Device for mutually blocking linear elements

Abstract

DEVICE (1) FOR MUTUALLY BLOCKING LINEAR ELEMENTS, comprising at least two circumferential sections (2) in the form of a yoke, which are suitable for being positioned overlapping above at least two linear elements (3), with their inner surface shaped to correspond to that of the outer surface of the elements (3) and capable of encompassing a substantial part of that outer surface; wherein internal means for reversible fastening (4) between the circumferential sections (2) are provided, which effects the blocking of the linear elements (3);wherein the device (1) further provides that at least one of the circumferential sections (2) comprises on its outer surface further external fastening means (5) which are suitable to enable the fastening of the device to external elements, wherein the device is characterized in that the external fastening means (5) comprise a groove (6) with undercut lateral edges into which a hammerhead-shaped element (7) can be inserted.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for mutual blocking of linear elements according to claim 1.

[0002] Currently, there are numerous solutions for fastening linear profiles to create complex structures such as supporting structures, machine tool shelters, doors, fluid systems, lattices, tables and fixed or dynamic parts of machines, among others.

[0003] Typically, such systems are formed from combinations of linear profiles joined together by connectors of various types.

[0004] Currently, both professional and metal or plastic connections are commonly found on the market.

[0005] One of the most versatile and recognized systems is undoubtedly the so-called "T-slot profile." It is part of a system of metal profiles primarily used in industrial automation, mechanical engineering, and modular support structures. This type of profile is characterized by a cross-section containing a "T"-shaped groove, creating a groove along its entire length. This "T" groove is designed to accommodate bolts, screws, clamps, and other fasteners that can be used to connect other components, such as work surfaces, supports, guides, and handling devices, to each other or to the profiles themselves.

[0006] This type of profile allows for the construction of modular systems without the need for welding or special machining. Accessories and fasteners can be easily added, moved, or removed along the T-slot according to the specific application requirements. One of the most widely used fastening accessories is the so-called "peg" or "hammer," as it can be inserted into the aluminum profile along the various grooves, but above all, it can be locked in any position along the length of the profile, thus enabling connections, attachment of additional parts, fastening, etc.

[0007] To increase the lightness of this type of profile with a T-shaped groove, carbon fiber solutions have been developed; however, due to the properties of this particular material, carbon fiber profiles are often very thick, otherwise there would be a risk of them breaking due to the pressure exerted by the fixing accessories, such as metal pegs screwed on and exerting pressure on the inner edges of the profile (grooves).

[0008] This increase in thickness negates much of the lightness advantage that had been achieved by replacing traditional materials such as aluminum with carbon.

[0009] The importance of material weight in industrial applications is well known, and there is an ever-increasing drive to use lighter materials to increase machine operating speeds and reduce assembly, cost, and handling difficulties.

[0010] The most important prior art document is GB 2473876 A, which describes a device for mutual blocking of linear elements (the following references refer to this document) ( Fig. 2-6; paragraphs 1-42), comprising at least two peripheral portions (14A, 14B) in the form of a yoke, suitable for superimposing themselves above at least two linear elements, with an internal surface configuration corresponding to that of the external surface of the elements and capable of enclosing a substantial part of said external surface; further comprising internal reversible fixing means between the linear peripheral portions; the device further provides that at least one of the peripheral portions comprises, on its surface, further external fixing means suitable for enabling the device to be fixed to external elements.

[0011] Another prior art document to be cited is EP 4086412 A1.

[0012] The aim of the present invention is to provide a device for the mutual locking of linear elements which is lighter and easier to handle compared to the prior art, while maintaining the characteristics of combinability, tunability and suitability for accessories.

[0013] This is achieved according to the invention by designing the device according to the features in claim 1.

[0014] Further features and embodiments of the invention are present in the dependent claims.

[0015] Further advantages and characteristics of the invention will become clearer from the description of one of its possible embodiments, given purely as an example and not as limiting, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which: - Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention; - Fig. Figure 2 shows a further perspective view of another embodiment of a device according to the invention; - Fig. 3 a perspective view of a pair of devices according to the invention according to the embodiment of Fig. 1, which are used to block four pipes from each other; - Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a pair of devices according to the invention according to the embodiment of Fig. 2, which are used to block two pipes from each other; - Fig. Figure 5 is a side view of a peripheral portion of a device according to the invention; - Fig. Figure 6 is a side view illustrating a detail relating to the fastening modalities of a peripheral portion of a device according to the invention; - Fig. Figure 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention; - Fig. Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a structure incorporating some devices according to the invention; - Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the fastening modality in Fig. 6 illustrates; - Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 represent two schematic views showing the possibility of sliding a device 1 along the linear elements; - Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a double-threaded screw included in an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0016] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a device 1 according to the invention for the mutual locking of linear elements 3 (in this case consisting of tubes), comprising four peripheral portions 2 in the shape of a yoke, suitable for superimposing one another above four linear elements 3, with an internal surface configuration corresponding to that of the external surface of the elements 2 and capable of encompassing a substantial part of this external surface; the peripheral portions 2 are mechanically secured to one another by internal reversible securing means 4, which ensures the locking of the linear elements 3.

[0017] The peripheral sections 2 of the linear elements 3 are enclosed by recesses 12 of their arms 13.

[0018] Furthermore, it is provided that the peripheral sections 2 comprise on their outer surface further external fastening means 5, which are suitable for enabling the fastening of the device 1 to external elements, as in Fig. 8. All embodiments described herein are to be considered as examples and not as limiting.

[0019] As in Fig. 2, the peripheral sections 2 can in particular be at least two.

[0020] In addition, the external fastening means 5 can also be provided on a single circumferential section 2.

[0021] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a particular embodiment of the external fastening means 5 provides that, on the outer surface of a peripheral portion 2, a groove 6 with undercut lateral edges is provided, into which a hammerhead-shaped element 7 can be inserted. Advantageously, the hammerhead-shaped element 7 comprises a threaded recess to enable the fastening of the device 1 and the linear elements 3 held therein to external elements.

[0022] The term “external elements” means any type of element that can be connected to the device 1 by means of the fastening means provided, such as other devices 1, profiles, parts of structures, frames, etc.

[0023] At the Fig. 6 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, however, the external fastening means 5 comprise a hole 16 suitable for inserting a double-threaded screw 8. This screw thus performs the dual function of holding the peripheral portions 2 together and enabling the device 1 to be attached to external elements by means of a threaded connection.

[0024] Advantageously, the double-threaded screw 8 has a male thread 14, which contributes to the assembly of the system, and a female thread (hollow) 15, which allows the fastening of external elements (see Fig. 12).

[0025] In the case shown, the double-threaded screw 8 therefore belongs to both the external fastening means 5 and the internal fastening means 4.

[0026] The double-threaded screw 8 can be used both in the presence of the groove 6 ( Fig. 6, Fig. 9) as well as without the presence of the gutter ( Fig. 7) may be used.

[0027] The structural elements belonging to the external fastening means 5 and to the internal fastening means 4 can therefore be coincident, so that the construction of the device 1 is optimized by reducing the number of parts that constitute it.

[0028] As in Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the internal reversible fastening means 4 advantageously comprise a cruciform structure 9, also with a configuration corresponding to that of the external surface of the linear elements 3, and also capable of encompassing a substantial part of the external surface of the linear elements 3; the cross 9 and the peripheral portions 2 are arranged in an opposite manner with respect to the linear elements 3 to be blocked. In the embodiments shown, the cross 9 has arcuate joints 11 connecting its arms to encompass linear elements 3 of circular cross-section.

[0029] If the linear elements have different cross-sections, the arms of the cross 9 would be connected accordingly.

[0030] The cross 9 advantageously has threaded holes at its tips 10 to establish a threaded connection with the peripheral portions 2, as in the case of the double-threaded screw 8.

[0031] In Fig. 6, the cross works together with the double-threaded screw 8 to fasten the peripheral sections 2 together.

[0032] This cross 9 makes it possible to firmly enclose the linear elements 3, thus enabling a firm and permanent blocking.

[0033] Advantageously, the thickness of the cross 9 and the connection between its arms can be produced with such geometric characteristics that they ensure the insertion of the cross 9 into an already assembled system of linear elements 3, such as that shown in Fig. 3. In this way, it is possible to position and fix a device 1 at any point along its length without having to dismantle the others arranged at the ends.

[0034] Essentially, the peripheral sections 2 have dimensions such that they enclose the linear elements 3, so that between adjacent linear elements 3 there is a gap 14 whose width is greater than or equal to the thickness of the cross 9.

[0035] In this way, it is possible to insert the cross 9 between the linear elements 3 by keeping it aligned with the gap, and then, once inserted, to rotate it to position it transversely to the longitudinal dimension of the linear elements 3 and then to fix the peripheral sections 2 thereon. This particular feature therefore allows one or more intermediate devices to be inserted or removed from an already assembled system, ensuring maximum versatility.

[0036] In Fig. 10 and Fig.Figure 11 also shows that it is possible to move the device 1 according to the invention along the linear elements 3, as indicated by the arrows shown. This feature also increases the versatility of the device 1. Naturally, both the peripheral sections 2 and the cross 9 can have different profiles than those shown in the figures. In the case of linear elements 3 with a rectangular cross-section, for example, the shapes of the peripheral sections 2 and the cross 9 will also have angular shapes to allow for optimal accommodation.

[0037] To make the device 1 even lighter, it can be made of carbon fiber. The linear elements 3 can also be made of carbon fiber.

[0038] From the above description it is clear that the particular configuration of a device 1 according to the invention makes it possible to limit the region provided with means for fixing to external elements only to the area necessary for this purpose, thus avoiding having to deal with long profiles with grooves or other features, thus reducing the overall weight of the structure while maintaining the characteristics of combinability, adaptability and suitability for accessories.

[0039] It is understood that all fastening means suitable for the purpose, such as the threaded fasteners already mentioned, but also, for example, plug-in, magnetic, adhesive fasteners, or the like, are included in the present disclosure. Although the inventive concept has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limiting but illustrative. The invention is defined by the following claims. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] GB 2473876 A

[0010] EP 4086412

[0011]

Claims

[1] A device (1) for the mutual blocking of linear elements, comprising at least two peripheral portions (2) in the form of a yoke, suitable for superimposing one another above at least two linear elements (3), with an internal surface configuration corresponding to that of the external surface of the elements (3) and capable of encompassing a substantial part of said external surface; internal reversible fastening means (4) being provided between the peripheral portions (2), which effect the blocking of the linear elements (3); the device (1) further comprising at least one of the peripheral portions (2) on its external surface further external fastening means (5) suitable for enabling the device to be fixed to external elements, the device characterized byis that the external fastening means (5) comprise a groove (6) with undercut lateral edges into which a hammerhead-shaped element (7) can be inserted. [2] DEVICE (1) FOR MUTUAL BLOCKING OF LINEAR ELEMENTS (3) according to claim 1, characterized by that the external fastening means (5) have a hole into which a double-threaded screw (8) can be inserted. [3] Device (1) for mutual blocking of linear elements (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the internal means for reversible fastening (4) comprise a cruciform structure (9), also with a configuration corresponding to that of the external surface of the linear elements (3) and also capable of encompassing a substantial part of the external surface of the linear elements (3); the cross and the peripheral portions (2) being arranged in an opposite manner with respect to the linear elements (3) to be blocked. [4] DEVICE (1) FOR MUTUAL BLOCKING OF LINEAR ELEMENTS (3) according to claim 3, wherein the recesses of the arms of the yoke-shaped peripheral portions (2) have geometric dimensions such that they are suitable for enclosing the linear elements (3), so that between adjacent linear elements (3) there is a gap (14) whose dimensions are greater than or equal to the thickness of the cross (9). [5] DEVICE (1) FOR MUTUAL BLOCKING OF LINEAR ELEMENTS (3) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the cross (9) mechanically fastens four circumferential sections (2) together. [6] Device (1) for mutual blocking of linear elements (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the peripheral sections (2) are fastened to one another by threaded elements. [7] Device (1) for mutual blocking of linear elements (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is made of carbon fibers. [8] ASSEMBLY comprising at least one device (1) according to claims 1 to 7, which mutually blocks at least two linear elements (2).

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