System for attaching a part to a cylinder

Abstract

The invention relates to an attachment system (1) comprising: - a cylinder (4) comprising a head (5) and a body of the cylinder, the head (5) being configured to move relative to the body of the cylinder in an axial direction of the cylinder (11); - a male portion (7) which is attached to the head (5), the male portion (7) comprising bolts (9) which are situated so that they radially protrude from the male portion (7) with respect to the axis of the cylinder (11); - a female portion (12) comprising an inner wall (15) which defines a recess (17), the bolts (9) being configured to be inserted by elastic deformation into the recess (17) when the male portion (7) is moved towards the female portion (12) in the axial direction (11); and - a flange (21) which is configured to attach the female portion (12) to the head (5) and to lock the bolts (9) in the recess (17).

Description

[0001] System for fixing a part to a jack

[0002] DOMAIN

[0003] The invention relates to a system for fixing a part to a jack, and in particular a system for fixing a heavy part such as a mold in a cooking press.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] To fix a part together to a jack, we know the so-called "quarter turn" systems requiring a manual rotation of the part in relation to the jack, rotation which can be carried out by an operator when the part is suspended. In the case of heavy parts the operator stands at a distance and uses an instrument. This intervention requires a certain dexterity given the distance, especially if there is little space available for the operator. If the instrument must be placed in a very specific place or position to act in rotation, this requires even more dexterity on the part of the operator and most often a visual control of the operator.

[0006] In some cases, such as when fixing a mold in a baking press where the operation is carried out with the press open, the operator is exposed to a hot environment.

[0007] The fastening system can be removable, especially when the jack is part of a machine and the part is a removable tool of the machine. To separate the parts from each other, the operator must generally perform the opposite operations to the assembly operations. There may also be a system for locking the parts together which, to be unlocked, requires an additional operation on the part of the operator.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a removable fastening system between two parts which is simpler than in the prior art. DISCLOSURE

[0009] An aim of the present disclosure is to propose a fixing system between two parts which is simpler than in the prior art.

[0010] The goal is achieved through a fixing system comprising:

[0011] - a cylinder comprising a head and a cylinder body, the head being configured to move relative to the cylinder body in an axial direction of the cylinder,

[0012] - a male part fixed to the head, the male part comprising locks which are located radially projecting from the male part relative to the axis of the jack,

[0013] - a female part comprising an internal wall defining a housing, the locks being configured to be inserted by elastic deformation into the housing when the male part is moved towards the female part in the axial direction, and

[0014] - a flange configured to fix the female part to the head and to block the locks in the housing.

[0015] Such a system is advantageously and optionally supplemented by the following different characteristics taken alone or in combination:

[0016] - the locks are configured to move from a neutral configuration to a constrained configuration, a radial projection of the locks of the male part being greater in the neutral configuration than in the constrained configuration, the locks being configured to move from the neutral configuration to the constrained configuration when the male part is moved towards the female part in the direction opposite the body of the cylinder and then to bear axially against the female part;

[0017] - an unlocker configured to move the locks into the constrained configuration when the unlocker is applied against the locks; - the unlocker comprises a flared ramp configured to move the locks into the constrained configuration by pressing the locks on the ramp when the unlocker is applied against the locks;

[0018] - the unlocker comprises a base, axial springs and a sleeve surrounding the base relative to a central axis of the unlocker, the sleeve being mounted to move in translation along the central axis relative to the base, the axial springs being mounted between the base and the sleeve so that the base exerts a force on the sleeve along the central axis;

[0019] - the female part being configured to be fixed to a part, the system comprising a plate which comprises a free wall, the head being configured to be moved towards the plate so as to deposit the part on the free wall and separate the locks from a neck of the female part, the neck being configured to reduce a radial dimension of the housing;

[0020] - the housing is configured to house the locks in an intermediate configuration, the radial projection of the locks being greater in the neutral configuration than in the intermediate configuration, the radial projection of the locks in the intermediate configuration being greater than an inner radius of the female part;

[0021] - the female part comprises a ring, the head and each lock projecting through the ring in the direction opposite the body of the cylinder in the axial direction when the locks are in the housing, the flange being configured to be pressed against the ring in the axial direction towards the body of the cylinder and then be fixed to the male part;

[0022] - each lock comprises a latch pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the axial direction, and a latch return spring; and - the female part comprises a female part body and a part holder removably attached to the female part body;

[0023] The disclosure also relates to a tire curing press comprising a tire curing mold, a jack and a system for fixing a part of the mold to the jack, the fixing system being as just presented.

[0024] The presentation finally relates to a method of fixing a part to a jack, the method comprising:

[0025] - a step of fixing a female part to the part,

[0026] - a step of fixing a male part to a head of the jack, the head being configured to move relative to a body of the jack in an axial direction of the jack, the male part comprising locks extending in radial projection from the male part relative to an axis of the jack,

[0027] - a step of inserting the locks by elastic deformation into a housing of the female part, and

[0028] - a step of fixing the female part to the male part by a flange.

[0029] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0030] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which: Figures 1 to 4 are schematic representations of an example of a fastening system; Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an example of an unlocker; and Figures 6 to 9 are schematic representations of an example of a fastening system during an unlocking phase. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In relation to figures 1 to 4, a system 1 for fixing a part 3 to a jack 4 comprises a male part 7 and a female part 12.

[0032] Part 3 may in particular be a part of a tire curing mold, and in particular an upper part of the mold.

[0033] The cylinder 4 comprises a cylinder head 5 and a cylinder body. The cylinder head 5 is mounted to move in translation relative to the cylinder body along an axis of the cylinder 11. The axis of the cylinder 11 may in particular be oriented along a vertical axis so that an operator can raise or lower the cylinder head relative to the cylinder body. The axis of the cylinder 11 defines an axial direction.

[0034] Male part

[0035] The male part 7 is configured to be fixed to the cylinder head 5. Once thus fixed, the male part 7 can be moved in translation along the axis of the cylinder 11 relative to the cylinder body.

[0036] The male part 7 extends around a male axis which is coincident with the axis of the jack 11 when the male part 7 is fixed to the jack head 5. The male part comprises an internal radial face which defines a gap around the male axis, that is to say that the male part 7 leaves the male axis free of material. In this way, when the male part 7 is fixed to the jack head 5, the jack head 5 occupies the gap and passes through the male part right through along the axis of the jack 11, the jack head 5 projecting on either side of the male part 7.

[0037] The male portion 7 extends along the male axis from a lower end to an upper end. The male portion comprises a lower portion which comprises the lower end. When the male portion 7 is attached to the cylinder head 5: a portion 35 of the cylinder head 5 which comprises a free end of the cylinder head 5 projects from the lower end of the male portion, and

[0038] - the cylinder body is located on the side of the male part 7 defined by the upper end of the male part 7.

[0039] The male portion 7 extends radially from the inner radial face to an outer radial face. The outer radial face may have a cylindrical shape centered on the male axis and of circular section.

[0040] Locks

[0041] The male part 7 comprises locks 9 which are located radially projecting relative to the male axis. The locks 9 extend from the outer radial face away from the male axis. When the male part 7 is fixed to the cylinder head 5, the locks 9 are located radially projecting from the male part 7 relative to the axis of the cylinder 11. The locks 9 are regularly distributed around the male axis. The locks 9 are advantageously centered at the same position in projection on the male axis. The male part 7 advantageously comprises at least four locks 9. The male part advantageously comprises an even number of locks, the locks being associated two by two, two associated locks being opposite each other relative to the axis of the cylinder.

[0042] The locks 9 are configured to deform elastically relative to the rest of the male part 7 when they undergo certain mechanical stresses.

[0043] The locks 9 may in particular deform elastically when passing from a neutral configuration to a constrained configuration, a radial projection of the locks of the male part being greater in the neutral configuration than in the constrained configuration. The radial projection is understood here as a radial projection relative to the male axis or, when the male part 7 is fixed to the cylinder head 5, relative to the axis of the cylinder 11. The radial projection may in particular be the maximum radial projection, that is to say the maximum distance from the axis of the cylinder of a point of a lock 9.

[0044] The neutral configuration corresponds to the situation where the locks only undergo mechanical stresses exerted internally on the male part 7, that is to say that the locks only undergo stresses from another portion of the male part 7.

[0045] Each lock 9 can include:

[0046] - a latch 39 pivotally mounted around an axis of rotation 41 perpendicular to the axis of the jack 11, and

[0047] - a spring 43 configured to apply a return torque to the latch around the rotation axis 41.

[0048] The rotation axis 41 is distant from the axis of the jack 11.

[0049] Each latch 39 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis 41 when the latches 9 leave the neutral configuration. The rotation axis 41 of a latch is located in the lower part of the male part 7.

[0050] In the absence of mechanical stress external to the male part 7, the spring 43 places the latch 39 in an equilibrium position corresponding to the neutral configuration of the lock 9.

[0051] In the presence of an external mechanical stress to the male part 7 which produces a torque which opposes the return torque and which exceeds it, the latch 39 rotates about the axis of rotation 41. The spring 43 applies an increasingly greater torque as the angle of this rotation increases. The latch 39 reaches a new equilibrium when the external mechanical stress produces a torque equal in intensity to the torque exerted by the spring 43. The latch 39 is then in a constrained position which corresponds for example to the constrained configuration of the lock 9. The latch 39 is configured to have a greater radial projection in the equilibrium position and less in a constrained position.

[0052] For example, the spring may be a compression spring which is placed in a radial direction between the outer radial face of the male part and a face of the latch 39. The face of the latch 39 may thus be pushed radially outwards by the spring 43. An external mechanical stress which opposes the return torque may thus be a force applied to the latch 39: radially towards the same axis when it is applied on the same side of the face of the latch relative to the axis of rotation 41, or radially away from the male axis when it is applied on the opposite side of the face of the latch relative to the axis of rotation 41.

[0053] Extension springs or torsion springs can also be used to generate the return torque on the latch 39.

[0054] The male part 7 may comprise a stopper configured to limit rotation of the latch. In particular, the stopper may be configured to define the equilibrium position of the latch corresponding to the neutral configuration of the lock 9. In the absence of any external constraint applied to the latch, the spring pushes the latch so as to press the latch against the stopper. It is therefore the stopper which can define the position of the latch corresponding to the neutral configuration of the lock 9.

[0055] Female part

[0056] The female part 12 is configured to be fixed to the part 3.

[0057] The female part 12 extends around a female axis 19. The female part 12 comprises an internal wall 15 which defines a housing 17. The internal wall 15 is an internal radial wall relative to the female axis 19. The internal wall 15 defines the housing 17 around the female axis 19, that is to say that the female part 12 leaves the female axis 19 free of material. The housing 17 has a radial dimension relative to the female axis 19 which is sufficiently large to house the male part 7 and the locks 9.

[0058] The locks 9 are configured to be inserted by elastic deformation into the housing 17 when the male part 7 is fixed to the cylinder head 5 and when the male part 7 is moved towards the female part 12 along the axis of the cylinder 11. The axis of the cylinder 11, the male axis and the female axis 19 are then merged.

[0059] The female part 12 extends along the female axis from a lower end 31 to an upper end 29.

[0060] The female portion 12 may comprise at the upper end 29 a neck 23, the neck 23 being configured to reduce a radial dimension of the housing relative to the female axis. In other words, the inner wall 15 is closer to the female axis 19 when the inner wall 15 defines the neck 23 and the inner wall 15 is further from the female axis 19 when the inner wall 15 defines the housing 17. The point of the neck 23 closest to the female axis 19 belongs to the inner wall 15 and corresponds to a minimum internal radius of the neck 23.

[0061] When the male axis and the female axis 19 are merged, the maximum radial projection of the locks 9 in neutral configuration is greater than the minimum internal radius of the neck 23. When the axis of the cylinder 11, the male axis and the female axis 19 are merged, the locks 9 are in neutral configuration and the male part is moved towards the female part along the axis of the cylinder 11 in a first direction 25 of movement so as to put the locks 9 in abutment against the neck 23, the locks are configured to pass from the neutral configuration to the constrained configuration. The first direction of movement corresponds to the direction opposite to the body of the cylinder, that is to say the axial direction of the cylinder oriented from the body of the cylinder towards the cylinder head. The locks undergo a mechanical stress exerted by the neck 23 which deforms them. The first direction 25 of movement can advantageously be vertically downwards.

[0062] In particular, the lower end of the male part may initially be placed opposite the upper end 29 of the female part. The first direction 25 of movement then corresponds to the direction which goes from the upper end of the male part towards the lower end of the male part and from the upper end 29 of the female part towards the lower end 31 of the female part 12.

[0063] When each lock 9 deforms and passes for example into a constrained configuration, the maximum radial projection of the lock 9 decreases. The maximum radial projection can in particular become less than the minimum internal radius of the neck 23. The male part can then be moved further in the first direction 25 of movement without being blocked by the neck 23. Each lock 9 is then housed in the housing 17. The locks 9 are thus inserted by elastic deformation into the housing 17.

[0064] If we consider the situation where each lock 9 comprises a latch 39 mounted to move about an axis of rotation 41 and a spring 43 configured to apply a return torque to the latch about the axis of rotation 41 and when the locks 9 are pressed against the neck 23, the neck 23 exerts a mechanical stress on the locks 9 which produces a torque which opposes the return torque and which exceeds the return torque. The mechanical stress can in particular be applied by the neck 23 of the female part 12 on the latch face radially towards the axis, the mechanical stress being applied on the same side of the face of the latch relative to the axis of rotation 41.

[0065] Keeping the locks in the housing

[0066] Once the locks are inserted into the housing 17, the locks are configured to bear axially against the female part 12. The locks 9 can be in contact with the female part 12 in a bearing direction which has a non-zero projection with the axial direction. In this way, the male part 7 can drive the female part 12 via the locks 9 in a movement in the axial direction.

[0067] The housing 17 may be configured to house the locks in an intermediate configuration, the maximum radial projection of the locks being greater in the neutral configuration than in the intermediate configuration, the maximum radial projection of the locks in the intermediate configuration being greater than an inner radius of the neck. The locks 9 are in contact in a radial direction with the housing 17 which prevents the locks from returning to the neutral configuration.

[0068] If the locks 9 are placed in the housing 17, the mechanical stress applied by the neck 23 on the locks 9 disappears. The locks 9 therefore leave the constrained configuration and their maximum radial projection increases. The housing 17 can however be chosen to be sufficiently narrow radially so as not to allow the locks 9 to pass into the neutral configuration. The locks 9 therefore pass from the constrained configuration to an intermediate configuration where there remains a mechanical stress exerted by the female part 12 on the locks 9. In this way, the locks 9 inserted in the housing always remain in contact with the internal wall 15.

[0069] The locks 9 are configured to remain in the intermediate configuration once they are inserted into the housing 17. Since the maximum radial projection of the locks in the intermediate configuration is greater than an inner radius of the neck, the locks 9 are blocked by the neck 23 when the male part 7 is moved in a second direction 27 of movement opposite to the first direction 25 of movement. The second direction 27 of movement can advantageously be vertically upwards. The neck 23, which has a minimum inner radius greater than the maximum radial projection of the locks 9 in the intermediate configuration, hinders the movement of the locks 9 relative to the female part 12. Maintaining the locks 9 in the intermediate configuration in the housing makes it possible to preserve the locks 9 from premature wear.When the male part 7 is moved in a second direction 27 of movement, the force that the neck 23 applies to the locks 9 is compensated by a reaction force which is exerted radially inwards in the housing of the internal wall of the female part 12 on the locks 9. There is thus no additional deformation of the locks 9 when the male part 7 is moved in a second direction 27 of movement, nor any wear due to this additional deformation.

[0070] Furthermore, the female part 12 may comprise a shoulder 44 defined by the inner wall 15. The housing 17 is located along the female axis 19 between the neck 23 and the shoulder 44. The shoulder 44 is configured to reduce a radial dimension of the housing relative to the female axis. In other words, the inner wall 15 is closer to the female axis 19 when the inner wall 15 defines the shoulder 44 and the inner wall 15 is further from the female axis 19 when the inner wall 15 defines the housing 17. The point of the shoulder 44 closest to the female axis 19 belongs to the inner wall 15 and corresponds to a minimum internal radius of the shoulder 44. The maximum radial projection of the locks 9 in the intermediate configuration may in particular be chosen to be greater than the minimum internal radius of the shoulder 44.

[0071] In this way, a movement of the male part 7 in the first direction 25 of movement or in the second direction 27 of movement can drive the female part 12.

[0072] The locks 9, the shoulder 44 and the neck 23 are configured to allow the locks 9 mechanical play along the female axis in the housing. In particular, when the male part 7 is fixed to the cylinder head 5, the locks are inserted by elastic deformation into the housing 17 and the female part is held fixed, it is possible, by moving the cylinder head 5, to position the locks 9 so that they are not in contact with the neck 23. The shoulder 44 can also provide a role of assisting in guiding the male part 7 in the body 13 when the locks 9 are inserted by elastic deformation into the housing 17.

[0073] Flange

[0074] The fixing system 1 comprises a flange 21 configured to fix the female part 12 to the cylinder head 5 and to block the locks 9 in the housing 17.

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment, the female part 12 comprises a ring 33 which extends around the female axis 19, the ring 33 being located between the lower end 31 and the upper end 29. The ring 33 is located between the shoulder 44 and the lower end 31. The ring 33 leaves the female axis free of material. The inner wall 15 defines a minimum inner radius at the ring 33, so that the ring 33 is closer to the female axis than the shoulder 44 or the neck 23. The inner wall 15 has a sudden increase in inner radius as it travels along the female axis from the ring 33 to the lower end 31. The inner wall 15 defines at this location a bearing plane 34 perpendicular to the female axis 19. The bearing plane 34 corresponds to a lower end of the ring 33 on the side of the lower end 31 of the female part 12.

[0076] When the locks 9 are inserted by elastic deformation into the housing 17, the flange 21 can be brought back against the ring 33 in the direction from the lower end 31 towards the upper end 29 of the female part, that is to say in the second direction 27 of movement. The flange 21 is thus placed in abutment against the bearing plane 34 of the ring 33.

[0077] When the locks 9 are inserted by elastic deformation into the housing 17, the portion 35 of the cylinder head 5 and an arm 37 of each lock 9 can protrude through the ring 33 towards the lower end 31. The flange 21 can then be advantageously configured to:

[0078] - be pressed against the ring 33 in the second direction 27 of movement then,

[0079] - be fixed to the male part 7, and in particular the lower part of the male part 7.

[0080] By fixing the flange 21, which is placed in abutment against the ring 33 of the female part 12, to the male part 7, the female part 12 is fixed to the male part 7 and therefore to the jack 4.

[0081] By fixing the flange 21, the cylinder head 5 is rigidly fixed to the female part 12. The fixing of this flange also has the effect of modifying the relative positions between the male part 7 and the female part 12. More precisely, the fixing of the flange 21 produces a slight displacement of the female part 12 relative to the male part 7 so that the locks are more axially centered in the housing 17 relative to the female axis, and the locks 9 are no longer in contact with the neck 23. The transmission of the movement of the cylinder head 5 to the female part 12 passes through the male part 7 and through the flange 21. This transmission does not pass in particular through the locks 9 which makes it possible to preserve the elastic character of the locks 9. To further ensure the preservation of the elastic character of the locks, the flange 21 may have a recess to accommodate the portion 35 of the cylinder head 5 and the arm 37 of each lock 9.By fixing the flange 21, the arm 37 of each lock 9 is immobilized in position by the flange 21.

[0082] Unlocker

[0083] With reference to Figures 5 to 9, the fastening system 1 may comprise an unlocker 60. The unlocker 60 is configured to move the locks 9 into the constrained configuration when the unlocker 60 is applied against the locks.

[0084] For example, the unlocker 60 includes a flared ramp 55 configured to move the latches 9 into the constrained configuration by pressing the latches on the ramp 55 when the unlocker 68 is applied against the latches.

[0085] In particular, the unlocker 60 may comprise a base 62, axial springs 64, and a sleeve 68 surrounding the base 62 relative to a central axis 70 of the unlocker 60.

[0086] The unlocker 60 is centered on the central axis 70 and leaves the central axis 70 free of material.

[0087] The base 62 extends along the central axis 70 from a lower face 76 that is flat and orthogonal to the central axis 70 in a direction called the unlocking direction. The base 62 comprises a cylindrical ring 63 centered on the central axis. The cylindrical ring 63 defines the lower face 76 of the unlocker 60. The cylindrical ring 63 defines an inner circle 88. The unlocker 60 can be placed on a support by placing the lower face 76 against the support.

[0088] The base 62 also includes a guide 78 which extends from the cylindrical ring 63 around the central axis 70 in the unlocking direction. The guide 78 has a cylindrical shape with a circular section centered on the central axis 70.

[0089] The sleeve 68 is mounted to move in translation along the central axis relative to the base 62. The sleeve 68 may comprise a sleeve base 90 which extends annularly around the central axis and centered on the central axis 70. The sleeve base 90 is located opposite the cylindrical ring 63 of the base 62, the unlocking direction going from the cylindrical ring 63 of the base 62 towards the sleeve base 90. The sleeve 68 may comprise a cylindrical body 69 with a circular section centered on the central axis 70, the cylindrical body 69 extending from the sleeve base 90 in the unlocking direction. The body 69 is located radially closer to the central axis 70 than the sleeve base 90.

[0090] The sleeve 68 may radially surround the guide 78, that is to say that the guide 78 is located between the central axis 70 and the sleeve 68.

[0091] The sleeve 68 may comprise the ramp 55 which constitutes the end of the unlocker 60 in the unlocking direction. The ramp 55 comprises a conical portion 84 and a collar 86. The conical portion 84 and the collar 86 surround the central axis 70 and have a symmetry of revolution around this axis. The collar 86 extends in an annular manner around the central axis and in a manner centered on the central axis 70. The sleeve base 90 is located opposite the collar 86, the unlocking direction going from the sleeve base 90 towards the collar 86. The collar 86 defines an annular wall 87 which is orthogonal to the central axis 70 and which corresponds to the end of the collar 86 in the unlocking direction.

[0092] The conical portion 84 extends in the unlocking direction from the collar 86. The conical portion 84 defines a conical wall 85 which corresponds to the end of the conical portion 84 in the unlocking direction. The conical wall 85 is centered on the central axis 70. The conical wall 85 approaches the central axis 70 in the unlocking direction. The conical wall 85 and the annular wall 87 form a continuous outer wall of the ramp 55.

[0093] The axial springs 64 are mounted between the base 62 and the sleeve 68 so that the base 62 exerts a force on the sleeve 68 along the central axis. The force is directed in the unlocking direction. The springs may be compression springs which are oriented along the central axis 70. The axial springs 64 may be mounted between the sleeve base 90 and the cylindrical ring 63 of the base 62. The axial springs are mounted on cylinders 92 so that each axial spring surrounds a cylinder 92. The cylinders 92 are fixed by screws to the cylindrical ring 63 of the base 62. Alternatively, the cylinders 92 may be adjusting screws 92 which make it possible to adjust the stiffness of the axial springs 64, for example, the screws 92 may comprise an external thread which is inserted into a thread of the cylindrical ring 63 of the base 62.

[0094] Optionally, the fixing system 1 may also comprise a stop 66 which is configured to limit a stroke of the sleeve 68 relative to the base 62 in the direction of force, that is to say in the unlocking direction.

[0095] For example, the sleeve 68 comprises a groove 67 which passes right through the body 69 of the sleeve 68, the groove extending in a direction parallel to the central axis 70, and the guide 78 of the base 62 comprises a stop 66 which projects radially outward from the guide 78, the stop 66 being placed in the groove 67. The stop 66 and the groove 67 are configured so that the stop 66 remains in the groove and blocks the travel of the sleeve 68 when the stop 66 comes into contact with one of the two axial ends of the groove 67. The stop 66 also makes it possible to fix the angular position of the base 62 relative to the sleeve 68.

[0096] In the absence of the flange 21 and when the locks 9 are inserted into the housing 17 without being in contact with the neck 23, the sleeve 68 is configured to move the locks 9 to the constrained configuration when the sleeve 68 is applied against the locks 9 so as to compress the axial springs 64, the central axis 70 corresponding to the axis of the cylinder 11. It is possible to place the unlocker 60 by aligning the central axis 70, the female axis 19, the male axis and the axis of the cylinder 11, the female part 12 being placed between the unlocker 60 and the male part 7, the sleeve 68 being in contact with the locks 9. A centering piece 50 can be used to quickly place the unlocker 60 in this centered position. Figure 6 shows the unlocker 60 in this centered position.

[0097] The unlocker 60 can be placed in contact with the locks 9 so that the female part is placed between the unlocker 60 and the male part 7.

[0098] In particular, it is the ramp 55 of the sleeve 68 which can be in contact with the arms 37 of the lock 9. The arms 37 can, for example, come into contact with the conical wall 85 of the ramp 55. Figure 7 represents this situation where the unlocker 60 is placed in contact with the locks 9, in particular at the point of contact 57. The point of contact 57 is here a point of contact between an arm 37 of a lock 9 and the conical wall 85 of the ramp 55 of the unlocker 60.

[0099] If the male part 7 and the plane of the base 62 of the unlocker 60 are approached to each other along the central axis 11, the axial springs are compressed so that the sleeve 68 is moved in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction relative to the base 62.

[0100] The arms 37 of the locks 9 apply a force in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction on the conical wall 85 and therefore on the sleeve 68.

[0101] The sleeve 68 exerts in the unlocking direction a contrary force on the arms 37 of the locks 9, this contrary force allowing, if it is sufficiently strong, to deform the locks 9 and to move them into the constrained configuration.

[0102] As the male part 7 and the plane of the base 62 of the unlocker 60 are increasingly approached to each other along the axis of the jack 11, the opposing force is increasingly significant. The stroke of the sleeve 68 and the stiffness of the axial springs are configured so that the opposing force becomes sufficiently significant to deform the locks 9 and cause them to move into the constrained configuration. For example, it is possible to act on the spring adjustment screws 92 to adjust the stroke of the sleeve 68 and the stiffness of the axial springs 64.

[0103] The shape of the arms 37, the shape of the conical wall 85 of the ramp 55 and the shape of the annular wall 87 of the ramp 55 are configured so that, during this deformation, the arms 37 of the locks 9 remain in contact with the conical wall 85 or the annular wall 87 and that the stress applied by the sleeve 68 on the locks is sufficient to maintain the locks 9 in the stressed configuration.

[0104] To exit the housing, the locks 9 can advantageously move in the second direction 27 of movement, corresponding to the unlocking direction, from a deformation position where the locks 9 pass from the intermediate configuration to the constrained configuration to a release position where the locks exit the housing and pass beyond the neck 23. In the release position, the passage of the locks from the constrained configuration to the intermediate or neutral configuration does not cause the locking of the locks by the neck 23 in the first direction 25 of movement.

[0105] In order for the arms 37 of the locks 9 to remain in contact with the conical wall 85 or the annular wall 87 throughout the movement between the deformation position and the release position, the sleeve 68 can also move axially by a movement of identical or almost identical length. The stroke of the sleeve 68 must therefore be sufficiently large and not be limited prematurely by the stroke of the stop defined between the axial ends of the groove 67.

[0106] When each lock 9 comprises a latch 39 mounted movably about an axis of rotation 41 and a spring 43 configured to apply a return torque to the latch about the axis of rotation 41, the opposing force exerted by the sleeve 68 on the arms 37 of the locks 9 creates a torque on each latch 39 about the axis of rotation 41 which opposes the return torque. More precisely, the sleeve 68 exerts a stress on the arms 37 in a radial direction which moves away from the male axis, the stress being applied on the opposite side of the face of the latch relative to the axis of rotation 41.

[0107] When the opposing force becomes large enough to deform the latches 9 into the constrained configuration, the torque opposing the restoring torque becomes greater than the restoring torque. In this situation, the latches 39 rotate about their respective axis of rotation 41 and the latches 9 move from the intermediate configuration to the constrained configuration. This situation is shown in Figure 8 where the latches have undergone the rotation illustrated by the arrow 80. During this rotation, the arms 37 of the latches 9 remain in contact with the continuous wall of the ramp 55 formed by the conical wall 85 and the annular wall 87. When the latches 9 move from the intermediate configuration to the constrained configuration, the point of contact between an arm 37 and the ramp 55 moves from the conical wall 85 onto the annular wall 87 and the sleeve 68 has moved vertically upwards according to the arrow 82 relative to the base 62.Advantageously, the shape of the arm 37 and the shape of the continuous wall of the ramp 55 can be complementary to each other in this situation. This makes it possible to stabilize the contact of the arm 37 and the support piece in this particular orientation and to contribute to maintaining the locks 9 in the constrained configuration.

[0108] Plateau

[0109] The fixing system 1 may comprise a plate 72 which comprises a free wall 74 configured to receive the part 3 and the base 62 of the unlocker 60. The free wall 74 may be horizontal, for example. The base 62 is placed on the free wall 74, for example by bringing the lower face 76 of the cylindrical ring 63 of the base 62 into contact with the free wall 74. The central axis 70 of the unlocker 60 is then vertical. The plate 72 passes through the axis of the jack, which is also vertical. The unlocker 60 may be adjusted in position so that the central axis 70 coincides with the axis of the jack 11. The centering part 50 may be fixed to the plate 72 so that the unlocker 60 can be quickly placed in the center of the plate by aligning the central axis 70 and the axis of the jack 11.

[0110] When the male part 7 is fixed to the female part 12, the flange 21 does not fix the female part 12 to the cylinder head 5 and the locks 9 are inserted by elastic deformation in the housing 17, the cylinder head 5 is configured to be moved towards the plate 72 and therefore the unlocker 60 so as to deposit the part 3 on the free wall 74 of the plate 72.

[0111] In the absence of a flange, the locks 9 can be in contact with the neck 23. This is particularly the case when the male part 7 is moved in the second direction 27 of movement: it is the locks 9 which, blocked by the neck 23, transmit the movement of the jack head 5 to the female part 12. By placing the part 3 against the free wall 74, the female part becomes fixed relative to the free wall 74. By moving the jack head 5 again in the direction of the plate 72, it is possible to slightly move the male part 7 relative to the female part 12. The locks 9 can thus be moved away from the neck 23. A subsequent movement of the locks 9, to pass from the neutral configuration to the constrained configuration is then not blocked by contact of the lock with the neck 23.

[0112] When the male part 7 is fixed to the female part 12, when the flange 21 does not fix the female part 12 to the cylinder head 5, when the locks 9 are inserted by elastic deformation into the housing 17, when the unlocker 60 is placed on the free wall 74, the cylinder head 5 is configured to be moved towards the plate 72 so as to press the locks 9 against the sleeve 68 and to compress the axial springs 64. More precisely, it is the arms 37 of the locks 9 which can come into contact with the conical wall 85 of the ramp 55, which compresses the axial springs 64.

[0113] Coin holder

[0114] The female part 12 may in particular comprise a body 13 and a part holder 47. The part holder 47 is configured to be fixed to the part 3, the part holder 47 being removably fixed to the body 13 of the female part 12. A part holder 47 can thus be adapted to a family of parts, that is to say that the part holder 47 is well adapted to be fixed to any part that is a member of this family of parts. By modifying the part holder, it is thus possible to adapt the fixing system 1 to different families of parts without modifying the body 13 of the female part 12. For example, in the case where the part is a part of a tire curing mold, a first part holder can be adapted to the family of automobile tires and a second part holder can be adapted to the family of larger tires such as agricultural tires.

[0115] The body 13 of the female part 12 comprises the upper end 29 of the female part 12, the neck 23, the shoulder 44 and the ring 33. Means for fixing the part holder 47 to the body 13 of the female part 12 can be adapted to the ring 33. The part holder 47 comprises the lower end 31 of the female part 12. The part holder 47 leaves the female axis free of material and advantageously the internal wall 15 defines an increasing internal radius of the part holder 47 from the ring 33 to the lower end 31. In this way, it is easier to access the ring 33, in particular to place the flange 21 against the ring 33.

[0116] Cooking press

[0117] In a particular embodiment, the part 3 is a part of a tire curing mold, and in particular an upper part of the mold. A tire curing press may comprise the fixing system as described previously.

[0118] Method of fixing a part to a jack

[0119] By using the fixing system 1 as described above, it is possible to implement a method of fixing the part 3 to a jack head 5, with reference to figures 2 to 4.

[0120] In a first step, the female part 12 is fixed to the part 3. The part 3 can be fixed to a part holder 47 included in the female part 12. The part holder 47 can be fixed beforehand to the body 13 of the female part 12.

[0121] In a second step, the male part 7 is fixed to the jack head 5.

[0122] In a third step, the locks 9 of the male part 7 are inserted into the housing 17 of the female part 12. For this, the part 3 can advantageously be placed on the free horizontal wall 74 of the plate 72. The vertical female axis and the upper end 29 of the female part placed above the part 3 are then obtained. The jack 5 can advantageously be arranged so that the axis of the jack 11 is vertical and coincides with the female axis 19 and the jack head 5 and the male part 7 are located above the female part 12.

[0123] When the male part 7 is fixed to the cylinder head 5, the insertion of the locks 9 by elastic deformation in the housing 17 is simply obtained by moving the cylinder. In this way, no intervention by the operator near the part 3 is necessary to fix the part 3 to the cylinder 4. In addition, the fixing of the female part 12 to the cylinder head 5 by a flange 21 makes it possible not to have the fixing stresses on the locks, which makes it possible to preserve their elastic quality. It is possible to carry out the following sub-steps of the third step. In a first sub-step, the cylinder head is moved relative to the cylinder body in a first direction 25 of movement. In particular, the cylinder head 5 can be lowered downwards in the direction given by the arrow 25 in Figure 2. This is then the first direction 25 of movement.

[0124] In a second sub-step, the locks 9 are pressed against the neck 23 of the female part 12, the neck being configured to reduce a radial dimension of the housing relative to the female axis. When the male part 7 comes into contact with the female part 12, it is the locks 9 which come into contact with the neck 23 of the female part 12. Under the action of the jack head 5, the locks 9 deform elastically against the neck 23.

[0125] In a third sub-step, the bolts 9 are moved from the neutral configuration to the constrained configuration, so that their maximum radial projection decreases. Figure 3 represents this transition from the neutral configuration to the constrained configuration.

[0126] Between the third and fourth steps, it is possible to carry out the following optional steps.

[0127] In a first optional step which occurs once the locks 9 have passed through the neck 23, the locks 9 pass from the constrained configuration to the intermediate configuration. The locks 9 are no longer subjected to the mechanical constraint of the neck 23, they can resume a greater maximum radial projection, but since the housing 17 is not sufficiently wide radially, they cannot return to the neutral configuration. The locks 9 then pass from the constrained configuration to the intermediate configuration. This passage is represented in figure 4 by the arrows 28. In a second optional step, the cylinder head is moved in a second direction 27 of movement opposite to the first direction 25 of movement. By moving the cylinder head 5, the male part 7 is driven which drives the female part 12 via the locks 9 which are in abutment against the neck 23.In fact, the maximum radial projection of the locks in the intermediate configuration is greater than an internal radius of the neck. In particular, the second direction 27 of movement can be vertical upwards.

[0128] In a third optional step, we visually check that the locks 9 are all locked by the collar 23. To do this, we raise the female part 12 sufficiently above the plate 72 to have visual access.

[0129] In a fourth step, the female part 12 is fixed to the cylinder head 5 by the flange 21.

[0130] During this fourth step, it is possible to carry out the following sub-steps.

[0131] In a third sub-step, the jack head 5 is tilted at a right angle so that the superimposed male axis and female axis become horizontal.

[0132] In a fourth sub-step, the flange 21 is placed and fixed against the female part 12. The male axis and the female axis being horizontal, it is thus easier to fix the flange 21 and the risk of the part 3 falling and injuring the operator is lower.

[0133] In a fifth sub-step, the jack head 5 is tilted through a right angle so that the superimposed male axis and female axis become vertical.

[0134] Advantageously, the insertion of the locks by elastic deformation in the housing is configured so that a portion of the cylinder head and an arm of each lock protrude from the female part through a ring of the female part, the ring extending around the female axis, the ring being located between a lower end of the female part and the upper end, the lower end being opposite the upper end along the female axis, the step of fixing the female part to the cylinder head by the flange comprising:

[0135] - a support of the flange against the ring in the second direction 27 of movement, and

[0136] - a fixing of the flange to the portion of the cylinder head and a locking in position of the arm of each lock by the flange.

[0137] In this way, the flange 21 allows the locks 9 to be blocked in the housing 17. Once fixed, the flange 21 allows the movement of the cylinder head 5 to be transmitted to the female part 12 without passing through the male part 7.

[0138] Process for separating the male and female parts

[0139] Once part 3 has been used, it may be appropriate to replace it because it is worn or because other operations requiring another part must be carried out.

[0140] For this, the method previously presented can be supplemented by a separation of the male part and the female part, this separation comprising the following steps.

[0141] In a first step, the flange 21 which fixes the female part 12 and the cylinder head 5 is removed. For this, as for the assembly of the flange 21, right-angled rockers of the cylinder head 5 can be made.

[0142] We then find ourselves in the situation shown in Figure 6. Tl

[0143] In a second step, the part 3 is pressed against the free wall 74 of the plate 72. For this, the jack head 5 can be moved relative to the jack body in the first direction 25 of movement, which is a vertical direction downwards.

[0144] While in Figure 6, the part 3 is located above the plate 74, in Figure 7, the part 3 has been placed on the plate 72. The plate 72 may have a shape adjusted to the part 3 in particular to prevent horizontal movement of the part 3 relative to the plate 72.

[0145] In a third step, the lock 9 is moved away from the neck 23 of the female part 12.

[0146] This spacing can in particular be obtained by a displacement of the cylinder head relative to the cylinder body in the vertical direction downwards towards the plate 72, the plate 72 comprising the free wall 74. The part 3 having already been deposited against the free wall 74, the female part 12 is fixed relative to the free wall 74. The locks 9 can however be in contact with the neck 23. This is particularly the case in figures 6 and 7: the locks 9 have points of contact 94 with the neck 23. It should be noted in figure 6 that in the absence of flange 21, the female part 12 is retained by the locks 9 which are in abutment against the neck 23 of the female part 12, precisely at the points of contact 94.

[0147] By moving the jack head 5 towards the plate 72, it is possible to slightly move the male part 7 relative to the female part 12. The locks 9 can thus be moved away from the neck 23. The contact points 94 between the locks 9 and the neck 23 disappear.

[0148] A subsequent movement of a lock, to move from the neutral configuration to the constrained configuration, is then no longer blocked by a contact of the lock 9 at the neck 23.

[0149] In a fourth step, the locks 9 are moved to the constrained configuration. This movement may in particular comprise a movement of the jack head 5 in the first direction 25 of movement, vertically downwards, towards the plate 72 so as to place the locks 9 against the sleeve 68 mounted to move in translation along the vertical axis relative to the base 62 placed on the plate 72, and to compress the axial springs 64 mounted between the base 62 and the sleeve 68.

[0150] Here, the unlocker 60 is used as previously presented. The base 62 of the unlocker 60 is placed on the wall 74 of the plate 72 and the position of the unlocker is adjusted so that the central axis 70 coincides with the axis of the jack 11. The unlocker 60 has been shown in FIG. 6 in this centered situation. The centering piece 50 can be used to quickly place the unlocker 60 in this centered situation. In particular, the centering piece can be a cylindrical piece with a circular section which is adjusted in size inside the unlocker 60. The centering piece 50 can have an external radius slightly smaller than the radius of the inner circle 88 of the base 62.

[0151] Once the base 62 of the unlocker 60 is thus placed on the wall 74, the sleeve 68 is mounted to move in translation along the axis of the jack 11, an axis which is vertical, relative to the base 62. By lowering the male part 7 onto the unlocker 60, the sleeve 68 comes into contact with the arms 37 of the locks 9, then the axial springs 64 are compressed so that the sleeve 68 is moved in the first direction 25 of movement, vertical downwards, corresponding to the direction opposite to the unlocking direction.

[0152] The sleeve 68 exerts a contrary force on the arms 37 of the locks 9, vertically upwards corresponding to the unlocking direction, this contrary force allowing, if it is sufficiently significant, to deform the locks 9 in the constrained configuration.

[0153] As the male part 7 and the plane of the base 62 of the unlocker 60 are increasingly approached to each other along the axis of the jack 11, the opposing force is increasingly significant. The stroke of the sleeve 68 and the stiffness of the axial springs are configured so that the opposing force becomes sufficiently significant to deform the locks 9 into the constrained configuration.

[0154] In a fifth step, the cylinder head 5 is moved relative to the cylinder body in a second direction 27 of movement, vertically upwards, opposite to the first direction 25 of movement. The cylinder head carries the male part 7 with it. As the locks 9 are in a constrained configuration and their maximum radial projection is less than the minimum internal radius of the neck 23, the locks 9 are not blocked by the neck 23. The male part 7 is then separated from the female part 12. This fifth step is shown in Figure 9.

[0155] The advantage of the separation method is to obtain the separation of the male part 7 from the female part 12 by moving the jack. The part 3 being placed on a tray, the risk of it falling and injuring the operator is low. The unlocker makes it possible to deform the locks 9 into a constrained configuration by moving the jack. In this way, no intervention by the operator near the part 3 is necessary to separate the part 3 from the jack 4.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Fixing system (1) comprising: - a cylinder (4) comprising a head (5) and a cylinder body, the head (5) being configured to move relative to the cylinder body in an axial direction of the cylinder (11), - a male part (7) fixed to the head (5), the male part (7) comprising locks (9) which are located radially projecting from the male part (7) relative to the axis of the jack (11), - a female part (12) comprising an internal wall (15) defining a housing (17), the locks (9) being configured to be inserted by elastic deformation into the housing (17) when the male part (7) is moved towards the female part (12) in the axial direction (11), and - a flange (21) configured to fix the female part (12) to the head (5) and to block the locks (9) in the housing (17).

2. Fastening system (1) according to claim 1 wherein the locks (9) are configured to move from a neutral configuration to a constrained configuration, a radial projection of the locks (9) of the male part (7) being greater in the neutral configuration than in the constrained configuration, the locks (9) being configured to move from the neutral configuration to the constrained configuration when the male part (7) is moved towards the female part (12) in the direction opposite to the body of the jack and then to bear axially against the female part (12).

3. Fastening system (1) according to claim 2 comprising an unlocker (60) configured to move the locks (9) into the constrained configuration when the unlocker (60) is applied against the locks (9).

4. Fastening system (1) according to claim 3 wherein the unlocker (60) comprises a flared ramp (55) configured to passing the locks (9) into the constrained configuration by pressing the locks on the ramp (55) when the unlocker (60) is applied against the locks (9).

5. Fastening system (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the unlocker (60) comprises a base (62), axial springs (64) and a sleeve (68) surrounding the base (62) relative to a central axis (70) of the unlocker (60), the sleeve (68) being mounted to move in translation along the central axis (70) relative to the base (62), the axial springs (64) being mounted between the base (62) and the sleeve (68) so that the base (62) exerts on the sleeve (68) a force along the central axis (70).

6. Fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the female part being configured to be fixed to a part (3), the system comprising a plate (72) which comprises a free wall (74), the head (5) being configured to be moved towards the plate (72) so as to deposit the part (3) on the free wall (74) and separate the locks (9) from a neck (23) of the female part (12), the neck (23) being configured to reduce a radial dimension of the housing (17).

7. Fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the housing (17) is configured to house the locks (9) in an intermediate configuration, the radial projection of the locks (9) being greater in the neutral configuration than in the intermediate configuration, the radial projection of the locks (9) in the intermediate configuration being greater than an internal radius of the female part (12).

8. A fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the female portion (12) comprises a ring (33), the head (5) and each lock (9) projecting through the ring (33) in the direction opposite the cylinder body in the axial direction when the locks (9) are in the housing (17), the flange (21) being configured to: - be placed in support against the ring (33) in the axial direction towards the body of the jack then, - be fixed to the male part (7).

9. Fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in which each lock (9) comprises: - a latch (39) pivotally mounted around an axis of rotation (41) perpendicular to the axial direction (11), and - a latch return spring (43).

10. Fixing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the female part (12) comprises a female part body (13) and a part holder (47) removably fixed to the female part body (13).

11. Tire curing press comprising a tire curing mold, a jack (4) and a fixing system (1) for fixing a part of the mold to the jack, the fixing system (1) being in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Method for fixing a part (3) to a jack (4), the method comprising: - a step of fixing a female part (12) to the part (3), - a step of fixing a male part (7) to a head of the jack (5), the head (5) being configured to move relative to a body of the jack in an axial direction of the jack (11), the male part (7) comprising locks (9) extending in radial projection from the male part (7) relative to an axis of the jack (11), - a step of inserting the locks (9) by elastic deformation into a housing (17) of the female part (12), and - a step of fixing the female part (12) to the male part (7) by a flange (21).

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