Clamping device for receiving a tube, cable or similar

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping device (1) for receiving an electrical cable, for example, the clamping device (1) comprising a receiving area (12) for the electrical cable and a base (11) for temporarily and securely attaching the clamping device (1) to a mounting support. The receiving area (12) forms a convex portion (120) that projects from the base (11), the convex portion (120) being elastically deformable to allow the insertion, retention, and removal of the electrical cable. Additionally, the clamping device (1) comprises two mounting flanges (13) located on either side of the receiving area (12), each mounting flange (13) being elastically deformable to allow the temporary attachment of the clamping device (1) to a mounting support. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Clamping device for receiving a tube, a cable or the like

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of devices for holding cables, tubes or the like, and more particularly electric cables in the field of photovoltaic systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a clamping device for receiving such a tube, cable or the like, as well as to a solar assembly comprising a photovoltaic system and such a clamping device.

[0002] In the state of the art, numerous types of electrical cable clamping devices are known. Such systems generally comprise an area for receiving the electrical cable and, where appropriate, a base for securely fixing the clamping device to a fixing support.

[0003] In particular, clamping devices are known which can be screwed onto the fixing support. For this purpose, the base comprises, for example, a passage opening for a fixing screw which collaborates with a threaded hole provided in the fixing support. The disadvantage of such known clamping devices lies in the relative complexity of implementation, and the need to screw such clamping devices onto the fixing support, making the installation operation longer and requiring specific tools, or even prior preparation of the fixing support in order to accommodate the fixing screw.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to propose a new clamping device in order to respond at least to a large extent to the preceding problems and to further lead to other advantages.

[0005] Another aim of the invention is to enable the cable to be oriented relative to the fixing support and / or to a support frame of a photovoltaic system with which such a clamping device is associated.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to simplify the use and installation of such a clamping device.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to facilitate the insertion and clamping of a cable or a tube with such a clamping device.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a clamping device for receiving a tube, a cable or the like, the clamping device comprising:

[0009] - a receiving area for the tube or cable, the receiving area being elastically deformable to form a jaw enclosing said tube or said cable; and

[0010] - a base configured to allow the solid and non-detachable fixing of Finish the clamping device to a fixing bracket.

[0011] In the clamping device according to the invention, the receiving zone forms a curved part which projects from the base, the base extending on either side of the curved part.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the receiving zone is a zone of collaboration between the clamping device and the cable or tube intended to be connected to said clamping device according to the first aspect of the invention. The receiving zone thus forms a zone exerting a force on the cable or tube placed there, so as to keep it engaged by friction. Thus, the receiving zone makes it possible to connect the cable or tube to the clamping device according to the first aspect of the invention, thus making it possible to keep said cable or tube in position relative to the fixing support to which the clamping device is fixed. In the context of the present invention, the tube or cable is intended to extend through the receiving zone.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the curved portion is a concave area inside which the cable or tube passes. In particular, a conformation of the curved portion is analogous to a cross-section of the cable or tube, in order to be able to collaborate with it by engaging complementary shapes and elastic deformation. In particular, the receiving area, and more particularly the curved portion, is configured to adapt to the shape and dimensions of the cable or tube in order to embed it and keep it engaged. When the tube or cable is engaged in the curved portion of the receiving area, then the axis of elongation of said tube or cable extends through the curved portion, so that the curved portion and said cable or tube is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the cross-section of said cable or tube.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the base forms a surface for bearing and / or collaborating with the fixing support with which the clamping device according to the first aspect of the invention is intended to collaborate. In particular, the base comprises an upper face which extends from the receiving zone and the curved part. In other words, the curved part extends directly above the upper face of the base. In general, the base forms a generally flat surface.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the clamping device extends mainly along a specific elongation axis, corresponding to its largest dimension. Perpendicular to the specific elongation axis, a transverse axis is defined which extends between two opposite longitudinal edges of the base. Finally, a vertical axis is defined which is simultaneously perpendicular to the specific elongation axis and to the transverse axis. The receiving zone, and more particularly the curved part of said receiving area, extends out from the base, relative to the vertical axis.

[0016] Thus, the clamping device according to the first aspect of the invention proposes a new clever shape which allows both rapid and simplified fixing on a fixing support, and rapid clamping of the cable or tube on said clamping device. More particularly, the clamping device thus allows firstly, in a first step, to clamp the cable or tube on said clamping device and then, in a second step, to fix the clamping device and the cable or tube associated with the fixing support. This clamping can thus be carried out with one hand and possibly blindly, making the installation of the cable or tube easier, in particular if the installation is carried out at height. The clever use of an elastic deformation of the clamping device and its particular geometry makes it possible to solve the technical problem.More particularly, the mounting of the clamping device - at the base - on the fixing support produces a compressive force at the receiving zone, thus reinforcing the grip of said receiving zone on the cable.

[0017] The clamping device according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0018] - the curved part of the receiving area has two lateral tabs each extending from the base and connected to each other by a cap at a top area. Each lateral tab extends on either side of a concavity of the curved part intended to accommodate the cable or tube. The lateral tabs and the cap advantageously form solid surfaces to maximize the retention of the cable or tube between them. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to maintain the cable or tube in contact against the lateral tabs and held between them by friction;

[0019] - the curved part is elastically deformable. In particular, the tabs side tabs and / or the cap are elastically deformable. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to maintain the cable or tube in contact against the side tabs and the cap. In addition, this advantageous configuration makes it possible to maintain the cable or tube by elastic deformation of said side tabs and / or said cap. By elastic deformation, it is understood that the side tabs and / or the cap can be configured in (i) a deformed configuration in which the side tabs and / or the cap are deformed, in particular by bending, so as to allow the insertion of the cable or tube between them, and (ii) a natural configuration in which the side tabs and the cap bear against the cable or tube, so as to exert a closing force leading to compression of the cable or the tube between the side tabs and, ultimately, a retention by friction of said cable or said tube;

[0020] - the lateral tabs extend in a secant manner and more particularly perpendicular to the base. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to provide a connection between the receiving area and the cable or tube above the base, relative to the vertical axis. This configuration thus facilitates the insertion of the cable or tube and limits interference with the base;

[0021] - the curved part has a fillet between each side tab and the face on upper part of the base. This continuity of shape, without protruding edges between the base and the curved part, makes it possible to avoid a concentration of stresses during the elastic deformation of the receiving zone - at the level of said protruding edges - and therefore makes it possible to reduce the risks of tearing or deterioration of the clamping device according to the invention. In other words, this advantageous configuration makes it possible to optimize the elastic deformation of the clamping device and to improve its longevity;

[0022] - the curved part of the receiving area allows the insertion of a tube or a cable along an insertion axis. The insertion axis extends perpendicularly to the proper elongation axis of the clamping device. This advantageous configuration makes it easier to clamp the cable or tube with respect to the fixing support on which the clamping device is intended to be associated;

[0023] - advantageously, the base extends on either side of the receiving zone. In particular, the receiving zone is preferably located in the central part of the clamping device according to the first aspect of the invention. This central configuration of the receiving zone is particularly advantageous because the fact that the base extends on either side of the receiving zone makes it possible both to orient the clamping device relative to the fixing support - and therefore the associated cable or tube - and to hold said cable or tube;

[0024] - the base comprises, on either side of the receiving zone, a fixing flange to the fixing support, the fixing flange extending under an upper face of the base. The fixing flange is intended to collaborate with the fixing support. The fixing flange makes it possible to fix to the fixing support the clamping device according to the first aspect of the invention temporarily and not permanently. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to simplify the mounting of the cable or tube. As mentioned above, the tube or cable is first clamped on the receiving area, by shape matching. Then the base, linked to the fixing support, can easily slide or slide on said fixing support in order to position the clamping device according to the first aspect of the invention at the desired location. The fixing flange is configured to allow relative sliding on the fixing support, by collaboration and engagement of complementary forms;

[0025] - each fixing flange is located at a terminal end of the base. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to improve the stability of the clamping device according to the first aspect of the invention on the fixing support;

[0026] - the fixing flanges extend parallel to each other. In particular, per pendicular to the proper elongation axis, each fixing flange extends from one longitudinal edge to the other of the base;

[0027] - relative to the proper elongation axis, a width of each fixing flange is between a quarter and a third of a length of the clamping device. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to improve the stability of the clamping device according to the first aspect of the invention on the fixing support;

[0028] - each fixing flange is elastically deformable. In particular, each flange fixing device is elastically deformable so that it can be configured in (i) a deformed configuration in which the fixing flange is open to allow insertion of the fixing support into the fixing flange, and (ii) a natural configuration in which the fixing flange is closed to exert support and / or force against the fixing support intended to have been inserted. In the deformed configuration, the fixing flange is deformed around a flexible hinge provided along the base of the clamping device, so that a free end of the fixing flange located at a distance from the flexible hinge is located at a distance from the upper face of the base. Conversely, in the natural configuration, the fixing flange is pressed against or close to the upper face of the base;

[0029] - the flexible hinge of each fixing flange forms an axis of rotation for said fixing flange, the axis of rotation extending in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the specific elongation axis of the clamping device;

[0030] - the clamping device comprises a plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry extends perpendicular to the proper elongation axis of the clamping device;

[0031] - the clamping device is formed from a material comprising a plastic and / or a metal, such as for example an alloy comprising steel. In the case of the use of a metallic material, the latter is preferably chosen with a high elastic limit - such as for example greater than 100 MPa - so as to allow elastic deformation as described previously;

[0032] - the clamping device is obtained by molding in the case of a material comprising plastic, and by stamping or drawing in the case of a metallic material;

[0033] - the base is integral with the receiving area. In particular, the base and the receiving area reception are derived from matter. By "derived from matter", we understand that the base and the receiving zone cannot be detached from each other without damaging their physical integrity, that is to say without damaging one and / or the other. More generally, the clamping device according to the first aspect of the invention is monolithic;

[0034] - the clamping device is of constant thickness.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the invention, a solar assembly is proposed comprising:

[0036] - a fixing support;

[0037] - a photovoltaic system comprising a photovoltaic panel comprising a a plurality of photovoltaic cells configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, an electrical inverter electrically connected to the photovoltaic cells and configured to transform the electrical energy produced by each photovoltaic cell into an output electrical voltage, a support frame to which the photovoltaic cells are attached, and a system for attaching the support frame to the attachment bracket;

[0038] - a clamping device according to the first aspect of the invention or according to one of any of its improvements, an electric cable connected to the inverter being clamped in the receiving area of ​​the clamping device, and the base being fixed securely to the fixing support.

[0039] In the context of the present invention, each photovoltaic cell comprises at least one semiconductor electronic component which, when exposed to light, produces electricity.

[0040] In the context of the present invention, the support frame forms a fixing surface for each photovoltaic cell. The support frame can take any shape and any size. In particular, the support frame can be flat or curved. The frame is delimited by a peripheral contour encircling the photovoltaic cells. The support frame is preferably formed of plastic for its lightness and / or metal for its rigidity and robustness. The support frame is preferably of the tubular type.

[0041] In the context of the present invention, the inverter is an electronic device configured to transform a direct electrical voltage produced by the photovoltaic cells into an alternating electrical voltage, single-phase or polyphase for example, such as is available on a domestic electrical network for example.

[0042] The inverter is connected to the electrical network via an electrical cable which is fixed securely and detachably to the fixing support of the photovoltaic system, via the clamping device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0043] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating according to all of their possible combinations of the various optional features set out here.

[0044] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0045] [Fig. 1] illustrates a first three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of the clamping device according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0046] [Fig.2] illustrates a second three-dimensional view of the illustrated clamping device on [Fig.l];

[0047] [Fig.3] illustrates a front view of the clamping device illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0048] [Fig.4] illustrates a schematic view of a solar assembly conforming to the second aspect of the invention and comprising the clamping device illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0049] Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0050] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0051] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0052] In FIGURES 1 to 3, a specific elongation axis X of the clamping device 1 according to the invention is defined, the specific elongation axis X corresponding to its largest dimension.

[0053] Perpendicular to the proper elongation axis X, a transverse axis Y is also defined which extends between two opposite longitudinal edges 112 of the clamping device 1.

[0054] Finally, we define a vertical axis Z which is simultaneously perpendicular to the proper elongation axis X and to the transverse axis Y.

[0055] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 3, the invention relates to a clamping device 1 for receiving a tube, a cable 26 or the like, the clamping device 1 comprising

[0056] - a base 11 configured to allow the solid and non-removable fixing of definitively attaches the clamping device 1 to a fixing support 24;

[0057] - a receiving zone 12 of the tube or cable 26, the receiving zone 12 being elas- tically deformable to form a jaw enclosing said tube or said cable 26, the receiving zone 12 forming a curved part 120 which extends projecting from the base 11, the base 11 extending on either side of the curved part 120.

[0058] In particular, as visible in FIGURES 1 to 3, the receiving zone 12, and more particularly the curved part 120 of said receiving zone 12, extends in projection from the base 11, relative to the vertical axis Z.

[0059] The receiving zone 12 is configured to be able to exert a force on the cable 26 or the tube placed there, so as to keep it engaged by friction, thus making it possible to link the cable 26 or the tube to the clamping device 1 and to keep it in position relative to the fixing support 24 to which the clamping device 1 is fixed.

[0060] The receiving zone 12 extends across the clamping device 1, between its two longitudinal edges 112, so that the cable 26 or the tube is introduced across the receiving zone 12, relative to the transverse axis Y. For this purpose, the curved part 120 of the receiving zone 12 is a concave zone inside which the cable 26 or the tube is intended to be introduced.

[0061] The base 11 forms a bearing and / or collaboration surface with the fixing support 24 with which the clamping device 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is intended to collaborate. In particular, the base 11 comprises an upper face 111 which extends from the receiving zone 12 and the curved part 120, relative to the proper elongation axis X. The curved part 120 of the receiving zone 12 extends directly above the upper face 111 of the base 11, relative to the vertical axis Z.

[0062] Generally speaking, the base 11 forms a generally flat surface. It is delimited, relative to the transverse axis Y, by longitudinal edges 112 and, relative to the proper elongation axis X, by two terminal ends 113. The longitudinal edges 112 extend parallel to each other. The terminal ends 113 extend parallel to each other. The terminal ends 113 extend perpendicular to the longitudinal edges 112.

[0063] The base 11 extends on either side of the receiving zone 12, relative to the longitudinal axis. More particularly, the receiving zone 12 is located in a central position of the clamping device 1. Thus, the base 11 forms two support plates located on either side of the receiving zone 12 in order to reinforce the stability of the mounting of the clamping device 1 on the fixing support 24.

[0064] The receiving zone 12 extends from the base 11 - and from each of the support plates - and the curved part 120 of said receiving zone 12 comprises two lateral tabs 122 each extending from the base 11 and connected to each other by a cap 121 at a top zone. Each lateral tab 122 delimits a concavity of the curved part 120 - relative to the proper elongation axis X - intended to accommodate the cable 26 or the tube.

[0065] The curved portion 120 is elastically deformable. In particular, the lateral tabs 122 and / or the cap 121 are elastically deformable in order to allow the cable 26 or the tube to be held in contact against the lateral tabs 122 and the cap 121, and finally to hold the cable 26 or the tube against the clamping device 1 - and the fixing support 24 to which it is attached - by elastic deformation of said lateral tabs 122 and / or of said cap 121.

[0066] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 to 3, the lateral tabs 122 extend generally perpendicular to the base 11. However, as can be seen in FIGURES 1 and 2, the lateral tabs 122 and the curved portion 120 of the receiving zone 12 have a curved rather than angular geometry. In particular, the curved portion 120 of the receiving zone 12 has a fillet between each lateral tab 122 and the upper face 111 of the base 11 in order to avoid a concentration of mechanical stresses during the elastic deformation of the receiving zone 12 - at the level of said projecting edges - and to reduce the risks of breakage of the clamping device 1.

[0067] In order to hold the clamping device 1 against and secured to a fixing support 24, the base 11 comprises, on either side of the receiving zone 12, a fixing flange 13 to the fixing support 24, the fixing flange 13 extending under an upper face 111 of the base 11. Thus, the clamping device 1 comprises two fixing flanges 13 associated with the base 11, each fixing flange 13 being located on one side and the other of the receiving zone 12, relative to the proper elongation axis X.

[0068] Each fixing flange 13 is located at a terminal end 113 of the base 11, relative to the specific elongation axis X, in order to improve the stability of the clamping device 1 on the fixing support 24. The fixing flanges 13 extend from one longitudinal edge 112 to the other of the base 11.

[0069] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 to 3, each fixing flange 13 takes the form of a fold of the base 11 around a longitudinal edge 112, so as to form a cuff which extends under the upper face 111 of the base 11. This configuration thus makes it possible to house between the cuff and the upper face 111 the fixing support 24 with which the clamping device 1 is intended to be associated. Of course, this arrangement is particularly advantageous and intended for tubular or profile type fixing supports. In general, the fixing flanges 13 illustrated in FIGURES 1 to 3 are intended to collaborate with a fixing support 24 having a narrow transverse section and sufficiently clear to be able to be inserted between the fixing flange 13 and the upper face 111 of the base 11. By way of non-limiting example, such a fixing flange 13 is particularly interesting for fixing an electric cable 26 to a balcony railing, a profile or even a tube such as can be found on guardrails or walkways for example.

[0070] Each fixing flange 13 is elastically deformable, so that the back of said fixing flange 13 can pivot around a flexible hinge 131 - by local and elastic deformation of the material forming the clamping device 1 - to insert the fixing support 24 between the back and the upper face 111 of the base 11. The flexible hinge 131 of each fixing flange 13 thus forms an axis of rotation for said fixing flange 13. The axis of rotation is located at one of the longitudinal edges 112 of the clamping device 1 and extends in a direction parallel to the specific elongation axis X of the clamping device 1.

[0071] At the level of the fixing flanges 13, on the side of the longitudinal edge 112 opposite the flexible hinge 131 of said fixing flanges 13, the base 11 comprises a rounded portion 114 at the level of said longitudinal edge 112 and the terminal ends 113. This rounded portion 114 makes it easier to position the clamping device 1 on its fixing support 24.

[0072] The base 11 and the receiving zone 12 of the clamping device 1 are made from one material. More generally, the clamping device 1 forms a single monolith.

[0073] With reference to [Fig.4], the invention also relates to a solar assembly 2 comprising

[0074] - a fixing support 24;

[0075] - a photovoltaic system 21 comprising a photovoltaic panel comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells 23 configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, an electrical inverter 25 electrically connected to the photovoltaic cells 23 and configured to transform the electrical energy produced by each photovoltaic cell 23 into an output electrical voltage, a support frame 22 to which the photovoltaic cells 23 are fixed, and a system for fixing the support frame 22 to the fixing support 24;

[0076] - a clamping device 1 as described previously, an electrical cable 26 connected to the inverter 25 being clamped in the receiving zone 12 of the clamping device 1, and the base 11 being fixed securely to the fixing support 24.

[0077] In summary, the invention relates to a clamping device 1 for receiving an electric cable 26 for example, the clamping device 1 comprising a receiving zone 12 for the electric cable 26 and a base 11 making it possible to securely and non-definitively fix the clamping device 1 to a fixing support 24. The receiving zone 12 forms a curved part 120 which projects from the base 11, the curved part 120 being elastically deformable in order to allow the insertion, holding and removal of the electric cable 26. Additionally, the clamping device 1 comprises two fixing flanges 13 located on either side of the receiving zone 12, each fixing flange 13 being elastically deformable in order to allow the temporary fixing of the clamping device 1 on a fixing support 24.

[0078] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Clamping device (1) for receiving a tube, a cable (26) or the like, the clamping device (1) comprising: - a receiving zone (12) for the tube or the cable (26), the receiving zone (12) being elastically deformable to form a jaw gripping said tube or said cable (26); and - a base (11) configured to allow the clamping device (1) to be fixedly and non-definitively fixed to a fixing support (24); characterized in that the receiving zone (12) forms a curved portion (120) which projects from the base (11), the base (11) extending on either side of the curved portion (120).

2. Clamping device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the curved part (120) of the receiving zone (12) comprises two lateral tabs (122) each extending from the base (11) and connected to each other by a cap (121) at a top zone.

3. Clamping device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the base (11) comprises, on either side of the receiving zone (12), a fixing flange (13) to the fixing support (24), the fixing flange (13) extending under an upper face (111) of the base (11).

4. Clamping device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which each fixing flange (13) is located at a terminal end (113) of the base (11).

5. A clamping device (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein each fixing flange (13) is elastically deformable.

6. Clamping device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each fixing flange (13) is elastically deformable so as to be able to be configured in: - a deformed configuration in which the fixing flange (13) is open to allow the insertion of the fixing support (24) into the fixing flange (13); and - a natural configuration in which the fixing flange (13) is closed to exert a support and / or a force against the fixing support (24) intended to have been inserted.

7. Clamping device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which, in the deformed configuration, the fixing flange (13) is deformed around a flexible hinge (131) arranged along the base (11) of the clamping device (1), so that a free end of the fixing flange (13) located at a distance from the flexible hinge (131) is located at a distance from the upper face (111) of the base (11).

8. Clamping device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the flexible hinge (131) of each fixing flange (13) forms an axis of rotation for said fixing flange (13), the axis of rotation extending in a secant direction relative to the proper elongation axis (X) of the clamping device (1).

9. Solar assembly (2) comprising: - a fixing support (24); - a photovoltaic system (21) comprising a photovoltaic panel comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells (23) configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, an electrical inverter (25) electrically connected to the photovoltaic cells (23) and configured to transform the electrical energy produced by each photovoltaic cell (23) into an output electrical voltage, a support frame (22) to which the photovoltaic cells (23) are fixed, and a system for fixing the support frame (22) to the fixing support (24) - a clamping device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, an electrical cable (26) connected to the inverter (25) being clamped in the receiving zone (12) of the clamping device (1), and the base (11) being fixed integrally to the fixing support (24).

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