System for attaching a part to a cylinder

Abstract

A fastening system (1) comprising: - a cylinder (4) including a head (5) and a cylinder body, the head (5) being configured to move relative to the cylinder body in an axial direction of the cylinder (11), - a male part (7) fixed to the head (5), the male part (7) including locks (9) which are located in radial projection of the male part (7) relative to the axis of the cylinder (11), - a female part (12) including an internal wall (15) defining a housing (17), the locks (9) being configured to insert by elastic deformation into the housing (17) when the male part (7) is moved towards the female part (12) in the axial direction (11), and - a flange (21) configured to fix the female part (12) to the head (5) and to lock the locks (9) in the housing (17). Figure to be published for the summary: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: System for attaching a part to a cylinder

[0001] DOMAIN

[0002] The invention relates to a system for fixing a part to a cylinder, and in particular a system for fixing a heavy part such as a mold in a baking press. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] To secure a workpiece to a cylinder, there are known "quarter-turn" systems that require manual rotation of the workpiece relative to the cylinder. This rotation can be performed by an operator when the workpiece is suspended. In the case of heavy workpieces, the operator stands at a distance and uses a tool. This operation requires a certain amount of dexterity due to the distance, especially if there is little space available for the operator. If the tool must be placed in a very specific location or position to perform the rotation, this requires even greater dexterity from the operator and, most often, visual monitoring.

[0004] In some cases, such as for example in fixing a mold in a baking press where the operation is carried out with the press open, the operator is exposed to a hot environment.

[0005] The fastening system may be removable, particularly when the cylinder is part of a machine and the part is a removable tool of the machine. To separate the parts from each other, the operator generally performs the reverse operations of the assembly operations. There may also be a locking system for the parts together which requires an additional operation by the operator to unlock.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a removable fastening system between two parts which is simpler than in the prior art.

[0007] EXPOSE

[0008] One aim of the present presentation is to propose a fastening system between two parts which is simpler than in the prior art.

[0009] The goal is achieved through a fastening system comprising:

[0010] - a cylinder comprising a head and a cylinder body, the head being configured to move relative to the cylinder body along an axial direction of the cylinder,

[0011] - a male part fixed to the head, the male part comprising locks which are located radially projecting from the male part relative to the axis of the cylinder,

[0012] - a female part comprising an internal wall defining a housing, the locks being configured to insert themselves by elastic deformation into the housing when the male part is moved towards the female part along the axial direction, and

[0013] - a flange configured to fix the female part to the head and to lock the latches in the accommodation.

[0014] Such a system is advantageously and optionally complemented by the following various features, taken alone or in combination:

[0015] - the locks are configured to switch from a neutral configuration to a configuration constrained configuration, a radial protrusion of the locks of the male part being greater in neutral configuration than in constrained configuration, the locks being configured to move from the neutral configuration to the constrained configuration when the male part is moved towards the female part in the opposite direction to the body of the cylinder and then to come into axial support against the female part;

[0016] - an unlocker configured to pass the locks in the configuration constraint when the unlocker is applied against the locks;

[0017] - the unlocker includes a flared ramp configured to allow the locks in the constrained configuration by the support of the locks on the ramp when the unlocker is applied against the locks;

[0018] - the unlocker comprises a base, axial springs and a surrounding sleeve the base relative to a central axis of the unlocker, the sleeve being mounted movable in translation along the central axis relative to the base, the axial springs being mounted between the base and the sleeve so that the base exerts a force on the sleeve along the central axis;

[0019] - the female part being configured to be fixed to a part, the system comprising a platform which includes a free wall, the head being configured to be moved towards the platform so as to place the part on the free wall and spread the locks of a collar of the female part, the collar being configured to reduce a radial dimension of the housing;

[0020] - the housing is configured to house the locks in an inter-configuration median, the radial projection of the locks being greater in neutral configuration than in intermediate configuration, the radial projection of the locks in intermediate configuration being greater than an inner radius of the female part;

[0021] - the female part comprises a ring, the head and each protruding latch through the ring in the opposite direction to the cylinder body along the axial direction when the locks are in the housing, the flange being configured to be supported against the ring along the axial direction towards the cylinder body and then to be fixed to the male part;

[0022] - each lock comprises a latch mounted pivoting about an axis of rotation per pendulum-shaped in the axial direction, and a latch return spring; and

[0023] - the female part comprises a female part body and a fixed part holder removable from the body of the female part;

[0024] The presentation also relates to a tire curing press comprising a tire curing mold, a cylinder and a system for fixing a part of the mold to the cylinder, the fixing system being as just described.

[0025] The presentation finally relates to a method of attaching a part to a cylinder, the method comprising:

[0026] - a step of attaching a female part to the workpiece,

[0027] - a step of attaching a male part to a cylinder head, the head being configured to move relative to a cylinder body along an axial direction of the cylinder, the male part comprising locks extending radially from the male part relative to an axis of the cylinder,

[0028] - a step of inserting the locks by elastic deformation into a housing of the female part, and

[0029] - a step of fixing the female part to the male part by means of a flange. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings on which:

[0031] [Fig.1]

[0032] [Fig.2]

[0033] [Fig.3]

[0034] [Fig.4] Figures 1 to 4 are schematic representations of an example of a fastening system;

[0035] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a schematic representation of an example of an unlocker; and

[0036] [Fig.6]

[0037] [Fig.7]

[0038] [Fig.8]

[0039] [Fig.9] Figures 6 to 9 are schematic representations of an example of a fastening system during an unlocking phase. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] In relation to figures 1 to 4, a system 1 for fixing a part 3 to a cylinder 4 comprises a male part 7 and a female part 12.

[0041] Part 3 may in particular be part of a tire baking mold, and in particular an upper part of the mold.

[0042] The cylinder 4 comprises a cylinder head 5 and a cylinder body. The cylinder head 5 is mounted to move in translation relative to the cylinder body along an axis of the cylinder 11. The axis of the cylinder 11 can, in particular, be oriented along a vertical axis so that a The operator can raise or lower the cylinder head relative to the cylinder body. The axis of the cylinder 11 defines an axial direction. Male part

[0043] The male part 7 is configured to be fixed to the cylinder head 5. Once fixed in this way, the male part 7 can be moved in translation along the axis of the cylinder 11 relative to the cylinder body.

[0044] The male portion 7 extends around a male axis which coincides with the axis of the cylinder 11 when the male portion 7 is fixed to the cylinder head 5. The male portion includes an internal radial face which defines a gap around the male axis, i.e., the male portion 7 leaves the male axis free of material. In this way, when the male portion 7 is fixed to the cylinder head 5, the cylinder head 5 occupies the gap and passes completely through the male portion along the axis of the cylinder 11, the cylinder head 5 protruding on either side of the male portion 7.

[0045] The male part 7 extends along the male axis from a lower end to an upper end. The male part includes a lower portion which includes the lower end. When the male part 7 is fixed to the cylinder head 5: - a portion 35 of the cylinder head 5 which includes a free end of the cylinder head 5 projects from the lower end of the male part, and - the cylinder body is located on the side of the male part 7 defined by the upper end of the male part 7.

[0046] The male portion 7 extends radially from the inner radial face to an outer radial face. The outer radial face may have a cylindrical shape centered on the male axis and a circular cross-section. Locks

[0047] The male portion 7 comprises locking elements 9 which are located in radial projection with respect to the male axis. The locking elements 9 extend from the outer radial face away from the male axis. When the male portion 7 is fixed to the cylinder head 5, the locking elements 9 are located in radial projection of the male portion 7 with respect to the axis of the cylinder 11. The locking elements 9 are evenly distributed around the male axis. The locking elements 9 are advantageously centered in the same position in projection onto the male axis. The male portion 7 advantageously comprises at least four locking elements 9. The male portion advantageously comprises an even number of locking elements, the locking elements being paired, with two paired locking elements being opposite each other with respect to the axis of the cylinder.

[0048] The locks 9 are configured to deform elastically relative to the rest of the male part 7 when subjected to certain mechanical stresses.

[0049] The locks 9 can, in particular, deform elastically by passing from a neutral configuration to a constrained configuration, a radial projection of the locks of the The male part is larger in the neutral configuration than in the constrained configuration. The radial projection is understood here as a radial projection relative to the male axis or, when the male part 7 is fixed to the cylinder head 5, relative to the axis of the cylinder 11. The radial projection can in particular be the maximum radial projection, that is to say the maximum distance from the axis of the cylinder of a point of a locking 9.

[0050] The neutral configuration corresponds to the situation where the locks only undergo mechanical stresses exerted internally on the male part 7, that is to say that the locks only undergo stresses from another portion of the male part 7.

[0051] Each lock 9 may include:

[0052] - a latch 39 mounted pivoting about an axis of rotation 41 perpendicular to the axis of cylinder 11, and

[0053] - a spring 43 configured to apply a restoring torque around the latch the 4L rotation axis

[0054] The rotation axis 41 is distant from the axis of the cylinder IL

[0055] Each latch 39 is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation 41 when the locks 9 leave the neutral configuration. The axis of rotation 41 of a latch is located in the lower part of the male part 7.

[0056] In the absence of external mechanical stress on the male part 7, the spring 43 places the latch 39 in an equilibrium position corresponding to the neutral configuration of the lock 9.

[0057] In the presence of an external mechanical stress on the male part 7, which produces a torque that opposes and exceeds the restoring torque, the latch 39 rotates around the axis of rotation 4L. The spring 43 applies an increasingly large torque as the angle of this rotation increases. The latch 39 reaches a new equilibrium when the external mechanical stress produces a torque equal in magnitude to the torque exerted by the spring 43. The latch 39 is then in a constrained position, which corresponds, for example, to the constrained configuration of the lock 9. The latch 39 is configured to have a larger radial projection in the equilibrium position and a smaller one in a constrained position.

[0058] For example, the spring may be a compression spring positioned radially between the outer radial face of the male part and a flat of the latch 39. The flat of the latch 39 can thus be pushed radially outwards by the spring 43. An external mechanical stress opposing the restoring torque can thus be a force applied to the latch 39:

[0059] radially towards the axis even when it is applied on the same side of the latch face with respect to the axis of rotation 41, or

[0060] radially away from the male axis when applied to the opposite side of the latch face relative to the axis of rotation 4L

[0061] Tension springs or torsion springs can also be used to generate the return torque on the latch 39.

[0062] The male part 7 may include a stop configured to limit the rotation of the latch. In particular, the stop may be configured to define the equilibrium position of the latch corresponding to the neutral configuration of the lock 9. In the absence of any external force applied to the latch, the spring pushes the latch so as to press the latch against the stop. It is therefore the stop that can define the position of the latch corresponding to the neutral configuration of the lock 9. Female part

[0063] The female part 12 is configured to be fixed to the part 3.

[0064] The female part 12 extends around a female axis 19. The female part 12 includes an internal wall 15 which defines a housing 17. The internal wall 15 is a radial wall internal to the female axis 19. The internal wall 15 defines the housing 17 around the female axis 19, that is to say that the female part 12 leaves the female axis 19 free of material.

[0065] The housing 17 has a radial dimension relative to the female axis 19 sufficiently large to accommodate the male part 7 and the locks 9.

[0066] The locks 9 are configured to insert by elastic deformation into the housing 17 when the male part 7 is fixed to the cylinder head 5 and when the male part 7 is moved towards the female part 12 along the axis of the cylinder 11. The axis of the cylinder 11, the male axis and the female axis 19 are then coincident.

[0067] The female part 12 extends along the female axis from a lower end 31 to an upper end 29.

[0068] The female portion 12 may include at its upper end 29 a collar 23, the collar 23 being configured to reduce a radial dimension of the housing relative to the female axis. In other words, the inner wall 15 is closer to the female axis 19 when the inner wall 15 defines the collar 23, and the inner wall 15 is further from the female axis 19 when the inner wall 15 defines the housing 17. The point of the collar 23 closest to the female axis 19 lies on the inner wall 15 and corresponds to a minimum internal radius of the collar 23.

[0069] When the male and female axes 19 are aligned, the maximum radial projection of the locks 9 in the neutral configuration is greater than the minimum internal radius of the neck 23. When the axis of the cylinder 11, the male and female axes 19 are aligned, the locks 9 are in the neutral configuration, and the male part is moved towards the female part along the axis of the cylinder 11 in a first direction 25 of movement so as to bring the locks 9 against the neck 23, the locks are configured to move from the neutral configuration to the constrained configuration. The first direction of movement corresponds to the direction opposite to the body of the cylinder, that is, the direction The axial direction of the cylinder is oriented from the cylinder body towards the cylinder head. The locking mechanisms are subjected to mechanical stress exerted by the collar 23, which deforms them. The first direction 25 of movement can advantageously be vertical downwards.

[0070] In particular, the lower end of the male part can initially be positioned opposite the upper end 29 of the female part. The first direction 25 of movement then corresponds to the direction from the upper end of the male part to the lower end of the male part and from the upper end 29 of the female part to the lower end 31 of the female part 12.

[0071] When each lock 9 deforms and, for example, enters a constrained configuration, the maximum radial projection of the lock 9 decreases. The maximum radial projection can, in particular, become less than the minimum internal radius of the collar 23. The male part can then be moved further in the first direction 25 of movement without being blocked by the collar 23. Each lock 9 is then housed in the recess 17. The locks 9 are thus inserted into the recess 17 by elastic deformation.

[0072] If we consider the situation where each lock 9 comprises a latch 39 movable about an axis of rotation 41 and a spring 43 configured to apply a restoring torque to the latch about the axis of rotation 41, and when the locks 9 are pressed against the collar 23, the collar 23 exerts a mechanical stress on the locks 9 which produces a torque that opposes the restoring torque and exceeds the restoring torque. The mechanical stress can, in particular, be applied by the collar 23 of the female part 12 to the latch face radially towards the axis, the mechanical stress being applied on the same side of the latch face with respect to the axis of rotation 4L. Retaining the locks in the housing

[0073] Once the latches are inserted into the housing 17, the latches are configured to bear axially against the female part 12. The latches 9 can be in contact with the female part 12 along a bearing direction that has a non-zero projection with the axial direction. In this way, the male part 7 can drive the female part 12, via the latches 9, in a displacement along the axial direction.

[0074] The housing 17 can be configured to house the latches in an intermediate configuration, the maximum radial projection of the latches being greater in the neutral configuration than in the intermediate configuration, the maximum radial projection of the latches in the intermediate configuration being greater than an inside radius of the neck. The latches 9 are in contact with the housing 17 in a radial direction, which prevents the latches from returning to the neutral configuration.

[0075] If the latches 9 are placed in the housing 17, the mechanical stress applied by the collar 23 on the latches 9 disappears. The latches 9 therefore leave the constrained configuration and their maximum radial projection increases. The housing 17 can, however, be chosen to be sufficiently narrow radially so as not to allow the latches 9 to to switch to the neutral configuration. The locks 9 therefore move from the constrained configuration to an intermediate configuration where there remains a mechanical constraint exerted by the female part 12 on the locks 9. In this way, the locks 9 inserted in the housing always remain in contact with the inner wall 15.

[0076] The latches 9 are configured to remain in the intermediate configuration once inserted into the housing 17. Since the maximum radial projection of the latches in the intermediate configuration is greater than an inner radius of the neck, the latches 9 are blocked by the neck 23 when the male portion 7 is moved in a second direction 27 opposite to the first direction 25. The second direction 27 can advantageously be vertically upwards. The neck 23, which has a minimum inner radius greater than the maximum radial projection of the latches 9 in the intermediate configuration, obstructs the movement of the latches 9 relative to the female portion 12. Maintaining the latches 9 in the intermediate configuration within the housing prevents premature wear of the latches 9.When the male part 7 is moved in a second direction 27, the force that the neck 23 applies to the locks 9 is counterbalanced by a reaction force acting radially inwards in the housing of the inner wall of the female part 12 on the locks 9. Thus, there is no additional deformation of the locks 9 when the male part 7 is moved in a second direction 27, nor any wear due to this additional deformation.

[0077] Furthermore, the female portion 12 may include a shoulder 44 defined by the inner wall 15. The housing 17 is located along the female axis 19 between the neck 23 and the shoulder 44. The shoulder 44 is configured to reduce one radial dimension of the housing relative to the female axis. In other words, the inner wall 15 is closer to the female axis 19 when the inner wall 15 defines the shoulder 44, and the inner wall 15 is further from the female axis 19 when the inner wall 15 defines the housing 17. The point on the shoulder 44 closest to the female axis 19 lies on the inner wall 15 and corresponds to a minimum internal radius of the shoulder 44. The maximum radial projection of the latches 9 in the intermediate configuration may, in particular, be chosen to be greater than the minimum internal radius of the shoulder 44.

[0078] In this way, a movement of the male part 7 in the first direction 25 of displacement or in the second direction 27 of displacement can cause the female part 12.

[0079] The locks 9, the shoulder 44, and the neck 23 are configured to allow the locks 9 mechanical play along the female axis in the housing. In particular, when the male part 7 is fixed to the cylinder head 5, the locks are inserted by elastic deformation into the housing 17, and the female part is held fixed, it is possible, by moving the cylinder head 5, to position the locks 9 so that they do not are not in contact with the neck 23. The shoulder 44 can also provide a guiding aid for the male part 7 in the body 13 when the locks 9 are inserted by elastic deformation into the housing 17. Flange

[0080] The fastening system 1 includes a flange 21 configured to fix the female part 12 to the cylinder head 5 and to lock the locks 9 in the housing 17.

[0081] According to a preferred mode, the female part 12 comprises a ring 33 which extends around the female axis 19, the ring 33 being located between the lower end 31 and the upper end 29. The ring 33 is located between the shoulder 44 and the lower end 31. The ring 33 leaves the female axis free of material. The inner wall 15 defines a minimum internal radius at the ring 33, so that the ring 33 is closer to the female axis than the shoulder 44 or the neck 23. The inner wall 15 exhibits a sharp increase in internal radius as it runs along the female axis from the ring 33 to the lower end 31. At this point, the inner wall 15 defines a bearing plane 34 perpendicular to the female axis 19. The bearing plane 34 corresponds to a lower end of the ring 33 on the side of the lower end 31 of the female part 12.

[0082] When the latches 9 are inserted by elastic deformation into the housing 17, the flange 21 can be brought against the ring 33 from the lower end 31 to the upper end 29 of the female part, i.e., in the second direction 27 of movement. The flange 21 is thus brought against the bearing surface 34 of the ring 33.

[0083] When the locks 9 are inserted by elastic deformation into the housing 17, the portion 35 of the cylinder head 5 and an arm 37 of each lock 9 can protrude through the ring 33 towards the lower end 31.

[0084] The flange 21 can then be advantageously configured to:

[0085] - to be placed against the ring 33 in the second direction 27 of movement Then,

[0086] - be fixed to the male part 7, and in particular the lower part of the male part 7.

[0087] By fixing the flange 21, which is placed against the ring 33 of the female part 12, to the male part 7, the female part 12 is fixed to the male part 7 and therefore to the cylinder 4.

[0088] By attaching the flange 21, the cylinder head 5 is rigidly fixed to the female part 12. Attaching this flange also modifies the relative positions between the male part 7 and the female part 12. More specifically, attaching the flange 21 produces a slight displacement of the female part 12 relative to the male part 7, so that the locking pins are more axially centered in the housing 17 relative to the female axis, and the locking pins 9 are no longer in contact with the neck 23. The transmission of the movement from the cylinder head 5 to the female part 12 passes through the male part 7 and by flange 21. This transmission does not pass through the locks 9, which preserves the elastic nature of the locks 9. To further ensure the preservation of the elastic nature of the locks, flange 21 may have a recess to accommodate portion 35 of cylinder head 5 and arm 37 of each lock 9. By fixing flange 21, arm 37 of each lock 9 is immobilized in position by flange 21. Unlocker

[0089] In relation to figures 5 to 9, the fastening system 1 may include a release 60.

[0090] The unlocker 60 is configured to move the locks 9 into the constrained configuration when the unlocker 60 is applied against the locks.

[0091] For example, the unlocker 60 includes a flared ramp 55 configured to move the locks 9 into the constrained configuration by pressing the locks on the ramp 55 when the unlocker 68 is applied against the locks.

[0092] In particular, the unlocker 60 may include a base 62, axial springs 64, and a sleeve 68 surrounding the base 62 with respect to a central axis 70 of the unlocker 60.

[0093] The unlocker 60 is centered on the central axis 70 and leaves the central axis 70 free of material.

[0094] The base 62 extends along the central axis 70 from a flat lower face 76 orthogonal to the central axis 70 in a direction referred to as the unlocking direction. The base 62 includes a cylindrical ring 63 centered on the central axis. The cylindrical ring 63 defines the lower face 76 of the unlocker 60. The cylindrical ring 63 defines an inner circle 88. The unlocker 60 can be placed on a support by positioning the lower face 76 against the support.

[0095] The base 62 also includes a guide 78 which extends from the cylindrical ring 63 around the central axis 70 in the unlocking direction. The guide 78 has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section centered on the central axis 70.

[0096] The sleeve 68 is mounted to move in translation about the central axis relative to the base 62. The sleeve 68 may include a sleeve base 90 that extends annularily around the central axis and is centered on the central axis 70. The sleeve base 90 is located opposite the cylindrical ring 63 of the base 62, the unlocking direction being from the cylindrical ring 63 of the base 62 towards the sleeve base 90. The sleeve 68 may include a cylindrical body 69 with a circular cross-section centered on the central axis 70, the cylindrical body 69 extending from the sleeve base 90 in the unlocking direction. The body 69 is located radially closer to the central axis 70 than the sleeve base 90.

[0097] The sleeve 68 can radially surround the guide 78, that is to say that the guide 78 is located between the central axis 70 and the sleeve 68.

[0098] The sleeve 68 may include the ramp 55, which forms the end of the unlocker 60 in the unlocking direction. The ramp 55 comprises a conical portion 84 and a collar 86. The conical portion 84 and the collar 86 surround the central axis 70 and exhibit rotational symmetry about this axis. The collar 86 extends annularly around the central axis and is centered on the central axis 70. The sleeve base 90 is located opposite the collar 86, the unlocking direction proceeding from the sleeve base 90 towards the collar 86. The collar 86 defines an annular wall 87 that is orthogonal to the central axis 70 and corresponds to the end of the collar 86 in the unlocking direction.

[0099] The conical portion 84 extends in the unlocking direction from the collar 86. The conical portion 84 defines a conical wall 85 which corresponds to the end of the conical portion 84 in the unlocking direction. The conical wall 85 is centered on the central axis 70. The conical wall 85 approaches the central axis 70 in the unlocking direction. The conical wall 85 and the annular wall 87 form a continuous outer wall of the ramp 55.

[0100] The axial springs 64 are mounted between the base 62 and the sleeve 68 such that the base 62 exerts a force on the sleeve 68 along the central axis. The force is directed in the unlocking direction. The springs can be compression springs oriented around the central axis 70. The axial springs 64 can be mounted between the sleeve base 90 and the cylindrical ring 63 of the base 62. The axial springs are mounted on cylinders 92 such that each axial spring surrounds a cylinder 92. The cylinders 92 are fixed by screws to the cylindrical ring 63 of the base 62. Alternatively, the cylinders 92 can be adjusting screws 92 that allow the stiffness of the axial springs 64 to be adjusted; for example, the screws 92 can have an external thread that fits into a thread in the cylindrical ring 63 of the base 62.

[0101] Optionally, the fastening system 1 may also include a stop 66 which is configured to limit a stroke of the sleeve 68 relative to the base 62 in the direction of force, i.e. in the unlocking direction.

[0102] For example, the sleeve 68 includes a groove 67 which passes completely through the body 69 of the sleeve 68, the groove extending in a direction parallel to the central axis 70, and the guide 78 of the base 62 includes a stop 66 which projects radially outwards from the guide 78, the stop 66 being positioned in the groove 67. The stop 66 and the groove 67 are configured so that the stop 66 remains in the groove and blocks the travel of the sleeve 68 when the stop 66 comes into contact with one of the two axial ends of the groove 67. The stop 66 also allows the angular position of the base 62 relative to the sleeve 68 to be fixed.

[0103] In the absence of the flange 21 and when the locks 9 are inserted into the housing 17 without being in contact with the neck 23, the sleeve 68 is configured to move the locks 9 into the constrained configuration when the sleeve 68 is applied against the locks 9 so as to compress the axial springs 64, the central axis 70 corresponding to the axis of the cylinder 11. It is indeed possible to position the unlocker 60 by aligning the central axis 70, the female axis 19, the male axis, and the axis of the cylinder 11, the female part 12 being placed between the unlocker 60 and the male part 7, the sleeve 68 being in contact with the locks 9. A centering piece 50 can be used to quickly position the unlocker 60 in this centered position. [Fig. 6] shows the unlocker 60 in this centered position.

[0104] The unlocker 60 can be placed in contact with the locks 9 so that the female part is placed between the unlocker 60 and the male part 7.

[0105] In particular, it is the ramp 55 of the sleeve 68 that can be in contact with the locking arms 37 9. The arms 37 can, for example, come into contact with the conical wall 85 of the ramp 55. [Fig. 7] represents this situation where the unlocker 60 is placed in contact with the locks 9, specifically at the contact point 57. The contact point 57 is here a contact point between an arm 37 of a lock 9 and the conical wall 85 of the ramp 55 of the unlocker 60.

[0106] If the male part 7 and the base plane 62 of the unlocker 60 are brought together along the central axis 11, the axial springs are compressed so that the sleeve 68 is moved in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction relative to the base 62.

[0107] The arms 37 of the locks 9 apply a force in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction on the conical wall 85 and therefore on the sleeve 68.

[0108] The sleeve 68 exerts an opposing force in the unlocking direction on the arms 37 of the locks 9, this opposing force allowing, if it is sufficiently large, to deform the locks 9 and to make them pass into the constrained configuration.

[0109] As the male part 7 and the base plane 62 of the unlocker 60 are brought closer and closer to each other along the axis of the cylinder 11, the opposing force becomes increasingly significant. The stroke of the sleeve 68 and the stiffness of the axial springs are configured so that the opposing force becomes sufficient to deform the locks 9 and bring them into the constrained configuration. For example, the spring adjustment screws 92 can be used to adjust the stroke of the sleeve 68 and the stiffness of the axial springs 64.

[0110] The shape of the arms 37, the shape of the conical wall 85 of the ramp 55, and the shape of the annular wall 87 of the ramp 55 are configured so that, during this deformation, the arms 37 of the locks 9 remain in contact with the conical wall 85 or the annular wall 87 and that the stress applied by the sleeve 68 on the locks is sufficient to maintain the 9 locks in the constrained configuration.

[0111] To exit the housing, the locks 9 can advantageously move along the second direction 27 of movement, corresponding to the unlocking direction, from a deformation position where the locks 9 pass from the intermediate configuration to the constrained configuration to a release position where the locks exit the housing and pass the collar 23. At the release position, the passage of the locks from the constrained configuration to the intermediate or neutral configuration does not cause the locks to be blocked by the collar 23 in the first direction 25 of movement.

[0112] In order for the arms 37 of the locks 9 to remain in contact with the conical wall 85 or the annular wall 87 throughout the movement from the deformation position to the release position, the sleeve 68 can also move axially by an identical or nearly identical length. The stroke of the sleeve 68 must therefore be sufficiently large and not be prematurely limited by the stroke of the stop defined between the axial ends of the groove 67.

[0113] When each lock 9 comprises a latch 39 movable about a rotation axis 41 and a spring 43 configured to apply a restoring torque to the latch about the rotation axis 41, the opposing force exerted by the sleeve 68 on the arms 37 of the locks 9 creates a torque on each latch 39 about the rotation axis 41 that opposes the restoring torque. More precisely, the sleeve 68 exerts a stress on the arms 37 in a radial direction away from the male axis, the stress being applied on the opposite side of the latch face from the rotation axis 41.

[0114] When the opposing force becomes sufficient to deform the latches 9 into the constrained configuration, the torque opposing the restoring torque becomes greater than the restoring torque. In this situation, the latches 39 rotate about their respective axes of rotation 41, and the latches 9 transition from the intermediate configuration to the constrained configuration. This situation is shown in [Fig. 8], where the latches have undergone the rotation illustrated by arrow 80. During this rotation, the arms 37 of the latches 9 remain in contact with the continuous wall of the ramp 55, formed by the conical wall 85 and the annular wall 87. When the latches 9 transition from the intermediate configuration to the constrained configuration, the point of contact between an arm 37 and the ramp 55 moves from the conical wall 85 to the annular wall 87, and the sleeve 68 has moved vertically upwards along arrow 82 relative to the base 62.Advantageously, the shape of the arm 37 and the shape of the continuous wall of the ramp 55 can be complementary in this situation. This helps to stabilize the contact between the arm 37 and the support piece in this particular orientation and to contribute to maintaining the locks 9 in the constrained configuration. Plateau

[0115] The mounting system 1 may include a plate 72 which has a free wall 74 configured to receive the part 3 and the base 62 of the unlocker 60. The free wall 74 may, for example, be horizontal. The base 62 is placed on the free wall 74, for example, by bringing the lower face 76 of the cylindrical ring 63 of the base 62 into contact with the free wall 74. The central axis 70 of the unlocker 60 is then vertical. The plate 72 passes through the axis of the cylinder, which is also vertical. The unlocker 60 can be adjusted in position so that the central axis 70 coincides with the axis of the cylinder 11. The centering piece 50 can be attached to the plate 72 so that the unlocker 60 can be quickly positioned in the center of the plate by aligning the central axis 70 and the axis of the cylinder 11.

[0116] When the male part 7 is fixed to the female part 12, the flange 21 does not fix the female part 12 to the cylinder head 5 and the locks 9 are inserted by elastic deformation into the housing 17, the cylinder head 5 is configured to be moved towards the platform 72 and therefore the unlocker 60 so as to deposit the part 3 on the free wall 74 of the platform 72.

[0117] In the absence of a flange, the locking pins 9 can be in contact with the neck 23. This is particularly the case when the male part 7 is moved in the second direction 27 of movement: it is the locking pins 9 which, blocked by the neck 23, transmit the movement of the cylinder head 5 to the female part 12. By placing the part 3 against the free wall 74, the female part becomes fixed relative to the free wall 74. By moving the cylinder head 5 again towards the plate 72, it is possible to slightly displace the male part 7 relative to the female part 12. The locking pins 9 can thus be moved away from the neck 23. A subsequent movement of the locking pins 9, to change from the neutral configuration to the constrained configuration, is then not blocked by contact of the locking pin with the neck 23.

[0118] When the male part 7 is fixed to the female part 12, and the flange 21 does not fix the female part 12 to the cylinder head 5, and the locks 9 are inserted by elastic deformation into the housing 17, and the unlocker 60 is placed on the free wall 74, the cylinder head 5 is configured to be moved towards the platform 72 so as to press the locks 9 against the sleeve 68 and compress the axial springs 64. More precisely, it is the arms 37 of the locks 9 that can come into contact with the conical wall 85 of the ramp 55, which compresses the axial springs 64. Workpiece holder

[0119] The female part 12 may include, in particular, a body 13 and a part holder 47. The part holder 47 is configured to be fixed to the part 3, the part holder 47 being removably fixed to the body 13 of the female part 12. A part holder 47 can thus be adapted to a family of parts, that is to say, the part holder 47 is well suited to be fixed to any part belonging to that family of parts. By modifying the part holder part, we can thus adapt the fastening system 1 to different families of parts without modifying the body 13 of the female part 12. For example in the case where the part is part of a tire curing mold, a first part holder can be adapted to the family of automobile tires and a second part holder can be adapted to the family of larger tires such as agricultural tires.

[0120] The body 13 of the female part 12 comprises the upper end 29 of the female part 12, the neck 23, the shoulder 44, and the ring 33. Means for attaching the workpiece holder 47 to the body 13 of the female part 12 can be fitted onto the ring 33. The workpiece holder 47 comprises the lower end 31 of the female part 12. The workpiece holder 47 leaves the female shaft free of material, and advantageously, the inner wall 15 defines an increasing internal radius of the workpiece holder 47 from the ring 33 to the lower end 31. In this way, it is easier to access the ring 33, particularly for positioning the flange 21 against the ring 33. Cooking press

[0121] In a particular embodiment, part 3 is a portion of a tire curing mold, and in particular an upper portion of the mold. A tire curing press may include the fastening system as described above. Method for attaching a part to a cylinder

[0122] By using the fastening system 1 as described above, a method of fastening part 3 to a cylinder head 5 can be implemented, with reference to figures 2 to 4.

[0123] In a first step, the female part 12 is fixed to the part 3. The part 3 to a part holder 47 included in the female part 12. It is possible to fix prea attaching the part holder 47 to the body 13 of the female part 12.

[0124] In a second step, the male part 7 is fixed to the cylinder head 5.

[0125] In a third step, the locks 9 of the male part 7 are inserted into the housing 17 of the female part 12. For this, part 3 can advantageously be placed on the free horizontal wall 74 of the plate 72. This gives the vertical female axis and the upper end 29 of the female part positioned above part 3. It is advantageous to arrange the cylinder 5 so that the axis of the cylinder 11 is vertical and coincides with the female axis 19 and that the head of the cylinder 5 and the male part 7 are located above the female part 12.

[0126] When the male part 7 is fixed to the cylinder head 5, the insertion of the locks 9 into the housing 17 by elastic deformation is simply achieved by moving the cylinder. In this way, no intervention by the operator near part 3 is necessary to fix part 3 to the cylinder 4. Furthermore, the fixing of the female part 12 to the cylinder head 5 by a flange 21 makes it possible not to bear the fixing stresses on the locks which helps to preserve their elastic quality.

[0127] The following substeps of the third step can be carried out. In a first substep, the cylinder head is moved relative to the cylinder body in a first direction 25 of movement. In particular, the cylinder head 5 can be lowered in the direction indicated by arrow 25 in [Fig. 2]. This is the first direction 25 of movement.

[0128] In a second substep, the locking pins 9 are pressed against the neck 23 of the female part 12, the neck being configured to reduce the housing by one radial dimension relative to the female axis. When the male part 7 comes into contact with the female part 12, the locking pins 9 come into contact with the neck 23 of the female part 12. Under the action of the cylinder head 5, the locking pins 9 deform elastically against the neck 23.

[0129] In a third substep, the locks 9 are moved from the neutral configuration to the constrained configuration, so that their maximum radial projection decreases. Figure 3 illustrates this transition from the neutral configuration to the constrained configuration.

[0130] Between the third and fourth steps, it is possible to carry out the following optional steps.

[0131] In an optional first step that occurs once the latches 9 have passed through the collar 23, the latches 9 transition from the constrained configuration to the intermediate configuration. Since the latches 9 are no longer subjected to the mechanical stress of the collar 23, they can resume a greater maximum radial projection, but because the housing 17 is not sufficiently wide radially, they cannot return to the neutral configuration. The latches 9 then transition from the constrained configuration to the intermediate configuration. This transition is represented in [Fig. 4] by the arrows 28.

[0132] In an optional second step, the cylinder head is moved in a second direction 27 of displacement opposite to the first direction 25 of displacement. By moving the cylinder head 5, the male part 7 is driven, which in turn drives the female part 12 via the locking 9s that are abutted against the neck 23. Indeed, the maximum radial projection of the locking shims in the intermediate configuration is greater than an inner radius of the neck. In particular, the second direction 27 of displacement can be vertical upwards.

[0133] In an optional third step, it is visually verified that the locks 9 are all properly blocked by the collar 23. For this, the female part 12 is raised sufficiently above the plate 72 to allow visual access.

[0134] In a fourth step, the female part 12 is fixed to the cylinder head 5 by the flange 21.

[0135] During this fourth step, it is possible to carry out the following sub-steps.

[0136] In a third sub-step, the cylinder head 5 is tilted at a right angle so that the superimposed male and female axes become horizontal.

[0137] In a fourth sub-step, the flange 21 is placed and fixed against the female part 12. Since the male and female axes are horizontal, it is easier to fix the flange 21 and the risk of the part 3 falling and injuring the operator is lower.

[0138] In a fifth sub-step, the cylinder head 5 is tilted at a right angle so that the superimposed male and female axes become vertical.

[0139] Advantageously, the insertion of the locks by elastic deformation into the housing is configured so that a portion of the cylinder head and an arm of each lock protrude from the female part through a ring of the female part, the ring extending around the female axis, the ring being located between a lower end of the female part and the upper end, the lower end being opposite the upper end along the female axis, the step of fixing the female part to the cylinder head by the flange comprising:

[0140] - a bracing of the flange against the ring in the second direction 27 of de placement, and

[0141] - a fixing of the flange to the portion of the cylinder head and a locking in position of the arm of each lock by the flange.

[0142] In this way, the flange 21 allows the locks 9 to be locked in the housing 17. Once fixed, the flange 21 allows the movement of the cylinder head 5 to be transmitted to the female part 12 without passing through the male part 7.

[0143] Method for separating the male and female parts

[0144] Once part 3 has been used, it may be appropriate to replace it because either because it is worn out or because other operations requiring another part need to be carried out.

[0145] For this purpose, the process previously presented can be supplemented by a separation of the male part and the female part, this separation comprising the following steps.

[0146] In a first step, the flange 21 which fixes the female part 12 and the cylinder head 5 is removed. For this, right-angle rockers of the cylinder head 5 can be made, as for the assembly of the flange 21.

[0147] We are then in the situation of [Fig.6].

[0148] In a second step, the part 3 is supported against the free wall 74 of the plate 72. For this, the cylinder head 5 can be moved relative to the cylinder body in the first direction 25 of movement, which is a vertical direction downwards.

[0149] Whereas in [Fig.6], part 3 is located above the plate 74, in [Fig.7], part 3 has been placed on the plate 72. The plate 72 may have a shape adjusted to the part 3 in particular to prevent a horizontal movement of the part 3 relative to the plate 72.

[0150] In a third step, the locks 9 of the collar 23 are moved away from the female part 12.

[0151] This spacing can notably be obtained by moving the cylinder head relative to the cylinder body in the vertical downward direction towards the plate 72, the plate 72 comprising the free wall 74. Part 3 having already been placed against the free wall 74, the female part 12 is fixed relative to the free wall 74. The locking tabs 9 can, however, be in contact with the neck 23. This is notably the case in Figures 6 and 7: the locking tabs 9 have contact points 94 with the neck 23. It should be noted in [Fig. 6] that in the absence of flange 21, the female part 12 is held by the locking tabs 9 which are abutting against the neck 23 of the female part 12, precisely at the contact points 94.

[0152] By moving the cylinder head 5 towards the plate 72, it is possible to slightly move the male part 7 relative to the female part 12. The locks 9 can thus be moved away from the neck 23. The contact points 94 between the locks 9 and the neck 23 disappear.

[0153] A subsequent movement of a lock, to go from the neutral configuration to the constrained configuration, is then no longer blocked by a contact of the lock 9 with the collar 23.

[0154] In a fourth step, the locks 9 are moved to the constrained configuration. This movement may include, in particular, a displacement of the cylinder head 5 in the first direction 25 of movement, vertically downwards, towards the platform 72 so as to bring the locks 9 against the sleeve 68 mounted movable in translation about the vertical axis relative to the base 62 placed on the platform 72, and to compress the axial springs 64 mounted between the base 62 and the sleeve 68.

[0155] Here, the unlocker 60 is used as previously described. The base 62 of the unlocker 60 is placed on the wall 74 of the plate 72, and the position of the unlocker is adjusted so that the central axis 70 coincides with the axis of the cylinder 11. The unlocker 60 is shown in [Fig. 6] in this centered position. The centering piece 50 can be used to quickly position the unlocker 60 in this centered position. In particular, the centering piece can be a cylindrical piece with a circular cross-section that is dimensionally fitted inside the unlocker 60. The centering piece 50 can have an outer radius slightly smaller than the radius of the inner circle 88 of the base 62.

[0156] Once the base 62 of the unlocker 60 is thus placed on the wall 74, the sleeve 68 is mounted to move in translation along the axis of the cylinder 11, an axis which is vertical, relative to the base 62. By lowering the male part 7 on the unlocker 60, the sleeve 68 comes into contact with the arms 37 of the locks 9, then the axial springs 64 are compressed so that the sleeve 68 is moved in the first direction 25 of movement, vertical downwards, corresponding to the opposite direction to the unlocking direction.

[0157] The sleeve 68 exerts an opposing force on the arms 37 of the locks 9, vertically towards the top corresponding to the unlocking direction, this opposing force allowing, if it is sufficiently large, to deform the locks 9 into the constrained configuration.

[0158] As the male part 7 and the base plane 62 of the unlocker 60 are brought closer and closer to each other along the axis of the cylinder 11, the opposing force becomes increasingly significant. The stroke of the sleeve 68 and the stiffness of the axial springs are configured so that the opposing force becomes sufficient to deform the locks 9 into the constrained configuration.

[0159] In a fifth step, the cylinder head 5 is moved relative to the cylinder body in a second direction 27 of movement, vertically upwards, opposite to the first direction 25 of movement. The cylinder head carries the male part 7 with it. Since the locks 9 are in a constrained configuration and their maximum radial projection is less than the minimum internal radius of the neck 23, the locks 9 are not blocked by the neck 23. The male part 7 is then separated from the female part 12. This fifth step is shown in [Fig. 9].

[0160] The advantage of the separation method is that it separates the male part 7 from the female part 12 by moving the cylinder. Since part 3 is placed on a platform, the risk of it falling and injuring the operator is low. The unlocker allows the locks 9 to be deformed into a constrained configuration by moving the cylinder. In this way, no intervention by the operator near part 3 is necessary to separate part 3 from the cylinder 4.

Claims

Demands

1. A fastening system (1) comprising: - a cylinder (4) including a head (5) and a cylinder body, the head (5) being configured to move relative to the cylinder body in an axial direction of the cylinder (11), - a male part (7) fixed to the head (5), the male part (7) including locks (9) which are located in radial projection of the male part (7) relative to the axis of the cylinder (11), - a female part (12) including an inner wall (15) defining a housing (17), the locks (9) being configured to insert by elastic deformation into the housing (17) when the male part (7) is moved towards the female part (12) in the axial direction (11), and - a flange (21) configured to fix the female part (12) to the head (5) and to lock the locks (9) in the housing (17).

2. A fastening system (1) according to claim 1 wherein the locks (9) are configured to move from a neutral configuration to a constrained configuration, a radial projection of the locks (9) of the male part (7) being greater in the neutral configuration than in the constrained configuration, the locks (9) being configured to move from the neutral configuration to the constrained configuration when the male part (7) is moved towards the female part (12) in the opposite direction to the body of the cylinder and then to come into axial contact with the female part (12).

3. A fastening system (1) according to claim 2 comprising a release-locker (60) configured to move the locks (9) into the constrained configuration when the release-locker (60) is applied against the locks (9).

4. A fastening system (1) according to claim 3 in which the unlocker (60) comprises a flared ramp (55) configured to move the locks (9) into the constrained configuration by pressing the locks on the ramp (55) when the unlocker (60) is applied against the locks (9).

5. A fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the unlocker (60) comprises a base (62), axial springs (64), and a sleeve (68) surrounding the base (62) with respect to a central axis (70) of the unlocker (60), the sleeve (68) being mounted to move in translation about the central axis (70) with respect to the base (62), the axial springs (64) being mounted between the base (62) and the sleeve (68) so that the base (62) exerts a force on the sleeve (68) along the central axis (70).

6. A fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the female part being configured to be fixed to a part (3), the system comprising a plate (72) which includes a free wall (74), the head (5) being configured to be moved towards the plate (72) so as to place the part (3) on the free wall (74) and to spread the latches (9) of a collar (23) of the female part (12), the collar (23) being configured to reduce a radial dimension of the housing (17).

7. A fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the housing (17) is configured to house the locks (9) in an intermediate configuration, the radial projection of the locks (9) being greater in the neutral configuration than in the intermediate configuration, the radial projection of the locks (9) in the intermediate configuration being greater than an inside radius of the female part (12).

8. A fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the female part (12) comprises a ring (33), the head (5) and each lock (9) projecting through the ring (33) in the opposite direction to the cylinder body along the axial direction when the locks (9) are in the housing (17), the flange (21) being configured to: - be supported against the ring (33) along the axial direction towards the cylinder body and then, - be fixed to the male part (7).

9. A fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in which each lock (9) comprises: - a latch (39) mounted pivotally about an axis of rotation (41) perpendicular to the axial direction (11), and - a latch return spring (43).

10. A fastening system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in which the female part (12) comprises a female part body (13) and a workpiece holder (47) removably fixed to the female part body (13).

11. Tire curing press comprising a tire curing mold, a cylinder (4) and a system for fixing (1) a portion of the mold to the cylinder, the fixing system (1) conforming to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Method of attaching a part (3) to a cylinder (4), the method including: - a step of attaching a female part (12) to the part (3), - a step of fixing a male part (7) to a head of the cylinder (5), the head (5) being configured to move relative to a body of the cylinder along an axial direction of the cylinder (11), the male part (7) comprising locks (9) extending radially from the male part (7) relative to an axis of the cylinder (11), - a step of inserting the locks (9) by elastic deformation into a housing (17) of the female part (12), and - a step of fixing the female part (12) to the male part (7) by a flange (21).

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