DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC LOCKING OF AN ADJUSTABLE MECHANICAL SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for automatically locking and / or blocking a mechanical system in its final adjustment position. The invention also relates to a mechanical system equipped with this device.

[0002] More specifically, this invention applies to mechanical systems in which the position of at least some of its components can be reversibly modified by means of a threaded adjusting member and which must be locked in place after adjustment. Such systems include, for example, openings (doors, hatches, etc.) whose position relative to a frame must be adjusted, before or after installation, by means of an associated adjusting member to ensure correct opening and closing kinematics and a satisfactory final seal.

[0003] Traditionally, the locking of threaded elements intended for adjusting mechanical systems is ensured, for example, by locknuts screwed onto this element, split pins, locking wires, bendable washers, ...

[0004] However, in some situations, the available space around the adjusting element is insufficient to properly mount and / or operate the associated locking device, which is designed to secure the adjusting operations, particularly when it is necessary to use specific, often bulky, tools. A self-locking adjusting element is known from US 1,845,428 A. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In this context, the main objective of the invention is to automatically ensure the mechanical locking or locking of a threaded adjusting element using a simple hand tool and requiring only a very small space around this element.

[0006] This goal is achieved, according to the invention, by means of an automatic locking adjustment element of a mechanical system according to claim 1.

[0007] According to the invention, the push button has an internal concavity with a cylindro-conical profile, the wall of which rests on the lateral arms of the pin.

[0008] According to one specific embodiment, the lateral branches of the pin form a shoulder between distal end strands that are non-parallel and disjointed and proximal end strands that join together to form a closed loop.

[0009] According to a specific embodiment variant, the bore of the internal element is closed at its proximal end by a plug against which the lateral arms of the pin rest.

[0010] In this variant, the locking device of the invention comprises a helical spring mounted between the base of the push button and the cap, and in the center of which the lateral arms of the pin extend.

[0011] Preferably in this case, the device includes a washer which is disposed between the base of the push button and the end coil of the spring and which is provided with an orifice through which the proximal end strands of the pin pass.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the push button has a cylindrical body with a reduced section head which protrudes outside the bore in the pin release position.

[0013] According to yet another embodiment of the device, the body of the push button extends longitudinally on either side of the slots in the internal element and has vents through which the lateral arms of the pin pass.

[0014] According to yet another embodiment, the inner bore opens outwards at its distal end via a cavity with a hexagonal cross-section.

[0015] According to an alternative embodiment, the internal bore opens outwards at its distal end at the center of a hexagonal section operating nut integral with said internal element.

[0016] Preferably, the head of the push button then protrudes in the center of the operating nut.

[0017] According to a specific embodiment, the external element is provided to have an even number of notches for locking the lateral arms of the pin.

[0018] According to a specific variant of the device of the invention, the pin is made in two articulated parts. In this case, the device is equipped with a dynamic wedge having lateral grooves receiving the lateral arms of the articulated pin and which is positioned in contact with the base of the push button.

[0019] Another object of the invention is a mechanical system provided with an adjustment member comprising an external element, integral with the system, having a tapped hole on its internal wall and intended to receive a movable internal element having an external thread and an internal bore, said internal and external elements cooperating to ensure, by screwing, an adjustment of the position of said system, characterized in that said system is equipped with a device as defined above to ensure the locking of its adjustment.

[0020] Yet another object of the invention is a use of the device defined above for locking the position adjustment of an opening in its frame.

[0021] A final object of the invention is an aircraft equipped with at least one locking device having the characteristics stated above for adjusting the mounting position of the doors on the fuselage.

[0022] The locking device of the invention makes it possible to ensure, automatically, with standard and therefore economical means, an effective, stable and precise locking of the organ which usually performs the adjustment of the position or the fixing of various components of even complex mechanical systems.

[0023] Thanks to the device of the invention, a locking of the setting can be obtained easily and quickly despite the presence of a very narrow environment of the system where the available space which is then restricted generally prohibits the use of heavy and bulky tools.

[0024] Furthermore, with this invention, and in the event that the locking mechanism has not been fully engaged, any subsequent relative movement between the threaded peripheral nut forming the outer element and the threaded inner element would ultimately be automatically blocked by the engagement of the shoulder of the pin's lateral arms in one of the adjacent notches, either preceding or following, due in particular to the pin's specific elasticity and shape memory. Therefore, the invention provides enhanced security for the adjustment.

[0025] The invention is applicable to any type of mechanical system incorporating a threaded adjustment or fastening element that needs or is useful to lock. Thus, the invention can be applied, in particular, to any opening, for example, an aircraft door, a hangar door, and any type of building or mobile device. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] Other data, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following non-limited description, with reference to the accompanying figures which extend in a horizontal plane and represent, respectively: [ Figure 1 ] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the adjustment element according to the invention in the locked position. Figure 2 ] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the adjustment mechanism of the figure 1 with the device in the adjustment position. Figure 3] is a perspective view of the external element integrated into the locking device of the adjusting member according to the invention. Figure 4 ] a side view of the deformable pin of the locking device of the adjusting member according to the invention in three situations: in the free state, integrated under tension in the locking device, respectively in the locked position and in the adjusted position. Figure 5 ] is a perspective view of the push-button of the locking device of the adjustment member according to the invention. Figure 6 ] is a cross-sectional view of the internal element adapted and integrated into the locking device of the adjusting member according to the invention. Figure 7 ] is a partial perspective view of a second embodiment of the adjusting member according to the invention in the locked position. Figure 8 ] is a partial perspective view of the embodiment of the adjustment mechanism of the figure 7in the adjustment position. Figure 9 ] is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the pin integrated into the locking device of the adjustment member of the invention. Figure 10 ] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the adjusting member according to the invention comprising the pin variant of the figure 9 in the locked position. Figure 11 ] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the adjustment mechanism of the Figure 10 in the manual unlocked position. Figure 12 ] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the adjustment mechanism of the Figure 10 in manual adjustment position. Figure 13 ] is a partial exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustment device of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by the same reference symbols across all figures.

[0028] Naturally, the embodiments of the invention illustrated by the figures shown above and described below are given only as non-limiting examples. It is explicitly intended that different embodiments may be proposed and combined to create others.

[0029] The invention relates to the field of position adjustment of a mechanical system by means of an adjustment element consisting of an internal threaded component that cooperates by screwing with a complementary external threaded component fixed to the system. In particular, the invention focuses on locking this adjustment in order to secure the final position of the mechanical system over time.

[0030] Such mechanical systems are typically openings, for example, doors whose position relative to a frame must be adjusted in order to obtain correct closing and opening and satisfactory sealing.

[0031] This objective of automatic locking and securing of the position and orientation setting of a door is crucial when that door is mounted in a frame made in the fuselage of an aircraft and is therefore subjected to strong stresses.

[0032] However, the invention can also be applied to the locking of adjustment elements integrated into mechanical fastening or assembly systems.

[0033] In the following description, the term "distal" refers to the side located outside the internal element of the regulating organ, while the term "proximal" refers to the opposite side, that is, the side located in the immediate vicinity of the system or integral with it. Consequently, the term "intermediate" or "median" refers to a position located between the distal and proximal positions.

[0034] As illustrated, in particular, by the figures 1 and 2 In cross-section, the locking device for the adjusting member of the invention is intended to equip the adjusting member comprising an internal cylindrical element 1, optionally connected to a frame and provided, in a conventional manner, with an external thread 11 and an internal bore 10. Such an element consists, for example, of a threaded and hollowed rod or a hollow screw, as illustrated in detail by the figure 6 .

[0035] This male element 1 is designed to be inserted into a threaded female external element 2 (for example, a peripheral nut) which is integral with or engaged by a mechanical system (not shown here) to ensure, by screwing, adjustment of the position of this system relative to a frame or adjustment of the assembly of various components of this system. Element 1 thus forms the moving part of the system's adjustment mechanism, while element 2 constitutes the fixed part. However, in an alternative (not shown) variant, these elements 1 and 2 could be reversed so that element 1 forms the fixed part and element 2 the moving part.

[0036] It turns out that, in certain configurations, the available space in the environment of the mechanical system is very limited or obstructed by structural obstacles. Under these conditions, locking the setting becomes very difficult, especially when it is necessary to use large tools and / or to perform large-amplitude rotational movements of these tools.

[0037] In this context, the invention provides an automatic locking mechanism achieved by means of a device comprising a push button 3 (shown in detail in the figure 5 ), slidably housed in the bore 10 of the internal threaded element 1 and covering a pin 4 (shown in detail on the figure 4 ) featuring two lateral branches. Preferably, the pin 4 is elastically deformable and forms a shape memory spring.

[0038] The push button 3 has an internal concavity 30 of cylindro-conical or at least partially conical profile, the wall of which bears against the distal end strands 42 of the lateral branches of the elastic pin 4.

[0039] This push button 3 has a cylindrical body 31 fitted with a head 32 of reduced cross-section ( figure 5 ) which protrudes outside the bore 10 in the rest (locking) position of the pin 4, as illustrated by the figure 1 . In this position, the shoulder 33 of the push button 3 which is located at the junction between the body 31 and the head 32, is in contact with an internal constriction 10b of the bore 10 of the internal threaded element 1.

[0040] The lateral arms of the pin 4 have intermediate strands forming a shoulder 41 which is intended to come into contact with longitudinal slots 12 made through the wall of the internal threaded element 1.

[0041] This intermediate shoulder 41 has a partially rectangular profile with a longitudinal section that is substantially parallel to the common axis of the threaded element 1 and the nut 2. The proximal end strands 43 of the pin 4 join together, forming, in the embodiment of the figures 1, 2 And 4 , a closed loop of which only the portion ensuring the connection with the intermediate strands 41 is deformed. A variant embodiment of the invention in which the lateral arms of the pin 4 are independent and joined at the level of the strands 43 will be described later and illustrated, in particular, by the figure 13 .

[0042] In the relaxed position of the pin 4, and therefore in the locking position of the device, the shoulder 41 widens and engages and locks into notches 20 made on the inner wall of the peripheral external element 2 by being driven by the distal end strands 42 which move apart after adjustment when the push button 1 is released.

[0043] In the embodiment illustrated by the figures 1 and 2 The body 31 of the push button 3 extends longitudinally on either side of the slots 12 in the threaded element 1, which are designed to retain the lateral arms of the pin 4. In this case, the push button 3 also has, laterally and on either side of the body 31, openings 34 allowing the passage of the shoulder 41 of the lateral arms of the pin 4, as illustrated by the figure 5The respective dimensions of the slots 12 and the vents 34 are adapted to the dimensions of the shoulder 41 of the pin 4 to allow its movement during the transitions between the adjustment and locking phases.

[0044] Once enclosed in the bore 10 of the internal threaded element 1, the pin 4 is preferably under slight tension, even in the locked position, due, on the one hand, to the contact of support with the wall of the cavity 30 of the push button 3 and, on the other hand, to the transverse compression of the lateral arms imposed by the dimensions of the notches 20 of the external element 2.

[0045] The distal end strands 42 of the pin 4 are non-parallel and disjointed such that pressing on the head 32 of the push button 3 causes these strands to slide in a guided manner against the conical wall of the cavity 30, resulting in their coming together and the folding of the shoulder 41 located on the intermediate strands. figure 4 represents the different states of the elastic pin 4, respectively, in its free state, in the locked position within the device, and in the adjusted position. The pin 4 is preferably made of spring stainless steel wire.

[0046] According to the invention, the peripheral external element 2 is provided to have an even number of notches 20 for locking the lateral arms of the pin 4. In the embodiment of the figure 3The external element 2 has two diametrically opposed pairs of notches 20 formed as longitudinal grooves in the threads of the tapped hole 21. The number of pairs of notches 20, however, depends on the desired precision of the adjustment. Furthermore, the thread 11 of the internal element 1 is not required along the entire length of this part.

[0047] To allow adjustment, the axial translation of the push button 3 is performed inside the bore 10 to control the tension of the pin 4 in order to ensure unlocking.

[0048] This operation is carried out by simultaneously pressing the push button 3 from outside the bore 10 and rotating the internal threaded element 1 using a hand tool (such as an Allen key A - figure 2). The translational movement of the button 3 in the bore 10 thus causes the compression of the pin 4. Given the specific shape and elasticity of the pin 4, this forced deformation causes the retraction of the lateral arms of the pin 4 (and mainly that of the intermediate strands forming the shoulder 41) towards the inside of the internal threaded element 1. The intermediate strands then escape from the notches 20, thus freeing the male threaded element 1 which can then rotate freely in the external female element 2 which remains fixed.

[0049] Once the adjustment has been made, the removal of the hand tool A causes the release and deployment outwards of the lateral arms (due to the elasticity and shape memory of the pin 4) and their automatic return into the notches 20 of the external element 2. Simultaneously, the push button 3 returns to its initial position against the constriction 10b of the bore 10.

[0050] If, however, the intermediate strands 41 of the lateral arms are not directly opposite the notches 20, a slight rotation of the internal threaded element 1 by a few millimeters (without pressing button 3) allows these strands to be positioned opposite the nearest notches 20 and the locking mechanism to be finalized. Raising and stopping button 3 in the bore 10 visually confirms the final locking.

[0051] Therefore, in the event that the locking was not completely carried out, any further relative movement between the external element 2 and the internal element 1 would be stopped automatically when the shoulder 41 passed in relation to the next or previous notch 20, thanks to the elasticity of the pin 4.

[0052] Thus, in the locked position, the intermediate shoulder 41 of the pin 4 forms an obstacle that interferes with the threaded connection between the male element 1 and the female element 2, preventing these two parts from rotating relative to each other, as shown in the position illustrated by the figure 1 .

[0053] According to a specific embodiment variant, the bore 10 of the internal element 1 is closed at its proximal end by a plug 5 against which the proximal end strands 43 of the pin 4 are in contact.

[0054] In this embodiment, the locking device of the adjustment member of the invention further comprises a helical compression spring 6 mounted between the base of the push button 3 and the cap 5 and in the center of which extend the proximal end strands 43 of the pin 4. The spring 6 maintains the push button 3 in a distal position, and against the shoulder 10b of the bore 10, thus enabling the elastic pin 4 to return to its relaxed locking position, its lateral arms remaining wedged in the two notches opposite the external element 2.

[0055] Preferably, the device includes a washer 7 which is positioned between the base of the push button 3 and the end coil of the spring 6. This washer 7 has an opening 70 through which the proximal end strands 43 of the pin 4 pass, as illustrated by the figures 1 and 2 .

[0056] According to a first embodiment of the adjustment mechanism of the invention, illustrated by the figures 1 and 2 The internal bore 10 opens to the outside of the internal element 1 at its distal end via a hexagonal cavity 10a. Preferably, this cross-section corresponds to the size of an Allen key.

[0057] According to another embodiment illustrated by the figures 7 and 8 The internal bore 10 opens outwards at the distal end of the internal element 1, at the center of a hexagonal operating nut 8 integral with the element 1. Preferably, the head 32 of the push button 3 is retractable and thus protrudes from the center of the operating nut 8. This head 32 is provided with markings 32a indicating whether the locking mechanism is activated.

[0058] In this variant, the operator would then use a box-end wrench or a slotted socket wrench instead of the Allen key A used in the embodiment of the figure 1 However, according to other variants, the protruding head 32 could also have a bi-hexagonal cross-section or any other geometry capable of cooperating with a hand tool. The retractable head 32 would be placed in the protruding position during the adjustment phase ( figure 7 ) and would have returned once the latter was completed to ensure its locking ( figure 8 ).

[0059] THE figures 9 to 13 illustrate another embodiment of the locking device for the adjustment member of the invention, comprising a variant of the pin 4 described above. This variant avoids the risk of deformation of the pin during its installation in the device and during manual adjustment operations (for example, using an Allen key A).

[0060] This pin, shown in exploded perspective on the figure 9 , comprises independent lateral branches made here in the form of two parts 4a, 4b which are assembled by means of a rivet 8 (or any other pivoting connecting element). The shank of this rivet is engaged in loops 43a formed at the end of the proximal end strands 43 of the branches and cooperates with a set of washers 9 and a retaining collar 10.

[0061] Rivet 8 thus forms a joint allowing the two parts 4a, 4b of the pin 4 to move relative to each other around the axis of rotation formed by the shank of rivet 8. The end of the articulated pin 4 is always in contact with the plug 5, as illustrated by the Figures 10 to 12, in the respective locking, unlocking and adjustment positions.

[0062] To ensure the retention of the articulated pin 4, the invention provides for the integration of a dynamic wedge 11 between the spring 6 and the base of the push button 3. This wedge 11, which is made in one piece, can move axially within the internal element 1 without obstructing the slots 12. The wedge 11 has two lateral grooves 11a (visible on the figure 13 ) receiving the respective proximal end strands 43 of parts 4a, 4b of the pin 4 in a sliding manner. These grooves 11a thus contribute to locking the pin 4 both during the adjustment of the device and in the final locking position.

Claims

1. An automatically locking adjustment mechanism for a mechanical system, comprising a movable inner element (1) and an outer element (2) integral with the mechanical system and provided on its inner wall with a threaded bore intended to receive the movable inner element (1), which is provided with an external thread (11) and an internal bore (10), said internal (1) and external (2) elements cooperating by screwing to ensure adjustment of the position of said system, the assembly comprising an automatic locking device fitted with a deformable pin (4) acting as a spring and a push-button (3) slidably housed within said bore (10) of the inner element (1) and overlying the deformable pin (4), this pin (4) being provided with lateral legs which are retained in slots (12) formed opposite one another through the wall of said inner element (1) and which, when the pin is in the released position, lock into notches (20) formed on the inner wall of said outer element (2), characterised in that the slots (12) are longitudinal slots and said push-button (3) comprises an internal concavity (30) of at least partially cylindrical-conical profile, the wall of which bears against the lateral legs of the pin (4).

2. A component according to claim 1, characterised in that the lateral branches of said pin (4) have a shoulder (41) between distal end strands (42) which are non-parallel and disjointed and proximal end strands (43) which join to form a closed loop.

3. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said bore (10) of the inner element (1) is closed at its proximal end by a plug (5) against which the lateral legs of the spring pin (4) bear.

4. A device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises a coil spring (6) mounted between the base of the push-button (3) and the plug (5), and through the centre of which the lateral arms of the spring pin (4) extend.

5. A device according to claims 2 and 4, characterised in that it comprises a washer (7) which is disposed between the base of the push-button (3) and the end coil of the spring (6) and which is provided with an orifice (70) through which the proximal end strands (43) of the spring pin (4) pass.

6. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said push-button (3) has a cylindrical body (31) provided with a head (32) of reduced cross-section which projects outside the bore (10) in the released position of the deformable pin (4).

7. A component according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the body (31) of said push-button (3) extends longitudinally on either side of the slots (12) of the internal element (1) and comprises apertures (34) through which the lateral legs of the pin (4) pass.

8. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said internal bore (10) opens to the outside of the internal element (1) at its distal end via a cavity (10a) of hexagonal cross-section.

9. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said internal bore (10) opens to the outside of the internal element (1) at its distal end at the centre of a hexagonal-section operating nut (8) integral with said internal element (1).

10. A component according to claims 6 and 9, characterised in that the head (32) of the push-button (3) projects from the centre of the operating nut (8).

11. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said outer element (2) has an even number of notches (20).

12. A component according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said pin (4) is formed of two articulated parts (4a, 4b).

13. A component according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises a dynamic wedge (11) provided with lateral grooves (11a) receiving the lateral legs of the articulated pin (4) and which is arranged in contact with the base of the push-button (3).

14. A mechanical system characterised in that said system is equipped with an automatically locking adjustment member according to one of the preceding claims, ensuring that its setting is locked.

15. Use of the automatically locking adjustment member according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for locking the adjustment of the position of a opening element in its frame.

16. Aircraft equipped with at least one adjustment mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for adjusting the mounting position of doors in a frame provided on the fuselage.