Tool for mounting a retaining ring on a locking element

Abstract

Tool for mounting a retaining ring (5) on a locking element (3) which is inserted into an opening (6) of a trim part (4), comprising the tool a support element (1) designed to be placed on an edge section of the cladding part (4) and to hold a locking element (3) inserted into the opening (6) for attaching the retaining ring (5) to the cladding part (4); and a mounting device (2) for mounting a retaining ring (5) on the locking element (3), wherein the mounting device has a guide element (21) for guiding the retaining ring (5) in its annular axis direction and a pressure element (22) movable with respect to the guide element (21) for pushing the retaining ring (5) in its annular axis direction, wherein the guide element (21) is designed and can be coupled to the locking element (3) such that a retaining ring (5) can be moved from the guide element (21) to the locking element (3) by moving the pressure element (22).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to a tool for mounting a retaining ring on a locking element. BACKGROUND

[0002] Passenger aircraft delivered by manufacturers and airlines are complex technical systems. Maintaining such aircraft requires the fuselage to be designed to allow access to the interior at multiple points for servicing or repairing its components. For this reason, aircraft may have fairing panels at certain locations that are attached to the secondary structure of the aircraft using quick-release fasteners. This type of attachment allows for the rapid removal of these panels when necessary. A large number of fasteners are required to secure such fairing panels. For example, one hundred or more fasteners may be needed to attach a single fairing panel.During assembly, it has proven practical to first attach the locking elements to the respective fairing element in such a way that the locking elements are held in corresponding openings of the fairing element. In this way, a fairing element can be quickly mounted on the aircraft, since the locking elements are already pre-positioned in the respective openings of the fairing element and can therefore be quickly engaged with corresponding counterparts provided on the secondary structure of the aircraft.

[0003] DE 1947498 U describes a mounting mandrel for retaining rings. US 7311024 B1 describes a tool for removing cutting blades. DE 10 2005 022967 B4 deals with a device for fitting sealing rings onto pipe ends. DE 10022383 C2 deals with a holding pliers. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the aviation industry to provide the locking elements in the fairing elements in such a way that subsequent assembly of the fairing element on the aircraft is possible in a simple manner.

[0005] The present invention addresses this need in the aviation industry by providing a device or tool for mounting a retaining ring on a locking element.

[0006] The tool has a support element capable of holding a locking element inserted into an opening in a trim panel in such a way that a retaining ring, such as a spring washer, can be attached to the locking element. Furthermore, the tool has an assembly device that allows the retaining ring to be slid onto the locking element. This assembly device essentially performs two functions. First, it serves to expand or spread the retaining ring so that its inner diameter is increased and it can thus be slid onto the locking element. Second, the assembly device includes a means for moving the retaining ring onto the locking element. For assembly purposes, the assembly device can elastically deform the retaining ring and move it onto the locking element.

[0007] A tool for mounting a retaining ring onto a locking element inserted into an opening in a trim panel is thus provided, the tool comprising a support element and a mounting device. The support element is designed to be placed on an edge section of the trim panel and to hold a locking element inserted into the opening for securing the retaining ring to the trim panel. The mounting device serves to mount the retaining ring onto the locking element. For this purpose, the mounting device has a guide element for guiding the retaining ring in the direction of its annular axis and a pressure element movable relative to the guide element for pressing the retaining ring in the direction of its annular axis.

[0008] In this context, the term "ring axis direction" refers to the direction of an axis of the retaining ring that runs perpendicular to the plane of extension of the ring. If the retaining ring is torus-shaped, the ring axis corresponds to the axis of rotation. The retaining rings mentioned are therefore axially mountable, and the ring axis direction thus corresponds to the mounting direction of the retaining ring.

[0009] The cover panel could, for example, be an access panel that can be removed for maintenance purposes. Such a cover panel could have several openings along its edge to accommodate fasteners that secure the panel in place.

[0010] The locking element can be a locking bolt, such as those used in the aerospace industry. These locking elements are designed to engage with fasteners riveted into the secondary structure of aircraft. The locking element is therefore a fastener and can be a quick-release fastener. Such a locking element can have a head section and an adjoining cylindrical section. On the side of the cylindrical section opposite the head section, an annular groove for receiving the retaining ring can be provided on its outer circumference. Furthermore, the cylindrical section can have an internal thread that can engage with an external thread provided in a fastener. On the opposite side of the head section, it can have features for positive locking with tools.

[0011] The support element is designed to be placed on an edge section of the cladding panel. For this purpose, the support element has a recess that extends from a first side of the support element into the support element in a first direction and is bounded in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, by two sections of the support element. The support element can therefore be U-shaped, with the respective sections extending from a common connecting section in the same direction at a specific distance from each other. In this way, a support element is created in which, after the support element is placed on the edge section of the cladding panel, one section is located on one side of the cladding panel and the other section is located on the opposite side of the cladding panel.

[0012] The recess of the support element and the two sections of the support element that define the recess can be adapted to the shape of the edge section of the cladding part. In the simplest case, the two sections have two surfaces that are parallel to each other and define the recess. These surfaces can be flat. The dimensions of the recess can be chosen, in particular, according to the thickness of the cladding part.

[0013] The first of the two sections can have a support area for bracing the locking element in the second direction. For example, the support area can serve to support a locking element head. Accordingly, a locking element can be supported such that its cylindrical section extends away from the support area. The second section can have a recess in which a part of the locking element can be received. The recess is designed so that the support element can be inserted in a direction radial to the axis of the locking element.

[0014] The second section can have a support surface facing the first section. This support surface can be designed to brace the support element against one side of the trim panel. Therefore, the support surface can serve to limit movement of the support element by preventing it from coming into contact with one side of the trim panel. In other words, movement of the support element relative to the trim panel in the second direction described above is possible until the support surface makes contact with the surface of the trim panel. This allows the locking element to be held in a defined position, thus enabling the mounting of the retaining ring onto it.

[0015] The recess provided in the second section can extend from the first side of the support element into the second section, defining an opening that extends through the second section in the second direction. In this way, an opening is created in the second section that allows locking elements to be held in the support element. These locking elements have a length such that the front end of the locking element extends through the second section and projects from the side of the second section opposite the support surface.

[0016] The recess provided in the second section can be formed in an end section located at a predetermined distance from the first side of the support element, corresponding to the outer circumference of the portion of the closure element that is to be received in the recess. The second section can therefore have a forked section with two projections, between which a portion of the closure element is positioned when the support element is placed on the edge section of a cladding part in whose opening the closure element is positioned. The section connecting the two projections can thus be adapted to the outer circumference of the portion of the closure element.

[0017] The guide element can have a guide section for guiding the retaining ring and a coupling section for coupling the guide element to the locking element. At least the guide section can be constructed as a body of revolution. Furthermore, the guide section can have a guide surface on its outer circumference on which the retaining ring can slide.

[0018] The guide section can have a first end at which the retaining ring can be placed. The guide section can also have a second end which can be coupled to the locking element via the coupling section, allowing the retaining ring to be transferred from the guide section to the locking element. The outer diameter of the guide section at the first end is smaller than the outer diameter of the guide section at the second end. This shape facilitates easy placement of the retaining ring onto the guide element. At the second end, the outer diameter of the guide section can be greater than or equal to the outer circumference of a receiving section of the locking element, onto which the retaining ring is moved from the guide element during assembly.This ensures that the inner diameter of the retaining ring is widened or spread sufficiently to allow it to be fitted onto the locking element. The guide section can be conical, at least in part. Additionally, the guide section can have a constant outer diameter, at least in part.

[0019] Preferably, the outer diameter of the guide section at its first end is smaller than the inner diameter of the retaining ring used in the unloaded state, and the outer diameter of the guide section at its second end is larger than the inner diameter of the retaining ring in the unloaded state. In this way, the retaining ring used can be easily placed onto the guide element at its first end, and the retaining ring can be expanded or spread by movement towards its second end. Therefore, axial displacement of the retaining ring causes it to expand.

[0020] The coupling section of the guide element can have a projection extending axially from the guide section. In other words, the projection can extend axially from the second end of the guide section. This projection can serve to be inserted into the locking element.

[0021] Preferably, the projection is cylindrical and has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the receiving section of the locking element, so that the projection can be inserted into the receiving section. In this way, the guide element can be easily coupled to the locking element.

[0022] The pressure element can have a sleeve-like section and an annular contact surface. The sleeve-like section can be placed onto the guide element and slide along it. The annular contact surface can be positioned at the front end of the pressure element to make contact with the retaining ring. This design allows the pressure element to be placed onto the guide element and moved relative to it. In other words, the pressure element accommodates the guide element and, due to the annular contact surface, can exert a force on the retaining ring such that it moves axially. In this way, the retaining ring can be moved along the guide section and pushed onto the locking element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a printing element of a tool according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a side view of a guide element of a tool according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a side view of a support element of a tool according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a top view of the [structure / project] in [location]. Fig. 3 support element shown; Fig. Figures 5-11 schematically show an assembly process of a locking element on a cladding part using a tool according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] The figures are not to scale and merely represent an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Identical reference symbols in the figures denote identical features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE OF EXECUTION

[0024] With reference to the Fig. 1-4 first describe elements of the tool according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a pressure element 22, which, in the tool according to the exemplary embodiment, serves to move a retaining ring. The pressure element 22 has a sleeve-like section 221, which is hollow and cylindrical. At the lower end in Fig. 1. An annular contact surface 222 is formed on this sleeve-like section 221. This annular contact surface 222 forms a pressure surface for transmitting a force to a retaining ring. As is also the case in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a recess 223 is provided in the axial direction of the sleeve-like section 221, which is attached to the sleeve-like section 221 at its Fig. The lower end of the sleeve-like section 221 is given an elastic property in the radial direction. In this way, the diameter of the sleeve-like section 221 only needs to be slightly larger than the largest outer diameter of a guide element described later. However, the recess is not essential for the tool's functionality. The pressure element 22 also has a handle section 224, which in this embodiment is also cylindrical but has a larger diameter than the sleeve-like section 221. Due to this design, the pressure element 22 can be held by a user in such a way that the sleeve-like section 221 is held between two fingers, and a force can be applied to the free end of the handle section 224 with the palm of the hand.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a guide element 21. The guide element 21 is a body of revolution and consists of a guide section 211 and a coupling section 212. The guide section 211 serves to guide a retaining ring, whereas the coupling section 212 is provided to couple the guide element 21 to a locking element. The guide element has a first end 213, the upper end of which is Fig. 2, and a second end 214, near the lower end in Fig. 2. The first end 213 has a smaller outer diameter than the second end 214. Furthermore, the first end 213 has a smaller outer diameter than a retaining ring that is placed on the guide element 21. Additionally, the second end 214 has a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the retaining ring. In this way, the retaining ring spreads when it moves from the first end 213 to the second end 214. The guide section 211 of the guide element 21 according to the present embodiment has a conical section 215 and a cylindrical section 216. The conical section 215 extends from the first end 213, and the cylindrical section 216 extends from the conical section to the second end 214. The coupling section 212 has a projection 217 that extends axially from the second end 214 to the guide element 21.The projection 217 has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of a receiving section of the locking element, so that the projection 217 can be inserted into the receiving section. The construction of the locking element will be discussed in more detail later.

[0027] Fig. 3 shows a side view and Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view of a support element 1 of the tool according to the exemplary embodiment. As this is shown from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the support element 1 is formed by a body having a recess 11 that runs essentially parallel to an upper and a lower side surface of the support element 1. In other words, the recess 11 extends in Fig. 3 in a horizontal direction. The recess 11 divides the support element 1 into a first section 12, the lower section into Fig. 3, and a second section 13, the upper section in Fig. 3. In other words, the recess 11 is bounded by the lower surface of the second section 13 and the upper surface of the first section 12. The lower surface of the second section 13 and the upper surface of the first section 12 face each other. The lower surface of the second section 13 forms a support surface for supporting the support element 1 against a panel part. The upper surface of the first section 12 forms a support area 121 for supporting the closure element. The dimensions of the recess 11 are adapted to the thickness of a panel part to be inserted. In this context, it should be noted that the tool can have several support elements that differ in the dimensions of the recess 11 and can therefore be used for panel parts of different thicknesses. In other words, when using the tool, the support element suitable for the thickness of the panel part can be selected.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the support element 1 has a recess 131 that extends from the same side of the support element 1 as the recess 11 over a predetermined distance into the second section 13. The end of the recess is shaped according to the outer circumference of a section of a closure element to be received in the recess 11, in this case round. The closure element will be discussed in detail later. By providing the recess 131, the second section 13 of the support element 1 is thus fork-shaped, with a section of the closure element being able to be arranged between the two extensions created by this recess.

[0029] With reference to the Fig. Section 5-11 explains in more detail the use of the tool according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a sectional view of a cladding part 4, which has an opening 6 into which a locking element 3 is inserted. The locking element 3 is a locking bolt with a head and an adjoining cylindrical part. At its front end, the upper end in Fig. 5, the locking element 3 has a receiving section 31. The receiving section 31 is hollow and cylindrical and has an internal thread for attaching the locking element 3 to a fastening element (not shown). The locking element 3 has an annular groove 32 on its outer circumference. This annular groove 32 serves to receive a retaining ring, as will be explained in more detail below. Fig. As Figure 5 clearly shows, the first step in assembling a locking element 3 on the trim part 4 is to insert the locking element 3 into the opening 6 of the trim part 4.

[0030] After inserting the locking element 3 into the trim part 4, the support element 1 is placed on the edge of the trim part 4 in the Fig. 6 as shown. More precisely, the support element 1 is pushed onto the edge of the cladding part 4 such that the cylindrical section of the closure element 3 comes into contact with the end section 133 of the recess 131 and the support area 121 of the first section 12, i.e. the one in Fig. 6 upward-facing surface, positioned under the locking element 3 so that the head of the locking element 3 can rest against it. The placement of the support element 1 on the cover part 4 and the arrangement of the locking element 3 in the recess 131 of the support element 1 are described in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates the support element 1 and a dashed-marked cladding part 4 from above.

[0031] In this way, the locking element 3 is held in the opening 6. Placing the support element 1 on the edge of the trim part 4 thus constitutes a second step in the assembly of a locking element 3 to the trim part 4. Once the support element 1 holds the locking element 3 in the manner described above, a washer 7 can be placed on the upper end of the locking element 3.

[0032] In order to mount a retaining ring 5 in the groove 32 of the locking element 3, the following is done in a next step: Fig. The guide element 21 described in Figure 2 is coupled to the receiving section 31 of the locking element 3. For this purpose, the projection 217 of the guide element 21 is inserted into the receiving section 31 of the locking element 3, as shown in Figure 2. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8. Subsequently, a retaining ring 5, for example a snap ring, is placed onto the conical section of the guide element 21, and the pressure element 22 is placed onto the guide element 21. By moving the pressure element 22 along the guide element 21, the retaining ring 5 comes into contact with the annular contact surface 222 and is guided axially along the guide element 21. As this is shown in Figure 8. Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the inner diameter of the retaining ring 5 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the guide element 21. Due to the conical design of the guide section of the guide element 21, the retaining ring 5 is spread when moved towards the locking element 3. The outer diameter of the guide section 211 at the second end 214 is, as shown in Figure 8, smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the guide element 21. Fig. 8 shown, larger than the outer diameter of the receiving section 31 of the locking element 3.

[0033] Fig. Figure 9 shows a state in which the retaining ring 5 has already been pushed by the pressure element 22 up to the cylindrical section 216 of the guide element 21 and is therefore spread apart. The part of the guide element 21 received inside the pressure element 22 is shown with a dashed line.

[0034] Due to the above-described structure of the individual elements, the retaining ring 5 can now be pushed onto the receiving section 31 by the pressure element 22 to such an extent that the retaining ring 5 engages in the groove 32. This state is in Fig. 10 shown.

[0035] Once the retaining ring 5 has snapped into the groove 32, the guide element 21 and the pressure element 22 as well as the support element 1 can be removed and the locking element 3 is held movably in the opening 6 of the cover part 4 by the retaining ring 5 and the washer 7.

[0036] This provides a tool that significantly simplifies the installation of a retaining ring on a locking element or the installation of a locking element on a trim panel.

Claims

[1] Tool for mounting a retaining ring (5) on a locking element (3) which is inserted into an opening (6) of a trim part (4), comprising the tool a support element (1) designed to be placed on an edge section of the cladding part (4) and to hold a locking element (3) inserted into the opening (6) for attaching the retaining ring (5) to the cladding part (4); and a mounting device (2) for mounting a retaining ring (5) on the locking element (3), wherein the mounting device has a guide element (21) for guiding the retaining ring (5) in its annular axis direction and a pressure element (22) movable with respect to the guide element (21) for pushing the retaining ring (5) in its annular axis direction, wherein the guide element (21) is designed and can be coupled to the locking element (3) such that a retaining ring (5) can be moved from the guide element (21) to the locking element (3) by moving the pressure element (22). [2] Tool according to claim 1, wherein the support element (1) has a recess (11) extending from a first side of the support element (1) into the support element (1) in a first direction and is bounded in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by two sections (12, 13) of the support element (1), wherein the first section (12) of the two sections (12, 13) has a support area (121) for supporting the closure element (3) in the second direction and the second section (13) has a recess (131) in which a part of the closure element (3) can be received, [3] Tool according to claim 2, wherein the second section (13) has a support surface (132) facing the first section (12), wherein the support surface (132) is designed to support the support element (1) on one side of the cladding part (4). [4] Tool according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the recess (131) extends from the first side of the support element (1) into the second section (13) and defines an opening which extends through the second section (13) in the second direction. [5] Tool according to claim 4, wherein the recess (131) in an end section (133) which is located at a predetermined distance from the first side of the support element (1) is formed according to an outer circumference of the part of the closure element (3) which is to be received in the recess (131). [6] Tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element (21) has a guide section (211) for guiding the retaining ring (5) and a coupling section (212) for coupling the guide element (21) to the locking element (3), wherein at least the guide section (211) is constructed as a body of revolution and the guide section (211) has a guide surface on its outer circumference on which the retaining ring (5) can slide. [7] Tool according to claim 6, wherein the guide section (211) has a first end (213) at which the retaining ring (5) can be placed on the guide section (211), and a second end (214) which can be coupled to the locking element (3) by the coupling section (212) in such a way that the retaining ring (5) can be transferred from the guide section (211) to the locking element (3), wherein the outer diameter of the guide section (211) at the first end (213) is smaller than the outer diameter of the guide section (211) at the second end (214), and wherein the outer diameter of the guide section (211) at the second end (214) is greater than or equal to an outer circumference of a receiving section (31) of the locking element (3) onto which the retaining ring (5) is moved by the guide element (21) during assembly. [8] Tool according to claim 7, wherein the guide section (211) is conical at least in sections. [9] Tool according to claim 8, wherein the guide section (211) has a constant outer diameter at least in sections. [10] Tool according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the outer diameter of the guide section (211) at its first end (213) is smaller than the inner diameter of the retaining ring (5) used in the unloaded state and the outer diameter of the guide section (211) at its second end (214) is larger than the inner diameter of the retaining ring (5) in the unloaded state. [11] Tool according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the coupling section (212) has a projection (217) extending from the guide section (211) in the axial direction of the guide section. [12] Tool according to claim 11, wherein the projection is cylindrical and has an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the receiving section (31) of the closure element (3), so that the projection can be inserted into the receiving section (31). [13] Tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure element (22) has a sleeve-like section (221) and an annular contact surface (222), wherein the sleeve-like section (221) can be placed on the guide section (211) and is slidable on it, and the annular contact surface (222) is arranged at the front end of the pressure element (22) in order to be able to come into contact with the retaining ring (5).

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