Feeding and driving system for a drum, cable winding device comprising it and wired or wired drone and base assembly

Abstract

------ Power supply and drive system for a drum, cable winding device comprising it and wired or wired drone and base assembly The invention relates to a power supply and drive system (1) for a winding and power supply drum (2) for an electric cable (33), comprising a shaft (6) configured to support a drum (2), a flange (11), a power connector (15), a flange (35) mounted movably on the shaft (6) between the power connector (15) and the flange (11), a connector (25) complementary to the power connector (15), the connection position of the flange (35) and the complementary connector (25) corresponding to the position where the side (4) of the drum (2) carrying the complementary connector (25) is at the level of the flange (11),and the connection position of the power connector (15) and the complementary connector (25) corresponding to the position where the flank (5) of the drum (2) opposite the flank (4) carrying the complementary connector (25) is at the level of the flange (11). Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Feeding and driving system for a drum, cable winding device comprising it and wired or wired drone assembly and base

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of drum feed and drive systems, and more particularly relates to a feed and drive system for an electric cable winding and feeding drum, a cable winding device comprising it and an assembly comprising a wired or wired drone and a base.

[0002] Drum feed and drive systems are known, such as that of European patent application EP1615847A2. However, such systems do not allow for simple disconnection of the drum for replacement or maintenance.

[0003] Furthermore, in the drum feed and drive systems commonly encountered, the fitting of the drum onto the shaft presents a risk of the shaft bending if the alignment of the two parts is not correct, and thus this leads to a risk of breakage or subsequent malfunction.

[0004] There is therefore a need for a power supply and drive system for an electric cable winding and supply drum which allows, on the one hand, easy disconnection / connection of the drum, both mechanically and electrically, and, on the other hand, ensures alignment of the drum relative to the shaft during fitting.

[0005] The Applicant therefore proposes to meet these needs by using a pair of electromechanical connectors, one mobile and carried by the drum and the other fixed and carried by the shaft on which the drum is mounted, and by using an intermediate flange, carrying at least one drum alignment member, mounted movable on the shaft under the effect of return means until it stops against a flange and configured to ensure the alignment of the drum relative to the shaft, at the flange, while allowing the electromechanical connection of the two connectors.

[0006] The present invention therefore relates to a supply and drive system for a drum for winding and supplying electric cable, characterized in that the system comprises:

[0007] - a shaft configured to support a drum and to be rotationally fixed to the drum, the shaft having a free end and a rotational drive end supported by at least one bearing configured to be rotationally driven,

[0008] - a flange disposed around the free end of the shaft, the flange having a circular through opening formed transversely to the shaft, centered on the shaft and sized to allow the drum to be fitted onto the shaft through the flange,

[0009] - a power connector mounted on the shaft between the bearing and the flange, integral in rotation of the shaft,

[0010] - a flange mounted movably on the shaft between the power connector and the flange, the flange having a flange-facing face having a surface area greater than the surface area of ​​the circular opening of the flange and on which at least one drum alignment member is formed, the surface of the flange further having a passage, return means being mounted on the shaft between the flange and the power connector, and

[0011] - a connector complementary to the power connector, configured to be carried by a flank of the drum and supply the cable wound on the drum, the complementary connector having a surface area smaller than the surface area of ​​the circular opening of the flange, the passage of the flange being configured to allow the connection of the power connector and the complementary connector through the flange when a drum is fitted on the shaft, the connection position of the flange and the complementary connector corresponding to the position where the flank of the drum carrying the complementary connector is at the flange, and the connection position of the power connector and the complementary connector corresponding to the position where the flank of the drum opposite the flank carrying the complementary connector is at the flange.

[0012] Thus, the use of a pair of detachable electromechanical connectors allows easy and rapid disconnection / connection both between the drum and the shaft, from a mechanical point of view, and between the cable carried by the drum and a source of electrical power and / or data, from an electrical and / or electronic point of view. Maintenance and replacement operations are thus greatly facilitated.

[0013] Also, because the drum is aligned with the axis of the shaft and held at this angle by the cooperation between the complementary connector carried by the drum and the flange, when the drum is fitted along the shaft, the bending of the shaft by a thrust of the drum at an angle inclined relative to the shaft is prevented. Furthermore, because of the action of the return means forcing the flange to abut against the flange, the flange is always present at the flange for the fitting of the drum onto the shaft, which makes it possible to guarantee the alignment of the drum relative to the shaft.

[0014] The passage provided in the flange allows the connection between the power connector and the complementary connector.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the feed and drive system further comprises means for locking a drum in the position fitted on the shaft.

[0016] Thus, the locking means guarantee the positioning of the drum in the state of connection between the power connector and the complementary connector, i.e. the state of mechanical and electrical connection of the drum and the cable, respectively.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the shaft has at least one inflection extending in the longitudinal direction of the shaft from the free end towards the bearing, the flange and / or the complementary connector on the one hand, and the power connector on the other hand, having an insertion orifice on the shaft of a shape complementary to the at least one inflection to ensure rotational drive of the power connector, the flange and the complementary connector with the shaft.

[0018] The at least one inflection may be one of a flat, a rib, a groove or even a combination of several of these. The shaft may have a single inflection extending longitudinally continuously on the shaft or several inflections distributed on the periphery of the shaft, the flange and / or the complementary connector on the one hand, and the power connector on the other hand, having an insertion orifice on the shaft of complementary shape.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the power connector and the complementary connector are of the male / female type, the passage of the flange being crossed by the male part.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the power connector and the complementary connector comprise male and female terminal blocks.

[0021] Thus, the complementary terminal blocks allow easy and rapid electrical connection / disconnection between the cable, connected to the complementary connector, and an electrical and / or electronic power supply, connected to the power connector.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the female terminal block is carried by the power connector.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the return means are one of a traction spring, a compression spring, or an elastic band.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a projection is formed on the flange-side surface of the flange, the projection being centered on the shaft and traversed by the shaft and being configured to be inserted into a corresponding through-housing formed on the complementary connector, the through-housing also being centered on the shaft and traversed by the shaft, to ensure good positioning of the complementary connector on the flange when a drum is fitted onto the shaft.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the projection is cylindrical, trapezoidal, pyramidal or cruciform.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the power supply and drive system comprises at least one motor electrically powered by the power supply and configured to rotate the at least one bearing. The at least one bearing could also be driven manually, for example by means of a crank.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the at least one guide member is a projection formed on all or part of a circular outline centered on the shaft and of diameter corresponding to the internal diameter of the circular opening of the flange, such that when the flange is in abutment against the flange, the at least one guide member rotates on the edges of the through opening of the flange.

[0028] Thus, a projecting shape facilitates the orientation of the drum relative to the shaft carrying the flange and the retention of the drum on the flange.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a cable winding device comprising a supply system as mentioned above, comprising a drum on which a cable is wound and one side of which carries the complementary connector, the drum being intended to be fitted onto the shaft to allow connection of the supply connector with the complementary connector.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the complementary connector forms the side of the drum or is attached to it.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the cable winding device further comprises a cutting system.

[0032] Such a system guarantees uniform winding and unwinding of the cable on the drum.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the cable winding device further comprises a cover carrying the means for locking the drum in the position fitted on the shaft with the power connector and the complementary connector connected.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the drum is carried by the hood.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the inflection is formed over a length of the shaft to from its free end corresponding to the length of the drum.

[0036] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a wired or made wired drone and a base, characterized in that it comprises a base equipped with a cable winding device as mentioned above, a drone and a cable wound on the cable winding device and configured to connect the drone to the base.

[0037] To better illustrate the object of the present invention, an embodiment will now be described below, for informational and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings.

[0038] In these drawings:

[0039] [Fig-1] is an exploded view of the feed and drive system for an electric cable winding and feed drum and a drum according to the present invention;

[0040] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the system according to [Fig.l], the drum being removed;

[0041] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the system according to [Fig.l] at the start of fitting the drum onto the cable;

[0042] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the system according to [Fig.l] at the end of the fitting of the drum onto the cable; and

[0043] [Fig.5] is a schematic view of an assembly comprising a wired or wired-made drone equipped with a device according to [Fig.l].

[0044] Referring to [Fig.l], it can be seen that there is shown a feed and drive system for an electric cable winding and feed drum 1. The system 1 is configured for a winding drum 2 of the type commonly encountered and as shown in Figures 1 and 3-5, namely cylindrical in shape and having a curved lateral face 3, constituting the cable winding surface, and two flat faces 4, 5 constituting the sides of the winding drum 2. It should be noted that the drum may have a geometry other than cylindrical, such as conical or polygonal, for example. It should be noted that the lateral face 3 of the drum 2 may have any other shape known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, corrugated, of the Lebus® type. Advantageously, the lateral face 3 of the drum 2 may have anti-slip properties.

[0045] The system 1 comprises a shaft 6. The shaft 6 has a free end 7 and a rotational drive end 8 supported by at least one bearing (not shown). The shaft 6 is configured to be driven in rotation, at the bearing, by a motor 9, as shown schematically in [Fig. 5]. A power supply is also provided to electrically power the motor 9. It should be noted that the person skilled in the art may envisage more than one motor, or even a manual drive by means of a crank for example, the invention not being limited by the method of driving the shaft 6 in rotation.

[0046] The shaft 6 is configured to support the drum 2, as can be seen in [Fig.4] and thus set the drum 2 to which it is attached into rotation.

[0047] Preferably and as can be seen in [Fig.l], the shaft 6 has a flat 10 extending in the longitudinal direction from the free end 7 and towards the bearing, and the role of which will be explained below. The flat constitutes an inflection in the normally circular shape of the shaft in cross-section. Any other type of inflection (rib, groove) can be envisaged within the scope of the present invention. It is It is also possible to consider several longitudinal inflections distributed around the periphery of the tree.

[0048] The system 1 also comprises a flange 11. The flange 11 is intended to be fixed to a chassis (not shown). For this purpose, the flange 11 comprises a fixing portion 12 by which the flange 11 is fixed to the chassis. For example, as can be seen in Figures 1-5, the fixing portion 12 comprises through holes 13 for fixing by means of screws. The flange 11 also comprises a through circular opening 14. In use, the flange 11 and the shaft 6 are arranged such that the circular opening 14 of the flange 11 is disposed around and centered on the free end 7 of the shaft 6 and oriented transversely to the shaft 6, as can be seen in Figures 2-4. The function of the flange 11 is to guide the drum 2 during fitting onto the shaft 6 and its extraction, the circular opening 14 allowing the passage of the drum 2 and thus its fitting and removal.

[0049] The system 1 comprises a power connector 15. The power connector 15 is configured to be mounted on the shaft 6 between the bearing and the free end 7 of the shaft 6, or in use between the bearing and the flange 11, integral in rotation with the shaft 6. To do this, the power connector 15 comprises an insertion orifice 16, by which the power connector 15 is mounted on the shaft 6 and of an internal shape complementary to the flat 10. The flat geometry 10 guarantees the rotational drive of the power connector 15 by the shaft 6.

[0050] Additionally and as can be seen in [Fig.l], the power connector 15 and the shaft 6 are provided with through holes 17, 18 allowing screw fixing. It should be noted that the person skilled in the art may envisage other methods of fixing the power connector 15 to the shaft 6.

[0051] The power connector 15 has an electromechanical connection part 19 having an internal face 20 and an external face 21. By internal, we define the side facing in use towards the drive end 8 of the shaft 6 and, by external, the side facing in use towards the free end 7 of the shaft 6.

[0052] In the position in which the power connector 15 is mounted on the shaft 6, the electromechanical connection part 19 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 6.

[0053] The power connector 15 has, arranged in the electromechanical connection part 19, a through hole 22 between the internal face 20 and the external face 21, and configured to receive an electrical terminal block 23. According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the terminal block 23 carried by the power connector 15 is a female terminal block.

[0054] The terminal block 23 carried by the power supply connector 15 is configured to be electrically connected to a rotating collector (not shown), at the level of the internal face 20 of the electromechanical connection part 19.

[0055] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, the power connector 15 has a groove 24 provided on the external face 21 of the electromechanical connection part 19. Thus, the power connector 15 shown in Figures 1-3 constitutes a mechanical connector of the female type. Preferably and as shown in Figures 1-3, the rib 24 is rectangular in shape.

[0056] Therefore, the power connector 15 has both an electrical connection function via the terminal block 23 and a mechanical connection function via the groove 24.

[0057] In a complementary manner, the system 1 comprises a complementary connector 25, complementary to the power connector 15. The complementary connector 25 is configured to be carried by the internal flank 4 of the drum 2, namely the flank of the drum 2 intended to be turned towards the drive end 8 of the shaft 6, in the position of the drum 2 fully fitted on the shaft 6. Preferably, the complementary connector 25 is produced in the form of a disc and is sized so as to cover the entire flank 4 of the drum 2 which carries it, as can be seen in Figures 3-4. Thus, the complementary connector 25 closes the flank 4 of the drum 2 so as to prevent the intrusion of dust, dirt or even water inside the drum 2.

[0058] Advantageously, the complementary connector 25 has a circular skirt 26 with a diameter smaller than that of the internal flank 4 of the drum 2 and configured to extend inside the drum 2, in contact with the internal wall of the drum 2 to allow maintenance between the complementary connector 25 and the drum 2.

[0059] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the complementary connector 25 comprises an introduction orifice 27, arranged in the center of the disc, by which the complementary connector 25 is mounted on the shaft 2 and of internal shape complementary to the flat 10.

[0060] The complementary connector 25 has an electromechanical connection part 28 having, as in the case of the power connector 15, an internal face 29 and an external face 30. In the position in which the complementary connector 25 is mounted on the shaft 6, the electromechanical connection part 28 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 6.

[0061] Also similarly to the power connector 15, the complementary connector 25 further has, arranged in the electromechanical connection part 28, a through hole 31, configured to receive an electrical terminal block 32. According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the terminal block 32 carried by the complementary connector 25 is a male terminal block, advantageously a blade connector, complementary to the female terminal block 23 carried by the power connector 15, and intended to be electrically connected to the latter at the level of the internal face 29 of the electromechanical connection part 28 of the complementary connector 25 and the external face 21 of the electromechanical connection part 19 of the power connector 25, respectively.

[0062] The terminal block 32 carried by the complementary connector 25 is configured to be connected to a cable 33 ([Fig.5]) carried by the drum 2 at the external face 30 of the electromechanical connection part 28 of the complementary connector 25. To do this, the curved face 3 of the drum 2 has a hole (not shown) through which a cable 33 wound on the lateral face 3 of the drum 2 passes, as can be seen in [Fig.5], so as to connect to the terminal block 32 carried by the complementary connector 25, on the external face 30 side of the electromechanical connection part 28.

[0063] It should be noted that the male / female terminal blocks can be carried independently by the complementary connector 25 and the power connector 15.

[0064] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the complementary connector 25 has a rib 34 on the internal face 29 of the electromechanical connection part 28, of a shape complementary to the groove 24 carried by the external face 21 of the electromechanical connection part 19 of the power supply connector 15. Thus, the complementary connector 25 shown in [Fig.l] constitutes a mechanical connector of the male type.

[0065] Therefore, the power connector 25 has both an electrical connection function via the terminal block 32 and a mechanical connection function via the rib 34.

[0066] It should be noted that the rib / groove mechanical connection of the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3 is given by way of example and that any type of male / female mechanical connection can be envisaged, in number and shape, between the power connector and the complementary connector and that these types of male / female mechanical connection can be carried independently by the power connector and the complementary connector, provided that the power connector and the complementary connector constitute

[0067] a pair of complementary electromechanical connectors.

[0068] Furthermore, the system 1 according to the invention comprises a flange 35, preferably in the form of a disc, configured to be mounted movably on the shaft 6 between the power connector 15 and the free end 7 of the shaft 6, i.e. at the level of the flange 11.

[0069] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the flange 35 comprises an introduction orifice 36, arranged in the center of the disc, by which the flange 35 is mounted on the shaft 6 and of internal shape complementary to the flat 10.

[0070] It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the use of a single flat and that several flats corresponding respectively to the different parts can be envisaged.

[0071] It should also be noted that the shaft 6 may comprise, instead of a flat, a groove, a rib or any other means allowing the transmission of mechanical movement, the insertion orifice 16 of the power supply connector 15, the insertion orifice 27 of the complementary connector 25 and the insertion orifice 36 of the flange 35 then having a corresponding structure allowing interlocking.

[0072] Also, it should be noted that not all of the complementary connector 25, the flange 35 and the power connector 15 necessarily simultaneously have an insertion orifice of a shape complementary to the flat. For example, the complementary connector may not have an insertion orifice.

[0073] The flat or flats allow the parts to be inserted onto the shaft 6, held thereon and guarantee that said parts are driven in rotation by the shaft 6.

[0074] However, the shaft 6 may also be devoid of a flat. Or, the person skilled in the art may envisage other means of holding the complementary connector, the flange and the power connector mounted on the shaft.

[0075] In the position in which the flange 35 is mounted on the shaft 6, the plane of the flange 35 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 6.

[0076] The flange 35 has an internal face 37 and an external face 38. The external face 38 of the flange 35, oriented towards the flange 11 side, has a surface area greater than the surface area of ​​the circular opening 14 of the flange 11 so that the flange 11 prevents the extraction of the flange 35 from the shaft 6. In other words, the movement of the flange 35 along the shaft 6 is limited by the flange 11 at the free end 7 of the shaft 6, as can be seen in [Fig.2].

[0077] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], a cylindrical projection 39 is formed on the outer surface 38 of the flange 35, extending perpendicularly therefrom. The cylindrical projection 39 is arranged to be centered on the shaft 6 and traversed by the shaft 6 and is configured to be inserted into a corresponding through-receiving housing 40 ([Fig. 5]) formed on the complementary connector 25, the through-receiving housing 40 also being arranged to, in the state of the complementary connector 25 mounted on the shaft 6, be centered on the shaft 6 and traversed by the shaft 6. The cylindrical projection 39 and the through-receiving housing 40 are configured to ensure proper positioning of the complementary connector 25 on the flange 35 when the drum 2 is fitted onto the shaft 6.

[0078] It should be noted that the mechanical connection between the complementary connector 25 and the flange 35 can be made by any means and in any positions. In particular, the projection of the flange 35 and the through-housing of the complementary connector 25 may have a shape other than cylindrical, such as pyramidal, cross-shaped or other, provided that the shapes are corresponding and allow the introduction of the projection into the through-housing to ensure good positioning of the complementary connector 25 on the flange 35 when the drum 2 is fitted onto the shaft 6.

[0079] Furthermore, the flange 35 comprises a rib 41. In [Fig.2], it can be seen that the rib 41 is arranged on the external face 38 of the flange 35, extending perpendicularly therefrom. Furthermore, the rib 41 is arranged on a circle centered on the shaft 6 and of a diameter smaller than that of the opening 14 of the flange 11. Thus, when the flange 35 is in abutment against the internal face 42 of the flange 11, the rib 41 extends through the circular opening 14 of the flange 11 and a gap 43 is provided between the rib 41 and the flange 11. The diameter of the rib 41 is greater than that of the internal flank 4 of the drum 2 so as to allow the mechanical connection between the drum 2 and the flange 35, the drum 2 then being sandwiched at its internal flank 4 between the complementary connector 25 and the rib 41 of the flange 35.

[0080] Because the flange 35 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 6 and the rib 41 that it carries thus extends in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 6, the rib 41 guarantees the alignment and the guiding of the drum 2 in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 6. In addition, the torque formed by the cylindrical projection 39 carried by the flange 35 and the housing 40 carried by the complementary connector 25 participate in the alignment and the guiding of the drum 2 in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 6.

[0081] Furthermore, the flange 35 thus helps to support the weight of the drum 2.

[0082] The flange 35 further comprises a passage 44, with a surface area corresponding to the external template of the complementary connector 25, connecting the internal face 37 and the external face 38 and configured so as to allow the connection between the power connector 15 and the complementary connector 25 through the flange 35. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 4, the flange 35 allows the passage of the rib 34 of the complementary connector 25, i.e. the male part of the mechanical connection between the complementary connector 25 and the power connector 15. The passage 44 also therefore acts as a key for the mechanical connection between the complementary connector 25 and the power connector 15, and guarantees a drive of all the parts, the complementary connector 25 preferably being almost a tight fit in the passage 44. It should be noted that the A person skilled in the art may consider any shape for the groove 24, the rib 34 and the passage 44, provided that their shapes are complementary.

[0083] In [Fig. 1], it can be seen that the rib 42 extends partially over a circular path, being interrupted by the passage 44. It should be noted that the rib 41 can extend over the entirety of a circular path.

[0084] Preferably, the flange 35 is configured so as to close the opening 14 of the flange 11, thus preventing the intrusion of dust, dirt or even water on the internal side of the flange 11. Thus, and as shown in [Fig. 2], the flange 35 is in the form of a solid disc with the exception of the passage 44. The passage 44, the rib 34 of the complementary connector 25 and the groove 24 of the power connector 15 are dimensioned such that in the connected state of the complementary connector 25 and the power connector 15, the passage 44 is completely closed. However, the flange 35 may not be solid and may have another geometry such as, for example, having radii extending from the center and towards the periphery.

[0085] The rib 41 may not be continuous. The invention is not limited in this respect and two diametrically opposed lugs may also, for example, be envisaged within the scope of the present invention, to rotate the flange 35 in the clamp 11.

[0086] A compression spring 45 is arranged around the shaft 6, between the power connector 15 and the flange 35 and is configured to exert pressure on the flange 35 in the direction of the flange 11. The compression spring 45 thus constitutes a means for returning the flange 35 to abutment against the internal face 42 of the flange 11.

[0087] It should be noted that other return means can be envisaged, provided that they guarantee the return of the flange 35 against the clamp 11, such as for example an elastic band or a tension spring carried by the clamp 11 and the flange 35.

[0088] Advantageously, locking means (not shown) are provided to keep the spring 45 compressed, namely in the state of the drum 2 in the position fully fitted on the shaft 6 with the power connector 15 and the complementary connector 25 connected, as shown in [Fig.4] and as will be explained below. The locking means may be constituted for example by screwing, clipping, lever clasp, DZUS ® pin, latch, catch or any other system known to the person skilled in the art.

[0089] In [Fig. 5], it can be seen that a cable winding device 46 according to the present invention is shown. The device 46 comprises a feed and drive system 1 as mentioned above and a drum 2 on which a cable 33 is wound and the internal flank 4 of which carries the complementary connector 25 as mentioned above. Advantageously, the lateral face 3 of the drum 2 is provided at the sides 4, 5 with two circular projections 47, 48 delimiting the cable winding zone 33.

[0090] In [Fig.5], the drum 2 is shown completely fitted onto the shaft 6, in the state connecting the power connector 15 with the complementary connector 25. Advantageously, the flat 10 extends over a length corresponding to the length of the shaft 6.

[0091] It can also be seen in [Fig.5] that the complementary connector 25 is attached to the internal flank 4 of the drum 2. However, the complementary connector can be in one piece with the drum 2 and form the internal flank of the drum 2.

[0092] According to the present invention, the device may further comprise a slicing system (not shown), oriented parallel to the shaft 6, and well known to those skilled in the art. Thus, the slicing system may be produced by any elements allowing a sliding connection, for example a smooth axis, a trapezoidal screw, a ball screw, a slide or even a slicing screw.

[0093] Furthermore, also not shown, the device may comprise a cover. Advantageously, the cover carries the means for locking the drum 2 in the fully engaged position on the shaft 6 with the power connector 15 and the complementary connector 25 connected. The cover makes it possible to protect the interior of the device from impurities or water.

[0094] Alternatively, the drum 2 is carried by the hood. In this case, rolling means are provided between the hood and the drum.

[0095] In [Fig.5], it can be seen that there is also represented a set 49 comprising a wired or wired-made drone and a base according to the present invention, comprising a wired or wired-made drone 50 and a base considered to support the cable winding device 46 as mentioned above. The drone 50 is connected to the cable 33 wound on the drum 2 of the cable winding device 46, the cable 33 being configured to connect and connect the drone 50 to the base.

[0096] It should be noted here that the system and device according to the present invention are not limited to use for a drone.

[0097] Preferably, the cable 33 is an electrical cable enabling the drone 48 to be powered from a power supply (not shown) of the wired or wired drone assembly 50 and a base. However, it should be noted that the cable 33 may be, instead of or in addition to, a data transmission cable between the base and the drone, the terminal blocks carried by the power connector 15 and the complementary connector 25 being chosen accordingly.

[0098] Thus, the system 1 and the device 46 provide an electromechanical connection which allows the transmission of electricity and / or data between a fixed part and a rotating mobile part, as well as to a device associated with the latter.

[0099] We will describe below the operation of the system according to the present invention.

[0100] As can be seen in [Fig.2], in the state of the drum 2 not fitted onto the shaft 6, the compression spring 45 is relaxed and forces the flange 35 into abutment against the internal face 38 of the flange 11, the cylindrical projection 39 protruding beyond the flange 11.

[0101] To fit the drum 2 onto the shaft 6, and as can be seen in [Fig. 3], the flank 4 of the drum 2 carrying the complementary connector 25 is approached at the level of the flange 11, the rib 34 of the electromechanical connection part 28 of the complementary connector 25 is passed into the passage 44 of the flange 35, the cylindrical projection 39 of the flange 35 is introduced into the through-housing 40 of the complementary connector 25 and the rib 41 of the flange 35 grips the outer perimeter of the inner flank 4 of the drum 2. In this way, the drum 2 is forced to be aligned in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 6. Pressure is exerted on the drum 2 in opposition to the compression spring 45 so as to fit the drum 2 over its entire length onto the shaft 6, until the outer flank 5 of the drum 2 or at the level of the flange 11, as can be seen in [Fig.4].There, on the one hand the electrical connection between the male terminal block 32 of the complementary connector 25 and the female terminal block 23 of the power connector 15 and, on the other hand the mechanical connection between the rib 34 of the complementary connector 25 and the groove 24 of the power connector 15 are made. The locking means lock the drum 2 in position. During the translation operation of the drum 2, the latter is kept aligned in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 6 thanks to the flange 35.

[0102] The motor 9 rotates the shaft 6. Because, on the one hand, the power connector 15, the flange 35 and the complementary connector 25 are mounted on the shaft 6 and held thereon by means of the flat 10, and because, on the other hand, the power connector 15, the flange 35 and the complementary connector 25 form a mechanically connected assembly, the power connector 15, the flange 35 and the complementary connector 25 are rotated simultaneously. The cable 33 can thus be wound and unwound on the drum 2 and the drone 50 can be brought towards or can move away from the base. The use of a rotating collector allows a permanent electrical transmission, or a data transmission where appropriate, between a power supply, or a control device or any other suitable device, and the drone via the cable.

[0103] Thanks to the system 1 according to the present invention, the replacement of the drum 2 and maintenance are facilitated. Indeed, to extract the drum 2, it is sufficient to unlock the locking means, the compression spring 45 then pushing the flange 35 until it stops against the flange 11, thereby separating the complementary connector 25 from the power connector 15 by disconnecting them mechanically and electrically. All that remains is to perform the mechanical disconnection between the complementary connector 25 / flange 35 and drum 2 / flange 35 pairs.

[0104] It is understood that the embodiments which have just been described have been given for informational and non-limiting purposes and that modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Claims - Feeding and driving system (1) for a winding and feeding drum (2) of electric cable (33), characterized in that the system (1) comprises: - a shaft (6) configured to support a drum (2) and to be rotationally fixed to the drum (2), the shaft (6) having a free end (7) and a rotational drive end (8) supported by at least one bearing configured to be rotationally driven, - a flange (11) arranged around the free end (7) of the shaft (6), the flange (11) having a circular through opening (14) formed transversely to the shaft (6), centered on the shaft (6) and sized to allow the drum (2) to be fitted onto the shaft (6) through the flange (11), - a power connector (15) mounted on the shaft (6) between the bearing and the flange (11), integral in rotation with the shaft (6), - a flange (35) mounted movably on the shaft (6) between the power connector (15) and the flange (11), the flange (35) having a face (38) oriented towards the flange (11) side having a surface area greater than the surface area of ​​the circular opening (14) of the flange (11) and on which at least one drum alignment member (41) is formed, the surface of the flange (35) further having a passage (44), return means (45) being mounted on the shaft (6) between the flange (35) and the power connector (15), and - a connector (25) complementary to the power connector (15), configured to be carried by a flank (4) of the drum (2) and to supply the cable (33) wound on the drum (2), the complementary connector (25) having a surface area smaller than the surface area of ​​the circular opening (14) of the flange (11), the passage (44) of the flange (35) being configured to allow the connection of the power connector (15) and the complementary connector (25) through the flange (35) when a drum (2) is fitted onto the shaft (6), the connection position of the flange (35) and the complementary connector (25) corresponding to the position where the flank (4) of the drum (2) carrying the complementary connector (25) is at the level of the flange (11), and the connection position of the power connector (15) and the complementary connector (25) corresponding to the position where the flank (5) of the drum (2) opposite At side (4) carrying the complementary connector (25) is at the level of the flange (11).

2. - Feeding and driving system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises means for locking a drum (2) in the position fitted on the shaft (6).

3. - Power supply and drive system (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the shaft (6) has at least one inflection (10) extending in the longitudinal direction of the shaft (6) from the free end (7) towards the bearing, the flange (35) and / or the complementary connector (25) on the one hand, and the power connector (15) on the other hand, having an insertion opening (36, 27, 16) on the shaft (6) of a shape complementary to the at least one inflection (10) to ensure rotational drive of the power connector (15), the flange (35) and the complementary connector (25) with the shaft (6).

4. - Feed and drive system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one inflection is one of a flat, a rib, a groove.

5. - Power supply and drive system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the power supply connector (15) and the complementary connector (25) are of the male / female type, the passage (44) of the flange (35) being crossed by the male part (34).

6. - Power supply and drive system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the power supply connector (15) and the complementary connector (25) comprise male (32) and female (23) terminal blocks.

7. - Power supply and drive system (1) according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that the female terminal block (23) is carried by the power supply connector (15).

8. - Power supply and drive system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the return means (45) are one of a tension spring, a compression spring, an elastic.

9. - Feed and drive system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a projection (39) is formed on the surface (38) of the flange (35) oriented flange side (11), the projection (39) being centered on the shaft (6) and crossed by the shaft (6) and being configured to be inserted into a corresponding through housing (40) formed on the complementary connector (25), the through housing (40) also being centered on the shaft (6) and crossed by the shaft (6), to ensure good positioning of the complementary connector (25) on the flange (35) when a drum (2) is fitted onto the shaft (6).

10. - Feeding and driving system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the projection (39) is cylindrical, trapezoidal, pyramidal or cruciform.

11. - Power supply and drive system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises at least one motor (9) electrically powered by the power supply and configured to drive the at least one bearing in rotation.

12. - Feed and drive system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one drum alignment member (41) is a projection formed on all or part of a circular path centered on the shaft (6) and of diameter corresponding to the internal diameter of the circular opening (14) of the flange (11), such that when the flange (35) is in abutment against the flange (11), the at least one drum alignment member (41) rotates on the edges of the through opening (14) of the flange (11).

13. - Cable winding device (46) comprising a power supply and drive system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a drum (2) on which a cable (33) is wound and one side (4) of which carries the complementary connector (25), the drum (2) being intended to be fitted onto the shaft (6) to allow a connection of the power supply connector (15) with the complementary connector (25).

14. - Cable winding device (46) according to claim 13, characterized in that the complementary connector (25) forms the side of the drum or is attached to it.

15. - Cable winding device (46) according to any one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that it further comprises a shunting system.

16. - Cable winding device (46) according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that it further comprises a cover carrying the means for locking the drum (2) in the position fitted on the shaft (6) with the power connector (15) and the complementary connector (25) connected.

17. - Cable winding device according to claim 16, characterized in that the drum is carried by the hood.

18. - Cable winding device according to one of claims 13 to 17 when dependent on claim 3, characterized in that the inflection (10) is formed over a length of the shaft (6) from its free end (7) corresponding to the length of the drum (2).

19. - A wired or wired drone assembly and a base (49), characterized in that it comprises a base equipped with a cable winding device (46) according to any one of claims 13 to 18, a drone (50) and a cable (33) wound on the cable winding device (46) and configured to connect the drone (50) to the base.

Images