FR3115715A1 - PAINT APPLICATION DEVICE FOR THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (40) for applying paint to protect a screw-terminal assembly (12, 18) against oxidation, this device comprising a reservoir (44) containing a paint (30) for protection against oxidation and an applicator of this paint, characterized in that the applicator comprises a gripping body (32) carrying an interchangeable foam block (42), this foam block being configured to be soaked in the paint and to be applied to the assembly. Figure for abstract: Figure 3

Description

PAINT APPLICATION DEVICE FOR THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a paint application device, in particular for the aeronautical industry.

Technical background

The present invention relates to a paint application device intended to protect a screw-lug assembly against oxidation.

In the present application, the term “screw-terminal assembly” is understood to mean an assembly comprising an electrical terminal and a screw for fixing this terminal to a support. There shows an embodiment of such a set 10.

Conventionally, a screw 12 comprises a threaded rod, one end of which is connected to a head 14. The head 14 comprises a hollow recess 16 intended to receive one end of a tool, such as a screwdriver, for driving in rotation and the tightening of the screw 12.

An electrical lug 18 can have various shapes. In the context of the present invention, it is intended to be fixed by the screw 12 and generally comprises a flat and annular part 20 intended to be traversed by the screw 12. The rod 14 of the screw 12 passes through this part 20, substantially in its center, and the head 14 of the screw rests on this part 20 to hold it firmly on the support 22. The annular part 20 of the terminal 18 is thus clamped between the head 14 of the screw 12 and the support 22.

The annular part 20 of the terminal 18 is connected by another part 24 of the terminal to one end of a conductive element 26 such as a wire or an electric cable. This part 24 can be secured to this end of the conductor 26 by welding or crimping for example.

Terminal 18 has an electrical conduction function. It is made of an electrically conductive material, such as a metal alloy, and is intended to ensure electrical conductivity between the conductor 26 and the support 22 or a part of this support.

In the aeronautical industry, one of the applications of this type of lug 18 or screw-lug assembly is the grounding of an electrical circuit or electrical device of an aircraft engine. A device is for example connected to the metal fuselage of the aircraft, forming a support which is itself electrically conductive, via a ground or metallization point, comprising a screw-terminal assembly.

This type of mass is subject to external aggressions, from which it must be protected. In fact, the oxidation or corrosion of the screw-terminal assembly could cause a fault in the grounding and failures for an aircraft equipped with it.

To comply with these standards, players in this sector of activity currently protect a screw-terminal assembly by means of an anti-corrosion coating in the form of blue paint. Until now, the protection process consists of manually applying the paint using a brush, chosen by the user according to the accessibility of the area to be treated. This process generates many drawbacks such as non-conformities, with poor spreading of the paint, risks for the safety of people or the environment during application and a long application time due to protective steps. of the nearby environment.

The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks and relates to a device and a method for applying paint which are simple, efficient and economical.

The invention thus proposes a device for applying paint to protect a screw-terminal assembly against oxidation, this device comprising a reservoir containing a paint for protection against oxidation and an applicator for this paint, characterized in that the applicator comprises a gripping body, carrying an interchangeable foam block, this foam block being configured to be soaked in said paint and to be applied to said assembly.

Thus, thanks to the invention, reliability and repeatability of the result are ensured. Indeed, the body of the applicator advantageously has external shapes allowing good manual gripping of the tool by a user, facilitating the holding of the tool and the positioning on an application area. In addition, the foam block, configured to be soaked by the paint, allows this area of application to be precisely defined and allows sufficient penetration on and around a terminal. This avoids the disadvantages associated with non-compliant protection.

In addition, thanks again to the invention, a reduction in the risks for the person and the environment and a gain in productivity are ensured. In fact, the foam block makes it possible to eliminate paint splashes and paint drips, so that the application of paint on a screw-terminal assembly can be carried out without protection of the intervention area. This avoids the disadvantages associated with a long application time due to the preparation of the protections of the close environment.

The device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately from each other or in combination with each other:

- the tank is independent of the body;

- the reservoir is integrated into the body;

- the reservoir is screwed into the body;

- the block of foam has an annular shape and extends around a centering rod carried by the body, this rod being movable in longitudinal translation between an extended position in which a free end of the rod projects with respect to a free annular face of the block of foam, and an entry position in which this free end is located substantially in line with this annular face;

- the rod and/or the body is/are configured so that the block of foam is supplied with paint when the rod is in its entered position;

- the rod is biased towards the extended position by a return member, such as a spring;

- the free end of the rod is pointed or tapered and is configured to be engaged in a recess of the screw of said assembly.

The present invention also relates to a process for applying paint to a screw-terminal assembly using a device as described above, characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting of:

soak the foam block with the paint, then

apply the foam block to said assembly.

Advantageously, the foam block has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the assembly so that paint is applied on and around said assembly during step b).

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which will follow for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

there is a schematic perspective view of a screw-lug assembly;

there is a schematic perspective view of a screw-terminal assembly after application of paint with a device according to the invention;

there is a schematic perspective view of a paint application device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

there is a schematic sectional view of the paint application device of the ;

there is a schematic perspective view of a paint application device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

there is a schematic sectional view of the device of the , and shows an extended position of a centering rod of the device;

there is a schematic sectional view of the device of the , and shows an input position of the centering pin of the device; And

there is a schematic sectional view of a paint application device according to a third embodiment of the invention; And

there is a schematic cross-sectional view from above of the paint application device of the .

Detailed description of the invention

There has been described above.

The elements of the , which have already been described with reference to the , are designated by the same references.

The reference 30 denotes the coating or paint for protection against oxidation, or anticorrosion, which is deposited on the screw-terminal assembly 12-18.

The applicant has developed an application device which makes it possible to apply this paint for protection against oxidation.

The device developed by the applicant makes it possible to cover the screw-terminal assembly 12-18 with paint 30, as well as a peripheral part of the support 22 on which this assembly is fixed. In the example of the , it can be seen that the paint application zone 30 is circular and has an external diameter Dext greater than the external diameter Dens of the assembly and in particular of the annular part 20 of the terminal 18.

In the context of the aforementioned standard, the coating 30 is deemed to comply when the annular part 20 of the terminal 18 and the head 14 of the screw 12 are entirely covered by the paint 30. A tolerance can be granted only when the imprint 16 hollow of the screw 12 is left bare.

In order to achieve this result, a paint application device according to the invention is used. This device comprises a gripping body carrying an interchangeable block of foam.

In the present application, the term "grip body" means a body which can be held and manipulated manually by a user such as a technician. The gripping body is for example made of a rigid or semi-rigid material and is shaped to guarantee a good grip by means of its external shapes. The gripping body, reusable, is for example produced by 3D printing or by molding.

A foam block is a block made of a cellular material and configured to be soaked with the paint to be applied. This paint may be partly absorbed in the material of the block and/or partly retained in the cells of this block. The foam block is configured to be compressed during paint application. This ensures sufficient spreading and good distribution of the paint on and around the screw-terminal assembly to be protected. The foam block is configured to have an outer diameter D _ext greater than the diameter of the assembly D _ens to be protected. The foam block can be made up of several foams glued together.

The foam block is interchangeable, which means that it is removably mounted on the body, so that it can be replaced in particular in the event of wear or simply after each use due to the polymerizable and hardenable nature of the painting. The paint is for example of the acrylic paint type (single or two component), epoxy paint (single or two component), cellulosic paint, glycero paint, etc. This is, for example, paint PQ 10050-055-04 (paint kit F69 BLUE) marketed by MAPAERO.

The foam block can be fixed to the body by means of an adhesive, a mechanical connection of the male-female type or a connection by textile hooks and loops of the VELCRO ® type.

Also, the foam can be tightly mounted guaranteeing its self-maintenance.

Figures 3 to 8 show several embodiments of an application device 40 according to the invention.

In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the gripping body 32 and the foam block 42 of the device 40 form a one-piece assembly which is independent of the tank 44 of paint 30.

Reservoir 44 can have any shape. In the example shown, it is configured to allow the block of foam 42 to be dipped in the paint 30 and impregnated with this paint. It is presented here in the form of an open outer container, having for example the shape of a dish, into which the paint 30 is poured.

The body 32 of the applicator has an elongated shape along an axis A and has a recessed part extending along the axis A and having a generally cylindrical and stepped shape which is open at its two ends ( ). This recessed part comprises different portions: a central portion 34, a distal portion 36 and a proximal portion 38. The distal 36 and proximal 38 portions are located on either side of the central portion 34. The distal portion 36 has a section substantially greater than or equal to the section of the central portion 34. The proximal portion 38 has a section substantially less than or equal to the section of the central portion 34.

The body 32 of the applicator is connected at one of its axial ends to the block of foam 42.

The foam block 42 is cylindrical in shape with two opposed flat surfaces 42a, 42b, one of which 42a comprises the fixing means for connecting the foam block to the body 32. It comprises a cylindrical recessed part such that its shape either annular. The cylindrical recessed part is centered on the A axis.

The end of the body 32 connected to the foam block 42 is configured to receive the counterpart of the fastening means used to connect the foam block 42 to the body 32.

Also, the foam can be tightly mounted guaranteeing its self-maintenance.

The cylindrical recessed part of the block of foam 42 has a diameter large enough for a centering rod 46 from the body 32 to pass through.

The centering rod 46 is mounted to move in longitudinal translation in the recessed part of the body 32 and crosses the recessed part of the block of foam 42. The rod 46 is movable from an extended position in which the free end 48 of the rod 46 is projecting from the free annular face 42b of the foam block 42, and an entered position in which this free end 48 is located substantially in line with this annular face 42b, as can be seen in the drawings.

The end 48 of the centering rod 46 has a point shape or is tapered, which allows it to fit into the hollow recess 16 of the screw 12, as can be seen at . This ensures precise and stable positioning of the paint applicator above the screw-terminal assembly 12-18 to be protected.

It is therefore understood that the centering rod 46 has a single function of centering the applicator with respect to the assembly 12-18.

The rod 46 carries an annular collar 50, the diameter of which is substantially greater than that of the portion 38 and substantially less than or equal to the diameter of the central portion 34 of the body 32. This annular collar 50 is intended to be housed in the body 32 of the applicator and to abut against the cylindrical shoulder of the recessed part, at the level of the junction between the portions 34, 38. The annular collar 50 thus serves as a retainer and end stop for the rod 46 of centering.

A return member 52 is mounted between the flange 50 and a closure cap 54. The return member 52 may be a spring whose tension is predetermined. The return member 52 ensures the mobility and translation of the centering rod 46 in the gripping body 32 and through the foam block 42.

The closure cap 54 is in the form of a screw. The plug 54 is screwed into the body 32, and more particularly into the distal portion 36 of the recessed part of said body 32. In other words, the distal portion 36 is shaped to receive the threaded rod of the plug 54 for closure.

By rotating and tightening the cap 54, using a tool or manually, the return force of the member 52 can be adjusted. This setting balances the comfort of use for the manipulator and thus improves its efficiency.

This first embodiment can be used as follows.

Paint 30 is poured into reservoir 44.

The block of foam 42 is immersed, or even compressed, in the paint 30 to be soaked in it. The pressure exerted by the user on the body 32 of the applicator during the soaking step determines the rate of impregnation of the block of foam 42 with paint 30. In other words, the impregnation of the block of foam 42 is controlled by the user according to his needs.

In order to make the applicator stable during the application of the paint 30 and to precisely define the area of application of the paint 30, the free end 48 of the centering rod 46 is inserted into the recess 16 of the head 14 of the screw 12.

Paint 30 is applied by pressure from the user on the applicator. The free surface 42b of the block of foam 42 comes into contact with the support 22 on which the screw-terminal assembly 12-18 is fixed. A simple compression, which can be combined with rotational movements, of the block of foam 42 on the screw-terminal assembly 12-18 to be protected by the user allows a homogeneous and uniform distribution and penetration of the paint 30 on and around of the 12-18 screw-lug assembly.

At the end of the use of the device 40, the block of foam 42, rendered unsuitable for use, is detached from the body 32 and discarded. Body 32 can be reused.

In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6A-6B, grip body 56 (similar to body 32), foam block 58 (similar to foam block 42) and reservoir 60 form a one-piece assembly. It is therefore understood that the reservoir 60 is integrated into the device, and more particularly that the reservoir 60 is connected to the body 56.

Reservoir 60 can have any shape. In the example shown, it is in the form of a cylindrical container, having for example the shape of a bottle, which contains the paint 30.

The tank 60 is interchangeable, which means that it is removably mounted on the body 56, so as to be able to replace it, in particular when the latter is empty or when the paint it contains has become unsuitable for use. due to its polymerizable and hardenable nature.

The tank 60 can be integrated into the body 56 by means of a clip or by screwing. The tank 60 is integrated into the body 56 in its continuity along the axis A. In the example shown, the tank 60 is screwed to the body 56. In this case, the tank 60 has a neck 62 threaded.

The foam block 58 is configured as previously described in relation to the first embodiment.

The gripping body 56 takes up the characteristics mentioned above but its distal portion 36 is shaped to receive the threaded neck 62 of the reservoir 60.

The centering rod 64 is movable from an extended position in which the free end 48 of the rod 64 projects relative to the free annular face 58b of the foam block 58, and an entered position in which this free end 48 is located substantially in line with this annular face 58b, as can be seen in the drawings. The rod 64 can therefore be in translation through the body 56 and the block of foam 58.

The length of centering rod 64, along axis A, is substantially greater than the combined length of foam block 58 and body 56. The end of rod 64 opposite end 48 may be a sealing ring 66.

Stem 64 includes at least one longitudinal groove 68 extending along axis A between seal 66 and free end 48 of stem 64.

The annular flange 50 is located substantially halfway along the centering rod 64 along the axis A, and is crossed by the groove 68.

A ring 72 of cylindrical shape and elongated along the axis A is fitted into the body 56, and more particularly into the central portion 34 of the body 56. The ring 72 has an external section substantially less than or equal to the section of the central portion 34.

The ring 72 has a recessed portion extending along the axis A and having a cylindrical and stepped shape which is open at both ends. The cylindrical recessed part is substantially centered on the axis A and has two sections: a proximal section 74 and a distal section 76. The section of the proximal section 74 is substantially greater than the section of the distal section 76. In addition, the section of the section 76 is substantially greater than or equal to the section of the rod 64 for centering. The section of section 74 is substantially smaller than the section of annular flange 50.

The centering rod 64 is inserted into the ring 72.

A return member 70 surrounds a portion of the rod 64 and extends from the annular flange 50 to a shoulder formed by the sections 74, 76.

The return member 70 may be a spring whose tension is predetermined.

In the extended position of the rod 64, the seal 66 is located in the section 76 of the ring 72 and cooperates in sealing with the distal section 76. The seal 66 then prevents the flow of paint 30 from the tank 60.

When the return member 70 is stressed under the effect of a force applied to the rod 64, the collar 50 of the rod 64 comes to rest on the proximal end of the ring 72.

There shows rod 64 in its entered position after the translation described above. The end 48 of the rod 64 is with the free face 58b of the block of foam 58 and the seal 66 of the rod 64 no longer cooperates with the ring 72. The groove 68 opens into the reservoir 60, which allows the paint 30 to flow along the groove 68 from the reservoir 60 to the foam block 58 (see arrows on the ). In other words, paint reservoir 60 directly feeds foam block 58 via this mechanism internal to device 40. paint.

When the biasing of the return member 70 ceases, in other words when the member 70 ceases to be compressed in the ring 72, the centering rod 64 translates towards the block of foam 58 until the annular collar 50 is blocked at the level of the shoulder between the portions 38, 34 of the body 56.

In its extended position, groove 68 of rod 64 no longer opens into reservoir 60. The flow of paint to foam block 58 is therefore interrupted. This has the advantage of securing the device 40 by preventing accidental spillage of the tank 60.

By reading this second embodiment, it is understood that the centering rod 64 has two functions. The first is always to ensure the centering of the applicator in order to achieve a consistent spreading of the paint 30. The second is to be the paint supply vector 30 of the foam block 58.

This second embodiment can be used as follows.

To soak the foam block 58 with the paint 30, the user must first position the applicator on the screw-lug assembly 12-18 to be protected and engage the end 48 of the centering rod 64 with the imprint 16 recessed in the screw 12. The pressure exerted by the user on the applicator allows the centering rod 64 to pass from its extended position to its entered position. In its entered position, the rod 64 opens into the tank 60 of paint 30, allowing the paint to flow by gravity along the groove 68.

The groove 68 allows the routing of the paint 30 to the foam block 58 which soaks it. The application of the paint 30 to the area to be protected is carried out in the manner previously described for the first embodiment, namely by compression, which can be associated with rotational movements, of the block of foam 42 on the screw-lug assembly 12-18.

When the application operation is complete, the user releases pressure on the applicator. The centering rod 64 then resumes its extended position and the seal 66 lodges in the ring 72, obstructing the passage of the paint 30 towards the groove 68.

At the end of the use of the device 40, the foam block 58 and the reservoir 60, rendered unfit for use, are detached from the body 56 and discarded. Body 56 can be reused.

In the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, grip body 78 (similar to body 32 and 56), foam block 80 (similar to foam block 42 and 58), and reservoir 82 (similar to reservoir 60) form a one-piece assembly and incorporate the characteristics mentioned above in relation to the second embodiment.

In this embodiment, reservoir 82 varies from reservoir 60 in that it may be a soft material. In other words, the tank 82 is made of a material that can deform and return to its initial shape after compression or twisting of the latter. Such a feature has the advantage for the user of being able to control the flow of paint towards the block of foam 80 by simply pressing on the tank 82.

A ring 84 (similar to ring 72) of cylindrical shape is fitted into the body 78, and more particularly into the central portion 34 of the body 78. The ring 84 can be screwed into the body 78 and has a substantially lower or lower external section. equal to the section of the central portion 34.

The ring 84 has a recessed part extending along the axis A and having a cylindrical shape and is open at both ends. The cylindrical recessed part is substantially centered on the axis A.

The centering rod 86 is similar in its configuration to the centering rod 46 of the first embodiment but differs in that the rod 86 is shaped so as to have at least one groove 96 on its surface. extending along the axis A on a portion of the rod 86 between the free end 48 and a flange 92.

The flange 92 is similar in its configuration to the flange 50 of the previous embodiments but differs therefrom in that the flange 92 is shaped to have at least one axial notch 94 or groove extending along the axis A. This notch 94 is configured in such a way that its part closest to the rod 86 is separated from it by a strictly positive distance d, as can be seen on the . In other words, the depth of the notch 94 does not reach the body of the pin 86.

In this way, the flange 92 thus serves as a retainer for the centering rod 86 and the notch 94 located on its periphery ensures the flow of paint towards the junction of the portions 34, 38; in other words, up to the groove 96 of the rod 86.

The return member 88 is connected to the end of the centering rod 86 intended to be housed in the body 78. The opposite end of the return member 88 cooperates with a spherical element 90. This spherical element 90 can be a ball whose diameter is substantially greater than the section of the recessed part of the ring 84. The ball 90 cooperates with the ring 84 to seal the reservoir 82.

The ball 90 is configured to be mobile. Under the pressure exerted by the paint when the reservoir 82 is compressed by a user, the ball 90 compresses the return member 88 against the centering rod 86, keeping it in its extended position. The ball 90 thus frees a passage for the paint 30 in the central portion 34 of the body 78.

When the stress on reservoir 82 ceases, the force applied to ball 90 dissipates and return member 88 relaxes. The ball 90 is then moved towards the recessed part of the ring 84 which it obstructs.

The return member 90 can once again be stressed under the effect of a force applied to the rod 86.

In its entered position, rod 86 compresses return member 90, holding ball 90 against ring 84. At the same time, collar 92 is no longer resting on the shoulder formed by portions 34, 38 and the groove 96 opens into the portion 34 of the body 78.

The paint present in the central portion 34 flows along the groove 96 and soaks the block of foam 80.

In this third embodiment, it is understood that the centering rod 86 performs the same functions as those described by the second embodiment. The rod 86 ensures the centering of the device 40 and also the supply of paint 30 to the block of foam 80.

This third embodiment can be used in a manner similar to that described for the second embodiment.

It differs from it, however, in that the routing of the paint 30 to the block of foam 80 is carried out in two distinct stages.

Indeed, the first step consists for the user in compressing the tank 82 made of a soft material in order to allow the circulation of the paint 30 from the tank 82 to the inside of the body 78 and more particularly in the portion 34 central.

Once the pressure on the reservoir 82 has been released, the second step for the user consists in positioning the applicator on the screw-terminal assembly 12-18 to be protected and causing the free end 48 of the rod 86 to cooperate with the recess 16 of the screw 12. The pressure exerted on the applicator allows the rod 86 to be in its entered position. In this position, the groove 96 leads to the central portion 34 containing the paint 30, thus allowing the flow of the paint 30 to the block of foam 80 which is impregnated with it.

The different embodiments described above have the advantage of improving the application of an anti-corrosion paint on a screw-terminal assembly. Indeed, the solutions provided allow a user to apply paint to a defined application area in a simple, reliable and repeatable manner.

The device implemented in these different embodiments also makes it possible to improve the safety of the user. Indeed, the configuration of the device eliminates the risk of paint splashing on the user and its gripping system ensures the user better balance when working at height.

Another advantage is a gain in productivity. Indeed, the device described above makes it possible to considerably simplify the steps necessary for the application of the paint. It makes it possible to dispense with the preparation of the application area and the removal of protection from the area.

Claims (10)

Device (40) for applying paint to protect a screw-terminal assembly (12, 18) against oxidation, this device comprising a reservoir (44, 60, 82) containing a paint (30) for protection against oxidation and an applicator of this paint,
characterized in that the applicator comprises a gripping body (32, 56, 78) carrying an interchangeable foam block (42, 58, 80), this foam block being configured to be soaked with said paint and to be applied to said set. Device according to Claim 1, in which the reservoir (44) is independent of the body (32). Device according to Claim 1, in which the reservoir (60, 82) is integrated in the body (56, 78). Device according to Claim 1 or 3, in which the reservoir (60, 82) is screwed into the body (56, 78). Device according to Claim 1 to 4, in which the block of foam (42, 58, 80) has an annular shape and extends around a centering rod (46, 64, 86) carried by the body (32, 56, 78), this rod (46, 64, 86) being movable in longitudinal translation between an extended position in which a free end (48) of the rod (46, 64, 86) projects with respect to an annular face (42b) free from the block of foam (42, 58, 80), and an entered position in which this free end (48) is located substantially in line with this annular face (42b). Device according to claim 5, wherein the rod (46, 64, 86) and/or the body (32, 56, 78) is/are configured so that the foam block (42, 58, 80) is supplied with paint when the rod (46, 64, 86) is in its entered position. Device according to one of Claims 5 or 6, in which the rod (46, 64, 86) is urged towards the extended position by a return member (52, 70, 88), such as a spring. Device according to one of Claims 5 to 7, in which the free end (48) of the rod (46, 64, 86) is pointed or tapered and is configured to be engaged in a recess (16) of the screw (12) of said assembly (12, 18). Process for applying paint to a screw-lug assembly (12, 18) using a device (40) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in:

1. soak the foam block (42, 58, 80) with the paint, then
2. applying the block of foam (42, 58, 80) to said assembly.

Method according to the preceding claim, in which the block of foam (42, 58, 80) has an external diameter (D _ext ) greater than the external diameter (D _ens ) of the assembly (12, 18) so that the paint is applied on and around said assembly (12, 18) during step b).