Spring clamp

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of automotive manufacturing technology, specifically relating to a spring clamp. The spring clamp of this utility model includes a leaf spring body, a first clamping plate, and a second clamping plate. The first clamping plate includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate, which are spaced apart and both connected to a first end of the first clamping plate. The first connecting plate is provided with a first locking hook. The second clamping plate is connected to the second end of the leaf spring body and inserted into the gap between the first and second connecting plates. A second locking hook is provided on the side of the second clamping plate closest to the first connecting plate, located at the end of the second clamping plate furthest from the leaf spring body. When the spring clamp is in the open state, the first and second locking hooks engage with each other. By using the spring clamp of this technical solution, the use of clamp inserts can be reduced, the installation process is simple and efficient, and it is convenient for operation in confined spaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automobile manufacturing technology, and specifically relates to a spring clamp. Background Technology

[0002] Spring clamps are a type of fastener widely used in engine piping systems, primarily for connecting and sealing hoses and metal fittings. They achieve uniform tightening of the connection points through the preload of the spring band, offering advantages such as simple structure, good vibration resistance, and adaptability to high-temperature and high-pressure environments. Therefore, they are widely used in critical engine components such as fuel systems, cooling systems, and intake systems.

[0003] However, the widely used traditional spring clamps have significant limitations in the assembly process. During installation, operators must use specialized clamp pliers to open the clamp, initially place it on the hose, and after the hose and connector are aligned, use the clamp pliers again to reopen the clamp and move it to the designated sealing position before releasing it to complete the installation. This process not only requires repeated clamping and adjustment with tools, making it cumbersome and time-consuming, thus reducing assembly efficiency, but also increases the labor intensity of workers to some extent. In addition, in some confined or poorly oriented engine compartment areas, repeatedly operating the clamp pliers is extremely difficult or even impossible, further limiting the application range of traditional spring clamps and increasing the risk of assembly errors and seal failure.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a spring clamp that can pre-open to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to at least solve the problems of existing spring clamps being inconvenient to install and difficult to use in confined spaces. This purpose is achieved through the following technical solution: The first aspect of this utility model provides a spring clamp, comprising: The leaf spring body is ring-shaped; The first clamping plate includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate. The first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are spaced apart and are both connected to the first end of the leaf spring body. A first locking hook is provided at the end of the first connecting plate away from the first end of the leaf spring body. The second clamping plate is connected to the second end of the leaf spring body and inserted in the gap between the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate. The second clamping plate is provided with a second locking hook on the side near the first connecting plate. The second locking hook is located at the end of the second clamping plate away from the second end of the leaf spring body. When the spring clamp is in the open state, the first locking hook and the second locking hook are engaged with each other.

[0006] When using the spring clamp in this technical solution for pipe connection, the leaf spring body is opened, meaning the first and second ends of the leaf spring body move away from each other. This allows the first clamping plate to move between the first and second connecting plates, and the first and second locking hooks to move closer together. When the first and second locking hooks are aligned, the first connecting plate and the second clamping plate move closer together axially, causing the first and second locking hooks to engage. Because the first and second locking hooks abut against each other circumferentially, the spring clamp remains in the open state. Then, the spring clamp is moved to the desired assembly position, and the first clamping plate and the second connecting plate are separated. The first and second locking hooks disengage, and the spring clamp retracts due to its own elastic rebound, meaning the first and second ends of the leaf spring body move closer together. Therefore, the spring clamp can maintain its open state based on its own structural features. Thus, when using the spring clamp in this technical solution for pipe connection, there is no need to use a clamp insert to maintain the open state of the spring clamp, making the entire installation process simple, efficient, and convenient for use in confined spaces.

[0007] In addition, the spring clamp of this utility model may also have the following additional technical features: In some embodiments of this utility model, a first unlocking part is provided on the outer periphery of the first clamping plate, and a second unlocking part is provided on the outer periphery of the second clamping plate. When the first locking hook and the second locking hook are engaged with each other, the second unlocking part approaches the first unlocking part along its axial direction.

[0008] In some embodiments of this utility model, the ends of the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate away from the first end of the leaf spring body are connected by a first connecting part, the first connecting part extends toward the outside of the first clamping plate, and the first unlocking part is connected to the first clamping plate through the first connecting part.

[0009] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first unlocking part is located in the middle of the first connecting part and extends toward the first end of the leaf spring body.

[0010] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first connecting part includes a first supporting plate, a second supporting plate, and a fixing plate. The first supporting plate is vertically connected to the first connecting plate, the second supporting plate is vertically connected to the second connecting plate, the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate are connected through the fixing plate, and the first unlocking part is connected to the fixing plate.

[0011] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first unlocking part is a plate-shaped structure, and the first connecting part and the fixing plate are arranged perpendicularly.

[0012] In some embodiments of this utility model, a second connecting portion is connected to one end of the second clamping plate away from the second end of the leaf spring body. The second connecting portion extends toward the outside of the first clamping plate, and the second unlocking portion is connected to the second clamping plate through the second connecting portion.

[0013] In some embodiments of this utility model, the second unlocking part is located on the side of the second clamping plate away from the second locking hook, and the second unlocking part and the second connecting part are vertically connected and extend toward the second end of the leaf spring body.

[0014] In some embodiments of this utility model, both the second connecting part and the second unlocking part are plate-shaped, and the second connecting part and the second unlocking part are arranged vertically.

[0015] In some embodiments of this utility model, the leaf spring body is provided with multiple through holes. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the spring clamp according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from a certain perspective. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the spring clamp according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from another perspective.

[0017] The labels in the attached diagram are as follows: 100. Leaf spring body; 101. Through hole; 102. First end; 103. Second end; 200. First clamping plate; 201. First locking hook; 210. First connecting plate; 220. Second connecting plate; 300. First connecting part; 310. First support plate; 320. Second support plate; 330. Fixing plate; 400. First unlocking part; 500. Second clamping plate; 501. Second locking hook; 600. Second connecting part; 700. Second unlocking part. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0019] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” as used herein may also include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order described or illustrated unless the order of performance is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0020] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used in this document to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0021] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in the text to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "over," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" would subsequently be oriented "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations.

[0022] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the structure of a spring clamp according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 As shown, this utility model proposes a spring clamp, including a leaf spring body 100, a first clamping plate 200, and a second clamping plate 500; the leaf spring body 100 is annular; the first clamping plate 200 includes a first connecting plate 210 and a second connecting plate 220, which are spaced apart and both connected to the first end 102 of the leaf spring body 100; a first locking hook is provided at the end of the first connecting plate 210 away from the first end 102 of the leaf spring body 100. 201; The second clamping plate 500 is connected to the second end 103 of the leaf spring body 100 and inserted in the gap between the first connecting plate 210 and the second connecting plate 220. The second clamping plate 500 is provided with a second locking hook 501 on the side near the first connecting plate 210. The second locking hook 501 is located at the end of the second clamping plate 500 away from the second end 103 of the leaf spring body 100. When the spring clamp is in the open state, the first locking hook 201 and the second locking hook 501 are engaged with each other.

[0023] When using the spring clamp in this technical solution for pipeline connection, the leaf spring body 100 is opened, that is, the first end 102 and the second end 103 of the leaf spring body 100 are moved away from each other, so that the first clamping plate 200 moves between the first connecting plate 210 and the second connecting plate 220, and the first locking hook 201 and the second locking hook 501 move closer to each other. When the first locking hook 201 and the second locking hook 501 are facing each other, the first connecting plate 210 and the second clamping plate 500 move closer to each other in the axial direction, so that the first locking hook 201 and the second locking hook 501 are engaged with each other. Since the first locking hook 201 and the second locking hook 501 abut against each other in the circumferential direction, the spring clamp remains in the open state. Next, the spring clamp is moved to the required assembly position. Then, the first clamping plate 200 and the second connecting plate 220 are separated, and the first locking hook 201 and the second locking hook 501 disengage. The spring clamp retracts due to its own elastic rebound, that is, the first end 102 and the second end 103 of the leaf spring body 100 move closer to each other. It can be seen that the spring clamp can maintain its open state based on its own structural features. Therefore, when using the spring clamp of this technical solution for pipeline connection, there is no need to use a clamp insert to maintain the open state of the spring clamp. This makes the entire installation process simple and efficient, and convenient for use in confined operating spaces.

[0024] Furthermore, the first connecting plate 210 has a notch at its first end 102 away from the leaf spring body 100, which makes the outer contour of the first locking hook 201 L-shaped. Similarly, the second connecting plate 220 has a notch at its second end 103 away from the leaf spring body 100, which makes the outer contour of the second locking hook 501 L-shaped. The ends of the first connecting plate 210 and the second clamping plate 500 can be "joined" through the two notches. After "joining", a circumferential abutment force is generated between the first locking hook 201 and the second locking hook 501, thus keeping the leaf spring body 100 in the open state.

[0025] Furthermore, a first unlocking part 400 is provided on the outer periphery of the first clamping plate 200, and a second unlocking part 700 is provided on the outer periphery of the second clamping plate 500. When the first locking hook 201 and the second locking hook 501 are engaged with each other, the second unlocking part 700 approaches the first unlocking part 400 along its axial direction.

[0026] Understandably, due to the presence of the notch, in order for the first locking hook 201 and the second locking hook 501 to engage with each other, the second clamping plate 500 needs to move axially upwards towards the first connecting plate 210, which will cause the second unlocking part 700 to move closer to the first unlocking part 400. The function of the first unlocking part 400 and the second unlocking part 700 is that, when it is necessary to retract the spring clamp, by widening the distance between the second unlocking part 700 and the first unlocking part 400, the first locking hook 201 and the second locking hook 501 can be disengaged, and then the spring clamp can retract by its own restoring force. In some embodiments, the distance between the first unlocking part 400 and the second unlocking part 700 can be pried open using a screwdriver or other tools.

[0027] Furthermore, the first connecting plate 210 and the second connecting plate 220 are connected at the first end 102 away from the leaf spring body 100 via the first connecting part 300. The first connecting part 300 extends toward the outside of the first clamping plate 200, and the first unlocking part 400 is connected to the first clamping plate 200 via the first connecting part 300.

[0028] Understandably, the first connecting part 300 serves to support and connect the first unlocking part 400. Simultaneously, the first connecting part 300 connects the first connecting part 300 and the second connecting plate 220, making the structure of the first clamping plate 200 more stable. Optionally, the first clamping plate 200, the first connecting part 300, and the first unlocking part 400 are integrally formed, resulting in a stable and reliable structure.

[0029] Furthermore, the first unlocking part 400 is located in the middle of the first connecting part 300 and extends toward the first end 102 of the leaf spring body 100.

[0030] In other embodiments, the first unlocking portion 400 may also be located on the side of the first connecting portion 300, as long as there is a suitable interval between the first unlocking portion 400 and the second unlocking portion 700 to avoid mutual interference.

[0031] Further, the first connecting portion 300 includes a first support plate 310, a second support plate 320 and a fixing plate 330. The first support plate 310 is vertically connected to the first connecting plate 210, the second support plate 320 is vertically connected to the second connecting plate 220, the first support plate 310 and the second support plate 320 are connected by the fixing plate 330, and the first unlocking portion 400 is connected to the fixing plate 330.

[0032] Adopting this structural form, there is a certain interval between the first support plate 310 and the second support plate 320, and this interval enables the first clamping plate 200 to be inserted between the first connecting plate 210 and the second connecting plate 220. It can be understood that after the first support plate 310, the fixing plate 330 and the second support plate 320 are connected, they are roughly in a "C" shape. Optionally, the first unlocking portion 400 is connected to the middle position of the fixing plate 330, and the first unlocking portion 400 is connected to the side of the fixing plate 330 close to the first clamping plate 200.

[0033] Further, the first unlocking portion 400 is in a plate-like structure, and the first connecting portion 300 and the fixing plate 330 are vertically arranged.

[0034] Optionally, the first unlocking portion 400 is in a long strip plate-like structure. Optionally, the first unlocking portion 400 and the fixing plate 330 are transitioned by a fillet, so as to effectively avoid stress concentration.

[0035] Further, one end of the second clamping plate 500 far from the second end 103 of the leaf spring main body 100 is connected with a second connecting portion 600. The second connecting portion 600 extends towards the outside of the first clamping plate 200, and the second unlocking portion 700 is connected to the second clamping plate 500 through the second connecting portion 600.

[0036] Further, the second unlocking portion 700 is located on the side of the second clamping plate 500 far from the second locking hook 501. The second unlocking portion 700 and the second connecting portion 600 are vertically connected and extend towards the direction of the second end 103 of the leaf spring main body 100. The second connecting portion 600 serves to connect and support the second unlocking portion 700. Of course, in other embodiments, the second unlocking portion 700 can also be directly connected to the second clamping plate 500. In addition, the settings of the first connecting portion 300 and the second connecting portion 600 can facilitate the clamping of the retainer clip. When in use, by clamping the first connecting portion 300 and the second connecting portion 600, the spring clip can be opened.

[0037] By setting the second unlocking part 700 on the side of the second clamping plate 500 away from the second locking hook 501, when the first locking hook 201 and the second locking hook 501 are engaged, there is a certain gap between the first unlocking part 400 and the second unlocking part 700. This gap can be used to insert tools such as screwdrivers to facilitate unlocking the locking hooks.

[0038] Furthermore, both the second connecting part 600 and the second unlocking part 700 are plate-shaped, and the second connecting part 600 and the second unlocking part 700 are arranged vertically.

[0039] The plate-like structure design simplifies the overall structure and reduces material usage. To reduce stress concentration, the second unlocking part 700 and the second connecting part 600 are connected by rounded corners. Optionally, the second clamping plate 500, the second connecting part 600, and the second unlocking part 700 can be integrally formed.

[0040] Furthermore, the leaf spring body 100 is provided with multiple through holes 101.

[0041] The through-hole 101 reduces the area of ​​the leaf spring body 100, making it easier for the leaf spring body 100 to undergo elastic deformation in the radial direction. This reduces the force required to tighten the spring clamp, making installation easier. Furthermore, the spring clamp has a larger opening or closing range, making it less prone to plastic deformation or breakage, thus accommodating a wider range of tolerances. In this embodiment, there are three through-holes 101. In other embodiments, the number of through-holes 101 can be one, two, or four, depending on the application requirements. Optionally, the multiple through-holes 101 are evenly distributed along the axial direction of the leaf spring body 100.

[0042] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model, but the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, the scope of protection of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A spring clamp, characterized in that, include: The leaf spring body (100) is annular; The first clamping plate (200) includes a first connecting plate (210) and a second connecting plate (220). The first connecting plate (210) and the second connecting plate (220) are spaced apart and are both connected to the first end (102) of the leaf spring body (100). A first locking hook (201) is provided at the end of the first connecting plate (210) away from the first end (102). The second clamping plate (500) is connected to the second end (103) of the leaf spring body (100) and inserted in the gap between the first connecting plate (210) and the second connecting plate (220). The second clamping plate (500) is provided with a second locking hook (501) on the side of the second clamping plate (500) close to the first connecting plate (210). The second locking hook (501) is located at the end of the second clamping plate (500) away from the second end (103) of the leaf spring body (100). When the spring clamp is in the open state, the first locking hook (201) and the second locking hook (501) are engaged with each other.

2. The spring clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first clamping plate (200) is provided with a first unlocking part (400) on its outer periphery, and the second clamping plate (500) is provided with a second unlocking part (700) on its outer periphery. When the first locking hook (201) and the second locking hook (501) are engaged with each other, the second unlocking part (700) approaches the first unlocking part (400) along its axial direction.

3. The spring clamp according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first connecting plate (210) and the second connecting plate (220) are connected at one end (102) away from the first end of the leaf spring body (100) via a first connecting part (300), the first connecting part (300) extends toward the outside of the first clamping plate (200), and the first unlocking part (400) is connected to the first clamping plate (200) via the first connecting part (300).

4. The spring clamp according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first unlocking part (400) is located in the middle of the first connecting part (300) and extends toward the first end (102) of the leaf spring body (100).

5. The spring clamp according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first connecting part (300) includes a first support plate (310), a second support plate (320) and a fixing plate (330). The first support plate (310) is vertically connected to the first connecting plate (210), and the second support plate (320) is vertically connected to the second connecting plate (220). The first support plate (310) and the second support plate (320) are connected through the fixing plate (330). The first unlocking part (400) is connected to the fixing plate (330).

6. The spring clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first unlocking part (400) is a plate-shaped structure, and the first connecting part (300) and the fixing plate (330) are arranged perpendicularly.

7. The spring clamp according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second clamping plate (500) has a second connecting part (600) connected to one end of the second end (103) away from the leaf spring body (100). The second connecting part (600) extends toward the outside of the first clamping plate (200). The second unlocking part (700) is connected to the second clamping plate (500) through the second connecting part (600).

8. The spring clamp according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second unlocking part (700) is located on the side of the second clamping plate (500) away from the second locking hook (501). The second unlocking part (700) and the second connecting part (600) are vertically connected and extend toward the second end (103) of the leaf spring body (100).

9. The spring clamp according to claim 7, characterized in that, Both the second connecting part (600) and the second unlocking part (700) are plate-shaped, and the second connecting part (600) and the second unlocking part (700) are arranged vertically.

10. The spring clamp according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The leaf spring body (100) is provided with multiple through holes (101).

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