Clamping device for arranging at least one grounding conductor on a folded roof sheet and method for arranging at least one grounding conductor

Abstract

The present invention provides a clamping device (100) for arranging at least one earthing conductor (201) on a roof sheet (300) having a fold (301), comprising a retaining plate (200) for the earthing conductor (201), a clamping plate (101) having a first clamping plate section (104) overlapping the fold (301) and clampable to the roof sheet (300), and a second clamping plate section (106) provided with a threaded bore (115), and a contact plate (102) arranged between the retaining plate (200) and the clamping plate (101) with an elongated hole (113) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) of the contact plate (102).wherein the retaining plate (200) and the clamping plate (101) are connected via a clamping screw (103) guided through the elongated hole (113) and are designed to be displaceable in a longitudinal direction (L) relative to the contact plate (102), and a method for arranging at least one earthing conductor (201) on a roof sheet (300) having a fold (301) with such a clamping device (100).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device for arranging at least one earthing conductor on a roof sheet having a fold and to a method for arranging at least one earthing conductor on a roof sheet having a fold.

[0002] Clamping devices are used to attach grounding or lightning protection conductors to roofing sheets and cladding, particularly standing seam roofing sheets and parapets, to create a secure and stable connection between the roofing sheet and the grounding conductor without damaging the roof structure. Known clamping devices used for attaching grounding conductors to roof seams typically have two separate, i.e., loosely supplied, clamping parts. One part must be laboriously threaded onto a seam of the roofing sheet for installation. After being placed on top of the first part and a tensioning screw inserted into the roofing sheet, the second part is clamped in place. These known devices require complex handling, especially with varying thicknesses and shapes of roof seams. Furthermore, damage to the roof seams can occur.Furthermore, the design with loose parts renders the known devices unusable after the loss of one of the parts.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a clamping device that enables simple and flexible mounting on a roof sheet.

[0004] The present invention provides a clamping device for arranging at least one earthing conductor on a roof sheet having a fold, with the features of claim 1, and a method for arranging at least one earthing conductor on a roof sheet having a fold, with the features of claim 9.

[0005] Preferred further training courses are the subject of the subclaims.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a clamping device for arranging at least one earthing conductor on a roof sheet having a fold is provided, comprising a retaining plate for the earthing conductor, a clamping plate having a first clamping plate section overlapping the fold and clampable to the roof sheet, and a second clamping plate section having a central threaded bore, and a contact plate arranged between the retaining plate and the clamping plate having an elongated hole extending in a longitudinal direction of the contact plate, wherein the retaining plate and the clamping plate are connected via a clamping screw guided through the elongated hole and are designed to be displaceable relative to the contact plate in a longitudinal direction.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for arranging at least one grounding conductor on a roof sheet having a fold is provided using the clamping device according to the invention, wherein the method comprises the steps of: loosening the clamping screw and spacing the retaining plate and the clamping plate from the contact plate; moving the retaining plate and the clamping plate in a longitudinal direction relative to the contact plate into a position releasing the first clamping plate section; arranging the first clamping plate section in a position overlapping the fold; moving the contact plate in a direction opposite to the longitudinal direction relative to the clamping plate and the retaining plate; Inserting at least one grounding wire between the contact plate and the retaining plate; and applying the clamping screw and clamping the clamping device to the roof sheet, includes.

[0008] The underlying idea of ​​the present invention is to simplify and increase the flexibility of mounting clamping devices on roof seams through an improved design. For this purpose, a clamping device is provided comprising a retaining plate for the grounding conductor, a clamping plate with a first clamping section for engaging the seam, and a second clamping section with a central threaded bore. A contact plate arranged between the retaining plate and the clamping plate is provided with an elongated hole, which allows flexible longitudinal displacement of the clamping plate relative to the contact plate. All parts of the clamping device are securely connected by a screw and do not need to be separated for assembly.The elongated hole allows the contact plate and clamping plate to be moved relative to each other in an open position of the clamping device, with the clamping screw inserted but not tightened. This allows the opened section of the clamping plate to be placed over the seam to adjust the clamping device. By moving the contact plate in the opposite direction, the contact plate is placed against the roofing sheet opposite the clamping plate, after which the clamping device can be clamped to the roofing sheet to assume a holding or clamping position. The seam, which is merely covered by the clamping plate, is not involved in the clamping process and therefore cannot be damaged, for example, compressed or bent. The clamping device according to the invention thus simplifies the installation of at least one grounding conductor on a roofing sheet with a seam.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the clamping device, the contact plate has a first contact plate section that can be placed on the roof sheet and a second contact plate section that extends the first contact plate section longitudinally and can be placed on the second clamping plate section. This advantageously improves the mechanical connection between the roof sheet and the clamping device, since the first contact plate section, which rests directly on the roof sheet, ensures large-area contact. The second contact plate section, which extends the first longitudinally and rests, in particular, flatly on the second clamping plate section, provides additional stabilization of the clamping device, enables a uniform distribution of mechanical stresses along the contact surface, and further improves the clamping between the elements and the roof sheet.The bridging between the roof sheet and the second clamping plate section also improves the structural integrity of the entire clamping device.

[0010] In one embodiment of the clamping device, the contact plate is provided with support tabs on its lateral longitudinal edges. These tabs are angled towards the fold and, in the closed position, can be tangentially positioned against the fold. The tangential contact of the support tabs with the fold provides targeted support for the clamping device on the fold area of ​​the roofing sheet or the fold edge, advantageously improving the stability of the connection without damaging the fold. A further advantage results from the increased structural stiffness of the contact plate. The angled support tabs act as stiffening elements, securing the entire component against bending or torsional forces. Furthermore, the support tabs also limit the displacement of the contact plate, thus preventing damage, in particular compression, bending, or crushing of the fold edge.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the clamping device, the first clamping plate section forms a receiving space for the seam. This receiving space is designed, for example, with a curved shape, so that the seam is completely encompassed and the clamping plate, or the first clamping plate section, does not rest against the seam. This prevents tensile and bending stresses that could act on the seam. Furthermore, because an end edge of the clamping plate section is supported not on the seam but on the roofing sheet above it, twisting of the clamping device is advantageously prevented. The end edge of the first clamping plate section has at least one, preferably two, contact sections projecting from the end edge.When the first clamping plate section is positioned over the seam, the contact sections are engaged, and the clamping device is positively locked to the roof sheet. This advantageously supports the clamping device on the roof sheet, but not on the seam. This support increases the torsional rigidity of the entire clamping device, while the individual contact sections advantageously achieve a uniform clamping force distribution and higher contact pressure. The contact sections are formed by notching or punching the end edge or by cutting into it.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the clamping device, the retaining plate for holding the at least one grounding conductor on the clamping device is designed to accommodate different grounding conductor routing directions relative to the roof sheet. This significantly increases the flexibility of the clamping device, as the embodiment allows for application-specific adaptation of the grounding conductor routing, which proves particularly advantageous in complex roof structures or when integrating into existing installations. The ability to route the grounding conductor in different directions also simplifies installation, as the conductor routing can be adapted to the structural conditions without requiring additional supports or deflections.Additionally, embossing can be provided in the contact plate to serve as anti-rotation protection and prevent a clamped grounding conductor from twisting unintentionally, especially in the axial direction with respect to the clamping screw.

[0013] An advantageous further development proposes that at least one support projection extending towards the contact plate be provided at a lower end of the clamping plate to engage with a lower edge of the contact plate. In the clamped state, where the support projection engages the lower edge of the contact plate, the mechanical stability and torsional rigidity of the clamping device are advantageously increased. The support projection acts as a support element that fixes the position of the contact plate relative to the clamping plate and prevents unintentional displacement or rotation of the components under load. The positive engagement with the lower edge of the contact plate creates a force-fit connection when clamped, which is particularly advantageous under dynamic loads, such as wind or vibration, and ensures the contact plate is permanently fixed.Another advantage of this training lies in the assembly support, as the support projection can serve as an assembly aid by holding the contact plate in the correct position during installation before the final clamping takes place.

[0014] In another embodiment of the clamping device, the contact plate has guide sections for the clamping plate on its opposite longitudinal edges. These guide sections enable precise alignment of the clamping plate during assembly. The clamping plate is guided along these sections, resulting in self-centering positioning. This not only reduces assembly effort but also advantageously prevents misalignments that could lead to uneven clamping forces or an unreliable connection. A further advantage lies in the improved structural integrity of the connection. The guide sections provide additional stabilization of the clamping plate by preventing lateral movement or twisting under mechanical loads.

[0015] In another embodiment of the clamping device, the clamping plate and the contact plate can be subjected to a clamping force acting on the roofing sheet via the clamping screw. By using a clamping screw as the central connecting element, the clamping force can be precisely controlled. This allows the clamping force to be adapted to different roofing sheet thicknesses or material properties, depending on the specific configuration. The controlled force application prevents both overstressing of the roofing sheet, which could lead to deformation or damage, and insufficient clamping, which would compromise the mechanical stability of the connection. A further advantage of this embodiment lies in the uniform distribution of the clamping force between the clamping plate and the contact plate.The clamping screw generates an axial force that presses both plates towards the roof panel, creating high friction between the contact surfaces. This ensures a durable, vibration-resistant fastening that clamps reliably even under dynamic loads such as thermal expansion. Furthermore, the clamping screw solution allows for quick and easy assembly and disassembly of the clamping device, as all elements of the clamping device remain connected via the screw before, during, and after assembly, leaving no loose parts.

[0016] In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, when the clamping screw is applied and the clamping device is clamped to the roof sheet, the retaining plate is simultaneously clamped to the grounding conductor. Advantageously, this allows assembly to be carried out in a single step. The simultaneous clamping of the retaining plate and grounding conductor also reduces the risk of loosening due to thermal expansion or vibrations. Since both connections are secured by the same clamping mechanism, the mechanical forces act uniformly on the entire clamping device, thereby increasing the long-term stability of the mechanical connection. Furthermore, this embodiment enables a compact design of the clamping device, as no additional connecting elements or separate grounding clamps are required.

[0017] In a further development of the inventive method, it is provided that when the contact plate is moved, it is moved until the support tabs contact the fold. By deliberately moving the contact plate until the support tabs reach the point of contact on the fold, precise and repeatable alignment of the clamping device is ensured. This simplifies the assembly process, as the physical contact of the support tabs with the fold provides a clear positioning aid. The contact of the support tabs with the fold also results in a positive locking of the contact plate. This positive locking connection increases the torsional rigidity of the clamping device and prevents slippage or twisting of the components under mechanical loads or thermal expansion.

[0018] In a further development of the method according to the invention, it is provided that when the first clamping plate section is positioned in a location overlapping the fold, at least one contact section, located on a free end edge of the first clamping plate section, makes contact with the roof sheet. By overlapping the fold with the first clamping plate section, a positive locking fixation of the clamping device to the roof sheet is achieved, whereby the clamping device is advantageously supported on the roof sheet, but not on the fold. This support increases the torsional rigidity of the entire clamping device and ensures a uniform distribution of the clamping force and a higher contact pressure across the respective contact sections.

[0019] Further features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing.

[0021] They show: Fig. 1a a perspective view of a first side of the clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed position; Fig. 1b a perspective view of a second side of the clamping device made of Fig. 1a; Fog. 2a a perspective view of the first side of the clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an open position; Fig. 2b a perspective view of a second side of the clamping device made of Fig. 2a; and Fig. 3 a side view of the clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a mounting position on a roof sheet.

[0022] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote identical or functionally equivalent elements.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a first side of the clamping device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed position. The clamping device 100 comprises a clamping plate 101 and a contact plate 102, which are connected to each other by a clamping screw 103 engaging in a threaded bore 115 of the clamping plate 101. A first clamping plate section 104 forms a receiving space 118 for receiving a fold of a roofing sheet, while the second clamping plate section 106 rests flat against the lower, second contact plate section 107. Guide sections 108 are formed on opposite lateral longitudinal edges 105 of the second contact plate section 107, which engage the second clamping plate section 106 and enable positive-locking guidance of the clamping plate 101.

[0024] Furthermore, the clamping device 100 comprises support tabs 109, which are provided on the lateral longitudinal edges 105 of the lower second contact plate section 107 and angled towards the fold. These support tabs 109 are designed so that they bear against the fold when the contact plate 102 is moved. At the lower end 110 of the clamping plate 101, two support projections 111a, b are provided, which extend towards the contact plate 102 and engage with a lower edge 112 of the contact plate 102. A clamping screw 103 extending through the clamping device 100 connects it in the closed position as well as in the Fig. 2a and Fig. In the open position shown in Figure 2b, the individual parts of the clamping device 100 are securely connected to one another. The contact plate 102 can be moved into the open position relative to the clamping plate 101 via the elongated hole 113 extending in a longitudinal direction L of the contact plate 102 (see Figure 2b). Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b) and in the closed position into the Fig. 1a and Fig. The position shown in 1b must be moved to rest against the roof sheet (see below). Fig. 3) The retaining plate 200 is designed to accommodate a grounding conductor 201. When the clamping screw 103 is tightened, the clamping plate 101 and the contact plate 102 are simultaneously clamped to the roof sheet, and the retaining plate 200 is fixed to the grounding conductor 201. The first clamping plate section 104 can be arranged in a position extending beyond the fold, with a free end edge 114 of the first clamping plate section 104 resting against the roof sheet located between the clamping plate 101 and the contact plate 102 in the installed state.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1b shows a perspective view of a second side of the clamping device according to Fig. 1a. Identical elements are therefore not described again. In Fig. In 1b, the grounding conductor 201, which is held by the retaining plate 200, is more clearly visible. The clamping screw 103 is inserted into the central bore 116 of the retaining plate 200, which is concealed by the clamping screw 103, and through the elongated hole 113 of the contact plate 102 to the point where it is located. Fig. The grounding conductor 201 is guided and received in the clamping plate 101 via a non-visible threaded bore 115. Tightening the clamping screw 103 generates a clamping force that presses the two plates 101 and 102 against the roof sheet. The grounding conductor 201 is thereby fixed by the retaining plate 200 and also secured by the clamping screw 103. The indentations 120a in the retaining plate 200, which are located in the elongated hole 113, and the indentations 120b, c, and d in the contact plate 102, serve as anti-rotation devices and prevent the clamped grounding conductor 201 from twisting unintentionally, particularly in the axial direction with respect to the clamping screw 103. The indentations 120b, c, and d are located on both sides of the grounding conductor 201 and on both sides of the elongated hole 113. The markings 120b, c, d are distributed in the contact plate 102 in such a way that anti-rotation protection is ensured even when the clamping device 100 is installed rotated by 90° or 180°.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2a shows a perspective view of a first side of the clamping device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention in an open position. The clamping device 100 comprises a clamping plate 101 and a contact plate 102, which are connected to each other by a clamping screw 103. In this view, the clamping screw 103 is loosened, creating a gap between the clamping plate 101 and the contact plate 102. This allows relative movement between the clamping plate 101 and the contact plate 102 due to the elongated hole 113 provided in the contact plate 102. In this position, the first clamping plate section 104 is lifted from the fold of a roofing sheet, so that the clamping plate 101 can be slipped over the fold, with the receiving space 118 overlapping the fold without resting against it.The guide sections 108 provided on the lateral longitudinal edges 105 of the lower second contact plate section 107 guide the clamping plate 101 and the contact plate 102 during relative movement. In this position, the support tabs 109 on the lateral longitudinal edges 105 of the second contact plate section 107 are not yet in contact with the fold. The retaining plate 200 for receiving the grounding conductor 201 also remains unclamped in this open position. Only when the clamping screw 103 is tightened is a clamping force generated, which pulls the retaining plate 200, the clamping plate 101, and the contact plate 102 together (see figure). Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b).

[0027] Fig. Figure 2b shows a perspective view of a second side of the clamping device 100. Fig. 2a. The in Fig. The elements of the clamping device 100 described in section 2a are not described again here. In this illustration, the retaining plate 200 for fixing the grounding conductor 201 is also visible. The clamping screw 103 is shown in a loosened position, so that the retaining plate 200 is not clamped. In this open position, the grounding conductor 201 can be inserted between the retaining plate 200 and the contact plate 102. By subsequently tightening the clamping screw 103, the retaining plate 200 is pressed against the contact plate 102, thereby fixing the grounding conductor 201 in the gap 202 between the retaining plate 200 and the contact plate 102. The first clamping plate section 104 has a finishing edge 114, which in the exemplary embodiment is formed with two contact sections 119a, b. When the first clamping plate section 104 is arranged in a position described in section 2a, the clamping plate 200 is formed with two contact sections 119a, b. Fig. In the position 2b (not shown) that overlaps the fold, the contact sections 119a, b are engaged, thus providing a positive locking fixation of the clamping device 100 to the roof sheet. This advantageously supports the clamping device 100 on the roof sheet, but not on the fold. This support increases the torsional rigidity of the entire clamping device 100, with the respective contact sections 119a, b ensuring a uniform distribution of the clamping force and a higher contact pressure. The contact sections 119a, b project beyond the end edge 114 and can be formed, for example, by punching, embossing, or by cuts in the end edge 114.

[0028] Fig.Figure 3 shows a side view of the clamping device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a mounting position on a roof sheet 300. As previously described, the clamping device 100 comprises the clamping plate 101 and the contact plate 102, which are connected to each other by a clamping screw 103. The clamping screw 103 extends through the clamping plate 101 and the contact plate 102 and serves to generate the clamping force with which the device is fixed to the roof sheet 300. The clamping plate 101 forms a receiving space 118 for receiving a fold 301 of the roof sheet 300. The support tabs 109 of the contact plate 102 are angled towards the fold 301 and, in the mounting position shown, are positioned against the fold 301. The first clamping plate section 104 overlaps the fold 301, while a free end edge 114 of the first clamping plate section 104 rests against the roof sheet 300 and is supported there.The retaining plate 200 is designed to accommodate a grounding conductor 201. In the illustrated mounting position, the grounding conductor 201 is already positioned between the retaining plate 200 and the contact plate 102 and clamped to them. Clamping is achieved by tightening the clamping screw 103, which presses the retaining plate 200 against the contact plate 102 and thereby secures the grounding conductor 201. Simultaneously, the clamping plate 101 and the contact plate 102 are clamped to the roof sheet 300, which is positioned between them and has a section 302 also featuring the fold 301. The first contact plate section 117 rests flat on this roof sheet.

[0029] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to the preferred embodiment, it is not limited to this embodiment but can be modified in many different ways. Reference symbol list 100 clamping device 101 clamping plate 102 Contact plate 103 Tensioning screw 104 first clamping plate section 105 lateral longitudinal edge 106 second clamping plate section 107 second contact plate section 108 Leadership section 109 Support bracket 110 lower end 111a, b Support projection 112 lower edge 113 Slotted hole 114 End edge 115 threaded hole 116 central bore 117 first contact plate section 118 Recording Room 119a, b Contact section 120a, b, c, d minting 200 mounting plate 201 Earthing conductor 202 gap 300 roofing sheets 301 fold Section 302 L Longitudinal direction

Claims

[1] Clamping device (100) for arranging at least one earthing conductor (201) on a roof sheet (300) having a fold (301), comprising a retaining plate (200) for the earthing conductor (201), a clamping plate (101) having a first clamping plate section (104) overlapping the fold (301) and clampable to the roof sheet (300), and a second clamping plate section (106) having a threaded bore (115), and a contact plate (102) arranged between the retaining plate (200) and the clamping plate (101) having an elongated hole (113) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) of the contact plate (102), wherein the retaining plate (200) and the clamping plate (101) are connected via a clamping screw (103) guided through the elongated hole (113) and are fixed relative to the contact plate (102) in a longitudinal direction (L) are designed to be movable. [2] Clamping device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the contact plate (102) has a first contact plate section (117) that can be placed on the roof plate (300) and a second contact plate section (107) that extends the first contact plate section (117) in the longitudinal direction (L) and can be placed on the second clamping plate section (106). [3] Clamping device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the contact plate (102) has support tabs (109) provided on lateral longitudinal edges (105) of the second contact plate section (107) which are angled in the direction of the fold (301) and can be applied tangentially to the fold (301). [4] Clamping device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first clamping plate section (104) forms a receiving space (118) for the fold (301). [5] Clamping device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the retaining plate (200) is designed to hold at least one earthing conductor (201) on the clamping device (100) in different earthing conductor directions with respect to the roof sheet (300). [6] Clamping device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one support projection (111a, b) extending towards the contact plate (102) is provided at a lower end (110) of the clamping plate (101) for engagement with a lower edge (112) of the contact plate (102). [7] Clamping device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the contact plate (102) has guide sections (108) for the clamping plate (101) on its opposite longitudinal edges (105). [8] Clamping device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the clamping plate (101) and the contact plate (102) can be subjected to a clamping force acting on the roof sheet (300) via the clamping screw (103). [9] Method for arranging at least one earthing conductor (201) on a roof sheet (300) having a fold (301) with a clamping device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps: - Loosening the clamping screw (103) and spacing the retaining plate (200) and the clamping plate (101) away from the contact plate (102); - Moving the retaining plate (200) and the clamping plate (101) in a longitudinal direction (L) relative to the contact plate (102) into a position releasing the first clamping plate section (104); - Arranging the first clamping plate section (104) in a position that overlaps the fold (301); - Displacing the contact plate (102) in a direction opposite to the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the clamping plate (101) and the retaining plate (200), - Inserting at least one earthing wire (201) between the contact plate (102) and the retaining plate (200); and - Applying the clamping screw (103) to clamp the clamping device (100) to the roof sheet (300). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by , that when the clamping screw (103) is applied and the clamping device (100) is clamped to the roof sheet (300), the retaining plate (200) is simultaneously clamped to the grounding conductor (201). [11] Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by , that when the contact plate (102) is moved, it is moved until the support tabs (109) are in contact with the fold (301). [12] Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by, that when the first clamping plate section (104) is arranged in a position overlapping the fold (301), at least one contact section (119a, b) provided on a free end edge (114) of the first clamping plate section (104) is applied to the roof sheet (300).

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