Machine for inserting and gluing an electrical wire into a groove of a fencing blade, system and corresponding method

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine for depositing and gluing an electrical wire in a groove of a fencing blade (4). A holding system (104) defines a housing for the blade, and a movement system (3) allows the movement of a wire and glue dispensing system (2). The movement system includes a movable carriage and a support (314) for the wire and glue dispensing system (2). The machine also includes a device (313) for bringing the wire and glue dispensing system (2) closer to the blade (4), and a system (5) for bending the blade. The invention also relates to a system and a corresponding method for placing an electrical wire in a groove of a fencing blade. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 6

Description

Title of the invention: Machine for placing and gluing an electrical wire in a groove of a fencing blade, corresponding system and method FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to fencing blades, and in particular to the gluing, especially for replacement, of an electrical wire located in the groove of a fencing blade, such as a steel foil or épée blade. EARLIER ART

[0002] The integration of an electric wire system in fencing blades allows for precise and reliable measurement of touches during clashes between fencers.

[0003] However, the blades are subjected to heavy use during training and competitions, so the electrical wire housed in a groove of the blade wears out and eventually needs to be replaced.

[0004] Replacing the electrical wire in the groove of a fencing blade is an operation that has hitherto been tedious for an operator who has to perform many operations manually, some of which require a lot of precision, including placing the electrical wire in the groove of the blade and gluing it.

[0005] These operations are time-consuming, and the accuracy of the operations performed can vary from one operator to another.

[0006] Occasionally, the electrical wire is not correctly positioned in the groove of the blade, and / or the wire is damaged during the replacement operation. In particular, the wire may be cut or its insulating sheath may be damaged, resulting in unintended contact between the conductive part of the wire and the blade.

[0007] The present invention aims to address at least partially one or more of the problems described above. Summary of the invention

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a machine for the placement and gluing of an electrical wire in a groove of a fencing blade, the machine comprising: a blade holding system delimiting a blade receiving housing having a longitudinal axis; a system for moving an electrical wire and glue dispensing system, the movement system comprising: - a mobile carriage mounted to slide along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade receiving housing defined by the blade holding system; - a support for attaching the electrical wire and glue dispensing system, said support being carried by the trolley and allowing to receive the attachment support of the wire and glue dispensing system; - a trolley movement control system, such as a motor and a worm gear to which the trolley is coupled; the machine also includes: a system for moving said support for the electrical wire and glue dispensing system, to allow the electrical wire and glue dispensing system to be brought closer, preferably supported, relative to the blade in order to deposit the wire and glue in the groove of the blade during the advancement of the electrical wire and glue dispensing system using the carriage; and a system for bending the blade.

[0009] The machine according to the invention makes it possible to reliably place the electrical wire in the groove of a blade and glue it in place. In particular, the invention allows for accurate positioning of the electrical wire and reliable gluing of the wire in the groove of the blade, quickly and repeatably.

[0010] The machine may also include one or more of the following features taken in any technically permissible combination.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the blade bending system comprises: a first receiving system including a receiving member configured to receive a base in the screwed state of the base to a first end of the blade, called a front vise, which is articulated to a support fixed to the machine frame, around a lateral axis orthogonal to said lateral axis, and a second receiving system for a portion of the blade located on the side of the second end of the blade, the second receiving system comprising: - a device, called a pusher, comprising a first part and a second part articulated together around a lateral axis, the first part comprising a receiving device for an end part of the blade, - a displacement control system, preferably motorized, preferably connected to the second part of the pusher, and configured to move the pusher in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, preferably, an element, called a tunnel, for guiding the longitudinal movement of the pusher through which the pusher passes; an element, called a springboard, having an inclined ramp along which the first part of the pusher is able to move and lateral edges, for guiding the longitudinal movement and pivoting of the first part of the pusher over at least part of the pusher's travel stroke; the springboard being configured to guide the movement of the pusher so that, in the position of flexing the blade, the concavity of the blade is facing downwards.

[0012] According to one embodiment, in the flexing position of the blade, the articulation axis between the parts of the pusher is located outside the tunnel and on the side of the ramp, the first part of the pusher being inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the blade receiving housing, at an angle greater than the angle formed by said second part of the pusher with the longitudinal axis of the blade receiving housing.

[0013] According to one embodiment, in the flexing position of the blade, the deflection of the blade is within the range [5.5 cm; 9 cm], the deflection being for example equal to 5.5 cm.

[0014] According to one embodiment, in the flexing position of the blade, the tangent at each end of the blade forms an angle between 30° and 35° with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the machine includes a device for holding the blade flat, such as magnets, allowing the blade to be held flat in the absence of bending of said blade by the bending system.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the machine comprises said electrical wire and glue dispensing system which is attachable to or attached to the support carried by the carriage of the movement system, the electrical wire and glue dispensing system comprising: - a wheel around which an electric wire is wound for the purpose of unwinding the wire along and in the groove of the blade in the position of the blade in the machine; one end of the wire being attached to the wheel and another end of the wire being attached inside a hollow elongated piece, called a base, said base being able to be screwed to one end of the blade; - a glue application nozzle, the nozzle being connectable to a glue supply line; - preferably, a scraper located on the side of the nozzle opposite the wheel; - a support for attaching the thread and glue dispensing system allowing the system to be attached to the receiving support carried by a machine trolley.

[0017] A system for depositing electrical wire and glue is also proposed, for a machine according to any one of the preceding embodiments, the system comprising: - a wheel around which an electric wire is wound for the purpose of unwinding the wire along and in a groove of a blade when the blade is positioned in the machine; one end of the wire being attached to the wheel and the other end of the wire being attached to the inside of a hollow, elongated piece, called a base, said base being suitable for being screwed onto one end of the blade; - a glue application nozzle, the nozzle being connectable to a glue supply line; - preferably, a scraper located on the side of the nozzle opposite the wheel; - a support for attaching the thread and glue dispensing system allowing the system to be attached to the receiving support carried by a machine trolley.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the base includes a plastic piece housed inside the base and suitable for protecting the electrical wire inserted into the base, during the screwing of the base onto one end of the blade.

[0019] The presence of the plastic piece helps to protect the electrical wire during the screwing of the base onto the end of the blade while the electrical wire is already inserted into the base.

[0020] A method is also proposed for installing an electric wire in a groove of a fencing blade using a machine according to any one of the preceding embodiments, the method comprising the following steps: - screwing a base onto one end of the blade, one end of the electrical wire being attached inside said base; - insertion of the blade into the machine's blade retention system; - attachment of an electrical wire and glue dispensing system to the support carried by the trolley, said system comprising a wheel around which the electrical wire is wound for the purpose of unwinding the wire along and in the groove of the blade; one end of the wire being attached to the wheel; said system also comprising a glue dispensing nozzle; - connection of the nozzle of the electrical wire dispensing system to a glue supply line; - lowering the electrical wire and glue dispensing system to bring the electrical wire dispensing system closer to the blade, preferably in such a way as to keep the nozzle and / or wheel supported on the blade with the nozzle and wheel wire positioned opposite the groove in the blade; - movement of the carriage along an axis parallel to the axis of the blade, and during the movement of the carriage: - unwinding the wire in the groove; - depositing glue into the groove of the blade using the nozzle supplied with glue by the glue supply line which is connected to a glue supply system; - preferably, remove excess glue from the groove using a scraper connected to the nozzle; - bending the blade to hold the wire in the groove while the glue dries.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a method is proposed for placing an electrical wire in a groove of a fencing blade using a machine according to any one of the preceding embodiments, the method comprising the following steps: - screwing a base onto one end of the blade, one end of the electrical wire being attached inside said base; - insertion of the blade into the machine's blade retention system; - attachment of an electrical wire and glue dispensing system to the support carried by the trolley, said system comprising a wheel around which the electrical wire is wound for the purpose of unwinding the wire along and in the groove of the blade; one end of the wire being attached to the wheel; said system also comprising a glue dispensing nozzle; - connection of the nozzle of the electrical wire dispensing system to a glue supply line; - lowering the electrical wire and glue dispensing system to bring the electrical wire dispensing system closer to the blade, preferably in such a way as to keep the nozzle and / or wheel supported on the blade with the nozzle and wheel wire positioned opposite the groove in the blade; - movement of the carriage along an axis parallel to the axis of the blade, and during the movement of the carriage: - unwinding the wire in the groove; - depositing glue into the groove of the blade using the nozzle supplied with glue by the glue supply line which is connected to a glue supply system; - preferably, remove excess glue from the groove using a scraper connected to the nozzle; - bending the blade to hold the wire in the groove while the glue dries.

[0022] It can be foreseen that the steps of inserting the blade, attaching the electrical wire and glue dispensing system, and connecting the nozzle to a glue supply line are carried out in different orders.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the insertion of the blade into the machine is carried out by positioning the base, which is screwed to the blade, in the first receiving system and by positioning a part of the blade located on the side of the second end of the blade in the second receiving system.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the bending step includes the movement of the pusher composed of two articulated parts, preferably along an element of guidance, called tunnel, in the direction of, between a rest position and a tension position; the movement and pivoting of the first part of the pusher to which the blade part located on the side of the second blade end is connected, being at least partially guided by an inclined ramp, so that, in the tension position, the blade is flexed with the concavity of the blade facing downwards.

[0025] It can be envisaged that the machine may also be configured to allow the control of fencing blades, including the detection of unwanted electrical contacts and the verification of the blade's angle, for example to check the condition of the blade with regard to regulatory standards.

[0026] A machine is also proposed for the placement and gluing of an electrical wire in a groove of a fencing blade, the machine comprising: a blade holding system delimiting a blade receiving housing having a longitudinal axis; a system for depositing electrical wire and glue, removable from a receiving support included in the machine, the system comprising: - a wheel around which the electric wire is wound for the purpose of unwinding the wire along and in the groove of the blade; one end of the wire being attached to the wheel and another end of the wire being attached inside a hollow elongated piece, called a base, said base being able to be screwed to one end of the blade; - a glue application nozzle, the nozzle preferably being fitted with a connection to a glue supply line; - preferably, a scraper located on the side of the nozzle opposite the wheel, to allow the removal of excess glue introduced into the groove by the nozzle during the movement of the system along the groove of the blade; - a support for attaching the thread and glue dispensing system; a system for moving an electrical wire and glue dispensing system, the movement system comprising: - a mobile carriage mounted to slide along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade receiving housing defined by the blade holding system; - a support for attaching the electrical wire and glue dispensing system, said support being carried by the trolley and allowing to receive the attachment support of the wire and glue dispensing system; - a trolley movement control system, such as a motor and a worm gear to which the trolley is coupled; - a movement system, for example raising and lowering (preferably vertical movement) of said wire dispensing system attachment support electric and glue, to allow the electric wire and glue dispensing system to be brought closer to the blade to deposit the wire and glue in the groove of the blade during the advancement of the electric wire and glue dispensing system using the carriage; a system for bending the blade.

[0027] A machine is also proposed for performing a repair or inspection operation on a fencing blade, such as detecting unwanted electrical contact between the wire and the blade, checking the blade's deflection, or holding an electrical wire in a groove of a fencing blade for gluing the wire to the blade. The machine includes a blade bending system comprising: a first receiving system for a base in the screwed state of the base to one end of the blade, called a front vise, which is articulated to the machine frame around a lateral axis, and a second receiving system for a portion, called the heel, of the blade located on the side of the second end of the blade, the second receiving system comprising: - a device, called a pusher, comprising a first part and a second part articulated together around a lateral axis, the first part of the pusher comprising a receiving device for an end part of the blade, and the second part of the pusher is connected to a motorized drive system allowing the pusher to be moved in the longitudinal direction, - preferably an element, called a tunnel, for guiding the longitudinal movement of the pusher through which the pusher passes; - an element, called a springboard, having an inclined ramp along which the first part of the pusher is able to move and lateral edges, for guiding the longitudinal movement and pivoting of the first part of the pusher over at least part of the pusher's travel stroke; - said pusher being movable between a rest position in which the pusher is away from the first receiving system, and a blade bending position, in which the pusher is brought closer to the first receiving system, the springboard being configured to guide the movement of the pusher so that, in the blade bending position, the blade has a downward-facing concavity when bending around a horizontal lateral axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the machine. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0029] - [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a side view of a wire support wheel and a glue distribution nozzle of a wire and glue laying system according to an embodiment of the invention, one end of the electric wire being connected to the wheel and an opposite end being connected to a base intended to be screwed onto the end of a fencing blade;

[0030] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the wheel and the distribution nozzle of glue of the thread laying system and glue of the [Fig.l];

[0031] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view from another angle of the wheel and the distribution nozzle of the [Fig.2];

[0032] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a part of the machine according to a embodiment of the invention, [Fig.4] showing the wire and glue laying system, mounted on a carriage of the machine to allow movement of the wheel and nozzle along the groove of the blade, the device being shown in the raised position and without the wire, the device being intended to be brought into the lowered position against the groove of the blade in order to, during the advance of the carriage, unwind the electric wire and glue in the groove of the blade;

[0033] - [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a perspective view of a part of the machine according to a embodiment of the invention, [Fig.5] showing the wire and glue laying system mounted on a carriage of the machine, in a low position against the groove of the blade to, during the advance of the carriage, unwind the electric wire and glue in the groove of the blade, [Fig.5] showing a nozzle guide finger engaged in the groove;

[0034] - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a machine according to a mode of realization of the invention, with the blade in a flat position, the thread and glue depositing system being in a raised (away) position relative to the blade;

[0035] - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a detailed perspective view of the first system of blade reception of the machine of [Fig.6], the first receiving system comprising a receiving element of the base which is screwed to one end of the blade, in the rest position of the blade;

[0036] - [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of part of the first blade receiving system of the machine of [Fig.6], and of the base which is screwed to one end of the blade, in the rest position of the blade;

[0037] - [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a detailed perspective view from another angle of a part of the second receiving system of the machine of [Fig. 6], the second receiving system comprising a pusher to which is coupled an end part of the blade, and a springboard to guide the bending of the blade;

[0038] - [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the machine in [Fig. 6], in flexed position of the blade, after the electrical wire and glue have been unwound in the groove;

[0039] - [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a detailed perspective view of the first system of blade reception of the machine of [Fig. 10], the first receiving system comprising a receiving element of the base which is screwed to one end of the blade, the receiving element being pivoted to follow the bending of the blade, in the flexed position of the blade;

[0040] - [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a detailed perspective view from another angle of a part of the second blade receiving system of the machine in [Fig. 10], the second receiving system comprising a pusher to which is coupled an end part of the blade, and a springboard to guide the bending of the blade;

[0041] - [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a perspective view of the springboard of the second system of blade reception of the machine in [Fig.10], the blade adapter piece not being shown;

[0042] - [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a perspective view of the pusher of the machine [Fig.10];

[0043] - [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view of the machine tunnel of the [Fig.10] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Similar numbers refer to similar features in all drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown here. The scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims.

[0045] A reference throughout the specification to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "in an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0046] With reference to the figures, a machine 1 is proposed for the placement and gluing of an electrical wire 29 in a groove 49, also called a channel or chute, of a fencing blade 4. The machine allows the electric wire to be unwound and the glue to be deposited in the groove 49 of the blade 4 in a precise, reliable and repeatable manner.

[0047] In particular, the placement and bonding of the wire are at least partially automated by motorizing the movement of a carriage that carries a wire support wheel and a nozzle. The wheel and nozzle can be motorized for pressing against the blade. Advantageously, the glue supply to the nozzle is motorized. Preferably, the blade bending mechanism is motorized.

[0048] Machine

[0049] The machine comprises an elongated frame 100. The frame 100 carries a blade retention system 104 along the machine in a substantially horizontal position (parallel to the machine's ground support plane). The blade is intended to be positioned flat within the system 104, with the blade groove 49 facing upwards. The system 104 defines a flat receiving recess for the blade along an axis Al, preferably parallel to the machine's longitudinal axis. The blade retention system 104 thus allows the blade to be held flat with the groove oriented upwards. The axis Al is horizontal when considering the machine resting on a horizontal surface. The axis Al corresponds substantially to the blade's longitudinal axis in the resting position of the blade 4 within the machine (i.e., in its unflexed state).

[0050] The housing can be defined as detailed below between two receiving systems 51, 52 of the blade and preferably magnets 105 to help keep the blade flat.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the machine includes a device 102 for receiving or connecting a glue supply source 200, preferably a gluing consumable such as a glue cartridge. The machine preferably includes a glue supply control system S2 configured to control the supply of glue from the glue supply source 200 to the nozzle 22. The nozzle is connectable via a fitting 229 to the glue supply source 200 by means of a conduit 92, such as a hose, preferably via the receiving or connecting device 102.

[0052] The S2 glue supply control system includes, for example, a motor and a worm gear mechanism equipped with a pusher element driven by the motor to allow pushing on the glue supply source 200 to supply the nozzle 22 with glue at a given flow rate.

[0053] The S2 system can be controlled by a control unit configured to obtain the desired glue flow rate.

[0054] Machine 1 is configured to receive a system 2 for depositing electrical wire and glue.

[0055] Electrical wire and glue dispensing system

[0056] The system 2 for depositing electrical wire and glue is preferably in the form of a removable kit in relation to a receiving support 314 included in the machine.

[0057] The system 2 for depositing electric wire and glue includes a wheel 21 around which the electric wire 29 is wound for the purpose of unwinding the wire 29 along and in the groove 49 of the blade 4. The wheel 21 has a peripheral groove 219 around which the wire 29 is wound.

[0058] One end 299 of the wire is attached to the wheel 21 ([Fig. 1]) and another end 291 of the wire is attached ([Fig. 8]) inside a hollow elongated piece, called the base 28 (or point head), by means of a contact stud 6 housed in the base. Said base 28 is intended to be screwed onto one end of the blade 4.

[0059] According to one embodiment and as illustrated for example in [Fig.8], the base is in the form of an elongated hollow body, preferably of revolution, which is open at one end 28A through which the wire 29 emerges.

[0060] The other end 28B of the base, through which the wire could have been previously introduced (preferably at the time of the manufacture of the kit, i.e. before mounting the kit in the machine) to emerge from the other end 28A until the tip 6 of the end 291 of the wire 29 came to a stop, with an internal shoulder 286 of the base, is closed by a piece 285 forming a plug.

[0061] Preferably, the kit comprises the wheel 22, the nozzle 21, preferably the scraper 225, connected together by a body 20 having a fastening portion 24 for the support 314 carried by the carriage 312, and the wire 29 wound on the wheel 21 with one end 299 attached to the wheel 21, and the base 28 inside which is attached the other end 291 of the wire, the tip 6 of which is trapped between the inner shoulder 286 of the base 28 and the closing cap 285. The end 291 of the wire 29 is advantageously protected by a protective piece 282.

[0062] The protective piece 282, preferably made of plastic, is interposed between the interior, in particular the thread of the base and the end 291 of the wire 29, so as to protect the wire 29 when screwing the base 28 onto the blade 4. Thus, in the screwed-on state of the base 28, the end 291 of the wire 29 extends between the protective piece 282 and the bottom of the groove 49 of the blade 4.

[0063] The system 2 for dispensing electrical wire and glue also includes a glue dispensing nozzle 22. The nozzle 22 is equipped with a connection 229 to a glue supply line 92.

[0064] The scraper 225 is located on the side of the nozzle opposite the wheel 21, to allow the removal of excess glue introduced into the groove 49 of the blade 4 by the nozzle 22 during the movement of the system along the groove of the blade.

[0065] As mentioned above, the electrical wire and glue dispensing system 2 includes a fastening part 24 which allows the wire and glue dispensing system 2 to be attached to the support 314 carried by the trolley 312.

[0066] Displacement system

[0067] The machine includes a system 3 for moving the system 2 for depositing electric wire and glue.

[0068] The movement system 3 comprises the carriage 312, which is slidably mounted along an axis substantially parallel to the axis A1 of the blade's resting receiving housing, defined by the retaining system 104 between the two receiving systems 51, 52, i.e., parallel to the axis of the blade in its resting position in the machine (i.e., unflexed). In particular, the carriage 312 can be mounted on rails 112 of the machine.

[0069] The movement system 3 includes a support 314 for attaching the electrical wire and glue dispensing system 2. The attachment support 314 may be in the form of an arm to the end of which the system 2 can be attached.

[0070] Said support 314 is carried by the carriage 312 and allows to receive the support 24 of attachment of the system 2 of depositing wire and glue.

[0071] Said support 314 is carried by the carriage 312 by means of a support system 313, by a downward and upward movement system, configured to allow the thread and glue depositing system 2 to be brought closer to the location of the blade in order to be able to support the wheel and the nozzle against the blade 4.

[0072] Preferably, the nozzle 22 has a positioning finger 224, allowing the nozzle 22 to be correctly positioned relative to the groove 49 in the state in which the nozzle 22 is supported against the blade 4.

[0073] Advantageously, a return spring allows the support 314 and therefore the wire and glue dispensing system 2 to be returned to the high position away from the blade.

[0074] As illustrated, for example, in [Fig. 3], the nozzle 22 includes a glue dispensing opening 229. In a particular aspect, the opening 229 is located behind the positioning finger 224, with respect to the direction of travel of the carriage. In particular, the opening 229 is located between the positioning finger 224 and the scraper 225.

[0075] The machine includes a control system S12 for moving the carriage 312, such as a motor and a worm gear 112A to which the carriage is coupled.

[0076] The support system 313 can thus form (relative to the carriage) a system for moving upwards (preferably returned to this upper position) and downwards (controlled in this lower position for depositing the wire and glue in the groove of the blade) of the system 2 for depositing electrical wire and glue. The support system 313 allows the system 2 for depositing electrical wire to be brought closer and glue relative to the blade to deposit the wire 29 and the glue in the groove 49 of the blade during the advancement of the electrical wire and glue dispensing system 2 using the carriage. Advantageously, the support system 313 also allows the electrical wire and glue dispensing system 2 to be raised to disengage the electrical wire and glue dispensing system 2 from the blade.

[0077] Blade bending system

[0078] The blade 4 retention system 104 includes a blade bending system 5. The blade bending system 5 allows the wire to remain in the blade groove, particularly at the bottom of the groove, during the drying of the glue.

[0079] The blade bending system 5 includes a first receiving system 51 for receiving the base 28 when screwed onto a first end of the blade 4. This first receiving system 51 is called the front vise. In one embodiment, and as illustrated for example in [Fig. 8], the receiving system 51 includes a receiving member 512 mounted on a pivot or a ball joint to allow the blade to bend and return to its initial position. The receiving member 512 has an opening, preferably blind, to define an insertion space for the base 28.

[0080] In particular, it can be provided that the receiving member 512 is articulated around a lateral axis A512 (i.e. horizontal and transverse to the longitudinal axis Al of the receiving location of the blade at rest and therefore of the blade) relative to a support 511 fixed to the chassis 100.

[0081] It can be foreseen that the support 511 which carries the receiving member 512 can be selectively fixed in different positions on the chassis of the machine depending on the length of the blade (depending on the type of blade).

[0082] In particular, the first receiving system 51 can be selectively fixed at different discrete positions relative to the frame 100 depending on the size of the blade. The fixing of the system 51 can be achieved by the cooperation of a lug with an opening and the cooperation of a locking pin inserted through corresponding passages in the system and the machine frame.

[0083] The blade bending system 5 includes a second receiving system 52 for a part, called the heel, of the blade located on the side of the second end of the blade 4.

[0084] The second receiving system 52 includes a device, called a pusher 53, comprising a first part 531 and a second part 532 articulated to each other about a lateral axis A533 (see, for example, [Fig. 15]). In the flat position of the blade in the blade positioning system 104, and when the machine is resting on a horizontal ground, the lateral axis is horizontal and orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the blade.

[0085] The first part 531 of the pusher includes a receiving device 534 for an end portion 42 of the blade 4, called a tile. The second part 532 of the pusher is connected to a displacement control system S5, such as a motorized drive system, enabling the pusher 53 to be moved in the longitudinal direction. The displacement control system S5 includes, for example, a motor and a worm gear coupled to the pusher to enable the pusher to be moved according to the direction of rotation of the motor.

[0086] Advantageously, an element 55, called a tunnel, allows the longitudinal movement of the pusher to be guided. The tunnel 55 is traversed by the pusher 53 (see for example [Fig.6]).

[0087] The second receiving system 52 also includes an element 56, called a ramp, having an inclined ramp along which the first part 531 of the pusher is able to move. The ramp 56 has lateral edges 561 for guiding the longitudinal movement and pivoting of the first part 531 of the pusher over at least a portion of the pusher's travel (see, for example, [Fig. 9]).

[0088] The slope (or ramp) of the ski jump is increasing from a low point located on the side of the tunnel 55 or the control system S5 for moving the pusher 53, to a high point located on the side of the first receiving system 51.

[0089] Said pusher 53 is movable between a rest position in which the pusher 53 is moved away from the first receiving system 51, and a blade flexing position, in which the pusher 53 is moved closer to the first receiving system 51.

[0090] It can be foreseen that, in the flexing position of the blade, the articulation 533 of the pusher is located between the springboard 56 and the tunnel 55.

[0091] The springboard 56 is configured to guide the movement of the pusher 53 so that, in the position of flexing the blade, the blade has a downward-facing concavity when flexing around a horizontal lateral axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the machine.

[0092] The combination of the ramp 560 and the lateral edges 561 of the ramp makes it possible to avoid an undesired lateral movement of the blade, the slope of the ramp making it possible to initiate the bending of the blade in the desired direction, i.e. with concavity oriented downwards or ground support plane of the machine.

[0093] The springboard 56 has a groove 564 for guiding the blade 4, in particular guiding the heel 42 of the blade, preferably with an intermediate piece 564A, called a spacer, which can be attached to the groove 564, depending on the type of fencing blade, for example the épée or foil type (see for example [Fig.9]).

[0094] Advantageously, in the flexed position of the blade 4, the deflection of the blade 4 is within the range [5.5 cm; 9 cm], preferably 5.5 cm. It can be anticipated that, in the bending position of blade 4, the tangent at each end of blade 4 forms an angle between 30° and 35° with respect to the horizontal longitudinal axis.

[0095] The machine includes a device 104 for holding the blade flat, such as magnets, allowing the blade to be held flat in the absence of bending of said blade by the bending system 5 (see for example [Fig. 10]).

[0096] The set of said systems 51, 52 allows the fencing blade to be pushed and put into flexion while the glue polymerizes, and the blade to be relaxed again to return it to flat.

[0097] Process

[0098] If it has not already been done, the operator disassembles the weapon to extract the blade. Disassembly includes unscrewing the electrical wire from the guard, disassembling the handle, removing the pad, the guard, and the shell, and disassembling the base (point head).

[0099] If it has not already been done, the blade is prepared by removing the old bonding (thread, glue, various residues, dust, rust) present on the steel blade, for example by chemical or mechanical action.

[0100] The method of gluing the electrical wire in the groove of the blade comprises the following steps.

[0101] The operator grasps the wire and glue removal kit which includes a base 28 inside which one end of the electric wire is fixed, the other end of the wire being fixed to the wheel on which the electric wire is wound.

[0102] The operator screws the base 28 onto one end of the blade 4. Advantageously, the protective piece 282 is interposed between the threaded hole in the base 28 and the electrical wire 29 to protect the wire, the end 291 of which is fixed to the base. The groove 49 in the blade is positioned in the base so as to receive the wire 29. In particular, the portion of the end 291 of the wire 29 that protrudes from the base 28 is positioned in the groove 49 of the blade.

[0103] The operator positions the blade 4 flat in the machine 1 in the holding system 104. The base 28 which is screwed to the end 41 of the blade 4 is engaged in the member 512 of the system 51 and a part 42, called heel, located on the side of the second end of the blade 4, is engaged in the second receiving system 52, in particular in an orifice 531A of the first part 531 of the pusher 53.

[0104] The operator attaches the electrical wire and glue dispensing system 2 by cooperation of the attachment part 24 of the system with a corresponding attachment part of the arm 314 carried by the carriage 312. As a reminder, one end of the wire 29 is fixed to the base 28 which is itself screwed onto the blade 4 and inserted into the member 512 of the system 51.

[0105] The operator connects the fitting 229 of the nozzle 22 to the glue supply line 92.

[0106] The operator can then activate a machine control unit, which is for example common with the unit that controls the S12 system, so as to command the descent of the electrical wire and glue depositing system 2 to bring the system 2 closer to the blade 4, preferably so as to keep the nozzle 22 and / or the wheel 21 in contact with the blade 4 with a positioning of the nozzle 22 and the wire of the wheel 21 opposite the groove 49 of the blade 4. The machine includes a control unit which may have several modules depending on the systems to be controlled.

[0107] The machine control unit also controls, via the S12 system, the movement of the carriage 312 along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the blade 4, to move the system 2 so as to unwind the electric wire 29 from the wheel 21 into the groove 49 of the blade 4.

[0108] During the movement of the carriage, the electrical wire 29 is unwound in the groove 49 of the blade 4. The machine's control unit simultaneously controls the system S2 to supply the nozzle with glue. The nozzle 22 deposits the glue into the groove 49 of the blade, which is supplied with glue by the glue supply line 92. Advantageously, excess glue from the groove 49 is removed during the movement of the carriage using a scraper 225 connected to the nozzle 22. The deposited glue presses down on the wire and seals the channel formed by the groove. The scraper also spreads and pushes the glue into the groove 49.

[0109] The movement of the carriage parallel to the blade thus allows the wire to be unwound in the groove and the glue to be deposited in the groove of the blade.

[0110] At the end of the groove, i.e., at the end of the carriage's travel, the control unit actuates system S12 to move the wire and glue dispensing system 2 away from the blade (preferably raising it, for example by means of a return spring). System 2 remains positioned at the end of its travel to maintain a given tension on the wire during the blade's flexing, allowing the glue to dry.

[0111] The control unit can then command the bending of the blade 4 to ensure that the wire 29 is held in the groove 49 during the drying of the glue.

[0112] The bending step includes the movement, using the S5 system, of the pusher 53, preferably along a guide element 55, called a tunnel, towards the first receiving system 51.

[0113] The movement and pivoting of the first part 531 of the pusher 53, to which the part 42 of the blade 4 located on the side of the second blade end is connected, is at least partly guided by an inclined ramp 56, so that, in the tension position, the blade 4 is flexed with the concavity of the blade facing downwards. The The springboard allows the blade to be flexed in the correct direction, i.e. with the concavity facing downwards or the machine's support plane on the ground.

[0114] The bending can be maintained for a given duration corresponding to the polymerization time of the glue so that the wire remains well at the bottom of the groove.

[0115] The tension (bending) of the blade can be adjusted to obtain a given angle at the ends, for example 23°, which ensures the correct positioning of the wire in the groove during the drying (polymerization) of the glue.

[0116] Reassembly of the blade can be carried out by following the reverse procedure of disassembly.

[0117] Steering unit

[0118] As mentioned above, the control of the motors for supplying glue, moving the carriage, and / or controlling the raising and lowering of the attachment arm of the thread and glue application system and the bending, can be carried out by a control unit (not shown).

[0119] The control unit is presented for example in the form of a processor and a data memory in which computer instructions executable by said processor are stored, or in the form of a microcontroller.

[0120] In other words, the functions and steps described can be implemented as a computer program or via hardware components (e.g., programmable gate arrays). In particular, the functions and steps performed by the control unit, especially for motor control, can be implemented by instruction sets or computer modules implemented in a processor or controller, or by dedicated electronic components or components such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). It is also possible to combine computer and electronic components.

[0121] The control unit is thus an electronic and / or computer unit. When it is specified that said unit is configured to perform a given operation, this means that the unit includes computer instructions and the corresponding means of execution which enable said operation to be carried out and / or that the unit includes corresponding electronic components.

[0122] Other applications

[0123] The machine presented above thus allows the repair of a blade by unwinding and gluing an electrical wire in the groove 49 of the fencing blade 4, with the holding in place of the electrical wire 29 in the groove 49 of the fencing blade 4 for the gluing of the wire in the blade.

[0124] The machine 1 can also be used to perform a control operation on a fencing blade 4, such as detecting unwanted electrical contact between the electrical wire 29 and the blade 4 (by bending it to simulate a touch) or checking the deflection value of the blade 4. The regulation height is a minimum of 5.5 cm and a maximum of 9.5 cm for the official size 5 blade, which is 90 cm long from heel to tip. It is possible to control the maximum bend that the blade can withstand or must reach.

[0125] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

[0126] Furthermore, the term "including" does not exclude other elements or steps. In addition, features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the embodiments set out above may also be used in combination with other features or steps from other embodiments set out above.

Claims

Demands

1. Machine (1) for placing and gluing an electrical wire (29) in a groove (49) of a fencing blade (4), the machine (1) comprising: a blade retaining system (104) defining a blade receiving recess having a longitudinal axis (Al); a system (3) for moving an electrical wire and glue dispensing system (2), the movement system (3) comprising: - a carriage (312) mounted to slide along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (Al) of the blade receiving recess defined by the blade retaining system (104); - a support (314) for attaching the electrical wire and glue dispensing system (2), said support (314) being carried by the carriage (312) and allowing the attachment support (24) for the wire and glue dispensing system (2) to be received; - a system (S 12) for controlling the movement of the carriage (312), such as a motor and a worm gear (112A) to which the carriage (312) is coupled;the machine also comprising: a movement system (313) for said support (314) for attaching the system (2) for depositing electrical wire and glue, to allow the system (2) for depositing electrical wire and glue to be brought closer, preferably supported, relative to the blade (4) in order to deposit the wire and glue in the groove (49) of the blade during the advancement of the system (2) for depositing electrical wire and glue with the help of the carriage; and a system (5) for bending the blade.

2. Machine(1) according to claim 1, wherein the blade bending system (5) comprises: a first receiving system (51) comprising a receiving member (512) configured to receive a base (28) in the screwed-on state of the base to a first end of the blade (4), called the front vise, which is articulated to a support (511) fixed to the frame (100) of the machine, about a lateral axis orthogonal to said lateral axis, and a second receiving system (52) for a portion (42) of the blade located on the side of the second end of the blade (4), the second receiving system (52) comprising: - a device, called a pusher (53), comprising a first part (531) and a second part (532) articulated together around a lateral axis (533), the first part (531) comprising a receiving device (534) for an end part (42) of the blade, - a displacement control system (S5), preferably motorized, preferably connected to the second part (532) of the pusher, and configured to move the pusher in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (Al), preferably, an element (55), called a tunnel, for guiding the longitudinal displacement of the pusher through which the pusher (53) passes; an element (56), called a springboard, having an inclined ramp (560) along which the first part (531) of the pusher is able to move and lateral edges (561), for guiding the longitudinal movement and pivoting of the first part (531) of the pusher over at least a part of the movement stroke of the pusher (53);the springboard (560) being configured to guide the movement of the pusher (53) so that, in the position of flexing the blade, the concavity of the blade is facing downwards.;

3. Machine(l) according to 2, wherein, in the blade flexing position, the pivot axis (A533) between the parts of the pusher (53) is located outside the tunnel (55) and on the side of the ramp (56), the first part (531) of the pusher (53) being inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (Al) of the blade receiving housing, at an angle greater than the angle formed by said second part (532) of the pusher (53) with the longitudinal axis (Al) of the blade receiving housing.

4. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the flexing position of the blade (4), the deflection of the blade is within the range [5.5 cm; 9 cm], the deflection being for example equal to 5.5 cm.

5. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the position of flexing the blade (4), the tangent at each end of the blade forms an angle between 30° and 35° with respect to the longitudinal axis (Al).

6. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the machine comprises a device for holding the blade (4) flat, such as magnets (105), for holding flat the blade in the absence of bending of said blade by the bending system (5).

7. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the machine comprises said system (2) for dispensing electric wire and glue which is attachable or attached to the support (314) carried by the carriage (312) of the movement system, the system (2) for dispensing electric wire and glue comprising: - a wheel (21) around which an electric wire (29) is wound for the purpose of unwinding the wire (29) along and in the groove (49) of the blade (4) in the positioned state of the blade in the machine (1); one end (299) of the wire being attached to the wheel (21) and another end (291) of the wire (29) being attached inside a hollow elongated part, called a base (28), said base (28) being able to be screwed to one end of the blade (4); - a glue application nozzle (22), the nozzle (22) being connectable to a glue supply line (92); - preferably, a scraper (225) located on the side of the nozzle (22) opposite the wheel (21);- a support (24) for attaching the thread and glue dispensing system (2) allowing the system to be attached to the receiving support (314) carried by a trolley (312) of the machine.;

8. System (2) for dispensing electric wire and glue, for a machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the system (2) comprising: - a wheel (21) around which an electric wire (29) is wound for unwinding the wire (29) along and in a groove (49) of a blade (4) in the positioned state of the blade in the machine (1); one end (299) of the wire being attached to the wheel (21) and another end (291) of the wire (29) being attached inside a hollow elongated part, called a base (28), said base (28) being adapted to be screwed to one end of the blade (4); - a glue dispensing nozzle (22), the nozzle (22) being connectable (229) to a glue supply line (92); - preferably, a scraper (225) located on the side of the nozzle (22) opposite the wheel (21);- a support (24) for attaching the thread and glue dispensing system (2) allowing the system to be attached to the receiving support (314) carried by a trolley (312) of the machine.;

9. A method for installing an electric wire (29) in a groove (49) of a fencing blade (4) using a machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the following steps: - screwing a base (28) onto one end of the blade (4), one end (291) of the electric wire (29) being attached inside said base (28); - inserting the blade (4) into the blade holding system (104) of the machine; - attaching an electric wire and glue dispensing system (2) to the support (314) carried by the carriage (312), said system (2) comprising a wheel (21) around which the electric wire (29) is wound for unwinding the wire (29) along and in the groove (49) of the blade (4); one end (299) of the wire being attached to the wheel (21); said system (2) also comprising a glue application nozzle (22);- connection of the nozzle (22) of the wire dispensing system (2) to a glue supply line (92); - lowering of the wire and glue dispensing system (2) to bring the wire dispensing system (2) closer to the blade (4), preferably so as to keep the nozzle (22) and / or the wheel (21) supported on the blade (4) with the nozzle (22) and the wire of the wheel (21) positioned opposite the groove (49) of the blade (4); - movement of the carriage (312) along an axis parallel to the axis of the blade (4), and during the movement of the carriage: - unwinding of the wire in the groove; - dispensing of the glue in the groove (49) of the blade using the nozzle (22) supplied with glue by the glue supply line (92) which is connected to a glue supply system; - preferably, removing excess glue from the groove (49) using a scraper (225) connected to the nozzle (22);- bending of the blade (4) to hold the wire (29) in the groove (49) while the glue dries.;