SCREWING / UNSCREWING DEVICE

Abstract

A screwing / unscrewing device (30) comprising: - a hollow tubular chuck (40) centered on an axis (X), said chuck being suitable for mounting around a screwing / unscrewing element and being provided with at least two jaws (42) configured to form a clamping jaw (41) for this element, said chuck having an external thread (46) and a recess (44) configured to serve as an interface for a screwing / unscrewing tool, - a clamping nut (50) screwed onto the external thread of said chuck and cooperating directly or indirectly with the jaws of the clamp so as to move them in a radial direction, and - a plate (60) having an opening (61) for the screwing / unscrewing element to pass through, this plate having a face (62) perpendicular to the axis onto which said opening opens and on which said chuck is intended to bear. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: SCREWING / UNSCREWING DEVICE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a screwing / unscrewing device for a screwing / unscrewing element, such as a connector. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising this device and to an associated assembly / disassembly method. Technological background

[0002] In a test bench, for example for a turbomachine, connectors can be used to link different components to operate the turbomachine in question. These connectors control the flow of a fluid, for example oil, and, for this purpose, incorporate seals. Wear of the seals necessitates their replacement.

[0003] Conventionally, a connector, such as a connector 10 for the passage of oil shown in Figures 1 and 2, comprises, centered around an axis A, a hollow tubular body 11, a hollow cylindrical rod 12 screwed into the body 11 and provided with a head 16 which has at least one open orifice 17, a return member 14, such as a spring, mounted around the rod 12, a sleeve 13 extending around the rod 12 between the head 16 and the return member 14, a first annular seal 15 mounted around the sleeve 13 in contact with an internal wall of the tubular body 11 of the connector 10 and a second annular seal 18 mounted at a free end of the sleeve 13 on which the head 16 of the rod 12 bears axially.

[0004] In a so-called closed position, visible in [Fig. 1], the sleeve 13 is configured to cover the orifices 17 of the head 16. In this configuration, the return member 14 is not stressed. Indeed, the return member 14 holds the sleeve 13 against the head 16. The compression in this state ensures sealing by the pressure transmitted to the second sealing gasket 18.

[0005] In an open position, visible in [Fig. 2], the sleeve 13 is configured to leave the orifices 17 of the head 16 exposed. To achieve this, pressure must be applied to the sleeve 13 to compress the return member 14. It is understood that the sleeve 13, carrying the first sealing ring 15, is a moving part of the connector 10. This pressure is generally provided by the opposite connector so that, during operation, oil or another fluid flows into the opposite connector through the orifices 17.

[0006] The first seal 15 ensures the sealing of the connector body 11 by preventing fluid from escaping between the inner wall of the body 11 and the socket 13, whether in the closed or open position. The second seal 18 ensures the sealing of the hollow cylindrical rod 12 in the closed position by preventing fluid from flowing between the free end of the sleeve 13 and the head 16 of the rod 12. In the open position, the end of a pipe coming into interface with the connector 10 presses against the second sealing gasket 18, thus enabling the sealing between the sleeve 13 and the pipe.

[0007] Currently, replacing worn seals or other moving parts of the connector requires replacing the entire connector. However, this operation is lengthy and difficult due to limited access to the connector within its environment.

[0008] Manual replacement of the seals 15, 18 or moving parts, such as the return member 14 or the sleeve 13, may be considered. In such a case, the operator must simultaneously apply pressure to the sleeve 13 to create a gap between the head 16 and the sleeve 13 and its seal 18, similarly to the open position shown in [Fig. 2], and use a tool, such as a wrench or pliers, to unscrew the rod 12 from the body 11 of the connector 10 via its head 16. However, this operation remains complex and presents a risk of injury to the operator due to the limited handholds and the rigidity of the return member.

[0009] Also, an objective of the invention is to provide a screwing / unscrewing device that facilitates gripping for an operator in a restricted environment.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to improve the operations of replacing one or more seals or other parts of a connector. Summary of the invention

[0011] A screwing / unscrewing device is therefore proposed comprising: - a hollow tubular chuck centered on an axis, the chuck being suitable for mounting around an element to be screwed / unscrewed and being equipped with at least two jaws configured to form a clamping jaw for this element, the chuck having an external thread and a recess configured to serve as an interface for a screwing / unscrewing tool, - a clamping nut screwed onto the external thread of the chuck and cooperating directly or indirectly with the jaws of the jaw so as to move them in a radial direction, and - a plate having an opening intended to be passed through by the element to be screwed / unscrewed, this plate having a face perpendicular to the axis on which the opening opens and on which the chuck is intended to rest.

[0012] Thus, thanks to the invention, improved gripping of a screwing / unscrewing element is ensured. Indeed, the jaw of the chuck, cooperating directly or indirectly with the nut, makes it possible to grasp and hold the screwing / unscrewing element. While ensuring the operator has a secure grip, via the chuck's recess, for easier and safer tool use. Furthermore, the device's mounting plate allows the part being screwed / unscrewed to be isolated through the plate's opening.

[0013] The screwing / unscrewing device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in combination with each other: - the jaws each have an external surface inclined with respect to the axis, so that a first external diameter of the clamping jaw, taken at a free end of the jaw and located on the side of said plate, has a dimension greater than a second external diameter of the jaw located on the side opposite the plate, this side opposite the plate being located, along the axis, at a non-zero distance from the free end; - the inclined external surface has a slope of between 2° and 8° with respect to the axis, preferably between 4° and 6° with respect to the axis; - the jaws are separated by axial slots; - the external thread of the chuck is located axially between the jaw and the cavity; - the nut cooperates directly with the jaws of the jaw and has on an internal surface a chamfer configured to bear against the jaws of the jaw; - - the chamfer of the internal surface of the nut has a slope including between 2° and 8° relative to the axis, preferably between 4° and 6° relative to the axis; - the device further includes an annular guide mounted around the chuck between the plate and the nut, the annular guide being configured to be moved in axial translation on the jaws of the jaw so that the nut cooperates indirectly with said jaws of said jaw; - the annular guide has on an internal surface a chamfer configured to bear against the jaws of the jaw; - - the chamfer of the inner surface of the annular guide has a slope between 2° and 8° relative to the axis, preferably between 4° and 6° relative to the axis.

[0014] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a screwing / unscrewing device as described above and a connector comprising: - a hollow tubular body, - a screw-on / screw-off element which is a hollow cylindrical rod screwed into the body, the rod comprising a head at one free end configured to protrude from the body, - a return mechanism mounted around the cylindrical rod, the return mechanism being axially supported against an internal stop of the body, - a sleeve extending around the cylindrical rod between the head and the return member, the sleeve being axially supported on the return member, the sleeve being configured to translate along the rod, - a first annular sealing gasket mounted around the sleeve, the first gasket being configured to be in contact with an internal wall of the tubular body, and - a second annular sealing gasket mounted at one free end of the socket on which the head of the rod rests axially.

[0015] The invention also relates to a turbomachine test bench comprising at least one assembly as described above.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method for assembling an assembly as described above for unscrewing a screw-on / screw-off element, the method comprising the following steps: • press the connector axially against the plate so that the head of the hollow cylindrical rod, screwed inside the body of the connector, passes through the hole in the plate; • mount the jaw of the chuck around said head; • Mount the nut onto the chuck and screw it in so that the jaws of the jaw move in a radial direction to encircle the head; • Turn the chuck's recess to unscrew the rod, then remove the rod from the connector body.

[0017] The method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in combination with each other: - before mounting the nut on the chuck, an annular guide is mounted on the chuck. Brief description of the figures

[0018] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0019] Figure [1] represents a schematic view of a connector in the so-called closed position, as known,

[0020] Figure [Fig. 2] represents a schematic view of the connector of Figure [Fig. 1] in the so-called open position,

[0021] Figure [Fig. 3] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a screwing / unscrewing device according to the invention,

[0022] Figure [Fig. 4] represents a schematic perspective view of the chuck of the device in Figure [Fig. 3],

[0023] Figure [Fig. 5] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembly comprising the device according to the invention and the connector of Figure [1].

[0024] Figure 6 represents a schematic perspective view of Figure 5.

[0025] Figure 7 represents a schematic perspective view of another form of implementation of the device according to the invention,

[0026] Fig. 8 represents a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembly comprising the device of Fig. 7 applied to the connector of Fig. 1.

[0027] Figure [Fig. 9] represents a schematic perspective view of Figure [Fig. 8],

[0028] Fig. 10 represents a block diagram of a method for assembling an assembly to unscrew an element to be screwed / unscrewed. Detailed description of the invention

[0029] Figures 1 and 2 have been described previously. They represent a connector 10, such as is commonly used in a test bench to circulate a fluid between two elements of a system under test, for example a turbomachine. Typically, a test bench may include several connectors 10 of this type.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows in particular the connector 10 in a closed position, that is to say when the orifices 17 of the head 16 of the hollow cylindrical rod 12 are covered by the sleeve 13.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows the connector 10 in an open position, i.e. when the orifices 17 of the head 16 of the rod 12 are not covered by the socket 13.

[0032] Figures 3 to 6 show the screwing / unscrewing device 30 according to the invention. This device 30 comprises a hollow tubular chuck 40, a clamping nut 50 and a plate 60.

[0033] The hollow tubular chuck 40 is centered on an X-axis. The chuck 40 is also suitable for mounting around a screwing / unscrewing element. In the example shown here, the screwing / unscrewing element is the hollow cylindrical rod 12 of the connector 10. The chuck 40 is provided with at least two jaws 42 configured to form a clamping jaw 41 for the screwing / unscrewing element. The chuck also has an external thread 46 and a recess 44 configured to serve as an interface for a screwing / unscrewing tool (not shown).

[0034] The clamping nut 50 is screwed onto the external thread 46 of the chuck 40 and cooperates directly or indirectly with the jaws 42 of the jaw 41 so as to move them in a radial direction. The nut 50 may be hexagonal in shape.

[0035] The plate 60 has an opening 61 for the element to be screwed / unscrewed to pass through. The plate 60 also has a face 62 perpendicular to the axis X on which the opening 61 opens and on which the chuck 40 is intended to rest. The plate 60 also has a face 63, opposite to the face 62 and parallel to it, which is intended to rest on the connector 10.

[0036] With reference to figures 3 and 4, the jaws 42 of the chuck 40 can each have an external surface 45 inclined with respect to the X axis, so that a first external diameter DI of the clamping jaw 41 taken at a free end 43 of the jaw 41, located on the side of the plate 60, has a dimension greater than a second external diameter D2 of the jaw 41 located on the opposite side of the plate 60, located along the X axis at a predetermined, non-zero distance from the free end 43 of the jaw 41. The plate 60 can have an L-shaped form.

[0037] Advantageously, the inclined external surface 45 has a slope between 2° and 8° with respect to the X axis. Preferably, the slope of the inclined external surface 45 is between 4° and 6° with respect to the X axis.

[0038] The jaws 42 may have a thickness that decreases from the free end 43 of the jaw 41 towards the external thread 46, as can be seen in [Fig. 3]. In this way, the internal diameter D3 of the jaw 41 formed by the jaws 42 is, when not in use, constant throughout the entire depth of the jaw 4L.

[0039] Advantageously, the internal diameter D3 is between 10 millimeters (mm) and 20 mm, preferably between 12 mm and 18 mm, and even more preferably between 15 mm and 17 mm.

[0040] The jaws 42 may have a thickness that is constant from the free end 43 of the jaw 41 towards the opposite side. In this way, the internal diameter of the jaw 41 formed by the jaws 42 is, when not in use, decreasing from the free end of the jaw towards the opposite side.

[0041] Advantageously, the jaws 42 are separated by axial slots 47. These slots 47 may have a width d, separating one jaw 42 from an adjacent jaw. Each slot 47 may have a width d between two jaws 42 that is between 1 mm and 4 mm, and preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm. The axial slots 47 provide a limitation to the radial movement of the jaws 42. With the different slots 47, the movement of the jaws 42 is modulated according to the width d.

[0042] The external thread 46 of the chuck 40 can be located axially between the jaw 41 and the recess 44.

[0043] The jaw 41 of the chuck 40 may have three or four jaws 42, regularly distributed around the axis X. In the example of [Fig.4], the jaw comprises four jaws 42.

[0044] Advantageously, the recess 44 is located projecting from the chuck 40. The recess 44 may also have a hexagonal shape of the 6-sided type. This improves the grip with the screwing / unscrewing tool.

[0045] The clamping nut 50 can cooperate directly, by friction, with the jaws 42 of the jaw 41. To do this, the nut 50 has, on an internal surface, a chamfer 51 which is configured to bear against the jaws 42 of the jaw 41. In this way, the nut 50 can more easily press against the jaws 42.

[0046] Advantageously, the chamfer 51 of the internal surface of the nut 50 has a slope of between 2° and 8° with respect to the X axis. Preferably, this slope is between 4° and 6° with respect to the X axis. It is understood that the slope of the chamfer 51 is substantially the same as the slope of the inclined external surface 45.

[0047] Alternatively, not shown, the chamfer 51 of the nut 50 can be replaced by a fillet. The fillet has the advantage of reducing marking of the parts during friction.

[0048] With reference to Figures 7 to 9, the device 30 may include an annular guide 70 mounted around the chuck 40 between the plate 60 and the clamping nut 50. The annular guide 70 is further configured to be moved axially along the jaws 42 of the jaw 41 so that the nut cooperates indirectly with the jaws 42 of the jaw 4L.

[0049] The annular guide 70 advantageously includes, on an internal surface, a chamfer 71 configured to bear against the jaws 42 of the jaw 4L. The annular guide 70 reduces the tightening torque and thus reduces wear. Indeed, with adequate surface roughness and lubrication, this reduces the friction experienced by the nut 50 when it reaches the end of its travel and the deflection of the jaws 42 is at its maximum. The nut 50 and the annular guide 70 are also designed to be in constant contact.

[0050] Advantageously, the chamfer 71 of the internal surface of the annular guide 70 has a slope of between 2° and 8° with respect to the X axis. Preferably, this slope is between 4° and 6° with respect to the X axis. It is understood that the slope of the chamfer 71 is substantially the same as the slope of the inclined external surface 45.

[0051] As an alternative, not shown, the chamfer 71 of the annular guide 70 can be replaced by a fillet.

[0052] With reference to Figures 5, 6, 8 and 9, the invention also relates to an assembly 100 comprising a screwing / unscrewing device 30 as described above and a connector 10 which comprises: • a hollow tubular body 11, • a screw / unscrew element which is a hollow cylindrical rod 12 screwed into the body 11, the rod 12 comprising a head 16 at one free end configured to protrude from the body, • a return member 14 mounted around the cylindrical rod 12, the return member 14 being axially supported against an internal stop of the body 11, • a sleeve 13 extending around the rod 12 between the head 16 and the return member 14, the sleeve 13 being axially supported on the return member 14, the sleeve 13 being configured to translate along the rod 12, • a first annular sealing gasket 15 mounted around the sleeve 13, this first sealing gasket 15 being configured to be in contact with an internal wall of the tubular body 11, and • a second annular sealing gasket 18 mounted at a free end of the sleeve 13 on which the head 16 of the rod 12 rests axially.

[0053] Figures 5 and 6 show the assembly 100 when the device 30 is engaged with the connector 10. In this configuration, the nut 50 is screwed onto the mandrel 40 so that the jaw 41 grips the head 16 of the rod 12 which protrudes from the body 11 of the connector 10 and passes through the orifice 61 of the plate 60.

[0054] Figures 8 and 9 show another form of the assembly 100. In this form, the device 30 includes the annular guide 70 which is interposed between the plate 60 and the nut 50. The annular guide 70 is also axially supported on the nut 50. Here, when the nut 50 is screwed on, it is the annular guide 70 which presses on the jaw 41 to bend the jaws 42 to grip the head 16 of the rod 12 which protrudes from the body 11 of the connector 10 and passes through the orifice 61 of the plate 60.

[0055] Connector 10 of assembly 100 can be mounted on a turbomachine test bench.

[0056] The invention further relates to a turbomachine test bench comprising at least one assembly 100 as described above.

[0057] The invention also relates to a method 200 for assembling an assembly 100 as described above for unscrewing a screw-on / screw-off element. Figure 10 shows a block diagram of this method 200, which includes the following steps.

[0058] At a step 202, the connector 10 is pressed axially against the plate 60. In particular, the connector 10 is actuated axially by compressing the return member 14 by a force on the plate 60, which is then in contact with the sealing gasket 18 of the sleeve 13, thus translating the latter along the rod 12. In this way, the head 16 of the hollow cylindrical rod 12, which is a screw / unscrew element, passes through the orifice 61 of the plate 60. By pressing the connector 10, and in particular the sleeve 13, against the face 63 of the plate 60, the head 16 of the rod 12 then protrudes.

[0059] At a step 204, the jaw 41 of the chuck 40 is mounted around the head 16.

[0060] At an optional step 205, an annular guide 70 can be mounted on the chuck 40.

[0061] At step 206, the clamping nut 50 is mounted on the chuck 40 before being screwed, at step 208, onto the thread 46 of the chuck 40. By screwing the nut 50, the can cooperate directly with the jaws 42 of the jaw 41 so as to move them in a radial direction. The nut 50 can be tightened until a prescribed torque is reached. Alternatively, the nut 50 can cooperate indirectly with the jaws 42 of the jaw 41 via the annular guide 70, when the latter is present, i.e., when step 205 has been carried out.

[0062] The radial movement of the jaws 42 of the jaw allows the head 16 of the rod 12 to be gripped.

[0063] At a step 210, the socket 44 of the chuck is rotated by the operator, for example using a screwing / unscrewing tool, so as to unscrew the rod 12 and then, at a step 212, remove it from the body 11 of the connector 10.

[0064] Once the rod 12 is unscrewed and removed, the device 30 can be removed to give the operator access to the other moving parts of the connector 10. In particular, the operator can disassemble the bushing 13 and the sealing rings 15, 18, as well as the return member 14 to check their condition and / or replace them if necessary.

[0065] To reassemble the assembly 100, the reverse steps can be performed. All moving parts are reassembled in the body 11 of the connector 10 before the face 63, perpendicular to the X-axis, of the plate 60 is pressed against the sleeve 13. The rod 12, held in the jaw 41 of the chuck 40, is inserted, through the opening 61 in the plate 60, into the body 11 of the connector 10 before being screwed in via the recess 44 of the chuck 40. Once the rod 12 has reached the end of its travel, the nut 50 is unscrewed to loosen the jaw 41 around the head 16 of the rod 12 and release it. The device 30 can then be removed.Removing the plate 60 releases the pressure on the sleeve 13 and its sealing gasket 18, which releases the tension exerted in the return member 14, which then returns to its initial position by driving the sleeve 13 and its sealing gasket 18 against the head 16 of the rod 12, thus placing the connector 10 in the closed position of [Fig. 1].

[0066] In light of what has been described above, the invention has the advantage of improving the grip on the element to be screwed / unscrewed, for example the hollow cylindrical rod 12 in the situation described above. Indeed, the jaw of the chuck, cooperating directly or indirectly with the nut, makes it possible to grasp and hold the element to be screwed / unscrewed while ensuring the operator has a grip, via the chuck's recess, for easier and safer use of a tool.

[0067] Another advantage of the invention is to facilitate, for an operator, the disassembly and / or assembly of an assembly comprising the screwing / unscrewing device and a connector.

[0068] Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a compact solution compatible with the confined spaces in which the invention is implemented.

Claims

Demands

1. A screwing / unscrewing device (30) comprising: - a hollow tubular chuck (40) centered on an axis (X), said chuck being suitable for mounting around a screwing / unscrewing element and being provided with at least two jaws (42) configured to form a clamping jaw (41) for this element, said chuck (40) having an external thread (46) and a recess (44) configured to serve as an interface for a screwing / unscrewing tool, - a clamping nut (50) screwed onto the external thread (46) of said chuck (40) and cooperating directly or indirectly with the jaws (42) of the jaw (41) so as to move them in a radial direction, and - a plate (60) having an opening (61) for the screwing / unscrewing element to pass through, this plate (60) having a face (62) perpendicular to the axis (X) on which said opening (61) opens and on which said chuck (40) is intended to rest.

2. Device (30) according to claim 1, wherein said jaws (42) each have an external surface (45) inclined with respect to the axis (X), such that a first external diameter (D1) of said clamping jaw (41), taken at a free end (43) of the jaw (41) and located on the side of said plate (60), has a dimension greater than a second external diameter (D2) of said jaw (41) located on the side opposite the plate, said side opposite the plate being located, along the axis (X), at a non-zero distance with respect to said free end (43).

3. Device (30) according to claim 2, wherein the inclined external surface (45) has a slope between 2° and 8° with respect to the axis (X), preferably between 4° and 6° with respect to the axis (X).

4. Device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said jaws (42) are separated by axial slots (47).

5. Device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said external thread (46) of the chuck is located axially between the jaw (41) and the cavity (44).

6. Device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said nut (50) cooperates directly with the jaws (42) of the jaw (41) and has on an internal surface a chamfer (51) or a fillet configured to bear against said jaws of the jaw.

7. Device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising an annular guide (70) mounted around the chuck (40) between said plate (60) and said nut (50), said annular guide (70) being configured to be moved in axial translation on the jaws (42) of the jaw (41) so that said nut (50) cooperates indirectly with said jaws (42) of said jaw (41).

8. Device (30) according to claim 7, wherein said annular guide (70) has on an internal surface a chamfer (71) or a fillet configured to bear against said jaws (42) of the jaw (41).

9. Assembly (100) comprising a screwing / unscrewing device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a connector (10) comprising: - a hollow tubular body (11), - a screwing / unscrewing element which is a hollow cylindrical rod (12) screwed into said body (11), said rod comprising a head (16) at one free end configured to project from said body, - a return member (14) mounted around said cylindrical rod (12), said return member bearing axially against an internal stop of the body, - a sleeve (13) extending around said cylindrical rod between said head (16) and said return member, said sleeve bearing axially on said return member, said sleeve being configured to translate along said rod, - a first annular sealing gasket (15) mounted around said sleeve,said first seal being configured to be in contact with an internal wall of said tubular body, and - a second annular sealing seal (18) mounted at a free end of the sleeve on which the head (16) of said rod (12) bears axially.

10. Turbomachine test bench comprising at least one assembly (100) according to claim 9.

11. A method for assembling an assembly according to claim 9 for unscrewing a screw-on / screw-off element, said method comprising the following steps: - axially pressing (202) the connector (10) against the plate (60) so that the head (16) of the hollow cylindrical rod (12), screwed inside the body (11) of the connector (10), passes through the orifice (61) of the plate (60); - mounting (204) the jaw (41) of the chuck (40) around said head (16); - mounting (206) the nut (50) on the chuck (40) and screwing (208) so that the jaws (42) of said jaw (41) move in a radial direction to clamp said head (16); - turn (210) the recess (44) of the chuck (40) so as to unscrew the rod (12) and then remove said rod (12) from the body (11) of the connector (10).

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein, before mounting the nut (50) on the mandrel (40), an annular guide (70) is mounted on the mandrel.

Images