Protective device for an elongated hollow body

Abstract

Protective device for an elongated hollow body, which is intended to be detachably attached to an end section of the hollow body without damage, wherein the protective device (1) - comprising a first half-shell (10) and a second half-shell (20), each having an inner contour (13, 23) which together are adapted to an outer shape of the end section of the hollow body extending in the axial direction of the hollow body, and which, when placed laterally on the end section, abut flush against each other and thereby circumferentially enclose the end section of the hollow body, wherein the first and the second half-shell (10, 20) each have a first end (11, 21) and a second end (12, 22) and are provided to abut the free end of the hollow body with their respective first end (11, 21); - comprises a cap (30) which, when the first and second half-shells (10, 20) enclose the end section of the hollow body, is slidable in the axial direction of the end section of the hollow body over the first and second half-shells (10, 20), characterized in that - the first and second half-shells (10, 20), when these are laterally placed on the end section of the hollow body and are flush with each other in the axial direction and circumferentially enclose the end section of the hollow body, have a conical outer contour, wherein the outer diameter at the first ends (11, 21) of the joined half-shells (10, 20) is smaller than the outer diameter at the second ends of the half-shells (10, 20); and - the cap (30) is a clamping cap whose inner contour (31) is conical.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a protective device for an elongated hollow body, in particular a cylindrical tube. The invention further relates to a method for attaching a protective device to an elongated hollow body.

[0002] In the manufacturing and integration of aerospace components, there is a need to protect elongated hollow bodies, such as cylindrical tubes, from damage and contamination during partial processing steps. This applies particularly to their ends or connections, which must be protected internally and externally from dirt and damage, for example, for a subsequent welding process.

[0003] For this purpose, it is known to apply adhesive films, such as Kapton tape, to the end or connection of the hollow body. However, when the adhesive film is removed, adhesive residue remains, creating unfavorable conditions for a subsequent processing step, such as a welding process. It may therefore be necessary to clean the end or connection of the hollow body in a separate step after removing the adhesive film. A further disadvantage is that adhesive films can detach completely or partially from the end of the hollow body, thus preventing complete mechanical protection for the edges at the end of the hollow body against impacts or other influences.

[0004] Alternatively, heat-shrink tubing is used to protect the end or connection of the hollow body. However, heat-shrink tubing generates particles both during application and removal, which must be removed before a subsequent processing step, such as welding. Heat-shrink tubing can also detach completely or partially, thus providing no mechanical protection to protect the edges at the end of the hollow body from impacts or other influences.

[0005] The use of so-called standard screw connectors (such as Swagelok) enables non-destructive removal from the end of the hollow body. However, when applying and / or removing the standard screw connector, particles can be generated due to the metallic connection. These must be removed in a separate cleaning process before any further processing step. The structural design of a standard screw connector can also lead to incisions or surface marks such as score marks or scratches, thus preventing optimal further processing conditions. A further disadvantage of standard screw connectors is that, due to the high weight of the screw connector, loads can occur on the end of the hollow body during transport, for example due to vibrations. There is also a risk of crushing or deformation of the hollow body when applying the screw connector.

[0006] DE 20 2005 021 930 U1 discloses a fiber optic output cable with a connector. The connector has a crimp assembly comprising a crimp housing with at least one half-shell and a protective cap.

[0007] DE 38 03 777 C2 discloses a device for closing and sealing the free end of a cable duct. The device consists of a substantially cylindrical housing with two housing halves connected to each other by a film hinge. At the free end opposite the film hinge, each housing half is equipped with dovetail-shaped wedge bars, which are overlapped by a clamping bracket and clamped against each other.

[0008] DE 200 21 102 U1 discloses a protective cap for covering open ends of loose-flange pipe and hose lines. The protective cap consists of two half-shells that surround one end of the line, including the collar and loose flange, and are connected to each other via a connecting element.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a protective device for an elongated hollow body which can be detachably fastened to one end or connection of the hollow body in a non-destructive manner and which is structurally and / or functionally improved compared to the known solutions.

[0010] These objects are achieved by a protective device according to the features of patent claim 1 and a method for attaching a protective device according to the features of patent claim 7. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent patent claims.

[0011] A protective device for an elongated hollow body is proposed, which is intended to be non-destructively releasably fastened to an end section of the hollow body. The elongated hollow body is, in particular, a cylindrical tube having at least one open tube end. The protective device comprises a first half-shell and a second half-shell. These half-shells each have an inner contour which together is adapted to the outer shape of an end section of the hollow body, in particular one running in the axial direction of the hollow body, and which, when placed laterally against the end section, adjoin one another flush and thereby enclose the end section of the hollow body on the circumference, wherein the first and second half-shells are intended to adjoin the free end of the hollow body with their respective first ends.The end section can be an open end of the hollow body extending in the axial direction of the hollow body or a hollow body connection (extending outside the axial direction), such as a pipe connection. The protective device further comprises a cap which, when the first and second half-shells enclose the end section of the hollow body, can be pushed over the first and second half-shells in the axial direction of the end section of the hollow body.

[0012] The invention is characterized in that the first and second half-shells, when they are laterally placed on the end section of the hollow body and, particularly in the axial direction, are flush with one another, thereby circumferentially enclosing the end section of the hollow body, have a conical outer contour. The outer diameter at the first ends of the joined half-shells is smaller than the outer diameter at the second ends of the half-shells. Furthermore, the cap is a clamping cap with a conical inner contour. This means that the diameter of a recess toward the opening is larger than the diameter facing away from the recess opening.

[0013] By means of a protective device according to the invention, a hollow body end and / or a hollow body connection and their respective edges can be protected from mechanical influences and contamination. The protective device prevents crushing of the cross-section of the hollow body during attachment. The design of the protective device ensures that no abrasion of the material of the hollow body occurs, thus preventing the generation of particles that would be detrimental to subsequent processing.

[0014] Since the protective device consists of only three parts, it can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively. Furthermore, it can be removed non-destructively, so it can be reused at any time—after appropriate testing for contamination and mechanical damage.

[0015] According to an expedient embodiment, the first and second half-shells each have a first end and a second end. The respective inner contour of the first and second half-shells has a recess extending from the first end of the respective half-shell, whereby the free end of the hollow body, when the first and second half-shells enclose the end section of the hollow body, has no material contact with the first and second half-shells. This results in the advantage that the edge of the hollow body connection or hollow body end is not in mechanical contact with the protective device. As a result, the sensitive edge can neither be damaged nor can particles be abraded. Cleaning processes, such as those required for protective devices known from the prior art, are thus also unnecessary.

[0016] According to a further expedient embodiment, the cap, when pushed over the first and second half-shells, is frictionally connected to the first and second half-shells. If the cap is pushed from the free end of the hollow body onto the two adjacent half-shells, a secure mechanical connection is created due to the conical outer shape of the half-shells and the conical inner shape of the cap. This allows a simple, friction-based "connection mechanism" between the cap and the half-shells to be realized. The clamping force applied by the cap to the half-shells is sufficient to ensure that the half-shells cannot shift in the axial direction on the hollow body. On the other hand, the clamping force is not so great that mechanical deformation of the hollow body is to be feared.

[0017] Another practical design provides that the cap, when pushed over the first and second half-shells, only partially surrounds the first and second half-shells. This facilitates handling when applying and removing the cap. Furthermore, the clamping force can be varied.

[0018] According to a further expedient embodiment, the first half-shell and the second half-shell each have a lug at their or in the region of a second end, wherein the lugs are arranged opposite one another in the circumferential direction when the first half-shell and the second half-shell are placed laterally on the end section of the hollow body and, in particular in the axial direction of the end section, are flush with one another and thereby circumferentially enclose the end section of the hollow body. The lugs enable a respective half-shell to be easily detached from the hollow body after the cap has been released from the two half-shells by a displacement in the axial direction of the end section. The lug can be used to push a respective half-shell laterally away from the hollow body. This reduces the risk of axial displacement of a respective half-shell during detachment from the hollow body, which can lead to undesirable particle abrasion.

[0019] A further advantageous embodiment provides for the first half-shell, the second half-shell, and the cap to be made of a high-molecular-weight thermoplastic, particularly Delrin, or an amorphous thermoplastic, particularly PVC. Due to the low weight of the plastic protective device, there are no increased loads or vibrations due to transport vibrations or handling of the protected component. Furthermore, plastic components are easy to clean and recyclable. The components of the protective device can be manufactured cost-effectively by injection molding. This, combined with cleaning and reuse, reduces process costs.

[0020] Manufacturing the components of the protective device from plastic also makes it possible to provide them in different colors. This allows for signaling effects to be created and used, for example, to indicate different production statuses. For example, one color can be used for pipe end processing and another color for final cleaning, etc.

[0021] Because the cap has no opening at the end facing away from the half-shells, the interior of the hollow body is protected from the ingress of dirt. In particular, this eliminates the need for cleaning after removing the protective device.

[0022] The invention further provides a method for attaching a protective device of the type described above to an elongated hollow body, in particular a cylindrical tube. In this method, the first half-shell is placed laterally on the end section of the hollow body such that the first end of the first half-shell and the free end of the end section or hollow body lie in a common plane which is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the hollow body. In a next step, the second half-shell is placed laterally on the end section of the hollow body such that the first end of the first half-shell and the free end of the end section or hollow body lie in the common plane and the first and second half-shells are flush with one another and enclose the end section of the hollow body on the circumference. In a next step, the cap is removed from the free end of the end section orThe hollow body is pushed onto the first and second half-shells until a force-fitting connection is created. This is achieved due to the conical outer shape of the half-shell and the conical inner shape of the cap.

[0023] The method according to the invention has the same advantages as those explained above in connection with the protective device according to the invention.

[0024] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment in the drawing. They show: Fig. 1a to Fig. 1c various representations of a half-shell of a protective device according to the invention; Fig. 2a to Fig. 2c various representations of a cap of a protective device according to the invention; and Fig. 3a to Fig. 3c various representations of a protective device fully mounted on an elongated hollow body.

[0025] The Fig. 1a to Fig. 1c show a half-shell 10 of a protective device 1 according to the invention (in Fig. 3a to Fig. 3c) in a side view from the outside ( Fig. 1a), in a side view from the inside ( Fig. 1b) and in a perspective view ( Fig. 1c). In addition to the Fig. In addition to the first half-shell 10 shown in Figure 1, the protective device 1 according to the invention comprises a further, second half-shell, which is constructed identically to the first half-shell 10 and is therefore not explicitly shown. The first and second half-shells 10, 20 of the protective device according to the invention thus represent identical components.

[0026] The first and second half-shells 10, 20, as well as a cap 30 described below, are made of a high-molecular-weight plastic, in particular Delrin, or an amorphous thermoplastic, in particular PVC. The first and second half-shells 10, 20 and the cap 30 can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding. The three components of the protective device 1 are expediently manufactured in the same color.

[0027] In the following description, reference is made only to elements of the first half-shell 10. It is understood that the corresponding elements are also provided in the half-shell 20, which is not explicitly shown.

[0028] The first half-shell 10 comprises a first end 11 and a second end 12. An outer diameter AD11 of the first end 11 is slightly smaller than an outer diameter AD12 of the second end 12 of the first half-shell 10. This results in a conical outer contour. With respect to a longitudinal axis L, the difference between the outer diameter AD11 at the first end 11 and the outer diameter AD12 at the second end 12 results in an angle 19, which is, for example, approximately 2°. It can also be larger or smaller.

[0029] Adjacent to the second end 12, the first half-shell 10 has a nose 15 which serves to facilitate handling of the first half-shell 10 when removing it from a hollow body (not shown in more detail, here cylindrical), such as a pipe or a pipe connection. The axial length of the first half-shell 10 is identified by the reference numeral 17. The axial length 17 corresponds to the length of an end section (pipe end or pipe connection) of the hollow body to be protected, wherein the second end 12 of the first half-shell 10 and the free end of the hollow body lie in a common plane. This plane extends orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the first half-shell 10. The longitudinal axis L of the first half-shell 10 corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the end section of the hollow body.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1c shows that the first half-shell 10 is not a rotationally symmetrical component, but only exhibits a substantially rotationally symmetrical shape when joined to the second half-shell. The edges of the first half-shell 10 extending in the axial direction, or in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, lie in a plane that passes through the longitudinal axis L.

[0031] Out of Fig. 1b shows that the first half-shell 10 has a cavity in the form of a stepped bore. Starting from the second end 12, the cavity 16 has an inner diameter ID12, which widens abruptly, or alternatively gradually, adjacent to the first end 11, to a larger inner diameter ID11 of the first end 11. The region with the enlarged inner diameter ID11 represents a recess 14. This recess has a length 18 starting from the first end 11. The inner contour 13 of the cavity 16 corresponds to the outer shape of the end section of the hollow body extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The inner contour 13 is also cylindrical in the case of a cylindrical end section.

[0032] Since the first end 11 of the first half-shell 10, as explained, lies in a plane with the free end of the hollow body or a hollow body connection, the edges of the free end of the hollow body or hollow body connection are not in any mechanical contact with the first half-shell 10 - neither during attachment or removal nor while the protective device 1 is mounted on the hollow body.

[0033] To attach the protective device, the first and second half-shells 10, 20 are placed laterally on a free end of the hollow body (not shown). When the first and second half-shells 10, 20 are placed laterally on the end section of the hollow body, they adjoin one another flush in the axial direction and completely enclose the end section of the hollow body on the circumference. The cutout formed by the recess 14 of the inner contour 13 of the half-shells 10, 20 is thus located at the level of the particularly sharp-edged edge of the hollow body. Even if, which is to be avoided, the half-shells 10, 20 slip slightly during attachment, removal or later during transport or handling, no particles are generated by scraping in the area of ​​the edge, since the half-shells have no contact with the edge.

[0034] From the above description it is understood that the elongated hollow body is protected over a length corresponding to the axial length 17 of the first and second half-shells 10, 20.

[0035] The protective device 1 further comprises a Fig. 2a to Fig. 2c shown cap 30 in the form of a clamping cap. Fig. 2a shows the cap 30 in a plan view, Fig. 2b in a front view and Fig. 2c a section along the line AA as shown in Fig. 2b. The cap 30 is designed as a rotationally symmetrical component with respect to its longitudinal axis L and, as already described, is made of a plastic. The cap 30 has an axial length 31 and an outer diameter 32. The longitudinal axis L of the cap 30 coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the first and second half-shells 10, 20 when the three components are connected to one another. While the cap 30 is closed at its second end 36, the cap 30 has a recess 33 at its first end 35 (cf. Fig. 2b).

[0036] As best seen from the sectional view of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2c, the inner contour of the recess 33 is conical. The opening-side diameter ID35 at the first end 35 of the recess 33 is larger than the inner diameter at the bottom or the second end 36. The angle formed between the inner diameter ID35 of the recess 33 and the inner diameter at the bottom of the recess is designated 37. The angle 37 preferably corresponds to the angle 19 of the outer contour of the first and second half-shells 10, 20. For example, this angle can also be 2°. The length of the recess 33 is designated by the reference numeral 34.

[0037] The cap 30 is, as shown in the Fig. 3a to Fig. 3c, is pushed onto the conical outer shape of the first and second half-shells in the axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, after the first and second half-shells 10, 20 have previously been applied laterally to the hollow body to be protected. Due to the conical outer contour of the half-shells 10, 20 and the inner cone of the recess 33, a clamping force is generated perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, i.e., a radially acting clamping force, which reliably fixes the half-shells to the surface of the hollow body end or hollow body connection. Fig. 3c shows the cap pushed over the half shells 10, 20 from their first ends 11, 21.

[0038] If the inner diameter ID35 of the recess 33 is selected to be larger than the outer diameter AD11 of the first and second half-shells 10, 20 and at the same time smaller than the outer diameter AD12 of the first and second half-shells 10, 20, the first end 35 of the cap 30 is spaced apart from the second end 12 of the half-shells 10, 20.

[0039] Once the protective device 1 is applied to the hollow body end or the hollow body connection, not only is its free end and especially its end edge protected from mechanical damage, but the penetration of dirt particles into the interior of the hollow body is also reliably prevented. This is particularly important if the end of the hollow body is to be welded in a subsequent processing step. Proper application and removal of the protective device ensures that no further cleaning step is required.

[0040] To remove the protective device from the hollow body, the cap 30 is removed axially from the half-shells 10, 20. It may be expedient to hold the first and second half-shells in the region of the second ends 12, 22. By applying lateral pressure to a respective lug 15 and 25, the half-shells 10, 20 can be removed from the hollow body and reused after inspection and, if necessary, cleaning.

[0041] In addition to providing reliable protection against mechanical impacts on the end of the hollow body and the edge at the end of the hollow body, the protective device reliably protects against particles and prevents the release of its own particles, further supported by its geometry (the recessed inner contour). The protective device has good mechanical properties, ensuring a positive fit against the hollow body to be protected, clamping it neither too tightly nor too loosely. Any forces that occur are evenly distributed around the circumference of the hollow body. Due to its material, dirt is not attracted or only slightly attracted due to static charge. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 protective device 2 Length of the assembled protective device in use 10 first half shell 11 first end of the first half shell 12 second end of the first half shell 13 Inner contour of the first half shell 14 Recess in the inner contour of the first half shell 15 Nose 16 Hollowing out 17 Length of the first half shell 18 Length of the return 19 angles 20 second half shell 21 first end of the second half shell 22 second end of the second half shell 23 Inner contour of the second half shell 24 Recess in the inner contour of the second half shell 25 Nose 30 Cap, especially clamp cap 31 Cap length 32 outer diameter of the cap 33 Recess 34 Length of the recess 33 35 first end of the cap 36 second end of the cap 37 angles AD11 Outer diameter of the first end 11 of the first half shell 10 AD12 Outer diameter of the second end 12 of the first half shell 10 ID11 Inner diameter of the cavity 16 at the first end 11 of the first half-shell 10 ID12 Inner diameter of the cavity 16 at the second end 12 of the first half-shell 10 ID35 inner diameter of the recess 33 of the cap 30

Claims

[1] Protective device for an elongated hollow body, which is intended to be non-destructively detachably fastened to an end section of the hollow body, wherein the protective device (1) - comprising a first half-shell (10) and a second half-shell (20), each having an inner contour (13, 23) which together is adapted to an outer shape of the end section of the hollow body running in the axial direction of the hollow body, and which, when placed laterally on the end section, adjoin one another flush and thereby enclose the end section of the hollow body on the circumferential side, wherein the first and the second half-shell (10, 20) each have a first end (11, 21) and a second end (12, 22) and are intended to adjoin the free end of the hollow body with their respective first end (11, 21); - a cap (30) which, when the first and second half-shells (10, 20) enclose the end portion of the hollow body, can be pushed over the first and second half-shells (10, 20) in the axial direction of the end portion of the hollow body, characterized by , that - the first and second half-shells (10, 20), when they are placed laterally on the end section of the hollow body and adjoin one another in the axial direction and thereby enclose the end section of the hollow body circumferentially, have a conical outer contour, wherein the outer diameter at the first ends (11, 21) of the joined half-shells (10, 20) is smaller than the outer diameter at the second ends of the half-shells (10, 20); and - the cap (30) is a clamping cap whose inner contour (31) is conical. [2] Protective device according to claim 1, in which the respective inner contour (13, 23) of the first and second half-shells (10, 20) has a recess (14, 24) extending from the first end (11, 21) of the respective half-shell (10, 20), whereby the free end of the hollow body, when the first and second half-shells (10, 20) enclose the end section of the hollow body, has no material contact with the first and second half-shells (10, 20). [3] Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cap (30), when pushed over the first and second half-shells (10, 20), is non-positively connected to the first and second half-shells (10, 20). [4] Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cap (30), when pushed over the first and second half-shells (10, 20), only partially surrounds the first and second half-shells (10, 20). [5] Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first half-shell (10) and the second half-shell (20) each have a nose (15, 25) at their or in the region of their second end (20), wherein the noses (15, 25) are arranged opposite one another in the circumferential direction when the first half-shell (10) and the second half-shell (20) are placed laterally on the end section of the hollow body and are flush with one another in the axial direction and thereby enclose the end section of the hollow body on the circumferential side. [6] Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first half-shell (10), the second half-shell (20) and the cap (30) consist of a high-molecular thermoplastic or an amorphous thermoplastic. [7] Method for attaching a protective device according to one of the preceding claims to an elongated hollow body, in which a) the first half-shell (10) is placed laterally on the end portion of the hollow body so that the first end (11) of the first half-shell and the free end of the hollow body lie in a common plane which is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the hollow body; b) the second half-shell (20) is placed laterally on the end section of the hollow body, so that the first end (11) of the first half-shell and the free end of the hollow body lie in the common plane and the first and second half-shells (10, 20) adjoin one another flush and thereby enclose the end section of the hollow body on the circumference; c) the cap (30) is pushed from the free end of the hollow body onto the first and second half-shells (10, 20) until a force-fitting connection is formed due to the conical outer shape of the half-shells (10, 20) and the conical inner shape of the cap (30).

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