Profile clamp for connecting two tubular bodies

Abstract

The present invention relates to a profile clamp for connecting two tubular bodies, wherein: the profile clamp comprises a clamping band having a profile cross section that is radially open on the inside; the clamping band comprises, at at least one end, a first transition portion and an adjoining radially protruding clamping element; and the clamping element can be clamped in the circumferential direction to tighten the profile clamp. According to the invention, the width of the base of the profile cross section increases uniformly from the end remote from the first transition portion of the clamping element towards the clamping element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] According to the preamble of claim 1 , the invention relates to a profile clamp for connecting two tubular bodies. Background Art

[0002] Profile clamps are commonly used to connect two tubes or similar bodies. They typically consist of a clamping band with a profile cross-section open on one side. This band is intended to be placed radially from the outside onto the contacting flanges. Using clamping heads, for example, the clamp secures the two ends of the tubular body together in a form-locking and force-locking manner. These clamps can be made of metal and are suitable for high-temperature applications.

[0003] With the clamping head fully open, it is usually necessary to guide the profile clamp to the flanges to be connected to each other in order to then reassemble the clamping head and tighten it accordingly. This is a separate work step and complicates the installation of such profile clamps.

[0004] For example, EP 2674656 B1 shows a profile clamp having two profile half-shells which can be separated from one another at one end and have a hinge arranged between them. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a profile clamp which is simpler to install and which is as simple to manufacture as possible.

[0006] The essential features of the invention are set forth in the characterizing part of claim 1. The subject matter of claims 2 to 7 is improved.

[0007] The present invention relates to a profile clamp for connecting two tubular bodies, wherein the profile clamp comprises a clamping band having a profile cross section that is radially open on the inside, wherein the clamping band comprises a first transition portion and an adjoining radially protruding clamping element at at least one end, and wherein the clamping element can be clamped in the circumferential direction to secure the profile clamp. According to the invention, it is contemplated that the width of the base of the profile cross section increases uniformly from the end remote from the first transition portion of the clamping element towards the clamping element.

[0008] The shape of the profile clamp is essentially determined by the clamping strip.In some embodiments, it is also possible to have two clamping parts that are connected to each other in an articulated manner.

[0009] To secure the profile clamp circumferentially, two clamping elements can be provided, which together form a clamping head. These clamping elements can be implemented as clamping jaws or other variations. The two clamping elements do not necessarily need to be identical; they simply need to apply force in the circumferential direction. Due to the circumferential securing, the two clamping elements are brought closer together, and the overall circumference of the profile clamp is reduced.

[0010] The profile clamp is preferably manufactured from a metal material using a forming process. The workpiece can be, for example, a deep-drawn and / or bent material strip to form the profile clamp or at least half of a profile clamp. In this case, the clamping element, the first transition section, and the clamping section are designed as a coherent component. The first transition section serves to allow for a shape transition between the open profile cross section of the respective clamping section and the clamping element.

[0011] The profile cross section has a base that closes the profile cross section radially. It is conceivable that a plane of symmetry extends centrally through the base, and that the profile cross section of the clamping portion is symmetrical relative to the plane of symmetry. In addition to V-shaped and U-shaped cross sections, other cross sections are also conceivable. In this arrangement, the base is always located radially outward.

[0012] According to a special feature of the profile clamp according to the invention, the width of the base now increases uniformly towards the outside in the first transition section. For example, if the tubular bodies to be connected each have a radially outer flange, such a flange can be more easily introduced into the profile clamp near the clamping head. Thus, although the clamping head must be loosened, it does not have to be completely disassembled. The maximum clear width in the clamping band is increased without changing the outer shape of the profile clamp. Due to the simplified insertion, sealing rings, etc. can also be placed directly in the profile clamp at the same time, making assembly significantly easier overall. In addition, the material flow during the forming process can be optimized because the uniform increase in width eliminates abrupt curvature transitions that could lead to local thinning or even the risk of fracture during work hardening. The first transition section is thus designed in a manner suitable for deformation and can improve the material properties after the deformation process.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the height of the profile cross section decreases continuously from the end remote from the clamping element toward the clamping element. This further improves assembly, as the maximum clear distance between the first transition section and the connecting section is further increased. A continuous decrease does not necessarily equate to a uniform decrease. Rather, a continuous, stable transition between the heights of the individual partial profile cross sections is provided.

[0014] The profile cross section is preferably trough-shaped and has two legs, which surround the base and each have a straight section adjacent to the base, wherein the straight sections of the two legs enclose a first angle relative to each other, and the first angle increases continuously from the end remote from the clamping element towards the clamping element. The trough is delimited radially on the outside by the base. On the side of the base, there are wall surfaces that form the legs in the profile cross section. It is conceivable that the legs do not directly adjoin the base at a certain angle, but are merged into the base by means of rounded portions in the area close to the base. The placement of the profile clamp is further improved by the continuous expansion of the first angle. Here, the first angle does not necessarily have to decrease evenly, but there should at least be a continuous and stable progression.

[0015] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the profile cross section has two opposing end edges, the tangent lines of which enclose a second angle relative to one another, the second angle being in the range of 0° to 180°. Thus, the wall surface of the channel-shaped profile cross section has an outwardly projecting overhang. In some embodiments, the second angle can be approximately 90°, thereby creating an opening angle of approximately 45° on each side of the profile cross section, into which a flange can be inserted. However, in other embodiments, the second angle can be omitted entirely.

[0016] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the second angle is substantially constant in the first transition portion, so that the entire first transition portion can provide the same convenient opening angle.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the clamping band has two curved clamping parts that are connected to one another in an articulated manner. Each of these can be equipped with a clamping element and a first transition section. Several different variations of the articulated connection are possible, without restricting the subject matter of the present invention. For example, the two clamping parts can be implemented in the form of two half-shells connected to one another by a hinge or a similar joint. As an alternative to this approach, a single elastically designed band-like element can also be used as the connection between the two clamping parts, which, due to its material properties, provides sufficient flexibility for opening and closing the profile clamp.

[0018] Particularly preferably, each clamping section has a second transition section distal from the first transition section, wherein the two second transition sections surround the connecting section, and wherein the height of the profile cross section in the second transition sections decreases continuously in the direction of the connecting section. The second transition section in the connecting region is not a significant dimension for fastening the flange. This embodiment provides the maximum possible clear width within the profile clamp for assembly onto the flange. The low profile height and high profile width allow for improved assembly, despite the constant outer diameter of the profile clamp.

[0019] The width of the base can be constant in the second transition section. In particular, the continuously decreasing height is crucial for this, and the base width can remain constant. Thus, the profile clamp can have an increasing width, which only creates a wider clamping head in the area around the clamping head. The width of the profile cross section can remain the same at all other points, without having to compromise on the advantages according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Further features, details and advantages of the invention emerge from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one half of a profile clamp is shown;

[0022] Figures 2a to 2c Several cross-sectional views of the profile cross section in the first transition section are shown;

[0023] Figures 3a to 3d Several cross-sectional views showing the cross section of the profile in the second transition section;

[0024] Figure 4 A sectional view showing a cross section of the profile in the clamping portion;

[0025] Figures 5a to 5c A detailed illustration showing the clamping elements; and

[0026] Figure 6 A three-dimensional illustration of the transition to the clamping element is shown, wherein this has been modified compared to the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figure 1 One half of a profile clamp 2 is shown for connecting two tubular bodies, for example, in cross-section, each of which has a radially outwardly projecting flange at its end to be connected. The complementary other half provides the complete profile clamp 2. Features described in the illustrated half are preferably also present in the other half. In the following description, reference is made to features relating to the entire profile clamp 2.

[0028] The profile clamp 2 has a clamping band formed by two clamping parts 4, each clamping part 4 having a first transition part 6 and an adjacent clamping element 8. Of course, the clamping band can also be just a single component. The clamping elements 8 protrude radially outward from the clamping parts 4 and have through holes 10. Clamping devices, such as screws or the like, can be guided through the through holes 10 of the two clamping elements 8 and used to tighten the profile clamp 2 in the circumferential direction. Thereby, the clamping elements 8 can approach each other and possibly contact each other. The connecting part 12 is used to connect the two clamping parts 4 to each other in an articulated manner so that the distance between the clamping elements 8 can be varied, thereby enabling tightening.

[0029] The first transition section 6 transforms the uniformly curved shape of the corresponding clamping section 4 into a widened shape that connects the clamping element 8. A special feature of the first transition section 6 is the advantageous progression of the shape change of the profile cross section, which will be explained in more detail in the following figures.

[0030] exist Figure 1 In the figure, three profile cutting planes C, D and E in the first transition section 6 are shown. Figures 2a to 2c These three sections are shown in . Figure 1 The height of the partial profile cross section decreases in the direction of the clamping element 8. In the region adjacent to the connection section 12, there is a second transition section 14. Three profile section planes F, G, and H are also shown. In the relevant partial profile cross section, the height decreases as the connection section 12 is approached.

[0031] Thus, the maximum possible clear width can be provided at certain points between the connecting portion 12 and the first transition portion 6, thereby enabling the loose profile clamp 2 to be assembled on the flange. Preferably, the aforementioned elements for fastening the clamping elements 8 are already arranged in the corresponding through-holes 10 and loosely screwed in. As a result, the assembly work for the profile clamp 2 is significantly less than in the case of known profile clamps.

[0032] Figures 2a to 2c The progression of the shape of the partial profile cross sections 16 in the first transition section 6 from the clamping section 4 in the direction of the clamping element 8 is shown. Each profile cross section 16 is of channel-shaped design and has a base 18 and two legs 20 surrounding the base 18. The legs 20 have mutually opposite end edges 22 facing away from the base 18. The reference numerals belonging to the individual profile cross sections 16 each have an additional letter assigned to the respective cutting plane, which letter is associated with the corresponding cutting plane. Thus, Figures 2a to 2c Profile cross sections 16c, 16d and 16e are shown having bases 18c, 18d and 18e, respectively.

[0033] Figure 2aThe illustrated partial profile cross section 16c is furthest from the clamping element 8 in the first transition section 6. The base 18c arranged there has a first width 24c. The profile cross section 16d arranged in the section plane D has a base 18d with a width 24d, which is greater than the width 24c of the preceding profile cross section 16c. However, the profile cross section 16e has a base 18e with a width 24e, which is even greater than the width 24d of the preceding profile cross section 16d. Simultaneously, the three profile cross sections 16c, 16d, and 16e have partial heights 26c, 26d, and 26e that decrease continuously in the direction of the clamping element 8.

[0034] from Figures 2a to 2c It can also be seen that the straight sections 28c, 28d, and 28e of the legs 20 enclose a first angle α, which also increases in the direction of the clamping element 8. This angle α increases, for example, from approximately 38.5° to approximately 54.5°. In the intermediate profile cross section 16d, this first angle α can be, for example, 46.5°. The tangent lines 30 at the end edges 22, each of which has an overhang, enclose a second angle β relative to each other. For example, this angle β is constant at approximately 90° for all profile cross sections 16c, 16d, and 16e.

[0035] This change in shape of the partial profile cross section makes it easier to place the profile clamp 2 on the flange of the tubular body to be connected. In addition, in particular during deep drawing or other forming processes, a more coordinated flow of forces and material can be achieved, protecting the material to be formed and preventing cracks, breaks or step changes in material thickness.

[0036] Figures 3a to 3d The change in shape of the profile cross section 16 in the region of the second transition section 14 is shown. Here, the shape changes from the normal profile cross section 16m to the profile cross sections 16f, 16g and 16h ... Figures 2a to 2c The reference numerals are used analogously. Obviously, the first angle α also increases in the direction of the connecting section 12. Here, the first angle α can also vary from 38.5° to 54.5°. Here, the end edges 22 of the profile cross sections 16f, 16g and 16h are formed without overhangs, so that the second angle β located in the profile cross section 16m disappears in the second transition section 14. In addition, the widths 24f, 24g and 24h of the bases 18f, 18g and 18h ​​remain constant. In the second transition section 14, a significant flattening of the profile cross section 16 can be tolerated, and this results in a large clear width between the two transition sections 6 and 14, which can be Figure 1 Seen in.

[0037] Figure 4The profile cross section 16k shown is located approximately in the center of the clamping part 4. It essentially corresponds to Figure 3a The profile cross section 16m is shaped in the middle and extends over the entire clamping section 4 between the two transition sections 6 and 14. The profile cross section 16m is designed to fit around the flange.

[0038] Figure 5a 、 5b 5 c show two detailed views and a cross section of the clamping element 8 . Figure 5a The reduced height of the profile cross section 16 is clearly shown. Figure 5b A uniform widening of the base 18 is partially shown. This can also be seen in Figure 6 As can be seen in the conventional connection area ( Figure 6 The left-hand portion of) and the structure according to the present invention ( Figure 6 In the latter, a favourable, uniform increase in width for optimising the flow of material and forces can be seen.

[0039] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be modified in various ways.

[0040] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawings, including structural details, spatial arrangements and method steps, are essential to the invention per se and in very different combinations.

[0041] Reference Signs List

[0042] 2 Profile clamps

[0043] 3 Clamping straps

[0044] 4 Clamping part

[0045] 6 First transition section

[0046] 8 Clamping elements

[0047] 10 through holes

[0048] 12 Connection part

[0049] 14 Second Transition

[0050] 16 Profile cross section

[0051] 18 base

[0052] 20 legs

[0053] 22 End edge

[0054] 24 Width of base

[0055] 26 Height of profile cross section

[0056] 28 straight segments

[0057] 30 Tangent

[0058] α first angle

[0059] β Second angle

Claims

1. A profile clamp (2) for connecting two tubular bodies, wherein the profile clamp (2) has a clamping band (3), the clamping band (3) having a profile cross section (16) that is radially open on the inside, wherein the clamping band (3) has two bent clamping parts (4), the clamping parts (4) are connected to each other in an articulated manner, the clamping parts (4) have a first transition part (6) located partially at one end in the circumferential direction and an adjacent radially protruding clamping element (8), and wherein the profile clamp (2) can clamp the tubular body by bringing each clamping element (8) closer to each other in the circumferential direction, wherein the width (24) of the base (18) of the profile cross section (16) increases uniformly from the end of the first transition part away from the clamping element (8) towards the clamping element (8), characterized in that The tangent lines (30) of the inner surface edges on both sides of the width direction of the cross section (16) of the first transition portion (6) are inclined at a constant angle (β) toward the outside in the width direction and toward the inside in the radial direction over the entire circumference.

2. The profile clamp (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height (26) of the profile cross section (16) decreases continuously from the end remote from the clamping element (8) towards the clamping element (8).

3. The profile clamp (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The profile cross section (16) is channel-shaped and has two legs (20) which surround the base (18) and each have a straight section (28) adjacent to the base (18), wherein the straight sections (28) of the two legs (20) enclose a first angle (α) relative to each other, the first angle (α) increasing continuously from the end remote from the clamping element (8) towards the clamping element (8).

4. The profile clamp (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The constant angle is 180 degrees.

5. The profile clamp (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The clamping sections (4) each have a second transition section (14) which is partially located away from the first transition section (6) in the circumferential direction, wherein the two second transition sections (14) surround the connecting section (12), and wherein the height (26) of the profile cross section (16) in the second transition sections (14) decreases continuously in the direction of the connecting section (12).

6. The profile clamp (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The width (24) of the base (18) is constant in the second transition portion (14).

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