Disconnecting pliers

Abstract

The invention relates to a de-sealing tool (1) for a crimped edge (2) of two sheets folded one over the other and forming the crimped edge (2), the de-sealing tool (1) comprising a first lever (11) and a second lever (12) pivotally connected to the first lever (11) by means of a pivot axis (O1), a first knurled wheel (13) associated with a drive shaft (O2) held in the first lever (11) by a first ball bearing, the first knurled wheel (13) having a peripheral groove (131) intended to be brought into contact with a fold (21) of the crimped edge (2), a second knurled wheel (14) integral with a pivot axis (O3) associated with the second lever (12) by means of a second ball bearing, the second knurled wheel (14) having a circumferential rib intended to be inserted under the crimped edge (2) opposite the fold (21), opposite the peripheral groove of the first wheel (13),a control lever (15) fixed to the drive shaft (O2) of the first knob (13) and allowing said first knob (13) to be rotated around said drive shaft (O2). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Defrosting pliers

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of tools used particularly in the automotive field for shaping crimped sheet metal. More specifically, the invention relates to a crimping tool.

[0002] During the crimping of the openings of a motor vehicle being assembled, it sometimes happens that the lower part of a side window pillar is incorrectly crimped, for example, due to a problem of incompatibility between the parts. Such an incompatibility can sometimes be corrected by locally adjusting the crimping of the pillar. To this end, the operator must then loosen the edge of the pillar in order to then re-crimp it correctly. Currently, there are no specific loosening tools that allow the operator to perform this corrective operation efficiently and safely, both for themselves and with regard to the sheet metal parts located at the pillar and the crimped edge. Typically, the operator loosens the crimped edge of the pillar using a screwdriver or a wider tool: by applying the screwdriver blade against the crimped edge, they then attempt to pry the sheet metal apart by striking the screwdriver with a hammer.

[0003] This operation is delicate, and the risk of damaging the sheet metal forming the upright and / or the crimped edge is significant, particularly due to the lack of precision in the force applied with the hammer. Indeed, if the hammer blow is too forceful, the deformation force imparted to the crimped edge by the screwdriver could lead to excessive deformation of the corresponding sheet metal, or even to unwanted marking of it. Furthermore, this operation is not practical for long lengths of work, as the repeated and unstable application of the screwdriver against the crimped edge increases the risk of injury to the operator.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a new defrosting tool, in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to other advantages.

[0005] Another object of the invention is to improve the precision and execution of such unsewing in the context of a partial reworking of a crimped edge on a motor vehicle during assembly.

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

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

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a tool for unsealing a crimped edge of two sheets folded one on top of the other and forming the crimped edge, the crimping tool comprising:

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

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

[0011] - a second knob attached to the second lever, the second knob comprising a circumferential rib intended to be inserted under the crimped edge opposite the fold, opposite the peripheral groove of the first roller;

[0012] - a control lever for the first wheel, the control lever being attached 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 unsealing pliers. Each first and second lever has an elongated shape that facilitates manual gripping of each of them. The first and second levers thus have a principal direction of elongation, such that the first and second levers extend parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the first knurled wheel is associated with the first lever. The first knurled wheel is configured to interact with the fold of the crimped edge that is to be uncrimped. The first knurled wheel thus forms a wheel that rotates around the drive axis, the first knurled wheel being fixed to the drive axis, as is the control handle, the drive axis being rotatable relative to the first lever. Thus, the first knurled wheel is intended to be pressed against the fold of the crimped edge to be uncrimped, at a peripheral contour of said first knurled wheel. In the context of the present invention, the peripheral contour of the first knurled wheel is its peripheral groove. The peripheral groove extends radially around the drive axis of the first knurled wheel.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the second roller is associated with the second lever. The second roller is configured to work with a rebate inserted into the fold of the crimped edge, which is to be uncrimped. The second roller thus forms a wheel that rotates about a pivot axis, the second roller being rotationally mobile relative to the second lever. Therefore, the second roller is intended to be positioned under the fold of the crimped edge, between the rebate to be uncrimped and said fold, at a peripheral contour of said second roller. In the context of the present invention, the peripheral contour of the second roller is its circumferential rib. The circumferential rib extends radially around the pivot axis of the second roller.

[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 be rotated around its own axis. The control lever is attached to the drive shaft at one of its free ends. The control lever thus protrudes from the drive shaft and the first lever, allowing for easy gripping by the user. The control lever extends opposite the second lever, relative to the first lever.

[0017] Thus, the de-sealing tool makes it easier to de-seale a crimped edge of a sheet metal part used on a motor vehicle during assembly. The de-sealing tool according to the invention is first positioned against the crimped edge, the peripheral groove of the first wheel being pressed 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] Next, the de-crimping tool is tightened by actuating the first and second levers relative to each other, resulting in a relative rotation of the first lever with respect to the second lever and around the axis of rotation. With the first knurled wheel resting against the fold of the crimped edge, this tightening movement causes the second knurled wheel to move closer to the first, on the other side of the crimped edge. This movement of the two knurled wheels causes the circumferential rib of the second knurled wheel to approach 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 the separation of the rebate from the fold of the crimped edge.

[0019] Finally, actuating the control lever, so as to rotate the pivot axis of the first wheel, allows the first wheel to rotate and induces a translational movement of the crimping pliers on the crimped edge. By maintaining a constant force between the first and second levers, the operator thus maintains a constant force on the rebate and the fold of said crimped edge, so as to open it easily and precisely.

[0020] Thus, the de-crimping tool conforming to the first aspect of the invention solves the technical problem in that it makes it easier to de-crimp 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 defrosting 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 and second lever is perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This advantageous configuration allows for simplified one-handed gripping of the crimping tool;

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

[0024] - the axis of rotation includes axial retaining elements for the first lever and the second lever. This advantageous configuration allows the first and second levers to be axially locked on the axis of rotation. "Axial locking" refers to locking the first and second levers along the axis of rotation, that is, relative to the direction of elongation of said axis of rotation. The axial retaining devices include axial locking nuts that are associated with the first and second levers;

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

[0026] - for this purpose, the crimping tool includes a first ball bearing collaborating with the drive shaft, the first ball bearing being housed in the first lever. The drive shaft passes through the first ball bearing in order 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 the level of a face located opposite the second lever. This advantageous configuration improves the positioning of the first wheel and prevents it from moving when tightening the crimping tool. In particular, the first lever has, at the level of a face located opposite the second lever, a peripheral counterbore with a through hole through which the drive shaft is inserted, the cylindrical bearing surface of the first wheel being engaged in the counterbore;

[0028] - the control lever includes at least one gripping handle in order to to facilitate the handling of the defrosting pliers and the rotation of the first wheel. Each at least one gripping handle extends secantly to the drive axis, and preferably perpendicularly;

[0029] - the peripheral groove of the first wheel has a rough surface. This This advantageous configuration allows for increased friction between the peri- groove pherical of the first wheel and the fold of the crimped edge, thus preventing the first wheel, during its rotation, from slipping on the crimped edge but, on the contrary, from generating a translational displacement along said crimped edge;

[0030] - the peripheral groove of the first wheel has a curved profile. Preferred Specifically, the peripheral groove of the first wheel has a rounded profile that is 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 knob is mounted to rotate freely relative to the second lever, the The second knob is mounted to rotate around a pivot axis. The pivot axis passes through the second lever. One orientation of the pivot axis of the second knob is secant with respect to one orientation of the drive axis of the first knob. In particular, the second knob is inclined in the direction of the first knob;

[0032] - the crimping tool includes 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 rential. The curved face of the circumferential rib presents an acute angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. This advantageous configuration makes it easier to insert the second roller - 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 tool is used;

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

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

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

[0037] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given by reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0038] [Fig. 1] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an example of an embodiment of a defrosting pliers conforming to the first aspect of the invention and configured in a first functional state;

[0039] [Fig.2] illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the defrosting pliers shown on the [Fig.l];

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

[0041] [Fig.4] illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the defrosting pliers shown on the [Fig.3].

[0042] Of course, the features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, 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 are combinable 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 addresses a de-sealing tool 1 for a crimped edge 2 of two sheets folded one on top of the other and forming the crimped edge 2, the de-sealing tool 1 comprising:

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

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

[0048] - a second knob 14 attached to the second lever 12, the second knob 14 comprising a circumferential rib 141 intended to be inserted 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 fixed to a drive shaft 02 of the first wheel 13 allowing the said first wheel 13 to rotate around said drive shaft 02.

[0050] In FIGURES 1 and 2, the decrimping tool 1 is shown in an open configuration, i.e., as implemented to be applied to a crimped edge 2. In this configuration, the first wheel 13 is 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 uncrimping tool 1 being open. In contrast, in FIGURES 3 and 4, the uncrimping tool 1 is presented in a closed configuration, that is to say as implemented to uncrimp the crimped edge 2. In this configuration, the first wheel 13 is 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 gripping means for the unsealing pliers 1. Each lever 11, 12 is configured to be grasped by one of the operator's hands. To this end, the first lever 11 and the second lever 12 have an elongated shape along an elongation axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation 01 of the first lever 11 relative to the second lever 12. The first lever 11 and the second lever 12 have a gripping sleeve at one end and a mounting plate for the first knurled wheel 13 and the second knurled wheel 14 at the other end. The mounting plate has larger dimensions than the gripping sleeve. The first lever 11 is rotatably mounted relative to the second lever 12 by rotation at their respective mounting plates.In other words, the rotation axis 01 of the de-icing clamp 1 is mounted through the mounting plate of the first lever 11 and the mounting 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 multiplication of the force applied between the first wheel 13 and the second wheel 14.

[0053] The first wheel 13 is mounted to rotate relative to the first lever 11. The first wheel 13 is fixed to the drive shaft 02 which passes through the first lever 11 via a first ball bearing 16. In particular, the first wheel 13 is fixed to 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 mounting plate of the first lever 11. The drive shaft 02 passes through the first lever 11 and is coupled to the first ball bearing 16, ensuring robust retention and orientation.

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

[0056] As shown in [Fig. 1], the first roller 13 has a peripheral groove 131 extending around the axis of rotation 01 of said first roller 13. The peripheral groove 131 has a U-shaped profile so as to accommodate the fold 21 of the crimped edge 2. Furthermore, in order to limit the slippage of the first roller 13 on the fold 21 when the axis of rotation 01 is rotated by the control handle 15, the peripheral groove 131 advantageously has a roughened 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 roller 13 is rotated, the first roller 13 rolls along the crimped edge 2e and allows the uncrimping force to be applied along said crimped edge 2.

[0057] The second knurled wheel 14 is associated with the second lever 12, and more specifically with its mounting plate. The second knurled wheel 14 is located below the first knurled wheel 13, and substantially directly above it. The second knurled wheel 14 is rotatable about a pivot axis 03 inclined relative to the drive axis 02 of the first knurled wheel 13, in order to facilitate its insertion into the crimped edge 2 at the rebate 22. The second knurled 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 knurled 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 rebate 22.

[0058] The pivot axis 03 of the second knob 14 is mounted to rotate freely relative to the mounting 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 completely through the second lever 12 and is coupled to the second ball bearing 17, ensuring robust retention and orientation of the pivot axis 03 and the second knob 14.

[0059] The second roller 14 has a projecting edge to maximize the spreading force at the rebate 22 of the crimped edge 2, and to facilitate its insertion from below when the crimping tool 1 is closed. In other words, the second roller 14 has a peripheral rib that 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 decrimping tool 1 is as follows:

[0061] - first, the decrimping tool 1 is positioned against the crimped edge 2, the groove peripheral 131 of the first roller 13 being pressed against the fold 21 of the crimped edge 2 and the circumferential rib 141 of the second roller 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 the said second roller 14 being, for the moment, engaged in a against the crimped edge 2;

[0062] - next, the defragmenting clamp 1 is 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 contact with the fold 21 of the crimped edge 2, this tightening movement causes the second wheel 14 to move closer to the first wheel 13, on the other side of the crimped edge 2. This movement of the two wheels moving closer together causes the circumferential rib 141 of the second wheel 14 to approach the crimped rebate 22, in the crimped edge 2e, thus generating a spreading force against the rebate 22 and the crimped edge 2 itself, leading to its opening and 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 The pivoting 03 of the first wheel 13 allows the first wheel 13 to be rotated and induces a translational movement of the de-sealing clamp 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 achieve its opening with ease and precision.

[0064] In summary, the invention relates to a de-sealing tool 1 for a crimped edge 2 of two sheets folded one on top of the other and forming the crimped edge 2, the de-sealing tool 1 comprising a first lever 11 and a second lever 12 pivotally linked to the first lever 11 by means of a rotation axis 01, a first knurled wheel 13 associated with a drive axis 02 held in the first lever 11 by a first ball bearing 16, the first knurled wheel 13 having a peripheral groove 131 intended to be brought into contact with a fold 21 of the crimped edge 2, a second knurled wheel 14 integral with a pivot axis 03 associated with the second lever 12 by means of a second ball bearing 17, the second knurled wheel 14 having a circumferential rib 141 intended to be inserted under the crimped edge 2 opposite the fold 21, opposite the peripheral groove 131 of the first wheel 13,a control lever 15 fixed to the drive shaft 02 of the first knob 13 and allowing said first knob 13 to be rotated around said drive shaft 02.

[0065] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications 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 can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Specifically, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable.

Claims

Demands

1. A de-sealing tool (1) for a crimped edge (2) of two sheets folded one on top of the other and forming the crimped edge (2), the de-sealing tool (1) comprising: - a first lever (11) and a second lever (12) pivotally linked to the first lever (11) by means of a rotation axis (01); - a first wheel (13) associated with the first lever (11), the first wheel (13) having a peripheral groove (131) intended to be brought into contact against a fold (21) of the crimped edge (2); - a second wheel (14) integral with the second lever (12), the second wheel (14) having a circumferential rib (141) intended to be inserted under the crimped edge (2) opposite the fold (21), opposite the peripheral groove (131) of the first wheel (13);- 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 be rotated around said drive shaft (02).

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

3. A crimping tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the crimping tool 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. Debarking pliers (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wheel (13) has a cylindrical bearing (132) engaged in the first lever (11), at a face located opposite the second lever (12).

5. Debarking pliers (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first lever (11) has, 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 (132) of the first wheel (13) being engaged in the counterbore.

6. A de-icing tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral groove (131) of the first wheel (13) has a rough surface.

7. De-sealing pliers (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second wheel (14) is inclined in the direction of the first wheel (13).

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

9. Debarking pliers (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second wheel (14) has a curved face delimiting the circumferential rib (141).

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

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