FR3102383A1 - Device for removing a coating covering a fastener - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for removing a coating covering a fastener The object of the invention is a device for removing a coating (14) bonded to a surface (12.1) of a wall (12), comprising: a frame (18) configured to bear against the surface (12.1), a claw holder (20) movable relative to the frame (18), at least two claws (22.1 to 22.3) movable relative to the claw holder (20), each claw (22.1 to 22.3) comprising a blade (38.1 to 38.3) configured to, in operation, notch the coating (14) during a passage from a separated position to a tightened position of the claws (22.1 to 22.3) and detach it from the surface (12.1) when moving from a position close to a position far from the nail holder (20). This removal device 10 allows, without risk of damaging surrounding parts, to quickly tear off a coating 14. Figure 9

Description

Device for removing a coating covering a fastener

The present application relates to a device for removing a coating covering a fastener.

For some aircraft models, the center wing box is used as a fuel tank. To make it completely watertight, the fixings crossing it are covered with a coating based on sealing mastic.

When operating an aircraft, it may be necessary to remove the coating in order to inspect or disassemble a fastener. However, this coating is very strong and difficult to remove.

According to one procedure, the coating is removed by cutting it using a chisel with a sharp end.

The removal operation with such a tool is relatively long and the risk of damage to the central wing box relatively high.

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a device for removing a coating stuck to a surface of a wall, characterized in that the removal device comprises a frame configured to bear against the surface, a claw holder movable relative to the frame in a direction of traction approximately perpendicular to the surface between a close position in which the claw holder is close to the surface and a remote position in which the claw holder is moved away from the surface as well as at least two claws movable relative to the claw carrier between a separated position in which the claws are spread apart and a close position in which the claws are close together, each claw comprising a blade configured to, in operation, cut the coating during a passage from the separated position to the closed position of the claws and to detach it from the surface during a transition from the close position to the remote position of the claw holder.

This removal device makes it possible, without risk of damaging the surrounding parts, to quickly tear off a coating.

According to another characteristic, each blade comprises a tapered edge as well as first and second edges configured so that the blades are spaced from each other in the spread position and are in abutment against each other in the constricted position.

According to another characteristic, each claw comprises an articulation connecting the blade to the claw holder configured to allow the blade to move in a plane perpendicular to the direction of traction when the claw moves between the spread and retracted positions.

According to another characteristic, the claw holder comprises a radial arm extending in a radial direction. In addition, each joint comprises two connecting rods parallel to each other, each of them comprising a first end connected by a first pivot axis to the blade and a second end connected by a second pivot axis to the radial arm, the pivot axes being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the radial direction of the radial arm.

According to another characteristic, the removal device comprises an axial rod connected to the claw holder and to the claws, the axial rod being movable relative to the frame in the direction of traction between a first position corresponding to the position close to the claw holder and to the spaced position of the claws as well as a second position corresponding to the position away from the claw holder and to the close position of the claws, passing through an intermediate position corresponding to the position close to the claw holder and to the close position of the claws claws.

According to another characteristic, the removal device comprises, for each claw, a connecting rod having a first end connected to one of the connecting rods of the articulation by a third pivot axis and a second end connected to the axial rod by a fourth pivot axis, the third and fourth pivot axes being parallel to the first and second pivot axes of the links.

According to another characteristic, the claw holder comprises a body having a guide hole configured to slide along the axial rod.

According to another characteristic, the removal device comprises a return element to hold the axial rod in the first position.

According to another characteristic, the removal device comprises an actuation mechanism configured to move the axial rod.

1. un premier manche, orienté selon une direction radiale, présentant une première extrémité reliée au châssis et une deuxième extrémité libre ;
2. un levier présentant une première extrémité coopérant avec la tige axiale et une deuxième extrémité reliée par une articulation à l’extrémité libre du premier manche ;
3. un deuxième manche présentant une première extrémité reliée par une articulation à proximité de la première extrémité du premier manche et une lumière traversée par le levier.

According to another characteristic, the actuation mechanism comprises:

1. a first handle, oriented in a radial direction, having a first end connected to the frame and a second free end;
2. a lever having a first end cooperating with the axial rod and a second end connected by a hinge to the free end of the first handle;
3. a second handle having a first end connected by a hinge close to the first end of the first handle and a slot through which the lever passes.

Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, description given by way of example only, with regard to the appended drawings, among which:

is a section of a part of a binding covered with a coating,

is a perspective view of a coating removal device illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

is a perspective view of a lower part of the removal device visible in Figure 2,

is a perspective view of a claw of the removal device visible in Figure 2,

is a top view of the blades of a removal device in the spread position illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

is a top view of the blades of a retraction device in the retracted position illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

is a diagram of a withdrawal device in the resting state illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

is a diagram of the withdrawal device in an intermediate state, and

is a diagram of the withdrawal device in a fully actuated state.

According to one embodiment visible in Figure 1, a fastener 10 passing through a wall 12 comprises a threaded rod 10.1, projecting from a surface 12.1 of the wall 12, as well as a nut 10.2 screwed onto the threaded rod 10.1 and in contact with the surface 12.1. According to one configuration, the binding 10 also comprises a recess 10.3 positioned at the end of the threaded rod 10.1.

According to one application, the wall 12 is part of a central wing box of an aircraft. Of course, the invention is not limited to this application.

The binding 10 is covered with a coating 14, in the shape of a dome, in which the binding 10 is embedded and which has one side glued against the surface 12.1.

According to one embodiment, the coating 14 is a sealant, of the "PR" type for example, hardened.

According to one embodiment, a device 16 for removing a coating comprises a frame 18 configured to bear against the surface 12.1, a claw holder 20 movable relative to the frame 18 between a close position, visible in FIGS. 7 and 8, in which the claw holder 20 is close to the surface 12.1 and a distant position, visible in FIG. 9, in which the claw holder 20 is separated from the surface 12.1, as well as at least two claws 22.1, 22.3 movable relative to the claw holder 20 between a separated position, visible in Figure 7, in which the claws 22.1, 22.2 are separated from each other, and a close position, visible in Figures 8 and 9, in which the claws 22.1, 22.2 are close together.

The claw carrier 20 is configured to translate relative to the frame 18 in a direction of traction approximately perpendicular to the surface 12.1 in operation.

According to one embodiment, the frame 18 comprises a tubular body 24 having an axis A24, coincident with the direction of traction, as well as a tripod 26 connected to a first end of the tubular body 24. This tripod 26 comprises three points of support 26.1 to 26.3 configured to bear against the surface 12.1 in operation and positioned in a reference plane Pr perpendicular to the axis A24 of the tubular body 24. The three support points 26.1 to 26.3 are sufficiently separated to confer stability on the removal device 10 and able to be positioned around a coating 14 in operation. The three support points 26.1 to 26.3 are positioned at the same distance from the axis A24 and are regularly distributed around the axis A24.

According to one configuration, the frame 18 also includes a head 28 positioned at a second end of the tubular body 24 and configured to allow a user to hold the frame 18 bearing against the surface 12.1.

The removal device 10 comprises an axial rod 30, oriented in the direction of traction, connected to the claw holder 20 and to the claws 22.1 to 22.3 and movable relative to the frame 18 so as to cause the change of position of the claw holder 20 and claws 22.1 to 22.3.

According to one embodiment, the axial rod 30 is configured to translate relative to the tubular body 24 in the direction of traction. According to one configuration, the tubular body 24 comprises first and second bearing surfaces 32.1, 32.2 separated from each other and making it possible to guide the axial rod 24 in the direction of traction, the first bearing surface 32.1 being positioned close to the first end of the tubular body 24, the second bearing surface 32.2 being positioned close to the second end of the tubular body 24.

The axial rod 30 comprises a head 30.1, at a first end of the axial rod 30, oriented towards the surface 12.1 in operation, the second end of the axial rod 30 being positioned in the tubular body 24. The head 30.1 has a section more important than the rest of the axial rod 30.

The axial rod 30 can be translated between a first position corresponding to the position close to the claw holder 20 and to the separated position of the claws 22.1 to 22.3 as well as a second position corresponding to the remote position of the claw holder 20 and to the constricted position of the claws 22.1 to 22.3, passing through an intermediate position corresponding to the position close to the claw holder 20 and to the constricted position of the claws 22.1 to 22.3.

The claw holder 20 comprises a body having a guide hole 34 configured to slide along the axial rod 30 as well as several radial arms 36.1 to 36.3, one for each claw 22.1 to 22.3. Each arm 36.1 to 36.3 extends in a radial direction. The guide hole 34 has an inside diameter substantially equal to that of the axial rod 30. In operation, the body of the claw holder 20 is positioned between the head 30.1 of the axial rod 30 and the tubular body 24 of the frame 18.

According to one configuration, the removal device 10 comprises three claws 22.1 to 22.3 and the claw holder 20 comprises three radial arms 36.1 to 36.3 forming between them angles of 120° in top view. The radial arms 36.1 to 36.3 are positioned equidistant from the support points 26.1 to 26.3.

According to one embodiment, each claw 22.1 to 22.3 comprises a blade 38.1 to 38.3, a blade holder 40.1 to 40.3 supporting the blade 38.1 to 38.1 as well as a joint 42.1 to 42.3 connecting the blade holder 40.1 to 40.3 to the one of the radial arms 36.1 to 36.3.

Alternatively, each blade 38.1 to 38.3 could be connected directly to the joint 42.1 to 42.3. However, the fact of providing for each claw a blade holder 40.1 to 40.3 makes it possible to change only the blade 38.1 to 38.3 in case of wear.

According to one embodiment visible in Figure 4, the joint 42.1 to 42.3 comprises two connecting rods 44, 46 parallel to each other, each of them comprising a first end connected by a first pivot axis A44.1, A46.1 to the blade holder 40.1 to 40.3 and a second end connected by a second pivot pin A44.2, A46.2 to the radial arm 36.1 to 36.3, the first and second pivot pins A44.1, A46.1, A44.2, A46.2 being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the radial direction of the radial arm 36.1 to 36.3. Thus, the two rods 44, 46 and their pivot axes A44.1, A46.1, A44.2, A46.2 form a deformable parallelogram allowing each blade 38.1 to 38.3 to move in a plane perpendicular to the direction of traction when moving the claws 22.1 to 22.3 between the spread and closed positions.

More generally, each joint 42.1 to 42.3 directly or indirectly connecting a blade 38.1 to 38.3 to the claw holder 20 is configured to allow the blade 38.1 to 38.3 to move in a plane perpendicular to the direction of traction when the claw moves 22.1 to 22.3 between spread and close positions.

The withdrawal device 10 comprises a first control 48 to cause the displacement of each claw 22.1 to 22.3 between the spread and closed positions. According to one embodiment, the first control 48 comprises a connecting rod 50 for each claw 22.1 to 22.3, each connecting rod 50 comprising a first end connected to one of the connecting rods 44 (the closest to the axis A24) by a third axis pivot A50.1 and a second end connected to the axial rod 30, more particularly to the head 30.1 of the axial rod 30, by a fourth pivot axis A50.2, the third and fourth pivot axes A50.1, A50 .2 being parallel to the first and second pivot axes A44.1, A46.1, A44.2, A46.2 of the links 44, 46.

The removal device 10 comprises a return element 54 to hold the axial rod 30 in the first position corresponding to the position close to the claw holder 20 and the separated position of the claws 22.1 to 22.3. According to one configuration, this return element 54 is a compression spring positioned around the axial rod 30, between the tubular body 24 and the body of the claw holder 20.

According to another characteristic, each blade 38.1 to 38.3 has a tapered edge 56, in an arc of a circle, oriented towards the axis A24 of the axial rod 30 and positioned in the reference plane Pr to be flush with the surface 12.1 in operation. Thanks to the deformable parallelograms, the edges 56 of the blades 38.1 to 38.3 move flush with the surface 12.1 when the claws 22.1 to 22.3 move between the spread and closed positions.

1. le premier bord 58.1 d’une première lame 38.1 soit en contact sur toute sa longueur avec le deuxième bord 60.2 d’une deuxième lame 38.2,
2. le premier bord 58.2 de la deuxième lame 38.2 soit en contact sur toute sa longueur avec le deuxième bord 60.3 d’une troisième lame 38.3,
3. le premier bord 58.3 de la troisième lame 38.3 soit en contact sur toute sa longueur avec le deuxième bord 60.1 de la première lame 38.1.

As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, each blade 38.1 to 38.3 comprises first and second edges 58.1 to 58.3, 60.1 to 60.3 positioned at each of the ends of the edge 56. These first and second edges 58.1 to 58.3, 60.1 to 60.3 are arranged so that, in the retracted position:

1. the first edge 58.1 of a first blade 38.1 is in contact over its entire length with the second edge 60.2 of a second blade 38.2,
2. the first edge 58.2 of the second blade 38.2 is in contact over its entire length with the second edge 60.3 of a third blade 38.3,
3. the first edge 58.3 of the third blade 38.3 is in contact over its entire length with the second edge 60.1 of the first blade 38.1.

Thus, the first and second edges 58.1 to 58.3, 60.1 to 60.3 of the blades 38.1 to 38.3 are configured so that the blades 38.1 to 38.3 are spaced apart from each other in the separated position, as illustrated in FIG. 5, and that they are in abutment against each other in the retracted position, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the edges 56 describing a continuous circle.

The claw holder 20 and the claws 22.1 to 22.3 are configured so that the blades 38.1 to 38.3 do not interfere with the binding 10 in the constricted position and are sufficiently spaced to be positioned around the coating 14 in the spread position. , as shown in Figure 5.

The removal device 10 comprises an actuation mechanism 62 configured to move the axial rod 30. This actuation mechanism 62 is configured to move the axial rod 30 away from the surface 12.1 counter to the return element 54. It can be manual or motorized.

As illustrated in Figure 7, when the actuating mechanism 62 is in a rest state, the claw holder 20 is in the close position and the claws 22.1 to 22.3 are in the apart position due to the action of the return element 54. By progressively acting on the actuation mechanism 62, the latter passes from the rest state to an intermediate state, visible in FIG. 8, in which the claws 22.1 to 22.3 are in the retracted position and the -claws 20 in the close position then from the intermediate state to a fully actuated state, visible in Figure 9, in which the claws 22.1 to 22.3 are in the closed position and the claw holder 20 in the remote position.

According to a first simplified embodiment visible in Figures 7 to 9, the tubular body 24 comprises a slot 64 extending between the first and second bearing surfaces 32.1, 32.2 and making the axial rod 30 accessible. The actuating mechanism 62 comprises a first handle 66 secured to the tubular body 24 and oriented in a radial direction (perpendicular to the axis A24) as well as a second handle 68 secured to the axial rod 30, oriented in a radial direction (perpendicular to the axis A24) and passing through the lumen 64. In the rest state, the first and second sleeves 66, 68 are separated. By gradually bringing them together, the actuating mechanism 62 changes to the intermediate state and then to the fully actuated state, as illustrated respectively in Figures 8 and 9.

According to a second embodiment visible in Figure 2, the actuation mechanism 62 uses a leverage effect. As before, the tubular body 24 comprises a slot 64 extending between the first and second bearing surfaces 32.1, 32.2 and making the axial rod 30 accessible.

1. un premier manche 66 orienté selon une direction radiale (perpendiculaire à l’axe A24) et présentant une première extrémité 66.1 reliée au corps tubulaire 24 ainsi qu’une deuxième extrémité 66.2 dite libre ;
2. un levier 72 présentant une première extrémité 72.1, coopérant avec la tige axiale 30, équipée d’une fourchette positionnée sous la collerette 70 de la tige axiale 30 en fonctionnement et une deuxième extrémité 72.2 reliée par une articulation à l’extrémité libre 66.2 du premier manche 66 ;
3. un deuxième manche 74 présentant une première extrémité 74.1 reliée par une articulation à proximité de la première extrémité 66.1 du premier manche 66 et une lumière 76 traversée par le levier 72.

According to this second embodiment, the axial rod 30 comprises a collar 70. The actuation mechanism 62 comprises:

1. a first handle 66 oriented in a radial direction (perpendicular to axis A24) and having a first end 66.1 connected to the tubular body 24 as well as a so-called free second end 66.2;
2. a lever 72 having a first end 72.1, cooperating with the axial rod 30, equipped with a fork positioned under the flange 70 of the axial rod 30 in operation and a second end 72.2 connected by a hinge to the free end 66.2 of the first round 66;
3. a second handle 74 having a first end 74.1 connected by a hinge near the first end 66.1 of the first handle 66 and a slot 76 through which the lever 72 passes.

Thus, by bringing the second handle 74 closer to the first handle 66, the actuating mechanism 62 passes from the idle state to the intermediate state then to the fully actuated state.

The operating principle of the removal device 10 is now explained with reference to Figures 5 to 9.

In the rest state, the removal device 10 has a claw holder 20 in the close position and claws 22.1 to 22.3 in the separated position, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7.

In a first positioning step, the three support points 26.1 to 26.3 are positioned against the surface 12.1 around the coating 14 to be removed, as illustrated in Figure 7.

In a second step of tightening the claws, illustrated in Figure 8, a user acts on the actuation mechanism 62 so as to cause the translation of the axial rod 30 which gradually moves away from the surface 12.1. During this translation, as long as the blades 38.1 to 38.3 are not in contact with each other, they translate in the direction of the axis A24, cut into the coating 14 and separate it from the surface 12.1. To prevent the blades 38.1 to 38.3 from slipping on the coating 14, the support points 26.1 to 26.3 are held firmly against the surface 12.1 by pressing on the head 28 of the frame 18. Alternatively, the support points 26.1 to 26.3 could be equipped with suction cup systems to keep them in contact with the surface 12.1.

In a second pulling step, by continuing to act the actuating mechanism 62 when the blades 38.1 to 38.3 are in contact with each other, as illustrated in FIG. 6, corresponding to the intermediate state of the mechanism of actuation 62 and in the closed position of the claws 22.1 to 22.3, the translation of the axial rod 30 causes a translation of the claw holder 20 from the close position to the remote position. During this translation, the blades 38.1 to 38.3 detach the coating 14 from the surface 12.1 and from the attachment 10, making the latter accessible, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

The removal device 10 of the invention makes it possible, without risk of damaging the surrounding parts, to quickly tear off a coating 14.

Claims (10)

Device for removing a coating (14) stuck to a surface (12.1) of a wall (12), characterized in that the removal device comprises a frame (18) configured to bear against the surface (12.1), a claw holder (20) movable relative to the frame (18) in a direction of traction approximately perpendicular to the surface (12.1) between a close position in which the claw holder (20) is close to the surface (12.1) and a remote position in which the claw holder (20) is separated from the surface (12.1) as well as at least two claws (22.1 to 22.3) movable relative to the claw holder (20) between a separated position in which the claws (22.1 to 22.3) are spread apart and a constricted position in which the claws (22.1 to 22.3) are brought together, each claw (22.1 to 22.3) comprising a blade (38.1 to 38.3) configured to, in operation, cut the coating (14 ) during a passage from the separated position to the closed position of the claws (22.1 to 22.3) and detach it from the surface (12.1) during a passage from the close position to the remote position of the claw holder (20) . Removal device according to Claim 1, characterized in that each blade (38.1 to 38.3) comprises a tapered edge (56) as well as first and second edges (58.1 to 58.3, 60.1 to 60.3) configured so that the blades (38.1 at 38.3) are spaced apart in the extended position and abut against each other in the retracted position. Removal device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each claw (22.1 to 22.3) comprises an articulation (42.1 to 42.3) connecting the blade (38.1 to 38.3) to the claw holder (20) configured to allow the blade (38.1 to 38.3) to move in a plane perpendicular to the direction of traction when the claw (22.1 to 22.3) moves between the extended and retracted positions. Removal device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the claw holder (20) comprises a radial arm (36.1 to 36.3) extending in a radial direction and in that each articulation (42.1 to 42.3) comprises two connecting rods ( 44, 46) parallel to each other, each of them comprising a first end connected by a first pivot axis (A44.1, A46.1) to the blade (38.1 to 38.3) and a second end connected by a second axis of pivot (A44.2, A46.2) to the radial arm (36.1 to 36.3), the pivot axes (A44.1, A46.1, A44.2, A46.2) being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the radial direction of the radial arm (36.1 to 36.3). Withdrawal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the withdrawal device comprises an axial rod (30) connected to the claw carrier (20) as well as to the claws (22.1 to 22.3) and movable relative to the chassis (18) in the direction of traction between a first position corresponding to the position close to the claw carrier (20) and to the separated position of the claws (22.1 to 22.3) and a second position corresponding to the remote position of the claw carrier ( 20) and to the close position of the claws (22.1 to 22.3), passing through an intermediate position corresponding to the position close to the claw holder (20) and to the close position of the claws (22.1 to 22.3). Removal device according to Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the removal device comprises, for each claw (22.1 to 22.3), a connecting rod (50) having a first end connected to one of the connecting rods (44) of the articulation (42.1 to 42.3) by a third pivot axis (A50.1) and a second end connected to the axial rod (30) by a fourth pivot axis A50.2, the third and fourth pivot axes (A50. 1, A50.2) being parallel to the first and second pivot axes (A44.1, A46.1, A44.2, A46.2) of the links (44, 46). Removal device according to one of Claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the claw holder (20) comprises a body having a guide hole (34) configured to slide along the axial rod (30). Removal device according to one of Claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the removal device comprises a return element (54) for maintaining the axial rod (30) in the first position. Removal device according to one of Claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the removal device comprises an actuating mechanism (62) configured to move the axial rod (30). Withdrawal device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuating mechanism (62) comprises:

1. a first handle (66), oriented in a radial direction, having a first end (66.1) connected to the frame (18) and a second free end (66.2);
2. a lever (72) having a first end (72.1) cooperating with the axial rod (30) and a second end (72.2) connected by a hinge to the free end (66.2) of the first handle (66);
3. a second handle (74) having a first end (74.1) connected by a hinge close to the first end (66.1) of the first handle (66) and a slot (76) through which the lever (72) passes.