FR2821469A1 - Teaching system for modelling mechanisms has interchangeable modules with connectors for modelling different static and kinematic inter-relations - Google Patents

Abstract

The system consists of a series of plastic modules (1a, 1b, 1c, 1i) with hollow axles (2a) and connecting members (4) for supporting the modules in relative spatial positions. The modules can have guide straight or spiral guide surfaces that interact with projecting stops (3) on their tubular bodies or axles, and coupling rods (5a) that can join modules together or to supporting bases (15), with both stops and connecting rods being detachable.

Description

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La présente invention concerne le domaine technique de la mécanique au sens général. DEVICE FOR MODELING MECHANISMS

The present invention relates to the technical field of mechanics in the general sense.

The invention relates more particularly to the technical means useful for studying the behavior of mechanisms by their overall physical modeling.

 In general, the analysis of the behavior of mechanisms requires the highlighting of the static and kinematic interrelationships which travel through mechanical connections characterizing the mechanisms.

 To facilitate this highlighting, there is a codification of the various mechanical connections from which it is possible to model the mechanisms.

 Based on this codification, the prior art proposes various virtual, graphic and computer means, which allow the global study of the mechanisms.

 However, the physical means proposed by the prior art for modeling the mechanisms in order to study them, are limited to the mechanical connections taken individually.

 We know, for example, the device disclosed under the number FR. 2691825 which presents a demonstration device able to allow the study of liberties in a mechanical connection.

 The study of the state of the art therefore shows that it is not possible to obtain global volume modeling of the mechanisms.

 The present invention aims precisely to meet this need.

 It also aims to propose forms which recall the representation currently used to graphically model the mechanisms.

 It also aims to offer playful equipment, easy to use, highlighting the interdependencies of surface associations constituting any mechanical connection.

 Thus, the device according to the invention consists of modular and interchangeable elements which are: - a body intended to cooperate with an axis to suppress between them at least one degree of freedom.

- an axe.

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Each of these elements (body and axis) supporting a multi-position connection system which allows its positioning in space and the transmission of forces.

 According to a first characteristic, the bodies are tubular and have guide surfaces.

 According to another characteristic, the bodies consist of at least one plane which then serves as a guide surface.

 According to another characteristic, the guide surfaces cooperate with at least one stop which may belong either to the shaft or to the body to suppress at least one degree of freedom.

The device, according to a preferred arrangement, includes removable stops.

 According to another preferred arrangement, the connection system comprises removable cylinders serving as connecting rods and which can also serve as stops.

 The choice of the association of a body and an axis possibly cooperating with one or more stops determines a "mechanical connection".

 The choice of the constitution of the connection system able to connect the "mechanical connections" between them makes it possible to obtain the global modeling of a mechanism.

 Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows with reference to the appended drawings which are given only by way of nonlimiting examples.

 Figure 1 is a perspective showing an application of the invention modeling a mechanism called "movable stop".

 Figure 2 is a standardized plan diagram showing the same mechanism.

 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mechanical connection of the long pivot type, associating a long tubular body and a long axis provided with two stops.

 Figure 4A is a perspective view of a tubular body having a longitudinal lumen.

 Figure 4B is a perspective view of a tubular body having helical lumen.

 FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a tubular body intended to receive a spherical axis.

 Figure 4D is a perspective view of a body having two support planes.

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 Figure 4E is a perspective view of a body having four support planes.

 FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an axis having no stops.

 FIG. 5B represents the cylindrical axis equipped with a stop.

 FIG. 5C represents the cylindrical axis equipped with two stops.

 FIG. 5D represents an axis of square section.

 FIG. 5E represents a spherical axis not comprising stops.

 FIG. 5F represents a spherical axis equipped with a stop.

 FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D are perspective views showing respectively embodiments of straight or angled connecting rods.

 Figure 6E is a perspective view of an extended connecting rod of a pulley.

 Figures 7A and 7B are perspective views of two sleeves for connecting several connecting rods.

combinant les éléments décrits aux figures 3 à 60 exception faite de la figure 9 semblable à la figure 8 mais qui utilise un corps court et un axe court. Figures 8 to 25 are perspective views illustrating various possibilities of making mechanical connections according to the invention. These connections use them

combining the elements described in Figures 3 to 60 except for Figure 9 similar to Figure 8 but which uses a short body and a short axis.

 FIG. 26 is a section showing an alternative embodiment in which the stop is placed on the body and the transverse guide surfaces on the axis.

 Figures 27 and 28 are views showing axes incorporating circular stops.

 Figure 29 is a front and top section of another form of stop integrated in the axis.

 Figure 30 is a section of an alternative embodiment in which the stop is integrated into the body.

FIG. 31 is a front and top view in section of a variant stop integrated in the body
Figure 32 is a sectional front view and top view of an alternative embodiment of a part for connecting several connecting rods.

 Figure 33 is a sectional view of a variant of a removable multi-position linkage system.

 Figures 34 to 38 are sections that it is possible to give to the connecting rods, but other solutions can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

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 Figures 39 is a section showing a means of connection by clipping the bodies together.

 Figures 40 is a section showing a means of connection by clipping the axes together.

. (ja), Figures 8 et 10 . (1 b), Figure 9 . Me], Figures 11, 16 et 17 . dd], Figure 12 (je), Figure 13 .1f), Figure 14 . (1g), Figure 15 . mm, Figures 18, 20 et 22 obtenu en assemblant 1i et 1j, Figures 19,21 et 23 # k), Figures 24 et 25

Un axe . [2a], Figures 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18 set 19 . C2b], Figures 16, 17, 20, 21, 24 et 25 . (2c), Figure 23 . (2d), Figure 9 équipé de : - Une seule butée (3), Figures 11, 12,13, 14, 15,17 et 25 - Deux butées (3). Figures 8 et 9
La mise en contact d'un quelconque des corps avec un quelconque des axes limite leurs mouvements relatifs. In a first embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 to 25, the mechanical connections are obtained by combining: # A body

. (ja), Figures 8 and 10. (1b), Figure 9. Me], Figures 11, 16 and 17. dd], Figure 12 (i), Figure 13 .1f), Figure 14. (1g), Figure 15. mm, Figures 18, 20 and 22 obtained by assembling 1i and 1j, Figures 19,21 and 23 # k), Figures 24 and 25

An axe . [2a], Figures 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18 and set 19. C2b], Figures 16, 17, 20, 21, 24 and 25. (2c), Figure 23. (2d), Figure 9 equipped with: - A single stop (3), Figures 11, 12,13, 14, 15,17 and 25 - Two stops (3). Figures 8 and 9
The contacting of any of the bodies with any of the axes limits their relative movements.

 The stops (3) judiciously placed on the axes by their means of assembly with these bear on the guide surfaces of the bodies, which further reduces the relative mobility between axis and bore.

. Transversales C6a) Figures 8 et 9 Longitudinales (6b) aux Figures 11, 17 et (6g) Figure 25 The guide surfaces provided on the bodies and on which the stops bear are of four types:

. Transverse C6a) Figures 8 and 9 Longitudinal (6b) in Figures 11, 17 and (6g) Figure 25

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. Hélicoïdales (6c. 6d, 6e et 6f) Figures 12, 13, 14 et 15 Une tige cylindrique de liaison (5a) est représentée à titre d'exemple sur chacun des axe et sur chacun des corps. Elle s'introduit par élasticité dans l'un des trous M prévus sur les axes et sur les corps, pour y être immobilisée par l'effet de l'élasticité des marériaux.

. Helical (6c. 6d, 6th and 6f) Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15 A cylindrical connecting rod (5a) is shown by way of example on each of the axes and on each of the bodies. It is introduced by elasticity into one of the holes M provided on the axes and on the bodies, to be immobilized there by the effect of the elasticity of the materials.

Figure 4B. Ce tube comporte un système de liaison à positions multiples, solidaire du corps tubulaire dans lequel sont réalisés trois trous (4) perpendiculaires entre eux, dans lesquels pourront s'introduire en utilisant l'élasticité des matériaux, l'une quelconque des tiges de jonction t5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e). e Un tube Ilk) qui peut prendre la forme représentée Figure 4C. La surface intérieure est ici composée d'une surface cylindrique (7bzw prolongée d'un coté par une surface conique (11) et de l'autre par une lèvre (12), ces trois surfaces sont prévues pour mettre en place par l'élasticité de la lèvre (12) un axe sphérique (2b) et d'interdire tout mouvement en translation de l'axe par rapport au corps. La mise en place sur l'axe sphérique (2b) d'une butée (3) comme le montre la Figure 5F, s'appuyant sur les surfaces planes (Bg) délimitant la rainure longitudinale, interdit la rotation de l'axe sphérique (2b) autour de l'axe du corps (1 k). e D'une plaque prismatique (ei), Figure 4D, présentant deux grandes surfaces planes parallèles (7d) sur lesquelles pourra prendre appui l'axe choisi et d'un système de raccordement à positions multiples (13) solidaire de cette plaque dans lequel sont réalisés trois trous (4) perpendiculaires entre eux dans lesquels pourront s'introduire par l'élasticité des matériaux, les tiges de jonction. La figure 4E, montre l'association de l'axe (1i) et d'une plaque (1j), cette dernière étant identique à celle constituant C1 i) mais ne comporte pas de système de raccordement (13). Elle présente donc deux grandes surfaces planes (7d). Cette plaque sera assemblée par emmanchement forcé sur un épaulement (14) de la douille de raccordement de Mi) par un trou (4bs. In this first embodiment, the bodies according to the invention are:
A tube Figures 4A and 4B which internally has a cylindrical guide surface (7a) intended to contain an axis, delimited by two transverse flat guide surfaces (usa), This tube can be long Ma) or short, [1b). This tube can be provided with a through light, providing two longitudinal guide surfaces (Sb) Figure 4A or with a helical light providing two guide surfaces (Be)

Figure 4B. This tube comprises a multi-position connection system, integral with the tubular body in which three holes (4) are made perpendicular to each other, into which can be introduced using the elasticity of the materials, any of the connecting rods t5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e). e An Ilk tube) which can take the form shown in Figure 4C. The inner surface is here composed of a cylindrical surface (7bzw extended on one side by a conical surface (11) and on the other by a lip (12), these three surfaces are provided to set up by elasticity of the lip (12) a spherical axis (2b) and to prohibit any movement in translation of the axis relative to the body. The establishment on the spherical axis (2b) of a stop (3) as the shows Figure 5F, resting on the flat surfaces (Bg) delimiting the longitudinal groove, prohibits the rotation of the spherical axis (2b) around the axis of the body (1 k). e From a prismatic plate ( ei), Figure 4D, showing two large parallel flat surfaces (7d) on which the chosen axis can bear and a multi-position connection system (13) integral with this plate in which three holes are made (4) perpendicular to each other which can be introduced by the elasticity of the materials, the connecting rods. Figure 4E shows the association of the axis (1i) and a plate (1j), the latter being identical to that constituting C1 i) but does not include a connection system (13). It therefore has two large flat surfaces (7d). This plate will be assembled by forced fitting on a shoulder (14) of the connection socket of Mi) by a hole (4bs.

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In this first embodiment, the axes (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d] according to the invention are: e A cylinders (2a) of circular section Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, intended to come into contact with a body and comprising three holes transverse (8) intended to receive the stops as well as five holes (4) (three transverse and two axial), intended to receive the connecting rods This cylinder can be long (2a) or short, (2d), Figure 9.

Figures 5B and 5C show the usual arrangements of the stops.

A square section cylinders (2c) Figure 5D comprising at one end three holes (4) perpendicular to each other in which can be introduced using the elasticity of the materials, the connecting rods. a A sphere [2b) comprising a hole (8) Figure 5E intended to receive a stop [3) as shown in Figure 5F as well as two holes [4) perpendicular to each other and with (8) intended to receive the connecting rods .

 It is also possible, as shown in Figure 22, to use another body (1i) as an axis.

 It should also be noted that the removable connecting rods (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d), introduced into the transverse holes (4) of the axes can serve as stops.

la Figure 8 montre une liaison Pivot long (A), la Figure 9 montre une liaison Pivot court [B], ja Figure 10 montre une liaison Pivot glissant [C), la Figure 11 montre une liaison Glissière (0), ja Figure 12 montre une liaison Hélicoïdale à droite et à pas court (El. la Figure 13 montre une liaison Hélicoïdale à gauche et à pas court (F), la Figure 14 montre une liaison Hélicoïdale à droite et à pas long (G), la Figure 15 montre une liaison Hélicoïdale à gauche et à pas long (H). la Figure 16 montre une liaison Linéaire annulaire (1), . la Figure 17 montre une liaison Linéaire annulaire à doigt [J], la Figure 18 montre une liaison Linéaire rectiligne en contact avec un plan (K), la Figure 19 montre une liaison Linéaire rectiligne insérée entre deux plans (L). la Figure 20 montre une liaison Ponctuelle en contact avec un plan (N), la Figure 21 montre une liaison Ponctuelle insérée entre deux planes (0), . la Figure 22 montre une liaison Plane en contact avec un plan (P), Thus, the choice of the combination of a body and an axis equipped or not with one or more stops allows the production of mechanical connections illustrated by FIGS. 8 to 25 given by way of nonlimiting examples:

Figure 8 shows a long Pivot link (A), Figure 9 shows a Short Pivot link [B], ja Figure 10 shows a Sliding Pivot link [C), Figure 11 shows a Slide link (0), ja Figure 12 shows a right helical connection with a short pitch (El. Figure 13 shows a left helical connection with a short pitch (F), Figure 14 shows a right helical connection with a long pitch (G), Figure 15 shows a helical connection on the left and a long pitch (H). Figure 16 shows an annular Linear connection (1),. Figure 17 shows an annular Linear connection with a finger [J], Figure 18 shows a rectilinear Linear connection in contact with a plane (K), Figure 19 shows a straight linear connection inserted between two planes (L). Figure 20 shows a Punctual connection in contact with a plane (N), Figure 21 shows a Punctual connection inserted between two planes (0), Figure 22 shows a Plane connection in contact with a plane (P),

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ja Figure 23 montre une liaison Plane insérée entre deux planes (0), . la Figure 24 montre une liaison Sphérique (R], la Figure 25 montre une liaison Sphérique à doigt (S).

ja Figure 23 shows a Plane connection inserted between two planes (0),. Figure 24 shows a Spherical link (R], Figure 25 shows a Spherical link with finger (S).

In this first embodiment, the connecting rods Figures SA, 6B, 6C, So and 6E according to the invention are removable and consist of: 'Straight cylindrical rods (5a) # Curved cylindrical rods (5b, 5c, 5d). The rod (5d) can also serve as a crank.

 A pulley (5e) Figure 6E, drilled in its center can adapt to the connecting rods, axes or bores to be connected by a belt to a device for setting in motion.

The connecting rods can also be connected to each other Figures 7A and 78 using a single sleeve (9) or a multiple sleeve (1 ob
The assembly of a mechanical connection with a support as illustrated in FIG. 1 is carried out according to a preferred embodiment of the invention by a removable connecting rod assembled on the one hand to the mechanical connection concerned and on the other hand to a support ( 15) through a hole in it.

 Thus, the choice of the combination of mechanical connections with that of the connecting rods makes it possible to build a volume model of the mechanisms. This model mainly allows to study the static and kinematic features of the mechanism.

choisies pour permettre de multiples combinaisons entre eux et offrir à l'utilisateur la possibilité de modéliser de très nombreux mécanismes et lui permettre de donner libre court à son imagination créatrice. The dimensions of the bodies, of the axes. stops and connecting rods have been

chosen to allow multiple combinations between them and to offer the user the possibility of modeling a large number of mechanisms and allowing him to give free rein to his creative imagination.

The shapes of the bodies, the axes of the stops and the rods were chosen so that, once produced, the modeling obtained with the device according to the invention recalls the shapes of the schematic modeling currently used, see FIGS. 1A and 1B.

 It should be noted that, moreover, contrary to the usual graphic representation, the easy visualization of the guide surfaces and of the stops highlights the particularities which condition the kinematic characteristics of the mechanical connections.

 The material chosen for carrying out the invention by way of nonlimiting example is a plastic selected for its qualities of low cost, ease of implementation, lightness, elasticity and oxidisability.

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 The colors of the bodies, axes, stops and connecting rods were chosen different to better distinguish their functions.

 In another embodiment, the three surfaces (7b), (11) and (12) Figure 4C can advantageously be replaced by a spherical surface.

 Of course, many alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

 Thus, a variant according to the invention shown in Figure 26 could consist of assembling the stops (16) on the bodies (17) and providing the transverse, longitudinal and helical surfaces, for guidance in 9), on the axis (18).

l'axe en forme d'épaulement circulaire (20) et les Figure 27 et 28 ou d'un ergot (21) Figure 29. Ces axes seraient mis en place dans les corps après déformation élastique des matériaux. Another embodiment could consist of the stops being part of the axes Figures 27, 28 and 29. Figures 27 and 28 show stops forming part of

the axis in the form of a circular shoulder (20) and Figures 27 and 28 or a lug (21) Figure 29. These axes would be put in place in the bodies after elastic deformation of the materials.

d'épaulement circulaire [22] contenant un axe dotée d'une gorge (23). La figure 31 présente un corps comportant une butée en forme d'ergot (24). It is also possible in another embodiment, to obtain stops forming part of the bodies Figures 30 and 31. Figure 30 shows a stop in the form

of circular shoulder [22] containing an axis provided with a groove (23). Figure 31 shows a body having a lug-shaped stop (24).

 Furthermore, the multi-position connection system could be dissociated from the bodies and the axes but be part of the connection rods.

 Finally, another embodiment illustrated in Figure 33 could consist of an independent device which would serve as an intermediary between the axes and the bodies on the one hand and the connecting rods on the other hand. The part (28) fitted by forced clipping (26) into the body (2) and pivoting about an axis perpendicular to that of the body. The part (29) fitted by forced clipping (27) into 1281 pivoting about an axis inclined at 450 relative to the axis of the parts 28 and 29. The connecting rod (5) being force fitted in (29) .

 It should be noted that the cross-section of the connecting rods can take multiple forms as they are illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38 to improve their elasticity.

 The connection between several connecting rods can be obtained as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 32 given by way of nonlimiting examples, by a single sleeve (9) FIG. 7A, by a multiple sleeve (10) FIG. 7B or a connection prism (33) Figure 32. Each of these elements has one or more holes (4) in which the connecting rods (5) can be force fitted.

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Finally, the connecting rods could be made of shape memory material which would replace the assembly means with multiple positions by ordinary assembly means.

It is also possible to envisage the direct connection of the bodies to one another, as illustrated by way of nonlimiting example Figure 39 by clipping [30]. and axes between them by clipping [31], Figure 40 without the need to use connecting rods.

Claims (8)

"CLAIMS"  1-Device used mainly for teaching, allowing the modeling of mechanisms, characterized in that it is constituted by modular and interchangeable elements which are: - an body (1a, 1b. 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f. 1g, 1i, 1j, 1k, 17) intended to cooperate with an axis to suppress between them at least one degrees of freedom. - an axis (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 18] each of these elements (body and axis) supporting a connection system (4) which allows its positioning in space and the transmission of forces. 2-Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises one or more guide surfaces on the body or on the axis, intended to cooperate with one or more stops on the axis or on the body. 3-Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the body is tubular with guide surfaces (usa, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g) and (7a, 7b, 7c) 4-Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the body comprises at least one plane (7d). 5-Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the stops (3, 20 and 21) are part of the shaft and the guide surfaces (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6th, 6f, 6g and 22) are part from the body. 6-Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the stops t 16, 22 and 24) are part of the body and the guide surfaces (19 and 23) are part of the shaft. 7-Device according to one of claims 2, 5 or 6 characterized in that the stops (3 and 16) are removable. 8-Device according to one of claims 2, 5 or 6 characterized in that the connecting system comprises rods 15, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d] removable. 9-Device according to claim 8 characterized in that the removable rods also serve as stops.