MECHANISM FOR POSITIONING A MOVABLE PART RELATIVE TO A SUPPORT, BETWEEN A DEPLOYED POSITION WHERE THE MOVABLE PART IS AT A DISTANCE FROM THE SUPPORT AND A RETRACTED CONFIGURATION WHERE THE MOVABLE PART IS LOCATED FLUSH WITH THE SUPPORT, AND SEAFARING VEHICLE INCLUDING SUCH  A MECHANISM

A mechanism positions a movable part relative to a support, between deployed and retracted configurations, with the movable part distant from the support and flush with the support, respectively. A base is attached to the support and has a central hole. A first positioning device has a first body in the central hole and a first off-centered hole relative to the central hole and a first notched wheel mechanically attached to the first body. A second positioning device has a second body in the first off-centered hole and a second off-centered hole and with a second notched wheel attached to the second body rotating when the second notched wheel is actuated. The two positioning devices are mounted fixed in translation relative to the base and position, along the two directions, an interface member of the movable part mounted in the second off-centered hole and attached to the positioning mechanism.

Mechanism for positioning a movable part relative to a support, between a deployed position where the movable part is at a distance from the support and a retracted configuration where the movable part is located flush with the support, and seafaring vehicle including such a mechanism

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the adjustment in position, along several directions, of a movable part with respect to a support.

In particular, the invention relates to a mechanism for positioning a movable part relative to a support, between a deployed position where the movable part is at a distance from the support and a retracted configuration where the movable part is located flush with the support.

The invention also relates to a seafaring vehicle, such as a vessel, including such a positioning mechanism

It may consist for example of a bulwark that is movable with respect to a hull of the seafaring vehicle.

Seafaring vehicle is understood here to mean a boat or a vessel which allows the maritime transport of materials and/or people. It may consist of any type of boat, particularly a pleasure, fishing, commercial boat, etc., whether it is a motor and/or sail boat.

PRIOR ART

In the maritime field, some vessels include a hull and a bulwark which can be movable relative to the hull, between a deployed configuration wherein the bulwark is at a distance from the hull and a retracted configuration wherein the bulwark is flush with the hull.

For example, the European patent EP 3 290 326 B1 discloses a movable bulwark coupled by a mechanical hinge system to the hull of a boat.

Such a mechanical hinge system can take on play in use, especially given that a bulwark is a relatively heavy part. This mechanical hinge system, which requires an adjustment at the assembly thereof, must generally be disassembled then replaced or re-adjusted by a maintenance operation.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a mechanism for positioning a movable part relative to a support, which is particularly reliable and convenient to use.

The invention thus relates, in a first aspect, to a mechanism for positioning a movable part relative to a support, between a deployed position where the movable part is at a distance from the support and a retracted configuration where the movable part is located flush with the support, including:a base mechanically attached in a fixed manner to the support and having a central hole;a first positioning device provided with a first body mounted in the central hole of the base and having a first off-centered hole relative to the central hole, and with a first notched wheel mechanically attached to the first body and configured to rotate the first body relative to the base when the first notched wheel is actuated;a second positioning device provided with a second body mounted in the first off-centered hole of the first positioning device and having a second off-centered hole relative to the central hole and non-concentric with the first off-centered hole, and with a second notched wheel mechanically attached to the second body and configured to rotate the second body when the second notched wheel is actuated;with the first positioning device and the second positioning device which are mounted fixed in translation relative to the base and which are configured to position, along a first direction and along a second direction different from the first direction, an interface member of the movable part which is mounted in the second off-centered hole of the second body of the second positioning device and which is mechanically attached to the positioning mechanism.

In the mechanism according to the invention, the first positioning device and the second positioning device are each of the so-called eccentric type.

The mechanism according to the invention thus offers the option of adjusting along two separate directions the movable part in position relative to the support, so as to make it possible, in the retracted configuration, to place the movable part flush with the support and, in the deployed configuration, to place the movable part at a distance from the support.

The mechanism according to the invention has the advantage of enabling an easier adjustment by merely actuating the first notched wheel and/or the second notched wheel, so as to position the first positioning device and along the second direction via the second positioning device.

Preferred, simple, convenient and economical features of the bearing according to the invention are described hereinafter.

The first positioning device is provided with recesses arranged in the first body and with clamping jaws movably mounted in the recesses.

The clamping jaws are configured to lock the second body of the second positioning device in position.

The first positioning device is provided with a clamping collar mounted around the jaws and the first body and configured to hold the jaws in the respective recesses.

The mechanism includes a cover which has a central orifice and which is mechanically attached to the base, with the central orifice which is located facing the central hole of the base, the first body of the first positioning device is rotatably mounted between the cover and the first body whereas the cover is at least partially sandwiched between the first notched wheel and the first body.

The second body of the second positioning device passes through the central orifice of the cover and the first notched wheel of the first positioning device is located between the cover and the second notched wheel of the second positioning device.

The base includes a main body which is provided with a curved elastic member arranged in the central hole, a radially through orifice of the main body, and a locking member at least partially inserted into the through orifice and configured to stress the curved elastic member.

The curved elastic member is configured to lock the first body of the first positioning device in position.

The curved elastic member is formed by a lug integral with the main body.

The base includes a sole plate mechanically attached to the support and the main body is mechanically attached to the sole plate.

The base is formed from one piece.

The mechanism includes a first operating key configured to allow the rotation of the first notched wheel of the first positioning device and a second operating key configured to allow the rotation of the second notched wheel of the second positioning device.

The invention also relates, in a second aspect, to a seafaring vehicle, including a positioning mechanism as described above and which is configured to adjust a movable part of the seafaring vehicle in position relative to a support of the seafaring vehicle, between a deployed position where the movable part is at a distance from the support and a retracted configuration where the movable part is located flush with the support.

Seafaring vehicle is understood here to mean a boat or a vessel which allows the maritime transport of materials and/or people. It may consist of any type of boat, particularly a pleasure, fishing, commercial boat, etc., whether it is a motor or sail boat.

In particular, the movable part can be a movable bulwark of the seafaring vehicle and the support can be a hull of the seafaring vehicle.

Such an application makes it possible to create, in an open position of the bulwark, an additional surface for a user of the seafaring vehicle, while in a closed position of the bulwark, the latter is stored flush with the hull.

The mechanism according to the invention makes it possible to position the bulwark perfectly flush with the hull in the closed position thereof, and adjustment is easier.

Between the retracted position and the deployed position, or respectively the open position and the closed position of the bulwark, the latter is coupled around an interface member of the bulwark mounted in the second off-centered hole of the second body of the second positioning device.

The mechanism is mechanically attached by the base to the hull of the boat and the bulwark is provided with a hinge axis about which it pivots, said hinge axis being inserted into the interface member.

The interface member includes a support flange mounted on the mechanism and a ball joint attached to the support flange and which receives the hinge axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1and2illustrate a seafaring vehicle1, such as a vessel or boat, which includes a hull2and a bulwark3that is movable relative to the hull2.

Seafaring vehicle is understood here to mean a boat or a vessel which allows the maritime transport of materials and/or people. It may consist of any type of boat, particularly a pleasure, fishing, commercial boat, etc., whether it is a motor and/or sail boat.

InFIG.1, the bulwark3is in a closed position, in the retracted configuration and flush with the hull, whereas inFIG.2, the bulwark3is in an open position, in the deployed configuration at a distance from the hull2.

In the open position, the bulwark3forms an additional usable surface for the user of the seafaring vehicle1.

In the closed position, the bulwark3must be perfectly flush with the hull2at least to ensure correct closure of the hull and thus protect the user, and also so that the hull lines are continuous.

The bulwark3is a relatively heavy movable part which requires a fine adjustment of the position thereof with respect to the hull2, which forms a support.

FIGS.3and4schematically show the seafaring vehicle1with its bulwark3which is movable relative to the hull2about a hinge system4.

The seafaring vehicle1is here furthermore provided with a positioning mechanism5of the bulwark3relative to the hull2.

In these figures, the positioning mechanism5can be seen on only one side of the bulwark3but it can be disposed on either side of the bulwark.

The positioning mechanism5is of the double eccentric type and offers the possibility of adjusting in position along two separate directions the position of the bulwark3relative to the hull2, in a particularly reliable and convenient manner.

The positioning mechanism5is described with reference successively toFIGS.5to20.

In particular, with reference toFIGS.5to7, the mechanism5includes a base6having here a sole plate7configured to be mechanically attached in a fixed manner to the hull2of the seafaring vehicle1.

The sole plate7is of annular shape, has an outer diameter De1and an inner diameter Di1delimiting a first central hole9, and includes several fastening orifices10aand10bopening through the sole plate7.

The base6furthermore includes a main body8which is here configured to be mounted in direct contact and mechanically attached to the sole plate7.

The main body8has here a semi-annular shape with an outer diameter De2similar to that of the sole plate7and an inner diameter Di2delimiting at least partially a second central hole12and which is greater than the inner diameter Di1of the sole plate7.

The main body8includes several fastening orifices11aand11bopening through the main body8.

The main body8furthermore includes a curved elastic member13arranged on the side of the inner diameter Di2and which extends into the central hole12, a radially through orifice14of the main body8, and a locking member15at least partially inserted into the through orifice14and configured to stress the curved elastic member13.

When the locking member15, for example formed by a screw, is moved against the curved elastic member13, for example formed by a lug integral with the main body8, this lug is deformed in the second central hole12.

In the example illustrated, the main body8has a greater thickness than the sole plate7.

Assembled, the sole plate7and the main body8form the base6, with at least the fastening orifices10aand11aand certain fastening orifices10band11bwhich are located facing one another.

The sole plate7and the main body8can be assembled for example by screw type fastening members18(seen inFIG.11), passing through certain respective fastening orifices10band11b.

With reference toFIGS.8to15, the mechanism5includes a first positioning device20of the bulwark3, along a first direction.

The first positioning device20is provided with a first body21having a first off-centered hole22, with a first predetermined eccentricity value Ce1.

The first body21has an overall annular shape, with an outer diameter De3and an inner diameter Di3delimiting the first off-centered hole22.

The first body21has a plurality of assembly orifices23.

The first body21is configured to be mounted in the central hole of the base6formed by the first central hole9of the sole plate7and by the second central hole12of the main body8.

In particular, the first body21has an overall cylindrical lateral wall24whereon protrusions25which form shoulders26resting on the sole plate7are arranged.

The first body21furthermore has an overall cylindrical inner wall33and an inner shoulder34at one end of this inner wall33.

The first positioning device20is provided with recesses27arranged in the first body21, between the assembly orifices23, and with clamping jaws28freely, or even movably, mounted in the recesses27.

The first positioning device20is provided with a clamping collar29mounted around the jaws28and the first body21and configured to hold the jaws28in the respective recesses27.

For this purpose, the clamping collar29includes here two clamping tabs30facing one another and each having a through hole which receives a fastening member31, such as a screw or bolt.

It will be noted that the outer diameter De3plus the thickness of the clamping collar29is substantially equivalent to the inner diameter Di2of the main body8of the base6.

The mechanism5, or the first positioning device20thereof, includes a cover35of overall annular shape which has an outer diameter De4and an inner diameter Di4delimiting a central orifice36.

The outer diameter De4and the inner diameter Di4are respectively substantially equal to the outer and inner diameters De1and Di1of the sole plate7.

The cover35is provided with centering orifices37aand fastening orifices37b.

The cover35is mechanically attached to the base6, with the central orifice36which is located facing the central hole of the base6formed by the first central hole9of the sole plate7and the second central hole12of the main body8.

The mechanism5can include fastening members, not shown, which pass through the centering orifices37aand other fastening orifices11bof the main body8of the sole plate7, so as to center the cover35with respect to the base7and about the first body21of the first positioning device20.

Furthermore, the mechanism5can include other fastening members38, for example screw type, which pass through the fastening orifices37bof the fastening orifices10aand11arespectively of the sole plate7and the main body8of the base6, and which engage on the hull2.

The first body21of the first positioning device20is thus rotatably mounted between the cover35and the base6.

The first positioning device20is furthermore provided with a first notched wheel40mechanically attached to the first body21and configured to rotate the first body21relative to the base6when the first notched wheel is actuated.

The first notched wheel40is arranged such that the cover35is at least partially sandwiched between the first notched wheel40and the first body21.

The first notched wheel40is of annular shape with a first off-centered orifice41of the same eccentricity value as the first off-centered hole22of the first body21, assembly orifices42passing through the first notched wheel40, an assembly notch45and a plurality of teeth44distributed on the outer perimeter thereof.

The first notched wheel40is mechanically attached, for example by screwing, to the first body21, via fastening members passing through the respective assembly orifices23and42.

The assembly notch45allows for its part access to the fastening members38.

The mechanism5includes a first operating key46equipped with a gripping portion47and an actuation portion48which is here curved and which is configured to allow the rotation of the first notched wheel40of the first positioning device20, thanks for example to a spigot49at the end of the actuation portion48which engages between two teeth of the first notched wheel40.

In the mechanism thus assembled, it will be noted that the curved elastic member13of the main body8of the base6is configured to lock the first body21of the first positioning device20in position when the locking member15is actuated.

With reference toFIGS.16to20, the mechanism5also includes a second positioning device50of the bulwark3, along a second direction separate from the first direction.

The second positioning device50is provided with a second body51having a second off-centered hole52, with a second predetermined eccentricity value Ce2equal to or different from the first off-centered hole22of the first body21of the first positioning device20.

The second body51has an overall cylindrical shape, with an outer diameter De5and an inner diameter Di5delimiting the second off-centered hole52.

The second off-centered hole52has a bottom wall54wherein the through hole53which also opens outside the second body51opens.

The second body51here has two assembly orifices55.

The second body51is configured to be mounted in the first off-centered hole22of the first body21of the first positioning device20, with the second off-centered hole52which is non-concentric with the first off-centered hole22, and in the

The second body51has a plurality of cylindrical lateral walls56to59, of distinct diameters so as to form a plurality of shoulders60to62, of which a first shoulder60formed between a first lateral wall56and a second lateral wall57, a second shoulder61formed between the second lateral wall57and a third lateral wall58, and a third shoulder62formed between the third lateral wall58and a fourth lateral wall59, with the latter which is located opposite the first lateral wall56.

The first lateral wall56is located on the side of the second body51where the through hole53opens whereas the fourth lateral wall59is located on the site of the second body51where the second off-centered hole52opens.

The second body51of the second positioning device50passes through the central orifice36of the cover35and the first off-centered orifice41of the first notched wheel40.

In particular, in the example illustrated, the first lateral wall56and the second lateral wall57of the second body51come against the inner wall33of the first body21, with the first shoulder60of the second body51which comes against the inner shoulder34of the first body21.

The second lateral wall57of the second body51extends through the central orifice36of the cover35and the second shoulder61faces the first notched wheel40.

The third lateral wall58extends through the first off-centered orifice41of the first notched wheel40.

The second positioning device50is also provided with a second notched wheel65mechanically attached to the second body51and configured to rotate the second body51when the second notched wheel65is actuated.

The mechanism5is configured such that the first notched wheel40of the first positioning device20is located between the cover35and the second notched wheel65of the second positioning device50.

In particular, the second notched wheel65is of annular shape with a second off-centered orifice66of the same eccentricity value as the second off-centered hole52of the second body51, assembly orifices67passing through the second notched wheel65and a plurality of teeth68distributed on the outer perimeter thereof.

The second notched wheel65is mechanically attached, for example by screwing, to the second body51, via fastening members passing through the respective assembly orifices55and67.

In particular, the third shoulder62of the second body51faces the second notched wheel65and the fourth lateral wall59passes through the second off-centered orifice66.

The second notched wheel65is therefore located overall facing the first notched wheel40, which are readily accessible.

The mechanism5includes a second operating key69equipped with a gripping portion70and an actuation portion71which is here curved and which is configured to allow the rotation of the second notched wheel65of the second positioning device50, thanks for example to a spigot72at the end of the actuation portion71which engages between two teeth of the second notched wheel65.

In the mechanism5thus assembled, the first positioning device20and the second positioning device50are mounted fixed in translation relative to the base6and are configured to position, along the first direction and the second direction (see hereinafter), the bulwark3in a particularly fine manner.

It will be noted that the clamping jaws28are configured to lock the second body51of the second positioning device50in position.

With reference toFIG.21, the hinge system4of the bulwark3is provided with an interface member80which is configured to be mounted in the second off-centered hole52of the second body51of the second positioning device50and is mechanically attached to the positioning mechanism5.

In particular, the interface member80includes a support flange81inserted at least partially into the second off-centered hole52and having a fastening orifice83wherein a screw type fastening member82is inserted.

The fastening member83is inserted on the side of the base6of the mechanism whereas the support flange81projects at least partially from the side of the second notched wheel65.

The interface member80furthermore includes a ball joint84engaged in the support flange81and which receives a hinge axis85of the bulwark3around which the latter can pivot.

In other words, the first positioning device20and the second positioning device50are configured to position the support flange81and hence the hinge axis85of the bulwark3.

FIGS.22to24show an example of adjustment of this hinge axis85via the mechanism5and along the first and second adjustment directions.

The adjustment is performed preferably in the closed position of the bulwark3, to place it perfectly flush with the hull2.

FIG.22shows the mechanism5in a so-called “neutral dead center” position, where the first adjustment direction D1and the second adjustment direction D2, an adjustment zone which corresponds here to the area of the second off-centered orifice66of the second notched wheel65of the second positioning device50, and also adjustment marks R1, R2and R3respectively formed on the base6, the first positioning device20and the second positioning device50, with these marks R1-R3which are aligned, are represented. The point P1represents the nominal position of the second off-centered hole52of the second positioning device50.

Relative to a desired position of the hinge axis85of the bulwark3, in accordance with a predetermined scale, the first notched wheel40and/or the second notched wheel65must be rotated relative to the so-called “neutral dead center” position, using the first operating key46and/or the second operating key69, respectively.

The rotation of the first notched wheel40and/or the second notched wheel65may have to be performed in the clockwise or anticlockwise direction.

InFIG.23, the first notched wheel40and the second notched wheel65are rotated in the anticlockwise direction along a first determined angle α1. The marks R2and R3are moved whereas the mark R1does not move.

InFIG.24, only the second notched wheel65is rotated in the anticlockwise direction along a second determined angle α2. Only the mark R3is therefore moved.

The rotation of the first notched wheel40and the second notched wheel65along the first determined angle α1in the anticlockwise direction, followed by the rotation of only the second notched wheel65along the second determined angle α2in the clockwise direction, makes it possible to offset the second off-centered hole52of the second positioning device50from the nominal position thereof to the desired position P2of the hinge axis of the bulwark.

Obviously, according to the desired position P2, the values of the angles of rotation and/or the direction of rotation and/or the notched wheel to be rotated can change.

Once the mechanism5is in the desired position P2, the mechanism5is locked in position first by clamping the clamping collar29around the clamping jaws28to lock the second body52of the second positioning device50in position, then the locking member15is actuated against the curved elastic member13of the main body8of the base6, which is deformed and which locks the first body21of the first positioning device20in position.

In the mechanism5described, the first positioning device20and the second positioning device50are each of the so-called eccentric type.

The mechanism5thus offers the option of adjusting along two separate directions the bulwark3in position relative to the hull2and more generally a movable part relative to a support, so as to make it possible, in the retracted configuration, to place the movable part flush with the support and, in the deployed configuration, to place the movable part at a distance from the support.

The mechanism5has the advantage of enabling an easier adjustment by merely actuating the first notched wheel40and/or the second notched wheel65, so as to position the first positioning device20and along the second direction via the second positioning device50.

Alternatives that are not illustrated are described hereinafter.

The thicknesses of the main body and the sole plate are identical or conversely the sole plate is thicker.

The base is formed from one piece rather than with a separate sole plate and main body.

The main body has an annular shape.

The first positioning device can include more or less recesses in the first body thereof and associated jaws.

The different elements of the mechanism include more or less assembly, centering and/or fastening orifices.

The different elements of the mechanism can be made of metal or plastic or of composite material.

More generally, the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.