EP2799641B1 - Adjustable anchor device with clip - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an adjustable anchoring device for connecting together a metal profile and a rod, in particular to be able to lean against a wall to a load-bearing wall.

Such an anchoring device is used in particular to insulate houses by inserting a layer of insulating material, for example glass wool, between the wall and the load-bearing wall.

The metal profiles used in such circumstances are U-shaped and they have two parallel wings extended by a free edge, the two free edges being curved towards each other. They are then installed vertically closer and closer to the load-bearing wall, and they are held in a fixed position by means of intermediate supports. Each intermediate support comprises a threaded rod anchored in the load-bearing wall and an adjustable mounting device on the threaded rod to receive the profile. The threaded rod extends substantially perpendicular to the load-bearing wall, while the anchoring device secured to the profile is adjusted to maintain it at the desired distance from the load-bearing wall. A layer of glass wool is then extended against the bearing wall and the walls are then applied and screwed against the profiles to be secured to trap the glass wool between the bearing wall and the walls.

The anchoring device comprises a fixing portion having two opposite grooves adapted respectively to receive the free edges of the profile. It also comprises a gripper portion comprising two cradle branches engaged one inside the other. The branches each have two opposite ends, a hinge end and a free maneuvering end, and a jaw located between the two ends. One of the branches has a recess extending between the jaw and the free end of maneuver so as to engage the other branch. Thus, the two hinge ends are hinged to one another while the jaws are close to one another and the maneuvering ends spaced apart from each other. In addition, a helical spring makes it possible to keep these operating ends in a position separated from each other. In this way, when it comes to bring the free ends of maneuver from each other by compressing the coil spring, the two jaws move away from each other and the threaded rod can be engaged between the two. When the two free maneuvering ends are released, the two edges engage the threaded rod in a vice and the anchoring device is then secured thereto. The attachment part is carried by one of the branches and thus, the relative position of the anchoring device and therefore the profile, can be adjusted relative to the carrier wall by acting on the free maneuvering ends and adjusting the position relative to the anchor device relative to the threaded rod.

Such an anchoring device is relatively expensive to produce, since it is necessary to manufacture two different branches, and then to mount one on the other with the addition of a coil spring made of a steel wire spring. In addition, the spacing of the jaws requires a significant amplitude of movement of the free ends maneuver towards each other.

Document FR2946071 describes a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Also, a problem that arises and that aims to solve the present invention is to provide an adjustable anchoring device which is not only less expensive to achieve, but moreover, which is simpler to implement.

For this purpose, the present invention provides an adjustable anchoring device comprising attachment portions adapted to engage a profile and a gripper portion for receiving a rod, said gripper portion comprising, on the one hand two limbs pivotally mounted relative to each other about a hinge, each of said branches having a jaw and a free maneuvering end spaced from said jaw, and secondly an elastically deformable return member for holding the jaws said branches close together to clamp said rod, the maneuvering ends of said branches being adapted to be brought closer to each other to separate said jaws from one another, while said return member is deformed, so as to release said rod and adjust the relative position of said clamp portion and said rod. According to the invention, said hinge is located between said jaws and said maneuvering ends of said branches.

Thus, a feature of the invention lies in the production of an anchoring device in which the articulation is located not at the end of the branches but between the jaws and the free maneuvering ends, while the branches extend partly parallel to each other, so as to obtain a greater amplitude of separation of the jaws relative to each other for a smaller amplitude of approaching the free ends of maneuvering the one of the other. In this way, the adjustment of the anchoring device on the rod is easier.

In addition, according to a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, said elastically deformable return member forms said hinge. In this way, the anchoring device is simpler to produce and hence less expensive. In addition, said branches and said return member are molded together in one piece, for example by injection. In this way, the anchoring device is even less expensive to produce.

According to a first particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, each of said branches has a free fixing edge opposite said jaw, the free fixing edges extending substantially parallel to each other opposite each other by relative to said jaws to form said fastening portions. In this way, and as will be explained in greater detail in the following description, the two free edges of the profiles are adapted to come respectively against the free fixing edges to apply two opposing forces . Thus, an additional effort is applied to the two jaws between which the rod engages.

Preferably, each of said free fixing edges have a fixing groove, the fixing grooves being oriented opposite to each other. Thus, the two free edges of the profile oriented toward each other are adapted to engage respectively inside the grooves so as to obtain a better attachment of the anchoring device and the profile.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, one of said branches has a return extending opposite said maneuvering ends with respect to said jaws, and said one of said branches has two free guide edges opposite one of the other by relative to said jaws. Such characteristics allow pre-positioning of the anchoring device, in which the two free maneuvering ends can be driven towards each other to adjust the relative position of the anchoring device and the rod. As will be explained below, from this position, the anchoring device is rotated inside the profile about a quarter of a turn so as to bear the free edges of fastening against the edges respectively. free of the profile. The anchoring device is rotated in a plane substantially parallel to the mean plane defined by the profile and perpendicular to said rod. In this way the locking of the anchoring device is obtained, keeping the relative position of the anchoring device and the rod in the direction of the rod. Thus, the position of the profile relative to the load-bearing wall remains constant during this locking movement. Preferably, each of said free guide edges has a guide groove, the guide grooves being oriented opposite one another. In this way, the anchoring device is perfectly guided when rotated by a quarter of a turn, and moreover the free edges of the profile do not leave the grooves. In addition, said free guiding edges extend substantially perpendicular to said free fixing edges.

In addition, said one of said branches has, advantageously, guide ramps which extend respectively projecting, according to an axial component, from said free guiding edges and converging towards one another. Thus, in order to engage the free edges of the profile against the free guiding edges, the guide rails are first applied between the free edges and the anchoring device is then forced into the interior of the profile. Therefore, the two parallel wings of the profile tend to move away under the action of the guide rails, then the free edges engage in the free guiding edges.

Preferably, according to another feature of implementations of the invention particularly advantageous, said one of said branches has a drive handle extended freely opposite said jaws. In this way, during the pre-positioning of the anchoring device in the profile, the driving handle extends laterally of the profile in one direction. inclined with respect to it. To drive the anchoring device in rotation by a quarter of a turn, the drive handle is actuated a quarter of a turn and thus comes to lock both the rod and the anchoring device via jaws and the anchoring device and the profile through the fixing grooves of the free fastening edges, and free edges of the profile.

• la Figure 1 est une vue schématique partielle de trois quarts avant d'un dispositif d'ancrage conforme à l'invention vu en transparence au travers d'un profilé ;
• la Figure 2A est une vue schématique de face du dispositif d'ancrage illustré sur la Figure 1 ;
• la Figure 2B est une vue schématique en section du profilé illustré sur les Figures 1 et 2A ;
• la Figure 3 est une vue schématique de face du dispositif d'ancrage conforme à l'invention ;
• la Figure 4 est une vue schématique de dessus selon la flèche IV du dispositif d'ancrage illustré sur la Figure 3 ;
• la Figure 5 est une vue schématique arrière selon la flèche V du dispositif d'ancrage illustré sur la Figure 4 ;
• la Figure 6 est une vue schématique de côté selon la flèche VI du dispositif d'ancrage illustré sur la Figure 3 ; et,
• la Figure 7 est une vue schématique de dessous selon la flèche VII du dispositif d'ancrage illustré sur la Figure 3.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of indication but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the Figure 1 is a partial schematic view of three quarters before an anchoring device according to the invention seen in transparency through a profile;
• the Figure 2A is a diagrammatic front view of the anchoring device illustrated in FIG. Figure 1 ;
• the Figure 2B is a schematic sectional view of the profile shown on the Figures 1 and 2A ;
• the Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the anchoring device according to the invention;
• the Figure 4 is a schematic view from above according to the arrow IV of the anchoring device illustrated in FIG. Figure 3 ;
• the Figure 5 is a schematic rear view along the arrow V of the anchoring device illustrated in FIG. Figure 4 ;
• the Figure 6 is a schematic side view along the arrow VI of the anchoring device illustrated in FIG. Figure 3 ; and,
• the Figure 7 is a diagrammatic bottom view along the arrow VII of the anchoring device illustrated on FIG. Figure 3 .

The Figure 1 illustrates in perspective an anchoring device 10 according to the invention engaged inside a profile 12, which is shown transparent for a better understanding of the Figure, and a rod 14. The rod 14 has circumferential grooves. The anchoring device 10 is here pre-positioned and it is adapted to be locked in order to maintain in fixed position, the rod 14, the anchoring device 10 and the profile 12. We will refer first to Figures 3 to 7 to describe in detail the anchoring device before returning to Figures 1 to 2B , to describe its mode of implementation.

We find on the Figure 3 the anchoring device 10 in front view. They have two branches 16, 18 connected together by a hinge 20. The branches 16, 18 and the hinge 20 are made in one piece in a semi-rigid plastic material, and elastically deformable. In this way, the mobility of the limbs 16, 18, relative to each other is made possible by the elastic deformation of the joint 20. The latter is formed of a hemicylindrical part which will be detailed below. after. This hemi-cylindrical part is free with respect to the two branches 16, 18.

The first branch 16 has a first jaw 22 while the second branch 18, hatched for clarity purposes, has a second jaw 24. The two jaws 22, 24 are hemi-cylindrical in shape and they extend axially facing the from one another in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the Figure 3 , so as to form substantially together a cylindrical space of revolution 26 and axis A. In addition, the two jaws 22, 24 define a threaded wall of the same helix thread so as to be able to receive a rod in engagement threaded. According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, not shown, the same helical thread has not only a discontinuity at the joint between the two jaws 22, 24, but also a discontinuity at each of the jaws, so that to facilitate the translation of the anchoring device 10 relative to the threaded rod. These last discontinuities are for example formed by making notches in the threads, in the same axial direction.

We find on the Figure 6 , the two jaws 22, 24 extended axially along the axis A, and the articulation 20 extended axially over a distance corresponding to a fraction of the length of the jaws 22, 24, and in this case in the vicinity of two thirds of this distance. The thickness and length of the hemi-cylindrical hinge condition its resistance to deformation, and hence the intensity of elastic return forces.

On the Figure 3 , the first branch 16 has a first free operating end 28, and the second 18, a second free operating end 30, the two free operating ends 28, 30 being spaced apart each other so that they can be brought closer to one another as will be explained below. In addition, the second branch 18 has a front edge 31, opposite the second free maneuvering end 30. Also, the second branch 18 is, in its rest position as shown in FIG. Figure 3 connected to the first branch 16 by the single hinge 20.

The first branch 16 has a first free fastening edge 32 opposite the first jaw 22, and the second branch 18 has it, a second free fastening edge 34 opposite the second jaw 24. The two free fixing edges 32, 34 are then opposed to each other with respect to the jaws 22, 24 and to the free cylindrical space of revolution 26.

The Figure 4 has a first edge 36 of the first free fastening edge 32 of the anchoring device 10, while the Figure 7 has a second slice 38, opposite, of the second free fastening edge 34. Thus, on the Figure 4 a first fixing groove 40 formed in the first wafer 36 and extending substantially parallel to the first free fastening edge 32 on a segment of a distance substantially equal to the diameter of the cylindrical space of revolution 26. opposite, on the Figure 7 , there appears a second fixing groove 42 formed in the second wafer 38, and extending parallel to the second free fastening edge 34, on a segment of a substantially equal length. The second fixing groove 42 is open opposite the first fixing groove 40 and extends over a distance corresponding also substantially to the diameter of the cylindrical space of revolution 26. In addition, the two throat bottoms 40, 42 extend from one another by a distance D shown on the Figure 3 .

The Figure 3 , also illustrates in the extension of the first branch 16, opposite the first free operating end 28, a return 44 extending facing the front edge 31 of the second leg 18 and having a free end 48 which extends it, in the extension of the second free fastening edge 34. This return 44 has a first free guiding edge 50 substantially perpendicular to the two free fixing edges 32, 34.

Between the first free guide edge 50 and the first free fastening edge 32, and opposite the two jaws 22, 24 and the cylindrical space 26 they define, freely extends a drive handle 52. The drive handle 52 is inclined by about 135 ° with respect to the two free edges 32, 50 and extends over a distance substantially equivalent to the distance D which separates the two bottoms of fixing grooves 40, 42.

The function of the driving handle 52 will be explained in greater detail in the remainder of the description. Figures 4 and 7 that the bottoms of the fixing grooves 40, 42 which define a groove plane G and the drive handle 52 which extends in the mean plane P defined by the anchoring device 10, are offset relative to the other along the axis of symmetry A defined by the two jaws 22, 24 hemicylindrical.

In addition, opposite the first free guide edge with respect to the cylindrical space 26, the first branch 16 has a first second free guide edge 54 and the second branch 18 has a second second free guide edge 56, in the extension of the first. The two second free guide edges 54, 56 are aligned and extend substantially the same distance from the cylindrical space of revolution 26 as the first free guide edge 50. In addition, the two second free edges 54, 56, are substantially parallel to the first free guiding edge 50.

The first free guiding edge 50 shown on the Figure 4 has a first guide groove 58, while the second free guide edge 54, 56 define a second opposite guide groove 60. The first and second guide grooves 58, 60 are also cut in the bottom by the groove plane G. In addition, the distance d between the two grooves 58, 60 is significantly smaller than the distance D which separates the two fixing grooves 40, 42.

However, it will be observed that the bottom of the second guide groove 60, at the second second free guiding edge 56 is substantially deeper than at the first second free guiding edge 54. The advantages of this difference.

Thus, the grooves segments 40, 42 and guide groove segments 58, 60 together define by their groove bottom and around the cylindrical space of revolution 26, a substantially rectangular shape. It will be observed that the fixing grooves 40, 42 are substantially rectilinear, and that the ends of the guide grooves 58, 60 are respectively curved towards the fixing grooves 40, 42. In particular, firstly the second guide groove 60 at the second second free guide edge 56, present a first rounded end 62 and curved towards the second fixing groove 42, and secondly, diametrically opposite to the cylindrical space of revolution 26, the first guide groove 58 has a second rounded end 64 and bent towards the first fixing groove 40.

As will be explained below, the rounded ends 62, 64 make it possible to facilitate the movement of the anchoring device with respect to the profile 12.

In addition, the branches 16, 18 are equipped with locking means to hold them in a fixed position when they are kept close to one another. We will refer to the Figure 4 , then to Figures 3 and 5 to define these locking means. On the Figure 4 the jaws 22, 24 have two opposite ends, an inner end 66 and an outer end 68. At the inner end 66 shown in FIG. Figure 3 , one of the jaws 24 has a lug 70 which projects from the edge of the hemicylindrical shape to the edge of the other jaw 22 and opposite a housing 72 corresponding to the shape of the lug 70 Thus, when the two jaws 22, 24 are brought closer to each other, the lug 70 is housed inside the housing 72.

The outer end 68 of the jaws 22, 24, shown in the Figures 4 and 5 , illustrates external locking means. Said other jaw 22 has a hook 74 which extends radially opposite the cylindrical space of revolution 26 by defining a first axial bearing surface 76 and an adjacent radial bearing surface 78. In addition, said one jaws 24 has a complementary U-shaped portion 80 extending projecting and adapted to engage against the axial bearing surfaces 76 and radial 78 when the two jaws 22, 24 are brought closer to one another.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the invention not shown, on the one hand the complementary U-shaped portion 80 extends axially to the level of the average plane P defined by the anchoring device 10, and has a stop hook adapted to cooperate with the hook 74 of the other jaw 22, and secondly, the first leg 16 has a stop located at the average plane P, opposite the hook 74. so, when the jaw 22, 24 come closer to each other, the U-shaped portion comes into contact with the stop which then causes an axial movement and the engagement of the stop hook with the hook 74 of the Other jaws 22. The two hooks are then locked one inside the other.

Thus, when the two edges 22, 24 are brought closer to each other, they are held in a fixed position relative to each other at their two opposite ends 66, 68.

In addition, at the free end 48 of the first branch 16 illustrated on the Figure 7 , the front edge 31 of the second branch 18 has, opposite the second attachment groove 42 relative to the average plane P, a tongue 82 which projects. The tongue 82 forms a second axial support 84 against which bears the lateral edge of the free end 48 when the latter and the front edge 31 are brought closer to each other. In this way, and as will be explained below, when the anchoring device is driven in motion inside the profile, the return 44 of the first branch 16 and the front edge 31 of the second branch 18 are integral with each other.

The Figures 3 and 4 further shows a first pair of guide rails 86, 88 installed on the return 44, and opposite to the cylindrical space of revolution 26 a second pair of guide ramp, a first second ramp 90, on the first branch 16 and a second second ramp 92 on the second branch 18. The first pair of guide ramps 86, 88 converges from the first free guide edge to the axis of symmetry A, while on the opposite side, the second A pair of guide ramps 90, 92 respectively converge from the first second free guide edge 54 and the second second free guide edge 56 towards the axis of symmetry A of the cylindrical space 26.

The adjustable anchoring device 10 according to the invention is preferably molded in one piece of plastic material, for example in polyamide, and if necessary filled with fiberglass. Such a loaded material makes it possible to obtain a good elasticity of the joint 20.

Thus, the adjustable anchoring device according to the invention is intended to secure together the rod 14 and the profile 12. Also, the rod 14 is previously engaged between the jaws 22, 24. When the anchoring device 10 is free , the threaded rod 14 can be screwed inside the cylindrical space 26. It can also be worn more quickly between the jaws 22, 24 coming to bring the free operating ends 28, 30 towards one another. , which has the effect of deforming the elastically deformable articulation 20 and move the two jaws 22, 24 apart from one another. In this way, the rod 14 can be freely engaged between the jaws 22, 24. free operating ends 28, 30 are released, the two jaws 22, 24 engage on the rod 14. The rod 14 is then engaged between the two branches 16, 18 so that its free end extends in the vicinity of the inner end 66 of the jaws 22, 24.

Then, the anchoring device 10 is engaged inside the profile 12. As shown in FIG. Figure 2B , the profile 12 has two opposite wings 94, 96 respectively extended by two free edges 98, 100 which extend back towards one another. Thus, the two free edges 98, 100 are applied against the two pairs of guide rails 86, 88; 90, 92, then the anchoring device 10 and the profile 12 are forced against each other. The two free edges 98, 100 are driven in friction against the two pairs of guide rails 86, 88; 90, 92, while the two opposite wings 94, 96 move elastically away from each other until they reach the first and second free guide edges 50, 54, 56, then fall back in the first and second guiding grooves 58, 60. In this way, and as shown in FIG. Figure 1 , the two free edges 98, 100 of the profile 12 enclose the anchoring device 10. The two free operating ends 28, 30 then extend laterally to one side outside the profile 12, while the drive handle 52 extends laterally in the opposite side while the rod 14 extends substantially perpendicularly to the profile 12.

In this first phase of installation, the finer adjustment of the relative position of the rod 14 and the section 12 is made by moving the maneuvering ends 28, 30 towards each other manually so as to move the jaws 22 apart. 24, and to partially release the rod 14. This maneuver is facilitated because the second leg 18 is relatively free with respect to the profile, and in particular with respect to the free edges 98, 100. one or the other of the free edges rests on the bottom of the second guide groove 60, at the first second free guide edge 54 and not on the bottom of the second guide groove 60 at the second second free edge 56 which is deeper. Also, the second branch 18 is relatively free to rotate about the hinge 20 in the plane P. In addition, the hinge 20 is located between the jaws 22, 24 and the free ends of maneuvering 28, 30, while the branches 16, 18 extend in part parallel, the substantial spacing of the jaws 22, 24 is achieved by a small amplitude of movement of the free operating ends 28, 30 towards one another.

After the relative position of the rod 14 and the profile 12 has been adjusted, the driving handle 52 is then forced into movement along the profile 12 so as to rotate the anchoring device 10 by approximately 90 °. A relative position of the anchoring device 10 as shown in FIG. Figure 2A . The two branches 16, 18 and corresponding maneuvering ends 28, 30 are then oriented substantially parallel to the profiles 12, while the drive handle 52 has been tilted 90 °. During tilting, in a first phase, the diametrically opposite rounded ends 62, 64, respectively of the first and second guide grooves 58, 60 are force-driven against the free edges 98, 100. The flanges 94, 96 of the profile 12 tend to then to deviate significantly from each other until the line intersecting the two rounded ends 62, 64 are extended substantially perpendicularly to the profile 12. The free edges 98, 100 facing then exert a constraint concentric tending to drive the two branches 16, 18 against each other and therefore the two jaws 22, 24 towards each other further enclosing the rod 14, on the one hand, and the side edge of the free end 48 against the tongue 82 on the other hand. Then, when the tilting continues in a second phase, the return 44 of the first leg 16 is secured to the front edge 31 of the second leg 18 and the free edges 98, 100 respectively respectively bear in the bottom of the grooves of Fixing 40, 42. The rod 14 then remains sandwiched between the jaws 22, 24, after the complete tilting, because the distance D which extends between the two bottoms of fixing grooves 40, 42 is greater than the distance d which separates the two funds grooves guide 58, 60. In this way, the rod 14 is trapped in the anchoring device 10 which itself is trapped in the profile 12. The assembly is then locked.

It will be observed that the driving of the driving handle 52 in a reverse direction is possible in order to be able to make a new adjustment of the relative position of the profile 12 with respect to the rod 14.

Moreover, the rod 14, at its other end is anchored in a load-bearing wall. This anchoring can be achieved by means of another profile and a similar anchoring device 10, or any other anchoring device not necessarily adjustable.

Claims (10)

1. Adjustable anchor device (10) comprising attachment parts capable of engaging in a profile (12), and a gripping member for receiving a rod (14), said gripping member comprising two arms (16, 18) mounted so as to be pivotable relative to one another about a hinge (20), each of said arms (16, 18) having a jaw (22, 24) and a free handling end (28,30) spaced apart from said jaw (22, 24), and an elastically deformable restoring member (20) for holding the jaws (22, 24) of said arms (16, 18) close together in order to clamp said rod (14), characterised in that said hinge (20) is positioned between said jaws (22, 24) and said free handling ends (28, 30) of said arms (16, 18), and said free handling ends (28, 30) of said arms being capable of being brought close together in order to separate the jaws (22, 24), while said elastically deformable restoring member (20) is deformed so as to be able to free said rod (14) and adjust the relative position of said gripping member and of said rod (14).
2. Adjustable anchor device according to claim 1, characterised in that said elastically deformable restoring member (20) forms said hinge (20).
3. Adjustable anchor device according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that said arms (16, 18) and said elastically deformable restoring member (20) are moulded together in one piece.
4. Adjustable anchor device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that each of said arms (16, 18) has a free attachment edge (32, 34) opposite said jaws (22, 24), the free attachment edges (32, 34) extending substantially in parallel with one another and opposite one another in relation to said jaws (22, 24) so as to be able to form said attachment parts.
5. Adjustable anchor device according to claim 4, characterised in that each of said free attachment edges (32, 34) has an attachment groove (40, 42), the attachment grooves being oriented opposite one another.
6. Adjustable anchor device according to either claim 4 or claim 5, characterised in that one of said arms (16) has a lever (44) extending opposite said free handling ends (28, 30) in relation to said jaws (22, 24), and in that said one of said arms (16) has two free guide edges (50, 54) opposite one another in relation to said jaws (22, 24).
7. Adjustable anchor device according to claim 6, characterised in that said one of said arms (16) has guide ramps (86, 88, 90) that protrude respectively from said guide edges (50, 54).
8. Adjustable anchor device according to either claim 6 or claim 7, characterised in that said free guide edges (50, 54, 56) extend substantially perpendicularly to said free attachment edges (32, 34).
9. Adjustable anchor device according to claim 8, characterised in that each of said free guide edges (50, 54, 56) has a guide groove (58, 60), the guide grooves being oriented opposite one another.
10. Adjustable anchor device according to any of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that said one of said arms (16) has a drive handle (52) freely extending opposite said jaws (22, 24).

Images