BE1028105A1 - Articulated connection system for load-bearing elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection system for supporting elements, comprising an axis (5), in particular a vertical cylindrical axis (5), and a plurality of connectors (1) articulated around the axis (5), each connector (1) comprising two connecting plates (3) facing each other, in particular two connecting plates (3) vertical and / or plane facing each other, as well as at least one strip (2), in particular at least one strip horizontal and / or planar annular (2), at least partially surrounding the axis (5) and connecting between them the two connection plates (3) preferably parallel to each other, the two connection plates (3) each optionally comprising the at least one fixing hole (4), said connection system being characterized in that it comprises at least three connectors (1) and in that the bands, in particular the horizontal and / or flat annular bands (2) of the au at least three connectors (1) each occupy, along the axis (5), in pa especially vertically along the axis (5) a different place.

Description

Articulated connection system for supporting elements Technical field of the invention The present invention relates to an articulated connection system for supporting elements, the articulated connection system comprising an axis and a plurality of connectors articulated around this axis.

In particular, the present invention relates to an articulated connection system for supporting elements, the articulated connection system comprising a vertical cylindrical axis and a plurality of connectors articulated around the cylindrical shaft. STATE OF THE PRIOR ART Such an articulated connection system is known from document DE4410535. Unfortunately with the connection system according to this prior document, a maximum of two connectors can be articulated around the same axis, in particular around the same cylindrical axis, whereas, in certain applications, more than two connectors articulated around the same axis. the same axis would be useful, in particular around the same cylindrical axis.

To date, therefore, there is a real need to provide an articulated connection system for supporting elements which can include more than two connectors articulated around the same axis, in particular around the same cylindrical axis. Summary of the invention To solve this problem, there is provided according to the invention an articulated connection system for supporting elements comprising: - an axis, and - a plurality of connectors articulated around the axis, each connector comprising two plates of flat connection facing each other as well as at least one flat strip at least partially surrounding the axis and interconnecting the two connection plates, the two connection plates each optionally comprising at least one fixing hole, the following connection system the invention being characterized in that it comprises at least three connectors and in that the flat strips of the at least three connectors each occupy, along the axis, a different place or space.

More particularly, to solve this problem, there is provided according to the invention an articulated connection system for supporting elements comprising: - a vertical cylindrical axis, and - a plurality of connectors articulated around the cylindrical axis, each connector comprising two connection plates verticals facing each other as well as at least one horizontal annular band at least partially surrounding the cylindrical axis and interconnecting the two connection plates, the two connection plates being parallel to each other and each optionally comprising at least one fixing hole , the connection system according to the invention being characterized in that it comprises at least three connectors and in that said at least one horizontal annular strip of the at least three connectors each occupy, vertically and along the cylindrical axis, a different place.

In other words, to solve this problem, there is provided according to the invention an articulated connection system for supporting elements comprising: - an axis, in particular a vertical cylindrical axis, and - a plurality of connectors articulated around the axis, each connector comprising two connection plates facing each other, in particular two vertical and / or plane connection plates facing each other, as well as at least one strip, in particular at least one horizontal and / or planar annular strip, surrounding at least partially the axis and interconnecting the two connection plates, which are preferably parallel to each other, the two connection plates each optionally comprising at least one fixing hole, said connection system being characterized in that it comprises at least three connectors and in that the bands, in particular the horizontal and / or planar annular bands, of the at least three connectors each occupy, along the axis, in particular vertically along the axis (5), a different place.

With such an articulated connection system according to the invention, since the bands (for example horizontal annular bands and / or flat bands) of said at least three connectors each occupy, along the axis (preferably vertically the along the axis), a place or a different space, it is possible that more than two connectors are articulated around the same axis. Indeed, such an arrangement of the bands (for example horizontal annular bands and / or flat bands) of said at least three connectors allows the latter to fit together (interlock) with respect to each other ( one inside the other) such that each strip of said at least three connectors is in contact with a given and distinct portion along the axis (preferably vertically along the axis). In particular, such an arrangement of the bands of said at least three connectors allows each band of said at least three connectors to fit in a given location (or zone or portion) and to separate the outer surface of the axis. The connectors, once nested within each other can for example be placed / slid along the axis so that each strip (for example each horizontal annular strip and / or each flat strip) of said at least three connectors matches / occupies a location (or a zone or a portion) given and distinct from the outer surface of the axis.

A non-limiting field of application of the invention is more particularly the manufacture and installation of light load-bearing structures such as, for example, a terrace support, the base of a construction such as a garden shed or the like. These structures or supports may in particular be wooden structures, but the invention may also relate to metal structures.

According to the invention, a connector comprises one or more bands (for example one or more horizontal annular bands and / or one or more plane bands) connecting two connection plates, preferably two plane connection plates, the latter facing each other and preferably being mutually parallel. The bands (for example the horizontal annular bands and / or the flat bands) are intended to be articulated around an axis, preferably around a cylindrical axis, and to position the connectors, and therefore the connection plates, radially with respect to this axis at the angles required by the application.

So that at least three connectors can be articulated around the same axis according to the invention, the widths and positions of the bands (for example horizontal annular bands and / or flat bands) of said at least three connectors are preferably defined so that the space left free between the strips of a first connector can be occupied in whole or in part by the strips of a second connector and by the strips of one or more other connectors.

In particular, the lengths of the strips (for example the lengths of the horizontal annular strips and / or the lengths of the flat strips) of the various connectors are chosen so as to sufficiently separate the connection plates from the axis. Thus, the smaller the angle between two connectors, the greater the length of their bands relative to the section of the axis must be. This is also true when the spacing of the two connection plates increases, for example in the case of a bearing element of greater thickness.

According to the invention, the connectors are not necessarily connected / fixed to Taxe.

According to the invention, it is optionally provided that each element of the articulated connection system is made from a sheet cut and folded or by laser cutting. It may for example be a galvanized steel sheet, this material is given by way of non-limiting example. Preferably a metal is used, preferably steel for mechanical reasons, but for the production of lightly loaded structures, it is possible to use a light alloy, for example based on aluminum. Each element of the articulated connection system can also be made of rigid synthetic material or of wood.

The choice of the lengths of the bands (for example horizontal annular bands and / or flat bands), their number, their widths and their positions allows the realization of a connection system providing a certain number of connectors which can be arranged. at certain angles around the axis and capable of supporting load-bearing elements.

A combination of multiple articulated connection systems according to the invention makes it possible, for example, to put in place complete and extensible supporting structures.

The axis of an articulated connection system according to the invention can be anchored directly in the ground or in a base (for example in a concrete base).

However, the axes could also be positioned horizontally with respect to the ground surface.

Brief description of the figures The essential characteristics of the present invention, and their advantages, will be clarified in the detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings of the figures, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a view of the above an articulated connection system according to the invention.

Fig.2 illustrates a connector deployed flat according to the invention.

Fig.3 illustrates an embodiment of three connectors deployed flat for an articulated connection system according to the invention.

Fig.4 illustrates an embodiment of an articulated connection system according to the invention in which the axis is provided with a mounting plate for the supporting elements.

Fig. 5 shows the influence of the ratio of the length of the connecting strips to the diameter of the cylindrical axis on the number of connectors that can be assembled on the same cylindrical axis and the angles that can be obtained between these connectors.

Fig. 6 shows four annular three band connectors ready to be assembled / nested.

Fig. 7aetb illustrate a device for adjusting the height of the axis for an articulated connection system according to the invention.

The drawings of the figures are neither to scale nor proportionate.

Generally, similar or identical elements are denoted by identical references in the figures.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention Figure 1 is a top view of an SC articulated connection system according to the invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the articulated connection system SC comprises a vertical cylindrical axis 5 around which can be articulated a plurality of connectors, which each comprise two vertical connection plates 3, 3 'facing each other as well as several annular bands. horizontal 2 at least partially surrounding the cylindrical axis 5 and interconnecting the two connection plates 3, 3 '. For example, according to the invention, the three connectors 1, 1 ', 1 ”as illustrated in FIG. 3 can be hinged together around the vertical cylindrical axis 5, the annular bands 2 of the three connectors 1, 1' , 1 ”being configured so that they each occupy, vertically and along the cylindrical axis, a different place.

More particularly, the configuration of the annular bands 2 of the three connectors 1, 1 ', 1 ”is such that the three connectors 1, 1', 1” can fit into each other as will be explained and illustrated below. .

Figure 1 illustrates a particular embodiment in which the connection plates 3, 3 'are tangent to the axis 5. However, the invention is not limited to this particular arrangement and it is perfectly conceivable that the connection plates are move closer to each other by means of flat bands of greater length surrounding the axis 5 over a greater perimeter.

FIG. 2 illustrates a connector 1 deployed flat, that is to say before carrying out a bending so that the horizontal bands 2, 2 ', 2 ”interconnecting the two connection plates 3, 3' take the form of bands, for example the shape of horizontal annular bands.

The connector 1 illustrated in FIG. 2 has a height H, comprises two connection plates 3, 3 'provided with oblong holes 4 and interconnected by three annular bands 2, 2', 2 ”of length L, these three annular bands horizontals 2, 2 ', 2 ”presenting respectively heights h1, ha and hs.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the annular band 2 is separated from the annular band 2 'by a recess having a height V1 and the annular band 2' is separated from the annular band 2 ”by a recess having a height Go.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of three connectors 1, 1 ", 1" deployed flat suitable for an articulated connection system SC according to the invention. Each connector 1, 1 ", 1" includes two vertical connection plates 3, 3 "as well as several horizontal bands 2. According to the illustrated embodiment, each connector further includes fixing holes

4. As illustrated with the dotted lines, the horizontal annular bands 2 of a first connector 1 are positioned so that they are at a corresponding level (defined along a height H of the connectors). to areas free of material (recesses, cutouts) of the second connector 1 'and of the third connector 1 ”. In this way, after bending the connectors 1, 1 ', 1 ”in order to obtain horizontal annular bands 2, the three connectors 1, 1', 1” can be nested one inside the other and placed / slid along the vertical cylindrical axis 5, the annular bands 2 of the three connectors 1, 1 ', 1 ”then each occupying, vertically and along the cylindrical axis 5, a different place.

Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of an articulated connection system SC according to the invention (where a single connector is shown). According to this embodiment, the articulated connection system according to the invention comprises a connector 1 articulated around a cylindrical axis 5 having a diameter D. According to this embodiment, the articulated connection system SC according to the invention comprises a connector 1 comprising two horizontal annular bands 2, 2 ', a plate 6 on which the cylindrical axis 5 rests and a fixing plate 7 provided with holes 8 to allow the passage of a screw which can be anchored in a bearing element (not illustrated) held between the two connection plates 3, 3 'of connector 1.

FIG. 5 schematically and illustrates, in an embodiment with four connectors 1, the influence of the ratio of the length L of the annular bands 2 to the diameter D of the axis 5 on the number of connectors 1 which can be articulated around it. the same axis 5 and on the angles a which can be obtained between these connectors 1. In particular, it can be seen that if, for a given length L, the distance d between the two connection plates 3 of a connector 1 decreases, a smaller angle α can be obtained and a greater number of connectors can be hinged. The same reasoning can be applied to any type of section of axis 5, for example to a polygonal section that would define the angles of the connectors.

FIG. 6 illustrates four connectors 1 according to the invention each comprising three horizontal annular bands 2 and ready to be assembled / nested before placing / sliding them along the cylindrical axis 5.

In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates four connectors according to the invention each comprising three annular “U” bands, in particular three horizontal annular “U” bands, each connector being ready to be assembled / fitted / placed / slid along. the cylindrical axis.

Figures 7a and b illustrate a height adjustment device for an articulated connection system according to the invention. According to the illustrated embodiment, this adjustment device comprises a support S, a threaded rod T, a plate P and a nut E. The cylinder 5 constituting the vertical cylindrical axis of an articulated connection system SC according to the invention is supported on and is possibly connected / fixed to the plate P. By moving the nut E along the threaded rod T, a height adjustment of the cylinder 5 is possible. It is understood that the nut E can be located on the underside of the plate P rather than on its upper face as illustrated. This embodiment allows the interconnection of several articulated systems according to the invention with a view to producing modular load-bearing structures on non-planar terrain.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the connection plates of the at least three connectors all have the same height H. This embodiment simplifies the design and production of supporting structures implementing an articulated system according to the invention.

Preferably, according to the invention, the bands, in particular the flat bands, of the at least three connectors all have the same height h. This embodiment simplifies the manufacture of connectors according to the invention.

Preferably, according to the invention, the at least three connectors all have the same number n of bands, in particular the same number of flat bands. This embodiment simplifies the manufacture of connectors according to the invention.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the bands, in particular the flat bands, of the at least three connectors are contiguous two by two along the axis. This embodiment allows the stacking of the connectors according to the invention around [axis and dispenses, in the case of a vertical axis, from fixing them on the axis. This embodiment also makes it possible to minimize the height H of the connection plates for a given resistance.

Preferably, according to the invention, the strips, in particular the flat strips, of the at least three connectors together occupy, along the axis, a cumulative height equal to the height H of the connection plates. This embodiment maximizes the resistance of the connectors according to the invention for a given height H of the connection plates.

Preferably, according to the invention, the connection plates have fixing holes, preferably oblong-shaped fixing holes. This embodiment facilitates the fixing of the bearing elements to the connection plates according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection system comprises a device for adjusting the height of the axis, for example a height-adjustable foot.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the axis has a cylindrical section, and therefore bands of annular profile, in particular flat bands of annular profile, surrounding the axis. This embodiment allows any angular positioning of the connectors according to the invention.

Preferably, according to the invention, the bands, in particular the flat horizontal bands, surround the cylindrical axis on half of its circumference. This embodiment simplifies the manufacture of the connectors according to the invention.

Preferably, according to the invention, a fixing plate can be connected to one of the ends of the axis, this fixing plate partially covering the bearing elements inserted between the connection plates of the connectors and thus allowing their connection, by example using a screw passing through the mounting plate and anchored in the supporting element.

This makes it possible to ensure the droop of the system, to ensure a certain rigidity, but also to fix the angles between supporting elements (and therefore between connectors).

Claims (10)

Claims 1. Articulated connection system for supporting elements, comprising an axis (5), in particular a vertical cylindrical axis (5), and a plurality of connectors (1) articulated around the axis (5), each connector (1) comprising two connecting plates (3) facing each other, in particular two connecting plates (3) vertical and / or plane facing each other, as well as at least one strip (2), in particular at least one horizontal annular strip and / or planar (2), at least partially surrounding the axis (5) and interconnecting the two connection plates (3), which are preferably parallel to each other, the two connection plates (3) each optionally comprising the at least one fixing hole (4), said connection system being characterized in that it comprises at least three connectors (1) and in that the bands, in particular the horizontal and / or flat annular bands (2) of the au at least three connectors (1) each occupy, along the axis (5), in particular ier vertically along the axis (5), a different place. 2. Connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection plates (3) of at least three connectors (1) all have the same height (H). 3. Connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that said at least one strip, in particular said at least one horizontal and / or planar strip (2), of the at least three connectors (1) all have the same height (h). 4. Connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said at least three connectors (1) all have the same number (n) of bands, in particular the same number (n) of annular bands. and / or planes (2). 5. Connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said strips, in particular said annular and / or flat strips (2), of the at least three connectors (1) are contiguous in pairs. along the axis (5). 6. Connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said bands, in particular said annular and / or plane bands (2), of at least three connectors (1) occupy together, along the axis (5), a cumulative height equal to the height (H) of the connection plates (3). 7. Connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said connection plates (3) have fixing holes (4), preferably fixing holes (4) of oblong shape. 8. Connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a device for adjusting the height of the axis (5), for example a height adjustable foot. 9. Connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the axis (5) is of cylindrical section and in that said at least one strip (2), in particular said at least one strip horizontal and / or plane (2), surrounding the axis (5) is annular in shape. 10. Connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a fixing plate (7) connected to one end of the axis (5), said fixing plate ( 7) partially covering supporting elements inserted between the connection plates (3, 3 ') of the connectors (1).