FR2837881A1 - STRAPPING DEVICE WITH ZONES OF ELASTIC DEFORMATION FOR VOLUMES OF ANY SHAPE - Google Patents

Abstract

The strapping device (100) intended to strap volumes (1) of any shape comprises a strap (101) and tensioning means (111, 112) of the strap, characterized in that the strap comprises means ( 110) capable of being elastically deformed when the strap is tensioned.

Description

\\ HIRSCH4 \ VOLI \ DACTYLO \ 1 9200 \ 1 92 i 8 doc- 27/03 / 02-1 2:03 - 7/8 L '

  The invention relates to a strapping device for volumes of any shape, in particular volumes of organs constituting automobile exhaust systems, such as catalysts, particle filters, downspouts or even silencers. Currently, the fixing of a member forming part of an exhaust system is carried out using a lug welded to the member itself and connected to supports fixed on the powertrain or the chassis of vehicle. It is difficult to design, assemble and secure such tabs. Indeed, el s are generally welded to a thin material body forming the envelope of the member to be fixed. The solution often adopted is the bloodying of the organ by

  a strap comprising force recovery tabs.

  Such a solution currently used is illustrated in Figures la to lc. In these figures, a catalyst 1 is strapped using a strap 3 connected to a support 4 by force recovery lugs 6, 6 ′ bolted using a screw / nut system 5. Generally, the force-retaining tabs have either come in one piece with the strap 3 as illustrated in FIG. 1c or else are attached by welding to this same belt as illustrated in FIG. 1b. The strap 3 is traditionally constituted by bands, wires or cables of metal or other materials. The strap is closed and tightened by a tangential screwing system

  as illustrated in Figures la to lc, or even a lever.

  In such devices, the tension of the strap 3 for holding on the member is due to the tightening torque of the screw 5 and is not visually or easily controllable. Therefore, this tension can be overabundant or insufficient. Furthermore, the need to have force recovery lugs for tightening by screws or the like implies the use of an overabundant thickness with respect to the strapping function. The addition by welding or in any other way of these force-recovery tabs for tightening induces an additional manufacturing cost. On the other hand, this webbing architecture, in an application of large series such as in the automotive field requires: - either the laying of the belt on the member to be maintained on the production site,

  - or its torque tightening on the assembly site.

  The first hypothesis generates problems and packaging costs. The second hypothesis implies that the final assembly operator expands the strap to engage the volume of the organ to be fixed and risks

  therefore not respecting the tightening sequence.

  Indeed, the operator can tighten the member to be fixed before having positioned it precisely with respect to the powertrain or the chassis. In both cases, it is possible to mount the member in a "tense" manner. Such arrangements have the additional disadvantage in the case of fixing members having very fine partitions to crush these partitions under the effect of the

  pressure due to excessive tension.

  An object of the invention is to provide a device for strapping organs having any volume capable of ensuring continuous and uniform tension

distributed over the entire strap.

  For this, provision is made, according to the invention, for a strapping device intended for strapping volumes (1) of any shape comprising a strap and means for tensioning the strap, characterized in that the strap comprises suitable means. to deform

  elastically when tensioning the strap.

  Thus, the presence of means able to deform elastically on the strap makes it possible to: - distribute the tension as well as possible over the entire periphery of the volume in contact with the strapping device i and - follow in a simple manner, without stress concentration, possible dilations of the volume under

  the effect of temperature for example.

  Advantageously, the strap device has at least one of the following characteristics: - the means capable of elastically deforming comprise at least one spring; - The means capable of deforming comprise at least one lyre made integrally with the strap; - The means able to deform are uniformly distributed along the strap; - The means of mi se in tension ion comprise stapling claws capable of receiving a staple i

  - the clip is an almost material ring

  dimensionally stable; - The tensioning means comprise pins which are able to cooperate with a tool for tensioning the strap; - the tensioning means came integrally with the strap i - the tensioning means are produced by folding the strap on itself, - the folding of the strap is carried out on the side of a face of the strap capable of coming into contact with the volume to be strapped, - the folding of the strap is carried out on the opposite side of a face of the strap capable of coming into contact with the volume to be strapped, - the strapping device comprises: two lyres extending projecting from the strap on a side opposite to one face of the strap capable of coming into contact with the volume to be strapped and coming from the material with the strap, - two lugs capable of cooperating with a tool for setting tensioning the strap, - two stapling claws capable of receiving a staple, - the strap has a "V" profile so as to be able to produce a so-called "tight collar" mounting, and - the strap device comprises: - three lyres projecting from the strap on an opposite side to one side of the strap capable of coming into contact with the volume to be strapped and coming from material with the strap, - two lugs capable of cooperating with a tool for tensioning the strap, - two stapling claws capable of receiving a clip. There is also provided, according to the invention, a member having any volume comprising a strap device having at least one of

aforementioned features.

  Other features and benefits of

  the invention will appear during the description below

  of a preferred embodiment of the invention as well as variants. In the accompanying drawings: - Figures la to lc are an illustration of a strap device according to the prior art, - Figure 2a is a top view of a strap device according to an embodiment of the invention installed around an organ in a non-tensioned manner, - Figure 2b and a top view of the strapping device of Figure 2a installed around a member in a tensioned manner, - Figure 3 is a top view of a lyre of the strapping device of FIGS. 2a and 2b with the fitting of a strap tension control means, - FIGS. 4a to 4e are a top view of different embodiments of the stapling claws of the invention of Figures 2a and 2b, - Figure 5 is a top view of a clip capable of tensioning the strap device of 2s 2s and 2b, - Figure 6 is a schematic view of an assembly of two organs by applying collars against each other, - Figure 7 is a top view of a strapping device according to an alternative embodiment intended to carry out the assembly of FIG. 6, - FIGS. 8a and 8b are respectively a top view and a front view of a tool for tensioning a tightening device according to the previous embodiments, - Figure 9 is a schematic view of a strap device according to the invention according to a second variant and its use for combining two

parts of the same organ.

  Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, we will describe a first embodiment of a strap device 100 of an organ of any shape. Here the organ of any shape has a circular section. The strapping device 100 is in the form of a strip of material, preferably metallic, of width L similar to the widths encountered in the straps of the prior art and of a small thickness e. The strapping device according to the invention lOO has a length at rest substantially less than the circumference of the object l

  intended to be strapped by the device.

  Preferably, the strap device 100 has means 110 capable of deforming elastically under the action of a force putting under tension the strap device. In the present case, the means capable of deforming elastically 11O, two in number, are in the form of lyres made of one piece with the strip 10O forming the strap device 100. In addition, the lyres preferably extend projecting from one side opposite to one face of the strap capable of coming into contact with the member during assembly of the strap device. The advantage of such a structure is that it does not have a break in the continuity of the material forming the assembly device, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, simplifies the manufacture of such a device. which avoids providing connecting means between the strip 101 and the means able to deform

elastically 110.

  At each end of the strip of material 101, the strapping device 100 has a first claw 112 intended during mounting to receive a clip 120 described later, as well as a lug 111 projecting from the strip of material 101 For the same reasons as for the lyre, this claw and this lug came integrally with the band 101 in a preferential manner. Figure 2a illustrates the establishment before tensioning of the strap 100 around the volume of the member to be fixed 1. In the absence of tension, the lyres 110 are closed: the space 113 is minimal because the branches of the lyres are very close together. Preferably, the branches of the lyre are in contact with one another. When powering up illustrated in FIG. 2b and carried out using an instrument described later, the operator approaches the end claws 112 2s from one another so as to be able to put a staple in place 120 allowing the two end claws 112 to be kept at a predetermined distance. When this power is applied, the lyres 110 open: the space 113 increases due to the spacing of the branches of each of the lyres under the effect of the tension exerted. The shape of the lyres as well as the material used to make the lyres being known, it is very easy to evaluate and verify the tension actually present at the strapping device by measuring using a rod 130, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the space 113 between the branches of each of the lyres. Indeed, for a given spacing 113 S corresponds to a given easily determinable voltage. FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate a strapping device comprising two means 110 able to deform elastically under the effect of a tension. Preferably, these means 110 are uniformly distributed along the strap device 100. A uniform distribution of these means 110 makes it possible to distribute more easily over the entire periphery of the member 1 the resulting strap tension finally mounting. The number of means 110 is left to the discretion of the user according to the deformation needs he needs. Preferably, the number of means 110 is two or three uniformly distributed

on strap 101.

  In Figures 4a to 4e, we will describe different variants for the ends of the device

strapping 100.

  In FIG. 4a, the ends constituted by the claw 112 and the lug 111 came integrally with the strip 101. A first folding of the strip 101 makes it possible to shape the lug 111, then a second folding in the form of a hook makes it possible to make the claw 112. The end of the strip is thrown back towards the claw 111 so as to trap it in the fold forming the lug 111. Such manufacture makes it possible to avoid welding to keep the end of the band, this one

  being trapped in the plane forming the lug 111.

  In FIG. 4b, according to a second manufacturing variant, the end of the strip 100 is first folded back on itself, then deformed so as to form the claw 112. Finally, a second deformation allows a folding to produce the lug 111. A weld 114 makes it possible to hold the end of the strip in place on itself. In a variant illustrated in FIG. 4e, so as to reinforce the resistance during the stapling of the strap device, traps, in the folds forming the claw 112 and the lug 111, a spoiler 113 raised on one side to marry the claw shape 112 and the other for

follow the shape of the lug 111.

  In FIG. 4c, the end of the strip 100 ends in a formed part 111 'capable of receiving a forged dish in the shape of a claw 112'. During assembly,

  the end 111 'forms a clap for the claw 112'.

  In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4d, the lug 111 is replaced by two fins 2s mounted opposite one another on either side of the strip 101 extending projecting orthogonally relative to to said strip 101 and in which a shaft 111 '' is arranged and installed which plays the role of the previous lug 111. The 112 '' grid is

form by band folding 101.

  Referring to Figures 6 and 7, we will describe a second embodiment of the present invention. The strapping devices can serve as a collar intended to apply collars 71, 11 one against the other as illustrated in FIG. 6. In fact on the exhaust lines for example, members 7, 1 are mounted the to each other with tight collars. Currently, we use straps 200 having profiles 215 adapted, shaped to match the diameter and shape of the collets and tight by tangent screws or levers as we have illustrated in Figures lb and lc for example. The tension of the strap 200 on the perimeter of the connection formed by the contacting of the collars 71, 11 results from the initial torque applied to the tangent screw and remains constant. Under the effect of the temperature in the organs and the vibrations during operation, the collars push in the radial and axial direction of the clamping profile. This push can deform the profiles to the point of no longer ensuring

  sufficient cold pressure between the two collars.

  The use of a strapping device 200 according to the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 7, makes it possible to circumvent these drawbacks. The strapping device and very similar to that 100 of the previous embodiment. It has three lyres 210 uniformly distributed and forming the means capable of deforming elastically. These lyres 210 are identical to the preceding lyres. Similarly, the ends of the strip 201 forming the strap each have a claw 212, similar to the claw 112, and a lug 211, similar to the lug 111. A weld 219 holds the end of the strip in place on it -even. A clip 220 maintains a determined distance between the claws 212 ensuring a given tension in the device

strapping 200.

  In addition, the strapping device 200 differs from the strapping device 100 in that the strip 201 has, between the lyres 210, flanks 215 projecting opposite one another and on the one hand. on the other side of the band and on the side

opposite lyres 210.

  Thus, the strip 201 has a V-shaped profile suitable for mounting tight collars, as illustrated in FIG. 6. IS It is possible to reinforce the lyres 210 by doubling them with a second lyre 230 surrounding each of the

lyres 210.

  In an alternative embodiment of such an assembly, the device 200 may consist of a tightening strap identical to the previous device 100 capable of coming around a V-shaped collar ensuring the assembly with tight collars of FIG. 6 The collar is perforated to allow curving so as to

properly surround the collars.

  Preferably, the strapping device 200 is at rest at the diameter of the connection with tight collars so that it acts as a protector of one of the collars during transport and docking of the organ. With reference to FIG. 9, we will describe a variant use of the strap device according to

the invention.

  A system of environmental legislation prescribes being able to quickly dismantle the catalyst boxes so as to be able to recover and recycle the monoliths impregnated with precious metals, as well as the metal of the casing and the retaining ply of the monolith. On the other hand, the substrates of the particulate filters must be cleaned periodically

  to remove soot from operation.

  To meet these two obligations, the member 10 must be removable in a non-destructive manner and be reassemblable after cleaning. For this, the member 10 is preferably made up of two half-housings 11 and 12 dividing the member 10 according to its diameter. In the case illustrated here, the half-housing 11 has a collar 13

  and the half-housing 12 a collar 14.

  During assembly, the member 10 is reconstituted by assembling the two half-casings by applying the collars 13 and 14 against each other as during assembly with tight collars previously described. A strapping device 400 very similar to the previous strapping device 200 keeps the assembly in place. The strap 400 has means 410 able to deform elastically in the form of lyres. In addition, the strap has a suitable profile 420, in the form of a V share, for example, capable of correctly holding the two collars 13, 14 together. Another advantage of such an assembly is to be able to choose a tension in the strap 400 such that the two half-housings 11, 12 are calibrated to adjust to the dispersions of the monolith contained in the member 10 a retaining ply "stores" "the calibration pressure: this keeps the latter in place in the organ while ensuring sufficient tightness to force the

  gas circulation within the monolith.

  In a variant not shown, the sections of the housing in suitable numbers are shaped so that they can be joined to each other. Each section in fact comprises end shapes (lips, beads, etc.) at the mouths. A strapping device 400 of corresponding shape is then put in place at the level of the connecting shapes for assembly. According to another variant not shown, straps forming a tie are used along the axis of the member for

keep the sections in place.

  Referring to Figures 8a and 8b, we will describe a tool 300 capable of energizing one of the strapping devices 100, 200, 400 previously described. The tool 300 comprises a first jaw 330 having a lug at the end. On this jaw 330, a screw 350 is rotatably mounted. A second jaw 310 is screwed onto the screw 350 so as to move along the latter when the latter is implemented by means of a head 320, preferably hexagonal. The second jaw 310 has a hook extending opposite

  of the lug of the jaw 330 once the tool has been assembled.

  Preferably, the jaw 330 comprises a magazine 340 capable of containing a set of staples 120,

  220. Such staples are illustrated in FIG. 5.

  S They are in the form of a ring of essentially rectangular shape. Preferably, the ring has a circular section. However, this can be

rectangular, even arbitrary.

  During use, the tool 300 is put in place so that the lug of the jaw 330 is caught in the first of the lugs 111, 111 ', 111' ', 211 and that the hook of the jaw 310 in the other of these lugs. The screw 350 is then implemented using the head

  320 so as to bring the jaw 310 closer to the jaw 330.

  This has the effect of driving the pins 111, 111 ', 111' ', 211 and bringing the claws 112, 112', 112 '' 212 closer to each other while tensioning the strap 100 , 200, 400 by distorting the

lyres 110, 210, 410.

  Once the claws are sufficiently close together

  on the other, a clip 120, 220 is housed thereon.

  Then the jaws 310, 330 are separated from one another by the action of the screw 350 which disengages them from the lugs of the strap device. The latter is kept under

tension thanks to the clip.

  Of course, many modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

part of it.

Claims (15)

  1. Strapping device (100; 200; 400) intended to strap volumes (1) of any shape comprising a strap (101; 201) and tensioning means (111, 112; 111 ', 112'; 111 '', 112 ''; 211, 212) of the strap, characterized in that the strap comprises means (110; 210; 410) capable of deforming elastically during positioning strap tension.   2. Strapping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means able to deform   elastically comprise at least one spring.   3. Strapping device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means capable of deforming comprise at least one lyre coming from material with the strap.   4. Strapping device according to one of   claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the   means capable of deforming are uniformly distributed along the strap.   5. Strapping device according to one of   claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the   tensioning means comprise stapling claws (112; 112 '; 112' '; 212) suitable for receiving a staple (120; 220).   6. Strapping device according to claim 5, characterized in that the clip (120; 220) is a   ring of almost non-deformable material.   s 7. Strapping device according to one of   Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the   tensioning means comprise lugs (111; 111 '; 111' '; 211) capable of cooperating with a   tool (300) for tensioning the strap.   8. Strapping device according to one of   claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the   tensioning means came together with the strap.   9. Strapping device according to claim 8, characterized in that the means for tensioning   are made by folding the strap over it-   even. 10. Strapping device according to claim 9, characterized in that the folding of the strap is carried out on the side of one face of the strap capable of   come into contact with the volume to be strapped.   11. Strapping device according to claim 9, characterized in that the folding of the strap is carried out on the opposite side of a face of the strap capable   coming into contact with the volume to be strapped.   12. Strapping device according to one of   claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it   comprises: two lyres extending projecting from the strap on a side opposite to one face of the strap capable of coming into contact with the volume to be strapped and coming from material with the strap, - two pins capable of cooperating with a tool to tension the strap, two stapling claws adapted to receive a staple. 13. Strapping device according to one of   claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the   strap (201) has a "V" profile so that   ability to perform a so-called "tight collar" mounting.   14. Strapping device according to claim 13, characterized in that it has: - three lyres projecting from the strap on a side opposite to one side of the strap capable of coming into contact with the volume to be strapped and coming in one piece with the strap, - two lugs capable of cooperating with a tool for tensioning the strap, - two stapling claws capable of receiving a staple. 15. Body (1) having any volume, characterized in that it comprises a device for   strapping according to one of claims 1 to 14.