Clamp adaptable to a wide range of diameters

Abstract

TITLE: Clamp adaptable to a wide range of diameters. The invention relates to a clamp adapted 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 gripper for grasping objects of different sizes. In particular, the gripper according to the invention allows the gripping of pipes of varying diameters over a wide range of values. Previous technique

[0002] The pliers currently in use are difficult to adapt to a wide range of diameters. However, there are specific pliers with adjustable openings, such as ratchet pliers, or pliers with a prominent upper jaw, as shown in [Fig. 1].

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

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a solution for gripping objects of different sizes, easy and practical to implement, requiring no prior adjustment, and enabling the gripping of objects close to obstacles. Presentation of the invention

[0005] The present invention meets this need by proposing a clamp adapted 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 includes a movable claw 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 optimizes the gripping of pipes of various diameters. It is possible to adapt to the desired diameter thanks to the movable claw. Furthermore, it is also adaptable to any type of environment and context of use since it does not have a protruding jaw, and therefore allows the gripping of objects that are difficult to access or located near obstacles.

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

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

[0009] According to a particular embodiment, the claw adapts to gripping objects of different diameters while maintaining optimal orientation. Indeed, the tip 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 effectively guided during its deployment and retraction. This makes it possible to obtain a reversible claw actuation mechanism, integrated into the fixed jaw of the gripper.

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

[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 one embodiment, said connecting rod set comprises: - a first connecting rod forming a single unit with said movable jaw comprising: • a first movable end rotating around a main axis; and • a second movable end rotating around a first secondary axis; - a second connecting rod comprising: • a first movable end rotating around said first secondary axis; and • a second movable end rotating around a second secondary axis;

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

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

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the gripper may include 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 one 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 the figures

[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description describing particular embodiments, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting examples and described with reference to the following drawings:

[0022] Fig. 1 represents a fore-arter clamp, featuring a prominent upper jaw.

[0023] Figure [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] Figure [Fig. 3B] represents an open clamp according to the second embodiment of the invention.

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

[0028] Figure [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, along a first diameter, according to the first embodiment.

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

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

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

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

[0035] The invention relates to a gripper adaptable to grasping objects of varying 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 clamp viewed from the side 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 gripper shown in [Fig. 2A] is closed and has a claw 110 retracted within the fixed jaw 100, the claw 110 having an end 120 adapted for grasping 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 the gripping of the object. In one embodiment, this surface is serrated. Furthermore, the movable jaw 200 includes a handle 220 to facilitate actuation of the gripper, and an end 210 adapted for grasping an object, opposite the end 210 of the claw 110.

[0039] The gripper shown in [Fig. 2B] is open and has a claw 110 deployed within a groove 130 integrated into the fixed jaw 100. In one embodiment, the groove 130 is curved, preferably along an arc of a circle whose center is 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 moves along a curved path defined by the groove 130 within the fixed jaw 100. Furthermore, preferably, the claw 110 has at least one lateral projection 113 (or "guide finger") adapted to facilitate guiding the claw 110 within the groove 130.

[0040] Furthermore, as illustrated in [Fig. 2A] and [Fig. 2B], the fixed jaw 100 of the gripper 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 allows the gripping means 141 to be attached to the gripper in order to facilitate gripping and actuation of the latter.

[0041] As illustrated in [Fig. 3A] and [Fig. 3B], the fixed jaw 100 includes the gripping means 141, which has been attached to the gripper, preferably attached to the tip 140 of the gripper illustrated in [Fig. 2A] and [Fig. 2B]. In this embodiment, this gripping means 141 incorporates an electronic housing. Preferably, the electronic housing is connected to at least one sensor, or probe, which is at least partially contained within one of the ends 120, 210 of the jaws 100, 200 of the gripper, or at least connected to one of them. Preferably, the sensor is at least partially contained within the end 120 of the claw 110, or connected to it, while the end 210 of the movable jaw 200 allows the gripper to be held on the object it grasps. This allows measurements to be taken on the object grasped by the clamp, an object which can be of varying sizes, for example pipes of different diameters.These measures 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 performed using a user interface 142 located on the handle 141 of the fixed jaw 100. Preferably, the sensor is a temperature sensor.

[0042] Figure 3A shows the gripper closed, with the movable jaw 200 close to the fixed jaw 100, and the claw 110 retracted. Figure 3B shows the gripper in the open position, with the movable jaw 200 away from the fixed jaw 100, and the claw 110 extended.

[0043] Figures 4A, 4B and 4C represent an embodiment of the invention similar to Figures 2A and 2B. In particular, the gripper 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] Figures [5A] to [5E] show a transparent clamp with different opening diameters, according to an embodiment of the invention. In particular, Figure [5A] shows a clamp with an opening diameter DI of 6 mm, while Figure [5E] shows a clamp with an opening diameter D5 of 42 mm. Finally, Figures [5B], [5C], and [5D] show the clamp in intermediate positions, having an opening diameter (respectively D2, D3, D4) between 6 mm and 42 mm.

[0045] Furthermore, [Fig. 5A] to [Fig. 5E] show the internal mechanism of the gripper in transparency, according to an embodiment of the invention. This mechanism comprises a set of connecting rods articulated by means of three axes: - a main axis XI, - a first secondary axis X2, and - a second secondary axis X3.

[0046] The main axis XI allows the movable jaw 200 to be articulated, according to a pivot joint, 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 unit.

[0047] The first secondary axis X2 allows articulation, according to a pivot joint, of one end of the first connecting rod 111 with one end of a second billet 112,

[0048] The second secondary axis X3 allows articulation, according to a pivot joint, of another end of the second connecting rod 112 with the claw 110, the pivot joint 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, so that it can 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 linked in pivot around the axis X3, and 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 guide groove 130 of 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 connecting rod 111 is inclined towards the rear of the gripper, opposite the jaws, i.e., the first secondary axis X2 located at its end is positioned at the rear of the fixed jaw 100; while the second connecting rod 112 is positioned horizontally between the first secondary axis X2 and the rear of the claw 110. The first connecting rod 111 thus forms an acute angle with the second connecting rod 112.

[0053] In the deployed intermediate position, as illustrated by [Fig.5A], [Fig.5B], [Fig.5C] and [Fig.5D], the angle between the first connecting rod 111 and the second connecting rod 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 XI, to bring the first connecting rod to a vertical position, as illustrated by [Fig.5C], and 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 forward translational movement of the fixed jaw 100.Thus, the second connecting rod moves the second secondary axis X3 forward of the fixed jaw, thereby driving the claw 110 along a curved path defined by the groove 130.

[0054] Furthermore, the deployment of the claw provides an additional point of contact with the object to be grasped, thereby improving the gripping of the object. Indeed, as illustrated by [Fig. 5C], [Fig. 5D] and [Fig. 5E], when the claw is deployed, the gripper presents three points of contact with the object to be grasped, thus improving 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 includes 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 housing, integrated into the gripping means 141 fixed to the clamp at the tip 140.

[0057] A slot provided within the claw 110 allows the claw to move freely relative to the electrical cable 150, as well as the connecting rods 111, 112. Indeed, when the claw 110 is retracted, it can be inserted around the electrical cable 150 through 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 optimizes the volume of the mechanism, resulting in a compact gripper whose claw 110 deploys synchronized with the opening of the jaws 100, 200. In particular, the movable jaw 200 controls the deployment of the claw 110 via the connecting rods, with the mechanism being automatically actuated when the gripper opens. The gripper is therefore simple, quick, and adaptable to use, as it requires no prior adjustment and can be used on objects that are difficult to access.

Claims

Demands

1. Clamp adapted 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. Clamp 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 any 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 about a main axis (XI); and • a second end movable in rotation about a first secondary axis (X2); - a second connecting rod (112) comprising: • a first end movable in rotation about said first secondary axis (X2); and • a second end movable in rotation about a second secondary axis (X3); said claw being movable in rotation about said second secondary axis (X3).

6. Gripper according to any 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.

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