Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Hand operated
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-22
2001-10-16
Bonck, Rodney H. (Department: 3681)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Hand operated
Reexamination Certificate
active
06301992
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an adjustment and assembly system for a mechanical cable remote control where the transmission of movements and of control forces between a transmitter mechanical element and a receiver mechanical element is made through a transmission cable; and in particular to a system in which the adjustment and assembly are made simultaneously by a dented pin at one end of the cable, which pin fits in to a corresponding dented profile made in the inner edges of an oblong hole located at the end of one of the mechanical elements connected by the cable, in such a way that the pin positions itself in the best position with respect to the oblong hole, thereby facilitating the assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known that, when a control movement has to be transmitted, with a given force, between mechanical elements which are separated or apart from one another, a flexible cable is used which allows the precise transmission of movements and of control forces, even in sinuous routes.
Utilization of remote control cables for the transmission of data and forces are frequently found in the mechanical industry. For example, in the automotive industry, cables are traditionally used to transmit forces between elements which are spaced from one another, such as in an engine, the control forces of an accelerator pedal and a clutch pedal and to transmit the control forces of a gear lever to a gear box.
A transmission cable which allows the transmission of reciprocal movements in two directions (i.e., push-pull type) comprises a flexible internal cable which allows for the transmission of tension and compression forces, and a flexible outside shield or sheath in which the cable slides with minimum play. The constant linear dimension of the two elements along the axis of the cable determine the precision of the transmission of movement of the cable.
Normally terminals are provided at the two ends of the internal cable, the terminal permits for an articulated connection to a movement transmitter and to a movement receiver element meanwhile, the two ends of the flexible outside cover have means to thereby fix a respective end of the flexible outside cover to the supports of the respective element.
Due to the structure and under the action of stresses and the wear of the materials caused by variation of temperature. In use, the inner cable and the outer sheath are subject to small plastic deformations caused by the stress acting on the ends of the cable and the wear of the material caused by temperature variations, which change the length of the elements. In addition, the relative distance between the mechanical elements interconnected by the transmission cable is subject to changes in tolerances of the whole set of components and of the supports existing between the elements, which may not be previously and precisely determined.
The effects of the above mentioned factors create the need of a system which allows the regulation of the cable length upon the assembly and during the whole useful life thereof, in order to compensate the variations of length during the use.
For such purposes, transmission cables having an adjustment system to adjust the length thereof are used. The adjustment system comprises a male and female thread system, with tightening lock nuts located in the terminal ends of the cable. The regulation is made by loosening the thread at the terminal of the cable, fixing the position of the cable and then tightening the lock nut.
A male/female threaded adjustment system is difficult to use because access to the system is frequently difficult. The adjustment of the nut, especially the tightening of the lock nut in a male/female threaded adjustment system typically, requires the use of two tools, and the access of the operator hands is limited within the existing space, which makes such adjustment quite complex, time consuming and imprecise.
In addition, safe operation of the vehicle is difficult to achieve since it is uncertain whether the lock nut has been tightly screwed on.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, there is a need for a system to adjust the length of the cables and to connect them to the respective mechanical elements in a fast and sure way, which also offers a guaranty against the possibility of the connections becoming loose.
The solution submitted herein is a system in which the adjustment is made by a dented pin mounted at the end of the cable, which fits in the corresponding dented profile made in the internal edges of an oblong hole located in the end of one of the mechanical elements connected by the cable thereby preventing the connections from becoming loose.
According to the present invention, upon the assembly of the control transmitting mechanical element and of the corresponding receiving mechanical element, with the transmission cable already installed and connected to one of the elements, the dented pin attached to the free end of the cable is automatically close to the dented oblong hole of the mechanical element in which the pin is to be assembled, in a position which, due to the hole size, is always in along the length of the dented portion of the oblong hole.
In this the operator can now easily fit, with one single hand, the dented pin within the oblong hole of the element to be connected, thereby always remaining in the correct adjusting position between the mechanical elements. The tightening of the nut which fixes the dented pin within the element is also facilitated, for since the dented pin fits within the dented portion of the oblong hole, the pin is prevented from turning and, therefore, the tightening operation of the nut requires the use of a single tool, and may be performed by a single hand.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system which allows for the adjustment and assembly of the system with a single hand and one single tool.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for a fast adjustment in that, once the mechanical elements to be connected are located, it is only necessary to fit the pin in the dented hole.
It is a further object of the present invention to make it always possible to see that the pitch of the dent in the pin and in the oblong hole is less than the acceptable positioning error.
It is another object of the present invention to permit the possibility of also inserting an adjustment system, where necessary.
The advantages of the system with respect to the prior art, namely, the usual system of adjustment with threads, are quite evident.
The adjustment becomes automatic and simultaneous to the assembly. The fitting of the dents or teeth eliminates the possibility of slackening, and the consequent plays and loss of adjustment, which is a natural fact with a threaded adjustment when subject to a constant vibration. The tightening of the nut of the dented pin requires a single wrench, and the torque is quite easily controlled by the operator, who uses one single hand to assemble and to tighten the nut.
In addition to the above mentioned advantages, the present invention allows for the use of simple cables, without the need for a threaded adjustment system. Simple cables are more compact and quite economical.
As a result, greater simplicity, speed and safety in the assembly and adjusting operations of the system is achieved, with a consequent reduction in cost. One of the best practical results is that the system allows for adjustment in tight places with greater safety than prior systems.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4884467 (1989-12-01), Martell
patent: 5222413 (1993-06-01), Gallas et al.
patent: 5511442 (1996-04-01), Tame
patent: 5709132 (1998-01-01), Irish et al.
patent: 4135309-A1 (1993-04-01), None
Bonck Rodney H.
Parekh Ankur
Steinberg & Raskin, P.C.
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