Tooling for activating a command, comprising at least one tool configured to cooperate with the command and at least one tool-holding device
The tooling system with retractable arms and actuators maintains the drain valve open, addressing the issue of operator fatigue by enabling autonomous operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AIRBUS CANADA LLP
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Manual operation of keeping a drain valve open in an aircraft tank is tiring over prolonged periods due to the need for continuous operator attention, as the valve's return mechanism tends to close it.
A tooling system comprising a tool and a holding device with retractable arms and actuators that maintain the drain valve in an open state, allowing it to remain activated without continuous operator intervention.
The tooling system effectively keeps the drain valve open autonomously, reducing operator fatigue and ensuring consistent fluid drainage without manual effort.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Tooling for activating a control, comprising at least one tool configured to cooperate with the control and at least one tool-holding device
[0001] The present application relates to a tooling for activating a command comprising at least one tool configured to cooperate with the command and at least one tool holding device.
[0002] According to an embodiment of the prior art visible in Figures 1 and 2, an aircraft comprises an outer wall 10 delimiting an inner zone ZI and an outer zone ZE and having an opening 10.1 as well as a tank 12, positioned in the inner zone ZI, which has at least one drain valve 12.1 positioned at the opening 10.1. The outer wall 10 generally includes a hatch (not shown) for closing the opening 10.1.
[0003] The drain valve 12.1 includes a control 12.2 movable between a first position, visible on [Fig.1], corresponding to a closed state of the drain valve 12.1 and a second position, visible on [Fig.2], offset towards the interior of the tank 12 relative to the first position and corresponding to an open state of the drain valve 12.1. The latter includes a return system to maintain the control 12.2 in the first position.
[0004] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], a rod 14 is used to open the drain valve 12.1 by pushing the control 12.2 into the second position against the return system. This rod 14 extends between first and second ends 14.1, 14.2, the first end 14.1 being configured to cooperate with the control 12.2, the rod 14 being long enough for an operator to hold the rod 14 from the outer zone ZE and push the control 12.2 into the second position corresponding to the open state of the drain valve 12.1.
[0005] Depending on the amount of fluid to be drained, the duration for which the drain valve 12.1 remains open can be more or less long.
[0006] This tool, designed to keep the drain valve 12.1 open, is relatively simple. However, keeping the drain valve 12.1 open requires the operator's full attention for the entire duration of the draining process. This manual holding of the depressed rod 14 to keep the drain valve 12.1 open, contrary to the valve's return mechanism, is relatively tiring over a prolonged period.
[0007] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.
[0008] For this purpose, the invention relates to a tool for activating a control, configured to alternately occupy deactivated and activated states, attached to a support positioned in an interior zone separated from an exterior zone by a wall which has an opening communicating the interior and exterior zones and having a passage section, said control including a return system tending to maintain it in the deactivated state, the activation tool including at least one tool configured to cooperate with the control.
[0009] According to the invention, the activation tooling comprises a holding device which includes: a. a body attached to the tool, b. several arms, each extending between a first end connected to the body and a second end, c. for each arm, at least one support connected to the arm, at or near the second end, and configured to bear against an element in the support or wall, d. for each arm, at least one actuator configured to bring the arm and support closer together against the return system of the control.
[0010] This solution allows the control to remain in the activated state in the absence of an operator.
[0011] According to another feature, at least one of the arms is configured to occupy a retracted state in which the retaining device has a section smaller than the opening passage section and a deployed state in which the retaining device has a section larger than the opening passage section.
[0012] According to another feature, each arm comprises first and second sections as well as at least one joint connecting the first and second sections, the first section extending from the first end of the arm to the joint, the second section extending from the joint to the second end of the arm, the joint having at least one pivot axis.
[0013] According to another feature, at least one of the actuators is of the passive type.
[0014] According to another feature, for at least one arm, the holding device includes an amount which comprises at least first and second parts, the first part being connected to the arm, the second part being connected to the support, the actuator connecting the first and second parts.
[0015] According to another feature, the amount has an adjustable length.
[0016] According to another feature, each actuator includes at least one compression spring.
[0017] According to another feature, the holding device includes at least one clamping system connecting the body and the tool in a removable manner.
[0018] According to another feature, the body is tubular so as to be positioned around the tool. In addition, the clamping system includes at least first and second jaws configured to occupy a spread state in which the tool can slide relative to the body, and a closed state in which the body and the tool are fixed relative to each other.
[0019] According to another feature, the retaining device includes at least one deformable intercalary element positioned between the clamping system and the tool.
[0020] According to another feature, at least one of the supports includes a contact face, intended to be pressed against the wall or support, which has a self-adhesive coating.
[0021] According to another feature, the retaining device includes at least one fixing system allowing at least one support to be temporarily immobilized relative to the wall or support.
[0022] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which:
[0023] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of an aircraft tank equipped with a drain valve,
[0024] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a rod for controlling a drain valve illustrating an embodiment of the prior art,
[0025] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a control activation tool illustrating an embodiment of the invention in a disassembled state,
[0026] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of the activation tooling for a command visible in [Fig.3] in an assembled state,
[0027] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of a clamping system illustrating a first embodiment of the invention,
[0028] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of a clamping system illustrating a second embodiment of the invention,
[0029] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of the tooling for activating a command visible in [Fig.4] during a setup step,
[0030] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of the tooling for activating a command visible in [Fig.4] during a deployment step,
[0031] [Fig.9] is a schematic representation of the tooling for activating a command visible in [Fig.4] during an actuation step,
[0032] [Fig. 10] is a schematic representation of a control activation tool illustrating another embodiment of the invention during an activation step,
[0033] According to one embodiment, an aircraft comprises an outer wall 20 delimiting an inner zone ZI and an outer zone ZE and having an opening 20.1, as well as a tank 22, positioned in the inner zone ZI, which has at least one drain valve 24 positioned at the opening 20.1. The outer wall 20 generally includes a hatch (not shown) for closing the opening 20.1. The outer wall 20 has an inner face F20 oriented towards the inner zone ZI and the tank 22. The tank 22 has an outer face F22 oriented towards the outer wall 20. The opening 20.1 has a given cross-section. In one configuration, this cross-section is circular and has a diameter between 5 and 50 cm. The shape of the cross-section and its diameter are given by way of example and are in no way limiting.
[0034] The drain valve 24 includes a control 24.1 movable between a first position, visible in Figures 6 and 7, corresponding to a closed state of the drain valve 24, and a second position, visible in Figures 9 and 10, offset towards the interior of the tank 22 relative to the first position and corresponding to an open state of the drain valve 24. The latter includes a return mechanism to maintain the control 24.1 in the first position. In one configuration, the control 24.1 is integrated into the drain valve. In another configuration, the control 24.1 is located remotely from the drain valve 24.
[0035] A tool 26 is configured to hold the control in the second position against the return system by passing through the outer wall 20 via the opening 20.1.
[0036] Of course, the invention is not limited to this application. Regardless of the application, the tool 26 can be used to control a movable control 24.1 between first and second positions corresponding respectively to deactivated and activated states. The control 24.1 is positioned in an interior zone ZI separated from an exterior zone ZE by a wall 20 which has an opening 20.1 passing through it and connecting the interior and exterior zones ZI, ZE, the control 24.1 being closer to the wall 20 in the first position than in the second position. In one embodiment, the control 24.1 includes a return mechanism tending to maintain it in the first position. In one arrangement, the first and second positions are oriented in an activation direction substantially perpendicular to the wall 20. This activation direction is substantially centered with respect to the opening 20.1.
[0037] According to one configuration, the tool 26 comprises a rod 28 extending between first and second ends 28.1, 28.2, the first end 28.1 being configured to cooperate with the control 24.1 to push it into the second position. In operation, the rod 28 is oriented parallel to the activation direction and aligned with the control 24.1.
[0038] Of course, the tool 26 is not limited to a rod 28. Regardless of the embodiment, the tool 26 is configured to cooperate with the control 24.1.
[0039] According to the invention, an activation tool 30 configured to maintain the control 24.1 in the activated state comprises at least one tool 26 configured to cooperate with the control 24.1 as well as at least one holding device 32 configured to maintain the tool 26 in a position corresponding to the activated state of the control 24.1.
[0040] According to an embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4, 7 to 9, the retaining device 32 comprises: a. at least one body 34, b. at least one clamping system 36 connecting the body 34 and the tool 26 in a removable manner, c. several arms 38, each extending between a first end 38.1 connected to the body 34 and a second end 38.2, at least one of the arms being configured to occupy a retracted state in which the retaining device 32 has a cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the opening 20.1 and a deployed state in which the retaining device 32 has a cross-section larger than the cross-section of the opening 20.1 so that the second ends 38.2 of the arms 38 are positioned at the wall 20 around the opening 20.1, d. for each arm 38, at least one support 40 configured to bear against the wall 20, more particularly against its inner face F20, and connected to the arm 38, more particularly at its second end 38.2, e. at least one actuator 42 for each arm 38, interposed between the arm 38 and the support 40 connected to the arm 38 and configured to bring the arm 38 closer to the tank 22 or away from the wall 20.
[0041] According to one embodiment, all the arms 38 are configured to alternately occupy retracted and extended states. The support device 32 comprises two or three arms 38 evenly distributed around the body 34. The arms 38 are all of the same length.
[0042] According to one configuration, each arm 38 comprises first and second sections 44.1, 44.2 and a joint 46 connecting the first and second sections 44.1, 44.2, the first section 44.1 extending from the first end 38.1 of the arm 38 to the joint 46, the second section 44.2 extending from the joint 46 to the second end 38.2 of the arm 38. According to one embodiment, the joint 46 has at least one pivot axis to allow the second section 44.2 to occupy a first position, visible on figures 3, 4 and 7, in which the second section 44.2 is not aligned with the first section 44.1 and is substantially perpendicular to the first section 44.1, which corresponds to the retracted state of the arm 38, as well as a second position, visible on figures 9 and 10, in which the second section 44.2 is substantially aligned with the first section 44.1, which corresponds to the deployed state of the arm 38.
[0043] Each arm 38 can include a locking system configured to occupy a locked state in which it maintains the arm 38 in the deployed state and prevents it from moving to the retracted state, and an unlocked state in which it allows the arm 38 to move from the retracted state to the deployed state and vice versa.
[0044] Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration to allow each arm 38 to alternately occupy retracted and deployed states. Thus, instead of being foldable, each arm 38 could be deployable or retractable.
[0045] According to one embodiment, at least one of the actuators 42 is passive. In this embodiment, for at least one arm 38, the retaining device 32 comprises an upright 48 having at least first and second parts 48.1, 48.2, the first part 48.1 being connected to the arm 38, the second part 48.2 being connected to the support 40, the actuator 42 connecting the first and second parts 48.1, 48.2. In one configuration, the first and second parts 48.1, 48.2 are segments aligned with each other. Each actuator 42 includes at least one compression spring. In one configuration, the upright 48 has an adjustable length (distance separating the arm 38 and the support 40).According to one embodiment, the retaining device 32 comprises, for at least one upright 48, a sliding link 50 which connects the upright 48 and the arm 38 and allows adjustment of the spacing between the arm 38 and the support 40, as well as a locking system configured to occupy a locked state in which the upright 48 is immobilized relative to the arm 38 and an unlocked state in which the upright 48 can slide relative to the arm 38 so as to adjust the length of the upright 48. When the arms 38 are in the deployed state, the uprights 48 are substantially parallel to the axis A34 of the body 34, to the actuation direction or to the rod 28 of the tool 26.
[0046] According to one arrangement, the support device 32 comprises, for each arm 38, a length-adjustable upright 48.
[0047] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the amount 18 and the actuator 42.
[0048] According to one embodiment, the body 34 can be tubular so as to be positioned around the tool 26. According to this embodiment, the body 34 has an axis A34 and the arms 38 extend in a plane perpendicular to the axis A34 of the body. In operation, this axis A34 is positioned parallel to the activation direction and aligned with the control 24.1.
[0049] According to a configuration visible in Figures 5 and 6, the clamping system 36 comprises at least first and second jaws 52.1, 52.2 configured to occupy a spread state, corresponding to an unclamped state of the clamping system 36, in which the tool 26 can slide relative to the body 34, and a clamped state, corresponding to a clamped state of the clamping system 36, in which the first and second jaws 52.1, 52.2 are clamped around the tool 26 so that the body 34 and the tool 26 are immobile relative to each other. According to a first variant visible in [Fig.5], the first and second jaws 52.1, 52.2 are connected to each other by a pivoting link 54. According to a second variant visible in [Fig.6], the first and second jaws 52.1, 52.2 can slide relative to each other.
[0050] According to one embodiment, the holding device 32 includes at least one deformable intercalary element 56 positioned between the clamping system 36 and the tool 26. Thus, the clamping system 36 can adapt to different shapes of tools 26. By way of example, each of the first and second jaws 52.1, 52.2 includes, at its face oriented towards the tool 26, a deformable foam covering.
[0051] Of course, the invention is not limited to these variants and embodiments for the clamping system 36.
[0052] In one embodiment, at least one support 40 is configured to remain stationary relative to the wall 20. In one embodiment, at least one of the supports 40 comprises a contact face F40, intended to be pressed against the wall 20, which has a self-adhesive coating. In one configuration, the retaining device 32 comprises at least one fastening system, such as an activatable suction cup system, for example, allowing at least one support 40 to be temporarily immobilized relative to the wall 20.
[0053] Of course, the invention is not limited to this solution for keeping the support 40 immobile relative to the wall 20. By way of example, each support 40 may include an activatable magnetic system to keep it immobile relative to the wall 20. In this case, the wall 20 must be made of a material compatible with the magnetic system.
[0054] According to one operating method, the activation process of the control 24.1 includes a step of coupling the tool 26 and the retaining device 32, as illustrated in Figures 3 to 6. According to one operating method, with the clamping system 36 in the unclamped state, the retaining device 32, more particularly its body 34, is positioned around the tool 26. When the latter is correctly positioned relative to the retaining device 32, the clamping system 36 is switched to the clamped state so that the tool 26 is immobilized relative to the retaining device 32.
[0055] The activation method of the control 24.1 also includes a step of placing the activation tooling 30 in the inner zone ZI, the arms 38 being in the retracted state as illustrated in [Fig.7], then a step of deploying the arms 38, as illustrated in [Fig.8], so that the supports 40 are positioned at the right side of the wall 20 around the opening 20.1.
[0056] Finally, the method of activating the control 24.1 includes a step of bringing each support 40 into contact with the inner face F20 of the wall 20 and activating the actuators 42 so that the tool pushes the control 24.1 into the second position corresponding to the open state of the drain valve 24.
[0057] After this last step, the activation tool 30 makes it possible to maintain the control 24.1 in the second position corresponding to the open state of the drain valve 24, and this without the intervention of an operator.
[0058] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the retaining device 32. Thus, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], the arms 38 and the support 40 could be configured so that the supports 40 are in contact with the tank 22, more particularly with its outer face F22.
[0059] Regardless of the embodiment, a control 24.1 to be activated is movable between first and second positions corresponding respectively to deactivated and activated states, said control 24.1 being attached to a support, such as a tank 22 for example, positioned in an interior zone ZI separated from an exterior zone ZE by a wall 20, the latter having an opening 20.1 connecting the interior zone ZI and exterior zone ZE and having a passage section. An activation tool 30 for the control comprises at least one tool 26 configured to activate the control 24.1 as well as at least one retaining device 32 which includes: a. a body 34 attached to tool 26, b. several arms 38, each extending between a first end 38.1 connected to the body 34 and a second end 38.2, c. for each arm 38, at least one support 40 connected to the arm 38, at or near the second end 38.2, and configured to bear against an element of either the support 22 or the wall 20, d. for each arm 38, at least one actuator 42 configured to bring the arm 38 and the support 22 closer together against the return system of the control 24.1.
[0060] Thus, depending on the configurations, the supports 40 can be in contact with the wall 20 or the support 22 (such as the tank).
[0061] This solution allows the command 24.1 to remain in the activated state in the absence of an operator.
Claims
Demands
1. Activation tooling (30) for a control (24.1), configured to alternately occupy deactivated and activated states, integral with a support (22) positioned in an interior zone (ZI) separated from an exterior zone (ZE) by a wall (20) which has an opening (20.1) connecting the interior and exterior zones (ZI, ZE) and having a passage section, said control (24.1) comprising a return system tending to maintain it in the deactivated state, the activation tooling (30) comprising at least one tool (26) configured to cooperate with the control (24.1); characterized in that the activation tooling (30) comprises a holding device (32) which includes: a. a body (34) integral with the tool (26), b. several arms (38) which each extend between a first end (38.1) connected to the body (34) and a second end (38.2), c.for each arm (38), at least one support (40) connected to the arm (38), at or near the second end (38.2), and configured to bear against an element among the support (22) or the wall (20), d. for each arm (38), at least one actuator (42) configured to bring the arm (38) and the support (22) closer to the control return system (24.1).
2. Activation tooling (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the arms (38) is configured to occupy a retracted state in which the retaining device (32) has a section smaller than the passage section of the opening (20.1) and a deployed state in which the retaining device (32) has a section larger than the passage section of the opening (20.1).
3. Activation tooling (30) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each arm (38) comprises first and second sections (44.1, 44.2) and at least one joint (46) connecting the first and second sections (44.1, 44.2), the first section (44.1) extending from the first end (38.1) of the arm (38) to the joint (46), the second section (44.2) extending from the joint (46) to the second end (38.2) of the arm (38), the joint having at least one pivot axis.
4. Activation tooling (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for at least one arm (38), the retaining device (32) comprises an upright (48) which includes at least first and second parts (48.1, 48.2), the first part (48.1) being connected to the arm (38), the second part (48.2) being connected to the support (40), the actuator (42) connecting the first and second parts (48.1, 48.2).
5. Activation tooling (30) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the upright (48) has an adjustable length.
6. Activation tooling (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each actuator (42) comprises at least one compression spring.
7. Activation tooling (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining device (32) comprises at least one clamping system (36) connecting the body (34) and the tool (26) in a detachable manner.
8. Activation tooling (30) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the body (34) is tubular so as to be positioned around the tool (26) and in that the clamping system (36) comprises at least first and second jaws (52.1, 52.2) configured to occupy a spread state in which the tool (26) can slide relative to the body (34) and a closed state in which the body (34) and the tool (26) are immobile relative to each other.
9. Activation tooling (30) according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the retaining device (32) comprises at least one deformable intercalary element (56) positioned between the clamping system (36) and the tool (26).
10. Activation tooling (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device (32) includes at least one fastening system allowing at least one support (40) to be temporarily immobilized in relation to the wall (20) or the support (22).