Clamp for fastening a tubular or hose-shaped object

Abstract

Clamp (1) for fastening a tubular or hose-shaped object, comprising a clamp band (2) having a first leg at its first end and a second leg at its second end, wherein the legs lie against each other in the tensioned state of the clamp band (2) and form a pair of legs (3), wherein the clamp (1) has a clip element (4) with a receiving section (7) into which the pair of legs (3) can be inserted in the tensioned state of the clamp band (2), wherein the clip element (4) can be locked into the receiving section (7) with the pair of legs (3), wherein the clip element (4) has a fastening section (5) with a fastening area (6) for fastening the clamp (1) to an element, and wherein the receiving section (7) has a receiving area (8) for receiving the pair of legs (3), wherein the receiving section (7) of the clip element (4) has a base surface (9) and a locking hook (10) and has an insertion opening (11),wherein guide elements (13) are formed on the longitudinal sides of the base surface (9) of the receiving section (7), characterized in that the locking hook (10) is directed into the receiving space (8), wherein the locking hook (10) is connected to the base surface (9) in a single material and is folded out as a partial cutout from the base surface (9).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamp with a clamp band having a first leg at its first end and a second leg at its second end, wherein the legs abut one another in the clamped state of the clamp band and form a pair of legs, and the clamp has a clip element with a receiving portion into which the pair of legs can be inserted in the clamped state of the clamp band.

[0002] The main features of the invention are defined in the characterizing part of the main claim. Further embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 13. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] DE 10 2006 020 407 B3 relates to a clamp for fastening a tubular or hose-shaped object to a base, having a clamp casing from one end of which a first leg projects outwards and from the other end of which a second leg abuts one another when the clamp is closed. In the open state, the first leg has at least one tab projecting towards the second leg, and the second leg has a fastening section that can be inserted into a gap between the tab and an adjacent region of the first leg opposite the tab. In the closed state, the tab is plastically deformed onto the outer side of the fastening section facing away from the first leg, whereby the two legs are held together.The clamp is then finally fixed, for example, by means of a screw that is screwed to a desired object through a through hole in both legs.

[0004] Further clamps are known from DE 10 2006 003 448 B3 and from US 5 511 288 A.

[0005] These known solutions are generally satisfactory. However, it has become apparent that there is potential for improvement in terms of simple and quick clamp attachment. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a clamp that enables the attachment of tubular or hose-shaped elements with minimal effort. The disadvantages of the prior art are to be eliminated. In particular, attachment should be possible without additional fastening means.

[0007] The stated object is achieved by a clamp having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in claims 2 to 13.

[0008] In a clamp for fastening a tubular or hose-shaped object, with a clamp band which has a first leg at its first end and a second leg at its second end, wherein the legs abut one another when the clamp is tensioned and form a pair of legs, the invention provides that the clamp has a clip element with a receiving section into which the pair of legs can be inserted when the clamp band is tensioned, wherein the clip element can be locked to the pair of legs by means of a locking mechanism in the receiving section. This advantageous embodiment enables simple arrangement of the clip element on the clamp, wherein the clip element simultaneously prevents accidental opening of the clamp. In particular, the locking mechanism makes additional fastening elements such as screws or clamps unnecessary.The clip element can engage around the pair of legs in a form-fitting manner, at least in sections, thus reliably securing the legs inserted into the receiving section. For a long service life, the clip element is advantageously designed to be relatively rigid and resilient, for which purpose it can be made, for example, of a metal or a similar plastic.

[0009] Preferably, the clip element has a fastening section with a fastening space for fastening the clamp to an element, and the receiving section has a receiving space for receiving the pair of legs. A clip element designed in this way enables the clamp to be securely attached to a desired element, for example a vehicle body or a support. In particular, the fastening space and the receiving space allow uncomplicated handling of the clip element, wherein both the fastening of the clip element to the clamp and the attachment of the clip element to the element can be carried out without tools by inserting the legs into the receiving space and at least a part of the element, such as a protruding tab, into the fastening space and locking and / or being held there by a force fit.This means that the clamp can be tightened around a pipe or hose-shaped element and secured to another element without the need for tools.

[0010] An advantageous development provides that the receiving section of the clip element has a base surface, a latching hook, and an insertion opening, optionally with a first tongue element, wherein guide elements are formed on the long sides of the base surface of the receiving section. The base surface is formed, for example, by a one-piece metal or plastic plate, which can be brought into overlap with the pair of legs, at least in sections. The optional tongue element and the guide elements can be arranged on the base surface from the same material, i.e., formed integrally with it. This development according to the invention ensures high stability of the receiving section and simple production. The first tongue element is optionally provided to facilitate the insertion of the pair of legs into the receiving section or into the receiving space.The guide elements serve, on the one hand, to guide the pair of legs to the locking mechanism and, on the other hand, to laterally fixate the pair of legs in the receiving section. A receiving section designed in this way enables the clip element to securely and positively hold the pair of legs.

[0011] A particular advantage arises from the fact that the guide elements have free ends that are bent at right angles so that they point toward each other. The guide elements, together with the free ends and the base of the receiving section, form the receiving space. This shape of the guide elements means that the receiving space of the clip element can encompass the pair of legs, at least in sections, from all sides, including the side facing away from the base of the receiving section. This design ensures a positive-locking fixation of the clip element to the pair of legs.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the locking hook is directed into the receiving space. The optional first tongue element can be directed away from the receiving space. The locking hook can be connected to the base surface in a uniform material, wherein it is folded out of the base surface in particular as a partial cutout and projects into the receiving space. A locking hook designed in this way has the advantage that, with a complementary locking geometry of the pair of legs received in the receiving space, it easily forms a locking mechanism that requires no additional parts. The complementary locking geometry is in particular in the form of a locking tab or a recess. The locking mechanism ensures quick, simple and secure fixing of the clamp to the clip element, whereby additional fastening means such as screws, clamps or similar can be dispensed with.If necessary, a through-hole provided in the legs for screws can also serve as a complementary locking geometry into which the locking hook can hook. The formation of a first tongue element can advantageously facilitate the insertion of the pair of legs into the receiving section or into the receiving space of the clip element by expanding the receiving space in the area of ​​its opening, similar to an insertion aid.

[0013] A particularly preferred embodiment consists in that the fastening section of the clip element has at least one tab and optionally a second tongue element. The at least one tab points in the direction of the fastening space and the optional second tongue element can be directed away from the fastening space. A reliable fastening section of this type can be used to achieve the clip element on a corresponding element. In particular, the tab ensures better fixation of the clip element on an element that is at least partially inserted into the fastening space and makes accidental release more difficult. The second tongue, which is optionally located at the opening of the fastening space and directed away from it, acts as a type of insertion aid and makes it easier to insert the clip element into the element provided for it because it enlarges the opening area.

[0014] A variant of the invention further provides that the clip element is bent into a U-shape between the fastening section and the receiving section such that the fastening section and the receiving section are arranged essentially parallel to one another. This design of the clip element has the advantage that the fastening and receiving sections point in the same direction with their openings. This variant makes it possible to address potential space problems that may arise when attaching a tubular or hose-shaped object to an element.

[0015] It can further be provided that the fastening space is formed between the base surface of the fastening section and the free ends of the guide elements of the receiving section. This configuration is particularly preferred in the case of a clip element with a U-shaped bend, in which the fastening section and the receiving section lie adjacent to one another. An advantage of this inventive configuration of the fastening space is that the free ends of the guide elements now function equally on one side each as the closure of the receiving and fastening spaces, thereby increasing the stability and thus the rigidity of the clip element. Furthermore, this configuration allows material to be saved during production of the clip element.

[0016] A further advantage arises from the fact that the at least one tab is arranged on the base surface of the fastening section. A tab can easily exert a relatively strong clamping effect on the element that is at least partially inserted into the fastening space, thus ensuring that the clip element and the clamp are securely held on the element. It can also be provided that the element has a fastening geometry that corresponds to the tab, into which the tab engages. The base surface of the fastening section of the clip element can in particular be designed as a metal or plastic plate, from which one or more tabs protrude into the fastening space.

[0017] An advantageous further development provides that the fastening section of the clip element is designed as a U-shaped wraparound with a base leg and an outer leg, wherein the base and outer legs delimit the fastening space. With regard to spatial requirements of the fastening location, this embodiment is particularly advantageous when the opening of the fastening section and the opening of the receiving section must point in different directions, in particular toward each other. In such a case, a fastening section designed according to the invention with an outer leg and a base leg can also provide a fastening space, which brings about improved fastening of the clip element and thus of the clamp to an element.

[0018] Preferably, the base leg and the outer leg are closer together in the area of ​​the fastening opening than in the area of ​​the U-shaped wraparound. This shape ensures an improved clamping effect of the fastening space because it increases the tension on an element at least partially inserted between the outer and base legs, which in turn results in a higher clamping force of the fastening section.

[0019] From a design perspective, it is advantageous for the at least one tab to be arranged on the outer leg of the fastening section. A fastening section designed in this way improves the fixation of the clip element to an element. For this purpose, the element can be provided, for example, with a corresponding fastening geometry, with which the tab of the fastening section can be locked.

[0020] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below, together with the description of two preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures. It shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a clamp for fastening a tubular or hose-shaped object with a clip element, Fig. 2 an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of a clip element with a U-shaped wraparound and Fig. 3 a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a clip element.

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a clamp 1 for securing a tubular or hose-shaped object with a clip element 4. The clamp 1 comprises a clamp band 2 and a pair of legs 3, wherein the clip element 4 is locked via a locking mechanism to the pair of legs 3 received in a receiving section 7 of the clip element 4. The clip element 4 is designed as a one-piece, bent component and comprises, for example, a metallic material such as spring steel. In addition to the receiving section 7, the clip element has a fastening section 5, which serves to secure the clamp to an element.

[0022] The receiving section 7 essentially completely encloses the pair of legs 3, so that the clip element 4 is positively connected to the clamp 1.

[0023] The receiving section 7 has a base surface 9, from which a locking hook 10 is folded out for better fixing of the clip element 4 to the leg pair 3. The locking hook 10 can form a locking mechanism with a recess (not shown) in the leg pair 3. Guide elements 13 are also located on two sides of the base surface 9 of the receiving section 7. These, together with the base surface 9, form a receiving space 8, into which the leg pair 3 is inserted, wherein the guide elements 13 of the Fig. 1, the two ends 14 are bent at right angles toward the receiving space 8. In the area of ​​the opening of the receiving space 8, the base surface 9 merges into a first tongue element 12, which is bent in a direction opposite to the receiving space 8 and thus enlarges the opening. This facilitates insertion of the pair of legs 3.

[0024] Adjoining the receiving section 7 of the clip element 4 is a fastening section 5, which serves to fasten the clamp 1 to an element not shown. The fastening section 5 and the receiving section 7 are designed according to the Fig. 1, the two tongues are bent into a U-shape such that they are arranged essentially parallel to one another. The fastening section 5 has a fastening space 6 with a second tongue element 15 and at least one tab 16. According to the example shown, two tabs 16 are located on the fastening section 5, of which only one tab 16 is visible. The tabs 16 are arranged on two opposite longitudinal sides of the base surface of the fastening section 5.The longitudinal arrangement of the tabs 16 ensures that the clip element 4 is held on the element that is at least partially inserted into the fastening space, because the fastening space 6 is now limited in all directions with the exception of its opening, namely by the base area of ​​the fastening section 5, by the laterally arranged tabs 16 and by the U-shaped wraparound and in a direction opposite to the base area by the bent free ends 14 of the receiving section 7. Analogous to the first tongue element 12 in the receiving space 8, the second tongue element 15 in the case of the fastening space 6 serves to enlarge the opening, thereby facilitating the insertion of the element.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of the embodiment of a clip element 4 from Fig. 1. A clamp 1 is placed in Fig. 2 not shown. The clip element 4 has a receiving section 7 with a receiving space 8 and a fastening section 5 with a fastening space 6. If the leg pair 3 is inserted into the receiving space 8, the locking hook 10 engages with the leg pair 3, whereby the clip element 4 is fixed to the clamp 1 and the clip element 4 presses the legs of the leg pair together. This secures the clamp in a closed state. The receiving section 7 also has a bent first tongue element 12 and lateral guide elements 13 with bent free ends 14, with the help of which the leg pair 3 is guided to the locking hook 10. In addition, the guide elements 13 serve to position the leg pair 3 in a form-fitting manner.

[0026] Fig. 2 further shows the tabs 16 formed on the long sides of the base surface of the fastening section 5. These tabs protrude into the fastening space 6 and serve to fasten the clip element 4 to an element, wherein the element is at least partially inserted into the fastening space 6. The tabs 16 function as locking or clamping means and hold the clip element 4 to the element in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. The fastening space 6 also has a tongue element 15 in the region of its opening. This second tongue element 15 ensures easy attachment of the clip element 4 to an element.

[0027] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a clip element 4 in which no U-shaped deformation is provided between the receiving section 7 and the fastening section 5. However, the embodiment shown has an S-shaped bend in the transition area from the receiving section 7 to the fastening section 5, as a result of which the base surface 9 of the receiving section 7 and the base surface of the fastening section 5 do not lie exactly in one plane, but are slightly offset from one another. The clip element 4 has a fastening section 5 with a U-shaped wraparound 17, wherein the fastening section 5 forms a base leg 18 and an outer leg 19. The base leg 18 and the outer leg 19 delimit the fastening space 6. The base leg 18 and the outer leg 19 do not run exactly parallel to one another.Rather, the distance between the base leg 18 and the outer leg 19 decreases toward the opening of the fastening space 6. This increases the potential clamping effect of the fastening section 5.

[0028] The first tongue element 12 of the receiving section 7 of the embodiment according to Fig. 3 is formed by the bent free ends 14 of the guide elements.

[0029] The invention is not limited in its implementation to the preferred examples described above. List of reference symbols 1 clamp 2 clamp bands 3 pairs of legs 4 clip element 5 Fastening section 6 Mounting space 7 Recording section 8 Recording room 9 Floor space 10 locking hooks 12 first tongue element 13 guide elements 14 free ends 15 second tongue element 16 tab 17 U-shaped wraparound 18 base legs 19 outer thighs

Claims

[1] Clamp (1) for fastening a tubular or hose-shaped object, with a clamp band (2) which has a first leg at its first end and a second leg at its second end, wherein the legs lie against one another in the clamped state of the clamp band (2) and form a pair of legs (3), wherein the clamp (1) has a clip element (4) with a receiving section (7) into which the pair of legs (3) can be inserted in the clamped state of the clamp band (2), wherein the clip element (4) can be locked to the pair of legs (3) in the receiving section (7), wherein the clip element (4) has a fastening section (5) with a fastening space (6) for fastening the clamp (1) to an element and that the receiving section (7) has a receiving space (8) for receiving the pair of legs (3), wherein the receiving section (7) of the clip element (4) has a base area (9), a locking hook (10) and an insertion opening (11),wherein guide elements (13) are formed on the longitudinal sides of the base surface (9) of the receiving section (7), , characterized by that the locking hook (10) is directed into the receiving space (8), wherein the locking hook (10) is connected to the base surface (9) in a uniform material and is folded out of the base surface (9) as a partial cutout. [2] Clamp (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the guide elements (13) have free ends (14) which are bent at right angles so that they point towards each other. [3] Clamp (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the guide elements (13) with the free ends (14) and the base surface (9) of the receiving section (7) form the receiving space (8). [4] Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a first tongue element (12) is directed away from the receiving space (8). [5] Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fastening section (5) of the clip element (4) has at least one tab (16) and in particular a second tongue element (15). [6] Clamp (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the at least one tab (16) is directed in the direction of the fastening space (6) and the second tongue element (15) is optionally directed in a direction pointing away from the fastening space (6). [7] Clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the clip element (4) between the fastening section (5) and the receiving section (7) is bent in a U-shape such that the fastening section (5) and the receiving section (7) are arranged essentially parallel to one another. [8] Clamp (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized bythat the fastening space (6) is formed between the base surface (9) of the fastening section (5) and the free ends (14) of the guide elements (13) of the receiving section (7). [9] Clamp (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by that the at least one tab (16) is arranged on the base surface (9) of the fastening section (5). [10] Clamp (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the fastening section (5) of the clip element (4) is designed as a U-shaped wraparound (17) with a base leg (18) and an outer leg (19). [11] Clamp (1) according to claim 10, characterized by that the fastening space (6) is formed by the outer leg (19) and the base leg (18). [12] Clamp (1) according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized bythat the base leg (18) and the outer leg (19) are closer together in the area of ​​the fastening opening than in the area of ​​the U-shaped wraparound (17). [13] Clamp (1) according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized by that the at least one tab (16) is arranged on the outer leg (19) of the fastening section (5).

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