Functional mast and associated connecting device

Abstract

A functional mast (100) comprising: at least a first mast section (1) and a second mast section (2), said first and second mast sections being suitable for being arranged one above the other along a mast axis (VV), and a connecting device (3) for connecting said first mast section (1) and said second mast section (2), said connecting device (3) comprising: -- a first annular flange (31) adapted to be received in a first hollow end (11) of the first mast section (1) and to be fixedly connected to said first mast section (1); -- a second annular flange (32) adapted to be received in a second hollow end (12) of the second mast section (2) and to be fixedly connected to said second mast section (2); -- at least two locking clamps (33a, 33b) which are connected to one another and configured to pass from a radially closed configuration, in which said at least two clamps (33a, 33b) can be inserted into an axial cavity (4) formed by the bringing together or approaching of the first annular flange (31) and the second annular flange (32) along the mast axis (VV), into a radially open configuration in which the at least two clamps (33a, 33b) are suitable for axially connecting or interlocking the first annular flange (31) with the second annular flange (32) in order to rigidly connect the first mast section (1) to the second mast section (2).

Description

scope

[0001] The present invention relates to a functional post or mast, for example for applications for lighting, sound reinforcement and / or video surveillance, and a corresponding connecting device.

[0002] State-of-the-art solutions for functional masts, or functional poles, extend vertically and consist of several interconnected modules. The most common connection system is screw connection.

[0003] However, connecting modules by screwing imposes a significant limitation, especially when the modules to be connected carry devices that transmit or receive signals at limited angles, or at least less than 360°. It is obvious that connecting modules by screwing does not allow for a change in the angular orientation of one module relative to an adjacent module.

[0004] Other connection systems, which can offer more flexibility in terms of angular position adjustment, use radial locking screws. These systems are not only more complex to manufacture and assemble, but can also have the aesthetic disadvantage of leaving the locking screw head visible.

[0005] This disadvantage is increasingly perceived as disturbing, as the market demands products with ever clearer lines. Approach of the invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a functional mast capable of overcoming the aforementioned typical limitations and disadvantages of the prior art masts.

[0007] This purpose is achieved with a functional mast according to claim 1 and a connecting device according to claim 12. The dependent claims describe preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention. Description of the drawings

[0008] However, the features and advantages of the functional mast according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of some preferred embodiments, which are purely illustrative and not restrictive, with reference to the attached figures, in which: - Fig. 1a is a schematic exploded view of a functional mast according to an embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 1b is a schematic exploded view of a functional mast according to another embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. Figure 1c is a schematic view of a functional mast assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the sole connecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 3a is an axial section of a first mast section and a second mast section before they are superimposed and axially assembled to form a functional mast according to an embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. Figure 3b is an axial section of three terminals of the connecting device in a radially open configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. Figure 4a is a schematic plan view of the terminals in a radially closed arrangement; - Fig. Figure 4b is a schematic plan view of the terminals in a radially open arrangement; - The Fig. 5a-5d are elevation views of the assembled connecting device. Detailed description

[0009] With reference to the above figures, the reference number 100 designates the entirety of a functional post or mast or functional mast.

[0010] The term functional mast (Italian: palo funzionale) refers to a mast or post that supports one or more devices and can be intended for various applications, such as lighting, surveillance, acoustics, sensor applications, etc.

[0011] The functional mast 100 comprises at least a first section 1 of the post and a second section 2 of the post. In one embodiment, for example, each mast section 1, 2 supports a device, such as a light, a loudspeaker, or a video camera.

[0012] Therefore, the functional mast 100 consists of parts, sections or sections that are separated from each other and designed so that they can be axially connected to each other.

[0013] The first and second mast sections are designed so that they can be arranged axially one above the other along a mast axis VV.

[0014] Considering a functional mast base parallel to the ground, the mast axis VV is the vertical axis orthogonal to this base. Thus, the at least one mast section 1 and a second mast section 2 are designed such that they can be arranged vertically one above the other along the vertical mast axis VV.

[0015] In accordance with the definition of the vertical axis, the term "axial" or its various derivatives throughout the description refers to an element that extends parallel to the vertical direction of the vertical axis.

[0016] In the remainder of the description, the term “radial” or its various derivatives refers to an element that extends orthogonally to the vertical direction of the vertical axis.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the at least one first mast section 1 and the second mast section 2 are hollow. According to this embodiment, the first mast section 1 and the second mast section 2 are suitable, in particular, for accommodating cables 9 required for the operation of the functional mast 100.

[0018] According to the embodiment in which the at least one mast section 1 and a second mast section 2 are hollow, said first mast section 1 and said second mast section 2 are suitable for accommodating at least one sensor 10.

[0019] If the functional mast is a light mast, the first mast section and the second mast section contain the light sources and the cables 9 suitable for the operation of the light mast.

[0020] In addition, the functional mast 100 comprises a connecting device 3 (Italian: giunto di collegamento) for connecting the first mast section 1 to the second mast section 2.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the functional mast is modular, ie one or more further mast sections, each connected via a connecting device, can be connected to the first mast section and the second mast section.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the functional mast 100 consists of three mast sections.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the functional mast 100 consists of four mast sections.

[0024] For example, if the functional mast consists of three mast sections, a first connecting device for connecting the first mast section to the second mast section and a second connecting device for connecting the second mast section to a third mast section.

[0025] Advantageously, a modular functional mast can be obtained with a number of mast sections selected according to the user's requirements.

[0026] The connecting device 3 comprises a first annular flange 31 adapted to be received in a first hollow end 11 of the first mast section 1. This first annular flange 31 can be firmly connected to the first mast section 1.

[0027] The connecting device 3 comprises a second annular flange 32 adapted to be received in a second hollow end 12 of the second mast section 2. This second annular flange 32 can be firmly connected to the second mast section 2.

[0028] In other words, the first annular flange and the second annular flange are adapted to be received in the first mast section and the second mast section, respectively, so that they are not visible when the mast sections are assembled vertically.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the first annular flange 1 is completely contained in the first hollow end 11 of the first mast section 1.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the second annular flange 2 is completely contained in the second hollow end 12 of the second mast section 2.

[0031] In other words, when the first mast section and the second mast section are assembled and connected to each other, the first annular flange and the second annular flange are not visible from the outside.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the first annular flange 31 and the second annular flange 32 are configured to be axially screwed to the side wall of the first mast section 1 and the second mast section 2, respectively, by means of fastening screws 7 in order to prevent these fastening screws 7 from being visible.

[0033] As exemplified in the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, the first annular flange 31 is axially screwed to the side wall of the first mast section 1 by means of fastening screws 7, and the second annular flange is axially screwed to the side wall of the second mast section 2 by means of fastening screws 7.

[0034] Advantageously, the axial screwing of the first annular flange and the second annular flange to the first mast section and the second mast section, respectively, makes it possible to hide the fastening screws from view once the first mast section is placed on and connected to the second mast section.

[0035] Advantageously, the functional mast according to the invention has an improved aesthetic appearance compared to prior art functional masts, as the fastening screws are not visible after assembly. Aesthetically speaking, since the first annular flange can be accommodated in a hollow end of the first mast section and the second annular flange in a hollow end of the second mast section, only the side wall is visible after assembly, creating an effect of uniformity and continuity between the first and second mast sections.

[0036] The connecting device 3 comprises at least two locking clamps or blocking clamps (Italian: morsetti di bloccaggio) 33a, 33b connected to one another.

[0037] The at least two blocking clamps 33a, 33b are configured to transition from a radially closed configuration to a radially open configuration.

[0038] The radially closed configuration is the configuration in which the at least two clamps 33a, 33b can be inserted into an axial cavity 4 formed by the juxtaposition of the first annular flange 31 and the second annular flange 32 along the mast axis VV.

[0039] The radially open configuration is the configuration in which the at least two clamps 33a, 33b are suitable for axially fixing the first annular flange 31 to the second annular flange 32 in order to firmly connect the first mast section 1 to the second mast section 2.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the at least two clamps 33a, 33b are shaped so that they are arranged along a circumference.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, each terminal 33a; 33b is a sector of a circular ring.

[0042] According to one embodiment, each clamp 33a; 33b of the at least two clamps 33a, 33b comprises a first axial portion 331 and a second axial portion 332.

[0043] Preferably, each clamp 33a; 33b has a rectangular axial cross-section.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the at least two terminals 33a, 33b are spaced apart from each other at the same angle.

[0045] In other words, the at least two clamps are arranged along a circumference and are equiangularly spaced from each other.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting device 3 consists of three clamps 33a, 33b, 33c, which are spaced equiangularly from one another along the circumference.

[0047] According to one embodiment, each clamp 33a; 33b of the at least two clamps 33a, 33b comprises at least one sealing seat 350 configured to receive a first annular seal 6.

[0048] As exemplified in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 2, the first annular seal 6 is adapted to surround the at least two clamps 33a, 33b in order to hold them together.

[0049] Advantageously, the first annular seal allows the terminals of the connecting device to be held together.

[0050] According to one embodiment, each clamp 33a; 33b of the at least two clamps 33a, 33b comprises a second sealing seat 350a configured to receive a second annular seal 6a.

[0051] In other words, the first annular seal engages each terminal of the at least two terminals in the region of the seal receptacle to hold them together. If a second seal receptacle is also present, the second annular seal engages each terminal of the at least two terminals in the region of this second seal receptacle.

[0052] Advantageously, the first and second annular seals allow the at least two clamps to be held together circumferentially to guide the radial expansion of the at least two clamps and to ensure the correct assembly of the first annular flange to the second annular flange and consequently of the first mast section to the second mast section.

[0053] Advantageously, the first annular seal and the second annular seal allow the at least two clamps to be held in axial position and to guide their radial expansion during the transition from the radially closed configuration to the radially open configuration.

[0054] Therefore, in order to correctly connect the first annular flange to the second annular flange and thus the first mast section to the second mast section, each clamp, firmly connected to the other clamps of the at least two clamps, must spread radially to engage the first annular flange with the second annular flange.

[0055] The transition of each clamp 33a, 33b from the radially closed configuration to the radially open configuration is achieved with a corresponding radial drive screw 5.

[0056] According to one embodiment, when the at least two clamps 33a, 33b are inserted into the axial cavity 4, the first annular flange 31 radially opposes a respective first axial portion 331 of each clamp 33a; 33b, and the second annular flange 32 radially opposes a corresponding second axial portion 332 of each clamp 33a; 33b. According to this embodiment, a through radial bore 53 is formed in the corresponding axial portion of each clamp, into which a corresponding radial drive screw 5 is inserted.

[0057] Preferably, in the first axial section 331 of each clamp 33a; 33b of the at least two clamps 33a, 33b, a continuous radial bore 53 is formed, into which the respective radial drive screw 5 is inserted.

[0058] According to one embodiment, a countersunk head receptacle 550 is formed in one of the first annular flange 31 and the second annular flange 32, which is suitable for receiving the head of the radial drive screw 5.

[0059] In addition, the distal end of the radial drive screw 5 can be screwed into a screw nut 52 which is suitable for being locked in a rotationally fixed manner in a corresponding nut receptacle (Italian: sede dado) 520 which is open towards the axial cavity 4, so that a rotation of the radial drive screw 5 causes a screwing of the screw nut 52 onto the radial drive screw 5 and an associated translation of the respective clamp in the direction of the head of the drive screw 5.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the head of the radial drive screw 5 is accessible through a corresponding radial access opening 51 formed in the side wall delimiting the first hollow end 11 or the second hollow end 12.

[0061] According to one embodiment, each clamp 33a; 33b forms at one end thereof a radial projection adapted to axially engage one of the first annular flange 31 and the second annular flange 32.

[0062] Preferably, the second axial portion 332 of each clamp 33a; 33b forms a radial projection adapted to axially engage the second annular flange 32.

[0063] According to this embodiment, the radial projection towards the first annular flange 31 or the second annular flange 32 forms a clamping plane 300 inclined to the mast axis VV. In addition, the first annular flange 31 or the second annular flange 32 forms an undercut axially delimited by an inclined flange surface 400 substantially parallel to the inclined clamping plane 300, such that the radial engagement of the second axial portion 332 with this undercut generates an axial force pressing the annular flange in which the undercut is formed against the other annular flange.

[0064] In other words, the radial movement of the second axial portion of each clamp, by engaging the undercut formed by the first annular flange or the second annular flange, causes a force to be exerted in the axial direction of the first or the second clamp on the other second or first clamp in order to tighten the two annular flanges and thus the two mast sections.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first annular flange 31 or the second flange 32 comprises a radial guide seat 310.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first axial portion 331 of each clamp 33a; 33b comprises an axial guide pin 34 configured to be received in the axial guide seat 310 to guide the tightening of the first annular flange 31 and the second annular flange 32.

[0067] As exemplified in Fig. As shown in Figure 3a, the at least two clamps are inserted in the radially closed configuration into the axial cavity formed by the abutment of the first mast section with the second mast section. The axial guide pin of each clamp guides the insertion of the respective clamp into the first annular flange.

[0068] By screwing in the radial drive screw accessible from the outside via the radial access hole, each clamp expands radially, guided by the guide pin, starting from the radially closed configuration, and the second axial section radially engages the undercut formed in the second annular flange and exerts an axial force that presses the second annular flange against the first annular flange.

[0069] The screwing in of the radial drive screw is controlled by the screw nut, which is locked in the nut seat so that each clamp of the at least two clamps spreads radially and establishes the connection of the first mast section with the second mast section.

[0070] According to one embodiment, a Seeger ring 56 can be positioned at the distal end of the radial drive screw 5 so as to lock the screw nut 52 in the nut receptacle 520 during screwing in of the radial drive screw 5.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the first annular flange 31 or the second annular flange 32 is provided with at least one tooth-like protrusion 8 designed to cooperate with the other annular flange to prevent complete rotation of the first mast section 1 relative to the second mast section 2.

[0072] Advantageously, screwing in the radial drive screw enables adjustment in the angular direction of the mutual angular position of the first mast section relative to the second mast section.

[0073] Advantageously, the presence of tooth-like elevations in the first annular flange or in the second annular flange prevents an undesired rotation of 360° of the first mast section relative to the second mast section.

[0074] Advantageously, the described connection system thus allows a mast section to be rotated in the range of 0-355°, while allowing the user maximum flexibility in choosing the orientation of the devices carried by the mast.

[0075] As in Fig. 1c, the mutual angular position of the first mast section relative to the second mast section is 90°.

[0076] The present invention also relates to a connecting device for arranging a first mast section 1 and a second mast section 2 one above the other along a mast axis VV.

[0077] The connecting device 3 comprises a first annular flange 31 which is suitable to be received in a first hollow end 11 of the first mast section 1 and to be firmly connected to the first mast section 1.

[0078] Said connecting device 3 further comprises a second annular flange 32 which is suitable for being inserted into a second hollow end 12 of the second mast section 2 and for being firmly connected to the second mast section 2.

[0079] The connecting device 3 also comprises at least two interconnected blocking clamps 33a, 33b configured to transition from a radially closed configuration to a radially open configuration.

[0080] The invention relates in particular to a functional mast 100 which comprises at least a first mast section 1, a second mast section 2 and a connecting device 3 for connecting said first mast section 1 and said second mast section 2.

[0081] The first mast section and the second mast section are suitable for being arranged one above the other along a mast axis VV.

[0082] The connecting device 3 comprises: a first annular flange 31 suitable for being inserted into a first hollow end 11 of the first mast section 1 and being firmly connected thereto, a second annular flange 32 suitable for being inserted into a second hollow end 12 of the second mast section 2 and being firmly connected to said second mast section 2, and at least two interconnected clamping clamps 33a, 33b configured to transition from a radially closed configuration to a radially open configuration.

[0083] In an innovative way, the present invention eliminates the disadvantages of typical functional masts from the prior art.

[0084] It is understood that a person skilled in the art could make changes to the aforementioned embodiments of the functional mast or replace elements with other, functionally equivalent elements in order to meet specific requirements.

[0085] These variants are also included within the scope of protection defined by the following claims. Furthermore, each variant described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be implemented independently of the other variants described.

Claims

[1] Functional mast (100) comprising: at least a first mast section (1) and a second mast section (2), said first and second mast sections being suitable for being arranged one above the other along a mast axis (VV), and a connecting device (3) for connecting said first mast section (1) and said second mast section (2), said connecting device (3) comprising: -- a first annular flange (31) adapted to be received in a first hollow end (11) of the first mast section (1) and to be fixedly connected to said first mast section (1); -- a second annular flange (32) adapted to be received in a second hollow end (12) of the second mast section (2) and to be fixedly connected to said second mast section (2); -- at least two locking clamps (33a, 33b) which are connected to one another and configured to pass from a radially closed configuration, in which said at least two clamps (33a, 33b) can be inserted into an axial cavity (4) formed by the bringing together or approaching of the first annular flange (31) and the second annular flange (32) along the mast axis (VV), into a radially open configuration in which the at least two clamps (33a, 33b) are suitable for axially connecting or interlocking the first annular flange (31) with the second annular flange (32) in order to rigidly connect the first mast section (1) to the second mast section (2). [2] Functional mast (100) according to claim 1, wherein the transition of each clamp (33a, 33b) from the radially closed configuration to the radially open configuration is effected by a corresponding radial drive screw (5), the head of said radial drive screw (5) being accessible through a corresponding radial access bore (51) formed in the side wall delimiting the first hollow end (11) or the second hollow end (12). [3] Functional mast (100) according to claim 2, wherein, when the at least two clamps (33a, 33b) are inserted into said axial cavity (4), the first annular flange (31) is radially opposite a corresponding first axial portion (331) of each clamp (33a; 33b), and the second annular flange (32) is radially opposite a corresponding second axial portion (332) of each clamp (33a;33b) is radially opposite, wherein in one of the first annular flange (31) and the second annular flange (32) a countersunk head seat (550) is formed, which is suitable for receiving the head of the radial drive screw (5), and wherein in the respective axial section of each clamp a through radial bore (53) is formed, into which a respective radial drive screw (5) is inserted, and wherein the distal end of the radial drive screw (5) can be screwed into a screw nut (52) which can be locked in a rotationally fixed manner in a respective nut receptacle (520) open to the axial cavity (4), so that the rotation of the radial drive screw (5) causes the screw nut (52) to be screwed onto the radial drive screw (5) and an associated translation of the respective clamp in the direction of the head of the radial drive screw (5). [4] A functional mast (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each clamp (33a; 33b) forms at one end thereof a radial projection adapted to axially engage one of the first annular flange (31) and the second annular flange (32). [5] Functional mast (100) according to claim 4, wherein said radial projection forms a clamping plane (300) inclined to the mast axis (VV) in the direction of the first annular flange (31) or the second annular flange (32), and wherein the first annular flange (31) or the second annular flange (32) forms an undercut axially delimited by an inclined flange plane (400) substantially parallel to the inclined clamping plane (300) such that the radial engagement of the second axial portion (332) with said undercut generates an axial force which presses the second annular flange (32) or the first annular flange (31) in which the undercut is formed against the other annular flange. [6] Functional mast (100) according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the first annular flange (31) or the second annular flange (32) has a radial guide seat (310) in which the first axial portion (331) of each clamp (33a; 33b) comprises an axial guide pin (34) configured to be received in the axial guide seat (310) to guide the tightening of the first annular flange (31) and the second annular flange (32). [7] Functional mast (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each clamp (33a; 33b) of the at least two clamps (33a, 33b) comprises at least one sealing seat (350) configured to receive a first annular seal (6) adapted to surround the at least two clamps (33a, 33b) to hold them together. [8] Functional mast (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each clamp (33a; 33b) of the at least two clamps (33a, 33b) is a sector of a circular ring. [9] Functional mast (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising three clamps (33a; 33b; 33c) which are equiangularly spaced from one another. [10] A functional mast (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first annular flange (31) and the second annular flange (32) are configured to be axially screwed to the side wall of the first mast section (1) and the second mast section (2), respectively, by means of fastening screws (7) in order to conceal said fastening screws (7) from view. [11] Functional mast (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first annular flange (31) or the second annular flange (32) is provided with at least one tooth or tooth-like protrusion (8) adapted to cooperate with the other annular flange so as to prevent complete rotation of the first mast section (1) relative to the second mast section (2). [12] Connecting device (3) for arranging a first mast section (1) and a second mast section (2) one above the other along a mast axis (VV), comprising: -- a first annular flange (31) adapted to be received in a first hollow end (11) of the first mast section (1) and to be fixedly connected to said first mast section (1); -- a second annular flange (32) adapted to be received in a second hollow end (12) of the second mast section (2) and to be fixedly connected to said second mast section (2); -- at least two locking clamps (33a, 33b) which are connected to one another and configured to pass from a radially closed configuration, in which said at least two clamps (33a, 33b) can be inserted into an axial cavity (4) formed by the juxtaposition or approach of the first annular flange (31) and the second annular flange (32) along the mast axis (VV), into a radially open configuration in which said at least two clamps (33a, 33b) are suitable for axially connecting or interlocking the first annular flange (31) to the second annular flange (32) in order to rigidly connect the first mast section (1) to the second mast section (2).

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