GB2249341A

GB2249341A - Tubing clamp

Info

Publication number: GB2249341A
Application number: GB9119585A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Josef Kemmerich
Original assignee: Kemmerich & Co KG Geb GmbH
Current assignee: Kemmerich & Co KG Geb GmbH
Priority date: 1990-10-31
Filing date: 1991-09-12
Publication date: 1992-05-06
Anticipated expiration: 2011-09-12
Also published as: FR2668575B1; ES2048071B1; ES2048071A2; ITMI912710A0; FR2668575A1; SE504984C2; SE9103193L; SE9103193D0; IT1251924B; NL9101641A; GB2249341B; CH684652A5; ES2048071R; DE4034626A1; GB9119585D0; BE1004784A3; ATA182791A; DE4034626C2; ITMI912710A1; AT398615B

Abstract

A tubing clamp comprises a clamping band (1) having free ends, means for mechanically connecting the free ends of the band which overlap each other which comprise outwardly directed holding and supporting hooks (2, 3) on an inner band section which can be locked in corresponding openings (5) in the outer band section, and a built-in tensioning device (7). The inner end of the overlapping region a step (9) is formed having a height equal to the thickness of the clamping band. which extends from one longitudinal side of the band only over about half the width of the outer clamping band portion (6). A prolongation (11) of the inner band (4) corresponding to about half its width is applied against the step (9) on the part of the outer clamping band portion (6) which is not stepped and has a length which is greater than the distance of the not-prolonged end of the clamping band (10) from the step (9), and in particular, moreover, the tensioning device (7) on the inside of the clamp is covered by the internally located clamping band end (4). <IMAGE>

Description

TUBING CLAMP The invention relates to a tubing clamp comprising a clamping

band having free ends, means for mechanically connecting the free ends of the band which overlap each other which comprise outwardly directed holding and supporting hooks on an inner band section which can be locked in corresponding openings in the outer band section, and a built-in tensioning device for tightening the clamping band whereby the clamp can be tightened by drawing the tensioning device together, where, furthermore, on the inner end of the overlapping region an outwardly projecting step is formed in the outer clamping band portion having a height equal to the thickness of the clamping band.

Tubing clangs of this kind are known for example from DE 30 17 662 C2 or from DE 30 17 666 C2. In the case of these tubing clamps an internal surface of the clamping arrangement is provided which is as free as possible from gaps in order to obtain a seal with relatively inflexible plastic tubes and the like and to avoid unsealed regions. Such tubes are used for example in the automobile industry for axle sleeves and petr ol supply lines.

Starting from this state of the art the aim of the invention is to provide a tubing clamp of this general type which, in a different manner to that previously customary, likewise enables a reliable seal to be obtained having a gapless crossover junction and with a simpler and less problematical mounting.

In order to achieve this objective it is proposed that the step extends from one longitudinal side of the band only over about half the width of the outer clamping band portion, the end of the inner clamping band ends at a distance from the step corresponding to the extent of the tightening region and comprises, adjacent to the step, a prolongation corresponding to about half its width in alignment on the outside with one side edge, which prolongation is applied against the step on the part of the outer clamping band which is not stepped and has a length which is greater than the distance of the not prolonged part of the end of the clamping band from the step, and where, moreover, in particular the 2 - tensioning device on the inside of the clamp is covered by the internally located clamping band end.

The objective set out hereinabove is achieved by means of this construction. Admittedly when the tubing clamp is tightened an open space may possibly remain between the step and the inner clamping band end which in itself could lead to leakages, but the prolongation of the inner clamping band end is arranged adjacent to this possible leakage position and as a result of this a seal and a gapfree junction is provided at this possible defect position. At the end of the prolongation, which bears against the outer clamping band portion which is not stepped, a step is formed which, however, again is adjacent to a stepfree region of the outer clamping band portion, and so here too a secure seal and gapfree transition is obtained. The tensioning device, which can be formed for example by a clamping loop, is covered over its complete width on the radially internally located side by the internally located clamping band end, so that here too a troublefree seal and stepless contour is obtained.

A preferred further development is characterized in that, when the clamp is not tightened, the prolongation is significantly longer than the distance of the not-prolonged part of the clamping band end from the step, which distance is at least equal to, and preferably greater than, the width of the prolongation, and in particular is about 1.5 times the width of the prolongation.

A particularly preferred further development consists in arranging that the prolongation comprises a radially outwardly projecting guiding element which is inserted into a longitudinal slot in the outer clamping band portion under which the prolongation engages, where the length of the slot corresponds to at least the extent of the tightening region of the clamp and is preferably more than twice as long as the latter.

As a result of the disposition of the longitudinal slot, on the one hand it is easier to form the step in the outer clamping band portion over a width of the clamping band portion which corresponds to the 4 3 - distance between the outer edge of the outer clamping band portion and the longitudinal slot. On the other hand, by means of the longitudinal slot and the guiding element projecting from the prolongation, which is inserted in the longitudinal slot, lateral guidance of the band end, including the prolongation, of the internally located clamping band portion is obtained, so that this can not deviate axially on tightening the clamp but retains its desired correct position beneath the outer clamping band.

Furthermore it is advantageously arranged that the guiding element is a perpendicularly projecting tongue, formed on the side edge of the prolongation, which is located at least approximately in the middle of the band width of the outer clamping band portion and engages in the longitudinal slot formed in the middle of the latter.

It is preferably arranged, in particular, that the tongue is formed like a hook and is directed towards the front end edge of the slot which is adjacent to the band end of the outer clamping band portion.

As a result it is possible to use the tongue as a catching hook during preliminary fitting together of the clamping ring ends.

In addition it is arranged that the tensioning device consists of a clamping loop, the base of which comprises on its free side edges bent over portions projecting towards the internally located clamping band portion.

By means of the bent over portions on the free side edges of the base of the clamping loop, a strengthening of the base is obtained so that any undesirable deformation of the base during tightening of the clamp is prevented, and in addition the risk of injury by the sharp side edges customary in the state of the art is avoided by means of the bent over side edges.

In order to ensure an exact guidance of the inner clamping band end on tightening the clamp, instead of the guiding element which engages in the longitudinal slot, alternatively or additionally a tongue or the like can be formed on the inner clamping band end and on the prolongation which engages laterally on the outer edge of the outer clamping band portion to guide it. In addition it is also possible, in order to bridge over the gap in the clamping loop to insert an element which comprises on each of its longitudinal edges diametrically opposed prolongations whilst on both sides of the clamping loop corresponding steps are formed over part of the width of the outer band. The desired sealed bridge over the clamping loop is thereby likewise obtained. In the case of such an embodiment example the disconnecting point of the clamping band could be located for example diametrically opposite the clamping loop, so that an appropriate half-stepped structure of one clamping band portion and a laterally displaced disposition of a projection on the other clamping band portion would likewise be provided there. These structures are analagous to the structures such as are described in DE 30 17 667 C2. Such structures are expressly included in the protection given by the patent claims.

An example of an embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and described in more detail in the following.

Figure 1 shows a clamping band in the unfolded configuration seen from above.

Figure 2 shows the same in side view, partly cut away.

Figure 3 shows a tubing clamp formed from a clamping band as shown in Figures 1 and 2 before tensioning.

Figure 4 shows the same after tightening the tensioning device.

Figure 5 shows a detail in top view.

The tubing clamp consists of a clamping band 1 having free ends, means for mechanically connecting the free, overlapping ends of the band 1 which comprise outwardly directed holding and supporting hooks 2, 3 on an inner band portion 4 which can be locked into corresponding openings in the outer band portion 6, and a built-in tensioning device 7 for tightening the clamping band 1. By pulling the tensioning device 7 together, the clamp can be tightened around an appropriate element 8, which is shown purely schematically by a solid cross-section but which is in reality a length of pipe having a plastic coupling hose or the like. In addition, at the inner end of the overlapping region a step projecting outwardly as high as the thickness of the clamping band is formed in the outer clamping band portion. This step 9 extends, as can be seen in particular in Figures 1 and 5, only over half the width of the outer clamping band portion 6, and the inner clamping band end 10 ends at a distance from the step 9 corresponding to the extent of the tightening region, so long as the clamp is not yet tightened, as can be seen from Figure 3. This clamping band end 10 comprises an off-centre prolongation 11, corresponding to about half its width, which bears laterally against the step 9 on the non-stepped part of the outer clamping band portion 6 and has a length which is greater than the distance of the not prolonged clamping band end 10 from the step 9. Preferably the tensioning device 7 is so arranged that it is covered inside the clamp by the internally located band portion 4 together with the clamping band end 10. In the untightened clamp, as shown in Figure 3, the prolongation 11 is significantly longer than the distance of the not-prolonged clamping band end 10 from the step, which distance is at least-equal to, and preferably is greater thag, the width of the prolongation 11, and in particular is about 1.5 times the width of the prolongation 11.

As an aid to guidance the prolongation 11 comprises a radially outwardly projecting guiding element 12 which is inserted into a longitudinal slot 13 in the outer clamping band portion 6 under which the prolongation 11 engages, where the length of the slot 13 corresponds to at least the extent of the tightening region of the clamp and is preferably more than twice as long as the latter. In particular, the slot 13 begins near the tightening device 7 and then extends over a considerable portion of the length of outer band portion 6. The guiding element 12 is a perpendicularly projecting tongue,formed on the side edge of the prolongation, which is located at least approximately in the middle of the band width of the outer clamping band portion 6 and engages in the longitudinal slot 13 formed in the middle of the latter. Preferably the tongue 12 is formed like a hook and the mouth of this hook is directed towards the front end edge of the slot 13 which is adjacent to the band end of the outer clamping band portion 6.

The tensioning device 7 preferably consists of a clamping loop, the base 14 of which comprises on its free side edges bent over portions 15 projecting towards the internally located clamping band portion. The clamping position, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, produces a first seal in the axial direction of the clamping band shown in the region A in Figure 5, where the greater or smaller free space formed there between the band end 10 and the step 9, depending on the extent of tightening, is sealed by the adjacent region of the prolongation 11. In the region B, in particular at the free end of the prolongation 11, a step, and thus a possible site of leakage, is formed, but this is axially opposite a flat sealing surface of the outer clamping band portion in the region C, and so the desired seal is obtained.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment example but can be modified in many ways within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A tubing clamp comprising a clamping band having free ends, means for mechanically connecting the free ends of the band which overlap each other which comprise outwardly directed holding and supporting hooks on an inner band section which can be locked in corresponding openings in the outer band section, and a built-in tensioning device for tightening the clamping band whereby the clamp can be tightened by drawing the tensioning device together, where, furthermore, on the inner end of the overlapping region an outwardly projecting step is formed in the outer clamping band portion having a height equal to the thickness of the clamping band, characterized in that the step (9) extends from one longitudinal side of the band only over about half the width of the outer clamping band portion (6), the end of the inner clamping band (4) ends at a distance from the step (9) corresponding to the extent of the tightening region and comprises, adjacent to the step (9), a prolongation (11) corresponding to about half its width in alignment on the outside with one side edge, which prolongation is applied against the step (9) on the part of the outer clamping band portion (6) which is not stepped and has a length which is greater than the distance of the not prolonged end of the clamping band (10) from the step (9), and where, moreover, in particular the tensioning device (7) on the inside of the clamp is covered by the internally located clamping band end (4).

2. A tubing clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that when the clamp is not tightened the prolongation (11) is significantly longer than the distance of the not-prolonged clamping band end (10) from the step (9) which distance is at least equal to, and preferably greater than, the width of the prolongation (11), and in particular is about 1.5 times the width of the prolongation (11).

3. A tubing clamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the prolongation (11) comprises a radially outwardly projecting guiding element (12) which is inserted into a longitudinal slot (13) in the outer clamping band portion (6) under which the prolongation (11) engages, where the length of the slot (13) corresponds to at-least the extent of the tightening region of the clamp and is preferably more than twice as long as the latter.

4. A tubing clamp according to claim 3, characterized in that the guiding element (12) is a perpendicularly projecting tongue, formed on the side edge of the prolongation (11), which is located at least approximately in the middle of the band width of the outer clamping band portion (6) and engages in the longitudinal slot (13) formed in the middle of the latter.

5. A tubing clamp according to claim 4, characterized in that the tongue is formed like a hook and is directed towards the front end edge of the slot (13) which is adjacent to the band end of the outer clamping band portion (6).

6. A tubing clamp according to any one of claims I to 5, characterized in that the tensioning device (7) consists of a clamping loop, the base (14) of which comprises on its free side edges bent over portions (15) projecting towards the internally located clamping band portion (4).

7. A tubing clamp substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.