Device for clamping a hose

Abstract

Hose clamp (1) with two passages (31, 32) distributed in two clamping jaws (11, 12), comprising two clamping portions (8a, 8b) between which a hose section of a flexible hose can be clamped in the closed state of the clamp (1). Offset hose passages, the two clamp ends (E1, E2) have interacting locking elements which anchor the clamping jaws (11, 12) in the closed position, one of the ends (E2) has a locking surface (TS) with at least one inwardly facing retaining rib or tooth, while the other end (E1) can be actuated in response to a pushing action and is provided with a tongue (5). Two outer lips (9) are provided at the two respective ends. In the deployed state of the clamp, the tongue (5) projects transversely to the locking surface (TS) and outwardly, entirely within a mouth region (ZD) defined between the outer lips.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This immediate disclosure relates to fluid management systems, and more specifically to a device for clamping a flexible hose carrying liquid for cutting off and / or regulating the flow rate, the device having two interacting clamps or jaws between which the hose is clamped. Background Technology

[0002] Hose carrying biopharmaceutical fluids is typically used to connect flexible bags or similar loop components. In the following text, the term "biopharmaceutical fluid" should be understood as biotechnology products (culture media, cell cultures, buffer solutions, artificial nutrient solutions, blood products, and blood product derivatives) or pharmaceutical products, or more generally, products used in the medical field. In such fields, operators often wear gloves, which can be cut when clamps have one or more protruding edges. Hose carrying such fluids may be used to connect the inlet or outlet of a bioreactor or similar device, for example, for single-use applications, in combination with one or more clamping devices.

[0003] Clamps are typically designed to provide effective clamping for such hoses, allowing partial throttling of the flow or even complete shut-off.

[0004] Document US 6196519 discloses a compression clamp with a compact structure to prevent accidental interaction between different clamps, while being relatively easy to close. However, this clamp design does not achieve progressive tightening. Furthermore, the locking edge protrudes near / almost aligned with the upper surface of the clamp so that pressing down with a finger achieves a snap-lock relationship. As a result, the operator's gloves may be easily cut by the protruding edge.

[0005] The clamping system in document US 2023 / 0233832 A1 provides a fork-shaped structure with an L-shaped clamping end carrying two spaced-apart hooks. When the upper jaw is pressed to close the clamp, these two hooks can move on both sides of a rigidly connected cylindrical structure that receives the pipe section. Two spaced-apart locking surfaces must also be provided on both sides of the tapered member of the cylindrical structure, engaging with the two hooks respectively. The fork-shaped structure is quite fragile, and the installation of the system components is cumbersome, which reduces the practicality of such a complex system.

[0006] Documents US 6644618 and US 8801677 disclose clamps equipped with anchoring devices compatible with progressive fastening at the clamp ends, using a grooved clamp surface to engage with locking edges. Such locking elements are quite large and rigid, forming sharp edges that must be handled with care. On the one hand, they may not be user-friendly, and on the other hand, there is a risk of damaging sterile parts. Document US 6644618 provides a locking surface positioned on top of the front clamp end, while a tongue is provided in a vulnerable extension formed at the other clamp end. The clamps described in this document also require a large gap between the clamp ends in the deployed configuration, thus the edges are not effectively protected, and the operator's gloves may be accidentally cut.

[0007] More generally, there is still room for improvement in the construction of hose clamps. These clamps should be robust and allow for progressive tightening, using toothed portions positioned offset above the flexible hose to clamp the hose between the clamp's jaws, and allowing for adjustment of the clamping force. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To improve the current situation, embodiments of the present invention provide a clamping device for regulating the flow rate of liquid through a flexible hose. The device includes a first clamping jaw and a second clamping jaw arranged to clamp the flexible hose between them, using two channels (guide channels) distributed at the rear and front ends of the clamping device. These channels form a hose channel for receiving the flexible hose (one of the two channels is typically included in / selectively formed by the second clamping jaw). The clamping device includes: - Two clamping parts (including a pushable or actuable first clamping end), the flexible hose through the hose section of the two channels can be clamped between them, in the closed state of the clamping device, the two clamping parts are distributed in the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw; - Offset hose channels are distributed at the two clamping ends of the two clamping jaws and are equipped with interacting locking elements that anchor the clamping jaws in the closed position. One of the two clamping ends (the second clamping end) includes a locking surface having at least one inwardly facing retaining rib or tooth, while the other clamping end (the first clamping end) is actuated in response to a pushing action and is provided with a tongue to engage the locking surface. Two outer lips are provided at the two respective clamping ends. And in the unfolded state of the clamping device, the tongue: - Lateral to (i.e., oriented laterally and offset) the locking surface; - Protrudes outwards, while being fully contained within the mouth area defined between the two outer lips.

[0009] With this construction, the clamping device combines the advantages of quick and robust fastening, actuated naturally using the outer tongue in the first clamping jaw, while providing protection in the deployed position. Typically, the lip in the second clamping jaw can protrude sufficiently beyond the locking surface. Therefore, the locking surface can be concealed by the lip at the corresponding clamping end, while the other lip on the pressing side can displace the tongue away from the pressing surface before actuating the closing clamping device. To achieve the closed position / state (with clamping effect), the tongue is configured to displace closer along the hose direction, moving along the stroke to engage with the locking surface, which may be formed in the toothed / ribbed portion. More generally, the mouth region defined by the pair of lips can be significantly offset outward relative to the locking surface, allowing the tongue to remain closer to the locking surface in the deployed state than the corresponding outermost portions of the lips, which are further away from the locking surface.

[0010] The tongue can be configured as a forward protrusion projecting directly from the front surface of the first clamping end, while the second clamping end can extend above the hose channel with increased thickness, possibly having a V-shaped profile extending from the transition portion adjacent to the front / first channel (the first of the two channels). A locking surface can be arranged on one branch of this V-shaped profile, while the other branch forms the front end of the clamping device. A hollow portion can be provided between the two branches.

[0011] When the edges of the tongue are not exposed due to the large outward extension of the lips distributed at the clamping end, accidental contact of the thumb toward the tongue will not occur before and after the clamping engagement of the flexible hose. A pair of lips provide a barrier effect, causing the tongue to be recessed in the unfolded state (the tongue is typically recessed relative to the tangential plane of the two contacting lips).

[0012] This avoids the disadvantage of exposed sharp edges that could damage components of the sterile circuit or the operator's gloves when the clamp is operated. The clamping device advantageously allows for progressive tightening using a toothed portion (locking surface) that is fully offset above the tubing channel.

[0013] According to an embodiment, each of the two outer lips is formed by a protrusion in one of the clamping ends. The protrusion in one clamping end is arranged to form the outermost end of the front surface of the clamping device, wherein the front surface of the clamping device is: - A surface partially defined by the outer surface of the clamping end is called the second clamping end, and a locking surface is provided at the rear of this outer surface. - Oriented on the opposite side of the flexible connection of the clamping device (where the two clamping jaws connect).

[0014] According to an embodiment, each of the two outer lips is formed by at least one protrusion at one of the clamping ends, which may be arranged opposite to the locking surface at the clamping end of the second clamping jaw. The two outer lips may be offset outward relative to the respective locking element to face outward, and the two outer lips are spaced apart from each other in the unfolded state, and preferably also spaced apart from each other in the closed position (one of the closed positions when the locking surface is included in the toothed portion).

[0015] According to embodiments of the clamping device, one or more of the following specific features may be provided: - In the first clamping end, the tongue is configured to be radially offset inward relative to the straight member of the first clamping end, which defines the uppermost outer surface of the clamping device. The tongue may extend as an aligned extension of another straight member (the so-called second straight member, which is parallel to the first straight member and offset inward in the clamping device).

[0016] - In the unfolded state, the two outer lips protrude sufficiently in a general direction that is the same as or similar to the protruding direction of the tongue, so as to define the mouth area of ​​the device beyond the tongue.

[0017] - In order to allow the tongue to be fully contained or concealed within the mouth area, the tongue provided in the first clamping end may optionally have a protruding extension that is one-third smaller than the protruding extension of the lip provided in the second clamping end in the same direction.

[0018] - The first clamp end has a protruding extension of less than 6 mm, for example less than or equal to 4 or 5 mm, while each lip can protrude with an extension of at least 9 or 10 mm.

[0019] - The first clamping jaw is an upper jaw with a pressing surface, used to actuate the clamping device to obtain a closed position in response to downward pressure applied to the pressing surface in the raised portion of the first clamping end (the end with the tongue).

[0020] - The clamping device forms a closed loop in the closed position (and any closed position when it has a toothed portion), and an open loop in the unfolded position. - The two clamping ends include a first clamping end and a second clamping end, which are adapted to form the two ends of an open loop.

[0021] - The second clamping end typically extends upward, and the lip of the second clamping end protrudes forward to increase thickness and form a bulge protruding on the opposite side of the locking surface.

[0022] - The first clamping jaw includes a first raised end provided with a first lip (one of two outer lips), which can define the outer free end of the first clamping end.

[0023] - The second clamping jaw includes a second raised end with a second lip (one of two outer lips) that defines the outer free end of the second clamping end.

[0024] - The first lip has an outer surface comprising two portions with different orientations (one is a pressing surface, and the other is a front surface with the same general orientation as the outer surface of the second lip, i.e. facing away from / opposite to the flexible connection).

[0025] - The first lip may have a convex surface having a convex or circular profile extending between the tongue at the first raised end and the pressing surface.

[0026] In some options, the anchoring / locking surface may be a toothed portion. In embodiments having a first clamping end with a tongue and a second clamping end with a toothed portion, one or more of the following specific features may be provided: - The flexible hose segment with two channels can be gradually squeezed in response to a gradual inward (usually downward, as the pressing surface faces upward when the device is actuated to reach the closed position) pressing of the first clamp end.

[0027] - There are several closed positions (at least two closed positions, corresponding to the grooves of the toothed portion when the tongue can be positioned and is normally locked).

[0028] - Clamping can be irreversible.

[0029] - The mouth area can be adjacent to the anchoring / locking surface.

[0030] - The locking element consists of a tongue and a toothed portion, which are included in the same component.

[0031] - The locking element consists of a tongue and toothed portions (forming a locking surface), distributed in two parts with the same unfolded length, and optionally each clamp end is divided into two halves or end portions.

[0032] - The locking element allows the clamping device to remain closed when they are engaged.

[0033] - In the deployed state / position, the tongue faces in a direction that does not pass through the lip provided in the opposite clamp end (neither through the locking surface nor through the associated lip), and is defined by a virtual axis or plane extending in the tongue's protruding direction.

[0034] - The locking element is adapted to anchor the clamping jaws in at least two closed positions, in which the tongue protrusion direction forms a plane or axis intersecting the locking surface.

[0035] - The tongue may have a single free edge, allowing it to protrude from the first clamping end in a protruding direction that does not intersect with any other part of the clamping device in the unfolded state.

[0036] Here, the term "toothed portion" encompasses any configuration with ribs (rib-like portions) that appropriately form grooves for the tongue to engage for a retaining / locking effect.

[0037] In embodiments of the clamping device, the following details may be provided individually or in combination: - The clamp end with the tongue has a longitudinal axis that can substantially coincide with the protruding direction of the tongue.

[0038] - The tongue is provided with an elongated base connecting two opposite sides of the first clamp end, which may be inclined (as seen in a longitudinal sectional view), and is provided with a straight edge extending between the two rounded side ends of the tongue, such that the straight edge is shorter than the elongated base of the tongue.

[0039] - The default spacing between the clamping portions obtained in the unfolded state is greater than any spacing between such clamping portions defined in any closed position.

[0040] - The tongue is configured to protrude in the deployed state along a longitudinal axis that is transverse to the toothed portion (e.g., extending / distributed in a general plane perpendicular to the locking surface), and typically does not intersect the locking surface.

[0041] - The flexible connection can by default maintain the longitudinal axis of the clamping end of the first clamping jaw along the direction that is skewed relative to the opposite clamping end.

[0042] The clamping device has front and rear extensions corresponding to the channel alignment direction. The clamping end is offset above the front and rear or alignment direction, and one of the two lips (adjacent to the tongue) extends higher than the other lip in the deployed state of the device.

[0043] With this arrangement, a pair of spaced lips projecting radially outward along the channel alignment direction provide a usable contact surface for the operator when applying a pressing action to close the clamping device. For example, the lip at the first clamping end provides a pressing surface away from the tongue, such as offset above the tongue. This lip may correspond to a boss that also extends rearward from the uppermost region of the clamping device, having an inclined surface adapted to close the device by pressing down with the thumb.

[0044] The pressing surface may not be aligned with (and parallel to) the tongue; the pressing surface is typically arranged as the outer surface of the boss that forms the lip. The tongue may connect to the (lower) base region of this boss, and thus be at the same level as the base of the boss.

[0045] Not only is the edge of the tongue not the only part protruding away from the flexible tube, but also: - A pressing surface for clamping is arranged on the first clamping end, typically at the attachment / raised end portion, so that the operator's thumb / finger (applying pressure) is away from the tongue when the clamping action is actuated; - The two lips form two barriers, preventing accidental contact with the edge of the tongue for movements applied in the general pressing direction or forward.

[0046] Among the various options for constructing the two clamp ends, one or more of the following features may be provided: - The lip of the first attachment / raised end portion (and thus the first lip in the first clamp end) is provided with an angled surface such that the pressing surface is substantially planar, transverse to the transition surface forming a gap, for example greater than or equal to 5 or 8 mm, located between the actuation area (at the pressing surface) and the tongue.

[0047] - The tongue protrudes from the transition surface (usually in the forward direction), which may be the front surface of the first clamp end.

[0048] - The transition surface is adjacent to the tongue and may (optionally) be substantially planar, extending approximately parallel to the locking surface in the closed state.

[0049] - The toothed portion may include two or more teeth distributed along the extension direction of the toothed portion.

[0050] - The two clamping ends include a first clamping end with a tongue and arranged in a thick or raised portion adjacent to the first clamping portion, and a second clamping end arranged at a distance from the second clamping portion / protrusion.

[0051] - The toothed portion faces inward in the unfolded state, preferably facing backward.

[0052] - The toothed portion faces the first of the two channels located in the first clamping jaw when it is in the unfolded state.

[0053] - The tongue protrudes substantially perpendicular to the pressing direction in the unfolded state (allowing the first clamping end to displace and engage with the toothed portion or similar locking / anchoring surface, which is formed on the inner surface of the second clamping end).

[0054] - The first clamping end is included in an elongated raised end portion having a longer extension than the second clamping end, such that the distance between the tongue and the first channel is greater than the distance between the toothed portion and the second channel.

[0055] - Typically, when the flexible hose extends through the clamping device via two channels, the tongue in the deployed state can move radially away from the hose and further away from the hose than the toothed portion.

[0056] The lip can be positioned at the top of the front portion of the device, with the upper lip provided in the first clamping end positioned rearward relative to the other lip. In the deployed state of the clamping device, the tongue in the first clamping end extends behind the tangential virtual plane that contacts the two outer lips. It should be understood that the tongue (having a given width that may be equal to the width of the device) can project along a general direction that intersects the tangential virtual plane.

[0057] In some options, a lip (one of two outer lips) formed in the first clamping jaw defines the uppermost portion of the clamping device (at least in the deployed state), while the other lip defines the forward-protruding front free end of the clamping device; the virtual plane may be a plane tangent to the uppermost portion and the front free end in the deployed state.

[0058] Among the options provided in the second clamping jaws for the clamping end with a locking surface, one or more of the following features are offered: - The clamping end with the locking surface has a thickness that gradually increases with the distance from the transition portion (adjacent to the second channel) of the second clamping jaw, thereby forming a boss near the locking surface.

[0059] - One of the two outer lips, located in the second clamping jaw, includes the boss.

[0060] - Each boss can be formed as a layer added to a plastic part or support, which includes a tongue and a locking portion (and may define the inner periphery of a clamping device in the closed position), and the boss is welded, mechanically fastened or overmolded.

[0061] - A hollow section can be formed between the plastic part or support and the boss (optionally arranged as an additional layer).

[0062] - A curved section can be provided on the outer surface of the second clamping jaw at the transition section.

[0063] - The transition section can be thinner than the lip at the second clamp end (the thickness of the transition section is measured substantially parallel to the alignment direction of the two channels).

[0064] - The transition portion may also be narrower than another transition portion of the second clamping jaw, which is arranged between the second channel and the second clamping portion of the second clamping jaw.

[0065] - The transition section can be adjacent to the second clamp end.

[0066] According to a specific embodiment, the two outer lips are formed as thick ends, and / or each may have a thickness greater than 7 or 9 mm, as measured below: - The thickness of the outer lip provided in the first clamping end, perpendicular to the general direction of the tongue; - The thickness of the outer lip provided in the second clamping end, perpendicular to the extending direction of the locking surface.

[0067] Depending on specific features, the locking element is releasable. In some variations, the tongue and locking portion are configured to interlock irreversibly (therefore the deployed state cannot be regained unless some parts are damaged or the device is irreversibly deformed), making it a disposable device. Regardless, the first and second clamping ends can be spaced apart in the deployed state, which is the open state of the clamping device. The outer lip can be rigid.

[0068] Possibly, a convex surface of the outer lip (a surface with a convex profile when viewed along the longitudinal plane of the device) faces the inclined portion of the tongue in the unfolded state. This convex surface can be included in the lip with continuously rounded corners, covering an angular sector greater than or equal to 150°. The convex surface can be connected to a locking surface at one end, while the other end can face the opposite direction.

[0069] In the clamping device, the first clamping jaw has an outer surface provided with a first curved portion, which is arranged in the following manner: -The first of the two channels - Between the first outer boss of the adjacent tongue of the clamping device.

[0070] Alternatively, or independently of a specific location of the first curved portion, the second clamping jaw may have a second curved portion provided in the outer surface of the second clamping jaw. The second curved portion may be arranged between the second channel of the two channels and the second outer boss of the clamping device provided in the second clamping end.

[0071] Typically, the second outer boss faces the opposite direction to the locking / anchoring surface (therefore not facing the toothed portion, but facing the opposite direction).

[0072] The first and second bends each provide an external recess, for example, having an external bend, such that each clamp end is deflected (the first clamp end is upward and the second clamp end is forward). Each deflection angle at these bends may optionally correspond to a slight deflection (e.g., an angle greater than 145° and less than 180° between two outer surfaces separated by the bends).

[0073] In some options, the toothed portion is disposed in the first clamping jaw and includes teeth spaced apart from each other along a given alignment direction, wherein the following relationship is satisfied: 0.3 ≤ L1 / L2 ≤ 0.6 L1 is the distance between the toothed portion and the tongue, measured along the alignment direction in the unfolded state, while L2 is the distance between the toothed portion and the outer surface portion formed in the boss of the first clamping jaw, measured along the alignment direction D1.

[0074] The clamping device may be provided with a flexible connecting portion, typically arched, that forms a common end of the first and second clamping jaws. These jaws are thus flexibly connected to each other at this common end and can extend substantially: - Above the hose channel, for the first gripper; - And below the hose channel, for the second clamp.

[0075] The locking element is located in the two clamping ends, on opposite sides of the common end.

[0076] According to the first configuration, the clamping device is made as a single piece, with a flexible connection formed in a C-shaped portion that extends between two clamping portions. For example, the clamping device is a single-piece device made of plastic material, manufactured using injection molding technology. An increase in thickness in the first clamping end can be achieved by forming an annular or rectangular profile at the end, which, when viewed in a longitudinal plane, intersects with the ends of the jaws (clamping end and common end).

[0077] According to the second configuration, the clamping device is made of two parts, which are provided with interlocking elements that can be optionally arranged (selectively / specifically) within the thickness of the clamping device.

[0078] The flexible connector and the defined distribution of the two channels in the two components allow the two components to be fastened using interlocking elements. This fastening can be performed to obtain a clamping device once the flexible hose has been extended between the two components.

[0079] When there are two initially separate parts, one or each of the two outer lips can be made from two separable lip portions distributed in the two parts.

[0080] To ensure clamping, a pair of clamping portions includes a first inwardly projecting contact member in the first clamping portion and a second inwardly projecting contact member in the second clamping portion opposite to the first inwardly projecting contact member. The first and second contact members each have an inner surface with a convex profile and are configured to close the hose segment of the flexible hose in the closed state of the clamping device when the flexible hose extends through the clamping device in alignment along the directions of the two channels.

[0081] The first clamping end can be formed or disposed in a hollow cross section that is substantially parallel to the protruding direction of the tongue, the hollow cross section being: - Slender, extending between the tongue and the first clamping member, and - Preferably, an outwardly curved portion is provided on the side opposite to the first clamping member.

[0082] More generally, at least one of the two clamping ends is provided with a hollow portion, which may optionally open laterally outward (e.g. on both sides, i.e., the left and right sides). Attached Figure Description

[0083] The figures in the attached diagram will now be briefly described.

[0084] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device suitable for clamping a flexible hose carrying fluid in its unfolded state.

[0085] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The clamping device is shown in the closed position from the side. The two clamping parts allow the flexible hose receiving in the alignment channel of the device to be clamped.

[0086] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a tubing assembly for circulating biopharmaceutical fluids (such as blood or similar fluids containing living cells or biological compounds), including a flow control clamping device according to an embodiment.

[0087] Figure 4 This is a detailed drawing of an embodiment of the clamping device, showing the position of the tongue that does not protrude beyond the lips formed at both ends of the device.

[0088] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device suitable for clamping a flexible hose carrying fluid in its unfolded state, using two parts or halves.

[0089] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A top view of the clamping device, showing the tongue and the top of the protective protrusion / boss that increases the thickness of the attachment end including the tongue.

[0090] Figure 7a This schematically illustrates how complementary halves can be assembled using interlocking devices along the longitudinal engagement plane to form a shape. Figure 5 Half of the clamping device.

[0091] Figure 7b It shows that it is suitable for use with Figure 7a The other half of the assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0092] The following provides a detailed description of several embodiments of the present invention, with examples and reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] In all figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements. Thickness dimensions should be understood in a manner commonly understood by those skilled in the art (thickness can be measured in the longitudinal plane / longitudinal sectional view of the clamping device), while width reflects lateral dimensions (measured in the left-right direction), perpendicular to this longitudinal plane.

[0094] refer to Figure 1 and 2 An exemplary construction of a hose clamping device 1 is shown, here made from a single piece of plastic material. Device 1 may include two portions with arched profiles, each portion opening to define channels 31, 32 for a flexible hose 2. A rigid portion, the so-called lower portion, interconnects these two open portions and includes an inner protrusion (an inwardly projecting contact member). The inner protrusion may have a circular projection forming a clamping portion 8b adapted to interact with a complementary clamping portion 8a (also having an inwardly projecting contact member) disposed in a first clamping jaw 11 or a similar movable portion of device 1.

[0095] Device 1 typically has two clamping jaws 11, 12 and can be actuated from an unfolded state (which may be an open configuration) to a closed state, in which clamping portions 8a, 8b allow for a clamping effect, clamping a section of the flexible hose 2 (this section of the hose is clamped through two channels 31, 32, such as...) Figure 2 (As shown).

[0096] In other embodiments, such as using a two-piece construction, the same parts can be provided such that the clamping device 1' includes two clamping jaws 11, 12. Figure 5 , 6 Figures 7 and 8 illustrate this configuration. More generally, the geometry of the clamping devices 1, 1' can be selected to separate the areas where the clamped portions 8a, 8b of the two channels 31, 32 can be clamped. The two channels 31, 32 can be distributed at the rear and front ends of the clamping devices 1, 1'. The width of the clamping devices 1, 1' (in the left-right direction) can optionally be constant to obtain two opposing sides or sides. The devices 1, 1' can thus be defined between two parallel longitudinal planes and can provide a plane of symmetry. More generally, the clamping devices 1, 1' have longitudinal extensions parallel to the hose channel formed by the two channels 31, 32. The two clamping ends E1, E2 are provided with an offset relative to the hose channel.

[0097] Of course, the clamping device can be made of different / several parts with any suitable components, which are manufactured separately and then fastened together.

[0098] Two channels 31, 32 can be distributed in two clamping jaws 11, 12, which are flexibly connected to each other at one end, which can be the common end forming the flexible connection 4. The clamping jaws 11, 12 also carry interacting locking elements at their opposite ends. A monolithic construction is possible, for example, a monolith with a substantially constant width. The width is measured here in the left-right direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the clamping devices 1, 1'. The flexible connection 4, forming the common end of the first clamping jaw 11 and the second clamping jaw 12, can be relatively thin, typically thinner than the thickness of the two clamping ends E1, E2 including the locking elements. The first clamping end E1, provided in the first clamping jaw 11, has a tongue 5 that protrudes in a direction away from the flexible connection 4. The tongue 5 does not protrude laterally, so that the clamping devices 1, 1' can have two sides without any protruding protrusions. The tongue 5 protrudes outward in a partial manner and can be spaced apart from the second clamping end E2 in the open-loop configuration of the clamping devices 1 and 1', which can correspond to the unfolded state. Figure 1 and 5 The clamping devices 1 and 1' shown have this unfolded state.

[0099] The protruding portions 8a and 8b are spaced apart, with a default spacing e8 between them in the unfolded state. Of course, the spacing dimension corresponding to spacing e8 can be measured along a direction called the height direction. This direction, transverse to the hose channel, corresponds here to the height. It is known that the first clamping jaw 11 carrying the tongue 5 is generally / conventionally considered to be the upper jaw, as... Figure 2 and Figure 5 In the arrangement shown, indeed, when the device 1, 1' is held in the hand of the operator, the actuation of the clamping device 1, 1' is performed on the outer surface of the device 1, 1' corresponding to the outer surface of the first clamping end E1 (the clamping end provided in the first clamping jaw 11).

[0100] The outer surface of the upper jaw provides a pressing surface PS for displacing the first clamping end E1 in a downward motion. The pressing surface PS may be substantially the same width as the clamping devices 1, 1', and / or the pressing surface PS extends from the left side to the right side of the first clamping jaw 11.

[0101] With the hand in its natural position, actuation is performed by pressing down on the first clamping end E1 (e.g., using the thumb) to engage the tongue 5 with the locking surface (possibly composed of a toothed portion TS) located in the second clamping end E2. It should be understood that the clamping devices 1, 1' can be operated with only one hand, and the devices 1, 1' operate like a (relatively small) office stapler to achieve the closed state / position.

[0102] like Figure 1It is evident that the spacing in the unfolded state is greater than any spacing between the clamping portions 8a and 8b defined in any closed position when the tongue 5 engages with the toothed portion TS due to the inward movement of the clamping end E1. It can be seen that the width of the tongue 5 is significantly greater than its protruding extension, which is the extension measured along the longitudinal axis X1 of the first clamping end E1.

[0103] The first lip 9a is disposed in the first clamping end E1, in the region away from the locking surface in the unfolded state. Along the front-rear direction, the protruding extension of the tongue 5 is clearly visible to be short; the tongue 5 does not extend beyond the front portion of the clamping device 1, which is formed by the second lip 9b, which participates in increasing the thickness of the second clamping end E2. The second lip 9b is formed outward in the clamping end E2, thus on the opposite side of the toothed portion TS or similar locking surface that interacts with the tongue 5. Through this arrangement of the outer lips 9 at the two corresponding clamping ends E1, E2, the tongue 5 does not protrude beyond any tangential plane contacting the two clamping ends E1, E2. Figure 1 A non-limiting embodiment shows a tangential plane PT contacting and also contacting the second lip 9b at the outer surface of the first lip 9a. When considering the mouth region ZD defined between the first and second lip 9a, which extends to one side (inner side) relative to the tangential plane PT, it is clearly visible that the tongue 5 is completely contained within the mouth region ZD. As a result, the tongue 5 can partially protrude for anchoring actions without protruding beyond the mouth region ZD, and is therefore inaccessible in any available tangential orientation in the deployed state.

[0104] At least one of the first lip 9a and the second lip 9b may be included in an outer plastic layer that is bent to form a curved outer surface. Each plastic layer forming the outer surface of the clamping device may: - It has an arc-shaped shape / contour, possibly with a bridge structure, which includes two bridge sections separated by a hollow space, with only the ends of the bridge sections connected to the remainder of the clamping device 1; and / or - Made of a less rigid plastic or elastic material than the plastic material of the supporting clamping member / assembly that includes two clamping parts 8a, 8b and defines the inner periphery of the clamping devices 1, 1'.

[0105] In some options, the outer lip 9 may include or be composed of rubber or elastomer materials.

[0106] refer to Figure 2In the second clamping end E2, the second lip 9b does not overlap with the locking surface or toothed portion TS on its entry side. The second lip 9b may be configured to extend only in front of the rearward (and inward) locking portion of the boss B'. The second clamping end E2 may have a thickness that gradually increases with the distance from the lower end of the locking surface (here, the transition portion of the second clamping jaw 12 adjacent to the second channel 32). The boss B' is formed near the locking surface, and there may be a hollow portion in the second clamping end E2 to increase the distance between the front portion of the boss B' and the locking surface, while optimizing the amount of material (typically plastic) used in this end E2.

[0107] The two outer lips 9 can have relatively large radii of curvature for each of the outer surfaces extending from the following: - From the tongue 5, for the curved outer surface provided in the first lip 9a. - From the edge of the locking surface adjacent to the tongue in the unfolded state, for the curved outer surface provided in the second lip 9b.

[0108] In the first lip 9a, the outer surface may have an upwardly extending front region (at face F1) and an upwardly facing region corresponding to the pressing surface PS (e.g., Figure 2 It is clearly visible that (a portion of the outer periphery of the device is formed when it is closed) and it may form an angled outer surface.

[0109] In the second lip 9b, the outer surface may have an upward-facing front region (at face F2, possibly roughly aligned with the pressing surface PS in the closed state) and a front region (such as... Figure 2 (Clearly visible in the middle), possibly forming another angled outer surface. The outer surface of the second lip 9b represents another part of the outer periphery of the device in the closed state. In the unfolded state, the internal space or volume defined by the clamps opens upward through the gap between the two clamp ends E1 and E2. (As shown in the image) Figure 1 or Figure 4-5 As can be clearly seen, the gap can be narrower in the area defined by the second lip 9b (the rib 7 adjacent to / close to the locking surface) and the tongue 5, with the first lip 9a extending away from this narrow gap formed as a sub-part of the mouth region ZD.

[0110] Now for reference Figure 4 It can be seen that in the unfolded state, the shortest distance L1 between the toothed part TS or the rib set on the inner side of the second clamp end E2 and the tongue 5 is less than the maximum thickness provided in the first clamp E1 and less than the maximum thickness L3 provided in the second clamp E2.

[0111] Additionally, the following relationship can be satisfied: 0.3 ≤ L1 / L2 ≤ 0.6 L1 is the shortest distance between the toothed portion TS and the tongue 5 in the unfolded state, measured along the alignment direction, while L2 is the distance between the toothed portion TS and the outer surface portion (which may be the uppermost part of the clamping device) formed in the boss B of the first clamping jaw 11, measured along the alignment direction D1 of the tooth or rib 7.

[0112] In the unfolded state of the clamping devices 1 and 1', the tongue 5 protrudes transversely to direction D1 (and thus transversely to the locking surface), along a general direction that can extend between the two outer lips 9. The lips 9 or the bosses B and B' can each bulge in a common direction, for example, perpendicular to... Figure 4 The direction of the tangential plane PT is shown. Therefore, this plane PT extends further from the tongue 5. Furthermore, a hollow portion ZC can be provided in the first clamping jaw 11 so that the first lip 9a formed by the boss B is provided with an angled surface positioned much higher than the tongue 5, for example at least 7 or 9 mm higher (a distance along direction D1), thus causing the tangential plane PT to be skewed (when considering...). Figure 5 Compared to the case where the plane can be tangent at the tongue 5, the operating position shown is more vertical. More generally, the maximum thickness of the first clamp end E1 is measured between the pressing surface PS and the lower side of the tongue 5 (therefore along...). Figure 2 The pressing direction (Fp) shown can be at least three times the protruding extension e5 of the tongue 5.

[0113] Of course, in the first clamp end E1, the size of the protruding extension e5 of the tongue 5 along the direction D5 (protruding direction) is set to be significantly smaller than the corresponding extension of the lip 9 in this direction.

[0114] refer to Figure 2 The hose channel extends longitudinally along the clamping device 1, and the second clamping end E2 is located at the front of the device 1. For example... Figure 2 and 4 As shown, the protrusion or boss B in the first clamping end E1 is a hollow arrangement, with its upper surface defining the pressing surface PS. The hollow arrangement can have the profile considered in the side view, having two long sides (e.g., the lower side extends to the clamping portion 8a formed at its rear end, while the upper side extends rearward from the boss B to the curved region C1) and two relatively short short sides. Therefore, the elongated hollow arrangement can have a thickness Lc or radial extension, measured between the pressing surface PS and the lower surface facing the second clamping jaw 12, which is greater than the protruding extension e5 of the tongue 5.

[0115] A hollow arrangement can be a connection arrangement when the fixture body is divided into two main parts or components 101 and 102, for example, Figure 6 and 7aAs shown in -7b. Regardless of the main structure of the clamping devices 1 and 1', the first clamping end E1 may have a significant extension dimension d above the protruding teeth or tongue 5, which is a height extension. More generally, the clamping end E1 forms a first lip 9a that defines the uppermost end of the devices 1 and 1', while a second lip 9b (typically having a front boss B') is formed as the front end arrangement of the devices 1 and 1'. In the unfolded state, a tangential plane PT that is tangent to the uppermost end and front end (at the lip 9) of the clamping devices 1 and 1' defines the mouth region ZD. It should be understood that the area extended by the tongue in the unfolded state may be the area approximately in the middle of the mouth region ZD, that is, spaced between the lips 9 and at the angled portion of the toothed portion TS and the boss B forming the uppermost portion of the devices 1 and 1', for example, the tongue 5 is equidistant from the toothed portion and the uppermost portion of the devices 1 and 1'.

[0116] In some embodiments, the relationship d / Lc ≥ 0.5 (possibly d / Lc < 0.9) can be satisfied, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 7b It is clearly visible in the middle. The first clamping end E1 may optionally be provided with a C-shaped or U-shaped cross section due to the hollow portion 17, ZC that separates the upper branch that allows the formation of the pressing surface PS from the lower branch that extends toward the first clamping portion 8a.

[0117] The angled surface at boss B may have rounded corners and can be configured such that surface F1 is skewed approximately 90° relative to the general direction D2 of the first clamping end E1 in the closed state (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 2 This allows surface F1 to be parallel to and directly facing the toothed portion TS in this closed state, so that boss B does not interfere with the downward movement of tongue 5, which is arranged to protrude at the lower end of surface F1.

[0118] Each clamping jaw 11, 12 may have an outer surface with curved portions C1, C2 adjacent to the raised portion of these jaws, and thus adjacent to the transition section in the jaws 11, 12 where the thickness changes significantly (increases). Furthermore, each curved portion C1, C2 may be associated with a corresponding deflection angle a1, a2. Each deflection angle a1, a2 may be greater than or equal to 15 or 25°.

[0119] A first curved portion C1 provided in the outer surface of the first clamping jaw 11 can be arranged between the first channel 31 and the first outer boss B of the adjacent tongue 5 of the clamping device. A second curved portion C2 provided in the outer surface of the second clamping jaw 12 can be located between the second channel 32 and the second outer boss B' of the clamping device provided in the second clamping end E2. Through these curved portions C1 and C2, an expansion effect is obtained, allowing for a larger size of the corresponding clamping ends E1 and E2, while maintaining the gap between these ends E1 and E2 before actuating the closing devices 1 and 1'.

[0120] Each clamping end E1, E2 may optionally be provided with a ring profile, thus each having a hollow portion 17, 18, ZC. At least one hollow portion 17, ZC of the first clamping end E1 may open laterally outward, and this may also apply to the hollow portion 18 provided in the second clamping end E2. The second clamping end E2 may be more compact than the first clamping end E1. When providing hollow portions 17, 18, ZC, the perimeter / circumference of the hollow portion 18 of the second clamping end E2 may be smaller than that of the hollow portions 17, ZC of the first clamping end E1.

[0121] Example of a two-piece construction refer to Figure 4-5 Figures 7 and 8 show a clamping device 1' constructed using two complementary parts. Each of the two parts is typically sized to have: - Half of the first clamping end E1 and half of the second clamping end E2; - A given fraction of the total width of the entire clamping device 1', at least in the area where the clamping portions 8a and 8b are to be formed.

[0122] Typically, the two components can each have the same shape / profile (as seen in the longitudinal plane), which is the same general profile as the aforementioned device 1.

[0123] refer to Figure 7a The diagram shows one of two components, component 101, which has male interlocking members projecting toward the same side, here on the right side when considering the flexible connection on the rear side and the boss B having a pressing surface PS (in the first clamping end E1) on top of the device 1'. More generally, component 101 is adapted to interlock with complementary component 102 such that each pair of channels 31, 32 can be separated, allowing the hose 2 to be inserted between the two components 101, 102 prior to the assembly of the clamping device 1'. The assembly configuration of these components 101, 102 can be locked in a suitable manner, for example using at least two interlocking members forming protrusions 41, 42, 43 that engage complementary cavities / vagina (at least two of them), for example using snap-fit ​​connections in two or three different areas, possibly including fastening inside the first clamping end E1 and the second clamping end E2.

[0124] like Figure 5As shown, the longitudinal plane P, which can be an intermediate plane or a symmetrical plane dividing the clamping device 1' into two halves of equal width, can define a mating plane for fastening the two components 101, 102, which are the components that each form a ring (with the same general outline as in the first embodiment of the single-piece construction). The features provided in the device 1 described above can be present identically, possibly having the same structure, except for the presence of a mating portion for interconnecting the components 101, 102. Such components 101, 102 can be manufactured separately. A hinged connection may also be provided, for example, a hinged arrangement at the lower part of the device 1', for example, along the straight portion of the second clamping jaw 12.

[0125] In another variation, the fastening of the two components can be achieved similarly, but using a single-piece construction, such as using a movable hinge, a similar articulated connection, or at least one flexible connection.

[0126] Now for reference Figure 6 The diagram shows a joint J' that can be offset away from the plane of symmetry, provided along a longitudinal plane intersecting the flexible connection 4 and the two clamping ends E1, E2. Therefore, it should be understood that the defined distribution of the two channels 31, 32 is within the two components 101, 102. As shown in the first embodiment, the lip 9 can be seen in the top view, and the second lip forms a boss B', the maximum thickness of which is preferably located at the top of the second clamping end E2, thus forming a large upper surface F2 that can extend longitudinally (along the length direction of the devices 1, 1'), with an extension d2 being more than 10 or 12% of the total length of the devices 1, 1'. This arrangement can be adapted to any manufacturing method used to produce the clamping device, independent of the number of components involved. The extension d2 generally represents the maximum thickness of the second clamping end E2 (possibly without considering rib 7).

[0127] When there are two halves or parts to be assembled, each boss B, B' can be an assembly of two complementary boss portions HB and HB' having the same perimeter / profile and connected along the joint J, J'. Each clamping end E1, E2 can be completely divided into two complementary parts, possibly formed in two plastic parts 101, 102. In some options, one of the clamping portions 8a or 8b may be selectively formed in one of the two parts, and each of the two lips 9a, 9b is made of two separable lip portions distributed in the two parts 101, 102. In a preferred embodiment, the joints J, J' are generally planar joints, except at the locations where the interlocking members forming the protrusions 41, 42, 43 are located (with a local protrusion effect beyond the plane of the joint J, J').

[0128] In some options, at least one of the protrusions 41, 42, 43 is provided with a radial tongue, a protrusion, or an annular bead (projecting outwards) to form a snap-fit. An inclined protrusion may be used to facilitate insertion and has a guiding effect. More generally, any assembly operation of the two components can be performed to obtain a clamping device 1', allowing the two components 101, 102 to be quickly fastened using interlocking elements (41, 42, 43, O1, O2, O3), where the flexible hose 2 is known to extend between these two components 101, 102 before fastening.

[0129] Non-limiting exemplary uses Figure 3 A fluid circuit 10, such as a blood collection device of a known type, is depicted for collecting blood from a donor. The fluid circuit with clamping device 1 can also be configured for circulation in another suitable biopharmaceutical product / process. Clamping device 1 can be included in the circuit 10 for mating with one or more tubing tubes 2a, 2b. The tubing assembly of the circuit 10 can include a venipuncture needle 14 and a tubing section 200. The tubing section 200 branches here at a Y-connector 16 into tubing 2a and tubing 2b. Tube 2a provides a flow path to a collection container 100, and tubing 2b provides a flow path to a sampling bag 20. The sampling bag 20 may also include a retainer 21 for receiving a blood sampling bottle or tube (a needle protector 15 for storing the needle after use is also shown).

[0130] More generally, clamping devices 1, 1' may have a closed loop profile while allowing hose segment 2 to extend through the alignment direction of the device, which is typically the alignment direction of the two channels 31, 32.

[0131] exist Figure 3 In blood tubing assemblies or similar biopharmaceutical fluid circuits of the type shown, segments 2a and 2b pass through two corresponding flow control clamping devices 1. Anchoring is performed in a region offset relative to the tubing channel, obtaining a closed position in response to a pressing portion (radial pressing action) toward the tubing. The locking or anchoring surface formed by the toothed portion TS can typically extend radially along a direction D1 transverse to the tubing channel, as shown. Figure 2 and 3 As specifically shown in the diagram. Therefore, channels 31 and 32 can be considered as axially opposite openings in clamping device 1 or 1'.

[0132] In some options, clamping devices 1, 1' can be configured such that once closed, they remain irreversibly closed. An "irreversibly" closed or closable flow control clamp can only be released from the closed and locked position by unconventional and unintended actions of the clamp, including damage to the clamp.

[0133] To facilitate the application of pressure and displacement of the tongue 5, the first clamping end E1 may comprise a robust material, such as rigid or semi-rigid plastic. In some embodiments, at least one of the bosses B and B' is formed as a layer added to the plastic part or support (including the tongue and locking portion, and possibly defining the inner periphery of the clamping device in the closed position), and the bosses B and / or B' are welded, mechanically fastened, or overmolded.

[0134] Hollow portions 17 and 18 can be optionally formed between the plastic part or support and the bosses B and B' (optionally arranged as an additional layer), allowing a good balance between a significant raised effect at one or both lips 9a and 9b and optimizing the amount of plastic material contained in the clamping jaws 11 and 12.

[0135] Alternatively, or in variations, at least one boss B, B' is obtained as an assembly of two clamping end halves or two fastening components, for example, fastening is performed in the core portion of the respective clamping ends E1, E2. When using two components, it is preferable that each component 101, 102 may comprise a single plastic material. The use of this same plastic material is also applicable when a single-piece construction is present.

[0136] Each component 101, 102 may include a bend adjacent to the end of the half-clamp. For example, Figure 7a A curved portion HC1 is shown in the component / body half 101, between the connecting section having one of the side protrusions and the rear channel section for forming the channel 31. Similarly, as Figure 7b The other component / body half 102 shown may have a bend HC2 between the pressing surface portion of another connecting segment (known to be a connector including a first clamp end E1 once assembled) and the corresponding rear channel segment of the component 102.

[0137] When two clamp bodies / components 101, 102 are present, one or more protrusions 41 arranged in the connecting section of component 101 can form an insert suitable for concealment within the other component 102, extending into the receiving cavity or channel O1. Engaged in this transverse channel O1 by such an insert, the protrusion 41 extends into the interior of the boss B, typically complementary to the interior of the boss portion HB in the connector of the first clamping jaw 11.

[0138] The clamping devices 1 and 1' are operable without significant differences compared to clamps that provide toothed portions for engagement with tongues at opposite clamp ends, while providing an increased level of safety and making them user-friendly.

[0139] refer to Figure 6It can be seen that the tongue 5 may have an elongated base b5 connecting two opposite sides of the first clamping end E1. The tongue 5 may also be inclined and provided with a straight edge extending between the two rounded side ends of the tongue 5. As a result, the straight edge may be shorter than the elongated base b5 of the tongue 5, and prevents the risk of degradation or damage due to such an edge on its side. This arrangement may be applicable to any of the embodiments or options disclosed for the foregoing with respect to clamping device 1 or 1'.

[0140] While the embodiments show each channel 31, 32 defined circumferentially without any deformation, the clamping devices 1, 1' may also be provided with one or two arched blades or similar flexible tabs capable of holding a hose smaller than the inner diameter or maximum size of one of the channels 31, 32. Possibly, channel 31 may be provided with two flexible C-shaped branches projecting from the same side of the channel circumference, possessing an outwardly bending divergent bending / capability: such a pair of branches can prevent skewing or radial movement of tubing / hose smaller than the characteristic diameter of the channel.

[0141] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims. Clearly, the use of the verb "comprising" and its variations does not exclude the presence of any other element besides those defined in any claim. The words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

Claims

1. A clamping device (1; 1') for regulating the flow rate of liquid through a flexible hose (2), comprising a first clamping jaw (11) and a second clamping jaw (12) arranged to clamp the flexible hose (2) between them, using two channels (31, 32) distributed at the rear and front ends of the clamping device, these channels forming a hose channel for receiving the flexible hose. The clamping device (1; 1') includes: - Two clamping parts (8a, 8b), the flexible hose through the two channels (31, 32) can be clamped between them, in the closed state of the clamping device (1), the two clamping parts (8a, 8b) are distributed in the first clamping jaw (11) and the second clamping jaw (12); - The two clamping ends offset relative to the hose channel, namely the first clamping end (E1) and the second clamping end (E2) distributed in the two clamping jaws (11, 12) and provided with interacting locking elements, these locking elements anchor the clamping jaws (11, 12) in the closed position. The second clamping end (E2) includes a locking surface, while the first clamping end (E1) is actuated in response to a pushing action and is provided with a tongue (5) to engage with the locking surface. Two outer lips (9) are provided at the two corresponding clamping ends (E1, E2). In the unfolded state of the clamping device (1; 1'), the tongue (5): - An outer tongue that is transverse to the locking surface; - Protruding outwards, while being fully contained within the mouth area defined between the two outer lips (9); The locking surface is composed of a toothed portion (TS) with an inwardly facing retaining tooth (7).

2. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein a closed loop is formed in the closed position and an open loop is formed in the unfolded position. The first clamping end (E1) and the second clamping end (E2) are adapted to form the two ends of the open ring. The first clamping jaw (11) includes a first raised end portion provided with a first lip (9a), which is one of two outer lips and defines the outer free end of the first clamping end (E1), and the second clamping jaw (12) includes a second raised end portion provided with a second lip (9b), which is one of two outer lips and defines the outer free end of the second clamping end. The first lip (9a) has a convex surface extending between the tongue (5) and the pressing surface (PS) of the first raised end portion, which has a convex or circular profile.

3. The clamping device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking element consists of a tongue (5) and a toothed portion (TS). The locking element allows the clamping device (1) to remain in a closed state when engaged with each other, and is adapted to anchor the clamping jaws (11, 12) in at least two closed positions. Furthermore, the clamp end (E1) provided with the tongue (5) has a longitudinal axis (X1), and the default spacing (e8) between the clamping portions (8a, 8b) obtained in the unfolded state is greater than any spacing between the clamping portions defined in any closed position. The tongue (5) is configured to protrude along the longitudinal axis (X1) transverse to the toothed portion (TS) in the unfolded state.

4. The clamping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The tongue (5) protrudes perpendicular to the pressing direction in the unfolded state, which allows the first clamp end (E1) to displace and engage with the toothed portion (TS) formed on the inner surface of the second clamp end (E2).

5. The clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In the unfolded state of the clamping device (1), the tongue (5) extends behind the tangential virtual plane (PT) that contacts the two outer lips (9) and protrudes in a general direction (D5) that roughly intersects the tangential virtual plane (PT).

6. The clamping device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The uppermost part of one of the two outer lips is defined by a clamping device (1; 1') in the first clamping jaw (11), while the front free end of the other of the two outer lips is defined by a forward-protruding clamping device (1; 1'). The virtual plane (PT) is a plane that is tangent to the uppermost part and the front free end in the unfolded state.

7. The clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first clamping jaw (11), positioned above the first clamping jaw (12), extends from the first channel (31) of the two channels. The second clamping jaw (12) also extends from the first channel (31), and the second channel (32) of the two channels is located below the second clamping end (E2). The orientation of the two channels (31, 32) allows the flexible hose (2) to extend on the same lower side relative to the two clamping ends (E1, E2). Furthermore, the clamp end (E2) provided with the locking surface has a thickness that gradually increases with the increase of the distance between the clamp end and the transition portion of the adjacent second channel (32) of the second clamping jaw, thereby forming a boss (B') near the locking surface.

8. The clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, when subordinate to claim 2, is characterized in that, Each of the two outer lips (9) has a thickness greater than 7 mm, preferably 9 mm, as measured below: - The protruding general direction (D5) perpendicular to the tongue (5) is used for the thickness of the outer lip (9a) provided in the first clamp end (E1); - The thickness of the outer lip (9b) provided in the second clamping end (E2) is perpendicular to the extending direction (D1) of the locking surface.

9. The clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, when subordinate to claim 2, is characterized in that, The first clamping jaw (11) has an outer surface provided with a first curved portion (C1), which is arranged between the first channel (31) of the two channels and the first outer boss (B) of the clamping device adjacent to the tongue (5). Furthermore, the second clamping jaw (12) has a second curved portion (C2) on its outer surface. The second curved portion (C2) is arranged between the second channel (32) in the two channels and the second outer boss (B') of the clamping device provided in the second clamping end (E2), which faces the opposite direction to the locking surface.

10. The clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The toothed portion (TS) is disposed in the second clamping jaw (12) and includes teeth (7) distributed and spaced apart from each other along a given alignment direction (D1). And it satisfies the following relationship: 0.3 ≤ L1 / L2 ≤ 0.6 L1 is the distance between the toothed portion (TS) and the tongue (5) measured along the alignment direction in the unfolded state, while L2 is the distance between the toothed portion (TS) and the outer surface portion formed in the boss of the first clamping jaw (11) measured along the alignment direction (D1).

11. The clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a flexible connecting portion (4) forming a common end of a first clamping jaw (11) and a second clamping jaw (12), wherein the jaws are thus flexibly connected to each other at the common end. The locking element is located in the two clamp ends (E1, E2), on opposite sides of the common end.

12. The clamping device according to claim 11, made of a single piece, wherein a flexible connecting portion (4) is formed in a C-shaped portion extending between the clamping portions (8a, 8b).

13. The clamping device according to claim 11 is made of two parts provided with interlocking elements, the flexible connection (4) and the two channels (31, 32) are defined and distributed in the two parts, such that the two parts can be fastened by interlocking elements (41, 42, 43, O1, O2, O3), and the clamping device (1') is obtained once the flexible hose (2) has been extended between the two parts of the clamping device (1').

14. The clamping device according to claim 13, characterized in that, At least one of the two lip pieces (9), preferably each lip piece, is made of two separable lip pieces distributed in the two parts.

15. The clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Tongue slice (5): - It is provided with two elongated bases that connect to the clamping end (E1) included in the first clamping jaw (11) on two opposite sides; - tilted; and - A straight edge is provided between the two rounded side ends of the tongue (5), such that the straight edge is shorter than the elongated base of the tongue (5).

16. The clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The two clamp ends (E1, E2) are provided with hollow sections (ZC) that open laterally outward.

17. The clamping device according to any one of the preceding claims, when subordinate to claim 2, is characterized in that, The first lip (9a) in the first clamp end (E1) is provided with an angled surface such that the pressing surface (PS) extends substantially planarly and transversely to the transition surface, the transition surface forming a gap between the actuation area at the pressing surface (PS) and the tongue (5), the tongue protruding forward from the transition surface, the transition surface being the front surface of the first clamp end (E1).

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