correct length, it is advantageous to pass the textile wire element 8 through the holes and possibly the groove(s) then to place the end of the strand in the groove intended to receive this part of the strand or between the last two holes used to fix the textile wire element then to pull the trigger 7 to ensure the wedging of the textile wire element 8 and therefore the fixing with cam 3.

[0102] Preferably, one end of the textile wire element 8 is fixed to a first cam 3 before fixing the other end according to the method described above.

Claims

Claims

1. Cam locking device comprising: - a head (1); - at least one cam (3) pivotally mounted about at least one pivot shaft (4), the at least one cam (3) being movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the at least one pivot shaft (4) being fixed to the head (1), the at least one cam (3) defining at least a first hole (3a) and a second hole (3b) which are through between a first side and a second side of the at least one cam (3); - a spring (11) operatively coupled to the at least one cam (3) to bias the at least one cam (3) toward the extended position; - an annular end (2) mechanically coupled to the head (1); - a rod (6) extending from the head (1) to the annular end (2); - a trigger (7) mounted to move between a first trigger position and a second trigger position, - a textile wire element (8) having a first end fixedly mounted with the at least one cam (3), the textile wire element (8) connecting the trigger (7) to the at least one cam (3), the textile wire element (8) operatively connecting the trigger (7) to the at least one cam (3), when the trigger (7) is in the second trigger position the at least one cam (3) is in the retracted position; cam locking device characterized in that the textile wire element (8) passes through the first hole (3a) and the second hole (3b) to introduce friction between the textile wire element (8) and the at least one cam (3) and in that an end portion of the textile wire element (8) passes through a third hole (3c) connecting the first side and the second side and / or is wedged in a groove (3d) formed in the first side or the second side, the end portion of the textile wire element (8) being arranged posterior to the second hole (3b) in a longitudinal direction of the textile wire element (8) from the trigger (7).

2. A cam locking device according to claim 1 wherein the cam (3) defines the third hole (3c) and wherein a downstream strand of the textile wire element (8) is wedged against a face of the at least one cam (3) by an upstream strand of the textile wire element (8), the downstream strand being arranged further from the trigger (7) than the upstream strand in the longitudinal direction of the textile wire element (8).

3. Cam locking device according to one of claims 1 and 2 wherein the at least one cam (3) defines the at least one groove (3d) and wherein a terminal end of the textile wire element is embedded in the at least one groove (3d).

4. A cam locking device according to claim 3 wherein the groove (3d) connects the first hole (3a) and the third hole (3c).

5. A cam locking device according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 2 wherein the downstream strand is wedged in the groove (3d).

6. Cam locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the textile wire element (8) passes successively through the first hole (3a) and the second hole (3b) in the longitudinal direction of the textile wire element (8) from the trigger (7), wherein the first hole (3a) defines a first end with the first side and a second end with the second side, wherein the textile wire element (8) enters the first hole (3a) from the second side, the second end forming a second bearing zone of the textile wire element (8) and wherein the second bearing zone has an edge which is less sharp than the first end of the first hole (3a) and / or than an edge of an end of the second hole with one and / or the other of the first side and the second side.

7. Cam locking device according to claim 6 wherein a side wall of the first hole (3a) connects a face of the at least one cam (3) forming the second side and wherein the bearing zone of the second end is an arc of a circle having a radius of curvature at least equal to half the thickness of the textile wire element.

8. Cam locking device according to one of claims 6 and 7 in which the side wall of the first hole (3a) defines with the second face of the at least one cam (3) and / or a side wall of the second hole (3b) defines with the first face or the second face of the at least one cam (3) a sharp edge.

9. Cam locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in which the first hole (3a) and the second hole (3b) open into a thinned zone (3e, 3f) of the at least one cam (3), the thinned zone representing a thinning at least equal to a thickness of one strand of the textile thread element (8).

10. Cam locking device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the section of the textile wire element (8) is smaller than the section of the first hole (3a) and the second hole (3b) from one end to the other of the textile wire element (8) in the longitudinal direction of the textile wire element (8).

11. Cam locking device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the textile wire element (8) is only fixed to the at least one cam (3) by wedging in the groove (3d) and / or by friction at the ends of the first hole (3a), the second hole (3b) and the third hole (3c).

12. A cam locking device according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one cam (3) has a first cam (3) and a second cam (3) and wherein the textile thread element (8) has a first end attached to a first cam (3) and an opposite second end attached to the second cam (3).

13. A method of manufacturing a cam locking device comprising providing a textile wire element (8) and a cam locking device provided with: - a head (1); - at least one cam (3) pivotably mounted about at least one pivot shaft (4), the at least one cam (3) being movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the at least one pivot shaft (4) being fixed to the head (1), the at least one cam (3) defining at least a first hole (3a) and a second hole (3b); - a spring (11) operatively coupled to the at least one cam (3) for urging the at least one cam (3) toward the extended position; - an annular end (2) mechanically coupled to the head (1); - a rod (6) extending from the head (1) to the annular end (2);- a trigger (7) operatively connected to the at least one cam (3), the trigger (7) being mounted movable between a first trigger position and a second trigger position, and in the second trigger position the at least one cam (3) is in the retracted position; manufacturing method characterized in that the at least one cam comprises at least one third hole (3c) and / or at least one groove (3d); wherein the wire element (8) passes through the first hole (3a), the; second hole (3b) and at least one third hole (3b) for forming consecutive friction zones between the textile wire element (8) and the at least one cam (3) along a longitudinal direction of the textile wire element (8); and / or wherein the at least one groove (3d) has a width less than or equal to a width of the textile wire element, the textile wire element (8) being embedded by deformation in the at least one groove (3d).

Images