Self-expansion clamp

Abstract

The self-expanding clamp comprises a clamp body, the clamp body comprises a first semi-arc-shaped C-shaped clamp and a second semi-arc-shaped C-shaped clamp, one end of the first C-shaped clamp and one end of the second C-shaped clamp are each provided with an extension portion, and the other end of the first C-shaped clamp and the other end of the second C-shaped clamp are connected through a C-shaped elastic piece so that the ends, provided with the extension portions, of the first C-shaped clamp and the second C-shaped clamp can form a retractable opening. The extension part of the first C-shaped clamp is hinged with a locking handle with a hanging groove; a tension spring assembly is further included, the tension spring assembly comprises two cylindrical springs which are parallel to each other and arranged in a spaced mode, one ends of the two cylindrical springs are provided with hanging lugs hinged to the outer side of the extension portion of the second C-shaped clamp respectively, and the other ends of the two cylindrical springs are provided with pull rods which extend in the axial direction of the cylindrical springs and are located on the two sides of the locking handle. The tail ends of the two pull rods are connected through a cross rod, and the cross rod is matched with the hanging groove. The connector has the advantages of being more convenient to install and lock and good in connector size adaptability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pipe connectors, specifically to a self-expanding clamp. Background Technology

[0002] A clamp (pipe clamp) is a connecting device used to connect pipes, valves and pipe fittings, and is used to tighten the connection between adjacent joints.

[0003] Current clamp (pipe clamp) connection methods include bolt fastening and snap fastening, etc. The clamp plates are generally double-piece, and the typical double-piece clamp plates are often made of zinc alloy or aluminum alloy casting. Although this can effectively ensure the overall strength, it greatly increases the production cost and its own weight. At the same time, because the clamp plates made of zinc alloy or aluminum alloy casting have high overall rigidity, they lack elastic deformation margin. When tightening, they are prone to point contact with the joint flanges of adjacent joints. The axial force consistency at various positions in the circumferential direction of the joint flange is poor, resulting in local stress concentration and deformation of the joint flange.

[0004] Therefore, in response to this problem, the applicant applied for a quick-release clamp on January 5, 2024, and was granted authorization on January 7, 2025. The application discloses a semi-circular first and second C-shaped clamp. One end of the first C-shaped clamp is hinged to one end of the second C-shaped clamp. The end of the first C-shaped clamp away from the hinge end has a first extension portion, and the end of the second C-shaped clamp away from the hinge end has a second extension portion. The virtual engagement plane of the first and second C-shaped clamps is parallel to and located between the first and second extension portions. The first C-shaped clamp and the side of the first extension portion facing the virtual engagement plane, as well as the side of the second C-shaped clamp and the second extension portion facing the virtual engagement plane, are all provided with engagement grooves. The cross-section of the engagement groove is trapezoidal, with the longer side closer to the virtual engagement plane. The first C-shaped clamp and the first extension portion are integrally stamped from sheet metal, and the second C-shaped clamp and the second extension portion are integrally stamped from sheet metal. This design has the advantages of simple structure, light weight, and low production cost.

[0005] However, subsequent market feedback indicated that because the first and second C-clamps are hinged together, they need to be manually separated when loose. In situations where installation space is limited and it is not convenient to operate with both hands, single-handed installation and disassembly become difficult. At the same time, the locking method is cumbersome and time-consuming. Utility Model Content

[0006] Based on the above problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a self-expanding clamp with simple structure, light weight, low production cost, more convenient installation and locking, and good adaptability to joint size.

[0007] To address the above problems, the following technical solution is provided: a self-expanding clamp, comprising a clamp body, the clamp body including a semi-arc first C-shaped clamp and a second C-shaped clamp, each of the first and second C-shaped clamps having an extension at one end, and the other ends of both being connected by a C-shaped spring to form an opening that can be opened and closed; the extension of the first C-shaped clamp is hinged to a locking handle with a hanging groove; and a tension spring assembly, the tension spring assembly including two parallel and spaced cylindrical springs, each having a hanging lug at one end that is respectively hinged to the outside of the extension of the second C-shaped clamp, and a pull rod extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical spring and located on both sides of the locking handle at the other end of the two cylindrical springs, the ends of the two pull rods being connected by a crossbar, the crossbar being adapted to the hanging groove; when the locking handle swings along the hinge point and approaches the outer wall of the first C-shaped clamp, the hanging groove pulls the crossbar, causing the cylindrical spring to stretch and store force while the opening contracts and the locking handle passes the dead point position to lock the first and second C-shaped clamps.

[0008] The present invention is further configured such that, after the locking handle passes the dead point position, the two cylindrical springs are located in the opening between the two outer extensions.

[0009] The present invention is further configured such that the rotation directions of the two cylindrical springs are opposite to each other.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that the lugs and the pull rod are both located on the side of the two cylindrical springs that are far apart from each other.

[0011] The present invention is further configured such that the locking handle includes a handle body and hinged walls located on both sides of the handle body, and the outer extension of the first C-shaped clip is located between the two hinged walls; the hanging groove is formed at the handle body.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that the handle body is integrally connected to the hinge wall and is formed by stamping and bending of metal sheet.

[0013] The present invention is further configured such that the first C-shaped clamp and its extension, the second C-shaped clamp and its extension are provided with clamping grooves on the sides facing each other, and the clamping groove walls are arranged at a V-shape with each other.

[0014] The present invention is further configured such that the first C-shaped clip and its extension, the second C-shaped clip and its extension, and the C-shaped spring are integrally connected and formed by stamping and bending of metal sheet.

[0015] The present invention is further provided that the outer wall of the C-shaped spring is provided with a reinforcing groove formed by stamping and presenting an inward concave shape, while the reinforcing groove causes the inner wall of the C-shaped spring to form a raised reinforcing rib.

[0016] The present invention is further configured such that the two cylindrical springs, their lugs, the pull rod, and the crossbar are integrally bent and rolled into shape by spring wire.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] 1. The first C-shaped clip and the second C-shaped clip are connected by a C-shaped spring. When not under force, the spring force of the C-shaped spring causes the opening to open, so that a space for accommodating the connector is formed between the first C-shaped clip and the second C-shaped clip.

[0019] 2. To unlock, simply flip the locking handle in the opposite direction to make it pass the dead point. At the same time, the first C-shaped clip and the second C-shaped clip will move away from each other under the elastic force of the C-shaped spring, so that the opening opens. This is suitable for places with limited space and is also easy to operate with one hand.

[0020] 3. At the same time, cylindrical springs have the advantages of good elasticity linearity and large extension. When the opening of the first C-clamp and the second C-clamp is inconsistent after clamping due to different sizes of joints, dynamic compensation can be achieved by its own tension storage.

[0021] 4. It ensures overall strength while being lightweight and easy to process. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a first-person perspective three-dimensional structural diagram of the clamped state of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a second-view three-dimensional structural diagram of the clamped state of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the open state of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 4 This utility model Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the full sectional three-dimensional structure.

[0026] The labels in the diagram have the following meanings: 10-Clamp body; 11-First C-shaped clamp; 12-Second C-shaped clamp; 13-Extension; 14-C-shaped spring; 141-Reinforcing groove; 142-Reinforcing rib; 15-Opening; 16-Clamping groove; 20-Locking handle; 21-Hanging groove; 22-Handle body; 23-Hinged wall; 30-Tension spring assembly; 31-Cylindrical spring; 32-Hanging ear; 33-Pull rod; 34-Crossbar. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit its scope.

[0028] refer to Figures 1 to 4 ,like Figures 1 to 4The self-expanding clamp shown includes a clamp body 10, which includes a semi-arc-shaped first C-shaped clamp 11 and a second C-shaped clamp 12. One end of each of the first C-shaped clamp 11 and the second C-shaped clamp 12 is provided with an extension portion 13. The other ends of both are connected by a C-shaped spring piece 14, forming an opening 15 at the end with the extension portion 13. A locking handle 20 with a hanging groove 21 is hinged to the extension portion 13 of the first C-shaped clamp 11. The clamp also includes a tension spring assembly 30, which includes two parallel and spaced-apart cylindrical springs 31, each with a [missing information - likely a design element]. The lugs 32 are respectively hinged to the outer side of the extension 13 of the second C-clamp 12. The other ends of the two cylindrical springs 31 are provided with pull rods 33 extending axially towards the cylindrical springs 31 and located on both sides of the locking handle 20. The ends of the two pull rods 33 are connected by a crossbar 34, which is adapted to the hanging groove 21. When the locking handle 20 swings along the hinge point and approaches the outer wall of the first C-clamp 11, the hanging groove 21 pulls the crossbar 34, causing the cylindrical springs 31 to stretch and store force, while simultaneously causing the opening 15 to contract and the locking handle 20 to pass the dead point position, locking the first C-clamp 11 and the second C-clamp 12 (see reference). Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 ).

[0029] In the above structure, the first C-shaped clip 11 and the second C-shaped clip 12 are connected by a C-shaped spring 14. In the unloaded state, the elastic force of the C-shaped spring 14 causes the opening 15 to be in an open state (see reference). Figure 3 This causes the first C-clamp 11 and the second C-clamp 12 to form a space for accommodating the connector (not shown in the figure); when fixing, flip up the locking handle 20 to hang the crossbar 34 of the tension spring assembly 30 in the hanging slot 21, and then swing the locking handle 20 in the opposite direction to make the locking handle 20 close to the outer wall of the first C-clamp 11, causing the opening 15 to contract and the first C-clamp 11 and the second C-clamp 12 to clamp the connector (not shown in the figure). At the same time, the cylindrical spring 31 is stretched and stored to ensure the stability of the clamping of the first C-clamp 11 and the second C-clamp 12. At the same time, when the locking handle 20 passes the dead end, the locking handle 20 is also engaged. After the locking handle 20 is locked at the fixed position, it is locked to prevent it from being unlocked in the opposite direction. When unlocking, simply flip the locking handle 20 in the opposite direction so that it passes the fixed position. At the same time, the first C-shaped clip 11 and the second C-shaped clip 12 move away from each other under the elastic force of the C-shaped spring 14, so that the opening 15 opens. This is suitable for occasions with limited space and is also easy to operate with one hand. Meanwhile, the cylindrical spring 31 has the advantages of good elasticity linearity and large extension. When the opening 15 is not as open after the first C-shaped clip 11 and the second C-shaped clip 12 are clamped due to different sizes of joints, it can dynamically compensate by its own tension storage.

[0030] In this embodiment, after the locking handle 20 passes the dead point position, the two cylindrical springs 31 are located in the opening 15 between the two extensions 13.

[0031] The above structure makes the overall layout more compact.

[0032] In this embodiment, the two cylindrical springs 31 have opposite directions of rotation.

[0033] In the above structure, the consistency of the force on the two cylindrical springs 31 is ensured.

[0034] In this embodiment, the hook 32 and the pull rod 33 are both located on the side of the two cylindrical springs 31 that are far apart from each other.

[0035] In the above structure, it is advantageous for the two cylindrical springs 31 to approach each other within the opening 15.

[0036] In this embodiment, the locking handle 20 includes a handle body 22 and hinged walls 23 located on both sides of the handle body 22, and the outer extension 13 of the first C-shaped clip 11 is located between the two hinged walls 23; the hanging groove 21 is opened at the handle body 22.

[0037] In the above structure, the hinge wall 23 is hinged to the outer extension 13 of the first C-shaped clip 11 by a hinge pin; the hanging ear is hinged to the outer extension 13 of the second C-shaped clip 12 by a hinge pin.

[0038] In this embodiment, the handle 22 is integrally connected to the hinge wall 23 and is formed by stamping and bending of metal sheet.

[0039] The above structure ensures overall strength while being lightweight and easy to process.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first C-shaped clamp 11 and its extension 13, the second C-shaped clamp 12 and its extension 13 are provided with clamping grooves 16 on the sides facing each other, and the clamping grooves 16 are arranged at a V-shape with their walls together.

[0041] In the above structure, the clamping grooves 16 at the first C-shaped clamp 11 and the second C-shaped clamp 12 are used to adapt to the connector (not shown in the figure), and the clamping grooves 16 of the extension portion 13 are used to improve the rigidity of the extension portion 13.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first C-shaped clip 11 and its extension 13, the second C-shaped clip 12 and its extension 13, and the C-shaped spring piece 14 are integrally connected and formed by stamping and bending of metal sheet.

[0043] The above structure ensures overall strength while being lightweight and easy to process.

[0044] In this embodiment, the outer wall of the C-shaped spring piece 14 is provided with a reinforcing groove 141 formed by stamping and presenting an inward concave shape. At the same time, the reinforcing groove 141 causes the inner wall of the C-shaped spring piece 14 to form a raised reinforcing rib 142.

[0045] The above structure can effectively improve the elasticity of the C-shaped spring 14.

[0046] In this embodiment, the two cylindrical springs 31, their lugs 32, pull rods 33, and crossbars 34 are integrally formed by bending and rolling spring wires.

[0047] The above structure ensures overall reliability and facilitates production and assembly.

[0048] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model. These improvements and modifications assumed above should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A self-expanding clamp, comprising a clamping body, characterized in that: The clamp body includes a semi-arc-shaped first C-clamp and a second C-clamp. One end of each of the first and second C-clamps has an extension, and the other ends are connected by a C-shaped spring to form an opening that can be opened and closed. The extension of the first C-clamp is hinged to a locking handle with a hanging groove. The clamp body also includes a tension spring assembly, which includes two parallel and spaced cylindrical springs. One end of each cylindrical spring has a hanging lug that is respectively hinged to the outside of the extension of the second C-clamp. The other end of each cylindrical spring has a pull rod that extends in the axial direction of the cylindrical spring and is located on both sides of the locking handle. The ends of the two pull rods are connected by a crossbar, which is adapted to the hanging groove. When the locking handle swings along the hinge point and approaches the outer wall of the first C-clamp, the hanging groove pulls the crossbar, causing the cylindrical spring to stretch and store force, while the opening contracts and the locking handle passes the dead point position to lock the first and second C-clamps.

2. The self-expanding clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the locking handle passes the dead point, the two cylindrical springs are located in the opening between the two outer extensions.

3. The self-expanding clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two cylindrical springs have opposite directions of rotation.

4. A self-expanding clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lugs and pull rods are both located on the side of the two cylindrical springs that are far apart from each other.

5. A self-expanding clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking handle includes a handle body and hinged walls located on both sides of the handle body, with the outer extension of the first C-shaped clip located between the two hinged walls; the hanging groove is formed at the handle body.

6. A self-expanding clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that: The handle body is integrally connected to the hinge wall and is formed by stamping and bending metal sheet.

7. A self-expanding clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first C-shaped clamp and its extension, and the second C-shaped clamp and its extension, have clamping grooves on their faces facing each other, and the walls of the clamping grooves are arranged at a V-shape.

8. A self-expanding clamp according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first C-shaped clip and its extension, the second C-shaped clip and its extension, and the C-shaped spring are integrally connected and formed by stamping and bending of metal sheet.

9. A self-expanding clamp according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that: The outer wall of the C-shaped spring is provided with a reinforcing groove formed by stamping and presenting an inward concave shape. At the same time, the reinforcing groove causes the inner wall of the C-shaped spring to form a raised reinforcing rib.

10. A self-expanding clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two cylindrical springs, their lugs, pull rods, and crossbars are formed by bending and rolling the spring wires together.

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