Joint assemblies, V-clamps and end flanges

Abstract

The V-clamp provides enhanced axial loading to the tubular body end flanges so as to establish a fluid-tight engagement between the tubular body end flanges. According to an example, the V-clamp has a V-angle whose value varies over one or more segments of the band of the V-clamp. The varying V-angle has been shown to achieve a more uniform and consistent axial loading applied around the circumference of the V-clamp and to the underlying tubular body end flanges. Additionally, in one example, the tubular body end flanges have a partial spherical shape.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 880,905, filed on July 31, 2019. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to V-clamps for engaging tubular bodies. Background Art

[0004] V-clamps are commonly used to join tubular bodies having end flanges extending outwardly from the main structure of the tubular body. These types of tubular bodies are widely used, including but not limited to automotive, aerospace, agriculture, and oil and gas. Previous end flanges had angled and flat walls, and previous V-clamps had multiple bands that presented a cross-sectional profile configuration that remained constant along the extent of the bands. When the V-clamp is tightened on the tubular body, the bands receive the end flanges, and the radial and axial forces applied to the end flanges establish a fluid-tight joint at the end flanges. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one embodiment, the V-clamp may include a band. The band extends from a first end to a second end in a circumferential direction. The band has a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall and the second side wall establish a V-shaped angle between the first side wall and the second side wall in a cross-sectional profile. The V-shaped angle has a first value at a first circumferential position of the band and a second value at a second circumferential position of the band. The first circumferential position is closer to a closing mechanism of the V-clamp than the second circumferential position. The first value is greater than the second value.

[0006] According to another embodiment, the joint assembly may include a first tubular body end flange, a second tubular body end flange and a V-shaped clamp. The V-shaped clamp may be placed above the first tubular body end flange and the second tubular body end flange. The V-shaped clamp may include a band. The band extends from the first end to the second end in a circumferential direction. The band has a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall establish a V-shaped angle between the first sidewall and the second sidewall in a cross-sectional profile. One or more of the first tubular body end flange, the second tubular body end flange and / or the V-shaped clamp has a shape change over a portion or more of its circumferential range. The shape change causes an axial load to be applied from the V-shaped clamp to the first tubular body end flange and the second tubular body end flange approximately uniformly over a portion or more of the circumferential range.

[0007] According to yet another embodiment, the end flange assembly may include a first tubular body end flange and a second tubular body end flange. The first tubular body end flange has a generally part-spherical shape. The second tubular body end flange has a generally part-spherical shape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] One or more embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a joint assembly having a pair of tubular bodies with end flanges and a V-shaped clamp;

[0010] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the end flange;

[0011] Figure 3 is a sectioned front view of the V-clamp;

[0012] Figure 3A is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the V-shaped clamp taken along the arrowed line 3A-3A;

[0013] Figure 3B is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the V-shaped clamp taken along the arrowed line 3B-3B;

[0014] Figure 3C is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the V-shaped clamp taken along the arrowed line 3C-3C;

[0015] Figure 3D is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the V-shaped clamp taken at the line 3D-3D with arrows;

[0016] Figure 3E is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the V-shaped clamp taken at the arrowed line 3E-3E;

[0017] Figure 4 is a graph showing the angle relative to the closing mechanism in degrees (°) on the x-axis and the applied axial load in Newtons (N) on the y-axis; Figure 4 The graph is the result of analytical modeling;

[0018] Figure 5 is a side view of a second embodiment of a V-shaped clamp;

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A segmented front view of a V-shaped clamp;

[0020] Fig. 7A is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the V-shaped clamp taken along the arrowed line 7A-7A;

[0021] Figure 7B is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the V-shaped clamp taken along the arrowed line 7B-7B;

[0022] Figure 7C is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the V-shaped clamp taken along the arrowed line 7C-7C;

[0023] Fig.7D is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the V-shaped clamp taken along the arrowed line 7D-7D;

[0024] Fig. 7E is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the V-shaped clamp taken at the arrowed line 7E-7E;

[0025] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a partially spherical end flange;

[0026] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an end flange having a flat wall;

[0027] Fig.10 is a graph showing test results of axial load measurements versus torque applied to component combinations including a past V-clamp, a past standard flange, a V-clamp with varying v-angles, and a partially spherical end flange, and

[0028] Fig.11 are a pair of bar graphs showing test results of total axial load measurements versus torque for V-clamp and end flange styles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] refer to Figures 1 to 3E, shows a first embodiment of a V-clamp 10 that furnishes an improved axial load applied to a first tubular body end flange 12 and a second tubular body end flange 14 to establish a fluid-tight engagement therebetween. The improved axial load is applied more evenly and consistently around the circumference of the V-clamp 10 and to the first and second tubular body end flanges 12, 14 than previously demonstrated. In this embodiment, the sliding friction effect experienced during the tightening action is adjusted via the V-angle of the V-clamp 10, the value of which varies over one or more segments of the band of the V-clamp, via the end flanges 12 and 14 presenting a partially spherical profile, or via a combination of both. When employed alone or together, the varying V-angles and partially spherical end flanges provide a degree of control and management (lacking in past V-clamps) in the direction of the forces ultimately applied to the underlying end flanges 12 and 14. Thus, the V-clamp 10 more efficiently and effectively converts the contact forces between the V-clamp 10 and the underlying end flanges 12 and 14 than previously shown. Moreover, the tightening forces required to achieve the improved forces and establish a fluid-tight joint are minimized compared to past tightening forces. The V-clamp 10 is suitable for a wide range of applications, including but not limited to automotive (e.g., joints adjacent to turbochargers, exhaust components, etc.), aerospace, agricultural, and oil and gas applications, and is particularly suitable for applications involving high temperatures, stringent leakage requirements, and tight packaging needs.

[0030] Furthermore, as used herein, the words "axial", "radial", and "circumferential" and their related grammatical forms are used to refer to the generally circular and cylindrical shapes of the illustrated V-clamp. In this sense, "axial" refers to directions generally along or parallel to the central axes of the circular and cylindrical shapes, "radial" refers to directions generally along or parallel to the radii of the circular and cylindrical shapes, and "circumferential" refers to directions generally along the circumferences of the circular and cylindrical shapes, or to directions in a direction similar to the circumferences of the circular and cylindrical shapes.

[0031] Now turn to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the V-clamp 10 can be used in applications involving fluid flow through a first tubular body 16 and a second tubular body 18. The first tubular body 16 has a first end flange 12 and the second tubular body 18 has a second end flange 14. The first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14 can be unitary extensions of their respective tubular bodies, or can be initial discrete components that are subsequently secured to the tubular bodies. The first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14 span circumferentially around the respective first tubular body 16 and the second tubular body 18, and span radially outside the respective tubular bodies 16 and 18. In assembly and installation, the first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14 are brought together for abutment and may have a gasket disposed between the first end flange and the second end flange. In the example of a gasket, one or both of the end flanges 12 and 14 may have a gasket present on its facing surface 15 ( Figure 3B ) in a circumferential channel in which a gasket will be placed; the gasket will establish a seal at the surface-to-surface confrontation of the first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14 to prevent potential leakage.

[0032] In different embodiments, the first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14 may have different configurations. Figures 1 to 3E and Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14 have a configuration that can account for the varying V-angles and the corresponding varying accompanying contact angles between the band of the V-clamp and the end flanges 12 and 14; in this regard, in other embodiments, the configuration of the end flanges may be different according to different V-angles. With particular reference to Figure 2 and Figure 8 Here, the first end flange 12 has a generally part-spherical shape. The outer surface 20 of the first end flange 12 is correspondingly part-circular in shape and lacks the angled and flat surfaces of the previous end flanges. Figure 2 The cross-sectional profile of the first end flange 12 is FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E , and illustrates the partial spherical profile of the first end flange 12. Similarly, the second end flange 14 has a generally partial spherical shape. The outer surface 22 of the second end flange 14 is correspondingly partially circular in shape and lacks the angled and flat surfaces of the previous end flanges. As previously described, the cross-sectional profile of the second end flange 14 illustrates the partial spherical profile of the second end flange 14. Figure 8 The cross-sectional profile of the first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14 presented is similar to Figure 21, but with somewhat flat base portions 21 and 23 transitioning from the first and second tubular bodies 16 and 18 to their partially spherical portions; the partially spherical portions of the first and second tubular bodies provide a similar Figure 2 Moreover, other embodiments of the flanges may have a partially spherical portion only at the location of the flanges engaged by the V-clamp. Again, in other embodiments not specifically depicted in the drawings, the end flanges may have other configurations, as described below. In some embodiments, the first end flange and the second end flange may have angled and flat walls. This Fig. 9 The first end flange 312 and the second end flange 314 have a first flat wall 313 and a second flat wall 315. The first flat wall 313 and the second flat wall 315 are relative to Fig. 9 The first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14 together with the V-shaped clamp 10 constitute a joint assembly.

[0033] The V-clamp 10 is positioned and secured in place over and around the first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14 to help establish a fluid-tight joint between the first end flange and the second end flange. In different embodiments, the V-clamp 10 may have a variety of designs, structures, and components; the exact design, structure, and components thereof may depend in part or more on the application in which the V-clamp will be used and the design and structure of the end flange to which it will be secured. Figures 1 to 3E In the embodiment presented, the V-clamp 10 includes a strap 24 and a closure mechanism (not shown). However, in other embodiments, the V-clamp 10 may include more, fewer, and / or different components than those shown.

[0034] The belt 24 constitutes the main structure of the V-clamp 10. The belt 24 can be made of a metal material such as stainless steel. In different embodiments, the belt 24 can take different forms. Figure 1 and Figure 3, the band 24 has a first end 26 at one of its circumferential terminations and a second end 28 at its other and opposite circumferential termination. The band 24 may extend continuously and circumferentially from the first end 26 to the second end 28, and / or may have a hinged structure or some other discontinuity in the circumferential extent between its first end 26 and the second end 28. In one example, the band 24 has a pair of band segments bridged together at a circumferential position 180° from the closure. At its axial boundaries, the band 24 has a first axial end 30 and a second axial end 32. At the side facing radially-inboard, the band 24 has an inner surface 34 ( Figure 3A ). At the first end 26 and the second end 28, the strap 24 may have a variety of forms determined in part or more by the design and construction of the closure mechanism and the components. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the band 24 has a first band flange 36 and a second band flange 38 extending radially outward of the circular body of the band 24. The first band flange 36 and the second band flange 38 may each have a hole for accommodating the insertion of the fasteners of the closing mechanism. In other embodiments, the band 24 may have a first ring and a second ring on the respective first end 26 and second end 28, which are formed by folding the band 24 back onto itself and spot welding in place; this type of end form can be used with a T-bolt type fastening assembly; however, other forms are also possible.

[0035] It has been found that some past V-clamps apply axial load to the underlying end flange in an uneven and inconsistent manner. Testing has shown that the applied axial load is much higher at the fastening hardware and much lower at the location where the band of the V-clamp opposes the fastening hardware. Figure 4 The graph of exemplifies this somewhat poorly distributed axial load around the circumference of the V-clamp. Line 100 represents a conventional V-clamp having a band and having a cross-sectional profile configuration that remains constant along the extent of the band. Point 110 on line 100 is where the band of the V-clamp is next to the fastening hardware, while point 120, on the other hand, is where the band of the V-clamp is opposite the fastening hardware, approximately one hundred eighty degrees (180°) from the fastening hardware relative to the full circumference of the band of the V-clamp (for purposes of illustration, points 110 and 120 and their relative locations are shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 31 and 120). The points on line 100 between points 110 and 120 represent various locations along the belt of the V-clamp. In the graph, the axial load applied at point 110 is greater than three hundred and fifty Newtons (350N), while the axial load applied at point 120 is less than one hundred and fifty Newtons (150N), demonstrating that more than half of the applied axial load is lost from the fastening hardware to the position opposite the fastening hardware. From point 110 to point 120, the applied axial load gradually decreases. Therefore, these past V-clamps and the joints they establish are more susceptible to leakage at locations farther away from the fastening hardware. Moreover, it has been found that the loss of axial load is largely due to the sliding friction effect generated between the belt of the V-clamp and the end flange below during the tightening and turning action. The sliding friction effect acts to dissipate the increased amount of belt tension farther away from the fastening hardware. Otherwise, the applied axial load would be lost through friction and the accompanying reduction in belt tension. In order to offset the axial load loss, the tightening force in the past has been increased. This also generally means that larger size fasteners and thicker straps are required to withstand the increased fastening forces. Figure 4 The graphs are the result of analytical modeling, and similar modeling may produce different results.

[0036] The belt 24 presented in the accompanying drawings is designed and constructed to address the shortcomings of the previous V-shaped clamps. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E The cross-sectional profile of the band 24 has a shape that varies along the circumferential extent obtained between the first end 26 and the second end 28. The exact variation of the shape itself may vary in different embodiments. Here, the variation of the shape is mirrored and symmetrical about the diametrical centerline 40 ( Figure 3 The belt 24 has a bottom wall 42, a first side wall 44 extending from the bottom wall 42, and a second side wall 46 extending from the bottom wall 42. Due to the change in shape, the bottom wall 42 changes from a slightly flat configuration at a position farthest from the closure mechanism ( Figure 3E ) transitions to a more rounded and more pointed configuration at a location closest to the closure mechanism ( Figure 3A ). The transition structure at the bottom wall 42 occurs gradually, such as from FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E It can be observed that as it transitions, the size of the bottom wall 42 changes from Figure 3A Location to Figure 3E The position of the spherical surface gradually increases and widens axially, which can be seen by looking at Figures 3A to 3E As a non-limiting example only, the size of the bottom wall 42 is from Figure 3B Location to Figure 3DThe position at which the V-clamp 10 is located may be widened by approximately 1.5 millimeters (mm); in other examples, the widening may be greater or less than this value. The first side wall 44 depends radially inwardly and axially outwardly from the bottom wall 42, and likewise, the second side wall 46 depends radially inwardly and axially outwardly from the bottom wall 42. When viewed from the interior of the V-clamp 10, the bottom wall 42 and the first and second side walls 44 and 46 together form a generally concave shape. The channel 48 is located at the underside of the band 24 ( Figure 3E ) is defined by a bottom wall 42 and first and second side walls 44, 46 and receives the first and second end flanges 12, 14 when assembled and installed.

[0037] Still see FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E , the shape change of the belt 24 in this embodiment is a V-shaped angle 50 that changes along the circumferential extent of the belt 24. The V-shaped angle 50 is established between and defined by the first side wall 44 and the second side wall 46. Generally, when the side walls 44 and 46 are spread out, the V-shaped angle 50 becomes wider closer to the closure mechanism, while when the side walls 44 and 46 are combined, the V-shaped angle 50 becomes narrower and more pointed farther away from the closure mechanism. Figure 3 The V-angle 50 increases steadily and continuously over the range from the position indicated by point 120 in the belt to the first end 26 and the closure mechanism. Conversely, the V-angle 50 increases steadily and continuously over the range from the first end 26 and the closure mechanism to the belt by Figure 3 The range of positions represented by point 120 in FIG. 1 is steadily and continuously reduced. For the purpose of illustration, Figure 3A The cross-sectional view of may constitute a first circumferential position of the band 24. The V-angle 50 at the first circumferential position in this example has a value of approximately seventy-eight degrees (78°); of course, in other examples, other values ​​of the V-angle are possible. Figure 3B The cross-sectional view may constitute a second circumferential position of the band 24, and the V-angle 50 at the second circumferential position in this example has a value of approximately sixty-nine degrees (69°); of course, in other examples, other values ​​of the V-angle at this circumferential position are possible. Figure 3C The cross-sectional view may constitute a third circumferential position of the band 24, and the V-angle 50 at the third circumferential position in this example has a value of approximately fifty-six degrees (56°); of course, in other examples, other values ​​of the V-angle at this circumferential position are possible. Figure 3D The cross-sectional view of can constitute the fourth circumferential position of the belt 24, and the V-angle 50 at the fourth circumferential position in this example has a value of about forty-three degrees (43°); of course, in other examples, other values ​​of the V-angle at this circumferential position are possible. In addition, Figure 3EThe cross-sectional view of may constitute a fifth circumferential position of the band 24, and the V-angle 50 at the fifth circumferential position in this example has a value of approximately thirty-one degrees (31°); of course, in other examples, other values ​​of the V-angle at this circumferential position are possible. In different embodiments, the exact rate of change of the shape change of the band 24 may vary and may be determined by the coefficient of friction experienced between the band 24 and the end flanges 12 and 14 and by the tightening force of the closure mechanism.

[0038] The closing mechanism is used to tighten and loosen the V-clamp 10 and move the first end 26 and the second end 28 toward and away from each other. The closing mechanism is located at the first end 26 and the second end 28 and can be retained by the first flange 36 and the second flange 38. In different embodiments, the closing mechanism can take different forms. In one example, the closing mechanism includes a fastener or a screw and a nut. The screw is inserted through the holes in the first flange 36 and the second flange 38, and the nut is screwed on the end of the screw for tightening. In the example of a T-bolt type fastening assembly, the closing mechanism includes a trunnion and a fastener having a T-bolt and a nut. An example of a T-bolt type closing mechanism can be found in U.S. Patent No. 7,441,311 owned by the applicant of the present disclosure.

[0039] As described, the varying V-angle 50 of the band 24 provides improved axial loading that is more evenly and consistently applied throughout the circumferential extent of the V-clamp 10 and to the first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14. The improved axial loading is a result of the force applied via clamping having both a radial force component and an axial force component. The sliding friction effect produced at locations closer to the closing mechanism (such as at the first and second circumferential locations) is reduced due to the wider V-angle there, resulting in a lower and more gentle dissipation of band tension at locations farther from the closing mechanism (such as at the fourth and fifth circumferential locations). It has been found that increased band tension increases the conversion to axial load. Moreover, because the V-angle 50 is sharper farther from the closing mechanism, the resulting normal force (F) applied thereto by the band 24 is greater. n ) is oriented and directed more in the axial direction relative to the rounded shape of the V-clamp 10, rather than closer to the closing mechanism, which means that a greater proportion of the force applied to the first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14 is used to impart an axial load. In other words, it has been found that a sharper V-shaped angle 50 applies an increased axial load.

[0040] Refer again Figure 4, line 130 demonstrates improved axial load. Line 130 represents a V-clamp, such as the V-clamp 10 described and depicted herein, having a band 24 with a varying V-angle 50. As previously described, point 110 is the location of the band 24 proximate to the closing mechanism, while point 120 is the location of the band 24 opposite the closing mechanism. In the graph, unlike line 100 of past V-clamps, the axial load applied at point 110 is approximately the same as the axial load applied at point 120, demonstrating that there is no measurable loss in the axial load applied from the fastening hardware to the location opposite the fastening hardware. Moreover, the applied axial load remains substantially stable between point 110 and point 120. As described herein, line 100 illustrates an example of a more uniformly and consistently applied axial load and a substantially uniformly applied axial load; however, other examples besides line 100 may exist. In the example presented in the graph, the value of the axial load applied at point 110 (e.g., the first axial load) is within about ten percent (%) of the value of the axial load applied at point 120 (e.g., the second axial load). It is believed that in at least one embodiment, satisfying this relationship results in improved axial load; however, improved axial load can be produced even without this relationship. Moreover, due to this improved axial load of the V-clamp 10, the tightening force and screw force used by the closure mechanism to tighten the band 24 around the end flanges 12 and 14 can be reduced. In fact, in Figure 4 In the example of the prior art V-clamp of line 100, the tightening force is approximately 5 kilonewtons (5 kN), and the tightening force of the V-clamp 10 of line 130 is approximately 3.5 kilonewtons (3.5 kN). Even at the reduced tightening force, the V-clamp 10 can provide a suitable axial load that establishes a fluid-tight engagement. By reducing the tightening force, smaller sized fasteners and thinner straps of the closure mechanism can be used with the V-clamp 10 than would otherwise be possible. In fact, testing has shown that the V-clamp 10 can facilitate the use of fasteners of the closure mechanism that exhibit a strength that is approximately 30% lower than the strength of commonly used prior art fasteners.

[0041] Furthermore, as described, a test was conducted to demonstrate the efficacy of a V-clamp with a varying V-angle. The test involved a V-clamp with two types of belts: i) belts with a varying V-angle, and ii) standard belts with a constant or unchanging V-angle. The belts with the varying V-angles were compared to the reference FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E The belts described have similarities. The V-angle becomes wider as it approaches its closing mechanism and becomes narrower as it moves away from the closing mechanism and closer to the 180° circumferential position of the belt. The V-angle increases steadily and continuously over the range of the belt from the 180° circumferential position to the closing mechanism. Figure 3BAt a circumferential position obtained at , the V-angle has a value of about 69°. Moreover, at this circumferential position, the bottom wall of the belt has a flat configuration with an axial width of about 6.43 mm. Figure 3C At the circumferential position obtained at , the V-angle has a value of about 56° and the bottom wall of the belt has an axial width of about 7.23 mm. Figure 3D At the circumferential position obtained at , the V-angle has a value of about 43° and the bottom wall of the belt has an axial width of about 8.04 mm. In addition, the belt has a first foot and a second foot as described below, which maintain an almost constant and unchanging shape. On the other hand, the standard belt with an unchanging V-angle has a V-angle value of about 39° and a bottom wall with an axial width of about 7.9 mm. The test also involves two types of end flanges: i) an end flange with a partially spherical profile, and ii) a standard end flange with a flat wall angled at 40°. The end flange with a partially spherical profile and the Figure 8 The end flanges depicted are similar, whereas standard end flanges with flat walls angled at 40° are similar to Fig. 9 The end flanges depicted are similar.

[0042] A total of four groups were tested: 1) standard band and standard end flange, 2) modified V-angle band and standard end flange, 3) standard band and partial spherical end flange, and 4) modified V-angle band and partial spherical end flange. Three samples were tested in each of the four groups. Fig.10 The graphs of present certain test results. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that similar tests may produce different results. The axial load in Newtons (N) is plotted on the y-axis, and the torque in Newton-meters (Nm) is plotted on the x-axis. The test results of group 1) are presented in the graph in the upper left quadrant; the test results of group 2) are presented in the graph in the upper right quadrant; the test results of group 3) are presented in the graph in the lower left quadrant; and the test results of group 4) are presented in the graph in the lower right quadrant. Fig.10 The dotted line A in the figure represents the Figure 3B The solid line B represents the measured value of the axial load at the circumferential position obtained at Figure 3B The measured axial load at a circumferential position of , but on the opposite side of the complete V-clamp band and on the other side of the closing mechanism. The dashed line C represents the axial load at a circumferential position close to Figure 3EThe measured values ​​of the axial load at the circumferential position obtained at and 180° to the closing mechanism. As can be observed from the graphs, the results of groups 1) and 3) involving standard belts show that the loss of axial load in lines A and B closer to the closing mechanism is measurable and not insignificant compared to line C farther from the closing mechanism. On the other hand, the results of groups 2) and 4) involving belts with varying V-angles show that there is minimal or no loss of axial load in lines A and B compared to line C. Fig.11 The bar graphs also present certain test results. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that similar tests may produce different results. The total axial load in kilonewtons (kN) is plotted on the y-axis, and a helical force of a torque of 13 Nm is applied. The test results of group 1) are presented in the upper left bar graph D; the test results of group 2) are presented in the upper right bar graph E, the test results of group 3) are presented in the lower left bar graph D, and the test results of group 4) are presented in the lower right bar graph E. It can be observed from the bar graphs that there is a loss of about 6 kN of total axial load between group 1) and group 2), and there is a loss of about 1 kN of total axial load between group 3) and group 4). These losses of total axial loads are considered appropriate.

[0043] Now refer to Figures 5 to 7E , presents a second embodiment of a V-clamp 210 that is similar to the previous embodiment and provides improved axial loads applied to the first tubular body end flange 12 and the second tubular body end flange 14. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in certain respects, and not all similarities will be repeated in the description of the second embodiment. As previously described, the improved axial loads provided by the V-clamp 210 are more evenly and consistently applied around the circumference of the V-clamp 210. The cross-sections of the first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14 each present a partially spherical profile, as shown in FIG. 7A to 7E , but may have another configuration as previously described, such as Fig. 9 An angled flat wall.

[0044] The V-clamp 210 includes a band 224 and a closure mechanism as described with reference to the first embodiment. The band 224 has a bottom wall 242, a first side wall 244 extending from the bottom wall 242, and a second side wall 246 extending from the bottom wall 242. The channel 248 ( Fig. 7E) is defined at the lower side of the band 224 by a bottom wall 242 and a first side wall 244 and a second side wall 246, and receives the first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14 during assembly and installation. Similar to the first embodiment, the band 224 of this second embodiment has a shape that varies along the circumferential extent, and the variation in shape is partially constituted by a V-shaped angle 250 that varies over the circumferential extent of the band. As previously described, the V-shaped angle 250 becomes wider as it approaches the closing mechanism, and conversely, the V-shaped angle 250 becomes narrower and more pointed as it moves away from the closing mechanism. The V-shaped angle 250 is formed at the circumference of the band from the closure mechanism to the closure mechanism. Figure 6 The V-angle 250 increases steadily and continuously from the position indicated by point 120 in the belt to the closure mechanism. Figure 6 The range of positions represented by point 120 in FIG. 1 is steadily and continuously reduced. Fig. 7A The V-angle 250 at the first circumferential position has a value of about seventy-seven degrees (77°). Figure 7B The V-angle 250 at the second circumferential position of has a value of about sixty-nine degrees (69°). Figure 7C The V-angle 250 at the third circumferential position of has a value of about fifty-six degrees (56°), and Fig.7D The V-angle 250 at the fourth circumferential position has a value of about forty-three degrees (43°). Fig. 7E The V-angle 250 at the fifth circumferential position has a value of approximately thirty-two degrees (32°). Of course, in other examples, other values ​​of the V-angle at these circumferential positions are possible.

[0045] Unlike the first embodiment, the belt 224 in this second embodiment has a pair of feet present at the first axial end 230 and the second axial end 232 thereof to enhance the stiffness characteristics of the belt 224. Turning now to 7A to 7E, a first foot 260 spans from the first side wall 244 and constitutes its terminal extremity. In practice, the first axial end 230 of the band 224 is located at the first foot 260. Because the foot undergoes a change of shape together with the band 224 (as explained later), the first foot 260 slightly depends radially inward from the first side wall 244 at certain locations, and slightly depends radially outward from the first side wall 244 at other locations. And, the first foot 260 slightly depends axially outward from the first side wall 244. In addition, a second foot 262 spans from the second side wall 246 and constitutes its terminal extremity. In practice, the second axial end 232 of the band 224 is located at the second foot 262. Similar to the first foot 260, the second foot 262 slightly depends radially inward from the second side wall 246 at certain locations, and slightly depends radially outward from the second side wall 246 at other locations. The second foot 262 is slightly cantilevered axially outwardly from the second side wall 246 .

[0046] In the second embodiment, the first foot 260 and the second foot 262 have a shape that changes along the entire circumferential extent of the band 224 between the first end 226 and the second end 228 of the band. The exact change in shape may be different in different embodiments. Here, the change in shape is mirrored and symmetrical about the diametrical centerline 240 ( Figure 6 ). Generally, the first foot 260 and the second foot 262 grow and become more prominent as they are further from the closure mechanism, and the feet 260 and 262 recede and become less prominent as they are closer to the closure mechanism. More specifically, the first foot 260 and the second foot 262 extend from the first end 226 and the closure mechanism to the end of the strap. Figure 6 The first foot 260 and the second foot 262 extend radially outward to an increased degree over the range of positions represented by point 120 in the belt. Furthermore, the length of the first foot 260 and the second foot 262 is the same as the length of the belt from the first end 226 and the closure mechanism to the end ... Figure 6 The point 120 in the figure represents a position range, and along the generally axially outward directions F and G ( Fig. 7E ) steadily and continuously increases. The axially outward direction F is relative to the first side wall 244, and the axially outward direction G is relative to the second side wall 246. As described, these changes in shape can be partially due to 7A to 7E Observed in the cut-away cross-sectional view.

[0047] In this second embodiment, the more pronounced feet 260 and 262 provide greater rigidity to the strap 224. For example, the strap 224 Fig. 7E The stiffness of the first side wall 244 and the second side wall 246 at the circumferential position marked in the cross-sectional view is greater than that at the position marked by Figure 7BIn other words, the stiffness of the band 224 varies over the circumferential extent of the band. It has been found that as the V-angle 250 becomes narrower, the bending moment experienced by the band 224 at the first side wall 244 and the second side wall 246 becomes greater. For example, at Fig. 7E The bending moment experienced at Figure 7B Due in part to the concomitant narrowing of the V-angle 250, the side walls 244 and 246 are urged apart (i.e., axially outward) to a greater extent at circumferential locations further from the closure mechanism. In addition, the moment arm established by the loading point of contact between the end flanges 12 and 14 and the side walls 244 and 246 can be longer at circumferential locations further from the closure mechanism, which in the example is represented by Figure 7B The loading point H and Fig. 7E 250. Also, as the V-angle 250 becomes narrower, the material stress experienced by the band 224 at the first sidewall 244 and the second sidewall 246 becomes greater. Thus, in some cases, the sidewalls 244 and 246 may be pushed apart further from the closure mechanism than desired, potentially hindering the desired control and management of the orientation of the applied force. The feet 260 and 262 and their attendant stiffness act to counteract these undesirable consequences and help maintain the desired orientation of the applied force.

[0048] As an alternative to the second embodiment, the strap 224 may have feet 260 and 262 that grow and become more pronounced the further away from the closure mechanism, and as shown in FIG. Figure 6 and 7A to 7EAs presented, the belt 224 can have a V-angle 250 that does not change over the circumferential range of the belt, and instead maintains a constant and unchanged angle value over the circumferential range of the belt. As previously described, in this alternative, the cross-sections of the first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14 still each present a partially spherical profile. Here, control and management of the orientation of the applied force are established via the varying feet 260 and 262 and the accompanying varying rigidity. The side walls 244 and 246 of the belt are pushed open and deflected in response to the tightening action from the closing mechanism by varying amounts according to different rigidities. For example, at the circumferential position of the belt 224 with less rigidity, the deflection can be greater, and at the circumferential position of the belt 224 with more rigidity, the deflection can be smaller. Since the V-angle 250 is constant, the feet 260 and 262 are reduced and become less significant the closer they are to the closing mechanism, which provides a greater deflection of the belt 224 closer to the closing mechanism. Conversely, having the feet 260 and 262 grow and become more pronounced the further from the closure mechanism provides for less deflection of the band 224 the further from the closure mechanism. Thus, as with the previous embodiment, the sliding friction effect is reduced closer to the closure mechanism, resulting in less and more gentle reductions in band tension at locations further from the closure mechanism. However, in yet another embodiment, the feet 260 and 262 may be present on a band 224 having a V-shaped angle 250 that varies over the circumferential extent of the band, as described, but the feet 260 and 262 themselves may have no shape change, and instead may maintain a constant and unchanging shape over the circumferential extent of the band.

[0049] In a third embodiment, the improved axial load applied to the first tubular body end flange 12 and the second tubular body end flange 14 is provided in large part by the end flanges themselves. The first tubular body end flange 12 and the second tubular body end flange 14 in this embodiment each have a shape that varies over its circumferential extent, while the band of the V-clamp has a non-varying V-angle and instead maintains a constant and unchanging angle value over the circumferential extent of the band. In this third embodiment, the band also does not have the varying foot of the second embodiment. Here, control and management of the orientation of the applied force is established by changing the shape of the first tubular body end flange 12 and the second tubular body end flange 14. In this third embodiment, instead of the first tubular body end flange 12 and the second tubular body end flange 14 having a partially spherical profile in cross section, in order to achieve the change in shape, each of the first tubular body end flange 12 and the second tubular body end flange 14 has a shape such as Fig. 9 The flat outer walls and surfaces shown. The flat outer walls and surfaces change their orientation relative to the central axis of the respective first and second tubular bodies 16, 18. As in the previous embodiments, the changing orientation is mirrored and symmetrical about the diametric centerline (40, 240).

[0050] The flat outer walls and surfaces define an acute angle relative to the central axis of the respective first and second tubular bodies 16 and 18. Relative to the mounting position of the V-clamp on the end flanges 12 and 14, the acute angle narrows and becomes smaller as it is closer to the closure mechanism, and conversely, the acute angle widens and becomes larger as it is farther from the closure mechanism. Again, relative to the mounting position of the V-clamp on the end flanges 12 and 14, the acute angle is Figure 6 120 in the figure to the closure mechanism. Conversely, again relative to the installation position of the V-clamp on the end flanges 12, 14, the acute angle steadily and continuously increases over the range of the flanges from the closure mechanism to the position indicated by point 120. Although the band of the V-clamp in this third embodiment has a constant V-angle before installation and tightening, the V-angle actually changes during installation and tightening of the V-clamp due to the changing acute angles of the flat outer walls and surfaces of the first tubular end flange 12 and the second tubular end flange 14. In this embodiment, the V-angle changes in a manner similar to the changing V-angle of the first embodiment. The V-angle is wider the closer to the closure mechanism, and conversely, it is narrower the farther away from the closure mechanism. As previously described, because the acute angle is larger the farther away from the closure mechanism, and the V-angle is correspondingly sharper the farther away from the closure mechanism, the resultant normal force (F) applied by the band of the V-clamp is greater. n ) is more oriented and directed in the axial direction, rather than closer to the closing mechanism. Therefore, a greater proportion of the force applied to the first end flange 12 and the second end flange 14 is used to impart the axial load.

[0051] In yet another embodiment, the band 24 has a V-angle 50 that varies along the circumferential extent of the band 24, and the tubular body end flanges 12 and 14 have flat outer walls and surfaces that change their orientation relative to the central axis of the respective tubular bodies 16 and 18. In essence, this embodiment combines and includes the design and structure of the first and third embodiments. As previously described, the varying V-angle 50 and the varying acute angles act together to provide improved axial loads applied to the first tubular body end flange 12 and the second tubular body end flange 14. Thus, control and management of the orientation of the applied force is established by the combined varying V-angle 50 and varying acute angles of the tubular body end flanges 12 and 14. During installation and tightening, the V-angle 50 of the band becomes wider the closer to the closure mechanism, and conversely, becomes narrower the farther away from the closure mechanism. As previously described, the resultant normal force (F n ) are oriented and directed more in the axial direction away from the closing mechanism than towards the closing mechanism, and therefore a greater proportion of the force applied to the end flanges 12 and 14 is used to impart the axial load.

[0052] It should be understood that the above is a description of one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to one or more specific embodiments disclosed herein, but is limited only by the following claims. In addition, the statements contained in the above description relate to specific embodiments and will not be interpreted as limitations on the definition of the terms used in the scope of the present invention or the claims, unless the terms or phrases are clearly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art. All these other embodiments, changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0053] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "for example," "for example," "such as," and "similar," and the verbs "include," "have," "comprises," and other verb forms, when used in conjunction with a list of one or more components or other items, are each to be interpreted as open-ended, meaning that the list is not to be considered to exclude other additional components or items. Other terms will be interpreted using their broadest reasonable meaning unless used in a context that requires a different interpretation.

Claims

1. A V-shaped clamp, comprising: a band extending circumferentially from a first end to a second end, the band having a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall establishing a V-shaped angle between the first sidewall and the second sidewall in a cross-sectional profile; wherein the V-angle has a first value at a first circumferential position of the belt and a second value at a second circumferential position of the belt, the first value being greater than the second value, the first circumferential position being adjacent to a closing mechanism of the V-shaped clamp, the second circumferential position being opposite to and circumferentially 180° from the closing mechanism, and the value of the V-angle increases steadily along the circumferential range of the belt from the second circumferential position to the first circumferential position, and wherein the belt has a bottom wall, the first side wall depends from the bottom wall, the second side wall depends from the bottom wall, the bottom wall has a generally flat configuration that widens in size from the first circumferential position to the second circumferential position.

2. The V-clamp according to claim 1, wherein: The V-angle has a third value at a third circumferential position of the band, the third circumferential position being between the first circumferential position and the second circumferential position, and the third value is greater than the second value and less than the first value.

3. The V-clamp according to claim 2, wherein: The V-angle has a fourth value at a fourth circumferential position of the band, the fourth circumferential position being between the first circumferential position and the third circumferential position, and the fourth value is greater than the third value and less than the first value.

4. The V-clamp according to claim 1, wherein: The third circumferential position of the band is adjacent to the closing mechanism and opposite to the first circumferential position, and the value of the V-angle increases steadily along the circumferential range of the band from the second circumferential position to the third circumferential position.

5. The V-clamp according to claim 1, wherein: The value of the V-angle varies continuously along the circumferential extent of the band from the first end to the second end.

6. The V-clamp of claim 1 further comprising a first foot spanning from the first side wall and a second foot spanning from the second side wall.

7. The V-clamp according to claim 6, wherein: The length of the first foot steadily increases in a generally axially outward direction relative to the first side wall over at least a portion of the circumferential extent of the V-clamp, and the length of the second foot steadily increases in a generally axially outward direction relative to the second side wall over at least a portion of the circumferential extent of the V-clamp.

8. A joint assembly comprising: a first tubular body end flange; a second tubular body end flange; as well as a V-shaped clamp positionable over the first tubular body end flange and the second tubular body end flange, the V-shaped clamp comprising a band extending circumferentially from the first end to the second end, the band having a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall and the second side wall establishing a V-shaped angle between the first side wall and the second side wall in cross-sectional profile; wherein at least one of the first tubular body end flange and the second tubular body end flange has a change in shape over at least a portion of its circumferential extent, and the change in shape establishes a substantially uniform application of axial load from the V-clamp to the first tubular body end flange and the second tubular body end flange over at least a portion of the circumferential extent.

9. The joint assembly of claim 8, wherein: The V-shaped clamp has a change in shape over at least a portion of its circumferential extent, the change in shape being constituted by the V-shaped angle having a first value at a first circumferential position of the belt and a second value at a second circumferential position of the belt, and the first value being greater than the second value.

10. The joint assembly of claim 9, wherein: The V-angle has a third value at a third circumferential position of the band, the third circumferential position being between the first circumferential position and the second circumferential position, and the third value is greater than the second value and less than the first value.

11. The joint assembly of claim 8, wherein: The value of the V-angle varies continuously along the circumferential extent of the band from the first end to the second end.

12. The joining assembly according to claim 8 further includes a first foot spanning from the first side wall and a second foot spanning from the second side wall, wherein the V-shaped clamp has a shape change over at least a portion of its circumferential range, and the shape change is composed of: the length of the first foot steadily increases in a direction generally axially outward relative to the first side wall over at least a portion of the circumferential range of the V-shaped clamp; and the length of the second foot steadily increases in a direction generally axially outward relative to the second side wall over at least a portion of the circumferential range of the V-shaped clamp.

13. The joint assembly of claim 8, wherein: the first tubular body end flange having a first outer surface and the second tubular body end flange having a second outer surface, the first outer surface having a generally flat portion and the second outer surface having a generally flat portion, the first outer surface having a first orientation relative to a first central axis of the first tubular body end flange, the first orientation varying relative to the first central axis over at least a portion of a circumferential extent of the first tubular body end flange; And the second outer surface has a second orientation relative to a second central axis of the second tubular body end flange, the second orientation varying relative to the second central axis over at least a portion of a circumferential extent of the second tubular body end flange.

14. The joint assembly of claim 13, wherein: The value of the V-angle varies continuously along the circumferential extent of the band from a first circumferential position to a second circumferential position.

15. The joint assembly of claim 13, wherein: The V-clamp has a variation in shape over at least a portion of its circumferential extent, the variation in shape consisting of a value of the V-angle that varies continuously over at least a portion of the circumferential extent of the V-clamp.

16. The joint assembly of claim 8, wherein: The first tubular body end flange has a generally partial spherical shape, and the second tubular body end flange has a generally partial spherical shape.

17. An end flange assembly comprising: a first tubular body end flange having a generally part-spherical shape; as well as a second tubular body end flange having a generally part-spherical shape, Wherein, the end flange assembly is used for the joint assembly as claimed in claim 8.

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