Mounting for elongated objects

Abstract

Mounting device (1) for supporting an object (100), comprising a support device (10) and at least a retaining element (20) coupled to the support device (10) and configured for retaining the object (100), the support device (10) comprising at least a support element (4, 5), an adjustment element (3) and an actuation device (50) coupled to the adjustment element (3) and arranged to be actuated to move the adjustment element (3) in a translation direction (F) with respect to the support element (2) and the actuation device, the adjustment element (3) and the support element (4, 5) being provided with push elements arranged to move the adjustment element and / or the support element closer or further away from each other in a clamping direction (F1), so that the width of the support device in the clamping direction (F1) is adjusted by translating the adjustment element in the translation direction (F).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mounting component for supporting an object, and more particularly to a mounting component for supporting an elongated object.

[0002] The mounting hardware of this invention is specifically designed for supporting microphones or similar devices. Background Technology

[0003] It is known to support elongated objects, such as microphones, using a support device with a frame, and the frame is equipped with a holding device for holding the microphone.

[0004] The retaining device is shaped to define a receiving portion into which the microphone is inserted.

[0005] To hold the microphone more securely, known support devices typically have at least two different holding elements fixed to the support device and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the support device, arranged to hold the microphone in different longitudinal positions. In this way, instability and tilting of the microphone or typically elongated objects within the holding elements are avoided.

[0006] Microphones can have different longitudinal dimensions. To support microphones with different longitudinal dimensions using the same support device, a number of retaining devices spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the support device are required. The distance between two adjacent retaining devices needs to be adjusted according to the shape and length of the microphone.

[0007] The retaining device is provided with a locking device for locking the retaining device to or unlocking it from the support device. The locking device is configured to allow the retaining device to be securely fixed to the support device.

[0008] Each retaining device is equipped with a locking device that must be actuated by the user to lock or unlock the corresponding retaining devices on the support device to a desired distance from each other.

[0009] Therefore, a significant amount of time is required to prepare known support devices for holding the desired object on the support devices.

[0010] For elongated objects, it is important to hold the object almost symmetrically to avoid any possible undesirable tilting of the elongated object in the holding device.

[0011] In addition, for delicate objects that need to be supported, such as microphones, it is important to avoid sudden and undesirable movement of the holding device and the subsequent undesirable fall of the microphone from the holding device.

[0012] Therefore, it is necessary to smoothly lock the retaining device to the support or release the lock.

[0013] This effect cannot always be achieved using known support devices. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an installation device that is configured to overcome one or more disadvantages explained with reference to known techniques.

[0015] The object of the present invention is to provide an installation device that allows for simplified assembly operations for mounting objects on the installation device.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting device that allows for easier positioning of the retaining device.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting device that allows for easy adjustment of the position of the retaining device.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting device for elongated objects, thereby allowing the objects to be stably positioned on the mounting device.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting device for elongated objects, thereby allowing objects of different lengths to be stably positioned on the mounting device.

[0020] These and other objectives are achieved, at least in part, by the installation device according to this application.

[0021] In a first aspect of the invention, a mounting device for supporting an object is provided. The mounting device includes a support device and at least one retaining element coupled to the support device and configured to retain the object. The support device includes at least one supporting element, an adjusting element, and an actuating device coupled to the adjusting element and the supporting element and arranged to be actuated to move the adjusting element relative to the supporting element and the actuating device in a translational direction.

[0022] Preferably, the adjusting element and at least one supporting element are provided with a pushing element arranged to move the adjusting device and / or the supporting element along a clamping direction transverse to the translation direction, such that the width of the supporting device along the clamping direction is adjusted by translating the adjusting element along the translation direction.

[0023] In this way, by moving the adjusting element along the translation direction, the width of the support device changes along the clamping direction, which is transverse to the translation direction.

[0024] In other words, by translating the adjusting element along the translation direction, the adjusting device and the supporting element are moved closer or further apart along the clamping direction. It should be understood that even if the two elements remain in contact with each other, they can be moved closer or further apart because the distance between their respective centers of gravity can be taken into account.

[0025] In one version, the clamping direction is perpendicular to the translation direction.

[0026] The width of the support device along the clamping direction is adjusted to clamp or release at least one retaining element onto or from the support device.

[0027] Since the width of the support device is considered to be the distance between the two outer surfaces of the support device, the width of the support device is measured along the clamping direction.

[0028] Each of the adjusting element and the supporting element includes an inner surface arranged to face the supporting element and the adjusting element respectively, and an outer surface facing each other.

[0029] In this case, the width of the support device is the distance between the outer surface of the adjusting element and the outer surface of the support element.

[0030] The adjusting element and at least one supporting element are arranged side by side along the translation direction.

[0031] An adjusting element and at least one supporting element can be moved between at least one release configuration and at least one clamping configuration by means of an actuation device. In the release configuration, the supporting device has a first width and a retaining element can slide on the supporting device. In the clamping configuration, the adjusting element and the supporting element are separated and the supporting device has a second width in the clamping direction, wherein the second width of the supporting device is greater than the first width and at least one retaining element is clamped on the supporting device.

[0032] The retaining element preferably has a cavity arranged to connect to a support device, the cavity being shaped such that the support device can be received within it. The cavity is shaped such that a first width of the support device in a release configuration is less than the cavity width of the retaining element, allowing the retaining element to slide on the support device. The support device is adapted to be configured such that a second width of the support device corresponds to the width of the cavity, so that the retaining element is clamped onto the support device.

[0033] Advantageously, the adjusting element is provided with at least one protrusion extending from the adjusting element toward the supporting element, and at least one recess is provided, the at least one recess and the at least one protrusion being positioned sequentially along the longitudinal axis of the supporting device.

[0034] The protrusion is preferably disposed on the inner surface of the adjusting element.

[0035] The support element is preferably provided with at least one protruding element, which protrudes from the support element toward the adjustment element, and at least one notch is successively positioned with the at least one protruding element along the longitudinal axis of the support device.

[0036] The protruding element is preferably disposed on the inner surface of the support element.

[0037] In the support device of the present invention, both the at least one protrusion and the at least one protruding element function as pushing elements.

[0038] The at least one protrusion and the at least one recess are shaped to be connected, and similarly, the at least one protruding element and the at least one recess are shaped to be connected. In this way, in the release configuration, the at least one protrusion is accommodated in the at least one recess and the at least one protruding element is accommodated in the at least one recess.

[0039] The profile of the adjusting element matches the profile of the at least one supporting element, such that the adjusting element and the supporting element are shaped to be connected in the release configuration.

[0040] In at least one clamping configuration, the adjusting element and the at least one supporting element are separate. The width of the supporting device in at least one clamping configuration is greater than its width in the release configuration.

[0041] By translating the adjusting element from the release configuration along the translation direction, the protrusion translates relative to the recess along the longitudinal axis of the support device and gradually emerges from the recess, thereby increasing the width of the adjusting element.

[0042] The increased distance between the two outer surfaces of the adjusting element and the outer surface of the supporting element increases the width of the supporting device.

[0043] Advantageously, the at least one protrusion is tilted at an angle between 3° and 15° relative to the longitudinal axis of the support device, preferably between 4° and 10°, and more preferably about 6.5°.

[0044] The at least one protruding element is preferably tilted at an additional angle relative to the longitudinal axis, the additional angle being between 3° and 15°, preferably between 4° and 10°, and more preferably about 6.5°.

[0045] Preferably, this angle and the other angle are consistent with each other.

[0046] Preferably, the adjusting element includes a plurality of protrusions, which are alternately and successively positioned along the longitudinal axis of the support device. The support element is provided with a plurality of protruding elements, which are alternately and successively positioned along the longitudinal axis of the support device.

[0047] Multiple protrusions / recesses and multiple protruding elements / notches are provided along the longitudinal axis of the support device to allow for regular expansion of the support device.

[0048] In a preferred advantageous version, the support device includes a first support element and a second support element, the first support element and the second support element being positioned such that the adjusting element is located between the first support element and the second support element in the clamping direction.

[0049] In this case, the width of the support device is the distance between the outer surfaces of the two support elements, and the inner surfaces of the two support elements face the adjustment element.

[0050] The adjusting element preferably includes a guide attachment that extends from the side wall of the adjusting element and is configured to be slidably received in a sliding cavity defined in the support element.

[0051] During the movement of the adjusting element, the guide accessory slides into the sliding cavity, thereby guiding the movement of the adjusting element.

[0052] Advantageously, each protrusion includes a push surface extending along a longitudinal axis from the adjusting element toward the guide attachment, a stepped portion arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a corner portion bridging the push surface and the stepped portion. The corner portion preferably forms the portion of the protrusion closest to the first guide attachment.

[0053] The protrusion preferably has a circular profile to avoid stopping during operation of the support device.

[0054] The protrusion is shaped to provide a gap between the corner portion and the outer surface of the first guide attachment.

[0055] In this way, the movement of the regulating element is more stable and safer.

[0056] Advantageously, the actuation device includes: a knob coupled to a support element, the knob being arranged to be actuated by a user; and a threaded shaft extending from the knob and coupled to an adjustment element, such that by actuating the knob, translation of the adjustment element in a translational direction is obtained.

[0057] The knob is preferably rotatable in both directions of rotation to screw the threaded shaft into or out of the threaded hole of the adjusting element, thereby bringing the adjusting element closer to or further away from the knob.

[0058] In one version, the actuation device includes a shaft defining a threaded hole, and the adjustment element is provided with the threaded shaft such that by rotating the knob, the threaded shaft is screwed into or out of the threaded hole, thereby moving the adjustment element closer to / away from the knob.

[0059] The support device is also provided with a connecting device, which is arranged to rotatably connect the support element to the knob. The connecting device is configured to allow the knob to rotate relative to the support element and prevent the knob from translating relative to the support element.

[0060] This allows for safer actuation of the actuator. Attached Figure Description

[0061] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] - Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the mounting component for holding an object according to the present invention;

[0063] - Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the mounting component of the present invention in a clamping configuration;

[0064] - Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Top view of the mounting components;

[0065] - Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the support device;

[0066] - Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the support device, in which some parts have been removed for clarity;

[0067] - Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A side view of the support element of the support device;

[0068] - Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the supporting components;

[0069] - Figure 8 and Figure 9 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the adjusting elements of the support device;

[0070] - Figure 10 yes Figure 3 Front view of the support device;

[0071] - Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the support device of the present invention in the release configuration interrupted from above;

[0072] - Figure 11A yes Figure 11 Front view of the support device. Detailed Implementation

[0073] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a mounting device 1 is shown, which is arranged to support an object, for example, a... Figure 1 The microphone 100 shown is supported.

[0074] Even though a microphone will be explicitly mentioned below, the mounting device 1 of the present invention is particularly suitable for holding a variety of different objects, especially elongated objects.

[0075] The mounting device 1 of the present invention is particularly suitable for holding fragile, elongated objects.

[0076] The definition of an "elongated object" refers to a three-dimensional object whose dimension along one axis, usually the longitudinal axis, is greater than its dimension along the other two axes. It is typically indicated that the maximum dimension corresponds to the object's length.

[0077] The microphone 100 has an elongated body with a length L' considered along the longitudinal axis X' of the microphone 100.

[0078] The mounting device 1 includes: in Figures 3 to 11 The support device 10 is more clearly visible in the image, and a plurality of retaining elements 20 are arranged to be connected to the support device 10, for example in... Figures 1 to 3 It is visible in the text.

[0079] In the version shown, the plurality of retaining elements 20 includes a first retaining element 20A and a second retaining element 20B, but in other versions of the mounting device not shown in the figure, a different number of retaining elements may be provided in the mounting device of the present invention.

[0080] The number of retaining elements in the mounting device is selected based on the longitudinal dimension of the object to be mounted in the mounting device 1.

[0081] In the version shown, the first retaining element 20A and the second retaining element 20B are identical, so only one of the retaining elements will be described in detail below, and the same parts will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0082] The first retaining element 20A includes: a base portion 22 arranged to be coupled to the support device 10; a retaining portion 24 defining a mounting receiving portion 25 for accommodating the microphone 100; and a frame 21 connecting the base portion 22 and the retaining portion 24.

[0083] The base portion 22 includes: a base 26 provided with a connecting device 23 for connecting the retaining element 20A to the support device 10; and two arms 27 extending from the base 26 in a direction opposite to that of the connecting device 23 and thus in a direction opposite to that of the support device 10. The arms 27 are shaped such that the base portion 22 has a "U" shape. The arms 27 are preferably made of an elastic material.

[0084] The connecting device 23 is configured to allow the retaining element 20A to slide along the longitudinal axis X of the support device 10 on the support device 10, as explained below.

[0085] In the version shown, the connecting device 23 includes a cavity 28 formed in the base 26 and arranged to be coupled to the support device 10, which will be explained better below.

[0086] Cavity 28 has a cavity width Dc and a “C” shape, and is provided with two lateral cavity walls 29 ending at corresponding edges 8, which are configured to allow retaining element 20A to slide along support device 10 along longitudinal axis X, as explained below.

[0087] The frame 21 includes a frame base 21A and frame arms 21B disposed at opposite ends of the frame base 21A and extending from the frame base 21A. Each frame arm 21B is connected at one end of the frame base 21A and at the free end of an arm 27, respectively, so as to be positioned between the arm 27 and the frame base 21A. The frame arms 21B are preferably made of an elastic material and are substantially parallel to the base 22.

[0088] The frame base 21A is separated from the base 22, and the frame base 21A is located at a position where there is a gap between the frame base 21A and the base 26.

[0089] Therefore, part 24 is kept away from base 22. This allows vibrations and sudden movements to be absorbed.

[0090] The retaining portion 24 is attached to the frame base 21A via a bridging element 21C made of elastic material.

[0091] Therefore, the retaining portion 24 is kept away from the base 22 and the retaining portion 24 is connected to the base 22 via the bridging element 21C.

[0092] This allows vibrations and sudden movements to be absorbed. This effect is also enhanced by the absence of direct contact between the base 22 and the retaining portion 24.

[0093] This allows for the limitation of vibrations acting on the microphone 100 or the object mounted in the retaining elements 20A, 20B. The microphone 100 is thus stably mounted in the retaining elements 20A, 20B.

[0094] The retaining portion 24 is defined by a deformable wall 24A, the shape of which is configured to define a mounting receiving portion 25 for the microphone 100, the receiving portion having an opening 25A through which the microphone 100 is inserted. The mounting receiving portion 25 may have an almost semi-circular shape, wherein the opening 25A is arranged in the opposite direction to the frame base 21A and therefore to the support device 10, allowing the user to more easily access the receiving portion 25.

[0095] In other forms of the mounting device not shown in the figure, the mounting device may be provided with retaining elements that are different from each other, such as retaining elements that have different sizes from each other and / or mounting receptacles that have different sizes from each other and are therefore suitable for retaining objects of different sizes and / or suitable for retaining objects of different sizes along their longitudinal axis.

[0096] exist Figures 3 to 5 The support device 10, which is more clearly visible in the image, includes an adjustment element 3, a first support element 4, and a second support element 5 placed side by side along the longitudinal axis X of the support device 10. The adjustment element 3 is inserted between the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 on the transverse axis Y of the support device 10, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0097] The first support element 4 and the second support element 5 have an inner surface facing the adjustment element 3 and opposite outer surfaces 4' and 5' forming the outer surface of the support device 10.

[0098] The width D of the support device is the distance between the two outer surfaces 4' and 5' of the first support element 4 and the second support element 5, respectively.

[0099] The outer surfaces 4' and 5' are arranged to engage with the connecting device 23 for connecting at least one retaining element 20 to the support device 10.

[0100] The length P of the support device 10 is measured along the longitudinal axis X, while the width is measured along the transverse axis Y.

[0101] Adjusting element 3 can move in two directions relative to the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 along the translation direction indicated by arrow F in the figure. In the version shown, the translation direction F is parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the support device 10.

[0102] Adjusting element 3 can move relative to the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 along the translation direction F to cause the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 to translate along the clamping direction F1, which in the illustrated version is parallel to the transverse axis Y and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, so as to adjust the width D of the support device 10, as explained in more detail below.

[0103] Adjusting element 3 can be positioned relative to the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 as follows: Figure 11 and Figure 11A At least one release configuration W' schematically shown with, as Figures 1 to 10 The at least one clamping configuration W shown moves between the following: in the release configuration W', the adjusting element 3, the first support element, and the second support element are placed side by side, and the support device has a first width D'; in the clamping configuration W, the adjusting element 3 is spaced apart from the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 in the clamping direction F1, and the support device 10 has a second width D' greater than the first width D', such as... Figure 10 It is more visible in the middle.

[0104] In other words, in the clamping configuration W, the distance D'' between the outer surfaces 4' and 5' of the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 is greater than the distance D' between the outer surfaces 4' and 5' of the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 in the release configuration W'.

[0105] According to the present invention, in the clamping configuration W, it is sufficient for the adjusting element 3 to be spaced apart from at least one of the first support element 4 or the second support element 5 in the clamping direction F1.

[0106] In the release configuration W', retaining elements 20A and 20B slide freely along the support device 10. In at least one clamping configuration W, retaining elements 20A and 20B are clamped onto the support device 10. The first width D' of the support device 10 is smaller than the cavity width Dc of the cavity 28 of the retaining elements 20A and 20B, such that the cavity 28 of the retaining elements 20A and 20B can slide on the support device 10.

[0107] The first support element 4 and the second support element 5 are provided with longitudinal grooves 7, which are respectively defined on the base wall 42 and another base wall 42' on the side opposite to the adjustment element 3, and the longitudinal grooves 7 are arranged to slidably receive the edge 8 of the cavity 28.

[0108] In this way, the edge 8 of cavity 28 slides into groove 7. Therefore, the movement of retaining elements 20A and 20B in support device 10 is guided.

[0109] The connection between edge 8 and groove 7 also allows for a stable connection between retaining elements 20A, 20B and support device 10 in at least one clamping configuration W.

[0110] The adjusting element 3 includes a body 3C that extends between a first longitudinal end 3A and an opposite second longitudinal end 3B and is defined by two opposite lateral walls 11, 12, an upper wall 13 and a lower wall 14 that extend in the longitudinal direction X between the first longitudinal end 3A and the opposite second longitudinal end 3B.

[0111] The adjusting element 3 is provided with a threaded hole 30 at the first longitudinal end 3A. Figure 4 As can be seen, the adjusting element 3 is arranged to cooperate with the actuating device 50 to move the adjusting element 3 in the translation direction F, as explained below.

[0112] The body 3C is also provided with a first guide attachment 15 extending from the first side wall 11, the first guide attachment 15 being configured to be slidably received in a first sliding cavity 46 defined in the first support element 4, and having a second guide attachment 16 extending from the second side wall 12, the second guide attachment 16 being configured to be slidably received in a second sliding cavity 46' defined in the second support element 5.

[0113] The shape of each guide attachment 15, 16 and the corresponding sliding cavity 46, 46' is set such that the guide attachment 15, 16 can slide in the corresponding sliding cavity 46, 46'.

[0114] By moving the adjusting element 3 along the translation direction F, the accessories 15 and 16 are guided to slide in the corresponding sliding cavities 46 and 46', thereby guiding the movement of the adjusting element 3.

[0115] The adjusting device 3 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 35, which are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the adjusting device and alternate with a plurality of recesses 39, so that the adjusting device 3 has a serrated profile. The protrusions 35 extend from the first side wall 11 toward the first support element 4 in the transverse direction Y. The protrusions 35 are shaped to define the plurality of recesses 39 into the adjusting element 3.

[0116] Each protrusion 35 includes a push surface 36 extending along the longitudinal axis X from the adjusting element 3 toward the first guide attachment 15. The push surface 36 is inclined at an angle α between 3° and 15° relative to the longitudinal axis X, preferably between 4° and 10°, and more preferably about 6.5°.

[0117] The actuating surface 36 has a length "L" between 3 mm and 50 mm.

[0118] The length L and tilt angle α of the pushing surface 36 can be selected during manufacturing.

[0119] Each protrusion 35 also includes a stepped portion 37 disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and a corner portion 38 bridging the push surface 36 with the stepped portion 37, the corner portion 38 forming the portion of the protrusion 35 closest to the first guide attachment 15.

[0120] Each protrusion 35 preferably has a circular profile to avoid stopping during operation of the support device 10.

[0121] The dimensions of each protrusion 35 are set such that a gap “S” is provided between the corner portion 38 and the outer surface M of the first guide attachment 15. The outer surface M of the first guide attachment 15 is the surface 45 facing the first sliding cavity during use.

[0122] This means that, taking into account the projection of the protrusion 35 onto the same XY plane as the first guide attachment 15, a gap “S” in the Y direction is provided between the corner portion 38 and the outer surface M of the first guide attachment 15.

[0123] The provision of the gap “S” allows the adjusting element 3 to reliably move into the first sliding cavity 46.

[0124] exist Figures 5 to 7 The first support element 4, which is more clearly visible in the image, includes a body 40 defined by a base wall 42 and two lateral walls 41 extending from the base wall 42, thus positioning a longitudinal cavity 46 extending along the longitudinal axis X of the first support element 4 into the body 40. In use, the first support element 4 is positioned such that the longitudinal cavity 46 opens toward the adjustment element 3.

[0125] Each side wall 41 is provided with a plurality of protruding elements 43 extending from the first support element 4 along the lateral direction Y-axis adjustment element 3 and a plurality of recesses 49 arranged alternately with the protruding elements 43.

[0126] The protruding elements 43 and the recesses 49 are arranged alternately to define the serrated profile in the support element 4.

[0127] The shapes of the multiple protruding elements 43 are configured such that multiple recesses 49 are defined in the support element 4.

[0128] Each protruding element 43 includes an inclined surface 44 that extends from the first support element 4 along the longitudinal axis X and is inclined at an angle β between 3° and 15° relative to the longitudinal axis X, preferably between 4° and 10°, and more preferably about 6.5°.

[0129] The inclined surface 44 protrudes from the first support element 4 toward the adjustment element 3.

[0130] The tilt angle β of the tilted surface 44 corresponds to the tilt angle α of the pushing surface 36.

[0131] The inclined surface 44 has a length "L1" between 3 mm and 50 mm, corresponding to the length of the pushing surface 36.

[0132] The length L1 and angle β of the inclined surface 44 can be selected during manufacturing.

[0133] Each protruding element 43 also includes a step portion 45 and a corner portion 47 that bridges the inclined surface 44 with the step portion 45.

[0134] According to the invention, the protrusion and the recess are connected in shape, and similarly, the protruding element and the recess are connected in shape, such that in the release configuration W', the protrusion is received in the recess and the protruding element is received in the recess.

[0135] In the release configuration W', the first lateral wall 11 and the first support element 4 are shaped to be connected.

[0136] The number of protrusions 35, the length "L" of the pushing surface 36, the angle α of the pushing surface 36, the number of protruding elements 43, the length "L1" of the inclined surface 44 and / or the angle β are selected accordingly, as explained below.

[0137] Specifically, the pushing surface 36 and the inclined surface 44 are parallel to each other, and the angle β of the inclined surface 44 and the angle α of the pushing surface 36 are consistent with each other.

[0138] The second lateral wall 12 of the adjusting element 3 is provided with a plurality of additional protrusions 35', which are positioned along the longitudinal axis of the adjusting element 3 and extend from the adjusting element 3 in the transverse direction Y, and are provided with a plurality of additional recesses 39', which are arranged alternately with the additional protrusions 35' and are arranged to interact with the second support element 5 during the movement of the adjusting element 3, as explained below, for adjusting the position of the adjusting element 3 and the second support element 5.

[0139] The additional protrusions 35' have the same features as the protrusions 35. For example, each additional protrusion 35' includes a corner portion 38'. Therefore, the additional protrusions 35' will not be explained in detail, and features corresponding to the features of the protrusions 35 will be indicated by the same reference numerals in quotation marks.

[0140] As mentioned above, the second support element 5 corresponds to the first support element 4, and will not be described again here. The parts corresponding to the first support element 4 are indicated by the same reference numerals plus quotation marks.

[0141] The additional longitudinal cavity 46' of the second support element 5 is arranged to accommodate the second guide attachment 16 of the adjustment element 3 in a slidable manner.

[0142] The second support element 5 has a profile that matches the profile of the second lateral wall 12, such that in the release configuration W', an additional protrusion 35' is received in an additional recess 49' and an additional protruding element 43' is received in an additional recess 39'.

[0143] According to the invention, the contour of the second support element 5 matches the contour of the second lateral surface 12, therefore the number and / or features of the additional protrusions 35' must be selected in correspondence with the number and features of the additional protrusions 43', and vice versa.

[0144] In a version not shown, only one of the first or second lateral walls of the adjusting element is provided with a plurality of protrusions, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis X of the adjusting element and protrude from the adjusting element. In this case, only one of the supporting elements is provided with one or more protruding elements and one or more recesses, such that the contour of the first or second lateral wall matches the contour of the corresponding supporting element.

[0145] In another version not shown, the support device is provided with only one support element and an adjustment element movable relative to the support element in the translational direction for fastening / releasing the retaining element to / from the support device.

[0146] In another variation not shown in the figure, the adjusting device and the corresponding support element are provided with a single protrusion extending toward the first guide attachment.

[0147] In another version, not shown, each protrusion may have a pushing surface that has a different inclination relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0148] In other versions, the protrusion and other protrusions may have different angles and / or the pushing surface and other pushing surfaces may have different lengths.

[0149] The support device 10 also includes an actuation device 50, which is coupled to the support device 10 and arranged to be actuated by the user to move the adjustment element 3 in the translation direction F relative to the first support element 4 and the second support element 5, so as to fasten the first retaining element 20A and the second retaining element 20B to / release them from the support device 10, as described below.

[0150] The actuation device 50 includes a knob 51 and a threaded shaft 52. The knob 51 is configured to be actuated by a user, and the threaded shaft 52 extends from the knob 51 and is rotatably received in the threaded hole 30 of the adjustment element 3.

[0151] In another version not shown, the actuating device includes a shaft defining a threaded hole, and the adjusting element includes a threaded shaft that can be rotated in the threaded hole by rotating a knob.

[0152] As shown in the figure, knob 51 can be rotated in both directions along the rotating arrow F2.

[0153] By rotating the knob 51 in the first direction, the threaded shaft 52 is screwed into the threaded hole 30 and thus moves toward the adjusting element 3. By rotating the knob 51 in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the threaded shaft 52 is screwed out of the threaded hole 30, thereby moving the knob 51 away from the adjusting element 3.

[0154] The knob 51 is connected to the first support element 4 and the second support element 5, so that the knob 51 can rotate relative to the first support element 4 and the second support element 5, and the translation of the knob 51 relative to the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 along the translation direction F is hindered.

[0155] The knob 51 is hollow inside and defines a rotating cavity 53. The first end portion 4A of the first support element 4 and the second end portion 5A of the second support element 5 are rotatably accommodated in the rotating cavity 53.

[0156] The support device 10 is also provided with a connecting device not visible in the figure, and the support device 10 is configured to rotatably connect the first end portion 4A and the second end portion 5A to the knob 52. The connecting device is configured such that the knob 52 can rotate relative to the first end portion 4A and the second end portion 5A of the first support element 4, and such that the translation of the knob 51 relative to the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 in the translation direction F is impeded.

[0157] The coupling device provided for connecting the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 to the knob 51 allows for the prevention of any disengagement of the first support element 4 and the second support element 5.

[0158] In one version, the connecting device includes: at least a circumferential slit defined in a rotating cavity 53; and at least one protrusion defined in a first end portion 4A and a second end portion 5A, the protrusion being configured to be rotatably received in the slit.

[0159] As described above, by actuating the actuating device 50, the support device 10 moves between at least one release configuration W' and at least one clamping configuration W, and the width D of the support device 10 is adjusted, as explained below.

[0160] In the release configuration W', the adjusting element 3 is placed side by side with the first support element 4 and the second support element 5, the first lateral wall 11 is connected to the first support element 4, and the second lateral wall 12 is connected to the second support element 5.

[0161] In the release configuration W', the protrusion 35 is received in the recess 49, and vice versa, the protruding element 43 is positioned in the recess 39. Similarly, another protrusion 35' is positioned in another recess 49', and vice versa, another protruding element 43' is positioned in another recess 39'.

[0162] Advantageously, in the release configuration W', the stepped portion 37 abuts against the corresponding stepped portion 45, and the other stepped portion 37 abuts against the corresponding other stepped portion 45'.

[0163] In the release configuration W', the support device 10 has a first width D' smaller than the cavity width Dc, and the retaining elements 20A, 20B can slide on the support device 10.

[0164] In the release configuration W', the retaining elements 20A, 20B can also be removed from the support device 10 and / or a desired number of retaining elements can be connected to the support device 10, and / or the positions of the retaining elements 20A, 20B on the support device 10 can be adjusted.

[0165] In the version shown, in the release configuration W', the adjusting element 3 is further away from the knob 51.

[0166] By actuating the knob 51, the threaded shaft 52 is screwed into the threaded hole 30, thereby moving the knob 51 toward the adjusting element 3. The adjusting element 3 translates relative to the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 toward the knob 51 along the translation direction F.

[0167] The first guide attachment 15 slides into the first sliding cavity 46 and the corresponding second guide attachment 16 slides into the second sliding cavity 46.

[0168] By translating the adjusting element 3 along the translation direction F, the first lateral wall 11 translates relative to the first support element and gradually separates from the first support element. The protrusion 35 translates relative to the protruding element 43, and the pushing surface 36 slides on the inclined surface 44, and the width D of the support device 10 gradually increases. By translating the adjusting element 3, the stepped portion 37 gradually separates from the stepped portion 45.

[0169] In the clamping configuration W, the protrusion 35 is at least partially located outside the recess 49, another protrusion 35' is at least partially located outside another recess 49', the protruding element 43 is at least partially located outside the recess 39, and another protruding element 43' is at least partially located outside another recess 39'.

[0170] Because the pushing surface 36 is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis X, by moving the adjusting element 3, the pushing surface 36 pushes the adjusting element 3 away from the first support element 4. Similarly, the inclined surface 44 gradually pushes the first support element 4 away from the adjusting element 3. Similarly, by translating the adjusting element 3, the additional pushing surface 36' pushes the adjusting element 3 away from the second support element 5, and the additional inclined surface 44' gradually pushes the second support element 5 away from the adjusting element 3.

[0171] When the adjusting element 3 is fixed to the knob 51, the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 move away from the adjusting element 3 along the clamping direction F1.

[0172] By translating the adjusting element 3 from the release configuration W' in the translation direction F, the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 are translated relative to the adjusting element 3 in the clamping direction F1, thereby gradually increasing the width D of the support device 10.

[0173] Therefore, the force applied by the support device 10 increases, especially the force applied by the first support element 4 and the second support element 5 to the lateral cavity wall 29 of the cavity 28. As a result, the retaining elements 20A and 20B are gradually clamped onto the support device 10, and the sliding of the retaining elements 20A and 20B on the support device 10 is gradually hindered.

[0174] The edge 8 of cavity 28 is gradually clamped in groove 7.

[0175] In the clamping configuration W, the support device 10 has a second width D'' corresponding to the cavity width Dc of the cavity 28, and the retaining elements 20A and 20B are clamped on the support device 10.

[0176] Rotate knob 51 to unscrew threaded shaft 52 from threaded hole 30, support device 10 moves toward release configuration W': adjustment element 3 translates along translation direction F to connect first lateral wall 11 and second lateral wall 12 to first support element 4 and second support element 5 respectively, thereby reducing the width D of support device 10.

[0177] The width D of the support device 10 gradually decreases, the force applied to the lateral cavity wall 29 gradually decreases, and the retaining elements 20A and 20B are gradually released from the support device 10 and can slide on the support device 10.

[0178] Therefore, the longitudinal position of the retaining elements 20A and 20B on the support device 10 can be adjusted.

[0179] The retaining elements 20A and 20B can also be removed from the support device 10, for example, to replace the retaining elements to provide retaining cavities 25 of different sizes and thus to be suitable for retaining elongated objects 100 of different sizes.

[0180] The angle α of the pushing surface 36 and the angle β of the tilting surface 44 are greater than the friction angle of the materials used for the adjusting element 3 and the support elements 4 and 5, so that any obstruction between the adjusting element and the support element is avoided.

[0181] This also ensures that the adjustment element 3 can move in a reversible manner along the translation direction F toward and away from the knob 51.

[0182] Since the protrusion 35 and the protruding element 43 are provided with inclined surfaces, the width of the support device 10 is gradually adjusted by moving the adjusting element 3, and thus the force applied to the lateral cavity wall 29 is gradually adjusted and the retaining element is gradually tightened.

[0183] Since the width D of the support device 10 is adjustable, the retaining element of the cavity 28 with different widths Dc can be clamped on the support device 10 by adjusting the position of the adjusting element 3 relative to the first support element and the second support element.

[0184] Adjusting the inclination angle of the pushing surfaces 36, 36' of the inclined surfaces 44, 44' allows for adjustment of the necessary stroke length along the translation direction F to obtain the desired variation in the width D of the support device 10, in order to clamp the retaining elements 20A, 20B in the support device 10 and / or obtain the force required to tighten / loosen the retaining elements 20A, 20B.

[0185] The degree of rotation of knob 51 can be adjusted to obtain the required stroke, thereby obtaining the desired change in the width D of support device 10.

[0186] The required precision for tightening / loosening of retaining elements 20A and 20B on support device 10 can also be adjusted.

[0187] The provision of inclined protrusions and protruding elements allows for smooth actuation of the support device 10.

[0188] Therefore, the present invention achieves the stated objectives and allows for many advantages.

Claims

1. A mounting device (1) for supporting an object (100), the mounting device (1) comprising a support device (10) and at least one retaining element, the retaining element being coupled to the support device (10) and configured to retain the object (100), the support device (10) comprising at least one support element, an adjusting element (3) and an actuating device (50), the at least one support element comprising a first support element (4) and a second support element (5), the adjusting element (3) being disposed side-by-side with at least one support element, the actuating device (50) being coupled to the adjusting element (3) and arranged to be actuated to move the adjusting element (3) relative to at least one support element along a translational direction (F), the adjusting element (3) and the support element being provided with a pushing element, the pushing element being arranged to move the adjusting element (3) and / or at least one of the support elements along a translational direction (F), the adjusting element (3) and the support element being provided with a pushing element, the pushing element being arranged to move the adjusting element (3) and / or at least one of the support elements along a translational direction (F) relative to at least one support element. The support element moves along a clamping direction (F1) transverse to the translation direction (F). The pushing element is configured to adjust the width (D) of the support device (10) along the clamping direction (F1) by translating the adjusting element (3) along the translation direction (F) to clamp at least one of the retaining elements to or release at least one of the retaining elements from the support device (10). The adjusting element (3) is provided with at least one protrusion (35) extending from a first lateral wall (11) of the adjusting element facing the first support element (4) in use, and the adjusting element (3) is provided with at least one additional protrusion (35') extending from a second lateral wall (12) of the adjusting element (3) facing the second support element (5) in use.

2. The installation device according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the retaining elements includes a connecting device (23) for connecting at least one of the retaining elements to the support device (10), the connecting device defining a cavity (28) having a cavity width (Dc), the cavity (28) being arranged to be coupled to the support device (10), and the actuating device (50) being adapted to move the adjusting element (3) between a release configuration (W') and a clamping configuration (W), in which the support device (10) has a first width (D') less than the cavity width (Dc) and at least one of the retaining elements is slidable on the support device (10), in which the adjusting element (3) is separated from at least one of the support elements and a second width (D'') of the support device (10) is greater than the first width (D') in the release configuration (W'), and at least one of the retaining elements is clamped on the support device (10).

3. The mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the support elements is provided with at least one protruding element (43, 43') protruding from at least one of the support elements toward the adjustment element (3), the at least one protrusion (35) and the at least one additional protrusion (35') and the at least one protruding element (43, 43') forming a pushing element of the support device (10).

4. The installation device according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one protrusion (35) and the at least one additional protrusion (35') are tilted at an angle (α) relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the support device (10), the angle (α) being between 3° and 15°, and the at least one protruding element (43, 43') is tilted at an additional angle (β) relative to the longitudinal axis (X), the additional angle (β) being between 3° and 15°.

5. The installation device according to claim 4, wherein, The angle (α) is between 4° and 10°.

6. The installation device according to claim 4, wherein, The angle (α) is 6.5°.

7. The installation device according to claim 4, wherein, The other angle (β) is between 4° and 10°.

8. The installation device according to claim 4, wherein, The other angle (β) is 6.5°.

9. The installation device according to claim 4, wherein, The other angle (β) is the same as the angle (α).

10. The mounting device according to claim 3, wherein, The adjusting element (3) includes a plurality of protrusions (35) and a plurality of additional protrusions (35'), the plurality of protrusions (35) and the plurality of additional protrusions (35') being alternately positioned in succession along the longitudinal axis (X) with a plurality of recesses (39), and at least one of the supporting elements is provided with a plurality of protruding elements (43, 43'), the plurality of protruding elements (43, 43') being alternately positioned in succession along the longitudinal axis (X) with a plurality of recesses (49, 49').

11. The mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The adjusting element (3) includes a guide attachment that extends from a first side wall (11) of the adjusting element (3) and is configured to be slidably received in a sliding cavity (46, 46') defined in at least one of the support elements.

12. The mounting device according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the at least one protrusion (35) and the at least one additional protrusion (35') extends toward the guide attachment, and the dimensions of each of the at least one protrusion (35) and the at least one additional protrusion (35') are set to be spaced apart from the outer surface (M, M') of the guide attachment, and a gap (S) is provided between the corner portion (38, 38') of the at least one protrusion (35) and the at least one additional protrusion (35') and the outer surface (M, M') of the guide attachment.

13. The mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first support element (4) and the second support element (5) are positioned such that the adjustment element (3) is positioned between the first support element (4) and the second support element (5) in the clamping direction (F1).

14. The mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The actuation device (50) includes a knob (51) that can be rotated by a user for screwing a threaded shaft (52) into or out of a threaded hole (30), thereby moving the adjustment element (3) closer to or further away from the knob (51), wherein the threaded shaft (52) and the threaded hole (30) are respectively defined on the actuation device (50) and the adjustment element (3), or the threaded shaft (52) and the threaded hole (30) are respectively defined on the adjustment element (3) and the actuation device (50).

15. The mounting device according to claim 14, wherein, The support device (10) is also provided with a connecting device, which is arranged to rotatably connect the first support element (4) and the second support element (5) to the knob (51).

16. The mounting device according to claim 15, wherein, The connecting device is configured to allow the knob (51) to rotate relative to the first support element (4) and the second support element (5) and to prevent the knob (51) from translating relative to the first support element (4) and the second support element (5).

17. The mounting device according to claim 1, wherein, The retaining element is provided with a connecting device (23) for connecting the retaining element to the support device (10).

18. The mounting device according to claim 17, wherein, The connecting device (23) includes a cavity (28), and the support device can be slidably accommodated in the cavity (28).

19. The mounting device according to claim 18, wherein, The cavity has a "C" shape defined by lateral cavity walls (29) terminating at corresponding edges (8), the edges (8) being configured to be inserted into grooves (7) provided on the first support element (4) and the second support element (5), and adapted to allow the retaining element to slide along the longitudinal axis (X) of the support device (10).

Images