FR2719106A1 - Structure transformable into rigid beam - Google Patents

Abstract

The transformable structure comprises two supple components which after assembly assumes the shape of a rigid beam. There are two link chains (1,2) whose links (3,4) are pivoted about their respective axes (7,8) and have opposing support points (10,11). The first support point (10) of a link row (n) of each chain mates with the second support point (11) of a link row (n-1) to fasten together at the time of rigidifying the element.Certain links of one chain have a row of teeth (13) which form with the teeth of neighbouring links along the length of the element a continuous set of teeth. In the assembled configuration it forms a rigid body beyond which projects the set of teeth allowing meshing with gearing on all the width of the element.

Description

IMPROVED TRANSFORMABLE STRUCTURAL ELEMENT

  The present invention relates to a transformable structural element comprising two flexible components which after assembly are capable of assuming

  together the shape of a rigid beam.

  Such a transformable structural element is described in international patent application No. WO 92/07 154

filed October 4, 1991.

  In a preferred version of the structural element described in the aforementioned international application, its components are two chain links, the links of which are provided with opposing support points, the first support point of a link of rank n of each chain cooperating with a second fulcrum of a link of rank n-1 to trap, during the stiffening of the element, hooking elements that form the axes

links of the other chain.

  The present invention aims to improve the structural element described briefly above by providing it with means making it possible not only to facilitate its assembly, but also to improve its stability.

after assembly.

  Thus, the structural element according to the invention, as defined above, is characterized in that at least certain links of at least one of the chains of the structural element have a row of teeth which form with the teeth of the neighboring links in the lengthwise direction of the element, a continuous toothing which

  extends laterally over the entire length of the element.

  Thanks to these characteristics, a transformable structural element is obtained which has longitudinally at least one rack, the teeth of which can cooperate with toothed stabilizing members placed at the edges of the assembled structural element and at the same time ensuring load recovery. imposed on the element, through the plates of its links. Thus, the axes of the chains can be released from their role of load support. Preferably, the teeth of the links are sized to correspond to the characteristics of the

  standards in force for teeth.

  Other features and advantages of this

  invention will appear during the description which goes

  follow, given only by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which: - Figure 1 shows, a side view of some links of the two chains of the structural element in their disassembled configuration; - Figures 1A and lB show for purposes of explanation, a link in each chain of the structural element; - Figure 2 is a partial view of a structural element assembled according to the invention, the chain links being seen from edge; - Figure 3 is a view of the assembled structural element provided with a device which allows translation in the longitudinal direction; - Figure 4 is a view of the assembly shown in Figure 3, the chain links being seen from the edge; - Figure 5 is a front view of an assembly box for transforming the flexible chains, components of the structural element according to the invention, in this element in its rigid form, the assembly being done so motorized; - Figure 5A is a partial sectional view seen along the line VA-VA of Figure 5;

  - Figure 5B is a partial sectional view.

  analogous to the view in FIG. SA, of an alternative assembly box for a structural element whose chains have a longitudinal gap between the plates of each link; - Figure 6 shows a front view, inner side, of the cover of the assembly box shown in Figure 5; - Figure 7 shows a variant of the invention, applied to form a curved and rigid structural element; - Figure 8 is a schematic elevational view of an application of the structural element according to the invention to a retractable projection device, the device being viewed from the side; - Figure 9 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 8; - Figure 10 shows a partial schematic view of another application of the invention to a removable structure, for example for exhibition stands; - Figure 11 is a sectional view, taken along the

line XI-XI of figure 10.

  Referring first to Figure 1, we see that the transformable structural element according to the invention comprises at least two link chains 1 and 2, preferably of identical shape, and each composed of a series of links, respectively 3 and 4, all the links of the two chains can also have the same shape. Each link has two holes 5 and 6 through which hinge pins 7 and 8 can pass, these axes respectively belonging to the link chain.

1 and the link chain 2.

  Each link comprises a plate 9 having a first lateral support point 10 materialized by a depression in one of the sides of the plate 9, as well as a second lateral support point 11 defined by a hooked portion provided at the one of the ends of each plate 9. It can be seen in FIG. 1 that the lateral support point 10 of the plate of a given link forms with the lateral support point 11 of one of the plates which precedes it (or which follows it) in the link chain, a notch 12 intended to close on the corresponding axis 7 or 8 of the opposite link chain, when

  the assembly of the structural element.

  FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2 show such an assembled structural element, it being understood that each chain 1 and 2 is in fact formed by two rows of parallel links, respectively la, 1b and 2a, 2b, the two chains being laterally nested l 'one in the other.

  The above description only briefly repeats that of the international patent application

  to which we will refer for more details.

  It should be noted that each chain can be formed by a greater number of parallel rows of links, this number being chosen according to the solidity and the rigidity of the structural element which they will compose.

after assembly.

  In accordance with the present invention and with the aim, on the one hand of improving the stability of the beam formed by the structural element and, on the other hand, of facilitating its assembly and disassembly, the present invention plans to provide each link with at least one of the chains, a row of teeth 13 on the edge of the link opposite to that which has said support points 10 and 11, the row of teeth of each link of the chain forming with the teeth of the adjacent links, a continuous toothing serving as a rack. In the example shown in Figure 2, all the links of the two chains have a row of teeth 13, so that the rack of each chain has somehow four "parallel tracks". However, according to variants, one can not provide the teeth on only one row of links, the choice being dictated by considerations of mechanical rigidity and ease

  assembly. It should be noted that the terms "dentu or denture" used in the present description must be

  heard in their broad sense. For example, as a variant, the links of the links can be provided

  rows of cells machined recessed in their edge, the members intended to cooperate with them then naturally having a suitable profile. In this case, it should be considered that the "teeth" of the platelets are the solid parts left between the alveoli.

  Figures 1A and 1B respectively show a link 3, 4 of each chain 1 and 2, separated from the other links and seen from the side of the fulcrum 11.15 Figures 3 and 4 show how the structural element transformable according to the invention can be combined with a device that allows horizontal translation. This device comprises a chassis formed by two plates 14a and 14b arranged on either side of the horizontal translation path of the structural element. Each plate 14a, 14b has a triangular shape and in the vicinity of each angle of the triangle a hole 15 receiving the end forming an axle end 16 of a pinion 17a, 17b, 17c, respectively. These pinions have teeth with the same characteristics as those of the teeth of the structural element. It should be noted that these

  characteristics may correspond to the standards in force for conventional teeth. This means that the gables may be available on the market.

  One of the plates 14a is fixed on the casing of a drive motor 18, for example electric or hydraulic, which is rotatably coupled with the pinion 17a and which thus serves to ensure the longitudinal movement of the structural element. . The motor housing 18 can be provided with fixing lugs 19 to allow fixing

  of the assembly on an appropriate support (not shown).

  Thanks to this device, it is therefore not only possible to ensure the longitudinal movement of the structural element by controlling the rotation of the motor 18 in one direction or the other, but also to improve its lateral stability (see the arrows F1 on the Figure 4), the pinions also forming lateral support and guide elements, their center distance being carefully

chosen for this purpose.

  In addition, assuming that the structural element of Figures 3 and 4 must support a load in the direction of its longitudinal movement, this load is taken up through the teeth of the chain 2, by the pinion 17a and from there by the chassis 14a, 14b and the motor 18. As a result, the axes of the chains can be dimensioned more lightly, since they serve mainly to ensure

  hooking the chain links together.

  Besides, it is possible to make not only the pinion 17a, but also the other pinions 17b and 17c so that the latter can also

  contribute to the resumption of the load.

  It should also be noted that the more each chain has parallel rows of links, the greater the load imposed on the structural element, since all these rows can be provided

  a toothing cooperating with the pinions.

  Another advantage of the presence of the teeth on the plates consists in that their cooperation with the pinions can be done on the already assembled element that a

  lateral space between the pads is present or not.

  Figures 5, 5A and 6 show how the features of the invention can be implemented for the automatic assembly of the two chains 1 and 2 thus forming a beam constituting the element of

structure according to the invention.

  These Figures 5, 5A and 6 show the structural element associated with an assembling mechanism 20. The latter comprises an assembly box 21 formed by a bottom 22, edges 23 and a cover 24, the edges 23 do not not going around the whole box. Plates 25a, 25b, 26a, 26b and 27a, 27b are respectively mounted against the bottom and the cover of the assembly box to delimit three by three two curved assembly guides 28a, 28b and 29a, 29b which meet respectively to lead into two straight guides

a and 30b.

  The assembly box 21 has two lateral inputs 31 and 32, respectively for the chains 1 and

  2, and an outlet 33, for the assembled structural element.

  In the embodiment shown, the inputs 31 and 32 are located respectively on each side of the assembly box. However, according to variants, it is possible to provide its inputs on the same side of this box or on different sides depending on the needs of the construction. In these cases, the profiles of the guides must

  naturally be adapted accordingly.

  The outlet 33 is located on the path of progression of the structural element being assembled, path on either side of which are placed two pairs of guide pinions 34a, 34b and 35a, 35b intended to come into engagement with the structural element, on the one hand at the place where it has just left the rectilinear guides 30a and b, and on the other hand at the place where this element of

  structure will leave the assembly box 21.

  These pinions are mounted respectively on axes 36 journalling in holes 37 provided for this purpose in the bottom and the cover of the box 21. It is desirable that at least one of these pinions is coupled to a drive motor. (not shown) as shown in Figure 3. In this way, the assembly and disassembly of the structural element can be done automatically and motorized. Indeed, the axes of the chains 1 and 2 are progressively trapped in the notches 12 (FIG. 1), when they penetrate by their ends in the rectilinear guides 30a respectively. 5 30b. The chains are then driven in the direction of arrow F2 (Figure 5). On the contrary, when the chains are driven in the opposite direction, the axes are released from the notches 12. Thanks to the characteristics of the invention, the translational movement of the structural element is

  therefore positively caused by the cooperation of the drive sprockets with the teeth of chains 1 and 2.

  The pairs of pinions 34a, 34b and 35a, 35b also contribute to increasing the stability of the beam once formed, by the lateral support which they

  exert on the links of the two chains engaged by their teeth with these sprockets.

  FIG. 5B partially shows another embodiment of an assembly box 121 whose lid and bottom are provided with spacers 122, 123 serving to support three guide plates 125, 126 127 whose shapes are those of the plates respective 25a, 25b, 26a, 26b and 27a, 27b. (Plate 125 is not visible in Figure 5B). These plates therefore define guides of the same profile as those shown in FIGS. 5, 5A and 6 and which therefore allow assembly and disassembly of the structural element. This construction has the advantage of greater simplicity, but it requires the presence of an interval between the plates of each link of one of the chains (in this case chain 1) so that it has a passage

  longitudinal for plates 125, 126 and 127.

  Referring now to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the structural element according to the invention can also be curved. This form is obtained by choosing for one of the chains 1A an interaxis dl of the links greater than that d2 of the links of the other chain 2A. The chain 2A having, in the example shown, the smallest distance d2 will be inside the curvature and will have a toothing as shown. On the other hand, the other chain 1A situated outside the curvature will preferably be smooth. Such a structural element may be associated with a translation device similar to that which is shown in FIG. 3. The difference between the two devices lies in the fact that the pinions 17a and 17b are replaced by smooth rollers 17Ab and 17Ac for

  allow adaptation to the smooth edge of the chain 1A.

  Figures 8 and 9 show a first example (among the many possible examples) of the structural element according to the invention. This is an installation for positioning an object at any height in a room. In the example, this object is an apparatus P, for projecting slides for example, present in a conference room or the like, the projector P being able to be retracted into a false ceiling FP. The projector P is placed on a plate 38 attached to two structural elements E1 and E2 according to the invention,

mounted in parallel.

  In the retracted state, the chains of these structural elements El and E2 are housed respectively in two boxes 39 mounted under the real ceiling VP of the room. These boxes communicate with an assembly and transmission device 40 also mounted in the false ceiling FP. This device can be designed according to the embodiment shown in Figures 5, 5A and 6, or according to that of Figure 5B. When using this assembly, the projector P can be placed at any height under the false ceiling FP or be hidden there and hidden from view when not in use. In this position, the plate 38 can come to be flush with the false ceiling FP by fitting exactly into the opening provided therein. Of course, the plate 38 can be used to support other devices or objects than a projector, to allow the adjustment of the

height of use.

  It should also be noted that the plate 38 can be a part that fits into one of the faces of a double wall, or even the floor of a room, in which this object must be retracted, the extension of structural elements can then be done either horizontally, the plate then having the shape of a square, for example, or vertically, but then in a retracting movement from top to bottom, that is to say opposite with respect to the one

  shown in Figures 8 and 9.

  Figures 10 and 11 show another application of the structural element according to the invention, namely to the construction of temporary constructions such as exhibition stands, for example. Such a construction may include uprights M1, M2 .... etc., inserted in the ground for example, and spacers by structural elements E3, E4, E5 ...... etc. according to the invention, these structural elements extending horizontally, for example at several heights. Collars 41a, 41b, 41c provided with toothed impressions 42 can be provided to secure the structural elements and the uprights. The impressions are designed to adapt to the teeth of the structural elements. Some of these collars, for example the collars 41a and 41b can be used to assemble two structural elements, such as the elements E3 and E4, on the one hand and the structural elements

E4 and E5, on the other hand.

  Partitions (not shown) fixed to the collars 41a, 41b and 41c can complete the entire construction. This is thus entirely modular and being disassembled it takes up little space due to the fact that the structural elements E3, E4, E5, etc. can be rolled up after their disassembly. In addition, thanks to the cooperation with the teeth of the structural elements, the collars hold the construction firmly on

  the uprights so the construction is very solid even if only a few structural elements are used as a spacer (for example5 three elements over 2 meters in height).

Claims (11)

  1. Transformable structural element comprising two flexible components which, after assembly, are capable of assuming together the shape of a rigid beam, this element comprising two link chains (1, 2) of which 5 the links (3, 4) are provided with antagonistic support points (10, 11), the first support point (10) of a link of rank n of each chain cooperating with a second support point (11) of a link of rank n-1 to trap, during the stiffening of the element, the 10 hooking elements that form the axes (7, 8) of the links of the other chain, characterized in that at least certain links of at least one of the Structural element chains have a row of teeth (13) which form adjacent links with the teeth along the length of the element, a continuous toothing extending laterally over the entire length of the element. 2. Structural element according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said chains (1, 2) comprises at least one row of links forming in the direction of the length of these chains a continuous toothing (13). 3. Structural element according to any one of   claims 1 and 2, characterized in that at least   one of said chains comprises several rows of links in parallel, and in that at least two of these rows of links have teeth (13) forming a continuous toothing in the direction of the length of this chain.30 4. An assembly characterized in that it comprises in combination: - a structural element according to any one   the preceding claims, and   - a device for causing a longitudinal translation of said structural element, - said longitudinal translation device comprising a chassis (14a, 14b) on which are rotatably mounted at least three rolling members (17a, 17b and 17c), at least one first (17a) of these rolling members being toothed to cooperate with the teeth (13) of at least one row of links of one of the chains of said structural element, in that said first rolling member (17a) is coupled to a drive motor (18), and in that the second and third rolling members (17b, 17c) are in contact with the outer edge of the second of said chains.   5. An assembly according to claim 4, characterized   in that it comprises a structural element according to any one of claims 2 and 3, and in that said   second and third rolling members (17b, 17c) are toothed to cooperate with said second chain of the structural element. 6. Assembly according to any one of   claims 4 and 5, characterized in that said chassis   is an assembly / disassembly box (21) comprising an assembly / disassembly device for said structural element, located in the vicinity of said structural elements   bearing (17a, 17b, 17c; 34a, 34b, 35a, 35b).   7. Application of the assembly according to any one of claims 4, 5 and 6 to the positioning   in height of an object, characterized in that it comprises a plate (38) intended to support said object (P), said plate being integral with one of the ends of at least one structural element (El, E2 ) according to any one   claims 1 to 3, said structural element being associated with said longitudinal translation device, (14a to 19).   8. Application according to claim 7, placed in a room provided with a double wall (FP), characterized in that said support plate (38) is a removable part of said double wall (FP), in that said components (1, 2) of said structural element (El, E2) as well as said object (P) are retractable in said double wall (FP), and in that it also comprises at least two boxes (39) fixed in the double wall and   communicating with said longitudinal translation device (40) also placed in the double wall, said boxes (39) serving to receive respectively10 said components (1, 2) in the retracted state of said object.   9. Application according to claim 8 characterized in that said double wall is a false ceiling (FP) and in that the retraction movement of said object is   performed vertically from bottom to top.   10. Application according to claim 9, characterized in that said object is an apparatus for projecting (P) images such as slides. 11. Application of the structural element according to one   any of claims 1 to 3 to the construction of temporary constructions such as fair stands,   characterized in that it comprises a plurality of uprights (M1, M2) intended to be fixed to the ground and a plurality of said structural elements (E3, E4, E5), 25 intended to be attached to said uprights for bracing them, collars clamping (41a, 41b, 41c) provided with toothed impressions fit the teeth (13) of said structural elements being provided for securing said uprights (M1, M2) and said elements structure.