DE102020116406A1 - Profile clamp - Google Patents

Abstract

A profile clamp is proposed which has two half-shells (2, 3), each of which is connected to a clamping head (4, 5) at a first end and a connection geometry (9, 10) to the Connect the second ends (7, 8), the clamping heads (4, 5) being connected to a clamping element (6), at least one of the half-shells (2, 3) being tiltable relative to the clamping element (6), and the profile clamp (1) has a spring element (11), the spring element (11) resting against an inner side (12, 13) of the half-shells (2, 3) under pretension, which presses the half-shells (2, 3) apart at their second ends , the spring element (11) being held on at least one half-shell (2, 3) outside the clamping heads (4, 5) via a holding connection (14).

Description

The invention relates to a profile clamp according to the preamble of claim 1.

A profile clamp is, for example, from the EP 2635835 B1 or the DE 202011110727 U1 known. This profile clamp, referred to as a tensioning clip, comprises a belt with two belt sections, each of which has a tensioning strap at first ends, which can be pulled towards one another by means of a screw to tension the tensioning clip. At each second end, the strap sections have connecting elements with which the second ends can be detachably connected to one another. Such a clamp should be able to be easily mounted around an object to be clamped when the screw is already in place. With the help of the connecting elements, a simple connection of the second ends and thus a closing of the clamp should then be made possible. This task is to solve the tension clamp by providing a so-called web, which is designed as a longitudinally M-shaped clamping element and which connects the first ends of the strap sections and holds the tensioning straps in the free, non-tensioned state of the clamp to each other when the screw is in a certain Is screwed in depth, wherein the clamping element allows an approach of the second ends, the design of the M-shaped clamping element is changed when the clamp is tensioned. The M-shaped tensioning element is arranged at the first ends of the belt sections and in the space between them, where the tensioning screw is also inserted.

However, the disadvantage of this clamp is the arrangement of the M-shaped clamping element in the space between the first ends of the belt sections, since it can make it difficult or even prevent the introduction of the clamping screw and its free rotation there. In addition, it is disadvantageous that the two belt sections are not guided satisfactorily with respect to one another and can therefore twist relative to one another. An alleged guidance is only given when the M-shaped tensioning element is introduced into the space between the first ends of the belt sections and the tensioning screw has already been screwed in to a certain depth. The clamping screw must be screwed in so deep that the legs of the M-shaped clamping element rest against the clamping straps on both sides. Mounting the clamp on a flange is therefore complex and can only be carried out using both hands.

A profile clamp also goes out of the EP 2589847 B1 emerged. The profile clamp there has two half-shells, each of which has a clamping head at a first end and a connecting geometry for connecting the second ends at a second end. The clamping heads are connected to a clamping screw serving as a clamping element, at least one half-shell being tiltable with respect to the clamping element. The profile clamp also has a spring element designed as a leaf spring, which bears against an inside of the half-shells under pretension and presses the half-shells apart at their second ends. The spring element is held on the clamping element to fix it.

The advantage of this profile clamp in view of the EP 2635835 B1 or the DE 202011110727 U1 can be seen in the leading action of the spring element on the two half-shells, which simplifies pre-assembly. However, this spring element is also arranged at least in sections in the space between the first ends of the half-shells or the clamping heads and is held on the clamping element.

The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a profile clamp which overcomes the problems of the prior art, in particular enables the two half-shells to be guided satisfactorily relative to one another, prevents the two half-shells from rotating relative to one another and proposes an improved mounting of the spring element.

The main features of the invention are set out in the characterizing part of claim 1. Refinements are the subject of claims 2 to 9.

According to the invention, a profile clamp is therefore proposed which has two half-shells which are each connected at a first end to a clamping head and at a second end each have a connection geometry for connecting the second ends, the clamping heads being connected to a clamping element, at least one the half-shells can be tilted relative to the tensioning element, and the profile clamp has a spring element, the spring element resting against an inside of the half-shells under pretension, which presses the half-shells apart at their second ends. The spring element is held by a support connection on at least one half-shell outside of the clamping heads. The spring element can also rest on both inner sides of the half-shells.

Thus, the spring element is no longer arranged on the clamping heads and can leave a gap between the two clamping heads free. The tensioning element can now be introduced into this gap without being hindered by the spring element, since the spring element is no longer arranged on a clamping head. In addition, the tensioning element can now be tightened without being hindered by the spring element, since the spring element is no longer supported on the tensioning element. The half-shells and the clamping heads can be designed in one piece or even monolithically.

So far, the two half-shells have only been used to grip the flange of a clamping partner, such as a pipe connection, in the assembly position. Now they also serve to hold the spring element. This is advantageous in several ways at the same time. The spring element is intended to push the half-shells apart at their second ends, which now takes place immediately and without any support on the clamping heads or the clamping element. The spring element can now be supported at one end on one half-shell and at the other end on the other half-shell. So far, this pushing apart has only taken place indirectly via a support on the clamping heads or the clamping element. In addition, the posture connection means that the two half-shells can already be guided or held towards one another when there is no tensioning element at all or the tensioning element is just engaging the corresponding thread as a screw.

According to a further development, in the profile clamp according to the invention, the spring element can have a holding section and a spring section. The two sections can be separate sections. The holding connection is formed on the holding section. The holding section is used to fix the spring element on one of the half-shells. The holding section has no spring effect. The postural connection can be a permanent connection. The spring section applies the pretension in order to press the half-shells apart at their second ends. The spring element can be arranged with its free end opposite the holding section by means of sliding bearings on the other half-shell. It is conceivable that the profile clamp has only one support connection between the half-shell and the spring element.

According to a further development of the profile clamp, the spring element can be designed as a leaf spring; the spring element preferably has a continuous longitudinal section in at least its central region and / or the spring section, for example a continuous bend. The middle area can be the section which passes or is tangent to the space between the two clamping heads.

According to a further development, the length of the leaf spring in the circumferential direction can have a circular arc dimension in the range from 120 ° to 60 °, preferably from 100 ° to 80 °, more preferably from 90 °. These dimensions can relate to the pre-assembly or assembly state. As an alternative or in addition, the leaf spring can define a circular segment with an imaginary connecting line between its two ends, which segment has a circular segment height. The length ratio between the radius of the corresponding imaginary circle through the leaf spring in the longitudinal section and the height of the circle segment can be in the range from 5: 1 to 2: 1, preferably from 4: 1 to 3: 1, these dimensions referring to an unloaded state of the leaf spring can relate. The specified circular arc dimension ranges can be advantageous, for example, in the case of profile clamps which, when clamped, have a diameter of 5 to 12 cm.

As an alternative or in addition, it is conceivable for the profile clamp that the spring element has a circular arc-shaped longitudinal section in at least its central area and / or the spring section. Thus, the spring element can already be preformed in the unloaded state. This circular arc course can, however, have a larger radius than the half-shells in the assembled state, in order to generate sufficient prestress. A longitudinal section course in at least the central region of the spring element, which is not constantly curved, is also conceivable.

According to a further development, the outside of the spring element facing the half-shells can correspond in cross-section to the inside of the half-shells facing the spring element. The correspondence can be implemented, for example, by means of a corresponding engagement of the spring element in at least one of the half-shells, for example by means of a tongue and groove guide. As a result, both half-shells are safely positioned in relation to one another after pre-assembly, which ensures high delivery quality. The transport of the preassembled profile clamps then does not lead to unwanted twisting or adjustment of the two half-shells with respect to one another.

According to a preferred embodiment of the profile clamp according to the invention, the thickness and / or width of the spring element decreases along its longitudinal section, preferably starting from the holding section. The spring element can be understood as a leaf spring clamped on one side. In the case of the leaf spring clamped on one side, the bending stress increases linearly with the force increase at the force introduction point if it has a constant cross section. In the case of a leaf spring with a constant thickness along the longitudinal section, however, the highest bending stress occurs only at the clamping point. Thus, the leaf spring with a constant cross section only develops its maximum tension at the clamping point. In contrast, the spring element or the leaf spring also offers a more uniform bending stress as the thickness and / or width decrease. As a result, the utilization of the spring material is significantly improved in the case of the spring element with a decreasing thickness than in the case of the leaf spring with a constant thickness. An advantage of a design of the leaf spring with a decreasing thickness is a cost-effective and waste-free production with maximum material utilization. This is because leaf springs can be separated from a sheet metal, whereby adjacent leaf springs can each be separated by 180 ° with respect to their longitudinal axis. The leaf springs can thus be trapezoidal in plan view. Depending on the design and the thickness, the width can be constant and vice versa. The width and thickness can also be constant or a constant cross section can be formed.

According to a further development, the maximum radial extent of the spring element within a receiving space for a flange can correspond to the maximum thickness of the spring element. Thus, the spring element does not protrude into the receiving space, but just lies flat against the inner sides of the half-shells. The radial extension relates to the space enclosed by the two half-shells. This leads to considerable savings in installation space.

In a further embodiment of the profile clamp according to the invention, the support connection between the half-shell and the spring element can be a welded connection, a hanging connection, a crimp connection, a clip connection and / or a press-in connection, preferably the support connection is a permanent connection. In the crimp connection, at least one crimp tab arranged on the spring element can protrude through a slot in the half-shell which runs along the circumferential direction or transversely to the circumferential direction. If several crimp tabs are provided, the number of slots can be adapted accordingly. In the case of the suspension connection, too, in which the spring element is suspended in the half-shell, the spring element can protrude through at least one slot in the half-shell that runs along the circumferential direction or transversely to the circumferential direction. In the case of the press-fit connection, the spring element can be pressed into the inside of the half-shell, which can lead to a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection there. The spring element can have an oversize in profile or in cross section with respect to the corresponding half-shell. This enables cost-effective joining.

Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the posture connection is arranged in the area of the clamping head of the corresponding half-shell, for example in an imaginary circular sector of the spring element or the leaf spring with a central angle of 90 °, preferably of 60 °, more preferably of 30 °, based on the Clamping head. As a result, a short spring element can be used, which reduces material and manufacturing costs. In addition, a spring element arranged in this way does not reach through the receiving space for the flange and thus enables rapid assembly.

• 1 eine Profilschelle in geöffnetem Zustand in schematischer Ansicht;
• 2 eine Längsschnittansicht der Profilschelle nach 1;
• 3 eine Längsschnittansicht eines Federelements erster Ausführung;
• 4 eine Längsschnittansicht eines Federelements zweiter Ausführung;
• 5 eine Detailansicht einer Profilschelle mit verschweißtem Federelement;
• 6 eine Detailansicht einer Profilschelle mit vercrimptem Federelement; und
• 7 eine Detailansicht einer Profilschelle mit eingehängtem Federelement.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1 a profile clamp in the open state in a schematic view;
• 2 a longitudinal sectional view of the profile clamp according to 1 ;
• 3 a longitudinal sectional view of a spring element of the first embodiment;
• 4th a longitudinal sectional view of a spring element of the second embodiment;
• 5 a detailed view of a profile clamp with a welded spring element;
• 6th a detailed view of a profile clamp with a crimped spring element; and
• 7th a detailed view of a profile clamp with a suspended spring element.

In the figures, elements that are the same or that correspond to one another are each denoted by the same reference symbols and are therefore not described again unless expedient. Features that have already been described are not described again to avoid repetition and can be applied to all elements with the same or corresponding reference symbols, unless explicitly excluded. The disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied correspondingly to the same parts with the same reference symbols or the same component names. The position details chosen in the description, such as above, below, to the side, etc., also relate to the figure immediately described and shown and, if there is a change in position, must be transferred accordingly to the new position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

In 1 is a profile clamp 1 Shown in the pre-assembly position, the two half-shells 2 , 3 has, which in the assembled state form a full circle with a circle center k and a radius r. The district center k is in 2 regarding the half-shell 2 marked. The profile clamp 1 is thus designed in two parts, so to speak. The half-shells 2 , 3 are each with a clamping head at a first end 4th , 5 connected in which a clamping element 6th is held. At a second end 7th , 8th show the half-shells 2 , 3 one connection geometry each 9 , 10 on.

On the half-shell 2 and thus not on one of the clamping heads 4th , 5 is a spring element designed as a leaf spring 11 such about a posture connection 14th held or attached to it over its outside 40 on the inside 12th , 13th the half-shells 2 , 3 the profile clamp 1 as in 2 to see. The posture connection 14th is in the 1 , 2 and 5 shown as a weld, in particular the 2 and 5 show the bulge created by spot welding. Here is the spring element 11 so biased that it is with its free end 42 on the half-shell 3 and they are opposite the half-shell 2 tilted, causing the second ends 7th , 8th be pushed away from each other. The profile clamp 1 is through the spring element 11 so held in an open position, with the position of the individual elements, so the half-shells 2 , 3 and the tensioning element 6th are clearly defined to each other. In the 1 and 2 the preassembly position is shown, that is, that position of the profile clamp in which its individual parts are preassembled with one another and held together without further external force. The length of the spring element designed as a leaf spring 11 in the embodiment shown is a circular arc dimension of 90 ° in the circumferential direction, since it is on the inside in the assembled state 12th , 13th the half-shells 2 , 3 creates following shape. However, the arc dimension can also be smaller or larger. The spring element 11 is arranged and designed in such a way that there is a receiving space 31 for a flange of a receiving space 32 for the clamping element 6th separates, whereby it is the longitudinal course of the half-shells 2 , 3 follows. The spring element lies on the inside in the assembled state 12th , 13th so that the maximum radial extent of the spring element 11 within the recording room 31 the maximum thickness dmax of the spring element 11 is equivalent to.

As a clamping element 6th a clamping screw is used. However, a rivet or a hook is also conceivable as a clamping element. The clamping element 6th is doing it through a hole 15th that in the grip head 5 is formed, and through a hole 26th that in the grip head 4th is formed, performed. The clamping element 6th is thus one end in a thread opening 27 at the hole 26th in the clamping head 4th and at the other end in the hole 15th held. The clamping element 6th also has a screw head 28 on. The hole is as a threaded passage 27 provided with an internal thread into which the thread 16 engages when screwing on the clamping element 6th into the thread opening 27 or tensioning of the clamping element 6th So are the chucks 4th , 5 moved towards each other, so that after previous closing of the profile clamp 1 , so after connecting the second ends 7,8, tensioning the profile clamp 1 he follows.

The posture connection 14th is in the area of the clamping head 4th the half-shell 2 arranged. This area of the arrangement can be via the center of the circle k To be defined. To the half-shells 2 , 3 is a circular sector 37 applicable (here only for half-shell 2 shown), one leg of the circular sector 37 between half-shell 2 and clamping head 4th runs. The posture connection 14th is thus around a central angle θ offset by 24 ° from here, based on the clamping head 4th and the circle center k .

As the 3 and 4th show in a schematic longitudinal sectional view, has the spring element set alone 11 a holding portion 29 on where the posture connection 14th is trained. The spring element 11 the 3 is used for welding, the spring element of the 4th is used for hanging in transverse to the circumferential direction U running slots 35 in the half-shell. To the holding section 29 the spring section closes 30th on. The spring section 30th has a continuous and circular arc-shaped longitudinal section, here as a uniform bend with a radius r2 shown. The fat d of the spring element 11 decreases along its longitudinal section, namely starting from the holding section 29 who prefers the maximum thickness dmax has, over the spring portion 30th .

The spring element designed as a leaf spring 11 can with an imaginary connecting line 33 a segment of a circle between its two ends 34 define that a circle segment height H having. The aspect ratio between the radius r2 the corresponding imaginary circle through the leaf spring and the height of the circle segment H can be in the range from 5: 1 to 2: 1, preferably from 4: 1 to 3: 1, whereby these dimensions and ratios can relate to an unloaded state of the leaf spring. In the 4th leaf spring shown 11 includes in the holding section 29 a hook-like longitudinal section through two slits 35 in the half-shell 2 attacks how 7th shows in detail. The spring element 11 is formed for example by a sheet metal strip and can have a pre-curvature that is slightly less than the curvature of the half-shells 2 , 3 so that a preload is guaranteed, where: r1 <r2.

In the 5 until 7th are detailed views of the profile clamp 1 shown. The profile clamp 1 is placed around a flange, not shown, in such a way that the flange is in the profile of the Profile clamp 1 extends into it. By simply pressing the half-shells together 2 , 3 are the connection geometries 9 , 10 have been brought into engagement with each other, the connecting geometry formed as a hook 9 is therefore in the connection geometry designed as a molding 10 has been introduced. The half-shells 2 , 3 are therefore hooked together. The spring element 11 elastically deformed, whereby it may have already undergone plastic deformation before. Since the spring element 11 on the inside 12th , 13th the half-shells 2 , 3 is the spring element 11 almost invisible. Only in the area of the clamping element 6th between the chucks 4th , 5 is the spring element 11 visible.

In this state it is no longer possible for the individual elements to fall apart, but the position of the profile clamp can be corrected 1 on the flange 19. Only by tightening the clamping element 6th or screwing in the clamping screw becomes the profile clamp 1 tensioned and then exerts corresponding holding forces, whereby the assembly position is reached.

5 shows a welded leaf spring, with the bracket connection 14th as a welding point 38 is formed, which was created by means of spot welding or projection welding. 6th shows a crimped leaf spring in which two crimp tabs arranged on the leaf spring 39 through two slots 36 in the half-shell 2 protrude along the circumferential direction U get lost. 7th shows a suspended leaf spring in which the previously described hook-like longitudinal section extends in the area of the holding section 29 through two slots 35 in the half-shell 2 meanders across the circumferential direction U get lost.

With the profile clamp shown 1 are in profile walls 22nd , 23 the half-shells 2 , 3 an interruption each time 24 , 25th educated. Because of this interruption 24 , 25th shows the profile clamp 1 a slightly higher elasticity, so that it can be used within a larger tolerance range. The interruptions 24 , 25th but can also be used to accommodate a corresponding projection of the flange and thus a defined angular position of the profile clamp 1 to ensure against the flange.

In a delivery condition, i.e. a pre-assembled condition, the profile clamp 1 by the spring element 11 that is on inside pages 12th , 13th the half-shells 2 , 3 presses, held open. As the spring element 11 inside the profile clamp 1 or in the profile of the profile clamp 1 no additional space is required. The clamping element 6th is through openings in the spring element 11 guided and thereby positions the spring element 11 inside the profile clamp 1 . By pretensioning the spring element 11 it is ensured that the open profile clamp 1 has the maximum opening angle. The profile clamp 1 can then be placed on a flange relatively easily.

Then the half-shells 2 , 3 so compressed that the second ends 7th , 8th with their connection geometries 9 , 10 snap or catch together. The profile clamp 1 is thus closed and already held captive on the flange. The half-shells are then closed 2 , 3 against the force of the spring element 11 , which is thereby elastically and / or plastically deformed. By then tensioning the tensioning element 6th Finally, the profile clamp is tensioned 1 . By the spring element 11 becomes a backlash-free fastening of the clamping element 6th inside the chucks 4th , 5 the profile clamp 1 achieved. This means that the half-shells are positioned in a defined manner even when they are open 2 , 3 and the tensioning element 6th given to each other. This enables very simple final assembly, for example one-handed, with assembly forces of less than 40 N being realizable.

The invention is not restricted to one of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in many ways. All of the features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawing, including structural details, spatial arrangements and method steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and in the most varied of combinations.

All combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the figures fall within the scope of the invention.

In order to avoid repetitions, features disclosed in accordance with the device should also apply and be claimable as disclosed in accordance with the method. Likewise, features disclosed in accordance with the method should apply and be claimable as disclosed in accordance with the device.

List of reference symbols

1

Profile clamp

2

Half shell

3

Half shell

4th

Clamping head

5

Clamping head

6th

Clamping element

7th

second end

8th

second end

9

Connection geometry

10

Connection geometry

11th

Spring element

12th

inside

13th

inside

14th

Posture connection

15th

hole

16

thread

22nd

Profile wall

23

Profile wall

24

Interruption

25th

Interruption

26th

hole

27

Thread penetration

28

Screw head

29

Holding section

30th

Spring section

31

Recording room

32

Recording room

33

Connecting line

34

Circle segment

35

slot

36

slot

37

District sector

38

Welding point

39

Crimp tab

40

Outside

42

free end

d

thickness

dmax

maximum thickness

r1

radius

r2

radius

H

Circle segment height

k

District center

U

Circumferential direction

θ

Center angle

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 2635835 B1 [0002, 0005]
• DE 202011110727 U1 [0002, 0005]
• EP 2589847 B1 [0004]

Claims (9)

Profile clamp which has two half-shells (2, 3) which are each connected at a first end to a clamping head (4, 5) and a connection geometry (9, 10) for connecting the second at each second end (7, 8) Have ends (7, 8), the clamping heads (4, 5) being connected to a clamping element (6), at least one of the half-shells (2, 3) being tiltable with respect to the clamping element (6), and the profile clamp (1) has a spring element (11), the spring element (11) resting against an inner side (12, 13) of the half-shells (2, 3) under pretension, which presses the half-shells (2, 3) apart at their second ends, characterized that the spring element (11) is held via a support connection (14) on at least one half-shell (2, 3) outside the clamping heads (4, 5). Profile clamp after Claim 1 , characterized in that the spring element (11) has a holding section (29) and a spring section (30). Profile clamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (11) is designed as a leaf spring, preferably with a continuous longitudinal section in at least its central area and / or the spring section (30). Profile clamp after Claim 3 , characterized in that the length of the leaf spring in the circumferential direction has a circular arc dimension in the range from 120 ° to 60 °, preferably from 100 ° to 80 °, more preferably from 90 °. Profile clamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (11) has a circular arc-shaped longitudinal section or a variable curvature in the tangential direction in at least its central region and / or the spring section (30). Profile clamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outside of the spring element (11) facing the half-shells (2, 3) corresponds in cross-section to the inside (12, 13) of the half-shells (2, 3) facing the spring element (11). Profile clamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thickness (d) and / or width of the spring element (11) decreases along its longitudinal section, preferably starting from the holding section. Profile clamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum radial extent of the spring element (11) within a receiving space (31) for a flange corresponds to the maximum thickness (dmax) of the spring element (11). Profile clamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support connection (14) between half-shell (2, 3) and spring element (11) is a welded connection, a hanging connection, a crimp connection, a clip connection and / or a press-in connection.

Images