Clamping assembly with interconnecting mechanism for clamping screws

Abstract

A clamping assembly comprises two clamps (100, 200) and a clamping system (10) for applying a clamping force (F) to the first clamp (100) against the second clamp (200). This clamping system (10) includes a plurality of clamping screws (12) and a plurality of female threaded portions (22) cooperating by helical connection. An interconnecting mechanism (24) comprises a plurality of links (26) and a plurality of joints (28), forming a chain (30) of successive articulated links (26). The links can freely pivot relative to each other around the joints (28). The shank (16) of each of the clamping screws (12) passes through one of the joints (28), allowing one degree of rotational freedom of the clamping screw (12) around the extension axis (18) of its shank (16). The extension axes (18) of the rods (16) of the clamping screws (12) are all substantially parallel to each other and to the clamping direction (D). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Clamping assembly with interconnecting mechanism for clamping screws. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping assembly comprising:

[0002] - a first flange comprising a contact surface,

[0003] - a second flange comprising a contact surface,

[0004] - a clamping system configured to exert a clamping force directed along a clamping direction to ensure compression of the bearing surface of the first flange against the bearing surface of the second flange,

[0005] the clamping system comprising:

[0006] - a plurality of clamping screws, each equipped with a rod oriented along an axis extension intended to be oriented parallel to the clamping direction, each rod having at least one male threaded section, the clamping screws transmitting the clamping force to the first flange,

[0007] - a plurality of female threaded parts, the threaded section of each clamping screw being intended to cooperate by helical connection with one of the threaded parts in order to generate the clamping force, the threaded parts transmitting the clamping force to the second flange.

[0008] The invention finds application particularly in all kinds of clamping assemblies, that is to say, independently of the function of the first and second clamps. A particular application concerns the field where the two clamps belong to the same static mechanism in a terrestrial frame of reference or in a frame of reference attached to a vehicle (compared to a moving part such as a rotor), for example, an aircraft. These may be structural or non-structural clamps, belonging to an engine (such as an aircraft engine or a turbomachine) or to a test machine or any other testing equipment. State of the art

[0009] Conventionally, two flanges are joined together by means of a plurality of bolts, each bolt comprising a clamping screw and a complementary nut. Each clamping screw has a screw head and a shank oriented along an extension axis intended to be parallel to the tightening direction, each shank having at least one male threaded section capable of engaging with the nut by screwing. The screw heads transmit the clamping force to the first flange, while the nuts transmit the clamping force to the second flange. The bolts are essentially distributed circumferentially around the flanges in the general manner of a crown in order to distribute the forces circumferentially.

[0010] Dismantling a clamping assembly fitted with such bolts requires several steps:

[0011] - unscrew each bolt,

[0012] - retrieve the nut, without dropping it into its surroundings,

[0013] - place the nut in a box or on a work surface,

[0014] - remove the clamping screw from its housing, without dropping it into its environment,

[0015] - place the screw in a box or on a work surface,

[0016] - repeat as many times as there are bolts for the clamping assembly,

[0017] - take care not to lose these disassembled parts.

[0018] The assembly or reassembly of this clamping assembly also requires numerous steps:

[0019] - gather the necessary clamping screws and nuts,

[0020] - check the quantities,

[0021] - for each bolt, install the clamping screw in its housing and then install the nut on the tightening screw, without dropping them into their surroundings,

[0022] - tighten the bolt,

[0023] - repeat the operation for each bolt.

[0024] The number and complexity of the steps can be further increased in the case where each bolt has thrust washers.

[0025] While such a clamping assembly has the advantage of being effective when tightened, it is nevertheless not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, from the above, it can be understood that all the steps required for assembly and disassembly make these operations complex, prone to errors, lengthy, and tedious. Object of the invention

[0026] The present invention aims to provide a clamping assembly which allows for simple, quick and reliable assembly and disassembly of the clamps.

[0027] This objective can be achieved by providing a clamping assembly comprising: - a first clamp comprising a contact surface, - a second clamp comprising a contact surface, - a clamping system configured to exert a directed clamping force following a clamping direction to ensure compression of the bearing surface of the first flange against the bearing surface of the second flange,

[0028] the clamping system comprising: - a plurality of clamping screws, each equipped with a shank oriented along an extension axis intended to be oriented parallel to the clamping direction, each shank having at least one male threaded section, the clamping screws transmitting the clamping force to the first flange, - a plurality of female threaded parts, the threaded section of each clamping screw being intended to cooperate by helical connection with one of the threaded parts in order to generate said clamping force, the threaded parts transmitting the clamping force to the second flange, - an interconnection mechanism comprising a plurality of links and a plurality of joints, the links being connected in pairs by one of the joints so as to constitute a chain of successive articulated links, each link having two ends, the ends of two consecutive links being connected to each other by one of the joints conferring a possibility of pivoting between these two consecutive links, the shank of each of the clamping screws passing through one of the joints allowing a degree of rotational freedom of the clamping screw around the extension axis of its shank, the extension axes of the shanks of the clamping screws all being substantially parallel to each other and to the direction of clamping.

[0029] Advantageously, the interconnection mechanism ensures the interconnection of the clamping screws by maintaining them all in a common principal plane while allowing the clamping screws to move relative to each other within this principal plane, each clamping screw permanently occupying a spatial configuration where the extension axis of its shank is perpendicular to the principal plane. Thus, all the clamping screws can advantageously be handled together, for a gain in time and efficiency, and they cannot be lost.

[0030] Furthermore, each clamping screw can advantageously be installed by moving the clamping screw in a plane transverse to the tightening direction. Consequently, to perform this movement, it is not necessarily required to separate the rod from the female threaded portion, thus preventing these two elements from being lost.

[0031] Some preferred but not limiting aspects are the following.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the rotation of each link relative to the adjacent link is angularly limited by a mechanical stop to a certain maximum relative angle, in one direction and / or the other. As a result, the chain of links maintains a certain stability along a minimum radius of arc imposed when it is in its free state outside the bridles, so as not to twist upon itself.

[0033] According to one embodiment, each link comprises at least two plates connected to each other by two of the joints. Such links have the advantage of being efficient, simple, and economical. Furthermore, this allows the two plates to be movable relative to each other if necessary, potentially contributing to the application of the clamping force.

[0034] According to another embodiment, each joint comprises a first bearing surface and a second bearing surface, suitable for being positioned on either side of the first and second flanges, whose contact surfaces are compressed against each other. The first and second bearing surfaces come into contact, respectively, with a bearing surface defined by the first flange and a bearing surface defined by the second flange when the clamping force is applied by the clamping system. One advantage of this arrangement is that it provides very good support for the clamping system on the two flanges in contact with each other.

[0035] According to another embodiment, for each joint, the first and second bearing surfaces are movable relative to each other along the extension axis of the clamping screw shank that passes through this joint, so as to vary between a wide-set configuration in which the first and second bearing surfaces are separated from each other by a first gap having a first value, and a close-set configuration in which the first and second bearing surfaces are separated from each other by a second gap having a second value strictly less than the first value. Such clamping of the plates exerted on the two contacting flanges further reinforces the retention of the clamping system on the two flanges.

[0036] According to another embodiment, for each joint, the interconnection mechanism includes a return device that continuously engages the first and second bearing surfaces towards the offset configuration. Such arrangements facilitate disassembly of the clamping system by ensuring automatic withdrawal of the bearing surfaces from the two flanges, resulting solely from the loosening of the clamping screws.

[0037] According to another embodiment, each of the first and second flanges defines receiving notches having an open contour, each receiving notch opening to the outside of the flange concerned by a passage opening arranged on a peripheral edge of the flange concerned, allowing the clamping screws to be positioned in the receiving notches by moving the clamping screws in a movement transverse to the tightening direction. Such arrangements make it possible to avoid the requirement of having to insert the clamping screws into the flanges in a movement oriented parallel to the direction of tightening significantly facilitates and speeds up these installation operations. Furthermore, it also means that the installation (and removal) of the clamping screws on the flanges can be carried out even when the female threaded sections are pre-mounted on the screw shanks, saving even more time and reducing the risk of losing any parts.

[0038] According to another embodiment, each receiving notch comprises at least one lateral edge having a profile shaped to allow the clamping screw to be positioned in that receiving notch by a rotational movement of the clamping screw around the adjacent joint, the clamping screw passing through said adjacent joint being positioned in the corresponding receiving notch. These arrangements allow for the successive and progressive placement of the clamping screws in the receiving notches along the chain of successive articulated links.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the receiving notches are equidistant from each other and circumferentially distributed uniformly, and the links are all of the same length, defining a center distance identical to the distance separating pairs of receiving notches. The clamping screws are therefore all equidistant.

[0040] Alternatively, the distances separating the receiving notches are not equidistant and the chain of links comprises links either of unequal lengths (but remaining indexed to the screw positions of the flanges), or of identical lengths but with certain joints not comprising screws.

[0041] According to another embodiment, each of the threaded parts is a nut independent of the flanges and clamping screws, with a pair formed by one of the nuts and one of the clamping screws constituting a clamping bolt. These arrangements ensure that the solution proposed here is effective, while also being simple and economical.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the nut is permanently attached to one of the links. These arrangements have the advantage of making the nuts inseparable from the links, thus preventing the nuts from being lost, which improves the ease and speed of assembly and makes the solution particularly reliable.

[0043] According to another embodiment, each of the threaded parts is integrated into the second flange. This arrangement makes the clamping assembly suitable for the specific case where the second flange has tapped holes intended to be directly screwed in with the clamping screws. Furthermore, this again simplifies assembly and prevents the female threaded parts from being lost.

[0044] According to another embodiment, each joint comprises a unidirectional bearing surface, the unidirectional bearing surfaces of all the joints of the interconnection mechanism being, on the one hand, disposed on the same side of the first flange and the second flange, the contact surfaces of which are compressed against each other. The other, on the other hand, both come into contact with a bearing surface defined by the first flange when the clamping force is applied by the clamping system. These arrangements advantageously allow the application of the clamping force on both flanges to be very economical while remaining highly effective.

[0045] According to another embodiment, for each joint, the interconnection mechanism includes a return mechanism that continuously engages the clamping screw passing through said joint in such a way as to move it away from the threaded portion that cooperates with this clamping screw, in a direction coinciding with the extension axis of the shank of this clamping screw. Such arrangements facilitate the disassembly of the clamping system by ensuring automatic removal, resulting solely from unscrewing, of the clamping screws and the interconnection mechanism from the two flanges.

[0046] According to another embodiment, the clamping system includes a transmission mechanism configured to connect the clamping screws in such a way that the rotation of one of the clamping screws, imposed by an external force on the clamping assembly, causes all the other clamping screws to rotate by the transmission mechanism alone. These arrangements obviously simplify and significantly speed up each of the assembly and disassembly operations of the clamping system. Indeed, for each operation, only a single external action is required to tighten, or loosen, all the clamping screws simultaneously.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the transmission mechanism comprises a plurality of rotating drive elements and a drive belt, each of the rotating drive elements being mounted for free rotation on one of the links and cooperating directly or indirectly with two of the clamping screws, and the drive belt being arranged in a closed loop and cooperating with each of the rotating drive elements. These arrangements ensure that the transmission mechanism is simple, economical, efficient, and advantageously cannot be lost because it is fixed to the links.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the chain of successive articulated links is an open-loop chain, having two independent free ends that can be moved relative to each other. These arrangements allow for easy and quick installation and removal of the chain of links (and the tightening screws) on the two flanges, avoiding any further disassembly required. Brief description of the drawings

[0049] Other aspects, objectives, advantages and features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of this, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the attached drawings on which:

[0050] [Fig-1] The [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of the two flanges of a first embodiment of a clamping assembly according to the invention.

[0051] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a front view of a first example of a clamping system for the clamping assembly according to the first embodiment.

[0052] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a partial perspective view of the clamping system of the [Fig.2],

[0053] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a partial cross-sectional view of the clamping system of the [Fig.2].

[0054] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a front view of a second example of a clamping system of the clamping assembly according to the first embodiment.

[0055] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a partial cross-sectional view of the clamping system of the [Fig.5].

[0056] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a perspective view of the two flanges of a second mode of fabrication of a clamping assembly according to the invention.

[0057] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of a clamping system for the clamping assembly according to the second embodiment.

[0058] [Fig. 9] [Fig. 9] is a detailed view of the two flanges of the clamping assembly according to the first embodiment, near two receiving notches. Detailed description

[0059] In Figures 1 to 9 and throughout the description, the same reference numerals represent identical or similar elements. Furthermore, the various elements are not drawn to scale in order to enhance the clarity of the figures. Moreover, the different embodiments and variants are not mutually exclusive and can be combined.

[0060] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or within 10°".

[0061] In general, the invention relates to a clamping assembly comprising a first flange 100, a second flange 200 and a clamping system 10. The first flange 100 comprises a contact surface 102. The second flange 200 comprises a contact surface 202.

[0062] Figures 1 to 9 show different embodiments of this clamping assembly. The clamping assembly according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 and 9 and the clamping assembly according to the second embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8 are distinguished essentially from each other by the shape and design of the two flanges 100, 200.

[0063] The clamping system 10 is configured to exert a clamping force F directed along a clamping direction D to ensure compression of the bearing surface 102 of the first flange 100 against the bearing surface 202 of the second flange 200.

[0064] The clamping system 10 comprises a plurality of clamping screws 12. Each clamping screw 12 has a screw head 14 and a shank 16 oriented along an extension axis 18 intended to be oriented parallel to the clamping direction D. Each shank 16 has at least one male threaded section 20. The screw heads 14 of the various clamping screws 12 transmit the clamping force F to the first flange 100. For this purpose, the screw heads 14 bear directly or indirectly against a bearing surface 104 of the first flange 100.

[0065] The clamping system 10 also includes a plurality of female threaded parts 22 configured so that the male threaded section 20 of each clamping screw 12 can cooperate by helical connection with one of the female threaded parts 22 in order to generate the clamping force F. The threaded parts 22 transmit indirectly or directly the clamping force F to the second flange 200.

[0066] In other words, it is understood that the clamping force F is the result of the sum of the interaction forces between each clamping screw 12 and the female threaded part 22 with which it cooperates by helical connection.

[0067] In the clamping assembly according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 and 9, each of the female threaded portions 22 is a nut independent of the first and second flanges 100, 200 and independent of the clamping screws 12. A pair formed by one of the nuts and one of the clamping screws 12 constitutes what is called a clamping bolt. In this case, the nuts constituting the female threaded portions 22 come into direct or indirect contact with a bearing surface 204 delimited by the second flange 200.

[0068] In contrast, in the clamping assembly according to the second embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, each of the female threaded portions 22 is integrated into the second flange 200. In other words, it is then the second flange 200 that delimits the female threaded portions 22 in the manner of a tapped hole, blind (as shown) or open (as not shown). In this particular case, and as can be deduced from Figures 7 and 8, the second flange 200 does not have a bearing surface 204, the forces being transmitted directly from the clamping screws 12 to the threads of the female threaded portions 22 delimited by the second flange 200.

[0069] The clamping system 10 further comprises an interconnection mechanism 24 comprising a plurality of links 26 and a plurality of joints 28. The links 26 are connected in pairs by one of these joints 28 so as to form a chain 30 of successive articulated links 26, this chain being visible in [Fig. 2]. According to an embodiment as shown in [Fig. 2], the chain A chain of 30 successive articulated links 26 is a chain with an open loop shape, having two independent free ends 32, 34 that can be moved relative to each other. However, depending on the requirements, it is also possible for the chain of 30 successive articulated links 26 to be a closed loop chain (not shown).

[0070] Each link 26 has two ends 261, 262. The ends 261, 262 of two consecutive links 26 are connected to each other by one of the joints 28, thus allowing free pivoting between these two consecutive links 26. By "consecutive," we mean two adjacent links 26 that follow each other directly within the chain 30 of links 26. The shank 16 of each of the clamping screws 12 passes through one of the joints 28 in such a way as to allow one degree of rotational freedom of the clamping screw 12 about the extension axis 18 of its shank 16, the extension axes 18 of the shanks 16 of the clamping screws 12 all being substantially parallel to each other and to the clamping direction D. These arrangements can be seen or deduced from Figures 2, 3, and 4, for example.

[0071] The interconnection mechanism 24 ensures interconnection of the clamping screws 12 with each other by maintaining them all in a common principal plane P while making the clamping screws 12 movable relative to each other within this principal plane P. Each of the clamping screws 12 permanently occupies a spatial configuration where the extension axis 18 of its rod 16 is perpendicular to the principal plane P. Thus, all the clamping screws 12, while remaining permanently parallel to each other, can advantageously be manipulated together, for a gain in time and efficiency, and they are captive.

[0072] Furthermore, the installation of each of the clamping screws 12 can advantageously be done by a movement of this clamping screw 12 contained in the main plane P, which is transverse to the clamping direction D. Consequently, for the implementation of this movement, it is not necessarily necessary to separate the rod 16 from the female threaded part 22 as was the case in the prior art, thus making these two elements captive.

[0073] With reference to the Figures, each link 26 may comprise at least two plates 36, 38 connected to each other by two of the joints 28. The plates 36, 38 of each link 26 are offset along the direction (which coincides with the extension axis 18) around which the free pivoting of this link 26 occurs relative to the consecutive links 26, with an interposition of a free and empty gap between the two plates 36, 38 facing each other. The plates 36 and 38 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0074] In the clamping assembly according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 and 9, the nut which constitutes the female threaded part 22 is, for example, integral permanently attached to one of the links 26, for example by being welded, glued or caged. Nevertheless, these nuts can be designed to be independent of the links 26 if necessary.

[0075] In the clamping assembly according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 and 9, each joint 28 may comprise a first bearing surface 40 and a second bearing surface 42, distinct and bidirectional, capable of exerting a bearing force in opposite converging directions. The first bearing surface 40 and the second bearing surface 42 are suitable for being arranged on either side of the first flange 100 and the second flange 200 when their contact surfaces 102 and 202 are compressed against each other. In the clamping assembly according to the first embodiment according to Figures 1 to 6 and 9, the first bearing surface 40 and the second bearing surface 42 come into contact respectively with the bearing surface 104 delimited by the first flange 100 and with the bearing surface 204 delimited by the second flange 200 when the clamping force F is exerted by the clamping system 10.By "coming into contact", we mean direct mechanical contact between the two parts concerned, or indirect mechanical contact in the case where support washers are possibly interposed between the bearing surfaces 40, 42 and the bearing surfaces 104, 204.

[0076] The nature of each joint 28 is not limiting. It may, for example, consist of a tubular assembly to define an internal passage 52 capable of being traversed by the shank 16 of the clamping screw 12, as explained previously (the axis 18 of the shank then extending substantially parallel to the main axis of the tubular shape of the internal passage 52). The bearing surfaces 40, 42 may consist, for example, of external annular shoulders that extend radially outwards around this tubular assembly.

[0077] It is possible that this tubular assembly is formed in a single piece, making the bearing surfaces 40, 42 fixed relative to each other. On the other hand, in the clamping assembly according to the first embodiment according to Figures 1 to 6 and 9, for each joint 28, the first bearing surface 40 and the second bearing surface 42 are movable relative to each other (as are the two plates 36, 38), along the extension axis 18 of the rod 16 of the clamping screw 12 which passes through this joint 28, so as to vary between a spread configuration in which the first bearing surface 40 and the second bearing surface 42 are separated from each other by a first interval having a first value and a close configuration in which the first bearing surface 40 and the second bearing surface 42 are separated from each other by a second interval having a second value strictly less than the first value.In the Figures, only the second interval (the first and second support spans 40, 42 being in their . The close-coupled configuration shown in Figures 4 and 6 (by tightening the nuts relative to the clamping screws 12) is represented and indicated by reference numeral 44. The first gap (not shown) would be obtained by loosening the nuts relative to the clamping screws 12. The first and second values ​​corresponding to the first and second gaps are directly dependent on the local thickness of the two flanges 100 and 200.

[0078] By way of exception, in the clamping assembly according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 and 9, for each joint 28, the interconnection mechanism 24 includes a return device 46 that continuously forces the first bearing surface 40 and the second bearing surface 42 towards the open configuration. Such a return device 46 can be obtained by any suitable means, such as a spring or an elastically compressible material.In the particular case shown, the tubular assembly that constitutes each joint 28 and that delimits the internal passage 52 (through which the rod 16 of the clamping screw 12 passes) comprises two tubular parts 48, 50 respectively, internal and external, mounted one inside the other in a sliding manner to form a telescopic tubular assembly. Each return device 46 is then possibly constituted by a compression spring interposed between these two tubular parts 48, 50. The external tubular part 48 delimits the first bearing surface 40, previously described, in the form of an external shoulder, while the internal tubular part 50 delimits the second bearing surface 42, also in the form of an external shoulder. The transition from the extended to the retracted configuration, and vice versa, is achieved by relative sliding between the external tubular part 48 and the internal tubular part 50.

[0079] As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 1], in the clamping assembly according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 and 9, each of the first flange 100 and the second flange 200 defines receiving notches having an open contour. Each receiving notch defined by the first flange 100 is identified by the reference numeral 106. Each receiving notch defined by the second flange 200 is identified by the reference numeral 206. The receiving notches 106 defined by the first flange 100 are arranged at regular intervals circumferentially around the clamping direction D, in such a way that each receiving notch 106 opens freely outwards radially from the first flange 100 (i.e., radially around the clamping direction D of the first flange 100).Similarly, the receiving notches 206 are arranged at regular intervals circumferentially around the clamping direction D, such that each receiving notch 206 opens freely outwards radially from the second flange 200 (i.e., radially around the clamping direction D of the second flange 200). Each . Receiving notch 106 opens outwards from the first flange 100 through a passage opening 108 arranged on a peripheral edge 110 of the first flange 100. Each receiving notch 206 opens outwards from the second flange 200 through a passage opening 208 arranged on a peripheral edge 210 of the second flange 200. Each receiving notch 106 of the first flange 100 is arranged in the extension, viewed in a direction parallel to the clamping direction D, to a receiving notch 206 of the second flange 200, and vice versa. The passage openings 108, 208 allow the clamping screws 12 to be positioned in the receiving notches 106, 206 (then positioned in line with each other) by a movement of the clamping screws 12 in a movement transverse to the clamping direction D, in other words in the main plane P.

[0080] With reference to [Fig. 9], each receiving notch 106, 206 of the two flanges 100, 200 comprises at least one lateral edge 112, 212 having a profile shaped to allow the clamping screw 12 to be positioned in this receiving notch 106, 206 by a rotational movement of this clamping screw 12 around the adjacent joint 28, the clamping screw 12 passing through said adjacent joint 28 being positioned in the corresponding receiving notch 106, 206. The path followed by the clamping screw 12 during this rotational movement is symbolized by a dashed line labeled C, locally circular around a center E located in the bottom of the adjacent receiving notch. This profile can be, as shown, a globally curved shape (for example locally in the shape of an arc of a circle) or a straight line along a straight line forming a non-zero angle with respect to the locally radial direction.

[0081] With reference now to Figures 7 and 8, in connection with the clamping assembly according to the second embodiment where the female threaded portions 22 are delimited by the second flange 200 itself, each joint 28 may include a unidirectional bearing surface 54. Each unidirectional bearing surface 54 is intended to bear directly or indirectly against the bearing surface 104 of the first flange 100. However, the joint 28 then does not include a bearing surface intended to bear against a bearing surface delimited by the second flange 200, given the direct transmission of the forces from the clamping screws to the second flange 200. The unidirectional bearing surfaces 54 of all the joints 28 of the interconnection mechanism 24 are arranged on the same side 56 of the first flange 100 and the second flange 200, whose contact surfaces 102, 202 are compressed against each other.These arrangements are directly visible in [Fig.8]. On the other hand, the unidirectional bearing surfaces 54 of all the joints 28 of the interconnection mechanism 24 are all in contact with the surface. support 102 delimited by the first flange 100 when the clamping force F is exerted by the clamping system 10.

[0082] In the second embodiment where the female threaded parts 22 are delimited by the second flange 200 itself, the first flange 100 can then comprise a plurality of through holes 74, each intended for the free axial passage of the rod of one of the clamping screws 12. Such a through hole 74 can, for example, be constituted, as can be seen in [Fig. 6], by a simple hole opening at its two axial ends and whose diameter is strictly greater than the diameter of the rod 16. The through holes 74 are arranged at regular intervals circumferentially around the clamping direction D, according to the number of clamping screws 12 required and their radial positions.

[0083] In the second embodiment where the female threaded parts 22 are delimited by the second flange 200 itself, the chain of successive articulated links can be an open loop chain having two independent free ends that can be moved relative to each other, or a closed loop chain.

[0084] As can be seen in [Fig.8], it is possible to foresee that, according to a non-limiting embodiment, the interconnection mechanism 24 comprises, for each joint 28, a return mechanism 58 configured to continuously stress the clamping screw 12 which passes through this joint 28 in a manner tending to move the screw head 14 away from the female threaded part 22 which cooperates with this clamping screw 12, in a direction 60 coinciding with the extension axis 18 of the rod 16 of this clamping screw 12.

[0085] For example, and as illustrated in [Fig. 8], in the clamping assembly according to the second embodiment in Figures 7 and 8, each joint 28 comprises a one-piece tubular part 62 which defines an internal passage 64 capable of being traversed by the shank 16 of the clamping screw 12 in such a way as to allow a degree of rotational freedom of the clamping screw 12 around the extension axis 18 of its shank 16. An axial end (viewed along the main axis of the internal passage 64) of the one-piece tubular part 62 constitutes the unidirectional bearing surface 54 defined previously, which comes into contact against the bearing surface 104 of the first flange 100 when the clamping force F is exerted by the clamping system 10.By "coming into contact" we mean direct mechanical contact between the two parts, or indirect mechanical contact in the case where support washers are possibly interposed between each unidirectional support bearing surface 54 and the bearing surface 104.

[0086] The return mechanism 58 can be of any type. In the example shown, it consists of a compression spring mounted in the one-piece tubular part 62, to be interposed between the screw head 14 of the clamping screw 12 and a stop 66 delimited by the one-piece tubular part 62 to extend radially towards the interior of the internal passage 64.

[0087] Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, the clamping system 10 may include a transmission mechanism 68 configured to connect the screw heads 14 of all the clamping screws 12 of the clamping system 10 in such a way that the rotation of one of the screw heads 14 imposed by an external force on the clamping assembly causes the rotation of all the other screw heads 14 by the transmission mechanism 68 alone.

[0088] By way of exception, the transmission mechanism 68 may comprise, as illustrated, a plurality of rotating drive elements 70 and a drive belt 72. Each rotating drive element 70 is mounted for free rotation on one of the links 26 (typically by a free-rotating mount on one of the two plates 36, 38) and cooperates with the screw heads 14 of two of the clamping screws 12. With reference to [Fig. 6], the drive belt 72, the nature and arrangement of which are in no way limiting, is arranged, for example, in a closed loop and cooperates with each of the rotating drive elements 70. It is the running motion of the drive belt 72 that causes a synchronized rotation of all the rotating drive elements 70, which in turn rotate the heads of tightening 14 of the clamping screws 12 into engagement.Each rotating drive element 70 can be, for example, a circular roller or a toothed wheel. The drive belt 72, for its part, is a toothed or smooth belt, with a flat, trapezoidal, or round cross-section, for example. The interaction between the drive belt 72 and each of the rotating drive elements 70 can be direct, i.e., through direct mechanical contact, or indirect, i.e., with the interposition of a possible intermediate part.

[0089] The design of the screw heads 14 is arbitrary. Each screw head 14 may have a polygonal recess, for example, a 6-sided recess to form a six-sided hexagon, or a protruding recess, such as a narrow or wide H-shaped recess. The use of wide recesses may be preferred if the flanges 100, 200 to be clamped require a very high clamping force F and therefore a very high tightening torque. A person skilled in the art is perfectly capable of identifying the type and number of clamping screws 12 to be provided based on the clamping force F required by the application specifications. It is possible to provide any other type of screw head 12, for example, slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, or equivalent heads.

[0090] According to a non-limiting embodiment not shown here, each clamping screw 12 combined with its complementary female threaded portion 22 can be configured in the manner of a screw known as a "Chicago screw", which then has the advantage of a gain in axial bulk along the tightening direction D.

[0091] The invention finds application particularly in any type of clamping assembly, that is to say, independently of the function of the first and second clamps. A particular application concerns the field where the two clamps belong to the same static mechanism in a terrestrial frame of reference or in a frame of reference attached to a vehicle (compared to a rotating part such as a rotor), for example, an aircraft. These may be structural or non-structural clamps, belonging to an engine (such as an aircraft engine or a turbomachine) or to a test machine or any other testing equipment.

Claims

Demands

1. Bridle assembly including: a first flange (100) comprising a contact surface (102), a second flange (200) comprising a contact surface (202), a clamping system (10) configured to exert a clamping force (F) oriented along a clamping direction (D) to ensure compression of the bearing surface (102) of the first flange (100) against the bearing surface (202) of the second flange (200), the clamping system (10) comprising: a plurality of clamping screws (12), each provided with a rod (16) oriented along an extension axis (18) intended to be oriented parallel to the clamping direction (D), each rod (16) having at least one male threaded section (20), the clamping screws (12) transmitting the clamping force (F) to the first flange (100), a plurality of female threaded parts (22), the threaded section (20) of each clamping screw (12) being intended to cooperate by helical connection with one of the threaded parts (22) in order to generate said clamping force (F), the threaded parts (22) transmitting the clamping force (F) to the second flange (200), an interconnection mechanism (24) comprising a plurality of links (26) and a plurality of joints (28), the links (26) being connected in pairs by one of the joints (28) so as to constitute a chain (30) of successive articulated links (26), each link (26) having two ends (261, 262), the ends (261, 262) of two consecutive links (28) being connected to each other by one of the joints (28) conferring a possibility of pivoting between these two consecutive links (26), the shank (16) of each of the clamping screws (12) passing through one of the joints (28) allowing a degree of rotational freedom of the clamping screw (12) around the extension axis (18) of its rod (16), the extension axes (18) of the rods (16) of the clamping screws (12) being all substantially parallel to each other and to the clamping direction (D).

2. A clamping assembly according to claim 1, in which each link (28) comprises at least two plates (36, 38) connected to each other by two of the joints (28).

3. Clamping assembly according to claim 1 or 2, each joint (28) comprising a first bearing surface (40) and a second bearing surface (42), suitable for being arranged on either side of the first flange (100) and the second flange (200) whose contact surfaces (102, 202) are compressed against each other, the first bearing surface (40) and the second bearing surface (42) coming into contact respectively with a bearing surface (104) delimited by the first flange (100) and with a bearing surface (204) delimited by the second flange (200) when the clamping force (F) is exerted by the clamping system (10).

4. Clamping assembly according to claim 3, wherein for each joint (28), the first bearing surface (40) and the second bearing surface (42) are movable relative to each other, along the extension axis (18) of the rod (16) of the clamping screw (12) which passes through this joint (28), so as to vary between a spread configuration in which the first bearing surface (40) and the second bearing surface (42) are separated from each other by a first interval having a first value and a close configuration in which the first bearing surface (40) and the second bearing surface (42) are separated from each other by a second interval (44) having a second value strictly less than the first value.

5. Clamping assembly according to claim 4, wherein for each joint (28), the interconnection mechanism (24) includes a return device (46) permanently engaging the first bearing surface (40) and the second bearing surface (42) towards the spread configuration.

6. Clamping assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein each of the first clamp (100) and the second clamp (200) delimits receiving notches (106, 206) having a open contour, each receiving notch (106, 206) opening outwards towards the outside of the flange (100, 200) concerned by a passage opening (108, 208) arranged on a peripheral edge of the flange (100, 200) concerned, allowing a positioning of the clamping screws (12) in the receiving notches (106, 206) by a movement of the clamping screws (12) according to a movement transverse to the direction of clamping (D).

7. Clamping assembly according to claim 6, wherein each receiving notch (106, 206) comprises at least one lateral edge (112, 212) having a profile shaped to allow positioning of the clamping screw (12) in this receiving notch (106, 206) by a rotational movement (C) of this clamping screw (12) around the adjacent joint (28), the clamping screw (12) which passes through said adjacent joint (28) being positioned in the corresponding receiving notch (106, 206).

8. Clamping assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the threaded parts (22) is a nut independent of the flanges (100, 200) and the clamping screws (12).

9. Clamping assembly according to claims 2 and 8, wherein the nut is permanently attached to one of the links (26).

10. Clamping assembly according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein each of the threaded parts (22) is integrated into the second flange (200).

11. Clamping assembly according to claim 10, wherein each joint (28) comprises a unidirectional bearing surface (54), the unidirectional bearing surfaces (54) of all the joints (28) of the interconnection mechanism (24) being on the one hand disposed on the same side (56) of the first flange (100) and the second flange (200) whose contact surfaces (102, 202) are compressed against each other, on the other hand all coming into contact with a bearing surface (104) delimited by the first flange (100) when the clamping force (F) is exerted by the clamping system (10).

12. Clamping assembly according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein for each joint (28), the interconnection mechanism (24) comprises a return mechanism (58) continuously applying pressure to the clamping screw (12) which passes through said joint (28) in a manner tending to move it away from the threaded portion (22) which cooperates with this clamping screw (12), in a direction (60) coinciding with the extension axis (18) of the rod (16) of this clamping screw (12).

13. Clamping assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the clamping system (10) comprises a transmission mechanism (68) configured to connect the clamping screws (12) in such a way that the rotation of one of the clamping screws (12) imposed by an external force on the clamping assembly causes the rotation of all the other clamping screws (12) by the transmission mechanism (68) alone.

14. Clamping assembly according to claim 13, wherein the transmission mechanism (68) comprises a plurality of rotating drive elements (70) and a drive belt (72), each of the rotating drive elements (70) being mounted for free rotation on one of the links (26) and cooperating directly or indirectly with two of the clamping screws (12) and the drive belt (72) being arranged in a closed loop and cooperating with each of the rotating drive elements (70).

15. A clamping assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, in which the chain (30) of successive articulated links (26) is an open loop chain, having two independent free ends (32, 34) that are movable relative to each other.

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