FR2949520A1 - Device for fixing e.g. terminal of electrical battery to cable tightening unit. in motor vehicle has deformable cases, whose deformation in coating direction is obtained by rotation of external and internal mobile units in direction - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has deformable external and internal cases (4, 63) that are mechanically connected to an element (61), where the cases have a longitudinal axis (7). The cases surround another element (9) so that the longitudinal axis and another longitudinal axis (8) are coincided, when the former element is fixed to the latter element. A deformation of the cases in coating direction is obtained by rotation of external and internal mobile units (2, 3) in a direction by support action on the mobile units of a cam (46).

Description

The invention relates to a device for fixing a first element to a second element. The invention also relates to a system comprising such a fixing device.

It is known to fix a first element on a second element by clamping a liner integral with the first element around the second element.

For example, in the field of devices for connecting an electric cable to a pad constituting a terminal of an electric storage battery, a device comprising a split and thus deformable jacket having an elliptical outer section and a ring intended for surround this jacket and also having an elliptical internal section intended to cooperate with the outer section of the jacket. The rotation of the ring a quarter turn relative to the shirt causes the deformation of the shirt. Indeed, in this position, the large initial axis of the section of the sleeve takes the value of the minor axis of the section of the ring. In this configuration, the liner has a shape that approximates a circular shape and bosses that are provided on the inner surface of the liner and penetrate into the terminal of the battery. Such a device is for example illustrated by the document EP 685 903.

This technical solution is problematic. Mainly, it poses a problem of electrical conduction and a problem of corrosion. Indeed, the contact surface between the stud and the jacket is low which may cause poor electrical contact between the terminal and the jacket. In addition, the existence of surfaces of the terminal and the sleeve separated by small clearances promotes the appearance of corrosion. Finally, in case of corrosion, the disassembly of the jacket can be problematic. Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a fixing device remedying the disadvantages mentioned and improving the known devices of the prior art. In particular, the invention provides a fixing device for easy and fast attachment of a first element to a second element while allowing easy and quick disassembly of the assembly of the first and second elements and ensuring between the first and second second elements an optimized contact as to its extent. In particular, the device makes it possible to avoid the appearance of corrosion at the level of the first element - second element interface and to ensure easy and rapid disassembly even in case of corrosion at this interface.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to fix a first element to a second element having a first longitudinal axis, the fixing device comprising: a deformable liner, mechanically linked to the first element, having a second longitudinal axis and intended to surround the first element so that the first and second longitudinal axes are at least substantially merged when the first element is fixed on the second element, a member mounted to move on the liner in rotation relative thereto at least substantially around the second longitudinal axis, mobile member being manually manipulable.

It is characterized in that a first deformation of the liner in the direction of a plating of one of its surfaces on a surface of the second element is obtained by rotation of the movable member in a first direction by the action of support on the movable member, respectively, on the liner of at least a first cam provided on the sleeve, respectively, on the movable member. MS \ STE001EN.dpt The at least one first cam can be attached to the sleeve, respectively to the movable member.

The device may comprise opening means adapted to deform the liner in the opposite direction to the plating of one of its surfaces on a surface of the second element during the rotation of the movable member in a second direction.

The opening means may comprise a wedge, a slot provided on the liner and a second cam provided on the movable member, the wedge cooperating with the slot so that it opens the latter when it is moved under the effect of the action of the second cam.

The liner may have an inner surface comprising an area provided with ridges oriented at least substantially along the second longitudinal axis and / or an area provided with ridges at least substantially contained in planes perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis.

The liner may include an inner liner to which an outer liner is attached. The movable member may comprise an external part within which an internal portion is attached. The fixing device may comprise indexing means for indexing the movable member in position relative to the liner in a position in which a surface of the liner is pressed against the second element. The amplitude of movement of the movable member relative to the liner may be less than one-half turn, particularly less than one-quarter turn, and preferably less than or equal to an eighth of a turn.

The fixing device may constitute an electrical connection device between the first element and the second element, the first element being, for example, a terminal of an electric storage battery, the second element being for example a means for crimping a electric cable.

The movable member may be shaped so as to cover at least substantially the entire liner. The movable member may comprise at least one manipulation lever.

The liner and the second member may be shaped such that at least 75% and preferably at least 90% or even at least 95% of the area of the second member trunk surface surrounded by the liner is in contact with the shirt when the shirt is deformed so that one of its surfaces is plated on a surface of the second element. A system according to the invention comprises at least one fixing device according to one of the preceding claims. The appended drawing represents, by way of example, two embodiments of a fastening device according to the invention.

Figures 1 and 2 are exploded views of a first embodiment of a fastener according to the invention. Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of the first embodiment, which is shown in an unlocked position, i.e. a position in which the first member is not secured. on the second element. The second element is not represented.

Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the first embodiment, which is shown in a locked position, i.e. a position in which the first member is attached to the second member. The second element is not represented.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a jacket of the first embodiment.

Figure 8 is a sectional view, in the plane XVI - XVI of Figure 9, 15 of a second embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention. This second embodiment is shown in a locked position.

Fig. 9 is a section, according to plane XVII - XVII of Fig. 8, of this second embodiment, which is shown in a locked position.

The fixing device 1, shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, makes it possible to fix a first element 61 on a second element 9. The fixing device 25 is for example a connection device between two electrical means such as a terminal 9 of a battery electrical and an electrical conductor, including a means 61 for crimping an electrical cable comprising for example sheets 611 intended to be deformed to crimp the cable. The second member preferably has a shape comprising a truncated or truncated cone surface. Although this form is preferably of revolution, it is necessary to understand the terms cylinder and cone in their mathematical sense, a cylinder being a surface generated by a set of parallel lines resting on a closed contour and a cone being a surface generated by a set of lines all passing by the same point and based on a closed contour. This surface delimiting the shape of the second element constitutes, with a surface delimiting a complementary shape in mechanical connection with a first element, the interface of the fastener.

The second element comprises a longitudinal axis 8. In the case of an element having a form of revolution, this longitudinal axis is the axis of revolution.

The fastening device comprises: a deformable jacket 4, 63, mechanically linked to the first element 61, having a longitudinal axis 7 (in the case of a jacket having a shape of revolution, its axis of revolution) and intended to surround the first element so that the two longitudinal axes 7, 8 are at least substantially coincidental when the first element is fixed on the second element, a movably mounted member 2, 3 on the liner in rotation with respect thereto at least substantially around the longitudinal axis 7, the movable member being manually manipulated for example by a first lever 210 and / or a second lever 220 extending at least substantially radially.

Since the unlocked position of the fastening device shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in which there is a clearance between the external surface of the second element and the internal surface of the jacket, that is to say in which the first element is not fixed on the second element, a rotation of the movable member relative to the liner, in the direction represented by the arrow 70, makes it possible to cause a first deformation of the liner in the direction of the reduction of one of its dimensions, in particular by tightening the shirt around the second element. This deformation is caused by mechanical stresses action / reaction bosses and cams provided on the movable member and on the sleeve. For example, bosses 34 are provided on an inner surface of the movable member to cooperate with cams 46 provided on an outer surface 41 of the liner. During the rotation of the movable member in the direction represented by the arrow 70, the bosses 34 move upwards on the cams 46. This causes the tightening of the liner. In order to produce the same deformation effect of the liner, the cams could have been provided on the movable member to cooperate with bosses provided on the liner.

An embodiment of the movable member is described below in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The movable member is for example made in two parts: an external movable member 2 in which is inserted an internal movable member 3 The external movable member is for example made by molding a synthetic material and the internal movable member is for example made of metal, in particular steel. This embodiment in two parts is particularly indicated in the case of an electrical connection device, the external movable member being made of non-conductive material to isolate the device and the internal movable member being made of metallic material to obtain characteristics. mechanical devices necessary for the proper operation of the cam system 46. MS \ STE001EN.dpt The external movable member generally having a capsule shape 200 having an axis of revolution 7 and from which extend in opposite directions a first lever 210 and a second lever 201. The levers are preferably connected to the capsule shape with reinforcements 211 and 221.

The levers allow manual manipulation of the movable member causing, in a first direction, the tightening of the jacket around the second element and, in a second direction, its loosening.

The capsule shape has a bottom 201 from which extends a skirt formed by a substantially cylindrical wall 202. This skirt makes it possible to streamline the fixing device as much as possible. Thus, in the case where the fixing device and an electrical connection device, access to the conductive parts are limited so that the risks of short circuits and corrosion are also limited.

From the bottom of the capsule shape, extra thicknesses extend along the wall. These extra thicknesses are intended for fixing the inner part of the movable member. This internal movable member has substantially a form of ring 30 complementary to the capsule shape and for example constituted by a sheet 31. This ring comprises openings 35 provided on their sides with teeth 36 intended to be hooked at the level of the extra thicknesses evoked previously. The ring has a portion of section 37 whose radius is greater than the rest of the section. This portion has a cam 38 and is intended to be inserted at a recess 205 provided in the capsule form.

The ring also has a bore 33 intended to cooperate with a boss 45 provided on the sleeve to form a means for indexing the position of the movable member relative to the sleeve in a MS \ STE001EN.dpt position in which the device is locked, that is to say in which the first element is fixed on the second element.

The ring also has a notch 32 intended to come opposite a notch 206 provided in the capsule shape so as to allow a radial passage of a mechanical connection means of the liner to the first element, this means solidarisant for example the shirt at the first element.

The ring finally has the bosses 34 previously mentioned and intended to cooperate with the cams provided on the shirt.

In the case of a connection device, the movable member may have on an outer surface an indication of an electrical characteristic such as a polarity by a color and / or a symbol.

An embodiment of the liner is hereinafter described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The liner is for example made in two parts: an outer liner 4 into which an inner liner 63 is inserted. The outer liner is for example made of metal having good mechanical characteristics, especially steel, and the inner liner is for example made of copper alloy, especially brass. This two-part embodiment is particularly indicated in the case of an electrical connection device, the outer jacket being made of metallic material to obtain the mechanical characteristics necessary for the proper operation of the cam system 46 and the inner jacket being made in one piece. Good conductor material of electricity to improve the performance of the device. The inner liner 63 generally presents a shape complementary to the second element on which it must come to tighten. It has a slot 64 preferably over its entire length to allow its deformation. This slot is preferably opposed to the zone in which the inner liner is attached to the mechanical connection means 62 making it possible, for example, to bond the liner to the first element 61. Thus, between this connection zone and the slot, it is possible to define two half 631.

A first zone of the inner surface of the inner liner has ridges 638 oriented at least substantially along the axis 7 and allowing, when the liner is clamped on the second element, to prohibit or limit the rotational movement around the liner. axis 7 of the shirt relative to the second element.

A second zone of the inner surface of the inner liner has grooves 637 oriented at least substantially in a plane perpendicular to the axis 7 and allowing, when the liner is clamped on the second element to prohibit or limit the translational movement along the axis 7 of the jacket relative to the second element. These streaks have for example an asymmetric profile, for example of the type of artillery tapping thread.

At the slot 64, each half-portion comprises an extension 634 forming a V having wings 636 in which are cut grooves 635. This V is intended to cooperate with a corner 5. This V and this corner are part of means opening capable of deforming the liner in the direction of increasing one of its dimensions during the rotation of the movable member in a second direction. Indeed, the movement of the wedge towards the axis 7 causes by the action of its faces 53 on the wings 636 of the V mechanical actions tending to spread the wings MS \ STE001FR.dpt of the V and therefore, to dismiss, l from one another, the half-parties. In such a configuration, the liner is no longer in contact with the second element, at least no longer in contact with the second element over its entire surface. Ribs 54 are provided on the wedge to cooperate with the grooves 635 provided in the extensions 634 so as to prevent the wedge from moving axially and out of the device. The wedge further has a surface 52 intended to cooperate with the cam 38 mentioned above. The wedge is moved towards the axis 7 by the action of the cam 38 on the surface 52 when the movable member is rotated in the unlocking direction of the device. The angle at the top of the corner and the V must be chosen so as to avoid any wedging of the corner in the V by buttressing. For example, the apex angle is greater than 30 °, or even greater than 40 °.

The half-parts comprise on their outer surfaces cam shapes 633.

The outer jacket 4 is intended to cover the inner liner 63. It is held on the inner liner by its elasticity and thanks to abutments 42 formed by folding. It is for example constituted by a sheet 41. This sheet has cams 46 coming to cover the cam shapes 633 provided on the inner liner. The outer jacket also has a boss 45 provided to cooperate with the bore 33 mentioned above, these two means forming indexing means.

The part 6 comprising the inner liner 63 and the first element 61 may be shaped differently from that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, it may comprise straight mechanical connection means for mechanically linking the inner liner 63 to the first element 61. Other configurations are obviously possible. MS \ STE001EN.dpt In a second embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, the fixing device 1 'allows to fix ducting elements, for example duct aeraulic or hydraulic to each other.

For example, the first element 61 'may be a first pipe and the second element 9' may be a second pipe. In the representation of this embodiment, the elements providing the same functions as in the first embodiment have the same references to which a '' has been added. A seal 91 'is provided between the two pipes. In this embodiment, the movable member and the liner may be each made in one piece.

As in the first embodiment, the jacket may have ridges. Alternatively, the jacket may comprise grooves cooperating with grooves formed on the second element to create an obstacle to the axial displacement of the liner relative to the second element and / or the liner may comprise grooves cooperating with grooves made on the second element to create an obstacle to the rotational movement of the liner relative to the second element.

In a third embodiment, not shown, the fixing device makes it possible to fix a first element in a second element. In this case, the second element comprises a bore intended to receive the deformable sleeve, mechanically connected to the first element and the member rotatably mounted relative to the sleeve allows, when moved in a first direction, by the action of cams, a deformation in the direction of an increase in one of its dimensions so that it presses on an inner surface of the bore. Opening means, able to deform the sleeve in MS \ STE001FR.dpt the other direction during the rotation of the movable member in a second direction, are also provided.

Preferably, in the various embodiments, the amplitude of movement of the movable member relative to the liner is less than one-half turn, in particular less than one-quarter turn, and preferably less than or equal to substantially equal to one-eighth of a turn, between a first end position in which the liner is deformed to tighten on the second member and a second end position in which the liner is deformed in another direction under the effect of the opening means for release the second element.

In particular in the case of a connection device, the liner and the second element are advantageously shaped so that at least 75% and preferably at least 90% or even at least 95% of the surface area of the external surface the second element trunk surrounded by the liner is in contact with the liner when the device is in the locked position. For this purpose, the liner preferably has in its undistorted configuration a shape at least substantially complementary to the shape of the second element. For example, in this configuration, the jacket is in contact with the second element on all the surfaces intended to come into contact in the locked position. Alternatively, there is only a slight clearance at all points of these surfaces, for example a clearance of less than 0.2 mm and, preferably, less than 0.1 mm.

The fastening device according to the invention has the advantage of a small footprint, including a small maneuvering space between the locked and unlocked positions. The size of the device is particularly small along the longitudinal axis 7. MS \ STE001EN.dpt The invention also relates to a system, particularly a motor vehicle, comprising at least one fastening device according to the invention.

Throughout this text, the term at least substantially used with different adjectives means: adjective or substantially adjective. MS \ STE001FR.dpt

Claims (14)

1. Device (1; 1 ') for fixing a first element (61; 61') to a second element (9; 9 ') having a first longitudinal axis (8; 8'), the fixing device comprising: a deformable sleeve (4, 63; 63 '), mechanically bonded to the first member, having a second longitudinal axis (7; 7') and for surrounding the first member so that the first and second longitudinal axes are at least substantially coincidental when the first member is attached to the second member, a movably mounted member (2, 3; 2 ') on the sleeve rotated relative thereto at least substantially about the second longitudinal axis (7; 7') , the movable member being manually manipulable, characterized in that a first deformation of the sleeve in the direction of a plating of one of its surfaces on a surface of the second element is obtained by rotation of the movable member in a first sense (70) by the support action s ur the movable member, respectively, on the liner of at least a first cam (46; 46 ') provided on the jacket, respectively, on the movable member. 2. Fastening device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first cam is attached to the sleeve, respectively on the movable member. 3. Fastening device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises opening means (38, 5, 53, 634, 636; 38 ', 5) adapted to deform the folder in the opposite direction to the plating of one of its surfaces on a surface of the second MS \ STE001FR.dptélément during the rotation of the movable member in a second direction. 4. Fastening device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the opening means comprise a wedge (5), a slot (64) provided on the sleeve and a second cam (38; 38 ') provided on the member. mobile, the corner cooperating with the slot (64) so that it opens it when moved under the effect of the action of the second cam. 5. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liner has an inner surface comprising an area provided with ridges (638) oriented at least substantially along the second longitudinal axis and / or an area provided with ridges ( 637) at least substantially contained in planes perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis. 6. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sleeve comprises an inner liner (63) on which is reported an outer sleeve (4). 7. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable member comprises an outer portion (2) within which is an inner portion (3). 8. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises indexing means (33, 44, 45) for indexing the movable member in position relative to the sleeve in a position wherein a surface of the jacket is pressed against the second element. MS \ STE001FR.dpt 9. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the amplitude of the movement of the movable member relative to the liner is less than half a turn, in particular less than a quarter turn and, preferably, less than or at least substantially equal to one eighth of a turn. 10. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it constitutes an electrical connection device between the first element (9) and the second element (61), the first element being for example a terminal d ' an electric storage battery, the second element being for example a crimping means of an electric cable. 11. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable member is shaped so as to cover at least substantially the entire liner. 12. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable member comprises at least one lever (210) for handling. 13. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jacket and the second element are shaped so that at least 75% and preferably at least 90% or at least 95% of the area the surface of the second element trunk surrounded by the liner is in contact with the liner when the liner is deformed so that one of its surfaces is plated on a surface of the second member. 14. System comprising at least one fixing device according to one of the preceding claims. MS \ STE001FR.dpt