CAM LOCKING DEVICE, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH A DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REPLACEMENT OF A WIRING ELEMENT OF SUCH A DEVICE

Abstract

CAM LOCKING DEVICE, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SUCH A DEVICE, AND METHOD OF REPLACEMENT OF A WIRE ELEMENT OF SUCH A DEVICE. A cam locking device comprises a head (1) provided with an anchor (6). A cam (3) is mounted to rotate freely about at least one shaft (4) between a retracted position and an extended position. A spring is functionally coupled to the cam (3) to actuate at least one cam (3) toward the extended position. An annular end (2) is mechanically coupled to the head (1). A wire element (5) connects the head (3) and the annular end (2). The wire element (5) is in the form of a ring. The ring is folded into a U-shape with two legs (5a) connected by a central portion (5b). The two legs (5a) are attached to the anchor (6). Four strands of the wire element (5) connect the head (1) and the annular end (2).An actuation system (7) has a trigger (7) configured to selectively engage the retracted position, and mounted to slide.

Description

Title of the invention: CAM LOCKING DEVICE, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SUCH A DEVICE AND METHOD OF REPLACING A WIRE ELEMENT OF SUCH A DEVICE Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a cam locking device, to a method of manufacturing a cam locking device, to a method of replacing a wire element of a 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 provided that it is placed in the correct spatial configuration inside the hole.On the contrary, in the event of a fall, the spatial configuration of the wedge will be such that it will be stuck between the two opposite faces of 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 movably mounted around one or more pivot shafts.

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

[0006] Typically, at a first end, a cam lock has a head having a plurality of rotatable cams. The second end of the cam lock is an annular end that defines a through hole and is configured to receive a carabiner and serve as an anchor point for the climber.

[0007] The head is mechanically connected to the annular end by means of a cable which is generally a steel cable. The two ends of the cable are wedged into the head of the wedge by crimping. The cable extends continuously between the two ends along the body and it extends along the annular end so as to ensure mechanical continuity between the end fixed to the wall and the end intended to support the climber.

[0008] Since the cable does not have the transverse rigidity necessary to provide good control in the placement of the wedge, it is conventional to provide a rod which extends from the head towards the annular end. The cable passes through the rod.

[0009] Finally, 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 towards the retracted position. When the user stops this pressure, a spring returns the cams to the extended position.

[0010] Multiple configurations of cam jammers are known which describe different configurations of cams, cables, rods or annular ends.

[0011] Conventionally, the cable passes through a hollow rod that extends from the head. The rod is traversed by the cable to ensure mechanical continuity. However, there is an alternative architecture in which one or more rigid metal rods connect the head to the annular end. It is no longer necessary to use a cable. This alternative configuration is known from the following documents: DE2824654, US4,565,342; US4,575,032, US4,645,149, GB2158540, US4,184,657, US4,513,641, GB2369068. This infinitely rigid rod configuration is not advantageous because it does not allow the wedge to be easily installed in curved cracks.

[0012] Conventionally, the metal cable extending from one end of the cam lock to the other is in the form of a U, the two ends of which are fixed to the head by crimping, while the central portion defines the annular end. Documents US2021 / 0001181, US2020 / 034075 illustrate a cam lock in which the two ends of the metal cable are crimped into the head under the pivot shafts of the cams. Documents US2020 / 034075 and US4,832,289 disclose also an embodiment in which only one end of the cable is crimped into the head of the cam. The other end is crimped into the annular end. US7,278,618 and US6,679,466 disclose a cable in which each end is crimped independently on either side of the cams. A tip defining a hole is crimped at each end and the hole in the tip receives a shaft which secures the cable with the head.

[0013] Documents US5,860,629 and GB2380949 disclose a cable, one end of which is crimped into the head of the jammer and the other end receives a tip forming the annular end. The tip is crimped onto the cable.

[0014] Document US 6,679,466 illustrates a cam lock in which the two ends of the wire rope each go around an anchor shaft of the head. The two ends form a loop of rope which is crimped to ensure mechanical continuity along the cam lock.

[0015] When the climber climbs a wall, he knows or anticipates the number of chocks to use as well as the dimensions of the chocks to take. It is not uncommon for a climber to leave with around fifteen chocks, which can represent a significant weight. New chock configurations are therefore being sought that allow for a weight saving.

[0016] In order to provide a lighter product, it is proposed to replace the steel cable with a Dyneema® strap. The two ends of the strap are fixed in the head and the strap extends along the cam to define the annular end. A first technical solution was proposed in document US 2004 / 0035992. This document discloses two pairs of cams mounted to rotate around the same pivot shaft. The pivot shaft passes through a through hole in a rigid rod. A cam activation trigger is slidably mounted along the rod. A textile strap passes through the rod and the pivot shaft passes through the strap so that the strap provides mechanical continuity between the cams and a carabiner fixed in the ring at the opposite end of the rod. This configuration is not practical in use because the strap hinders the user.Maintenance of the fastening device is more difficult and it is almost impossible to replace the strap because the head must be removed.

[0017] Another technical solution is provided in document US 10,143,892 which proposes forming a ring in a Dyneema® cord by means of a splicing step. The cord passes through the rod and springs before performing a splicing step which forms the ring. The portion of the ring which projects from the rod is crossed by an anchor shaft mounted in the immediate vicinity of the pivot shafts of the cams. The splicing step is a long and expensive step whose complexity is increased by the insertion of the rod elements before closing the ring. The passage of the shaft in the ring also appears complicated to carry out. This The wedge configuration remains expensive. It also appears that replacing the loop formed by splicing is almost impossible. Subject of the invention

[0018] An object of the invention is to provide a cam locking device whose mechanical connection between the head and the annular end is more efficient and possibly which is easier to produce than the configurations of the prior art.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the cam locking device comprises: - a head having at least one cam, at least one pivot shaft, and at least one spring, the at least one cam being pivotably mounted about the at least one pivot shaft, the at least one cam being movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the at least one spring being 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, the annular end delimiting a through hole; - at least one wire element mechanically connecting the head and the annular end, the at least one wire element being in the form of a ring; - an actuation system coupled to the at least one cam, the actuation system being configured to selectively engage the retracted position, the actuation system having a trigger slidably mounted along a first direction connecting the head and the annular end.

[0020] The cam lock is notable in that the ring is bent to define at least two legs each having a head end, a foot end and two strands, in that the two strands join at the leading end to form a loop attached to the leading end, in that the foot end of each leg is extended by a connecting portion, the connecting portion connecting the legs together, the connecting portion delimiting said through hole, the connecting portion comprising at least four strands of the wire element.

[0021] Advantageously, the wire element ring is a ring made of textile material.

[0022] In a particular configuration, each loop is slidably mounted relative to the head.

[0023] In a development each strand of the connecting portion is mounted to slide relative to the others.

[0024] Preferably, the wire element ring is obtained by sewing two ends of the wire element onto each other, the sewing being arranged in the connection zone.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the cam locking device comprising a rod extending from the head to the annular end. The stem is hollow and crossed by the same number of strands as in the connecting portion.

[0026] In an advantageous development, the rod is of adjustable length in the first direction.

[0027] Preferably, each loop is attached to at least one anchor mounted removably relative to the head.

[0028] In another advantageous development, at least two loops are crossed by the same anchor.

[0029] Preferably, the removable anchor is arranged at a distance from the at least one pivot shaft, between the at least one pivot shaft and the annular end in the first direction.

[0030] Advantageously, the head has a body supporting the at least one pivot shaft. Each loop goes around the at least one pivot shaft to hook the wire element with the head. The head is through to allow the loops to pass through.

[0031] In a preferred development, the head has a body supporting the at least one pivot shaft, the body being through to allow the loops to pass through. The loops each form a "lark's head" strangling the body to hook the wire element with the head.

[0032] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a cam locking device which is easier to produce than the configurations of the prior art.

[0033] This result is tended to be achieved by means of a manufacturing process comprising the following steps: - providing a head having at least one cam, at least one pivot shaft, and at least one spring, the at least one cam being pivotably mounted about the at least one pivot shaft, the at least one cam being movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the at least one spring being operatively coupled to the at least one cam to bias the at least one cam toward the extended position; - providing an actuation system coupled to the at least one cam, the actuation system being configured to selectively engage the retracted position, the actuation system having a trigger slidably mounted along a first direction connecting the head and the annular end; - providing at least one wire element in the form of a ring, the ring being bent to define at least two legs each comprising a head end, a foot end and two strands, wherein the two strands join at the head end to form a loop, wherein the foot end of each leg extends by a portion of connection, the connection portion connecting the legs together, the connection portion at least partially forming an annular end delimiting a through hole, the connection portion comprising at least four strands of the wire element; - hooking the loops to the head to mechanically couple the annular end with the head, the at least one wire element mechanically connecting the head and the annular end.

[0034] The invention also relates to a method for replacing a wire element of a cam locking device which is easier to produce than in the configurations of the prior art.

[0035] This result is tended to be achieved by means of a method of replacing a wire element of a cam locking device comprising the following steps: - provide a cam locking device according to any of the preceding configurations; - remove the wire element connecting the head and the annular end; - provide a new wire element in the form of a ring; - folding the ring to define at least two legs each comprising a head end, a foot end and two strands, the two strands joining in the head end to form a loop and in which the foot end of each leg is extended by a connecting portion, the connecting portion connecting the legs together, the connecting portion delimiting the through hole of the annular end, the connecting portion comprising at least four strands of the wire element; - hooking the loops to the head to mechanically couple the annular end with the head, the at least one wire element mechanically connecting the head and the annular end. Summary description of the drawings

[0036] 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:

[0037] [Fig-1]: [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a device for cam lock according to a first embodiment;

[0038] [Fig.2]: [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a front view of a cam locking device according to a first embodiment;

[0039] [Fig.3]: [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a front view of the wire element in its conformation inside the cam locking device according to figures 1 and 2;

[0040] [Fig.4]: [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a side view of the wire element in its conformation inside the cam locking device according to figures 1 and 2;

[0041] [Fig.5]: [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a top view of the head of the device cam lock according to the first embodiment;

[0042] [Fig.6]: [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a front view of a cam locking device according to a second embodiment;

[0043] [Fig.7]: [Fig.7] schematically illustrates a front view of the wire element in its conformation inside the cam locking device according to the second embodiment;

[0044] [Fig.8]: [Fig.8] schematically illustrates a side view of the wire element in its conformation inside the cam locking device according to the second embodiment;

[0045] [Fig.9]: [Fig.9] schematically illustrates a top view of the head of the cam locking device according to the second embodiment;

[0046] [Fig. 10]: [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates a front view of a cam locking device according to a third embodiment;

[0047] [Fig. 11]: [Fig. 11] schematically illustrates a front view of the wire element in its conformation inside the cam locking device according to the third embodiment;

[0048] [Fig. 12]: [Fig. 12] schematically illustrates a side view of the wire element in its conformation inside the cam locking device according to the third embodiment;

[0049] [Fig. 13]: [Fig. 13] schematically illustrates a top view of the head of the cam locking device according to the third embodiment;

[0050] [Fig. 14]: [Fig. 14] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a wire element ring intended to connect the head and the annular end of the cam locking device before it is folded;

[0051] [Fig. 15]: [Fig. 15] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a wire element ring bent so that two pairs of two strands are intended to connect the head and the annular end of the cam locking device;

[0052] [Fig. 16]: [Fig. 16] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a wire element ring bent so that four pairs of two strands are intended to connect the head and the annular end of the cam locking device. Description of the embodiments

[0053] Figures 1 to 16 illustrate different embodiments of a cam locking device also known as a "cam lock". The cam locking device is an active locking device.

[0054] The cam locking device comprises a first end which is a head 1 and a second opposite end which is an annular end 2. The head 1 has at least one cam 3 and preferably several cams 3 which are mounted to be movable at pi voting between an extended position and a retracted position. The cam(s) 3 are movably mounted around at least one pivot shaft 4 of the head 1. The cam(s) 3 are mechanically coupled to a body 1a of the head 1. The pivot shaft 4 is fixed to the body 1a of the head 1. The body 1a may be formed by one or more parts. The at least one cam 3 is pivotally mounted relative to the body 1a. The pivot shaft 4 extends mainly in a second direction YY which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction XX.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The cam locking device has a wire element 5 which mechanically connects the head 1 with the annular end 2. The wire element 5 extends continuously from the head 1 to the annular end 2 in a first direction XX. The wire element 5 is attached to the head 1 at each of its ends and it extends along the annular end 2 between its attachment points with the head 1. The wire element 5 ensures mechanical continuity between the head 1 and 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.

[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 mounted to slide along the first direction XX connecting the head 1 and the annular end 2. 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. When the trigger 7 is out of a first position, the at least one cam 3 is out of the extended position.

[0058] Preferably, 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 out of the extended position, i.e. 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 the retracted position.

[0059] 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 impose a movement of the cam 3 towards the extended position.

[0060] 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 can be coupled to the cam 3 or to each cam 3 by an additional wire element 11. The additional wire element 11 may be a metal cable, a textile element or a wire element made of synthetic material, for example plastic material. The additional wire element 11 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.

[0061] The cam locking device has a spring 10 which is configured to bias the at least one cam 3 towards the extended position. The spring 10 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 10 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 spring 10 to move the cam(s) 3 towards the retracted position. In one embodiment, the spring 10 is fixed on the one hand to the cam 3 and on the other hand to the head 1. In another embodiment, the spring 10 is fixed on the one hand to a first cam 3 and on the other hand to a second cam 3 mounted on a pivot shaft 4 other than the first cam 3.The locking device may comprise as many springs 10 as cams or as many springs 10 as pairs of cams 3.

[0062] Preferably, the cam locking device comprises at least one rod 8 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 13, the cam locking device comprises a single rod 8 which extends longitudinally in the first direction XX. Preferably, the rod 8 abuts against the head 1 or is fixed to the head. Advantageously, the rod 8 partially defines the through hole of the annular end 2.

[0063] The rod 8 is hollow and is crossed by the wire element 5 to connect the annular end 2 with the head 1. Preferably, the rod 8 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 8 and to precisely place the locking device in a crack in comparison with an equivalent device without the rod 8. Preferably, the rod 8 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 ring 2 and the trigger 7. It is advantageous for the trigger 7 to be slidably mounted along the rod 8 and for the rod 8 to separate the wire element 5 and the trigger 7. The rod 8 makes it possible to protect the wire element 5 outside the head 1 up to the annular end 2.

[0064] As illustrated in [Fig. 14], the wire element 5 is in the form of a ring, preferably a ring made of textile material. The ring is formed by a strand, one end of which is fixed to a second opposite end. It is advantageous for the ring to be closed by sewing. The two ends of the wire element 5 are held fixedly on each other by a sewing zone. Sewing is a well-controlled process which makes it easier to obtain a ring whose mechanical tensile 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. The wire element 5 may be a strap or a rope.

[0065] The textile material ring may be a polyethylene ring of very high molar mass, for example in a material marketed under the names Dyneema® or Spectra®.

[0066] [Fig. 14] illustrates a wire element 5 in the form of a ring. As illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, the ring is bent to define at least two legs 5a each having a head end and a foot end. Each leg 5a has two strands. The two strands join in the head end 1 to form a loop 5b. The loop 5b is intended to be attached to the head 1. The foot end of each leg 5a is extended by a connecting portion 5c. The connecting portion 5c connects the legs 5a together. The connecting portion 5c delimits the through hole of the annular end 2.

[0067] The strands of each leg 5a extend on one side or the other to form a loop 5b or a connecting portion 5c. A loop 5b extends one strand by another strand of the same leg 5a. The connecting portion 5c extends one strand by a strand of another leg 5a. In other words, each strand connects one end of a loop 5b with the connecting portion 5c. The connecting portion 5c comprises at least four strands of the wire element 5. The connecting portion 5 comprises twice as many strands as loops 5b. Preferably, each strand of the connecting portion 5c is slidably mounted relative to the others.

[0068] [Fig. 15] illustrates the wire element 5 bent so as to define a U shape with two legs 5a connected by a connecting portion 5c. The two legs 5a are terminated by a loop 5b at the end opposite the connecting portion 5c. The two legs 5a are deformed so that the loops 5b come opposite each other to define a through hole.

[0069] As illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 7, 8, 11 and 12, the wire element 5 is in the form of a ring which is bent and shaped to form a U. The two legs 5a are brought together while the connecting portion 5c defines a ring with a through hole to define the annular end 2 of the locking device. When the loops 5b are attached to an anchor, the application of a force to the connecting area 5c has the effect of stressing the multiple strands which connect the connection zone 5c and the anchors. The wire element 5 provides mechanical tensile strength.

[0070] The loops 5b are fixed to the head 1 and the connecting portion 5c delimits the through hole of the annular end 2. The strands of the wire element 5 ensure mechanical continuity between the head 1 and the annular end 2. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the attachment of the head 1 with the wire element 5 is carried out using the loops 5b. There is no need to fix the wire element 5 to the head 1 with a knot, a splicing step, a stitch, a crimping or any other technological step which modifies the mechanical integrity of the wire element 5.

[0071] The wire element 5 at least partially delimits the through hole of the annular end 2 by means of the connecting portion 5c which avoids the formation of a specific loop by a knot, a splicing step, a stitching, a crimping or any other technological step which modifies the mechanical integrity of the wire element 5. In order to protect the wire element 5, in the annular end 2, the rod 8 can be formed by several pieces. The wire element 5 can pass through a stiffener 9 which advantageously comes into contact with the main portion of the rod 8 to prevent access to the wire element 5. The use of a rod formed in at least two parts facilitates installation of the wire element in the rod 8. The ring-shaped wire element 5 is folded to define the legs 5a, the loops 5b and the connecting portion 5c. The stiffener 9 is crossed by the wire element 5 so that the stiffener 9 covers the connecting portion 5c.Legs escape from the stiffener through both ends. The two legs are introduced through one end of the main portion of the rod 8 until they emerge through the head end intended to be inserted into the head 1. The loops 5b escape from the rod 8. The loops 5b are attached to the head 1. This embodiment is advantageous because the main portion of the rod may define only one through hole in the direction XX. Alternatively, the main portion and the stiffener may be non-removable. The stiffener defines a through hole, each of whose ends opens into the main portion which has a common hole or a specific hole. This embodiment is less advantageous because installation of the wire element is less easy.It is still possible to provide other configurations of rods made from several pieces, but they appear less interesting in terms of mechanical strength, ease of use and / or manufacturing cost.

[0072] The wire element 5 has at least two loops 5b attached to the head 1, that is to say attached directly to the head 1 and which are connected by strands which extend continuously along the rod 8 and which delimit the through hole of the annular end 2. The wire element 5 which is annular ensures the mechanical continuity of the locking device. This technical solution is more advantageous than that presented in document US 10,143,892 which uses a splicing step to form a loop after installation of the rod.

[0073] [Fig. 16] illustrates another type of bending of the wire element 5 into a ring shape. The head 1 and the annular end 2 are connected by more than four strands of wire element 5. In the illustrated configuration, the head 1 and the annular end 2 are connected by eight strands. The wire element defines four legs 5a formed by two strands and therefore one loop each. Other arrangements are possible.

[0074] To ensure good mechanical strength, the ring is preferably free of knots in the legs 5a and / or in the head 1. The loops 5b are extended at their ends by strands which come from or extend to the annular end 2 and not by a knot formed at the end of the wire element 5.

[0075] Figures 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12 and 15 illustrate a ring that is folded once to form four strands of the wire element 5 that connect the annular end 2 and the head 1. Different types of folding can be used so that the ring of wire element 5 defines a connection zone 5c capable of at least partially delimiting the annular end 2 and extending at least two legs 5a intended to extend to the head 1 and terminated by loops 5b to be fixed to the head 1.

[0076] The rod 8 is crossed by at least four strands of the wire element 5 between the head 1 and the annular end 2. The four strands are in mechanical continuity by means of the connecting zone 5c and the loops 5b. The connecting portion 5c ensures mechanical continuity between the legs 5a. Preferably, the seam is located in the connecting portion 5c in order to limit the space requirement in the head 1 or near the head 1.

[0077] Each loop 5b present in the head 1 is fixed to the head 1. Preferably, each attachment point between a loop 5b and the head 1 allows the wire element 5 to slide relative to the head 1. When the wire element 5 is tensioned, the tensile forces are balanced between the strands thanks to the sliding of the loops 5b. Preferably, the connecting portion 5c allows the different strands to slide relative to each other to facilitate the balancing of the forces.

[0078] The application of a tensile force between the head 1 and the annular end 2 has the effect of putting the wire element 5 under tension and in particular the at least four strands of the wire element 5 connecting the head 1 to the annular end 2. Increasing the number of strands makes it possible to have a better compromise between the tensile strength in the direction XX, the space requirement inside the rod 8 and the flexibility perpendicular to the direction XX.

[0079] Document US 2004 / 0035992 uses a strap loop that is flexibly mounted in a hollow rod. The maximum length of the loop is approximately half the length of the strap. During the manufacture of the loop, there is a deviation in the cut length of the strap as well as in the length / position of the stitching compared to the desired value. When several loops are made, this results in a dispersion of the loop length around a target value. While waiting to be used, the cam lock is hung by the strap. It appears that the deviations in the loop length mean that the cam locks are not as identical and interchangeable as expected and that this can complicate the extraction of the cam lock. The use of a wire element folded to form a U has the effect of dividing by at least two the final result of the manufacturing hazard on the final length between the anchor point with the head and the annular end.

[0080] Document US 10,143,892 uses a simple ring of textile material formed by splicing. Here again, in comparison with the prior art, the use of a wire element folded to form a U has the effect of halving the final result of the manufacturing hazard on the final length between the anchor point with the head and the annular end. It is also important to remember that the splicing step is long and expensive in comparison with a simple sewing attachment where the two strands are arranged one on top of the other and not one inside the other, i.e. without splicing.

[0081] In Figures 3, 4, 7, 8, 11 and 12, the legs 5a are deformed by an angle equal to 90% so that the through hole defined by the loops 5b is offset by 90° relative to the through hole defined by the connecting portion 5c. The offset angle can be represented by the angle that exists between the median section planes allowing observation of a ring. The angular offset is a pivoting around the axis XX.

[0082] Different embodiments are possible for fixing the loops 5b of the wire element 5 with the head 1.

[0083] In a particular embodiment, the head 1 has at least one anchor 6, for example an anchor shaft. The loops 5b are attached to the at least one anchor 6 to achieve mechanical continuity between the head 1 and the wire element 5. Preferably, the wire element 5 goes around the anchor 6 in order to achieve mechanical continuity with the annular end 2. More preferably, the loop 5b constricts the anchor 6 to achieve mechanical continuity.

[0084] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 13, different configurations for attaching the wire element 5 to the head 1 are illustrated.

[0085] Figures 2 to 9 illustrate embodiments where the loops 5b extending the legs 5a form two parallel and offset planes. The loops 5b are mounted facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the parallel planes to form a through hole. An anchor 6 of the head 1 passes through the loops 5b to fix the wire element 5 with the head 1. A configuration with two loops 5b or more than two loops 5b is possible.

[0086] Figures 2 to 5 illustrate an embodiment in which the loops 5b present at the ends of the legs 5a of the ring are arranged opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction XX. An anchoring shaft passes through the two loops 5b in the direction perpendicular to the first direction XX. The anchoring shaft is fixed to the body 1. Preferably, the anchoring shaft is different from the pivot shaft(s) 4 of the at least one cam 3.

[0087] It is particularly advantageous to have an anchor 6 mounted removably relative to the head 1a so as to have a wire element 5 which is easily replaceable. Dismantling the anchor 6 makes it possible to remove the attachment between the wire element 5 and the head 1, which allows the replacement of the wire element 5.

[0088] Preferably, the anchor 6 is removable relative to the head 1, preferably without interaction with the pivot shaft(s) 4 of the at least one cam 3. In another embodiment, the anchor 6 is destructible independently of the pivot shaft(s) 4 of the at least one cam 3. This allows replacement of the wire element 5 by acting on the anchor 6 without interacting with the pivot shafts 4 of the at least one cam 3 and therefore limiting the interactions capable of modifying the movement of the at least one cam 3 relative to the rest of the head 1. To facilitate attachment to the anchor 6, it is advantageous for the anchor 6 to be arranged between the pivot shafts 4 of the at least one cam 3 and the annular end 2.

[0089] It is advantageous for the anchor 6 to be an anchor shaft, i.e. a rod which is inserted into the body 1a to fix the loops 5b. The anchor shaft advantageously has a circular section and advantageously a smooth surface.

[0090] For example, the anchor shaft is fixed to the body 1a of the head 1 by screwing, by crimping, by riveting. The anchor shaft extends mainly in a direction perpendicular to the first direction XX.

[0091] In this embodiment, it is advantageous to have a head 1 which defines a blind hole to prevent the passage of the wire element 5 through the head 1 in the first direction XX as illustrated in [Fig.2]. The head 1 can be surmounted by a cover 1b mounted removably relative to the body 1a which allows access to the loops 5b to check the wear of the wire element 5. This also makes it easier to install the loops 5b in the head 1, for example centering relative to the anchor shaft during assembly.

[0092] When mounting the wire element 5, the loops 5b extending the legs 5a of the wire element 5 are inserted into the head 1. The anchoring shaft passes through the loops 5b and is fixed to the body 1a of the head 1 to achieve mechanical continuity between the head 1 and the annular end 2.

[0093] In a particular embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2], the body 1a defines a hole and the anchor 6 is inserted into the body 1a in a direction perpendicular to the first direction XX, for example the direction YY.

[0094] To replace the wire element 5, the anchor 6 is dismantled, the wire element 5 is pulled in the first direction XX. Depending on the circumstances, the rod 8 is kept or the rod 8 is replaced. A new wire element 5 is installed through the rod with the loops 5b which are inserted into the head 1. The anchor 6 or a new anchor 6 passes through the loops 5b and is fixed to the head 1 to hook the wire element 5 with the head 1.

[0095] The replacement of the wire element 5 is easy and does not require any intervention on the cams 3, the pivot shaft(s) 4 or on the trigger 7.

[0096] In an alternative embodiment, the head 1 has a body 1a and the pivot shafts 4 are fixed to the body 1a. The head 1 also has a cover 1b mounted removably relative to the body 1a. The loops 5b are fixed directly to the cover 1b. For example, the cover 1b may be provided with hooks receiving the loops 5b. The anchoring is formed by hooks on the cover.

[0097] In another alternative, the anchor 6 is removably mounted from the head 1 in the first direction XX. When the cover 1b is fixed to the body 1a, the anchor 6 cannot be removed. When the cover 1b is removed, it is possible to remove the anchor 6 to install or remove the loops 5b. The body 1a defines a housing for the anchor 6 and the cover 1b encloses the anchor 6 in the housing. The anchor 6 may be a rod wedged at its two ends by the body 1a which forms an end-of-travel stop in the direction XX towards the annular end 2.

[0098] In an alternative embodiment, the loops 5b can leave the head 1 to bypass one or more pivot shafts 4 and attach to an anchor 6 fixed to the head 1. Each loop 5b can be fixed to a specific anchor 6 or all the loops 5b can attach to the same anchor 6, which makes it possible to gain in compactness. [Fig. 6] can represent a side view of such an embodiment with a loop 5b which comes out from one side of the head 1 and which attaches to an anchor 6 substantially identical to that illustrated in [Fig. 2].

[0099] These embodiments are advantageous because they allow the use of loops 5b whose bulk is reduced. The fixing of the wire element 5 on the head 1 involves a small length of slack to achieve the attachment on the head 1. The variation in length can be easily absorbed by a rod 8 which is deformable in the direction XX, for example with a deformable stiffener 9 or any other suitable means.

[0100] In another embodiment, the legs 5a pass through the rod 8 and escape from the head 1. In this alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 to 9, the loops 5b extending the legs 5a are crossed by the at least one pi shaft vote 4 of the at least one cam 3. Preferably, the loops 5b are crossed by all the pivot shafts 4 of the cams 3.

[0101] Such a configuration can be obtained by dismantling the pivot shafts 4 to introduce them into the loops 5b. Alternatively, the pivot shafts 4 with the cams 3 are introduced into the loops 5b. The additional wire elements 11 which connect the cams 3 to the trigger 7 are removable to be dismantled and then reassembled so that the loops 5b surround the pivot shafts 4 without interacting with the actuation system of the cams 3. Preferably, either the connection between the additional wire element 11 and the cam 3 is removable, or the connection between the additional wire element 11 and the trigger 7 is removable. Alternatively, the trigger 7 is divisible.

[0102] Advantageously, the head 1 defines two opposite slots 1e in a direction which is perpendicular to the first direction XX and perpendicular to the second direction YY. The head 1 is slotted in the direction XX. The slot 1e allows the passage of a strand of wire element 5. The loops 5b leave the rod 8 and move away from each other in the direction YY. The assembly formed by the pivot shafts 4 and the cams 3 passes through the two straps 5b. The straps come together to return to the alignment of the rod 8. The strands pass through the slots 1e. The connection between the cams 3 and the trigger 7 is reestablished. The loops 5b surround the rotation shafts 4 which ensures mechanical continuity between the head 1 and the annular end 2. Preferably, the body 1b is interposed between the loop 5b and the pivot shaft 4 to avoid direct contact between the wire element 5 and the pivot shaft 4.This makes it possible to avoid modifying the behavior of the pivot shafts 4 according to the tension present in the wire element 5.

[0103] [Fig.9] illustrates, in top view, the path of the strands defining two loops 5b which go around the two pivot shafts 4 and which are arranged between the pairs of cams 3 in the direction YY.

[0104] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10 to 13, the legs 5a open out of the head 1, for example in the top of the head 1 in the direction XX opposite the annular end 2. The loops 5b are arranged to each form a lark's head which strangles the body 1a and possibly one or more pivot shafts 4.

[0105] To form the lark's head, the loop 5b exits the head 1 away from the annular end 2. Then the annular end 2 passes through the loop 5b. By pulling on the annular end 2, the lark's head is formed which constricts the body 1a and ensures mechanical continuity between the head 1 and the annular end 2. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10 to 13, the two loops 5b exit the head and follow opposite paths to strangle the body 1a. The directions exiting the head are illustrated in [Fig. 13] by the solid arrows. Figures 11 and 12 represent the shape of the wire element 5 according to two different views in the configuration of [Fig. 10]. Each loop 5 leaves the head 1 according to the side opposite the annular end 2 before being crossed by the annular end 2. Preferably, each loop 5b goes around one or more pivot shafts 4 before being crossed by the annular end 2. The lark's head surrounds one or more pivot shafts 4.

[0106] To obtain a substantially equivalent result, the direction taken can be that of the dotted arrows, that is to say with an angular offset equal to 90° around the direction XX. It is necessary to provide a removable trigger or an additional wire element 11 removable from the trigger or from the cams 3.

[0107] Advantageously, the locking device comprises two pivot shafts 4 and the loops 5b leave the body 1a by passing between the two pivot shafts 4 as illustrated in [Fig. 13].

[0108] In a particular embodiment, the rod 8 has an adjustable length along the direction XX. Adjusting the length makes it possible to provide an increased length of wire element 5 relative to the rod 8 during the assembly phase, for example to form the lark's head or to bypass the cams 3. Once the loops 5b are attached to the head 1, the length of the rod 8 is increased to absorb the excess wire element 5. This makes it possible to provide better ergonomics between the head 1 and the annular end 2 without modifying the tensile strength between the head 1 and the annular end 2.

[0109] The rod 8 with adjustable length may be a telescopic rod. However, other embodiments are possible.

[0110] The embodiment illustrated in the figures allows easy disassembly to change at least one of the following components: the wire element 5 or the rod 8. In an advantageous embodiment, the rod 8 is removable relative to the head 1, which allows the rod 8 to be replaced when the latter is damaged.

[0111] It is still possible to replace the rod 8 and the wire element 5 in order to adapt the length of the locking device to a specific need. A trigger extender 7 can then be envisaged if the length of the rod 8 and the wire element 5 is increased significantly.

[0112] In a particular embodiment, the rod 8 has a flared end which makes it easier to form a ring of substantial size in the annular end 2.

[0113] The rod 8 is preferably made of polymer material so as to be flexible in one or more directions perpendicular to the first direction XX.

[0114] In the illustrated embodiments, the cam locking device has four cams 3. It is possible to use more or fewer cams 3. The illustrated configurations for the installation of the wire element 5 are applicable to locking devices which comprise one, two, three, four or more cams 3. The number of cams 3 can be even or odd. The cams 3 are preferably made of metallic material, for example aluminum alloy, or steel.

[0115] The embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 13 are particularly advantageous because they allow the wire element 5 which provides mechanical continuity between the head 1 and the annular end 2 to be replaced without having to dismantle the assembly formed by the body 1a, the pivot shafts 4 and the cams 3. This increases safety by avoiding incorrect reassembly of the head 1. Furthermore, the ring made of wire element 5 is manufactured in the factory using controlled sewing processes, which ensures good mechanical strength of the wire element 5.

[0116] Document US 2004 / 0035992 discloses a cam jammer which is provided with a simple strap ring. The ring is crossed by the cam pivot shaft and it extends through the hollow rod so as to open on the other side of the rod. The strap ring is installed without tension so that the end of the strap can come out at the head and become damaged. To place the jammer in a crack, it is necessary to hold the rod by placing the index and middle fingers on the two ends of the trigger and to place the thumb against the end of the rod opposite the head. The strap being mounted free, it is to be expected that the thumb will press the two thicknesses of strap against the end of the rod. This configuration is not practical and it leads to premature wear of the strap which is systematically pressed against the rod.

[0117] It also appears that according to the teaching of document US 2004 / 0035992, a replacement of the strap ring necessarily involves dismantling the pivot shaft, which implies good control of the reassembly process. Alternatively, the strap is cut and then a new strap is introduced before carrying out a sewing step which will define the ring ensuring mechanical continuity. Here again, it is necessary to perfectly control the sewing processes, which makes a maintenance operation by the end user difficult. There is no configuration in the prior art allowing the end user to properly control the maintenance of a cam lock. It should also be emphasized that the variation in length of the textile loop implies the use of springs so as to separate the annular end and the rod in order to tension the wire element.It is clear from the configuration illustrated in document US 2004 / 0035992 that replacing the textile buckle requires a splicing step to be carried out after installing the two springs, which makes replacing the strap almost impossible. for an average user.

Claims

Claims

1. A cam locking device comprising: - a head (1) having at least one cam, at least one pivot shaft, and at least one spring, the at least one cam (3) being pivotably mounted about the 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 spring (10) being 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), the annular end (2) defining a through-hole; - at least one wire element (5) mechanically connecting the head (3) and the annular end (2), the at least one wire element (5) being in the form of a ring;- an actuation system (7) coupled to the at least one cam (3), the actuation system (7) being configured to selectively engage the retracted position, the actuation system (7) having a trigger (7) slidably mounted along a first direction (XX) connecting the head (1) and the annular end (2); cam locking device characterized in that the ring is folded to define at least two legs (5a) each comprising a head end, a foot end and two strands; in that the two strands join in the head end to form a loop (5b) attached to the head (1); in that the foot end of each leg (5a) is extended by a connecting portion (5c), the connecting portion (5c) connecting the legs (5a) together, the connecting portion (5c) delimiting said through hole, the connecting portion (5) comprising at least four strands of the wire element (5).;

2. A cam locking device according to claim 1 wherein the wire element ring (5) is a ring of textile material.

3. Cam locking device according to one of claims 1 and 2 in which each loop (5b) is slidably mounted relative to the head (1).

4. Cam locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which each strand of the connecting portion (5c) is slidably mounted relative to the others.

5. Cam locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the wire element ring (5) is obtained by sewing two ends of the wire element (5) onto each other, the sewing being arranged in the connecting zone (5c).

6. Cam locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 comprising a rod (8) extending from the head (1) to the annular end (2) and in which the rod (8) is hollow and crossed by an identical number of strands as in the connecting portion (5c).

7. Cam locking device according to claim 6 in which the rod (8) is of adjustable length in the first direction (XX).

8. A cam locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein each loop (5b) is hooked to at least one anchor (6) mounted removably relative to the head (1).

9. Cam locking device according to claim 8 in which at least two loops (5b) are crossed by the same anchor (6).

10. Cam locking device according to one of claims 8 and 9 in which the removable anchor (6) is arranged at a distance from the at least one pivot shaft (4), between the at least one pivot shaft (4) and the annular end (2) in the first direction (XX).

11. Cam locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in which the head (1) has a body (1a) supporting the at least one pivot shaft (4) and in which each loop (5b) goes around the at least one pivot shaft (4) to hook the wire element (5) with the head (1) and in which the head (1) is through to allow the loops (5b) to pass.

12. Cam locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in which the head (1) has a body (1a) supporting the at least one pivot shaft (4), the body (1a) being through to allow the loops (5b) to pass through and in which the loops (5b) each form a "lark's head" strangling the body (1a) to hook the wire element (5) with the head (1).

13. A method of manufacturing a cam locking device comprising the following steps: - providing a head (1) having at least one cam, at least one pivot shaft, and at least one spring, the at least one cam (3) being pivotably mounted about the 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 spring (10) being operatively coupled to the at least one cam (3) to bias the at least one cam (3) toward the extended position; - providing an actuation system (7) coupled to the at least one cam (3), the actuation system (7) being configured to selectively engage the retracted position, the actuation system (7) having a trigger (7) slidably mounted along a first direction (XX) connecting the head (1) and the annular end (2); - providing at least one wire element (5) in the form of a ring, the ring being bent to define at least two legs (5a) each comprising a head end, a foot end and two strands, wherein the two strands join in the head end to form a loop (5b), wherein the foot end of each leg (5a) is extended by a connecting portion (5c), the connecting portion (5c) connecting the legs (5a) together, the connecting portion (5c) at least partially forming an annular end (2) delimiting a through hole, the connecting portion (5) comprising at least four strands of the wire element (5) - hooking the loops (5b) to the head (1) to mechanically couple the annular end (2) with the head (1), the at least one wire element (5) mechanically connecting the head (3) and the annular end (2).

14. A method of replacing a wire element (5) of a cam locking device comprising the following steps: - providing a cam locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; - remove the wire element (5) connecting the head (1) and the annular end (2); - providing a new wire element (5) in the form of a ring; - folding the ring to define at least two legs (5a) each comprising a head end, a foot end and two strands, the two strands joining in the head end to form a loop (5b) and in which the foot end of each leg (5a) is extended by a connecting portion (5c), the connecting portion (5c) connecting the legs (5a) together, the connecting portion (5c) delimiting the through hole of the annular end (2), the connecting portion (5) comprising at least four strands of the wire element (5); - hook the loops (5b) to the head (1) to mechanically couple, the annular end (2) with the head (1), the at least one wire element (5) mechanically connecting the head (3) and the annular end (2).

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