WO2004085904A1

WO2004085904A1 - Pipe bracket

Info

Publication number: WO2004085904A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/003324
Authority: WO
Inventors: Siegried Witiska; Ralf Reichel
Original assignee: Aba Of Sweden Ab
Priority date: 2003-03-27
Filing date: 2004-03-29
Publication date: 2004-10-07
Also published as: DE20305044U1

Abstract

A pipe bracket for fixing the ends of flexible hoses to parts of pipes, comprising a bracket strip (2) which is bent in an angular manner, a inlay ring (1) which is encompassed by the bracket strip (2) and which has at least two beads (Ia) which are directed internally and which can respectively enter into contact with one of the pipe parts to be connected: a first end part (3) which protrudes away from the bracket strip (2) and which has a threaded bore arranged in a tangential position in relation to the bracket strip (2); a second end part (4) which protrudes away from the bracket strip (2) and has an opening which is arranged in a tangential position in relation to the bracket strip (2); a clamping screw (5) which protrudes through the opening in the second end part (4) and whose one end (5a) is screwed into the threaded bore in the first end part (3), provided with a flange (5b) on the other end thereof; and a pre-tensing device (9) which is used to draw the end parts (3,4) together.

Description

pipe clamp

The invention relates to a pipe clamp for attaching hoses to pipe pieces with an annular clamp band which encloses an insert ring which has at least two inwardly directed beads.

Clamps are used for the fluid-tight connection of hose lines to pipe sockets, whereby the fluid can be a liquid or a gas. If pipes or hoses of different diameters that can be plugged into one another are to be connected to one another, it is generally sufficient to pull a pipe clamp over the hose and to exert pressure by tightening the pipe clamps. This is particularly effective when the outer tube has a softer material than the inner tube and can thus act as a seal. However, it has been shown that such simple sleeve-like union pipe clamps do not always provide a reliable seal. It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved pipe clamp which can achieve a closer closure of the two interconnected lines. This object is achieved according to the invention by providing a pipe clamp according to independent claim 1.

Further advantageous refinements, aspects and details of the present invention result from the dependent protection claims, the description and the attached drawings.

The invention is based on the idea of applying the principle of the O-ring seal to pipe clamps which can also be used, for example, at high temperatures and in special pipe clamps which are not suitable for conventional O-rings. Since the pressure to be applied with O-ring seals is more critical than with conventional seals with simple pipe clamps, the new type of pipe clamp can also have a special mechanism for tension adjustment.

The invention is therefore directed to a pipe clamp for fastening hose ends to pipe pieces, which comprises the following elements: an annular clamp band, a first end part protruding from the clamp band and having a first holder; and wherein a second end part protrudes from the clamp band and has a second holder; an insert ring which is enclosed by the clamp band and which has at least two inwardly directed beads; a clamping element interacting with the first holder and the second holder for holding the pipe clamp together; and a tensioning device for holding the end parts in a predetermined position relative to one another.

The at least two beads serve to press in a hose end at two annular, parallel areas, whereby an annular protrusion extending into the space between the beads is formed between the pressed-in parallel areas, which has an O-ring-like effect, when a pipe clamp is mounted on a tube end improved sealing achieved.

The two beads of the profiled insert that protrude inwards from the pipe clamp rings additionally increase the surface pressure on the outer edges of the insert ring, so that plastic pipe connections with relatively low setting behavior can often also be sealed with the clamp. For the purposes of the present invention, a piece of pipe or a hose end is to be understood here as an elongated hollow object equipped with an inner lumen, which can serve for the passage of a fluid, a hose being made of a flexible material, while the pipe piece is made of a rigid material ..

An important element of the invention is also the tensioning device, since it can hold the pipe clamp in a ready-to-transport state without the insert ring slipping or sliding out as an insert within the clamp band. This problem does not occur with conventional pipe clamps that only consist of one clamp band. However, with an opening clamp band or a clamp band that would be delivered with a diameter that is required for assembly, the insert ring would slip with a high probability during storage / transport and the pipe clamp would therefore no longer be operational during assembly.

The end parts are held to one another by the tensioning device in such a way that the circumference of the pipe clamp remains limited and the clamp band can thus fix the insert ring securely in its interior.

In a preferred embodiment, the clamping element has a substantially cylindrical region between a holding end and an abutment at the other end, the first holder has a holding device into which the holding end engages, and the second holder has a through opening through which the cylindrical one Area is passed.

In particular, it is preferred that the clamping element is a clamping screw with a thread at its holding end (5b) and a screw head as an abutment (5a), and that the holding device is a threaded hole into which the thread of the clamping screw is screwed. Other embodiments of fastening the tensioning element to the holder are also possible. In further preferred embodiments of the invention, the tensioning element is fastened to the holding device by means of a bayonet connection, a pawl mechanism or by means of barbs. The pipe clamp preferably also has a compression spring which acts between the second end part and the tensioning element and can be tensioned by the tensioning element and which has a greater spring force than the tensioning device. This advantageous development of the pipe clamp according to the invention can replace the previous fastening methods by tightening the clamping screw, the exact adjustable compression of the pipe clamp by means of a compression spring which can be clearly defined in advance with regard to its spring force. Of course, the compression spring must be able to overcome the spring force of the tensioning device, otherwise it cannot have any effect.

The compression spring is preferably a helical compression spring which is arranged between the second end part and the abutment on the cylindrical region of the tensioning element. By using such a compression spring, also referred to as a coil spring, a space-saving, compact design is possible, which also exerts particularly uniform pressure on the abutment of the tensioning element or the second end part.

The tensioning device is also preferably a helical tension spring which is drawn onto the tensioning element between the second end part and the abutment. Such an arrangement offers the same advantages as when using a helical compression spring, and it is particularly preferred to combine both embodiments with one another, the tension spring being arranged between the second end part and the flange above or below the compression spring on the tensioning element and longer than the compression spring is. The shortness of the compression spring ensures that only the tension spring comes into effect when it is delivered or when the tensioning state is otherwise desired and is the only one that has a closing effect on the pipe clamp. It is fundamentally possible to combine the compression spring and tensioning device in a helical compression spring, for example by designing it to be progressive or simply dimensioning its length (which requires a corresponding length for the screw) so that it has both the function of generating a Preload as well as a final fastening tension can cause.

During assembly, the pipe clamp can be opened further against the spring action of the tensioning device by applying pressure to the second end part and the abutment of the Clamping element is exercised in the opposite direction. However, the second end part is often small and therefore difficult to grasp by tools or hands.

The pipe clamp according to the invention preferably further has an opening clip placed between the first and second end parts on the tensioning element. The opening clip, which can be a plastic or metal plate, for example, typically has a widened surface in relation to the second end part and is therefore easier to grip with appropriate tools or by hand if the pipe clamp according to the invention is opened during assembly ,

The opening clip can be provided with a corresponding recess with which it can be pushed onto the screw; It preferably has a bore with which it is drawn onto the tensioning element, since it cannot fall down in this way. The opening clip must be designed so that it can come to rest on the second end part and can exert pressure on it.

In a preferred embodiment, the pipe clamp according to the invention has a spacer sleeve of a predetermined length, which is guided through the through opening in the second end part, as a limit stop for the clamping element and the first end part. By providing such a spacer sleeve, which can abut the first end part and the abutment of the tensioning element, the contraction of the pipe clamp according to the invention is limited by actuating the tensioning element, for example tightening a tensioning screw, the spring force of the compression spring (which is usually inversely proportional to the spring length) can be set exactly, without a length measurement of the spring or another approach for determining the closing force exerted by the compression spring being necessary.

Alternatively, at least one marking can be provided on the tensioning element, which corresponds to a specific closing force of the pipe clamp.

The spacer sleeve is preferably pressed into the opening clip at one end, so that the opening clip, with its wider contact surface, limits the stop at the first end part. Solutions are known to the person skilled in the art of how he can carry out the first end part with a screw bore or another holding device. This first end part preferably comprises an angled end region of the clamp band and a square nut which at least partially surrounds the clamp band end in order to hold it. This variant is also simple to manufacture and allows a high force absorption on the first end part by the nut used. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to weld the square nut onto the end of the clamp band.

The second end part preferably likewise comprises an angled end region of the clamp band, the angled end region being able to have a U-shaped profile when viewed from the side, that is to say it is folded back on itself. After the U-shaped bend, the clamp band can also be guided further and under the clamp band at the area of the other end part. This end region of the clamp band is therefore preferably designed such that it can slide easily under the other end region of the clamp band, for example by sharpening or bending the ends.

The profiled insert ring is advantageously made of a material whose properties match the material of the hose ends that are to be fastened with the pipe clamp according to the invention. Usable materials are, for example, copper, aluminum or certain polymers. In particular, it is preferred that the insert ring consists of cold-rolled stainless steel, since it is particularly resistant to temperature and chemicals.

The insert ring is preferably shaped at its end regions in such a way that these end regions can slide easily over one another, similar to the end region of the clamp band. In this way, the pipe clamp according to the invention can also be used to clamp diameters which correspond to circumferences which are smaller than the length of the clamp band and / or insert ring.

In order to prevent the insert ring from slipping on the clamp band in the lateral direction, lateral edges are preferably also incorporated on the insert ring, which partially engage around the clamp band when inserting the insert ring into the inner region of the clamp band and thus lock the insert ring laterally. The invention is to be explained in more detail below on the basis of specific exemplary embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which the following is illustrated:

Fig. 1 shows a clamp band according to the invention in the tensioned state, i.e. after attachment to a pipe connection (not shown);

FIG. 2 shows the pipe clamp from FIG. 1 in a pretensioned delivery state with an installed assembly tool;

Fig. 3 shows in cross section the fastening mechanism of the pipe clamp in

Delivery condition detailed;

Fig. 4 shows a pipe clamp in the open, i.e. ready for installation;

Fig. 5 shows the arrangement of the elements of the locking mechanism of the pipe clamp in the open state;

Fig. 6 shows in cross section the locking mechanism of the pipe clamp in the tensioned, i.e. Fig. 1 corresponding state; and

Fig. 7 shows in cross section the insert ring and the pipe clamp to show their profiles.

1 shows a pipe clamp according to the invention with an insert ring 1, a clamp band 2, a first end part 3, a second end part 4, a lead through the second end part 4 and screwed into the first end part 3 or fastened in another way, for example by a bayonet connection Tensioning element 5, for example a screw, and a compression spring 6. As can be seen in the enlargement of the drawing, the first end part 3 consists of a bent area of the clamp band and a square nut 7 which is gripped by the clamp band in area 3a. The second end part 4 consists of a first region 4a bent orthogonally from the clamp band and a second region 4b bent back thereon in a U-shape. The clamp band can end at the end of area 4b or open again by means of a further 90 ° bend Height of the main clamp band 1 and be guided under the other end region of the clamp band.

The clamping screw 5 is passed through an opening in the second end part 4 and screwed into the threaded opening of the square nut 7 by means of a threaded area or another embodiment of the holding end 5a. In this tensioned state, the compression spring 6 is completely or practically completely compressed and in this way exerts a defined force between the abutment 5b of the screw, which in this case is the screw head, and the second end part 4, the force exerted on the screw head 5b Screw 5 is passed on to square nut 7 and thus to the first end part 3, so that the two end parts are pulled towards one another and the pipe clamp according to the invention thus remains in a closed state. With this construction, the pressure acting on the insert ring 1 can be determined very precisely and thus in the optimal range without further adjustment by a mechanic.

The insert ring 1 has end regions 1c which overlap one another and, in the present embodiment, are arranged opposite the end regions of the clamp band. These are preferably designed so that the end regions can slide easily over one another.

The pipe clamp according to this embodiment of the invention also has an opening clip 8 which is pushed over the clamping screw 5 and which is wider than the two end parts and the clamp band and which can be gripped by an assembly hand in order to be able to open the pipe clamp according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows the pipe clamp of Fig. 1 in a delivery state. The clamping screw 5 is only screwed into the square nut 7 with a few turns, but not screwed through. This means that no force is exerted on the compression spring 5, so that the tension spring 9 is the only one that causes the pipe clamp to contract slightly in the same manner of operation as the compression spring 5. An assembly tool 10 or the hand of a fitter can grip the pipe clamp at the end of the screw 5 and at the first end part 3 or the opening clip 8. A holding finger 10a for the tensioning screw 5 and two holding fingers 10b serve for gripping the opening clip 8 on both sides. Fig. 3 shows in cross section the locking mechanism of the pipe clamp in the delivery state of Fig. 2. The longer tension spring 9 presses against the sleeve 5b of the clamping screw 5 and against the second end part 4, so that a slight tension is given to the pipe clamp. In this state, the compression spring 6 can either slide back and forth over the screw or is attached to the screw head 5b and thus cannot be moved. In addition, a spacer sleeve 11 is provided in this embodiment of the invention, which is pressed into the opening clip 8 and which, guided through the second end part, surrounds the tensioning element 5.

Fig. 4 shows the pipe clamp in the open state. For this purpose, the holding tool 10 or the hand of a mechanic is closed, so that against the resistance of the tension spring

9 the clamping screw 5 is pushed through the second end part and thus presses the first end part 3, into which the clamping screw 5 is screwed with the threaded region 5a, away from the second end part 4. The other holding fingers 10b hold the opening clip 8 as an abutment. By opening the pipe clamp according to the invention with the aid of a holding tool 10 or a mounting device, the pipe clamp can be placed in this state on pipes to be connected or these can be inserted into the pipe clamp.

Fig. 5 shows in cross section the locking mechanism of the pipe clamp in the open state - of Fig. 4. As can be seen, the screw 5 is pushed through the second end part 4, so that the first end part 3 in this enlarged view is pushed to the left of the picture , The compression spring 6 can be used, for example, as a limiting element of this opening movement by the closing force of the holding tool

10 is set smaller than the initial spring force of the compression spring 6.

Fig. 6 shows in cross section the locking mechanism of the pipe clamp in the tensioned state of Fig. 1. By screwing the clamping screw 5 into the square nut 7, the elements are pushed together until the opening clip 8 strikes the first end part 3 and connects it to the opening clip Sleeve 1 1 abuts the flange 5b of the clamping screw 5 at its other end. The maximum closing state of the pipe clamp according to the invention is hereby achieved, since the sleeve 11 works as a limit stop. The compression spring 6 is practically completely assembled in the illustration shown. therefore presses and exerts its maximum spring force.

7 shows the cross section of the clamp band 2 used and the insert ring 1. The insert ring 1 has two beads 1a at the edges, which can achieve an O-ring-like sealing defect between them. In addition, edges 1b are provided at the outer ends of the beads 1a and into these, which come to lie to the side of the clamp band 2 and can prevent the profiled insert ring from slipping sideways, at least in the prestressed state of the pipe clamp.

For the first time, the pipe clamp according to the invention provides an O-ring-like seal for a pipe connection, with slipping of the insert ring being ensured by preloading and optimal sealing by a predefined final tension with one or two clamping systems. The pipe clamp according to the invention is simple to manufacture and assemble.

* * * *

Claims

EXPECTATIONS

1. Pipe clamp for attaching hose ends to pipe pieces, with an annularly bent clamp band (2), an insert ring (1) which is enclosed by the clamp band (2) and which has at least two inwardly directed beads (1a), which in Can come into contact with one of the pipe sections to be connected; a first end part (3) which protrudes from the clamp band (2) and has a threaded bore arranged tangentially to the clamp band (2); a second end part (4) which projects away from the clamp band (2) and has an opening arranged tangentially to the clamp band (2); a tensioning screw (5) with a flange (5b) at its other end which passes through the opening in the second end part (4) and has one end (5a) screwed into the threaded bore in the first end part (3); and a pretensioner (9) for contracting the end parts (3, 4).

2. Pipe clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a compression spring (6) acting between the second end part (4) and the tensioning screw (5), which can also be adjusted by the tensioning screw (5) and which has a greater spring force than the prestressing device (9).

3. Pipe clamp according to claim 2, characterized in that the compression spring (5) is a helical compression spring, which is arranged between the second end part (4) and flange (5b) on the clamping screw (5)

4. Pipe clamp according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the biasing device (9) between the second end part (4) and flange (5b) on the clamping screw (5) wound helical biasing spring (9)

5. Pipe clamp according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the

Compression spring (5) is a helical compression spring (5), which is arranged between the second end part (4) and flange (5b) above or below the biasing spring (9) on the tensioning screw (5) and which is shorter than the biasing spring (9) ,

6. Pipe clamp according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises an opening clip (8) placed between the first (3) and second (4) end part on the clamping screw (5).

7. Pipe clamp according to claim 6, characterized in that the opening clip (8) has a bore with which it is mounted on the clamping screw (5). j

8. Pipe clip according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises a through the opening in the second end part (4) spacer sleeve (11) of a predetermined length as a limit stop of the screw (5) and the first end ^'' part (3rd ) having.

9. Pipe clamp according to claim 8, characterized in that the spacer sleeve (11) is pressed into the opening clip (8) at one end.

10. Pipe clamp according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first end part (3) comprises an angled end region (3a) of the clamp band (2) and a square nut (7) which at least partially encompasses the clamp band (2).

11. Pipe clamp according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the second end part (4) comprises an angled end region (4a, 4b) of the clamp band (2).

12. Pipe clamp according to claim 11, characterized in that the angled end region (4a, 4b) has a U-shaped profile when viewed from the side.

13. Pipe clamp according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the profiled insert ring (1) consists of cold-rolled stainless steel.

14. Pipe clamp according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the insert ring (1) is shaped at its end regions (1c) so that the end regions (1c) can slide easily one above the other.

15. Pipe clamp according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the insert ring (1) has lateral edge regions (1b) on side edges which at least partially encompass the clamp band (2) laterally.