Crimping pliers

Abstract

The invention relates to a decrimping pliers (1) for a crimped edge (2) of two sheets folded over each other and forming the crimped edge (2), the decrimping pliers (1) comprising a first lever (11) and a second lever (12) pivotally connected to the first lever (11) via a rotation axis (O1), a first wheel (13) associated with a drive axis (O2) held in the first lever (11) by a first ball bearing, the first wheel (13) comprising a peripheral groove (131) intended to be brought into contact against a fold (21) of the crimped edge (2), a second wheel (14) secured to a pivot axis (O3) associated with the second lever (12) via a second ball bearing, the second wheel (14) comprising a circumferential rib intended to be introduced under the crimped edge (2) opposite the fold (21), opposite the peripheral groove of the first wheel (13),a control lever (15) secured to the drive shaft (O2) of the first wheel (13) and enabling said first wheel (13) to rotate around said drive shaft (O2). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Crimping pliers

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of tools used in particular in the automotive field for shaping crimped sheets. More particularly, the invention relates to a decrimping plier.

[0002] When crimping the openings of a motor vehicle during assembly, it sometimes happens that a lower part of a side window pillar is poorly crimped, for example due to a problem of incompatibility between the parts. Such an incompatibility can sometimes be corrected by locally retouching the crimping of the pillar. To this end, the operator must then uncrimp the edge of the pillar in order to then be able to re-crimp it correctly. Today, there are no specific uncrimping tools that allow the operator to carry out this corrective operation efficiently and safely, for himself as well as with respect to the sheet metal parts located at the level of the pillar and the crimped edge. In a known manner, the operator uncrimps the crimped edge of the pillar using a screwdriver or a wider tool: by applying the blade of the screwdriver against the crimped edge, he then attempts to spread the sheet metal by striking the screwdriver with a hammer.

[0003] This operation is delicate and the risk of damage to the sheet metal forming the upright and / or the crimped edge is significant, in particular due to the lack of precision in the force applied to the hammer: in fact, in the event of too strong a blow given to the hammer, the deformation force applied to the crimped edge by the screwdriver could lead to excessive deformation of the corresponding sheet metal, or even to unwanted marking of the latter. Furthermore, this operation is not viable for long lengths to be taken up, because the multiplicity and unstable application of the screwdriver against the crimped edge increases the risk of injury for the operator.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to propose a new decrimping pliers, in order to respond at least to a large extent to the preceding problems and to further lead to other advantages.

[0005] Another aim of the invention is to improve the precision and the performance of such decrimping in the context of a partial resumption of a crimped edge on a motor vehicle during assembly.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to improve the safety of an operator carrying out such an operation of reworking the crimped edge.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to allow the uncrimping of a crimped edge over a great length.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a clamp for uncapping a crimped edge of two sheets folded over each other. and forming the crimped edge, the crimping pliers comprising:

[0009] - a first lever and a second lever pivotally connected to the first lever via an axis of rotation;

[0010] - a first wheel associated with the first lever, the first wheel comprising a peripheral groove intended to be placed in contact against a fold of the crimped edge;

[0011] - a second wheel secured to the second lever, the second wheel comprising a circumferential rib intended to be introduced under the crimped edge opposite the fold, opposite the peripheral groove of the first wheel;

[0012] - a control lever for the first wheel, the control lever being secured to a drive shaft of the first wheel allowing said first wheel to rotate around said drive shaft.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the first and second levers form gripping means for the decapping pliers. Each first lever and second lever have an elongated shape which facilitates manual gripping of each of them. The first lever and the second lever thus have a main elongation direction, so that the first lever and the second lever extend parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the first wheel is associated with the first lever. The first wheel is configured to collaborate with the fold of the crimped edge that is to be uncrimped. The first wheel thus forms a wheel that can rotate about the drive axis, the first wheel being integral with the drive axis, as well as the control lever, the drive axis being rotatable relative to the first lever. Thus, the first wheel is intended to be placed against the fold of the crimped edge to be uncrimped, at a peripheral contour of said first wheel. In the context of the present invention, the peripheral contour of the first wheel is its peripheral groove. The peripheral groove extends radially about the drive axis of the first wheel.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the second wheel is associated with the second lever. The second wheel is configured to collaborate with a rebate inserted in the fold of the crimped edge and which is to be uncrimped. The second wheel thus forms a wheel that can rotate about a pivot axis, the second wheel being rotatable relative to the second lever. Thus, the second wheel is intended to be affixed under the fold of the crimped edge, between the rebate to be uncrimped and said fold, at a peripheral contour of said second wheel. In the context of the present invention, the peripheral contour of the second wheel is its circumferential rib. The circumferential rib extends radially about the pivot axis of the second wheel.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the control lever forms a means of drive shaft control. The control lever allows the drive shaft to rotate around itself. The control lever is connected to the drive shaft at a free end of said drive shaft. The control lever thus extends beyond the drive shaft and the first lever, in order to allow easy gripping by the user. The control lever extends opposite the second lever, relative to the first lever.

[0017] Thus, the decrimping pliers make it possible to facilitate the decrimping of a crimped edge of a sheet metal part used on a motor vehicle during assembly. The decrimping pliers according to the invention are first positioned against the crimped edge, the peripheral groove of the first wheel being placed against the fold of the crimped edge and the circumferential rib of the second wheel being located opposite the fold of the crimped edge, on the side of the rebate housed inside the crimped edge, without said second wheel being, for the moment, engaged in the crimped edge.

[0018] Then, the decrimping pliers are tightened, by actuating the first lever and the second lever relative to each other, causing a relative rotational movement of the first lever relative to the second lever and around the axis of rotation. The first wheel being in abutment against the fold of the crimped edge, this tightening movement leads to bringing the second wheel closer to the first wheel, on the other side of the crimped edge. This movement of bringing the two wheels closer together leads to the circumferential rib of the second wheel approaching the crimped rebate, in the crimped edge, thus generating a spreading force against the rebate and the crimped edge itself, leading to its opening and to the separation of the rebate from the fold of the crimped edge.

[0019] Finally, actuation of the control lever, so as to rotate the pivot axis of the first wheel, makes it possible to rotate the first wheel and induce a translational movement of the crimping pliers on the crimped edge. By maintaining a constant force between the first lever and the second lever, the operator thus maintains a constant force on the rebate and the fold of said crimped edge, so as to open it with ease and precision.

[0020] Thus, the decrimping pliers according to the first aspect of the invention solve the technical problem in that they make it easier to decrimp a crimped sheet metal part, reducing both the risks of damage to the sheet metal part and the risks of injury to the operator.

[0021] The decrimping pliers according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprise at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0022] - the first lever and the second lever extend parallel to each other, in in particular, each first lever and second lever is perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This advantageous configuration allows simplified one-handed gripping of the decrimping pliers;

[0023] - the rotation axis is distinct from the drive axis. In particular, the axis of rotation is parallel to the drive axis;

[0024] - the rotation axis comprises axial retaining members for the first lever and the second lever. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to keep the first lever and the second lever axially locked on the axis of rotation. By "axial locking", we mean locking the first lever and the second lever along the axis of rotation, that is to say relative to the direction of elongation of said axis of rotation. The axial retaining members comprise axial locking nuts which are associated with the first lever and the second lever;

[0025] - the first wheel is fixed securely to the control lever by the drive shaft extending transversely to the first lever. In particular, the control lever is screwed securely to a first end of the drive shaft, the first wheel being held axially against the first lever at a second end of the drive shaft. Advantageously, the drive shaft is a fixing screw which extends through the first lever and which is engaged with the control lever, a head of the fixing screw retaining the first wheel against the first lever;

[0026] - for this purpose, the crimping pliers comprise a first cooperating ball bearing with the drive shaft, the first ball bearing being housed in the first lever. The drive shaft passes through the first ball bearing to allow rotation of the drive shaft around itself and relative to the first lever;

[0027] - the first wheel has a cylindrical bearing engaged in the first lever, at a face located opposite the second lever. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to improve the positioning of the first wheel, and to prevent it from moving when tightening the decapping pliers. In particular, the first lever comprises, at a face located opposite the second lever, a peripheral counterbore with a through hole through which the drive shaft is inserted, the cylindrical surface of the first wheel being engaged in the counterbore;

[0028] - the control lever comprises at least one grip handle in order to facilitate the handling of the decapping pliers and the rotation of the first wheel. Each at least one gripping handle extends in a secant manner to the drive axis, and preferably in a perpendicular manner;

[0029] - the peripheral groove of the first wheel has a rough surface. This advantageous configuration allows to increase the friction between the peri-groove spherical of the first wheel and the fold of the crimped edge, thus making it possible to prevent the first wheel, during its rotation, from slipping on the crimped edge but, on the contrary, from generating a translational movement along said crimped edge;

[0030] - the peripheral groove of the first wheel has a curved profile. Preferably Initially, the peripheral groove of the first wheel has a rounded profile complementary or similar to that of the fold of the crimped edge, so as to promote the support of the first wheel - through its peripheral groove - against the fold of the crimped edge;

[0031] - the second wheel is mounted to rotate freely relative to the second lever, the second wheel being rotatably mounted about a pivot axis. The pivot axis passes through the second lever. An orientation of the pivot axis of the second wheel is secant with respect to an orientation of the drive axis of the first wheel. In particular, the second wheel is inclined towards the first wheel;

[0032] - the crimping pliers have a second ball bearing collaborating with the pivot axis, the second ball bearing being housed in the second lever. The pivot axis passes through the second ball bearing in order to allow rotation of the pivot axis around itself and relative to the second lever;

[0033] - the second wheel has a curved face delimiting the circumferential rib ential. The curved face of the circumferential rib has an acute angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. This advantageous configuration makes it easier to insert the second wheel - and in particular its circumferential rib - between the rebate and the fold of the crimped edge, in order to allow the fold to be moved away from the rebate when the crimping pliers are used;

[0034] - the curved face of the second wheel is located opposite the second lever;

[0035] - the first lever and / or the second lever are formed from a material comprising plastic or a more rigid material.

[0036] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the different optional characteristics set out here.

[0037] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0038] [Fig.l] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a decrimping pliers according to the first aspect of the invention and configured in a first functional state;

[0039] [Fig.2] illustrates a partial sectional view of the decrimping pliers illustrated in the [Fig.l];

[0040] [Fig.3] illustrates a three-dimensional view of the decrimping pliers illustrated in the [Fig.l] and configured in a second functional state;

[0041] [Fig.4] illustrates a partial sectional view of the decrimping pliers illustrated in the [Fig.3].

[0042] Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0043] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0044] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0045] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 4, the invention relates to a decrimping pliers 1 for a crimped edge 2 of two sheets folded over each other and forming the crimped edge 2, the decrimping pliers 1 comprising:

[0046] - a first lever 11 and a second lever 12 pivotally connected to the first lever 11 via a rotation axis 01;

[0047] - a first wheel 13 associated with the first lever 11, the first wheel 13 comprising a peripheral groove 131 intended to be placed in contact against a fold 21 of the crimped edge 2;

[0048] - a second wheel 14 secured to the second lever 12, the second wheel 14 comprising a circumferential rib 141 intended to be introduced under the crimped edge 2 opposite the fold 21, opposite the peripheral groove 131 of the first wheel 13;

[0049] - a control lever 15 of the first wheel 13, the control lever 15 being integral with a drive shaft 02 of the first wheel 13 allowing said first wheel 13 to rotate around said drive shaft 02.

[0050] In FIGURES 1 and 2, the decrimping pliers 1 are presented in an open configuration, i.e. as implemented to be applied to a crimped edge 2. In this configuration, the first wheel 13 is placed against the crimped edge 2 while the second wheel 14 is located below and at a distance from the rebate. 22 corresponding to the crimped edge 2, the decrimping pliers 1 being open. On the other hand, in FIGURES 3 and 4, the decrimping pliers 1 are presented in a closed configuration, that is to say as implemented to decrimp the crimped edge 2. In this configuration, the first wheel 13 is leaning against the crimped edge 2 and the second wheel 14 is applied against the corresponding rebate 22 of the crimped edge 2, the second wheel 14 exerting a lateral force on the rebate 22 so as to open the crimped edge 2 and to spread the corresponding fold 21.

[0051] The first lever 11 and the second lever 12 form means for gripping the decapping pliers 1. Each lever 11, 12 is configured to be grasped by one of the operator's hands. For this purpose, the first lever 11 and the second lever 12 have an elongated shape along an elongation axis perpendicular to the rotation axis 01 of the first lever 11 relative to the second lever 12. The first lever 11 and the second lever 12 comprise a gripping sleeve at a first end, and a fixing plate for the first wheel 13 and the second wheel 14, at a second end. The fixing plate has larger dimensions than those of the gripping sleeve. The first lever 11 is rotatably mounted relative to the second lever 12, by a rotation at their respective fixing plate.In other words, the rotation axis 01 of the decrimping pliers 1 is mounted through the fixing plate of the first lever 11 and the fixing plate of the second lever 12.

[0052] The two levers 12, 13 are thus articulated relative to each other around the axis of rotation 01, thus allowing a clamping movement of one relative to the other with a reduction in the force applied between the first wheel 13 and the second wheel 14.

[0053] The first wheel 13 is rotatably mounted relative to the first lever 11. The first wheel 13 is integral with the drive shaft 02 which passes right through the first lever 11 via a first ball bearing 16. In particular, the first wheel 13 is integral with a first axial end of the drive shaft 02, located on the side of the second lever 12, so that the first wheel 13 is located axially in an intermediate position between the first lever 11 and the second lever 12.

[0054] The first ball bearing 16 is housed in the fixing plate of the first lever 11. The drive shaft 02 passes right through the first lever 11 and is coupled to the first ball bearing 16, ensuring robust support and orientation.

[0055] At a second axial end of the drive shaft 02, opposite its first end, the drive shaft 02 is secured to the control lever 15. The control lever 15 is thus located opposite the second lever 12 relative to the fixing plate of the first lever 11. In order to facilitate the rotation of the drive shaft 02, the control lever 15 is provided with a support 15. rotation 01 and the first wheel 13, the control lever 15 advantageously comprises two gripping handles which extend radially on either side of a cylindrical or conical body of the control lever 15. The body of the control lever 15 extends in the extension of the axis of rotation 01, and the control handles extend perpendicular to said body of the control lever 15.

[0056] As visible in [Fig.l], the first wheel 13 comprises a peripheral groove 131 which extends around the axis of rotation 01 of said first wheel 13. The peripheral groove 131 has a U-shaped profile so as to be able to accommodate the fold 21 of the crimped edge 2. Furthermore, in order to limit the sliding of the first wheel 13 on the fold 21 when the axis of rotation 01 is rotated by the control lever 15, the peripheral groove 131 advantageously has a rough surface so as to increase the friction forces between the peripheral groove 131 and the fold 21 of the crimped edge 2. Thus, when the first wheel 13 is rotated, the first wheel 13 rolls along the crimped edge 2e and makes it possible to apply the crimping force along said crimped edge 2.

[0057] The second wheel 14 is associated with the second lever 12, and more particularly with its fixing plate. The second wheel 14 is located below the first wheel 13, and substantially in line with it. The second wheel 14 is rotatable about a pivot axis 03 inclined relative to the drive axis 02 of the first wheel 13, in order to facilitate its insertion into the crimped edge 2 at the level of the rebate 22. The second wheel 14 is located in an intermediate position between the first lever 11 and the second lever 12. In a direction perpendicular to the drive axis 02, the second wheel 14 - and in particular the pivot axis 03 - is located below the first lever 11 in order to facilitate its insertion into the crimped edge 2 at the level of the rebate 22.

[0058] The pivot axis 03 of the second wheel 14 is mounted to rotate freely relative to the fixing plate of the second lever 12. For this purpose, the second lever 12 houses a second ball bearing 17 which locates the pivot axis 03. The pivot axis 03 passes right through the second lever 12 and is coupled to the second ball bearing 17, ensuring robust maintenance and orientation of the pivot axis 03 and the second wheel 14.

[0059] The second wheel 14 has a projecting edge in order to maximize the spreading force at the rebate 22 of the crimped edge 2, and in order to facilitate its insertion from below when the decrimping pliers 1 are closed. In other words, the second wheel 14 has a peripheral rib which forms a projecting edge around the pivot axis 03. The peripheral rib has a circular profile around the pivot axis 03.

[0060] The operation of the decapping pliers 1 is as follows:

[0061] - first, the decrimping pliers 1 are positioned against the crimped edge 2, the groove peripheral 131 of the first wheel 13 being placed against the fold 21 of the crimped edge 2 and the circumferential rib 141 of the second wheel 14 being located opposite the fold of the crimped edge 2, on the side of the rebate 22 housed inside the crimped edge 2, without said second wheel 14 being, for the moment, engaged in a against the crimped edge 2;

[0062] - then, the decapping pliers 1 are tightened, by actuating the first lever 11 and the second lever 12 relative to each other, causing a relative rotational movement of the first lever 11 relative to the second lever 12 and around the axis of rotation 01. The first wheel 13 being in abutment against the fold 21 of the crimped edge 2, this tightening movement leads to bringing the second wheel 14 closer to the first wheel 13, on the other side of the crimped edge 2. This movement of bringing the two wheels closer together leads to the circumferential rib 141 of the second wheel 14 approaching the crimped rebate 22, in the crimped edge 2e, thus generating a separation force against the rebate 22 and the crimped edge 2 itself, leading to its opening and to the separation of the rebate 22 from the fold 21 of the crimped edge 2.

[0063] - finally, an actuation of the control lever 15, so as to rotate the axis pivoting 03 of the first wheel 13, makes it possible to rotate the first wheel 13 and to induce a translational movement of the decrimping pliers 1 on the crimped edge 2. By maintaining a constant force between the first lever 11 and the second lever 12, the operator thus maintains a constant force on the rebate 22 and the fold 21 of said crimped edge 2, so as to open it with ease and precision.

[0064] In summary, the invention relates to a decrimping pliers 1 for decrimping a crimped edge 2 of two sheets folded over each other and forming the crimped edge 2, the decrimping pliers 1 comprising a first lever 11 and a second lever 12 pivotally connected to the first lever 11 by means of a rotation axis 01, a first wheel 13 associated with a drive axis 02 held in the first lever 11 by a first ball bearing 16, the first wheel 13 comprising a peripheral groove 131 intended to be brought into contact against a fold 21 of the crimped edge 2, a second wheel 14 secured to a pivot axis 03 associated with the second lever 12 by means of a second ball bearing 17, the second wheel 14 comprising a circumferential rib 141 intended to be introduced under the crimped edge 2 opposite of fold 21, opposite the peripheral groove 131 of the first wheel 13,a control lever 15 secured to the drive shaft 02 of the first wheel 13 and enabling said first wheel 13 to be rotated around said drive shaft 02.,

[0065] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above may be combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Crimping pliers (1) for a crimped edge (2) of two sheets folded over each other and forming the crimped edge (2), the crimping pliers (1) comprising: - a first lever (11) and a second lever (12) pivotally connected to the first lever (11) via a rotation axis (01); - a first wheel (13) associated with the first lever (11), the first wheel (13) comprising a peripheral groove (131) intended to be brought into contact against a fold (21) of the crimped edge (2); - a second wheel (14) secured to the second lever (12), the second wheel (14) comprising a circumferential rib (141) intended to be introduced under the crimped edge (2) opposite the fold (21), opposite the peripheral groove (131) of the first wheel (13);- a control lever (15) for the first wheel (13), the control lever (15) being secured to a drive shaft (02) of the first wheel (13) enabling said first wheel (13) to be rotated around said drive shaft (02).;

2. Crimping pliers (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the rotation axis (01) is distinct from the drive axis (02), and the rotation axis (01) is parallel to the drive axis (02).

3. Crimping pliers (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crimping pliers comprises a first ball bearing (16) collaborating with the drive shaft (02), the first ball bearing (16) being housed in the first lever (11).

4. Crimping pliers (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first wheel (13) comprises a cylindrical bearing surface (132) engaged in the first lever (11), at a face located opposite the second lever (12).

5. Crimping pliers (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first lever (11) comprises, at a face located opposite the second lever (12), a peripheral counterbore with a through hole through which the drive shaft (02) is inserted, the cylindrical bearing surface (132) of the first wheel (13) being engaged in the counterbore.

6. A decrimping pliers (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral groove (131) of the first wheel (13) has a rough surface.

7. A decrimping pliers (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second wheel (14) is inclined towards the first wheel (13).

8. Crimping pliers (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the crimping pliers comprise a second ball bearing (17) collaborating with the pivot axis (03), the second ball bearing (17) being housed in the second lever (12).

9. A decrimping pliers (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second wheel (14) has a curved face delimiting the circumferential rib (141).

10. Crimping pliers (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the curved face of the circumferential rib (141) has an acute angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis (03).

Images