Clamp for fixing equipment

Abstract

Clamp (20) for fixing equipment (70) to a projection (10) such as a standing seam of a roof, the clamp (20) comprising a first part (21) intended to grip the projection (10) on a first side, a second part (22) intended to grip the projection (10) on a second side, and a member (40) for clamping the first part (21) and the second part (22) relative to each other, at least one of the first part (21) and the second part (22) comprising a fixing mechanism (50) for the equipment (70), and the first part (21) and the second part (22) being configured, under the effect of the clamping of the clamping member (40), to abut against each other at a first support point (P1) allowing the transmission of the forces induced by the equipment (70) between the first part (21) and the second part (22). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Clamp for fixing equipment Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of fixing equipment, and more particularly to a clamp for fixing equipment to a projection such as a standing seam of a roof. Such a clamp finds its application for fixing any type of equipment, in particular solar panels, to roofs or similar surfaces, such as shade structures, having projections. Prior art

[0002] The scarcity of fossil fuels and their disadvantages in terms of greenhouse gases are leading to a large boom in solar panels. Such a boom requires the ability to fix solar panels, or more generally any kind of intermediate mounting device or equipment, to increasingly varied types of roofs or similar surfaces.

[0003] Patent application FR 3 130 863 A1, from the Applicant, describes a fixing system comprising a screw which passes through the roof to be fixed in a purlin. This system provides satisfaction as such but is not, however, suitable for all roofs.

[0004] In particular, there are roofs whose covering is made of metal plates positioned side by side, the interface between two consecutive plates being folded on itself so as to form a projection ensuring sealing. Such a projection is known, in the field, under the name of standing seam. Fastening members have been developed for such standing seams, but they generally rely on a simple clamping principle and do not allow either controlled implementation or adequate preservation of the joint.

[0005] There is therefore a need for a new type of clamp for fixing equipment. Statement of the invention

[0006] To this end, the present disclosure relates to a clamp for fixing equipment to a projection such as a standing seam of a roof, the clamp comprising a first part intended to grip the projection on a first side, a second part intended to grip the projection on a second side, and a member for clamping the first part and the second part relative to each other, at least one of the first part and the second part comprising a fixing mechanism for the equipment, and the first part and the second part being configured, under the effect of the clamping of the clamping member, to abut against each other at a first point support allowing the transmission of forces induced by the equipment between the first part and the second part.

[0007] Hereinafter, a part referred to without "first" or "second" may refer to either the first part or the second part, or both. Parts, in the plural, collectively refer to the first part and the second part. These conventions apply, mutatis mutandis, to the other elements of this disclosure.

[0008] By means of the proposed clamp, the projection is clamped between the first part and the second part. The clamping member makes it possible to adjust the distance between the first part and the second part, then, when the distance can no longer change due to the presence of the projection, the level of clamping of the clamp on the projection.

[0009] Before reaching the clamping position, the parts may not be in contact at the first support point. As the clamping increases, the parts move relative to each other (for example, move closer together) until they come into abutment against each other, at at least one point. Thus, the abutment and the force transfer are carried out jointly at this same point, called the first support point. The abutment allows adequate compression of the projection, dimensioned so as not to be excessive and therefore risk damaging the projection; in addition, the force transmission which takes place at the first support point allows less tightening of the screw for the same holding of the clamp. The proposed clamp therefore forms a fixing means offering good control of the degree of tightening without damaging the projection.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the first part and the second part are configured, under the effect of the tightening of the tightening member, to come into contact with each other at a second support point offset from the first support point and allowing the transmission of the forces induced by the equipment between the first part and the second part.

[0011] The second support point may not form a stop for the clamping movement of the first part relative to the second part, in order to avoid any hyper-staticity. In particular, the contact at the second support point may be made, during the clamping of the parts relative to each other, before the first part and the second part reach a stop at the first support point, and continue until the parts reach a stop at the first support point. Thanks to the second support point, the forces induced by the equipment are better recovered by the clamp and better distributed over the projection.

[0012] The first support point and / or the second support point may be punctual or extend along one dimension, to form a support line, or two dimensions, to form a support surface; the present disclosure, for the sake of brevity, however, mentions a support point without loss of generality. For example, when the projection has a substantially constant profile along a longitudinal direction, the The fulcrum can be point-like in cross-section but extend in one dimension along the same longitudinal direction. In other words, when the clamp has a certain width, the fulcrum can also extend along the width of the clamp.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second part comprises an arm extending towards the first part, the first support point being formed at one end of the arm. More particularly, the second part may comprise a leg, called the second leg, intended to grip the projection, and the arm projects transversely relative to the leg. The second part may be generally L-shaped. The first support point may be provided substantially at the angle of the L (at the proximal end of the arm), which may be a mechanically reinforced portion, for example work-hardened, of the second part. The transmission of forces from the first part to the second part is therefore improved. Furthermore, choosing a corner point as the first support point makes it possible to precisely locate the first support point on the second part, and consequently to ensure good control of the transmission of forces.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second fulcrum is formed at the opposite end of the arm. This opposite end may be the distal or free end of the arm. In these embodiments, the arm forms a brace to support the first part. Furthermore, a flat may be provided on the arm, at the second fulcrum, for better sliding between the two parts.

[0015] In some embodiments, the arm passes through a window provided in the first part. More generally, the parts are nested one inside the other. This ensures a certain compactness of the clamp and makes it possible to grip the projection in a pincer movement.

[0016] In some embodiments, the clamp includes a guide configured to guide the first workpiece and the second workpiece relative to each other when clamping the clamping member, the guide being configured to rest on the projection. The guide may limit the freedom of relative movement between the workpieces. The fact that the guide rests on the projection further limits the freedom of movement between the clamp and the projection. The guide may be formed by one or more tabs of one workpiece sliding in corresponding slots of the other workpiece, or any other suitable means. Furthermore, the clamping member may be recessed relative to the guide, such that the guide rests on the projection and the clamping member is spaced from the projection.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least one of the parts has a shoulder configured to hook a protrusion of the projection. The shoulder may be formed by a boss, a fold, or any other variation in shape that allows the protrusion of the projection to be hooked, i.e., to be placed in the undercut of the protrusion.

[0018] Where appropriate, the shoulder and the guide may be provided on either side of the protrusion. The clamp is thus well held relative to the projection, in a direction transverse to the clamping direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first part comprises a leg and two branches, the leg being intended to grip the projection and the branches forming a support for the equipment. The leg of the first part, called the first leg, can be placed opposite the aforementioned second leg, if necessary. The projection can therefore be clamped between the two legs, which form the jaws of the clamp. The branches can be in the extension of one another, transversely to the leg, in order to provide a flat support for the equipment.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first support point is provided at the junction between the first leg and one of the branches. This junction may be a mechanically reinforced, for example work-hardened, portion of the first part. The transmission of forces from the second part to the first part is therefore improved. Furthermore, choosing a junction point as the first support point makes it possible to precisely locate the first support point on the first part, and consequently to ensure good control of the transmission of forces.

[0021] In some embodiments, in the clamped position, the arm of the second part supports one of the branches of the first part. The so-called clamped position designates the configuration of the clamp in which the parts are in abutment against each other at the first support point. Thanks to the aforementioned characteristics, the forces induced by the equipment can be efficiently transmitted to the respective legs of the parts and thus supported by the projection. The support of a branch of the first part by the arm of the second part can form the second support point previously mentioned.

[0022] In some embodiments, at least one of the parts has a relief on a surface intended to come into contact with the projection. This relief increases the friction between the projection and said part, which limits the sliding of the clamp relative to the projection. The pattern of the relief can be adapted to the direction in which it is desired to limit the sliding.

[0023] In some embodiments, the space separating the first part and the second part widens towards the projection. In other words, the space separating the parts becomes larger as one approaches the projection. One or the other of the parts, or both, may have a chamfer or a chamfer shape for this purpose. More generally, the parts may be shaped to the profile of the projection, which facilitates the engagement of the clamp on the projection and better distributes the clamping on the projection.

[0024] In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism comprises a platform formed by one of the parts and a plate forming a vice with the platform. The equipment can therefore be held between the platform and the plate. The platform can be formed by at least one of the two branches previously mentioned. The plate, by clamping the equipment against the platform, can form a glazing bead for the equipment. A holding element can be provided to hold the plate relative to the platform, or even to obtain the desired level of clamping for the equipment between the plate and the platform.

[0025] In some embodiments, the securing mechanism includes an anti-rotation stop between the plate and the platform. Thus, the relative orientation of the plate and the platform can be maintained as desired, especially when the aforementioned holding element tends to induce rotation, typically due to screwing or the like.

[0026] In some embodiments, the fixing mechanism comprises a clamping stop configured to limit the approach of the plate relative to the platform. The clamping stop ensures that the tightening of the equipment is not excessive, which is advantageous particularly in the case of equipment with poor compression resistance, such as glazing, typically glazing of photovoltaic panels.

[0027] In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism allows at least two pieces of equipment to be attached to the clamp and includes means for maintaining a minimal spacing between the pieces of equipment. Thus, the pieces of equipment can be well positioned relative to each other without requiring an additional jig or spacer.

[0028] In certain embodiments, said spacing holding means are formed by the anti-rotation stop and / or the clamping stop. The anti-rotation stop and / or the clamping stop thus has at least a dual function, and can perform one function in one direction of space and another function in another direction of space. This makes it possible to reduce the complexity of the clamp, as well as its mass.

[0029] The present disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a clamp according to any of the embodiments previously described, comprising cutting and folding a first plate to form the first part, and cutting and folding a second plate to form the second part. The parts can then be assembled together. The cutting and folding of the parts allows particularly simple implementation and limited costs, while providing good robustness for the functions of the clamp. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Other characteristics and advantages of the subject of the present disclosure will emerge from the following description of embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended figures.

[0031] [Fig.l] is an exploded perspective view of a clamp according to one embodiment.

[0032] [Fig.2] is a side view of the clamp according to the embodiment of [Fig.l], before tightening.

[0033] [Fig. 3] is a side view of the clamp according to the embodiment of [Fig. 1], after tightening. Detailed description

[0034] A clamp according to one embodiment is described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an example of a projection 10 on which such a clamp makes it possible to fix equipment. In this case, the projection 10 is a standing seam formed at the interface between two plates 11, 12, for example zinc or steel roofing plates. The respective adjacent ends of the plates 11, 12 are folded relative to the plates so as to be placed back to back, then folded together on themselves, for example rolled up on themselves, so as to ensure sealing. In this case, the projection 10 therefore has a protuberance 14. The section of the protuberance 14 may be in the shape of a paper clip.

[0035] A clamp 20 according to one embodiment is illustrated in more detail in [Fig.l], in exploded perspective. As indicated previously, the clamp 20 comprises a first part 21 intended to grip the projection 10 on a first side and a second part 22 intended to grip the projection 10 on a second side.

[0036] More precisely, the first part 21 may comprise a leg 23, also called first leg 23, intended to grip the projection 10. The leg 23 may have any desired shape to match the shape of the projection 10 and thus distribute the clamping forces on the projection 10. In this case, the leg 23 is substantially flat.

[0037] For its tightening with the second part 22, the first part 21 may comprise all or part of tightening means. In this case, the first part 21, and for example the leg 23, has an orifice 25 for receiving a tightening member 40. According to one example, the tightening member 40 is a screw. The orifice 25 may be tapped in order to cooperate with the tightening member 40.

[0038] As indicated previously, at least one of the first part 21 and the second part 22 comprises a fixing mechanism 50 for the equipment. In this case, the fixing mechanism 50 is carried by the first part 21. This mechanism will be described later.

[0039] According to one example, the clamp 20 may comprise a guide configured to guide the first part 21 and the second part 22 relative to each other when tightening the clamping member 40. For this purpose, for example, the first part 21 comprises one or more legs 27. The legs 27 extend from the leg 23 towards the second part 22. The legs 27 can extend in the direction of clamping between the two parts 21, 22. The legs 27 can be arranged on either side of the orifice 25, in the direction in which the projection 10 extends.

[0040] To facilitate the engagement of the first part 21 with the projection 10, in particular to match the possibly inclined profile of the projection 10, the first part 21 may have a chamfered shape 29. The chamfered shape 29 may be provided at the distal end of the leg 23 and move away from the second part 22 as the first part 21 is moved towards the projection 10.

[0041] Furthermore, the first part 21 may comprise two branches 31, 33. The branches 31, 33 extend transversely to the leg 23. In this embodiment, a first branch 31 extends from the leg 23 transversely to said leg 23. The first branch 31 may have a double wall forming a U. The second branch 33 extends the first branch (for example one of the ends of the U) and extends on the other side of the leg 23.

[0042] As will be described later in connection with the fixing mechanism, the branches 31, 33 can form a support for the equipment.

[0043] The first part 21 may further comprise one or more windows. In this case, the first part 21 comprises a first window 35 and a second window 37. The first window 35 may be provided at the junction between the leg 23 and the first branch 31. The second window 37 may be provided in the second branch 33, more particularly in a return of the second branch 33. This return, located at the free end of the second branch 33, extends from the second branch 33 on a side opposite the equipment, i.e. in the direction of the leg 23.

[0044] Overall, the first part 21 may be generally T-shaped. For the embodiment of [Fig. 1], the vertical section of the T is formed by the leg 23 and the horizontal sections of the T by the branches 31, 33.

[0045] The second part 22 may comprise a leg 24, also called second leg 24, intended to grip the projection. The leg 24 may have any desired shape to match the shape of the projection 10 and thus distribute the clamping forces on the projection 10. In this case, the leg 24 is substantially flat.

[0046] For its tightening with the first part 21, the second part 22 may comprise all or part of tightening means. In this case, the second part 22, and for example the leg 24, has a slot 26 for receiving the tightening member 40, namely here a screw. According to one example, the slot 26 is a smooth orifice with dimensions greater than the thread of the screw but smaller than the head of said screw. Thus, the screw passes through the slot 26 to engage in the tapping of the orifice 25 of the first part 21, while holding the second part 22 between the screw head and the orifice 25.

[0047] Furthermore, the light 26 can be oblong in order to allow a certain variability of the positioning of the clamping member 40 relative to the second part 22.

[0048] Although a certain clamping configuration has been described above, it is clear that variations are contemplated. For example, the threaded hole 25 and the lumen 26 could be interchanged.

[0049] The second part 22 may comprise another part of the aforementioned guide, complementary to the part present on the first part 21. In this case, the second part 22 comprises one or more slots 28. The slots 28, here provided in the leg 24, may be sized to receive the tabs 27 of the first part 21. The slots 28 may be arranged on either side of the light 26, in the direction in which the projection 10 extends. The slots 28 may be wider than the tabs 27 to allow a certain variability in the positioning of the first part 21 relative to the second part 22.

[0050] Although a certain guide configuration has been described above, it is clear that variations are envisaged. For example, the tabs 27 and the slots 28 could be exchanged. Furthermore, the tabs 27 and slots 28 could have different shapes. Furthermore, other types of guides may be provided as an alternative or in addition, for example a cooperation of two surfaces against each other, a slide, etc.

[0051] Furthermore, at least one of the parts, for example here the second part 22, may have a shoulder 30. The shoulder 30 projects from the leg 24, in the direction of the projection 10. As will be seen more clearly with reference to [Fig. 3], the shoulder 30 is configured to hook the protrusion 14 of the projection 10. For example, when the second part 22 is clamped against the projection 10, the shoulder 30 is positioned under the protrusion 14, in particular between the protrusion 14 and one of the plates 11, 12.

[0052] The shoulder 30 may be continuous or, as illustrated in [Fig.l], discontinuous along the projection 10. In this case, [Fig.l] shows a shoulder 30 in two separate parts, but the number of parts can of course be modified.

[0053] Furthermore, at least one of the parts, for example here the second part 22, may have a relief 32 on a surface intended to come into contact with the projection 10. The relief 32 may be provided on a surface of the second part 22 which faces the first part 21. The relief 32 may be provided between the shoulder 30 and the slots 28. Alternatively or in addition, a relief may be provided on the shoulder 30 itself. The relief 32 may take any shape suitable for increasing the friction between the second part 22 and the projection 10, and this isotropically or with respect to one or more desired directions. For example, the relief 32 may comprise ribs, undulations or locally increased roughness.

[0054] As indicated previously, the second part 22 may comprise an arm 34 extending towards the first part 21. The arm 34 may extend from one end of the leg 24, in particular its end opposite the projection 10. The arm 34 may have a reduced width compared to the leg 24.

[0055] Overall, the second part 22 may be generally L-shaped. For the embodiment of [Fig. 1], the vertical section of the L may be formed by the leg 24 and the horizontal section of the L by the arm 34. Note that the angle between the leg 24 and the arm 34 may be greater than 90°. Thus, as will be seen more clearly with reference to [Fig. 3], the arm 34 may move closer to the second branch 33 when it is traveled from the leg 24 towards its free end.

[0056] The free end of the arm 34 can also form a flat portion 36. The flat portion 36 is a substantially flat portion, inclined relative to the rest of the arm 34 so as to be substantially parallel to the second branch 33 with which, as will be seen later, it is intended to come into contact. Thus, the flat portion 36 can slide against the second branch 33.

[0057] As is apparent from [Fig.l], the first part 21 and / or the second part 22 can be obtained by cutting and folding a first plate and / or a second plate, respectively. The first part 21 and the second part 22 are here of constant thickness, ignoring local variations such as the relief 32 or the orifice 25. The orifice 25, the light 26 and the slots 28 can be obtained by cutting. The shoulder 30 can be obtained by stamping, or alternatively by folding. The relief 32 can be obtained by stamping or die-stamping. Thus, the parts 21, 22 can be obtained by a simple and inexpensive process.

[0058] An example of a fixing mechanism 50 is now described with reference to [Fig. 1]. The fixing mechanism 50 illustrated is particularly suitable for fixing solar panels, in particular photovoltaic panels. However, any suitable fixing mechanism, depending on the equipment that it is desired to fix on the projection 10, can be envisaged.

[0059] In this example, the fixing mechanism 50 comprises a platform 52 and a plate 54. The plate 54 forms a vice with the platform 52 to clamp the equipment between the plate 54 and the platform 52. As illustrated, one or more dampers 56 may be provided, on the platform 52 and / or the plate 54, to protect the equipment. The dampers 56 may comprise a rubber strip or any other suitable material, depending on the type of equipment. In this case, the rubber provides suitable protection for the glazing of the solar panels, and the plate 54 acts as a glazing bead to hold the glazing of the solar panels in position.

[0060] The platform 52 can be formed by one of the parts, in this case by the first part 21. More precisely, the platform 52 can be formed by the surface of the branches 31, 33 opposite the first leg 23. Thus, the equipment can rest on the first part 21, in which the first part 21 directly takes up part of the forces induced by the equipment.

[0061] The plate 54 may be fixed relative to the platform 52 by any suitable holding element. In this example, without loss of generality, a screw 60 is shown whose head rests on the plate 54 and which engages with a corresponding tapped hole 39 in the platform 52 (or in the first part 21). The first part 21 and / or the second part 22 may comprise recesses so as not to interfere with the screw 60: for example, the first window 35 may be widened in line with the hole 39, and the arm 34 may have a hole, in particular an oblong one, in line with the hole 39.

[0062] To facilitate the assembly of the fixing mechanism 50, the fixing mechanism 50 may comprise a stop system to prevent the screw 60 from becoming detached from the plate 54. For example, the stop system may comprise a stop washer, or under-head washer, positioned on the side of the plate 54 opposite the head of the screw 60 and configured to engage the thread of the screw 60. In order not to protrude in the direction of the equipment and not risk damaging it, the washer may be housed in a recess provided in the plate 54. Alternatively, any other stop system may be suitable, for example protrusions provided on the screw 60, which protrusions may be obtained by pinching the screw.

[0063] In order to limit the approach and therefore the tightening of the plate 54 relative to the platform 52, the fixing mechanism 50 may comprise a tightening stop 4L. In this case, the tightening stop 41 is provided on the platform 52 and projects towards the plate 54, but the reverse is also possible. According to one example, the tightening stop 41 may be cut from the platform 52 and bent towards the plate 54. Thus, in this example, the tightening stop 41 is integral with the branches 31, 33 of the first part 21. The plate 54 is configured to approach the platform until it comes into abutment against the end 41a of the tightening stop 4L.

[0064] In this embodiment, two clamping stops 41 are provided for better stopping of the plate 54. The clamping stops 41 are provided on each of the branches 31, 33, optionally symmetrically.

[0065] Furthermore, the fixing mechanism 50 may comprise means for maintaining a minimum spacing between two pieces of equipment, for example two solar panels. Said means may be formed by the aforementioned clamping stop 41, the external flank 41b of which forms a stop for positioning the equipment. As is apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3, each piece of equipment may be supported by a branch 31, 33 and in abutment against the external flank 41b of one of the clamping stops 4L. If necessary, a damper 56 may also be provided on the external flank 41b, in a manner similar to that described previously.

[0066] Tightening the screw 60 may induce an undesirable rotation of the plate 54 relative to the platform 52. To avoid this, a guide may be provided to maintain the orientation of the plate 54 relative to the platform 52. According to one example, the plate 54 comprises one or more tabs 58 projecting towards the platform 52 and configured to fit into corresponding notches 43 of the platform 52. In order to limit the angular movement of the plate 54, the notches 43 may be bordered by one or more anti-rotation stops.

[0067] In this embodiment, a first anti-rotation stop, on one side of the notch 43, is formed by the internal flank 41c of the clamping stop 41. A second anti-rotation stop, on the other side of the notch 43, is formed by a low stop 45 extending the platform 52 towards the inside of the notch 43. The low stop 45 has a shape substantially complementary to the shape of the clamping stop 41, which makes it possible to manufacture the clamping stop 41 by cutting it out of the platform 52 and folding it.

[0068] The preceding description illustrates an embodiment in which the clamping stop 41 fulfills three functions: limiting the approach of the plate 54 relative to the platform 52 (here via the end 41a), maintaining a desired spacing between two consecutive pieces of equipment (here via the external flank 41b) and limiting the rotation of the plate 54 relative to the platform (here via the internal flank 41c).

[0069] [Fig. 2] illustrates the clamp 20 mounted on a projection 10, before tightening the clamping member 40. For the sake of clarity, the plate 54 is shown already mounted on the platform 52 and tightened on equipment 70 in the form of panels, such as solar panels, but it is obvious that in actual use, it is possible to mount the equipment 70 after tightening the clamp 20 on the projection 10. At this stage, however, it is noted that the tab 58 is blocked between, on one side (on the left in [Fig. 2]), the external flank 41b, and on the other side (on the right in [Fig. 2]), the lower stop 45. In addition, the plate 54 is in abutment against the end 41a of the clamping stop 4L

[0070] In [Fig.2], the parts 21, 22 are pre-positioned on either side of the projection 10. As indicated previously, the space separating the first part 21 and the second part 22 can widen in the direction of the projection 10, in particular due to the chamfered shape 29. This facilitates the insertion of the clamp 20 on the projection 10, the profile of which is here widened in the same direction, for example triangular.

[0071] The guide, namely in this example the legs 27, can rest on the projection 10. The clamping member 40 is set back from the legs 27 relative to the projection 10, so that the movement of the clamping member 40 (for example the rotation of a screw) does not damage the projection 10.

[0072] The arm 34 of the second part 22 passes through the first window 35 provided in the first part 21. The width of the first window 35, along the projection 10, may be greater than that of the arm 34 but less than that of the second leg 24 (see also [Fig.l]).

[0073] Under the effect of the tightening of the tightening member 40, the parts 21, 22 move closer to each other until they reach the configuration illustrated in [Fig.3]. In this configuration, the parts 21, 22 come into abutment against each other at a first support point PI allowing the transmission of the forces induced by the equipment between the first part 21 and the second part 22. In this case, the abutment is allowed by the advancement of the arm 34 deeper and deeper into the first window 35 (that is to say towards the left in Figures 2 and 3), until the first window 35 abuts against the second leg 24 which is wider than the first window 35. At this abutment point, which forms the first support point PI, the junction part between the arm 34 and the second leg 24 of the second part 21 is in contact with the junction part between the first branch 31 and the first leg 23 of the first part 21.The forces can therefore be effectively transmitted between the parts 21, 22, and thus transferred in a balanced manner to the projection 10. The first support point PI is thus formed at one end of the arm 34, namely the proximal end.

[0074] Furthermore, as the second part 22 advances towards the first part 21, the distal end of the arm 34, in particular the flat 36, enters the second window 37. In doing so, under the effect of the tightening of the tightening member 40, the first part 21 and the second part 22 come into contact with each other at a second support point P2 allowing the transmission of the forces induced by the equipment between the first part 21 and the second part 22. The second support point P2 can be offset relative to the first support point PI, in particular along the arm 34. More precisely, the second support point P2 can be formed at the end of the arm 34 opposite the first support point PL. In this case, the second support point P2 is formed by the contact surface between the flat 36 and the edge of the second window 37 on the side of the platform 52.

[0075] In this clamped position, illustrated in [Fig. 3], the arm 34 of the second part 22 supports one of the branches of the first part 21, namely here the second branch 33. The second support point P2 therefore also contributes to the distribution of forces between the parts 21, 22.

[0076] As can be seen from [Fig. 3], in the clamped position, the projection 10 and more particularly the protuberance 14 is enclosed in a sort of quadrilateral formed on the one hand by the first leg 23 and the second leg 24, on the other hand by the shoulder 30 and the guide (the legs 27). The clamp 10 therefore offers very good support in two directions of space, while the support in the third direction is ensured by the relief 32.

[0077] Although the present description refers to specific exemplary embodiments, modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the scope general scope of the invention. For example, the various members such as stops, screws, windows, etc. may vary in number, in shape, be provided continuously or discontinuously, etc. Furthermore, the cooperating parts between two elements may be reversed from one element to another. Furthermore, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated or mentioned may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims

Claims

1. Clamp (20) for fixing equipment (70) to a projection (10) such as a standing seam of a roof, the clamp (20) comprising a first part (21) intended to grip the projection (10) on a first side, a second part (22) intended to grip the projection (10) on a second side, and a clamping member (40) of the first part (21) and the second part (22) relative to each other, at least one of the first part (21) and the second part (22) comprising a fixing mechanism (50) for the equipment (70), and the first part (21) and the second part (22) being configured, under the effect of the clamping of the clamping member (40), to abut against each other at a first support point (PI) allowing the transmission of forces induced by the equipment (70) between the first part (21) and the second part (22).

2. Clamp according to claim 1, in which the first part (21) and the second part (22) are configured, under the effect of the tightening of the tightening member (40), to come into contact with each other at a second support point (P2) offset from the first support point (PI) and allowing the transmission of the forces induced by the equipment (70) between the first part (21) and the second part (22).

3. A clamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second part (22) comprises an arm (34) extending towards the first part (21), the first support point (PI) being formed at one end of the arm (34) and the second support point (P2) being optionally formed at the opposite end of the arm (34).

4. Clamp according to claim 3, in which the arm (34) passes through a window (35) provided in the first part (21).

5. A clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a guide (27, 28) configured to guide the first part (21) and the second part (22) relative to each other when tightening the clamping member (40), the guide (27, 28) being configured to rest on the projection (10).

6. Clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the parts (21, 22) has a shoulder (30) configured to hook a protrusion (14) of the projection (10).

7. Pliers according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the first part (21) comprises a leg (23) and two branches (31, 33), the leg (23) being intended to grip the projection (10) and the branches (31, 33) forming a support for the equipment (70), optionally in which the first support point (PI) is provided at the junction between the leg (23) and one of the branches (31, 33).

8. Clamp according to claim 7 in combination with claim 3, wherein, in the clamped position, the arm (34) of the second part (22) supports one of the branches (33) of the first part (21).

9. Clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which at least one of the parts (21, 22) has a relief (32) on a surface intended to come into contact with the projection (10).

10. Clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the space separating the first part (21) and the second part (22) widens towards the projection (10).

11. Clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the fixing mechanism (50) comprises a platform (52) formed by one of the parts (21) and a plate (54) forming a vice with the platform.

12. The clamp of claim 11, wherein the fixing mechanism (50) comprises at least one of an anti-rotation stop (41c, 45) between the plate (54) and the platform (52), and a clamping stop (41) configured to limit the movement of the plate (54) relative to the platform (52).

13. Clamp according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the fixing mechanism (50) allows at least two equipments (70) to be fixed on the clamp (20) and comprises means for maintaining a minimum spacing between the equipments (70), optionally wherein said means are formed by the anti-rotation stop (41c) and / or the clamping stop (41).

14. A method of manufacturing a clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising cutting and bending a first plate to form the first part (21), and cutting and bending a second plate to form the second part (22).

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