FR2873770A1 - Joint pin assembling system for e.g. brake pedal of motor vehicle, has lug retaining head of pin and clip displaced with respect to flanges so that it is retracted for passage of head and displaced in retained position by flexible strips - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has elastically deformable lugs, and a clip (4) including a thin plate shaped main part (40) that is integrated to flanges (10) of a clevis. A blocking lug (8) retains a head (31) of a pin. The clip is displaced with respect to the flanges, such that the clip is retracted for passage of the head and displaced in a retained position under the effect of flexible strips.

Description

The present invention relates to a mounting system of an axis in a

  clevis, this clevis being composed of two parallel cheeks, with a view to its articulation on a core which is arranged between the two cheeks, the hinge axis comprising a cylindrical rod which can be inserted axially into holes

  coaxial in both the clevis and the soul.

  The invention has been more particularly designed in an application of the field of the automotive industry, for the articulated mounting of a control pedal, and more precisely of a brake pedal, on a fixed support, integral with the chassis of a motor vehicle.

  However, the invention may find various applications in various other fields.

  Traditionally, in such a mounting system, the axis consists of a cylindrical rod and a discoid flat head, whose diameter is greater than that of the rod; this head abuts against one of the cheeks of the screed; the opposite end of the stem protrudes outside the other cheek; this protruding portion has a machined groove, in which is inserted a clip whose function is to maintain the axis in place.

  This is usually a clip with a flap. For proper mounting, the clip must be sufficiently depressed so that its flap closes on the body of the shaft, to ensure locking.

  After assembly, it is essential to avoid hanging this flap or you will have to unlock the clip.

  It is therefore difficult to intervene near the pedal, for the handling of the pedal or any other operation, including repair or verification, in the surrounding area.

  Such a clip therefore poses a security problem because if it is badly locked, or unfortunately hooked, it may be torn off, and then no longer ensure the retention of the hinge pin.

  The present invention aims to solve this problem by proposing a mounting system which comprises a clip able to ensure particularly safe locking of the axis.

  Another object sought by the invention is to provide a hinge system which is very simple in design and easy to implement, the clip is also a relatively low cost.

  The present invention therefore relates to a mounting system of an axis in a clevis composed of two parallel cheeks for the articulation of this clevis on a soul disposed between said cheeks by means of a hinge pin, this last comprising a cylindrical rod adapted to be axially intertwined in coaxial holes formed in the yoke and in the core, and a flat disc head whose diameter is greater than that of the rod.

  According to the invention, the various objectives mentioned above are achieved by virtue of the fact that: the mounting system comprises a clip comprising a main part in the form of a thin, flat plate capable of being secured to one of the two cheeks, referred to as " outer cheek "of the screed, so that it is pressed against the outer face of the latter; this clip is provided with two distinct retaining means capable of trapping said head of the hinge axis, namely, on the one hand, elastically deformable lugs adapted to snap onto the head when the rod is inserted; in the yoke by an axial translation movement and, on the other hand, a locking member, such as a holding tab, adapted to engage against the head by a movement in a direction perpendicular to the axis, in the plan of the said main part; - This clip has a certain freedom of movement in the plane of said main part so that, without being disconnected from the outer cheek which supports it, it can occupy selectively, or a so-called "retracted" position in which said locking member n does not prevent the passage of the head, thus allowing complete depression of the axis in the yoke, as well as the snapping of said tabs on its head, a so-called "retaining" position in which said locking member as well as said tabs immobilize the head and keep it pressed against the main part of the clip; - This clip is provided with elastic means that tend to automatically bring it back to its "retaining" position.

  Furthermore, according to a number of additional, but not limiting, features of the present invention: said main portion of the clip has an oblong hole, or light, capable of being traversed by the axis rod without hindering the movement of the clip from its holding position to its retracted position, and vice versa; - The clip comprises three retaining tabs, including a pair of substantially diametrically opposed snap lugs, if we consider the axis of articulation; said elastic means are flexible and elastically deformable tongues forming an integral part of the clip; said tongues are adapted to bear against one of the edges of said outer cheek; the clip comprises hooking tabs adapted to engage against the edges and against the inner face of said outer cheek to ensure the fastening of the clip with the latter; at least one of the two faces of said outer cheek has a countersink whose depth is substantially equal to the thickness of said main part, and opposite which is positioned the clip when it is placed on the latter; - Only the inner face of said outer flange has a counterbore, the latter being preferably made by stamping; - The system being adapted to the mounting of a control pedal of a motor vehicle, said pedal is integral with the core while the yoke is secured to the frame.

  The invention also relates to the clip which composes a system as described above.

  In an advantageous embodiment, this clip is obtained by cutting into a mechanical sheet of a single blank, which is then shaped by folding some of its areas.

  Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

  These drawings represent, by way of non-limiting example, a possible embodiment of the system forming the subject of the invention.

  In these drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clip that composes the system.

  - Figure 2 is a view of the same clip, cut by a median longitudinal plane, designated P in Figure 1.

  FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an operation of placing the hinge pin in the mounting system, the view of FIG. 3 being a sectional view in the above-mentioned plane P, whereas FIG. sectional view in the horizontal plane designated IV-IV in FIG.

  - Figures 3A and 3B are views similar to Figure 3, showing the system, respectively, in an intermediate position of implementation of the axis and after implementation of it.

  FIGS. 4A and 4B are views similar to FIG. 4, in situations corresponding to those of FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively.

  - Figures 5 and 5A are side views of the outer cheek of the yoke on which is mounted the clip of Figures 1 and 2, this clip being shown respectively in its retaining position and in its retracted position.

  - Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams, respectively end and side, of the clip and the cheek on which it is put in place, these two views showing two different modes of possible implementation of the clip on said cheek.

  With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the reference numeral 1 denotes a clevis, the reference 2 denotes a core and the reference 3 indicates the axis of articulation of the clevis with respect to the core.

  With reference to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the yoke 1 comprises two parallel cheeks 10, 11 between which the core 2 is positioned, also in parallel.

  The cheek 10, the core 2 and the cheek 11 are each pierced by a circular hole 100, 20 and, respectively, 110, these three holes being located coaxially, so that it is possible to introduce the axis d articulation 3 by a movement of axial translation, perpendicular to said cheeks.

  This axis 3 is composed of a cylindrical rod 30 and a flat discoid head 31.

  The diameter of the rod 30 corresponds to the interlocking clearance (which should be sufficient to allow the relative pivoting of the clevis and the core around this rod) to the diameter of the holes 100, 20 and 110, while the head 31 has a substantially greater diameter, so that it can not pass through the aforementioned holes.

  The bodies 1, 2 and 3 are for example metal.

  In a possible application, the yoke 1 is fixed, integral with the chassis of an automobile, while the core 2 is secured to a control pedal, for example a brake pedal.

  An essential element of the mounting system which is the subject of the invention is the clip 4 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

  Preferably, this clip is obtained from a thin metal blank cut from a sheet, this blank then being subjected to folding operations of some of its areas, so as to take the configuration visible in the drawings.

  The clip 4 has a main portion 40 of generally rectangular shape, pierced at its center with an oblong hole, or light, 41.

  It has a symmetrical shape with respect to the aforementioned median longitudinal plane P; plane P passes through the long axis of light 41.

  In the figures, the clip is shown in upright position and in the remainder of the description, the indications relating to the positioning of the various elements will be conventionally used with reference to this position which, in practice, is obviously not necessarily respected, the constituent organs of the system can occupy different spatial orientations.

  At its base, the main part 40 has vertical cutting lines which delimit three adjacent tabs; two identical outer legs 5, folded towards one of the two faces of the portion 40, which side will be called conventionally "inner face", while the central leg 8 is folded towards the other face, said outer.

  Viewed at the end (see FIG. 2), it can be seen that the inner lug 5 has a U-shaped profile, the transverse branch of which is referenced 51 and the vertical branch is referenced 50.

  The tab 8 also has the shape of a "U", the transverse branch is designated 81 and the vertical leg 80; Note however that the latter is slightly folded outwardly so as to have an oblique free edge.

  Opposite the central portion of the opening 41, on each side of the latter, and near the vertical edges of the portion 40, are disposed two other parallel tabs, referenced 9.

  They extend in a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane of the portion 40; their free end is bent to form a boss approximately arc-shaped cylinder (facing inwards), as can be seen in Figure 4, so as to allow clipping of the head 31, as will be explained more far.

  As seen in FIG. 1, the vertical edges of the portion 40 are bevelled in the upper region of this portion, so as to present the general foil of an inverted "V" whose edges are designated 400.

  At the upper part of this zone, the clip is folded inwards 5 so as to form a central leg 6, in the shape of a "U" returned, similar to the aforementioned tabs 5.

  At this level, the clip is provided with an elastic means 7.

  This means consists of a pair of tabs 70 which extend laterally on each side of the cross section of the tongue 6. The two tabs 70 form an inverted "V" at a very open angle.

  The edge areas 71 of the free ends of the tongues 70 are slightly bent and close to the horizontal, or very slightly oblique with respect to the horizontal, as can be seen in FIG.

  The clip 4 is made of an elastically deformable metal sheet, for example spring steel, which gives the different tabs and tabs a certain flexibility.

  Referring to Figures 3 to 4B, we will now explain how the establishment of the axis 3 in the yoke.

  It is assumed for this that the clip has already been put in place on one of the cheeks of the yoke, in this case on the outer cheek 10.

  As can be seen in particular in the observation of Figure 4, the cheek 10 has a length slightly greater than that of the other cheek 11 and has a countersink on each of its two faces; the depth of this counterbeam corresponds substantially to the thickness of the constituent plate of the clip 4.

  We will describe later, with reference to Figures 6 and 7, the manner in which the premounting of the clip on the outer cheek 10 has been made before.

  It is important to note that the clip is positioned on the cheek 10 so that its main flat part 40 is pressed against the outer face 101 of said cheek 10.

  For this purpose, the width of the tabs 50 and 6 of section "U" is equal to the thickness of the cheek 10, that is to say, the distance between the two bottom faces of countersinking 101 and 102.

  In the illustrated example, the cheek 10 has the shape. general of a flat rod, of rectangular section, arranged horizontally. As can be seen in particular in FIG. 5, its free end has a semicircle-shaped edge; his upper and lower songs bear the references 12 and 13 respectively.

  The clip is placed on the cheek 10 so that the ends 71 of its tongues 70 bear against the upper edge 12, the upper leg 6 extending on the other side of this edge 12, while the lower legs 5 cooperate with the lower edge 13.

  On observing FIGS. 5A and 7, it will also be noted that the counterbore 101 is limited by a vertical shoulder 1010 against which the clip 4 comes to bear, by one of the vertical edges of the main part 40.

  The shoulder 1010 of the countersink is positioned so that, when the clip is correctly in place on the cheek 10, the light 41 is opposite the opening 100 of the cheek 10.

  Due to the elasticity of the tabs 70, bearing against the edge 12, they naturally tend to raise the clip in its so-called holding position, which corresponds to FIGS. 3, 3B and 5.

  To set up the hinge pin 3, we first align the hole 20 of the core 2 with the holes 100, 110 of the yoke, and the rod 30 is inserted axially into the hole 100, through the opening 41 in the form of light.

  Axis 3 is continued axially, as illustrated by the arrow F1 in FIGS. 3 and 4, in such a way that the rod 30 enters the hole 20 of the core 2, and partially in the hole 110 of the opposite cheek 11.

  However, this depression remains limited.

  Indeed, after a certain stroke, which corresponds to the dashed representation of FIG. 3, in which the head of the axis is designated 31 ', the frontal face of this head abuts against the tab 8.

  The operator then presses the clip 4 downwards, as is symbolized by the arrow G in FIG. 3A, which has the effect of compressing the tabs 70, and putting them "flat" or practically flat (see FIG. Figure 5A).

  With this movement of the clip downwards, the edge of the portion 80 of the tab 8 goes down to a level lower than that of the head 31, so that it is possible to push the pin 3 further into the clevis, as symbolized by the arrow F2 in Figure 3A.

  During this movement F2, the head 31 is pressed against the free edge of the flexible tabs 9, and spreads outwardly as is symbolized by the arrows H in Figure 4A.

  Once the head 31 has passed the bossed end zones of these tabs 9, they automatically fall backwards, as symbolized by the arrows K in Figure 4B.

  The clipping of the head 31 by the flexible lugs 9 is thus achieved, and the head 31 is immobilized between said clipping lugs.

  During the same time, the head 31 has abutted against the main part 40 of the clip, and the free end of its rod 30 has completely penetrated into the opening 110 of the opposite cheek 11.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 3B and 4B, the length of the rod 30 is chosen so that its free end does not protrude or substantially project beyond this cheek 10, so as not to constitute a prominence which could be annoying here.

  Maintaining by simply clipping action of the elastic tabs 9 is insufficient to ensure proper locking of the axis 3 in the yoke 1.

  Additional blocking is ensured by the lower leg 8.

  This blocking is performed as a result of the rise of the clip, under the action of the elastic tongues 70, this displacement being symbolized by the arrow J in Figure 3B.

  Indeed, in the absence of pressure on the clip, it automatically covers its active position, retaining the axis 3.

  Note that the rise of the clip is possible only if the clipping of the head 31 by the flexible tabs 9 has been correctly and completely achieved, and that the axis has been fully inserted into the yoke.

  Thus, clipping made by the legs 9 is followed by locking by the tab 8, in a direction perpendicular to the previous one.

  To unlock this system, it is necessary to proceed with successive actions, in different directions, namely first pressing on the clip in the direction of the arrow G in FIG. 3A, so as to move it in the plane. of the part 40, in this case vertically, which releases the lower leg 8 of the head 31, then in a second time to push outwardly the axis 3, in the opposite direction of the arrow F2, in order to decelerate the head 31 of between the two elastic tabs 9.

  For purely indicative purposes, the thickness of the constituent plate of the clip is equal to about 0.5 mm, and the vertical travel of the clip, by deformation of the tabs 70, is of the order of about 2.5 mm. .

  The presence on each of the faces of the outer cheek 10 counters 101 and 102 allows to integrate the thickness of the clip in this space, avoiding parts of the clip do protrude, risking to be unexpectedly hooked and damaged.

  FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate two possibilities of operation of prior positioning of the clip 4 on the cheek 10.

  According to the method of Figure 6, it begins by engaging the upper lug 6 on the upper edge of the cheek 10, and press the clip down to compress the tabs 70 (arrow W).

  Due to the slight elasticity of the upper tab 6, the clip can be arranged in a slightly inclined position as can be seen in FIG. 6, so that the upper edge of the tabs 5 can cross the lower edge 13 of the cheek. ; the clip is then rotated in the vertical position, as symbolized by the arrow X in FIG. 6, so as to apply the main part 40 against the face 101 of the cheek; finally, we stop pressing on the clip so that it goes back to its normal position of restraint.

  It goes without saying that this implementation is done after the light 41 of the clip has been positioned vis-à-vis the opening 100 of the cheek.

  The implementation method illustrated in FIG. 7 consists in first positioning the clip 4 opposite the free end, with a semicircle contour, of the cheek 10.

  By pressing lightly on the clip, as symbolized by the arrow Y, and by plating the portion 40 against the outer face 101, the upper lugs 6 and lower 5 can be engaged around the edges 12 and 13.

  The clip 4 is then slid longitudinally, as symbolized by the arrow Z, until its inner edge bears against the shoulder 1010 of the counterbore.

  The pressure on the clip 4 being released, it rises as a result of the resilience of the elastic tabs 70, and the light 41 is then properly positioned 30 opposite the hole 100.

  In a system according to the invention, the mounting operation is therefore broken down into two phases corresponding to two forces to be applied in different directions, namely a clipping action (by means of the legs 9), then an action locking (by means of the tab 8), it can not be achieved if the first has been correctly performed. io

  The loss of the clip is made very difficult since, to disassemble, it is necessary to combine the two efforts in the reverse order of the assembly.

  The axis is relatively simple since it has no groove, and has a reduced length because it does not exceed the yoke on the side opposite the clip.

  In the "automobile brake pedal" application, the resulting gain in space makes it possible to bring the brake and clutch controls closer together.

  By design, the screed can be delivered directly equipped with its clip.

  This results in improved management and assembly time for the terminal plants.

  The risk of loss of the clip during assembly or disassembly (by the after-sales service) is eliminated and the establishment of the connection of the axis with the clevis is facilitated.

  Note also advantage that the clip is always under stress, the axis is well maintained relative to the cheek of the yoke, which reduces vibration and suppresses crackling.

  In addition, since the clip is provided with elastic means which tend to automatically return it to its retaining position, the locking position is clearly visible and defined, thus easily identifiable for the assembly operator or the after-sales service.

  The presence of countersinks on both sides of the outer cheek of the yoke avoids the risk of snagging; it avoids the inner side, the attachment of the clip with the soul of the pedal that pivots inside the yoke.

  Note in this regard that the countersink is especially useful on the inside to allow the soul of the pedal to articulate without risk of snagging with the clip and can possibly do without the outside. In this case, it can be made directly by stamping, which reduces the cost of manufacture because there is no machining.

  The applications of such a system are multiple.

  Indeed, if the above description was made in the context of the application to the mounting of a brake pedal of a motor vehicle, on the apron thereof, the clip of the invention can be used on any type of articulation, in particular for an accelerator pedal or clutch pedal, at the articulation between a pedal and a control rod, or for the articulation of return levers such as those used in automatic schools between the pedals of the student and that of the monitor.

  The clevis can be rotating and the soul fixed, or conversely.

  In some applications, these two elements can, moreover, be mobile.

Claims (11)

CLAIMS,   1. System for mounting an axis in a clevis composed of two parallel cheeks (10, 11), with a view to the articulation of this clevis (1) on a web (2) disposed between said cheeks (10, 11) by means of a hinge pin (3), the latter comprising a cylindrical rod (30), able to be plugged axially into coaxial holes (100, 110, 20) formed in the yoke (1) and in the core ( 2) and a discoid flat head (31) whose diameter is greater than that of the rod (30), characterized in that: - the mounting system comprises a clip (4) comprising a main part (40) in the form of a thin flat plate adapted to be secured to one of the two cheeks, so-called "outer cheek" (10) of the yoke, so that it is pressed against the outer face (101) of the latter; - This clip (4) is provided with two separate retaining means adapted to trap said head (31) of the hinge axis (3), namely, firstly, lugs (9) elastically deformable apt to snap on the head (31) when the rod is inserted into the yoke by an axial translational movement and, secondly, a locking member (8), such as a retaining lug, adapted to s engaging the head (31) by a movement in a direction perpendicular to the axis (3), in the plane of said main portion (40); - This clip (4) has a certain freedom of movement in the plane of said main part (40) so that, without being disconnected from the outer cheek (10) which supports it, it can occupy selectively, either a position called " retracted "in which said locking member (8) does not prevent the passage of the head (31), thus allowing the complete depression of the axis (3) in the yoke (1), as well as the latching of said tabs (9) on its head (31), a so-called "retaining" position in which said locking member (8) and said tabs (9) immobilize the head (31) and keep it pressed against the main part ( 40) of the clip; - This clip (4) is provided with elastic means (7) which tend to automatically return to its "retaining" position.   2. Mounting system according to claim 1, characterized in that said main portion (40) of the clip (4) has an oblong hole, or light (41) capable of being traversed by the pin shaft (30). without hindering the movement of the clip (4) from its holding position to its retracted position, and vice versa.   3. mounting system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the clip comprises a pair of elastically deformable snap lugs (9), substantially diametrically opposed, if we consider the hinge axis (3).   4. Mounting system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said resilient means (7) are flexible tongues and elastically defolmable (70) forming integral parts of the clip (4).   5. mounting system according to claim 4, characterized in that said tongues (70) are adapted to bear against one (12) of the edges (12,13) of said outer flange (10).   6. Mounting system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the clip (4) comprises hooking lugs (5,6) adapted to engage against the edges (12,13) and against the inner face of said outer cheek (10) to ensure the fastening of the clip (4) with the latter.   7. mounting system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the two faces (101,102) of said outer flange (10) has a counterbore whose depth is substantially equal to the thickness of said main portion (40), and facing which is positioned the clip (4) when it is put in place on the latter.   8. Mounting system according to claim 7, characterized in that only the inner face (102) of said outer flange (10) has a countersink, the latter being preferably made by stamping.   9. System according to one of the preceding claims, for the mounting of a control pedal of a motor vehicle, said pedal being integral with the core (2) while the yoke (1) is integral with its frame .   10. Clip (4) composing a system conforming to one of the preceding claims.   11. Clip (4) according to claim 10, characterized in that it is obtained by cutting into a mechanical sheet of a single blank which is then shaped by folding some of its areas.