Article having a system for assembling and indexing a first element with a second element

Abstract

The invention relates to an article comprising a screw-togethering and indexing system for joining a first element having a first cavity (29) to a second element having a second cavity (44). The system is provided with a first mechanism having a movable locking member (30) housed in the first cavity and configured such that, in a first configuration, the locking member is in a first position at a distance from the second cavity, allowing rotation of the first element relative to the second element, and, in a second configuration in which the first and second elements have been screwed together, the locking member is in a second position inserted into both the second and first cavities, thus preventing the first element from rotating relative to the second element. (See Figure 14 for the abbreviated version.)

Description

Title of the invention: Article having a system for assembling and indexing a first element with a second ELEMENT TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to articles having a system for assembling and indexing a first element with a second element.

[0002] In particular, it may be any article provided with a body and at least one gripping member, such as a handle or a handle, to be assembled on the body.

[0003] For example, it may be a portable or nomadic lighting device, or a leather goods item. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] Numerous articles are known having a system for assembling and indexing a first element with a second element, including in particular articles provided with a body and at least one gripping member, such as a handle or a handle, to be assembled on the body.

[0005] There are many mechanisms for mechanically securing a handle to the body of such an article.

[0006] For example, portable lighting devices, or portable lamps, are known, the handle of which is screwed onto the lamp body by the cooperation of a threaded rod projecting from the handle in a threaded hole provided in the lamp body.

[0007] The assembly is therefore done by screwing while the indexing, that is to say the positioning of the handle with respect to the lamp body, is carried out when the threaded rod is completely inserted into the tapped orifice of the lamp body, the handle then being in a position called at the end of screwing. Statement of the invention

[0008] The invention aims to provide an article having a system for assembling and indexing a first element with a second element, which is particularly reliable and precise, while remaining simple and convenient.

[0009] The invention thus relates, in a first aspect, to an article comprising a first element, a second element assembled by screwing to the first element and a system for assembling and indexing the first element with the second element, the first element having a first cavity, the second element having at least one second cavity, and the assembly and indexing system being provided with a first mechanism equipped with a movable locking member housed at least partially in the first cavity formed in the first element and configured so that, in a first configuration of the article, the locking member is in a first position in which it is located at a distance from the at least one second cavity provided in the second element and rotation of the first element relative to the second element is permitted and, in a second configuration of the article in which the first element and the second element have been screwed, the locking member is in a second position in which it is at least partially inserted both in the at least one second cavity of the second element and in the first cavity of the first element so as to immobilize the first element in rotation relative to the second element.

[0010] In the first configuration of the article according to the invention, the first mechanism of the assembly and indexing system allows the rotational movement of the first element relative to the second element to screw them and thus allows progressive positioning of the first element and the second element relative to each other, up to a determined angular position corresponding to the second configuration of the article according to the invention.

[0011] In this second configuration of the article according to the invention, the first mechanism of the assembly and indexing system prevents the rotational movement of the first element relative to the second element by the movement of the locking member from only the first cavity towards one and the other of the first cavity and second cavity.

[0012] In other words, the first mechanism of the assembly and indexing system of the article according to the invention makes it possible to form an assembly stop of the first element and the second element with each other, while ensuring reliable assembly and precise indexing.

[0013] Thus, the first mechanism of the assembly and indexing system of the article according to the invention makes it possible to limit the screwing of the first element with the second element.

[0014] Particularly simple, convenient and economical preferred features of the article according to the invention are presented below.

[0015] The locking member is magnetic.

[0016] The first element has a rod provided at one end with a threaded end piece and the assembly and indexing system has a mounting support which is mechanically secured in the second element and against which the first element is immobilized by screwing the threaded end piece.

[0017] The mounting support has a plurality of second cavities provided to at least partially receive the locking member so as to allow a plurality of indexing positions of the first element relative to the second element.

[0018] The mounting bracket has a generally cylindrical shape defining a first housing, the assembly and indexing system has a first mounting ring housed in the first housing and provided with an internal thread configured to receive the threaded end of the first element.

[0019] The first mounting ring is provided with a notched lower face and the assembly and indexing system further has a second mounting ring which is arranged opposite the first mounting ring and which is provided with a notched upper face which is complementary to the notched lower face of the first mounting ring.

[0020] The mounting bracket is provided with at least one groove formed in its first housing and the second mounting ring is provided with at least one positioning ear disposed in the at least one groove.

[0021] This makes it possible to immobilize the second mounting ring in rotation in the mounting support and thus also the first mounting ring when the notched upper face and the notched lower face cooperate.

[0022] The assembly and indexing system is further provided with at least one elastic member configured to urge the second mounting ring to bring it closer to the first mounting ring.

[0023] The at least one elastic member is formed from one or more spring washers.

[0024] The assembly and indexing system is further provided with a secured cover mechanically on the mounting bracket, with the at least one elastic member which is interposed between the cover and the second mounting ring.

[0025] The first element is formed by a gripping handle and the second element is formed by a body on which the gripping handle is mechanically secured.

[0026] The article is a portable, or nomadic, lighting device.

[0027] The article comprises a light source and a power supply module for the light source which are arranged in the body, as well as a control module formed by a control button arranged on the grip handle and a control rod passing through the grip handle and arranged projecting into the body up to the power supply module for activating and / or deactivating the light source.

[0028] Alternatively, the article is a leather goods article.

[0029] The invention also relates, in a second aspect, to a method of assembling and / or disassembling by screwing and indexing a first element with a second element of an article as described above, comprising the steps of:

[0030] - positioning a locking member in a first cavity of the first element and hold the locking member using a tool positioned opposite the first cavity;

[0031] - assemble by screwing the first element and the second element while maintaining the tool in position, the article being in a first configuration, up to an indexing position where the locking member is located opposite a second cavity of the second element;

[0032] - remove the tool so as to position the locking member both in the first cavity and in the second cavity and thus immobilize in rotation the first element and the second element relative to each other, the article then being in a second configuration.

[0033] The method comprises the steps of repositioning the tool opposite the first cavity to extract the locking member from the second cavity of the second element; and disassembling by unscrewing the first element and the second element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0034] The invention, according to an exemplary embodiment, will be well understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, given for information purposes and in no way limiting, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0035] [Fig.l] is a front view of a portable lighting device having a gripping handle, a lamp body, and an assembly and indexing system configured to screw the handle onto the lamp body.

[0036] [Fig.2] is a sectional view shown in [Fig.l].

[0037] [Fig.3] is a front view of the grip handle and system assembly and indexing taken in isolation.

[0038] [Fig.4] is an exploded perspective view of the gripping handle and the assembly and indexing system visible in [Fig.3].

[0039] [Fig.5] is an isolated perspective view of the grip handle.

[0040] [Fig.6] is a perspective view showing a mounting plate of the system assembly and indexing.

[0041] [Fig.7] is a view similar to [Fig.6], taken from a different viewing angle.

[0042] [Fig.8] is a perspective view showing in isolation a first mounting ring of the assembly and indexing system.

[0043] [Fig.9] is a bottom view of the first mounting ring of [Fig.8].

[0044] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view showing in isolation a second ring of assembly of the assembly and indexing system.

[0045] [Fig.11] is a top view of the second mounting ring of [Fig.10].

[0046] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view showing in isolation a cover of the system assembly and indexing

[0047] [Fig.13] is a view similar to [Fig.14], taken from a different viewing angle.

[0048] [Fig. 14] is a sectional view shown XIV-XIV in [Fig. 3], showing the assembly formed by the gripping handle and the assembly and indexing system in an assembled configuration of the article, called the second configuration.

[0049] [Fig. 15] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 14], showing the assembly formed by the gripping handle and the assembly and indexing system in a disassembled configuration of the article, called the first configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an article, in particular here a portable or nomadic lighting device 1.

[0051] This device 1 is provided with a first element formed here by a grip handle 2 and a second element formed here by a body 3.

[0052] The gripping handle 2 is mechanically secured, by screwing, with the body 3.

[0053] In the example illustrated, the body 3 comprises an upper part 4 on which the gripping handle 2 is mounted and a lower part 5 mechanically secured to the upper part 4, for example by screwing, snap-fastening or any other mechanical securing means.

[0054] As visible in [Fig.2], the upper part 4 has a receiving housing 6 and the device 1 comprises a light source 7 and a power supply module 8 for the light source 7 which are arranged in the receiving housing 6.

[0055] The light source 7 is arranged so as to be directed towards the lower part 5 which here forms a member for diffusing the light emitted by the light source 7 when it is activated by the power supply module 8.

[0056] The lower part 5 here has a flat bottom 9 and a cylindrical side wall 10 which extends from the flat bottom 9 and which defines an internal diffusion space 11.

[0057] The device 1 can thus be placed by its flat bottom 9 on any support.

[0058] In the illustrated example, the lower part 5 is for example made of crystal while the upper part 4 is made of wood or composite. Other materials can be used.

[0059] The gripping handle 2 is formed here of a gripping and actuating member 12, and of a mounting plate 13 connected to the gripping member 12 and configured to be at least partially mounted in the receiving housing 6 of the upper part 4, opposite the light source 7.

[0060] The device 1 further comprises a control module formed by a control button 14 arranged on the gripping and actuating member 12 of the gripping handle 2, a control rod 15 passing through the mounting plate 13 of the gripping handle 2 and a guide end piece 16 fixed on one end of the control rod 15, opposite the control button 14.

[0061] The control rod 15 is arranged projecting into the receiving housing 6 of the upper part 4 and has a free end which comes into contact with the power supply module 8 for activating and / or deactivating the light source 7 of the device 1.

[0062] In the device 1 according to the invention, the gripping handle 2 is mechanically secured to the body 3 in a so-called indexing position.

[0063] In particular, as visible in Figures 2 and 3, the device comprises an assembly and indexing system 20 provided with a mounting support 21 on which the mounting plate 13 is arranged.

[0064] The mounting support 21 is configured to be mechanically secured, here using first screws 22, to the power supply module 8 in the receiving housing 6 of the upper part 4.

[0065] The assembly formed by the gripping handle 2 and the assembly and indexing system 20 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13.

[0066] As visible in [Fig.4], the assembly referred to above is formed in particular of the gripping handle 2, including its gripping and actuating member 12 and its mounting plate 13, of the control module formed of the control button 14, of the control rod 15 and of the guide end piece 16, and of the assembly and indexing system 20, including its mounting support 21 and the first screws 22.

[0067] Furthermore, the assembly and indexing system 20 is provided with a first mechanism equipped with a movable locking member which is here magnetic and in particular formed by a magnet 30, which magnet 30 is located between the mounting plate 13 and the mounting support 21.

[0068] The assembly and indexing system 20 is also provided with a sealing member 31, here an O-ring, which is arranged between the mounting plate 13 and the mounting support 21.

[0069] In the illustrated example, the assembly and indexing system 20 is further provided with a first mounting ring 32, a second mounting ring 33 and a plurality of elastic members which are formed here by curved spring washers 34 and flat spring washers 35, all of these elements forming a second mechanism.

[0070] The mounting bracket 21 has a generally cylindrical shape defining a first housing 36 provided to receive the first mounting ring 32, the second mounting ring 33 and the curved spring washers 34 and flat spring washers 35.

[0071] In the example illustrated, the assembly and indexing system 20 is also provided with a cover 37 mechanically secured to the mounting support 21, opposite the mounting plate 13, using second screws 38.

[0072] The assembly and indexing system 20 is here configured so that the curved spring washers 34 and flat spring washers 35 bear on the cover 37.

[0073] With reference to [Fig. 5], the mounting plate 13 comprises a main wall 25 and a rod 26 extending projecting from the main wall 25 and provided at one end with a threaded end piece 27.

[0074] The mounting plate 13 has a lower face 28 in which a first cavity 29 is formed.

[0075] The first cavity 29 is provided to at least partially receive the magnet 30.

[0076] The control button 14 is configured to be connected to the control rod 15, on the side of the gripping and actuating member 12.

[0077] The guide tip 16 is configured to be connected to the control rod 15, opposite the side of the threaded tip 27.

[0078] The control rod 15 thus passes through the gripping and actuating member 12 and the mounting plate 13 until it projects beyond the threaded end piece 27.

[0079] A free end of the contact rod 15 also projects from the guide end piece 16.

[0080] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the generally cylindrical mounting support 21 has a main body 40 surmounted by an upper wall 41 provided with a sealing edge 42 and an upper face 43.

[0081] The sealing edge 42 is provided to receive the sealing member 31.

[0082] The mounting support 21 here has a plurality of second cavities 44 formed in the upper face 43.

[0083] The first housing 36 passes through the main body 40 and opens into the upper face 43.

[0084] The main body 40 furthermore has here a lower wall 45, through orifices 46 which open into the lower wall 45 and opposite into the second cavities 44, and tapped blind holes 47 which open into the lower wall 45.

[0085] The through holes 46 are provided to receive the first screws 22, with the screw heads which are received at the bottom of the second cavities 44, while the blind holes 47 are provided to receive the second screws 38.

[0086] The main body 40 has an internal wall 49 delimiting the first housing 36 and grooves 48 formed in the internal wall 49 and which open into the lower wall 45.

[0087] With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the first mounting ring 32, which is intended to be housed in the first housing 36 of the mounting support 21, has a generally annular shape and is provided with an internal thread 50 and a notched lower face 51.

[0088] The assembly and indexing system 20 is here configured so that the tip threaded 27 of the mounting plate 13 of the gripping handle 2 cooperates with the internal thread 50 of the first mounting ring 32.

[0089] The notched lower face 51 has a plurality of raised portions, called bosses 52, separated from a plurality of recessed portions, called hollows 53.

[0090] The successions of successive bumps 52 and hollows 53 are here each separated by a ramp portion 54.

[0091] With reference to Figures 10 and 11, the second mounting ring 33, which is also intended to be housed in the first housing 36 of the mounting support 21, opposite the first mounting ring 32, has a generally annular shape and is provided with a notched upper face 55 which is complementary to the notched lower face 51 of the first mounting ring 32, and positioning lugs 56.

[0092] The assembly and indexing system 20 is here configured so that the positioning ears 56 of the second mounting ring 33 are received in the grooves 49 of the mounting support 21 and the notched upper face 55 of the second mounting ring 33 cooperates with the notched lower face 51 of the first mounting ring 32.

[0093] The notched upper face 55 has a plurality of complementary raised portions, called complementary bosses 57, separated from a plurality of complementary recessed portions, called complementary hollows 58.

[0094] The successions of successive complementary bumps 57 and complementary hollows 58 are here each separated by a complementary ramp portion 59.

[0095] With reference to figures 12 and 13, the cover 37 which is intended to be mechanically secured to the mounting support 21, opposite the mounting plate 13, has a bottom wall 60 in which a plurality of complementary through-holes 61, complementary through-holes 62, and a central through-hole 63 are provided.

[0096] The complementary through holes 46 are provided to receive the first screws 22, the complementary through holes 62 are provided to receive the second screws 38 with the screw heads which are received at the bottom of the complementary through holes 62 and the central through hole 63 is provided to receive the free end of the control rod 15 of the control module.

[0097] We will now describe, with reference to figures 14 and 15, the assembly and disassembly of the gripping handle 2 with the body 3, using the assembly and indexing system 20 and a tool 70.

[0098] In [Fig. 14], the gripping handle 2 is assembled with the body in an indexing position, called the second position, defined by the presence of the magnet 30 both in the first cavity 29 and in one of the second cavities 44.

[0099] The article is thus in an assembled configuration, called second confi configuration, in which rotation of the gripping handle 2 relative to the body 3 is prevented.

[0100] In other words, this configuration makes it possible to immobilize the gripping handle 2 in rotation relative to the body.

[0101] In particular, the lower face 28 of the mounting plate 13 is immobilized against the upper face 43 of the mounting support 21.

[0102] Furthermore, in the assembled configuration, the threaded end 27 of the rod 26 of the mounting plate 13 is screwed into the internal thread 50 of the first mounting ring 32, the curved 34 and flat 35 spring washers urge the second ring 33 against the first mounting ring 32 so that the notched upper face 55 of the second mounting ring 33 cooperates with the notched lower face 51 of the first mounting ring 32.

[0103] The stress exerted by the curved 34 and flat 35 spring washers, however, allows the first mounting ring 32 to rotate relative to the second mounting ring 33 when the threaded end of the rod 26 of the mounting plate 13 is screwed beyond a certain threshold, even when the notched upper face 55 of the second mounting ring 33 cooperates with the notched lower face 51 of the first mounting ring 32.

[0104] In other words, the second mechanism is configured so that the first mounting ring 32 is not locked in rotation, thus allowing tightening even beyond a certain threshold, without however damaging the article.

[0105] Such a stress exerted by the curved spring washers 34 and flat 35, in combination with the cooperation of the notched upper face 55 of the second mounting ring 33 with the notched lower face 51 of the first mounting ring 32, also makes it possible to compensate for any axial play resulting from the cooperation between the threaded end piece 27 of the rod 26 of the mounting plate 13 and the internal thread 50 of the first mounting ring 32.

[0106] In [Fig. 15], the grip handle 2 is disassembled from the body.

[0107] The article is thus in a disassembled configuration, called the first configuration, in which rotation of the gripping handle 2 relative to the body 3 is permitted.

[0108] In other words, this configuration allows rotation and therefore screwing and / or unscrewing of the gripping handle 2 relative to the body.

[0109] In particular, the mounting plate 13 is located at a distance from the mounting support 21 and the magnet 30 is introduced only into the first cavity 29 of the mounting plate, where it is located in a first position.

[0110] The magnet 30 is held in its first position by means of the tool 70 which is positioned opposite the magnet 30 but on the opposite side of the mounting plate 13.

[0111] For example, it may be a tool having magnetic properties capable of attracting the magnet 30.

[0112] Furthermore, in the disassembled configuration, the threaded end 27 of the rod 26 of the mounting plate 13 is unscrewed from the first mounting ring 32, the curved spring washers 34 and flat spring washers 35 do not allow the second ring 33 to be urged against the first ring 32 so that they cooperate as in the assembled configuration.

[0113] More generally, a method of assembling then disassembling by screwing and indexing the gripping handle 2 with the body 3 of the article comprises the steps of:

[0114] - position the magnet 30 in the first cavity 29 of the mounting plate 13 and the hold using tool 701 positioned opposite;

[0115] - assemble by screwing the gripping handle 2 and the body 3 while holding the tool 70 in position, the article 1 being in the first configuration, until the indexing position where the magnet 30 is located opposite a second cavity 44 of the mounting support 21;

[0116] - remove the tool so as to position the magnet 30 at a time in the first cavity 29 and in the second cavity 44 and thus immobilize in rotation the gripping handle 2 and the body 3 relative to each other, the article 1 then being in the second configuration;

[0117] - reposition the tool 70 opposite the first cavity 29 to extract the magnet 30 of the second cavity 44;

[0118] - disassemble by unscrewing the gripping handle 2 and the body 3.

[0119] Variants not illustrated are described below.

[0120] The grip handle of the lighting device may be configured to be suspended.

[0121] The article is not a portable or nomadic lighting device, but rather a leather goods item, equipped with a handle or a shoulder strap to be assembled on a body equipped with a storage compartment.

[0122] The second element of the article may comprise more or fewer cavities, and therefore more or fewer indexing positions, of the first element on the second element.

[0123] The first and second mounting rings may be formed as a single piece rotatably mounted in the mounting bracket.

[0124] The first and second mounting rings may be formed integrally with the mounting bracket.

[0125] The assembly and indexing system may be devoid of the second mechanism provided with rings and elastic members.

[0126] It is recalled more generally that the invention is not limited to the examples described and represented.

Claims

Claims

1. Article comprising a first element (2), a second element (3) assembled by screwing to the first element and an assembly and indexing system (20) of the first element with the second element, the first element being formed by a gripping handle and having a first cavity (29), the second element being formed by a body on which the gripping handle is mechanically secured and having at least one second cavity (44), and the assembly and indexing system being provided with a first mechanism provided with a movable locking member (30) housed at least partially in the first cavity formed in the first element and configured so that, in a first configuration of the article, the locking member is in a first position in which it is located at a distance from the at least one second cavity formed in the second element and rotation of the first element relative to the second element is permitted and,in a second configuration of the article in which the first element and the second element have been screwed, the locking member is in a second position in which it is at least partially inserted both into the at least one second cavity of the second element and into the first cavity of the first element so as to immobilize the first element in rotation relative to the second element.,

2. Article according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking member (30) is magnetic.

3. Article according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the first element (2) has a rod (26) provided at one end with a threaded end piece (27) and the assembly and indexing system (20) has a mounting support (21) which is mechanically secured in the second element (3) and against which the first element is immobilized by screwing the threaded end piece.

4. Article according to claim 3, characterized in that the mounting support (21) has a plurality of second cavities (44) provided to at least partially receive the locking member (30) so as to allow a plurality of indexing positions of the first element (2) relative to the second element (3).

5. Article according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the mounting support (21) has a generally cylindrical shape. defining a first housing (36), the assembly and indexing system (20) has a first mounting ring (32) housed in the first housing and provided with an internal thread (50) configured to receive the threaded end piece (27) of the first element (2).

6. Article according to claim 5, characterized in that the first mounting ring (32) is provided with a notched lower face (51) and the assembly and indexing system (20) further has a second mounting ring (33) which is arranged opposite the first mounting ring and which is provided with a notched upper face (55) which is complementary to the notched lower face of the first mounting ring.

7. Article according to claim 6, characterized in that the mounting support (21) is provided with at least one groove (49) formed in its first housing (36) and the second mounting ring (33) is provided with at least one positioning lug (56) arranged in the at least one groove.

8. Article according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the assembly and indexing system (20) is further provided with at least one elastic member (34, 35) configured to urge the second mounting ring (33) to bring it closer to the first mounting ring (32).

9. Article according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one elastic member (34, 35) is formed of one or more spring washers.

10. Article according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the assembly and indexing system (20) is further provided with a cover (37) mechanically secured to the mounting support (21), with the at least one elastic member which is interposed between the cover and the second mounting ring (33).

11. Article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is a portable or nomadic lighting device.

12. Article according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a light source (7) and a power supply module (8) for the light source which are arranged in the body, as well as a control module formed by a control button (14) arranged on the gripping handle and a control rod (15) passing through the gripping handle and arranged projecting into the body as far as the power supply module for activating and / or deactivating the light source.

13. 13. Method of assembly and / or disassembly by screwing and indexing a first element (2) with a second element (3) of an article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: - positioning a locking member (30) in a first cavity (29) of the first element and holding the locking member using a tool (70) positioned opposite the first cavity; - assembling by screwing the first element and the second element while holding the tool in position, the article (1) being in a first configuration, up to an indexing position where the locking member is located opposite a second cavity (44) of the second element; - removing the tool so as to position the locking member both in the first cavity and in the second cavity and thus immobilizing in rotation the first element and the second element relative to each other, the article then being in a second configuration.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises the steps of repositioning the tool (70) opposite the first cavity (29) to extract the locking member (30) from the second cavity (44) of the second element (3); and disassembling by unscrewing the first element (2) and the second element.

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