WO2016166551A1 - Dispositif de verrouillage pour un écrou, par exemple un écrou de roue - Google Patents

Dispositif de verrouillage pour un écrou, par exemple un écrou de roue Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016166551A1
WO2016166551A1 PCT/GB2016/051060 GB2016051060W WO2016166551A1 WO 2016166551 A1 WO2016166551 A1 WO 2016166551A1 GB 2016051060 W GB2016051060 W GB 2016051060W WO 2016166551 A1 WO2016166551 A1 WO 2016166551A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
stud
nut
spring
cap
locking device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2016/051060
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Sydney Lees
Philip Hadley
Original Assignee
1Nventions Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB1506404.1A external-priority patent/GB201506404D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB1509301.6A external-priority patent/GB201509301D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB1517915.3A external-priority patent/GB201517915D0/en
Application filed by 1Nventions Ltd filed Critical 1Nventions Ltd
Publication of WO2016166551A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016166551A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B39/00—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts
    • F16B39/02—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts in which the locking takes place after screwing down
    • F16B39/04—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts in which the locking takes place after screwing down with a member penetrating the screw-threaded surface of at least one part, e.g. a pin, a wedge, cotter-pin, screw
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B39/00—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts
    • F16B39/02—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts in which the locking takes place after screwing down
    • F16B39/08—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts in which the locking takes place after screwing down with a cap interacting with the nut, connected to the bolt by a pin or cotter pin
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B39/00—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts
    • F16B39/02—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts in which the locking takes place after screwing down
    • F16B39/20—Locking of screws, bolts or nuts in which the locking takes place after screwing down by means of steel wire or the like

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a locking device.
  • a locking device for use in combination with a nut on a stud so that accidental loosening of the nut on the stud can be prevented or identified.
  • It has particular application to wheel nuts for vehicles, and may also be used to prevent nuts that secure railway track components in place from loosening, for instance the nuts that hold rails in place relative to other rails or sleepers , and to stretcher bars.
  • the present invention relates to a locking device suitable for selectively locking a nut onto a stud, the device comprising:
  • a body which has at least two inwardly facing portions that are spaced apart, and
  • a helical coil that is, in use, secured to the body, the device being so constructed and arranged that in use the two inwardly facing portions engage respective side faces of the nut in a manner that prevents the body rotating about the axis of the nut, and further so that in this position a portion of stud protruding from the nut, is located within and securely gripped by an end portion of the coil, thereby restricting rotation of the nut on the stud.
  • protruding from the nut the reader will understand that we mean that a portion of the stud that sticks out- protrudes- past the threaded portion of the nut which threadedly engages the stud, and can therefore be gripped by the end portion of the coil.
  • the protruding portion of stud will typically project beyond an end face of the nut where the thread of the nut extends along the full width of the nut, but it is within the scope of the present invention for the end face of the nut to be provided with a cut away portion where the bore is enlarged so that it is held clear of the stud, the protruding portion of stud being located within the cutaway portion and as such not extending past the end face of the nut or being only partially beyond the end face of the nut or flush with the end face of the nut.
  • the body may comprise a cap having an end wall and one or more side walls that extend from the end wall to form a recess which in use receives the nut and portion of the stud, the inner face of the side walls defining the at least two inwardly facing portions .
  • the coil may have a central axis that passes between the two inwardly facing portions of the body.
  • the coil may comprise a helical spring.
  • the inner facing walls may face an axis of the device which is coincident with the axis of the spring.
  • the faces do not need to face each other.
  • the faces may, however, extend in a direction that is parallel to the axis of the spring, since most nuts have faces that extend generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the nut (nuts generally being uniform in cross section along their axis of rotation) .
  • the side walls of the body may give the body a hexagonal internal cross section.
  • This inner cross section may be generally complimentary to the external cross section of the wheel nut.
  • the inner width of the recess may be between 20mm and 45mm, more preferably between 25mm and 40mm, more preferably between 30mm and 35mm, more preferably between 32mm and 33mm.
  • the side walls of the body may give the body a square cross section.
  • the spacing between opposing inner walls may be between 6mm and 40mm, more preferably 10mm to 29mm, fit most standard square nuts .
  • the at least two walls that define the inwardly facing walls (two of six for a hexagon or two of four for a square) that engage the nut may be provided with protrusions that extend inward towards the centre of the cap, the protrusions in use engaging the nut. All of inner faces of the cap may have protrusions , or fewer than all of them. Where the cap is hexagonal, there may be six protrusions, or 3 protrusions with one associated with each pair of opposing faces of the cap.
  • the protrusions or the side wall around the protrusions may be resilient to allow the cap to securely grip a nut with a range of different sizes.
  • the end wall may be domed, and may have an opening that is aligned with an axis of symmetry of the cap, aligned in use with the axis of the stud. This allows the stud to protrude through the hole if required.
  • the end cap may be provided with an indicia, such as a line or groove, alongside an edge of the hole. This may be aligned with an indicia on a stud to give a visible indication of any movement between the cap and stud during use after installation.
  • an indicia such as a line or groove
  • the cap may be continuous, apart from any hole in the end face, to protect the nut and stud covered by the cap from debris.
  • the body comprises a plastic, ferrous metal, non-ferrous metal or a combination of two or more.
  • the body may be made entirely of a plastic, entirely of a ferrous metal or entirely of a non-ferrous metal.
  • the cap may be chromed and may carry a logo, for instance a logo of the vehicle to which it is attached, or the operator of the vehicle, or the manufacturer or distributor of the device.
  • the body of the cap may include an opening at its closed end into which a blanking cover is located.
  • This cover may seal the opening when in position, and may be removable or may be securely fixed, perhaps by tangs or an adhesive.
  • the cover may be a contrasting colour to the body of the cap and may be provided with a logo, for instance for the owner or operator of the vehicle, or the name of the supplier of the caps , or of the model or brand of a vehicle to which the cap is fitted.
  • the cover and the body of the cap may be configured such that the cover can secured to the cap in a range of different orientations.
  • the cover may, for instance, include an alignment arrow that is visible when the device is in use and which may be aligned so that it points directly to an adjacent device. This allows an operator to easily identify if the body has moved when in use, which may indicate a loosening of the nut to which it is secured.
  • the cover may be movable between a locked position in which it cannot move relative to the body and an unlocked position in which it can be moved relative to the cap. For instance it may be an interference fit with the main body and may be pressed into place one the device is fitted to a nut.
  • the body may include one or more magnets. These may be secured to the body, for instance to an inner face of the end of the cap. The magnets may serve to attract the locking device to the end of the stud.
  • At least part of the coil spring may be located between the side wall portions prior to installation of the device. In fact, it is preferred that where the body is a cap a portion of the spring protrudes beyond the end of the cap prior to use allowing easy engagement to the stud.
  • the coil spring may be separable from the body of the device to allow it to be placed onto the end of the stud prior to putting the body over and securing it onto the spring.
  • the end of the spring that receives the stud may be loosely wound so that it can be tightened onto the stud, reducing the diameter of the spring as it is wound.
  • the spring may be a right hand wound coiled spring for use with a conventional right hand threaded stud as present on most all vehicle wheels and axles, allowing one or more of the turns to drop into the thread of the stud when installed. It may have a left handed winding for use with left hand threaded studs. Although not commonplace, it is known to have right hand threads for the wheels on the right of a vehicle and left hand for wheels on the left.
  • the spring may comprise a ferrous or non-ferrous metal wire that is coiled into a helix with the gauge of the wire being between 0.5 , 1 to 2 mm.
  • the wire gauge preferably is chosen to be less than the pitch of the thread of the stud, so that the wire sits down partially into the thread helping the spring to grip the stud when tightened because to be pulled free it must open out slightly to ride over the ridges formed between adjacent turns of the thread.
  • a suitable metal for the spring would be steel, such as stainless steel, low alloy steel, medium carbon steel or high carbon steel.
  • the inner diameter of the end of the spring, when untightened, should be slightly wider than the outer diameter of the stud, for example in the range 10mm to 40mm
  • the inner diameter of the spring when tightened should be slightly less than the outer diameter of the stud. It may be reduced relative to the untightened spring by between 0.5mm and 2mm. The tip of the spring may be terminated at a point allowing it to become trapped in the gap between the nut and the stud when in a position of use.
  • the coil spring may, in a rest position when not attached to a wheel stud, protrude from the end of the body of the device to enable it to be attached onto the stud without the body engaging the nut. This allows the body to be pressed towards the nut to cause the spring to engage the stud, and then the body rotated to tighten the spring onto the stud before being pressed down to engage the nut.
  • the part of the spring that grips the stud must be free to move axially relative to the inwardly facing side portions of the body. This can be conveniently achieved by providing an additional portion of the spring that extends beyond the stud to connect to the cap and which can be compressed.
  • the additional portion of spring may be handed the same as the portion that grips the stud. This has the advantage that it can apply a constant tightening torque to the portion of the spring that grips the stud, preventing it from working loose. This torsion is achieved by twisting the body relative to the spring before engaging the body with the nut.
  • the body may be twisted in a direction opposite to the direction that the spring was wound onto the stud - hereafter referred to as the reverse direction.
  • the reverse direction By twisting the body in the reverse direction, the coils of the spring may be tightened onto the threads of the nut. Furthermore, the spring may then pre-load the nut in a direction which tightens the nut onto the stud.
  • twisting the spring in the same direction as it was threaded onto the stud loosens the coils, allowing the spring to be pulled off the stud.
  • the portion of the spring that engages the stud and the portion that engages the cap may form part of a single coil spring, or may comprise two springs that are connected together.
  • the spring may be compressible axially by an amount equal to the length of the nut to which it will be attached in use. In practice, for use with most vehicle wheel nuts, the spring must be able to compress axially by between 5 to 40mm. Where a spring is provided that has a portion that grips the stud and a portion that enables the axial movement of the cap and the optional spring loading, the spring may have two distinct portions of different pitch and/or diameter, the free end that engages the stud having a smaller diameter and smaller pitch than a portion between that and the end of the cap.
  • the part of the spring that engages the stud may have such a small pitch as to be incompressible or near incompressible in its rest position, being unwound when put on the stud and then rewound to tighten onto the stud.
  • the rest may be relatively easy to compress.
  • the spring should be strong enough to allow the spring to grip the stud when tightened without the spring from buckling.
  • the part that engages the stud may be wound relatively tightly so that it cannot be compressed in its free state, with the rest of the spring being compressible to provide the movement of the cap onto the nut in the final installed position.
  • the diameter of the free end portion of the spring may be less than the diameter of the remaining portion of the spring.
  • the part of the coil that engages the stud may have a uniform diameter at rest. This may extend for between 20 mm and 60 mm from the free end of the spring.
  • the part of the coil that does not grip the stud may increase in diameter on moving away towards the end of the cap to allow the turns to nest inside one another as the spring is compressed to engage the body with the nut.
  • the spring may be secured to the body to prevent the spring rotating and detaching from the body.
  • the spring may be secured by a weld, such as one or more spot welds.
  • a part of the spring may extend radially towards or through the axis of the spring to form a convenient location for a spot weld.
  • the spring may engage resilient clips formed into the inner face of the end of the cap, or into the side walls of the inside of the cap.
  • the ends of the spring that engages the cap may be shaped so that is generally complimentary to the inner shape of the cap, so that when inserted it is unable to rotate.
  • the inner shape of the cap is hexagonal
  • the end of the spring may be bent into a hexagon. If it is square it may be bent into a square.
  • a range of shapes are possible (for any given non- circular inner cap shape) that will prevent the spring rotating within the cap. These shapes may fall within the scope of protection being sought.
  • the device may have only two parts, the cap and the spring. There may be no parts that slide relative to one another, so no wear. The only movement is the winding and compression of the coil spring. Because there is no wear the device can have a long service life and high reliability.
  • the device may include a pointer that may be integral to the cap or a separate component.
  • the pointer may comprise a main body that may be trapped by the cap and a protrusion that extends away from the main body.
  • the main body may comprise a continuous ring that has an opening that is sized to fit over the nut and an extending portion that extends away from the ring to provide an indication of the angular orientation of the pointer, the ring in use being trapped in position by the cap.
  • the main body may be C- shaped and fit around only part of the nut when trapped by the cap.
  • the pointer may be trapped between the wheel hub and the cap.
  • the pointer will be trapped between the cap and the portion of railway track that is adjacent to the nut.
  • One side of the ring may be provided with a set of raised protrusions that in use grip into a lower portion of the cap to prevent relative movement of the cap and the pointer.
  • the ring may be generally circular and the outer diameter and inner diameter of the ring may be chosen such that the cap sits on the ring to provide a continuous seal between the cap and the ring when in use.
  • the cap may include an annular seal of soft material around the open to prevent water and other debris entering into the inside of the cap as the cap is located in a position of use.
  • the seal may comprise an O-ring. This may be located in a groove around the lower rim of the cap.
  • the seal may comprise an overmolding formed onto the lo rim of the cap, which may have a generally U-shaped cross section.
  • the length of then extended portion of the pointer may be chosen so that two pointers, when fitted to adjacent nuts with the extended portion pointing towards one another, come into contact in such a manner that the pointers cannot rotate past one another in the event of the nut rotating in a direction that corresponds to the nuts loosening. This provides an additional line of defence against accidental loosening of one or more of the nuts .
  • the terminal end of the extended portion of the pointer by which we mean the tip that is furthest from the ring shaped body, may be provided with one or more weakening lines allowing the length of the extended portion to be adjusted by breaking off part of the extended portion at the weakening line.
  • the locking device may include an indicator that changes colour when heated above a predetermined level, which may either permanently change colour or temporarily change colour yet revert to the original colour when cooled. This may be located so that it is directly or indirectly in thermal contact with the nut, a stud that carries the nut, or a part of a wheel or other item secured by the nut.
  • the indicator may comprise a washer that is fitted to the base of the cap, for instance trapped below the base of the cap. This washer may form a part of an indicator where so provided.
  • the indictor may instead be part of a seal, such as an O-ring or gasket, positionable on the end of the cap.
  • the indicator may comprise a rubber or other elastomeric material that is thermochromic, or a base material that is coated at least in part with a thermochromic material such as a leuco dye. It may be secured to the cap, or an integral part of the cap. The cap itself may be wholly or partially able to change colour with temperature.
  • the colour change may occur when the temperature of the indicator exceeds approximately 150 degree Centigrade, and may be useful at indicating when excessive heat is or has been present. In the case of the use of the apparatus to secure a wheel of a vehicle, such excess heating may indicate a problem with the brakes of the vehicle.
  • the colour changes will permit an operator to readily identify that there is or has been a problem of overheating.
  • the invention provide a locking wheel cap apparatus for securing a wheel nut to a stud of a vehicle, the cap comprising: A cap shaped body that is adapted to snugly fit onto a nut to prevent the cap rotating relative to the wheel nut, covering the nut and the stud, and
  • a spring secured to the cap and having a free end that is adapted to be securely fitted over a portion of the wheel stud such that the spring cannot rotate relative to the stud.
  • the spring may be pointed at the tip of the free end to enable it to dig into the gap between the nut and the stud when fitted.
  • the cap may fully cover the wheel nut and stud when installed.
  • the locking wheel cap apparatus may include more than one cap.
  • the apparatus may include a set of instructions for use of the cap.
  • the instructions may define a method of use of the cap.
  • the cap apparatus may include a pointer as described above, that may be separate from the cap.
  • the apparatus may further include a stud extension piece that may be fitted into the free end of the spring such that a length of the extension piece protrudes from the end of the spring, the protruding portion being sized to fit within the nut to engage the end of the stud, the engagement between the protruding portion and the end of the stud being arranged so that the protruding portion is prevented from rotating relative to the stud.
  • a stud extension piece that may be fitted into the free end of the spring such that a length of the extension piece protrudes from the end of the spring, the protruding portion being sized to fit within the nut to engage the end of the stud, the engagement between the protruding portion and the end of the stud being arranged so that the protruding portion is prevented from rotating relative to the stud.
  • the extension therefore provides something that the spring can grip, and the engagement between the protruding portion and stud means that the extension becomes, in effect, an extension of the stud.
  • the end of the stud extension piece that in use protrudes from the free end of the spring may be provided with a non-circular protrusion and the end of the stud may be provided with a recess into which the protrusion is located in use.
  • the shape of the recess may correspond with the shape of the protrusion.
  • the engagement of the protrusion in the recess prevents unwanted rotation of the extension portion.
  • the recess may be simply cut into the stud prior to fitment of the nuts , in the case where modification of an existing stud is required.
  • the extension portion of stud may be threaded along a region that in use is located in the free end of the spring. This allows the spring to grip the extension portion in the same way it would grip the stud. A region of the extension that protrudes from the spring may be free of this thread and may be of smaller diameter to allow it to be fitted into the nut without the need to rotate it. This allows the extension to be pressed into engagement with the existing stud within the nut.
  • the extension portion of stud may be supplied in a kit along with the cap and spring, for use if required, or may be supplied separately.
  • the extended portion of stud could be unthreaded and permanently secured to the end of the spring, for instance by a weld. This would limit the flexibility of the locking device as it could then only be used with studs that are recessed below the top of the nut. There would also be no need for the end of the spring to grip the extended portion of stud due to the tightening action of the spring. Nevertheless, the applicant may for the avoidance of doubt seek protection for such a modified locking device.
  • a method of installing the device(s) of the first or second aspects may comprise:
  • the method may comprise a step of, after winding the spring down onto the stud, introducing the body onto the spring to secure at least the end of the spring that does not grip the stud against movement relative to the body.
  • the method may comprise a step of installing the spring onto the stud by rotating it in a direction that opens the coils of the spring, opposite to the direction it is turned to tighten it once bottomed out on the nut.
  • this may comprise turning it to the right to wind it onto the stud.
  • the stop of turning the spring in the reverse direction may be performed with the body secured to the spring by turning the body when it is held free of the nut.
  • the method may comprise ensuring the spring is located within the groove defined by the thread on the end of the stud.
  • the method may comprise cleaning the end of the stud before installing the device, for example using a degreasing agent. This step helps ensure the spring does not slide easily relative to the stud and helps ensure a good grip.
  • a locking device for selectively locking a nut onto a stud, the device comprising: a body which has at least two inwardly facing portions that are spaced apart; and
  • the device being so constructed and arranged that in use the two inwardly facing portions engage respective side faces of the nut in a manner that prevents the body rotating about the axis of the nut, and further so that in this position a portion of stud protruding from the nut is located within and securely gripped by an end portion of the coil, thereby restricting rotation of the nut on the stud,
  • the helical coil being axially located within the body, such that, in use, the helical coil is coaxial with the stud, the helical coil being windable onto the end of the stud and compressable between the stud and a closed end of the body.
  • Figure 1 is a spring according to an aspect of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a locking device comprising a spring of Figure 1 , the locking device is according to an aspect of the present invention
  • Figure 3 shows a stage of the mechanism of fitting the a locking device of Figure 2 to a stud and nut
  • Figure 4 shows a subsequent stage to Figure 3 ;
  • Figure 5 shows a subsequent stage to Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 shows a locking device according the present claimed invention when fitted following the stages of Figures 3 to 5 ;
  • Figure 7 shows an under view of the locking device of Figure 2;
  • Figure 8 shows a full cap locking device similar to Figure 2;
  • Figure 9 shows an alternative spring to that of Figure 1 , which can be used within a locking device of the present invention
  • Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention in the unlocked position, prior to assembly to a wheel nut and stud;
  • Figure 12 shows the device when used to secure the nuts of a stretcher bar of a railway
  • Figure 13 shows an optional pointer that can be used together with the cap to form a part of a locking device
  • Figure 14 shows the pointer in a position of use below a cap
  • Figure 15 shows the use of two pointers that point towards each other between adjacent nuts ;
  • Figure 16 is a view (a) in plan and (b) in cross section of an extension portion of stud for use with the embodiment of figures 1 to 10,
  • Figure 17 shows the extension portion fitted to the free end of the spring prior to fitting the spring to a nut
  • Figure 18 shows the stud pressed into engagement with the end of the stud that secures the nut prior to final fitting of the cap to the nut
  • Figure 19 shows a modified embodiment which includes a branded cover portion for the end of the cap
  • Figure 20 shows an alternative arrangement in which the stud extends beyond a threaded part of the nut but is flush with or below the end face of the nut, that part being accessible by a cut out formed in the end of the nut;
  • Figures 21 and 22 show a further embodiment in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 shows the device in cross section along a central axis of the device
  • the locking device 1 comprises a body 2 and a spring 3 fixed to the body by a weld 4. There are no other parts to this device making it simple to produce.
  • the body 2 comprises a closed cap 2 with a continuous side wall 2a and an end wall 2b. The side walls extend away from the cap 2 to define a recess 8.
  • the inner facing walls 5 face an axis of the device 1 which is coincident with the axis of the spring 3.
  • the faces 5 do not need to face each other.
  • the faces 5 extend in a direction that is parallel to the axis of the spring 3.
  • the inner surface of the recess 8 is hexagonal for easy engagement with a hexagonal nut 12 though of course other inner surface shapes are possible, for instance the inner surface may be any complementary shape of the outer surface of the nut to be engaged.
  • the cap 2 is metal in this example and as such is resilient, allowing the protrusions to squeeze onto the nut when the cap is pushed into a final position of use as shown in Figure 6.
  • These protrusions 7 serve to allow a strong engagement even on nuts 12 which are not accurately sized or have some irregularity to their shape.
  • the protrusions 7 can engage the side of a nut 12 and deform slightly leading to a more engaging fit.
  • the protrusions or the side wall around the protrusions 7 are resilient to allow the body 2 to securely grip a nut with a range of different sizes.
  • the protrusions can be formed by pressing in the outer wall of the body 2 at a position 9 or alternatively the protrusions can be moulded as part of the body 2.
  • a coil spring 3 Located partially within the recess is a coil spring 3. This is fixed at one end to the inside face of the end cap 2b with a spot weld. A portion 6 of the end of the spring 3a extends inwards towards the axis of the spring 3 and this provides a convenient place to apply the spot weld 4. This can be seen best in Figure 2. As an alternative to a weld spot the spring 3 may engage resilient clips formed into the inner face of the end of the cap, or into the side walls of the inside of the cap.
  • Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention in the unlocked position, prior to assembly to a wheel nut 12 and stud 11. The embodiment relates to a locking device 1.
  • the device 1 is designed to be mounted on a nut 12 of a wheel of a vehicle to restrict or prevent rotation of the nut 12, however other embodiments of the device 1 may be suitable for use on the nuts 12 used on railway tracks 13.
  • Figure 12 shows the device when used to secure the nuts of a stretcher bar 17 of a railway 13.
  • the spring 3 preferably has two distinct portions 3a, 3b of different pitch and/or diameter.
  • Figure 1 and 9 show an elongate helical coil spring 3 for use in a locking device of the present invention such as the embodiment shown in Figure 2.
  • the coil 3 comprises a tang 6.
  • the coil 3 is connected to the locking device via this tang 6 at a weld 4 as described below.
  • the spring 3 of Figure 9 is terminated at a point 10 which serves to hold the spring in place during use. This is described in relation to the mechanism of installation below.
  • All of inner faces of the cap may have protrusions , or fewer than all of them. Where the cap is hexagonal, there may be six protrusions, or 3 protrusions with one associated with each pair of opposing faces of the body 2.
  • the end wall 2b provided with an indicia 15 as shown in Figure 10.
  • the insignia 15 is an arrow alongside an edge of the hole 14. This may be aligned with an indicia on a stud 11 to give a visible indication of any movement between the body 2 and stud 11 during use after installation.
  • a press fit cover 30 may be provided that seals an opening in the end of the cap 2. This may be given a contrasting colour to the surrounding end 2b of the cap, and may carry a logo or trademark.
  • the body 2 comprises a plastic, ferrous metal, non- ferrous metal or a combination of two or more.
  • the body 2 may be made entirely of a plastic, entirely ferrous metal or entirely of a non-ferrous metal.
  • the body 2 may include one or more magnets 16. These may be secured to the body 2, for instance to an inner face 5 of the end of the cap.
  • the magnets 16 may serve to attract the locking device 1 to the end of the stud 11.
  • part of the coil spring 3 can be and is located between the side wall portions 2b prior to installation of the device 1. In fact, it is preferred that where the body 2 is a cap a portion of the spring 3 protrudes beyond the end of the cap 2 prior to use allowing easy engagement to the stud 11.
  • FIG. 3 This mechanism is shown graphically in Figures 3 to 6 for the embodiment of Figure 2, but it applies to other embodiments of the invention.
  • the locking device 1 is placed over a stud 11 and nut 12 for engagement.
  • the coil 3 is then placed over the stud 11 as shown in Figure 4.
  • the end of the spring 3 that receives the stud 11 is loosely wound so that it can be tightened onto the stud 11 , reducing the diameter of the spring 3 as it is wound.
  • the tip of the spring 3 is terminated at a point 10 allowing it to become trapped in the gap between the nut 12 and the stud 11 when in a position of use. This point 10 can serve to further hold the coil 3 in place.
  • some other mechanism for allowing the gripping end portion of the spring to move relative to the cap 2 could be provided such as a sliding coupling or non-elastic compressible connector.
  • a compressible foam pad could be used to connect to the spring 3 to the body 2, or some form of bellows. In each case the connection should prevent the spring 3 rotating relative to the body 2 whilst allowing it to move axially.
  • the spring 3 is compressible axially by an amount equal to the length of the nut 12 to which it will be attached in use. In practice, for use with most vehicle wheel nuts 12, the spring 3 must be able to compress axially by about 30mm.
  • the spring 3 preferably has two distinct portions of different pitch and/or diameter.
  • the free end 3a that engages the stud 11 having a smaller diameter and smaller pitch than a portion between that and the end of the cap 2.
  • the part of the spring 3a that engages the stud 11 may have such a small pitch as to be incompressible or near incompressible in its rest position, being unwound when put on the stud 11 and then rewound to tighten onto the stud 11.
  • the rest 3b may be relatively easy to compress .
  • the spring 3 is right hand wound coiled spring for use with a conventional right hand threaded stud as present on most all vehicle wheels and axles , allowing one or more of the turns to drop into the thread of the stud 11 when installed. Of course it may have a left handed winding for use with left hand threaded studs 11. Although not commonplace, it is known to have right hand threads for the wheels on the right of a vehicle and left hand for wheels on the left.
  • the spring 3 of the shown embodiments comprises a metal wire that is coiled into a helix with the gauge of the wire being between 1 mm.
  • the spring 3 is made of stainless steel.
  • the inner diameter of the end of the spring 3a, when untightened, is slightly wider than the outer diameter of the stud 11 , for example about 20mm.
  • the inner diameter of the spring 3 when tightened is slightly less than the outer diameter of the stud 11. It may be reduced relative to the untightened spring by between 0.5mm and 2mm.
  • the spring 3 is strong enough to allow the spring 3 to grip the stud when tightened without the spring 3 buckling.
  • the part of the spring 3a that engages the stud 11 is wound relatively tightly so that it cannot be compressed axially in its free state, with the rest of the spring 3b being compressible to provide the movement of the cap 2 onto the nut 12 in the final installed position.
  • the part of the coil that engages the stud is a uniform diameter at rest. This may extend for between 10 mm and 40 mm from the free end of the spring.
  • the part of the coil 3 that does not grip the stud 11 increases in diameter on moving away towards the end of the cap 2 to allow the turns to nest inside one another as the spring is compressed to engage the body 2 with the nut 12.
  • the device 1 comprises only two parts, the cap 2 and the spring 3. There are no parts that slide relative to one another, so no wear. The only movement is the winding and compression of the coil spring. Because there is no wear the device 1 can have a long service life and high reliability.
  • the device may include a pointer 20 that may be integral to the cap or a separate component as shown.
  • the pointer 20 comprises a ring 21 that has an opening 21a that is sized to fit over the nut.
  • the opening in the example of figure 13 is hexagonal to allow it to fit onto a hexagonal nut. It could be square if it is to be used with a square nut. Other shapes are possible, for instance a circular opening could be used that has serrations around its edges, the corners or the nut fitting in the space between two adjacent serrations so as to prevent the pointer rotating relative to the nut.
  • the ring shaped main body 21 is provided with an extending portion 22 that extends away from the ring to provide an indication of the angular orientation of the pointer. As shown the extending portion 22 of the pointer 20 covers about 10-20 degrees of the perimeter of the ring 21.
  • the terminal end 24 of the extended portion 22 of the pointer 20 in this example is provided with ae weakening line 25 allowing the length of the extended portion to be adjusted by breaking off part of the extended portion at the weakening line.
  • One side of the ring 21 is provided with a set of raised protrusions 23 that in use grip into a lower portion of the cap to prevent relative movement of the cap and the pointer.
  • the ring In use, the ring is pushed onto the nut and the cap is then fitted to the nut.
  • the outer diameter and inner diameter of the ring are chosen such that the cap sits on the ring to provide a continuous seal between the cap and the ring when in use. This is shown in Figure 14.
  • the ring is therefore trapped in position by the cap 2.
  • the lower end of the cap includes an O-ring 25 of soft material that fits partially in a groove, the O-ring 25 being compressed onto the ring.
  • an overmolding 40 may be used instead of an O-ring.
  • the O-ring may be modified such that it changes colour with temperature, and in particular changes temperature when the temperature crosses a threshold such as 150 degrees Centigrade.
  • a specific indicator can be applied to the assembly that changes colour, or even the cap itself could be made from a material that changes colour or be coated with a material that changes colour.
  • a pointer such as the one shown in Figure 14, this could be form the indicator that changes colour.
  • the length of then extended portion 22 of the pointer 20 may be chosen so that two pointers, when fitted to adjacent nuts with the extended portion pointing towards one another, come into contact in such a manner that the pointers cannot rotate past one another in the event of the nut rotating in a direction that corresponds to the nuts loosening. This provides an additional line of defence against accidental loosening of one or more of the nuts .
  • Figure 15 shows two pointers used in this way.
  • the stud may not be long enough to protrude from the end of the nut and may in fact be recessed down into the inside of the nut.
  • Figure 16 shows an optional extension portion 30 that can be fitted to the spring 3.
  • the extension portion in this example comprises a threaded cylindrical body 31 , although it could have other cross sections, that securely locates in the end of the spring 3.
  • An end of the body 31 has a raised protrusion, in the form of an elongate ridge 32.
  • the body is threaded to allow the spring coils to sit down into the threads to give grip when tightened.
  • Prior to fitting the device 1 to the nut 12 it is important to provide a recess in the end of the stud. This can be achieved by a suitable cutting or grinding process prior to the fitment of the nut.
  • the recess should be complimentary to the protrusion on the extension portion, in this case an elongate groove.
  • the body 31 of the extension portion 30 is inserted into the free end of the spring as shown in Figure 17.
  • the exposed end of the extension portion 30 is then offered up to the nut and inserted into the hole in the nut until it engages the end of the recessed stud. In this position the extension portion 30 cannot rotate because the ridge 32 is located in the recess in the end of the stud. This is shown in Figure 18.
  • the cap is rotated to tension the spring and finally pressed onto the nut.
  • the cap is rotated in the reverse direction in order to tension the spring.
  • This reverse rotation has two major advantages. Firstly, the reverse rotation tightens the coils of the spring, reducing their diameter. Secondly, the preloading of the spring applies a force to the nut which further discourages loosening of the nut.
  • an end portion 34 of the bore of the nut 12 may be enlarged so that it is spaced apart from the stud 11.
  • the free end of the stud 11 may then be located within this enlarged bore 34, beyond the threaded part of the nut, giving something onto which the spring 3 can grip even when the length of the stud 11 is not long enough to protrude beyond the end face of the nut 12.
  • This enlarged bore could be machined into a standard nut or bespoke nuts may be provided that have the enlarged bore.
  • this embodiment is functionally the same as the other described embodiments and may include any of the features that have been described in relation to those other embodiments.
  • Yet another embodiment is shown in cross-section in Figure 21.
  • the cap 102 which is hexagonal in plan view, is similar to the previous embodiments , and therefore extensive description is omitted.
  • the spring 103 and the cap 102 are formed in distinct and separate parts, and do not need to be permanently secured in order to provide their required function. Instead, the cap 102 includes a protrusion or ridge 135 around which coils of an uppermost part 103a of the spring 103 may be seated.
  • the uppermost part 103a of the spring 103 is hexagonal or substantially hexagonal and is therefore secured to the cap 102 in use as it substantially matches the hexagonal interior of the cap 102.
  • the hexagonal interior along with the ridge 135 , which is also hexagonal, prevents twisting of the uppermost part 103a of the spring 103 relative to the cap 102, once the spring 103 is correctly seated within the cap 102.
  • the ridge 135 also ensures that the spring 103 is not able to deform within the cap 102, further preventing undesired slippage of the spring 103.
  • the spring 103 itself, as shown in Figure 22, gently tapers in diameter from its uppermost end 103a to the end which engages the stud, in use.
  • the ridge 135 is described as being a part of the cap 102, it may instead be an insert within the cap 102 or a part of a separate element, such as a pointer as is described in the following paragraphs .
  • the ridge 135 need not necessarily match the shape of the interior of the cap 102.
  • the ridge 135 should preferably be shaped so as to be complementary to the uppermost end 103a of the spring 103 , such that it prevents deformation of the spring 103.
  • numerous raised protusions may be provided which act in the same manner to prevent the distortion of the uppermost part 103a of the spring.
  • Raised protrusions 123 within the cap 102, towards the distal end of the cap 102, are included to allow the cap 102 to grip around a nut (not shown) , in use.
  • the spring 103 may deform in order to pass over these protrusions .
  • a blanking cover 130 is positioned within an opening on the end of the cap 102.
  • the blanking cover 130 includes an indicia 115 to indicate direction, which here is a raised portion.
  • the raised portion is only an example and could instead be an image, such as of an arrow, or another other form of indicia 115.
  • the blanking cover 130 comprises a body portion 130a above the cap 102, and an attachment portion 130b which protrudes through the hole in the cap 102 and is secured by a plurality of tangs 106, two of which are shown. These tangs 106 fit tightly such that friction prevents the blanking cover 130 from turning without the application of a high level of force.
  • the indicia 115 can be made to indicate any desired direction, which is not limited by the orientation of the nut, in use.
  • a sufficient level of torque can be applied to the blanking cover 130, such as by the use of a screwdriver inserted in a hole within the blanking cover 130, the blanking cover 130 may be rotated in situ .
  • the distal end of the cap 102 is flared 137 such that it may accommodate a washer, in addition to the nut. However, this is not an intrinsic part of the device, and the cap 102 may be formed without the flaring.
  • a gasket 138 which forms a seal around the base of the device, in use. In the present embodiment, it is this gasket 138 which may change colour in response to temperature, although this feature may instead be provided on a separate part.
  • the cap 102 and spring 103 being two separate parts - although they are still securable together - it is possible to attach the device in an advantageous manner.
  • the spring 103 may be threaded onto the threads of a stud without the cap 102 obscuring the user' s view.
  • tight coils at the end of the spring 103 may be provided which closely fit the threads of the stud.
  • the cap 102 may then be pushed onto the spring 103 , seating the uppermost part 103a of the spring 103 around the ridge 135 , preventing its rotation.
  • the cap 102 - and thus the uppermost part 103a of the spring 103 - may be rotated in a direction opposite to the direction which was used to thread the spring 103 - hereafter referred to as the reverse direction.
  • the reverse direction By rotating the cap 102 in the reverse direction, a torque is applied to the spring 103 , this torque being transferred to the nut in a direction which tightens the nut.
  • the twisting the spring 103 in the reverse direction tightens the coils of the spring 103 , which then more tightly grip the stud.
  • the cap 102 may be removed by simply pulling the cap 102 axially away from the nut.
  • the spring 103 can be retained in place, without requiring removal before the nut can be tightened. If, in addition, the spring 103 requires removal, rotating the spring 103 in the same direction it was applied to the threads results in the coils loosening, and the spring 103 can then be pulled off the stud.
  • it may be necessary to ensure that the stud is devoid, or substantially devoid, of grease, other lubricants, or detritus. This ensures that the spring 103 is able to grip the threads of the stud tightly and with a high level of friction. If a lower level of friction is present, the device may not perform to the desired standard.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de verrouillage (1) approprié pour verrouiller un écrou (12) de façon sélective sur un goujon (11), comprenant un corps (2) qui a au moins deux parties orientées vers l'intérieur (2a) espacées l'une de l'autre, et un ressort hélicoïdal (3) qui est fixé sur le corps, le dispositif étant conçu et agencé de sorte que, lors de l'utilisation, les deux parties orientées vers l'intérieur viennent en contact avec des faces latérales respectives de l'écrou d'une manière qui empêche le corps de pivoter autour de l'axe de l'écrou, et en outre de telle sorte que, dans cette position, une partie de goujon faisant saillie à partir de l'écrou, ou au moins faisant saillie au-delà d'une partie filetée de l'écrou qui est vissée sur le filetage complémentaire du goujon, soit située à l'intérieur d'une partie d'extrémité du ressort et soit solidement maintenue à celle-ci, limitant ainsi la rotation de l'écrou sur le goujon.
PCT/GB2016/051060 2015-04-15 2016-04-15 Dispositif de verrouillage pour un écrou, par exemple un écrou de roue WO2016166551A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1506404.1 2015-04-15
GBGB1506404.1A GB201506404D0 (en) 2015-04-15 2015-04-15 Locking device for a nut such as a wheel nut
GBGB1509301.6A GB201509301D0 (en) 2015-05-29 2015-05-29 Locking device for a nut such as a wheel nut
GB1509301.6 2015-05-29
GB1517915.3 2015-10-09
GBGB1517915.3A GB201517915D0 (en) 2015-10-09 2015-10-09 Locking device for a nut such as a wheel nut

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016166551A1 true WO2016166551A1 (fr) 2016-10-20

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2016/051060 WO2016166551A1 (fr) 2015-04-15 2016-04-15 Dispositif de verrouillage pour un écrou, par exemple un écrou de roue

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN114263671A (zh) * 2021-12-29 2022-04-01 重庆交通大学绿色航空技术研究院 便于拆卸的连接锁紧机构
WO2023177101A1 (fr) * 2022-03-17 2023-09-21 최환령 Module de boulon équipé d'un élément autoportant pour permettre une construction par contact unique

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB191120009A (en) * 1911-09-08 1912-03-14 Arthur Thomas Collier Improvements in Nut Locks.
DE320194C (de) * 1920-04-15 Robert Sievers Schraubensicherung
DE3410873A1 (de) * 1984-03-21 1985-10-03 Thanh-Son Dipl.-Ing. 1000 Berlin Le Formschluessige muttersicherung
WO2011057337A1 (fr) * 2009-11-13 2011-05-19 Michael Ferman Ensemble d'écrous de roues

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE320194C (de) * 1920-04-15 Robert Sievers Schraubensicherung
GB191120009A (en) * 1911-09-08 1912-03-14 Arthur Thomas Collier Improvements in Nut Locks.
DE3410873A1 (de) * 1984-03-21 1985-10-03 Thanh-Son Dipl.-Ing. 1000 Berlin Le Formschluessige muttersicherung
WO2011057337A1 (fr) * 2009-11-13 2011-05-19 Michael Ferman Ensemble d'écrous de roues

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN114263671A (zh) * 2021-12-29 2022-04-01 重庆交通大学绿色航空技术研究院 便于拆卸的连接锁紧机构
CN114263671B (zh) * 2021-12-29 2024-01-19 重庆交通大学绿色航空技术研究院 便于拆卸的连接锁紧机构
WO2023177101A1 (fr) * 2022-03-17 2023-09-21 최환령 Module de boulon équipé d'un élément autoportant pour permettre une construction par contact unique

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