DE102017129345A1 - Earthing clamp for metallic piping elements, and piping system with selbiger - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a grounding clip (1, 1 ') for metallic pipe elements. According to the invention, the earthing clamp (1, 1 ') has an electrically conductive basic body (3) which has a first end section (5) and a second end section (7, 7') arranged opposite the first end section (5), wherein the end sections ( 5, 7, 7 ') are movable relative to each other against a restoring force, and the grounding chamber (1, 1') is adapted to be mounted over the restoring force on the piping elements, so that the end sections (5, 7, 7 ' ) receive and hold the piping elements (101, 103) between them.

Description

The present invention relates to a grounding clip for metallic piping elements. The invention also relates to a piping system having at least a first pipe element and a grounding clip electrically conductively connected to the pipe element.

The invention particularly relates to stationary fire extinguishing systems in areas with significant risk factors. Such risk factors include, for example, potentially explosive areas or areas in the area of influence of high-voltage systems, in which electrical currents must be safely dissipated via the piping systems of the fire-extinguishing systems or even static charges.

Inadvertent transmission of electrical currents can in principle occur as a result of lightning strikes, or as a result of defects in electrical systems. As a result of static charging of the piping, accidental electric shocks may occur. In potentially explosive atmospheres, explosions can occur in the worst case due to a spark or arc transfer.

To prevent this, it is necessary to ground the piping systems of fire extinguishing systems throughout, i. to connect to the ground potential with low resistance. In the prior art, the grounding of piping systems and fire extinguishing systems or other piping systems is realized by either each pipe element is provided individually by means of a grounding line, which is connected as a potential equalization ladder with a potential equalization rail, or by the pipe elements are electrically connected to each other, and then only individual pipeline elements are connected in a sense centrally to a potential equalization conductor, which in turn is guided to a potential equalization rail.

For example, earthing band clamps are known for connecting the pipe elements to the equipotential bonding conductors. These consist of an electrically conductive band clamp, which is similar in its bandwidth by means of a clamping screw, a worm drive, adjustable to ensure sufficient voltage an electrically conductive contact with the pipe element. It is disadvantageously felt in this system that, for a sufficient electrically conductive connection, any coating that may be present on the pipeline element must be removed. If a joint between two adjacent pipe members is to be bridged, the coating on the pipe members on both sides of the pipe joint must be removed. There are also two ground strap clamps required for such a joint. It must be opened for mounting each of these earthing band clamps and clamped with the aid of tools. The installation effort of the equipotential bonding conductor involves additional handling. Since an unintentional loosening of the clamping screw can not always be completely ruled out, a regular check for safe contacting is required. The effort described here is felt to be disadvantageous overall.

As an alternative to earthing band clamps, earthing clamps are known in which a multi-part clamp ring is placed around the pipe element and is fastened firmly to the pipe element by means of one or more tightening screws. Also in this system several handles are necessary to bring the one clamp to the pipe element, and on the other hand to connect the equipotential bonding conductor with the earthing clamp. Also with earthing clamps a regular check of the safe contacting of the pipe is necessary as well as a possible removal of a pipe coating before installation of the pipe clamp.

There are also known pipe connectors which are adapted to receive on both sides in each case a pipe element in and hold on voltage, which have an integrated grounding conductor, which bridges the connection point of the one pipe element to the other pipe element. Outerly coated tubing elements are sometimes bypassed in these systems by having the integrated grounding conductor on a side facing the tubing member having tooth-like projections which "bite" through the coating as the tubing connector is tensioned to provide a conductive connection to the metallic material of the tubing member. A disadvantage of such integrated systems, however, is that the clamp must be opened for installation and assembled by means of tools. The integrated earthing conductors must be placed between the pipe connector and the pipe member so that they are in the clamping area and can "bite" into the pipe surfaces during clamping of the pipe connector. These elements are usually not reusable and also represent in terms of the connection of the pipe connector with the pipe elements an unwanted foreign body. A subsequent installation of such grounding mechanisms is practically not useful, since the pipe connector should be completely solved for this.

The invention was therefore an object of the invention to provide a grounding clamp, which overcomes the disadvantages listed above as much as possible. Furthermore, the invention has for its object to provide a piping system which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages as much as possible. In any case, the invention has the object to provide an alternative grounding clamp, or an alternative piping system.

The invention solves the underlying task by specifying a grounding clip according to claim 1. The invention proposes a grounding clip for metallic pipe elements, comprising an electrically conductive base body having a first end portion and a second end portion disposed opposite to the first end portion, the end portions being movable relative to each other against a restoring force, the grounding bracket being adapted to under Be overcome the restoring force to be attached to the pipe elements, so that the end portions receive and hold the pipe elements between them. Due to the relative mobility of the two end portions against each other against the restoring force, it is possible to attach the grounding clamp without additional fasteners to a pipe element, or at a junction between a plurality of pipe elements. Overcoming the restoring force enables the earthing clamp to be clipped onto the pipe element or at a connection point between two pipe elements. The assembly and retrofitting of the grounding clip according to the invention over the solutions known in the prior art is thereby significantly increased. At the same time, the overcoming of the restoring force ensures a clamping force that exerts the grounding clamp in the mounted state on the or the pipe elements to be able to remain captive at their installation site. Also, the risk of unwanted loosening, for example as a result of vibrations in the pipeline is minimized by the application of the restoring force due to relative movement of the end sections to each other. The earthing clamp thus ensures that high-resistance pipe junctions are bridged and thus safely dissipated into the pipe network or transmitted to the pipe network.

The invention is advantageously developed by the base body is at least partially formed of an elastically deformable material. Particularly preferably, the base body is partially or completely formed from an electrically conductive metal material, for example from one of the following materials: spring steel, copper, or a copper alloy, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. To improve the electrical conductivity, the surface of the base body is preferably coated metallically, for example galvanically coated. Preferred metallic coatings are achieved, for example, by means of nickel plating, tin plating, silver plating or gold plating. The term spring steel is understood to mean a steel alloy with a yield strength to tensile strength ratio greater than 85%.

In a preferred embodiment of the earthing clamp, the first end portion has two clamping wings, which extend at least in sections in the direction of the second end portion, and which are spaced apart from each other so that they can receive a pipe connector between them in the attached state. The thus formed earthing clamp is thus adapted to a predetermined pipe connector. This makes it possible in a particularly simple manner to attach the grounding clamp at a junction between two pipe elements, which are already installed on a fire extinguishing system and coupled by the pipe connector without disassembly of the pipe connector must be made for making the connection. Optionally, if the grounding clip is to be connected directly to an equipotential bonding conductor, the grounding clip can simultaneously ground the first and second pipeline element at the joint, further minimizing the cost of material for grounding a larger fire extinguishing system.

In a further preferred embodiment, the base body and the end portions are integrally formed, particularly preferably from a metal sheet.

A grounding clip designed in this way can be produced in large quantities while maintaining high efficiency, since it can be produced as a one-piece element by means of deformation from the basic body.

Further preferably, toothings are respectively formed on the clamping wings of the first end section on a side facing the second end section. The toothing is preferably formed of the material of the main body, so that the tips of the toothing protrude from the base of the toothing in the direction of the other end portion.

With a toothing, preferably in the depth range described above, any existing on the outside of the pipe coatings or insulations that surround the metallic material of the pipeline can be penetrated. The height or depth of the toothing is preferably chosen so that the existing coating thickness on the pipe at least equal to or exceeding them. If the earthing clamp is preloaded, ie deflected against a restoring force, when it is placed on the pipeline, the restoring force additionally supports the penetration of a coating which may be present on the pipeline. In this way, via the teeth take place a contacting of the pipe, even if the outside of the pipe is not electrically conductive in itself. This speeds up the assembly process of the grounding on the one hand, while on the other hand makes it difficult to slip the grounding clamp.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the base body of the earthing clamp is adapted to extend in the attached state in the circumferential direction - relative to the passage axis of the respective pipe and / or the pipe connector - around a part of the pipe connector around. The further the base body extends around the pipe connector, the better the potential for clamping and retaining action produced by the end portions. The main body also serves as a mechanical shield for the pipe connector.

In a first preferred alternative, the second end portion is adapted to be supported on the pipe connector. Preferably, the second end portion, preferably frontally, a recess which is adapted for positioning in contact with a circumferentially acting clamping screw of the pipe connector. This makes it easier to position the earthing clamp on a correspondingly formed pipe connector and reliably prevents misalignment of the earthing clamp.

In a further preferred alternative, the second end portion is bent in the direction of the first end portion.

In addition to the above-described preferred embodiment having two unequal end portions, it is preferable in another preferred embodiment that the second end portion (like the first end portion) has two bracket wings extending toward the first end portion and spaced apart from each other, that they receive the pipe connector in the attached state between them. In this way, it is advantageously achieved that the two end sections in the installed state can act on the left and right of the pipe connector directly to the pipes coupled by means of the pipe connector and reliably connect them to one another. Thus, the electrical connection is independent of any possibly between pipe connector and pipe element attached insulating seal, which could limit the conductivity.

In each case, a toothing is formed on the clamping wings of the second end section on a side facing the first end section. The toothing is preferably formed as described above with respect to the clip wings at the first end portion to provide reliable contacting and non-slip retention of the grounding clip to the tubing member (s) on both sides of the tubing member or any pipe connector.

The invention has been described above with reference to the grounding clip itself in a first aspect.

In a second aspect, the invention further relates to a piping system, in particular a piping system of a fire extinguishing system.

The invention solves its underlying object in such a piping system in that the piping system comprises a first pipe element and a grounding clamp electrically connected to the pipe element, wherein the grounding clip is formed according to one of the preferred embodiments described above, and an electrically conductive body with a first End portion and a first end portion opposite to the arranged second end portion, wherein the end portions are movable relative to a restoring force relative to each other, wherein the grounding clip is mounted overcoming the restoring force on the pipe element, so that the end portions receive the pipe element between them and hold.

The invention is advantageously further developed in that the pipeline system additionally has a second pipeline element, wherein the first and second pipeline element are arranged adjacent to one another at a connection point and aligned at least in the region of the connection point in the direction of a longitudinal axis.

The piping system preferably further includes a pipe connector fluidly coupling the first pipe member to the second pipe member at the joint, and a grounding clip, wherein the grounding clip is formed according to any one of the above-described preferred embodiments, and an electrically conductive base body having a first end portion and a first end portion the first end portion opposite arranged second end portion, wherein the end portions are movable relative to a restoring force relative to each other, wherein the grounding clip, overcoming the restoring force to the pipe elements is mounted so that the end portions receive and hold the pipe elements between them.

According to the invention, the first and second pipe element are thus electrically conductively connected to each other by means of the base body in the attached state.

The piping system is preferably further developed by coating at least one of the two pipe elements on its outer periphery, and the grounding clip has teeth on at least one end portion, the toothing penetrating the coating.

The invention further relates to a use of a clip as a grounding clip for the electrically conductive connection of two pipeline elements of a pipeline system, wherein the clip is formed according to one of the preferred embodiments described above.

In particular, the clip has an electrically conductive base body having a first end portion and a second end portion disposed opposite to the first end portion, the end portions being movable relative to each other against a restoring force, the first and second end portions being configured to overcome the restoring force be attached to the pipe elements, so that the end portions on opposite sides of the pipe elements come into contact with the pipe elements and hold the pipes between them.

• 1a eine Erdungsklammer gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel in einer schematischen räumlichen Ansicht,
• 1b ein Rohrleitungssystem gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel mit der Erdungsklammer gemäß 1a in einer schematischen räumlichen Ansicht,
• 1c eine alternative Ansicht des Rohrleitungssystems gemäß 1b,
• 2a Erdungsklammer gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel in einer schematischen räumlichen Ansicht,
• 2b ein Rohrleitungssystem mit der Erdungsklammer gemäß 2a in einer schematischen räumlichen Ansicht, und
• 2c eine alternative Ansicht des Rohrleitungssystems gemäß 2b.

The invention will be described below with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Hereby show:

• 1a a grounding clip according to a first embodiment in a schematic spatial view,
• 1b a piping system according to a preferred embodiment with the grounding clip according to 1a in a schematic spatial view,
• 1c an alternative view of the pipeline system according to 1b .
• 2a Earthing clamp according to a second embodiment in a schematic spatial view,
• 2 B a piping system with the earthing clamp according to 2a in a schematic spatial view, and
• 2c an alternative view of the pipeline system according to 2 B ,

In the 1a to 1c is a first embodiment of a grounding clip 1 shown. The grounding clamp 1 has a basic body 3 on, which is preferably formed of an elastically deformable material, for example of a spring steel. The main body 3 has a first end portion 5 and one opposite to the main body 3 formed second end portion 7 on. The first and second end portions 5, 7 are spaced from each other Y which is dimensioned such that a pipe or a pipe element 101 . 103 ( 1b) between the end section 5 . 7 can be arranged. The first and two end sections 5 . 7 are spaced from each other such that for attaching the grounding clip 1 on a pipe element 101 . 103 an elastic deformation must be generated, which generates a restoring force against the elastic deformation. For this purpose, preferably the main body 3 formed elastically deformable. The end sections 5 . 7 when pushed onto a pipe element 101 . 103 moved away from each other and in this way on the pipe element 101 . 103 clipped.

The first end section 5 preferably has two clamp wings 9a , b on, as (about 90 °) bent portions on the body 3 are formed in one piece.

The second end section 7 has in the embodiment according to the 1a-c an arcuate in the direction of the first end portion 5 (About 180 °) bent portion on, preferably also in one piece to the base body 3 is trained.

At the first end portion 5 are at the bracket wings 9a , b each toothings 11 formed by the respective bracket wing 9a , b in the direction of the second end portion 7 protrude and are set up, any coating on a pipe element 101 . 103 scrape off or penetrate when clipping.

At the second end portion 7 is a recess at the end 13 formed, which in turn is set up with a clamping screw 107 a pipe connector 105 in order to serve as a positioning aid in this way, see 1b . 1c , Basically, the grounding clamp 1 according to 1a adapted, optionally to a single pipe element 101 to be put on, or to the pipe connector 105 at a junction between two pipe elements 101 . 103 to be attached, the pipe elements 101 . 103 at least in the region of the connection point aligned with each other along a longitudinal axis L are aligned.

In 1b is the assembled state of the grounding clip 1 according to 1a displayed. The grounding clamp 1 is located at the first and second end portions 5 . 7 each in contact with the pipe elements 101 . 103 on both sides of the pipe connector 105 and is due to the overcome restoring force clamping the pipe elements 101 . 103 held. The clamp wings 9a . 9b are at a distance X in the direction of the longitudinal axis L spaced apart. The distance X is dimensioned so that the pipe connector 105 between the clamp wings 9a , b can be recorded.

In addition, the engagement prevents the clamping screw 107 of the pipe connector 105 in the recess of Figure 13 of the grounding clip 1 a slipping of the earthing clamp 1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L , please refer 1c , That in the 1b, c and 2 B shown piping system 100 is only partially shown. It should be understood that the piping system 100 if necessary by means of a potential equalization line 109 together with further equipotential bonding lines of one or more further earthing clamps 1 can be connected to a potential equalization bar, not shown.

In the 2a to 2c is a grounding clamp 1' shown according to a second embodiment. The operating principle of the earthing clamp 1' similar to the functional principle of the earthing clamp 1 according to the 1a to 1c why the same reference numerals have been assigned with regard to identical or functionally identical elements. To avoid repetition is also to the above remarks to the 1a to 1c directed.

The grounding clamp 1' has a basic body 3 on, in which the first end section 5 as with the grounding clamp 1 is formed according to the first embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment, however, the second end portion 7 ' also two clamp wings 15a , b on. Between the two end sections 5 . 7 ' is again a distance Y defined, which is dimensioned such that a corresponding pipe or one or more pipe elements 101 . 103 between the end sections 5 . 7 ' can be included, with the distance between the bracket wings 9a and 15a between each other and 9b and 15b are each dimensioned each other so that the grounding clamp 1' is held in attached condition. Similar to the first embodiment of the 1a to 1c is the holding or clamping force by an elastic deformation of the body 3 and / or the end sections 5 . 7 ' brought about, whereby a restoring force is generated, which counteracts the deformation.

As is clear from the 2 B and 2c results, performs the attachment and mode of action of the grounding clip 1' as in the embodiment of 1a to 1c , The grounding clamp 1 is via a pipe connector 105 away on the piping elements 101 . 103 aufklippst, which is facilitated by the fact that the wing 9a . b and 15a, b in the first and second end sections 5 . 7 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L by a distance X spaced apart, which is sufficiently dimensioned to the pipe connector 105 to take up between themselves.

After overcoming the restoring force when deforming the body 3 the grounding clamp 1' Can the on the clip wing 9a . b and 15a . b provided teeth 11 If necessary, by a coating on the pipe elements 101 . 103 extend therethrough to a secure contact and a non-slip grip of the grounding clip 1' on the piping elements 101 . 103 to ensure.

In the case of a mechanically very resistant coating, it is the earthing clamps 1 . 1' the two embodiments easily possible by repeated rotation of the earthing clamp 1 . 1' around the longitudinal axis L around in the appropriate position, the coating by means of the toothing 11 mechanically, which in most cases may not be necessary. If the need persists, is a local processing of the surface of the pipe elements 101 . 103 without additional tools and locally very limited possible, resulting in minimal impairment of the piping elements 101 . 103 entails.

As can be seen in particular from the comparison of 1c and 2c results is the grounding clamp 1' unlike the earthing clamp 1 essentially symmetrical.

Also the grounding clamp 1' can by means of an indicated potential equalization line 109 be grounded.

The main differences between the embodiments of the 1a - c and 2a - c are that in the embodiment of the 1a - c the grounding clamp 1 is adapted to, by means of the second end portion 7 on the pipe connector 105 support, while in the embodiment of the 2a - c the grounding clamp 1' independent of the pipe connector 105 exclusively on the pipe elements 101 . 103 holds.

The clamp wings 9a . b and 15a . b in both embodiments are preferably designed so that they are at least partially, namely at one of the main body 3 extend remote end to the respective opposite end portion added to a region-wise looping around the pipe elements 101 . 103 to achieve that the grounding clamp 1 . 1' not due to the restoring force of the pipe elements 101 . 103 can slide off, but reliable on the pipe elements 101 . 103 is held.

Both grounding clamps 1 . 1' extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis L and across with sufficient distances x . y around the pipe connector 105 around.

The specific geometry of the earthing clamps 1 . 1' enables extremely economical production of earthing clamps 1 . 1' in large quantities. For example, it is possible the basic shape of the grounding clip 1' auszustanzen from a sheet and following the punching the respective blade wings 9a , b or 15a, b and the second end portion 1 . 1' with its recess 13 to produce by bending. The production thus requires a minimum number of operations on the one hand and leads to a strictly one-piece component on the other hand, which makes the installation as simple as possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1 '

grounding clamp

3

body

5

first end section

7, 7 '

second end section

9a, b

Clamp wing, first end section

11

Perforation

13

recess

15a, b

Clamp wing, second end section

100

Piping

101

first pipe element

103

second pipe element

105

pipe connectors

107

clamping screw

109

Potential compensation line

L

longitudinal axis

x

Distance in the direction of the longitudinal axis

y

Distance across the longitudinal axis

Claims (16)

Earthing clamp (1, 1 ') for metallic pipe elements, with an electrically conductive base body (3), the a first end portion (5) and a second end portion (7, 7 ') disposed opposite the first end portion (5), the end portions (5, 7, 7') being movable relative to each other against a restoring force; wherein the grounding clip (1) is adapted to be mounted over the restoring force on the piping elements so that the end sections (5, 7, 7 ') receive and hold the piping elements (101, 103) between them. Earthing clamp (1, 1 ') after Claim 1 , wherein the base body (3) is at least partially formed of an elastically deformable material. Earthing clamp (1, 1 ') after Claim 1 in that at least the first end portion (5) has two clamping wings (9a, 9b) extending at least in sections towards the second end portion (7, 7 ') and being spaced from each other so as to form a pipe connector (105) in the to take attached condition between them. Grounding clip (1, 1 ') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (3) and the end portions (5, 7, 7') are integrally formed, and preferably consist of a metal sheet. Earthing clamp (1, 1 ') after Claim 3 or 4 , Wherein each of the clamping wings (9a, 9b) of the first end portion (5) on a second end portion (7, 7 ') side facing a toothing (11) is formed. A grounding clip (1, 1 ') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (3) is adapted to extend circumferentially about a portion of the pipe connector (105) when mounted. A grounding clip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end portion (7) is adapted to bear against the pipe connector (105). Grounding clip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end portion (7), preferably frontally, a recess (13) which is adapted for positioning and abutment against a circumferentially acting clamping screw (107) of the pipe connector (105). Grounding clip (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end section (7) in Direction of the first end portion (5) is bent over. Grounding clip (1 ') according to one of Claims 2 to 6 wherein the second end portion (7 ') has two bracket wings (15a, 15b) extending toward the first end portion (5) and spaced from each other so as to sandwich the pipe connector (105) when mounted therebetween , Earthing clamp (1 ') after Claim 10 , wherein in each case a toothing (11) is formed on the clamping wings (15a, b) of the second end section (7 ') on a side facing the first end section (5). Pipe system (100) comprising a first pipe element (101) and a grounding clip (1, 1 ') electrically connected to the pipe element (101), characterized in that the grounding clip (1, 1') is formed according to one of the preceding claims , and an electrically conductive base body (3) having a first end portion (5) and a second end portion (7, 7 ') disposed opposite the first end portion (5), the end portions (5, 7, 7') being against a restoring force are movable relative to each other, wherein - the grounding clip (1, 1 '), overcoming the restoring force to the pipe member (101) is mounted so that the end portions (5, 7, 7') receive the pipe element (101) between them and hold , Piping system (100) according to Claim 12 with a second pipeline element (103), wherein the first and second pipeline elements (101, 103) are arranged at a connection point adjacent to one another and aligned at least in the region of the connection point in the direction of a longitudinal axis (L), the first pipeline element (101 ) with the second pipe element (103) at the connection point fluidly coupling pipe connector (105), and a grounding clamp (1, 1 '), wherein the grounding clip (1, 1') according to one of Claims 1 to 11 is formed, and an electrically conductive base body (3) having a first end portion (5) and a first end portion (5) arranged opposite the second end portion (7, 7 '), wherein the end portions (5, 7, 7') against a restoring force relative to each other are movable, wherein - the grounding clip (1 ') overcoming the restoring force to the pipe elements (101, 103) is mounted, so that the end portions (5, 7, 7') between the pipe elements (101, 103) to absorb and hold. Piping system (100) according to Claim 12 in which at least one of the two pipe elements (101, 103) is coated on its outer circumference, the earthing clamp (1 ') has toothing (11) on at least one end section (5, 7, 7'), and the toothing (11) the coating penetrates. Use of a clip as a grounding clip (1 ') for the electrically conductive connection of two pipeline elements (101, 103) of a pipeline system (100), wherein the clip has an electrically conductive base body (3) with a first end section (5) and a first end section (5 ) disposed opposite to the second end portion (7, 7 '), wherein the end portions (5, 7, 7') are formed relative to a restoring force movable relative to each other, wherein the first and second end portion (5, 7, 7 ') are arranged to be mounted on the pipeline elements (101, 103), overcoming the restoring force, so that the end sections (5, 7, 7 ') come into abutment with the pipeline elements on opposite sides of the pipeline elements (101, 103) and the pipelines ( 101, 103) between them. Use after Claim 15 , wherein the clip (1 ') according to one of Claims 2 to 11 , and / or the piping system (100) according to one of Claims 12 or 13 is trained.

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