Clamp adaptable to a wide range of diameters

Abstract

TITLE: Clamp adaptable to a wide range of diameters The invention relates to a clamp suitable for measuring the temperature of a plurality of pipes, comprising a fixed jaw (100) and a movable jaw (200), characterized in that one of said fixed jaws (100) comprises a claw (110) movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. Abstract figure: [Fig.2B]

Description

Title of the invention: Clamp adaptable to a wide range of diameters Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamp for gripping objects of different sizes. In particular, the clamp according to the invention allows the gripping of pipes of variable diameters over a wide range of values. Prior art

[0002] The pliers currently used are difficult to adapt to a wide range of diameters. However, there are specific pliers whose opening is adjustable, such as rack pliers, or pliers with a prominent upper jaw, as shown in [Fig.l].

[0003] However, these clamps have the respective disadvantages of requiring prior manual adjustment of the jaw spacing using a rack, and of limiting the gripping of certain objects close to obstacles such as a wall due to an upper jaw that is too prominent.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a solution allowing the gripping of objects of different sizes, easy and practical to implement, not requiring prior adjustment, and allowing the gripping of objects close to obstacles. Presentation of the invention

[0005] The present invention meets this need by proposing a clamp suitable for measuring the temperature of a plurality of pipes, comprising a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, characterized in that one of said fixed jaws comprises a claw movable between a retracted position and a deployed position.

[0006] Thus, the clamp according to the invention is adaptable to a wide range of diameters and therefore makes it possible to optimize the gripping of pipes of various diameters. It is possible to adapt to the desired diameter thanks to the movable claw. In addition, it is also adaptable to any type of environment and context of use since it does not have a prominent jaw, and therefore allows the gripping of objects that are difficult to access or located close to obstacles.

[0007] The invention makes it possible to have, whatever the diameter of the pipe, three support points on the latter, corresponding respectively to the fixed jaw, the movable jaw and the claw, which makes it possible to guarantee effective and reliable contact with a possible temperature sensor carried by the clamp.

[0008] According to a particular embodiment, the claw is movable in translation along a curved trajectory.

[0009] According to a particular embodiment, the claw adapts to gripping objects of different diameters while maintaining an optimal orientation. Indeed, the end of the claw remains oriented towards the object to be grasped.

[0010] According to a particular embodiment, said curved trajectory of said claw is defined by a curved groove within the fixed jaw.

[0011] Thus, the claw is efficiently guided during its deployment and retraction. This makes it possible to obtain a reversible mechanism for actuating the claw, integrated into the fixed jaw of the clamp.

[0012] In particular, said claw can be actuated via a set of connecting rods, when opening said movable jaw.

[0013] Thus, the claw deploys automatically, and in a synchronized manner with the opening of the clamp, by a simple force exerted on the handle of the movable jaw.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, said set of connecting rods comprises: - a first connecting rod forming a single piece with said movable jaw comprising: • a first end movable in rotation around a main axis; and • a second end which can rotate around a first secondary axis; - a second connecting rod comprising: • a first end movable in rotation around said first secondary axis; and • a second end which can rotate around a second secondary axis;

[0015] said claw being movable in rotation around said second secondary axis.

[0016] Thus, the claw is actuated by the force exerted by the user's hand on the movable jaw handle, the movement of the claw being linked to the movement of the movable jaw by the set of connecting rods. The gripper therefore automatically adapts to the size of the object to be gripped.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the clamp may comprise a sensor on at least one of said jaws.

[0018] Thus, the clamp according to the invention makes it possible to carry out measurements on objects of different sizes, for example, on pipes of different diameters.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment, said sensor is a temperature sensor.

[0020] Thus, the clamp according to the invention makes it possible to carry out temperature measurements on objects of different sizes, for example, on pipes of different diameters. Presentation of figures

[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during reading of the detailed description describing particular embodiments, given as simple illustrative and non-limiting examples and described with reference to the following drawings:

[0022] [Fig.l] shows a prior art clamp, having a prominent upper jaw.

[0023] [Fig.2A] represents a closed clamp according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0024] [Fig.2B] represents an open clamp according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0025] [Fig.3A] represents a closed clamp according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0026] [Fig.3B] represents an open clamp according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0027] [Fig.4A] represents a closed clamp, according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0028] [Fig.4B] represents an open clamp, according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0029] [Fig.4C] represents an open clamp, according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0030] [Fig.5A] represents an open clamp, in transparency, according to a first diameter, according to the first embodiment.

[0031] [Fig.5B] represents an open clamp, in transparency, according to a second diameter, according to the first embodiment.

[0032] [Fig.5C] represents an open clamp, in transparency, according to a third diameter, according to the first embodiment.

[0033] [Fig.5D] represents an open clamp, in transparency, according to a fourth diameter, according to the first embodiment.

[0034] [Fig.5E] represents an open clamp, in transparency, according to a fifth diameter, according to the first embodiment. Detailed description of the invention

[0035] The invention relates to a clamp adaptable to gripping objects of variable sizes, thanks to a jaw comprising a movable claw.

[0036] In particular, the invention is described in relation to [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B] which represent a side view of a clamp according to an embodiment of the invention, with a jaw 100 comprising a claw 110, respectively in a position retracted, and in a deployed position.

[0037] The clamp according to this embodiment comprises a movable jaw 200 and a fixed jaw 100, relative to a main axis XL

[0038] Thus, the clamp shown in [Fig.2A] is closed and has a claw 110 retracted within the fixed jaw 100, the claw 110 comprising an end 120 adapted for gripping an object. It should be noted that the front of the claw 110 is located at its end 120 while the rear of the claw is located at its opposite end. Preferably, the end 120 of the claw 110 also has a surface configured to improve gripping of the object. In an exemplary embodiment, this surface is serrated. In addition, the movable jaw 200 comprises a handle 220 to facilitate actuation of the clamp, and an end 210 adapted for gripping an object, opposite the end 210 of the claw 110.

[0039] The clamp shown in [Fig.2B], for its part, is open and has a claw 110 deployed within a groove 130 integrated into the fixed jaw 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the groove 130 is curved, preferably along an arc of a circle having its center between the end 120 of the claw 110 in the deployed position and the end 210 of the movable jaw 200 in the open position. Thus, according to this embodiment, the claw 110 is movable along a curved path, defined by the groove 130 within the fixed jaw 100. In addition, preferably, the claw 110 has at least one lateral projection 113 (or “guide finger”) adapted to facilitate the guiding of the claw 110 within the groove 130.

[0040] Furthermore, as illustrated in [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B], the fixed jaw 100 of the clamp according to the invention preferably comprises an end piece 140 configured to accommodate a gripping means 141, such as a handle. Such an end piece 140 makes it possible to fix the gripping means 141 to the clamp in order to facilitate gripping and actuation of the latter.

[0041] As illustrated in [Fig.3A] and [Fig.3B], the fixed jaw 100 comprises the gripping means 141 which has been fixed to the clamp, preferably which has been fixed on the tip 140 of the clamp illustrated in [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B]. In this exemplary embodiment, this gripping means 141 integrates an electronic box. Preferably, the electronic box is connected to at least one sensor, or probe, which is at least partly contained in one of the ends 120, 210 of the jaws 100, 200 of the clamp, or at least connected to one of them. Preferably, the sensor is at least partly contained in the end 120 of the claw 110, or connected to it, while the end 210 of the movable jaw 200 allows the clamp to be held on the object that the latter grasps. This allows measurements to be taken on the object grasped by the clamp, an object which may be of variable sizes, for example pipes of different diameters.These measurements are preferably obtained after implementation. contact of the end 120 of the claw 110 with the object grasped by the gripper. Preferably, these measurements are carried out using a user interface 142 placed on the handle 141 of the fixed jaw 100. Preferably, the sensor is a temperature sensor.

[0042] [Fig.3A] shows the clamp closed, having the movable jaw 200 close to the fixed jaw 100, with a retracted claw 110. While [Fig.3B] shows the clamp in the open position, having the movable jaw 200 distant from the fixed jaw 100, with the claw 110 deployed.

[0043] [Fig.4A], [Fig.4B] and [Fig.4C] represent an embodiment of the invention similar to [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B]. In particular, the clamp shown in these figures respectively has a retracted claw 110, a semi-deployed claw 110 in an intermediate position within the groove 130, and a fully deployed claw 110.

[0044] [Fig.5A] to [Fig.5E] represent transparent clamps having different opening diameters, according to an embodiment of the invention. In particular, [Fig.5A] represents a clamp having an opening diameter DI equal to 6 mm, while [Fig.5E] represents a clamp having an opening diameter D5 equal to 42 mm. Finally, [Fig.5B], [Fig.5C] and [Fig.5D] represent the clamps in intermediate positions, having an opening diameter (respectively D2, D3, D4) between 6 mm and 42 mm.

[0045] In addition, [Fig.5A] to [Fig.5E] represent the internal mechanism of the clamp in transparency, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. This mechanism comprises a set of connecting rods articulated using three axes: - a main axis XI, - a first secondary axis X2, and - a second secondary axis X3.

[0046] The main axis XI makes it possible to articulate, according to a pivot connection, the movable jaw 200 with the fixed jaw 100. The fixed jaw 100 contains a first connecting rod 111. Thus, preferably, the movable jaw 200 and the first connecting rod 111 form a single piece.

[0047] The first secondary axis X2 makes it possible to articulate, according to a pivot connection, one end of the first connecting rod 111 with one end of a second billet 112,

[0048] The second secondary axis X3 makes it possible to articulate, according to a pivot connection, another end of the second connecting rod 112 with the claw 110, the pivot connection between the second secondary axis X3 and the claw 110 being located at the rear of the claw 110.

[0049] Furthermore, the claw 110 is preferably configured to perform a translational movement within the groove 130 of the fixed jaw 100. Indeed, the claw 110 is guided along the groove 130, preferably curved, to be able to move between a retracted position and a deployed position.

[0050] The movement of the claw 110 is therefore defined both by the force exerted by the second connecting rod 112 on the rear part of the claw 110 pivotally connected around the axis X3, as well as by the curved trajectory imposed by the groove 130.

[0051] Preferably, the second connecting rod 112 is guided by the movable jaw assembly 200 and the claw 110 which is guided by the groove 130 for guiding the jaw 100.

[0052] In the retracted position, as illustrated by [Fig.2A], [Fig.3A] and [Fig.4A], the claw 110 is inserted into the fixed jaw 100, within the groove 130, and its upper part forms a continuous surface with the upper part of the movable jaw 100. In this position, the first link 111 is inclined towards the rear of the clamp, opposite the jaws, that is to say that the first secondary axis X2 located at its end is positioned at the rear of the fixed jaw 100; while the second link 112 is positioned horizontally between the first secondary axis X2 and the rear of the claw 110. The first link 111 thus forms an acute angle with the second link 112.

[0053] In the deployed intermediate position, as illustrated by [Fig.5A], [Fig.5B], [Fig.5C] and [Fig.5D], the angle between the first link 111 and the second link 112 increases, until it forms a flat angle when the claw 110 is fully deployed, as illustrated by [Fig.5E]. Indeed, when the movable jaw 200 is opened, the assembly formed by the movable jaw 200 and the first connecting rod 111 pivots around the main axis X1, to bring the first connecting rod towards a vertical position, as illustrated by [Fig.5C], then to tilt it towards the front of the fixed jaw 100, the first secondary axis X2 is thus moved towards the front of the fixed jaw 100. Consequently, the second connecting rod 112 pivots around the first secondary axis X2 while performing a translational movement towards the front of the fixed jaw 100.Thus, the second connecting rod moves the second secondary axis X3 towards the front of the fixed jaw, thus driving the claw 110 along a curved path defined by the groove 130.

[0054] In addition, the deployment of the claw makes it possible to obtain an additional point of contact with the object to be grasped, which makes it possible to improve the gripping of the object. Indeed, as illustrated by [Fig.5C], [Fig.5D] and [Fig.5E], when the claw is deployed, the gripper has three points of contact with the object to be grasped, making it possible to improve the stability of the gripping of the object.

[0055] Furthermore, the second connecting rod preferably has a curved shape in order to avoid contact with the inside of the fixed jaw 100 when opening the clamp.

[0056] Finally, as shown in [Fig.5B], the fixed jaw 100 comprises a cable electrical 150 connecting the sensor, preferably the temperature sensor, to the tip 140, so that this sensor can be connected to the electronic box, integrated in the gripping means 141 fixed to the clamp at the tip 140.

[0057] A slot provided within the claw 110 can allow free movement of the claw relative to the electric cable 150, as well as free movement of the connecting rods 111, 112. Indeed, when the claw 110 is retracted, it can be inserted around the electric cable 150 thanks to said slot, in order to fully enter the fixed jaw 100. In addition, the first connecting rod 111 and the second connecting rod 112 can be inserted into said slot, as shown in [Fig.5E], and can therefore reach their maximum amplitude, corresponding to a flat angle, in order to fully deploy the claw 110.

[0058] Thus, this arrangement makes it possible to optimize the volume of the mechanism, to obtain a compact clamp whose deployment of the claw 110 is synchronized with the opening of the jaws 100, 200. In particular, the movable jaw 200 makes it possible to control the deployment of the claw 110, via the set of connecting rods, the actuation of the mechanism being automatic when the clamp is opened. The implementation of this clamp is therefore simple, rapid and adaptable, since it does not require prior adjustment, and can be used on objects that are difficult to access.

Claims

Claims

1. Clamp suitable for measuring the temperature of a plurality of pipes, comprising a fixed jaw (100) and a movable jaw (200), characterized in that one of said fixed jaws (100) comprises a claw (110) movable between a retracted position and a deployed position.

2. Clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the claw (110) is movable in translation along a curved trajectory.

3. Pliers according to claim 2, characterized in that said curved trajectory of said claw is defined by a curved groove (130) within the fixed jaw (100).

4. Clamp according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said claw (110) is actuated via a set of connecting rods (111, 112), when said movable jaw (200) is opened.

5. Clamp according to claim 4, characterized in that said set of connecting rods comprises: - a first connecting rod (111) forming a single piece with said movable jaw (200) comprising: • a first end movable in rotation around a main axis (X1); and • a second end movable in rotation around a first secondary axis (X2); - a second connecting rod (112) comprising: • a first end movable in rotation around said first secondary axis (X2); and • a second end movable in rotation around a second secondary axis (X3); said claw being movable in rotation around said second secondary axis (X3).

6. Clamp according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a sensor on at least one of said jaws (100, 200).

7. Clamp according to claim 6, characterized in that said sensor is a temperature sensor.

Images