Protective cap for a pipeline and combinations of protective cap, pipeline, fastening screw and seal

Abstract

Protective cap (1) for a pipeline (10) with end screw-on flange (11), comprising: a protective cap base body (1a); on the protective cap base body (1a) at least one cover projection (1b) for covering a conductor cross-section (10a) of the pipeline (10), which cover projection (1b) has at least in a partial area a preferably flat contact surface (1c); and on the protective cap base body (1a) at least one receiving structure (1e, 1f) for a fastening screw (15) for fastening the pipe (10) to a connection part; which receiving structure (1e,1f) is arranged on the same side as the mounting surface (1c) with respect to the cover projection (1b) and has a stop surface (1g, 1h) for the fastening screw (15), which stop surface (1g, 1h) is arranged at a predetermined distance (A) to the cover projection (1b).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a protective cap according to claim 1 for a pipeline with an end screw-on flange, in order to protect the pipeline from damage or contamination.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a combination of such a protective cap with a fastening screw according to claim 10, a combination of the protective cap with a seal according to claim 13, a combination of the protective cap with a fastening screw and a pipeline according to claim 16, and a method for protecting a pipeline according to claim 18.

[0003] As part of technical cleanliness, it is a general aim to protect manufactured pipelines, which are often extensively cleaned after their production, from recontamination and other damage, especially to any sealing surfaces, before their final use. This can be achieved using end caps that are placed on the open ends of the pipeline to protect them from external damage and contamination.

[0004] The following section will discuss a specific application of such protective caps as an example: In exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems for combustion engine vehicles, the exhaust and intake manifolds are connected by a pipe. This can be achieved either within the cylinder head or externally via a separate EGR line. In the latter case, external EGR systems are further divided into high-pressure and low-pressure EGR lines. When exhaust gas is drawn downstream of a catalytic converter, ceramic particles originating from the converter can damage the compressor wheel of a turbocharger. Soot particles in the recirculated exhaust stream can also lead to premature turbocharger failure.

[0005] For this reason, there are very high requirements for technical cleanliness in media-carrying pipes in this specific application. This cleanliness must be ensured during the production of the pipes to avoid high additional costs due to extra cleaning efforts. To prevent the pipes from becoming contaminated or otherwise damaged during subsequent transport to the installation site, the aforementioned protective caps are regularly used to seal the open ends of the pipes. It is desirable that these protective caps also serve to securely hold the seals or sealing rings at the pipe ends. Simple plastic covers are known from the prior art, whose sole functions are to secure the aforementioned seals and protect the pipe from external dirt particles.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of further developing a protective cap for pipelines in such a way that the protective cap can fulfill additional protective and safety functions, which result in added value for a user of the protective cap.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a protective cap having the features of claim 1, by combining such a protective cap with further elements according to claim 10, claim 13 or claim 16, and by a method for protecting a pipeline having the features of claim 18.

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the idea according to the invention are each the subject of dependent claims.

[0009] According to the invention, a protective cap for a pipeline with an end screw-on flange (connection flange) comprises: a protective cap base body; on the protective cap base body, at least one cover projection for covering a cross-section of the pipeline, which cover projection has a preferably at least partially flat contact surface which may be intended for contact with a (flat) sealing surface of the screw-on flange; and on the protective cap base body, at least one receiving structure for a fastening screw for fastening the pipeline to a connection part; which receiving structure is arranged on the same side as the contact surface with respect to the cover projection and has a stop surface for the fastening screw, which stop surface is arranged at a predetermined distance from the cover projection.

[0010] In an inventive combination of a protective cap and a fastening screw, it is provided that the fastening screw is received in the receiving structure, preferably with its screw head resting against the said stop surface.

[0011] In another combination according to the invention consisting of the protective cap and a seal, it is provided that the seal is arranged on the cover projection at least in the area of ​​the contact surface.

[0012] In another combination according to the invention, comprising the protective cap according to the invention in combination with a fastening screw and a pipeline, which pipeline has an end screw-on flange with a sealing surface, which sealing surface surrounds a cross-section of the pipeline, wherein the screw-on flange has at least one bore, in particular a through bore or threaded bore, outside the sealing surface for inserting or screwing in a fastening screw, it is provided that the protective cap with its covering projection for covering the cross-section of the pipeline rests against the sealing surface of the screw-on flange in the area of ​​the contact surface, wherein the fastening screw is partially engaged with the bore of the screw-on flange.

[0013] An inventive method for protecting a pipeline with an end screw-on flange and a clear cross-section against damage and contamination comprises: providing the pipeline and a protective cap according to the invention as well as a fastening screw; attaching the protective cap with its covering projection in the area of ​​the cross-section to cover the cross-section of the pipeline; and inserting the fastening screw into the receiving structure and screwing the fastening screw into the screw-on flange until the fastening screw rests with its screw head against the stop surface.

[0014] According to the invention, the protective cap can, in addition to the previously mentioned and prior art functions, also ensure the precise positioning of the fastening screw(s) (threaded screw(s)) on the mounting flange. A technical requirement here may be to guarantee a precise engagement or screw-in depth of several threads of the threaded screw(s) into the mounting flange. This is achieved within the scope of the present invention by arranging the stop surface of the receiving structure for the fastening screw at a predetermined distance from the cover projection. Furthermore, the provision of a receiving structure for (at least) one fastening screw, as provided within the scope of the invention, can ensure a defined, and in particular, precisely perpendicular screwing of the fastening screws into the mounting flange and can also protect against the loss of the fastening screws.In this way, a whole range of additional functions can be provided by means of the protective cap according to the invention, which represents a significant added value for the user.

[0015] A first embodiment of the protective cap according to the invention provides that the cover projection has a preferably centrally arranged, most preferably conical projection, which projection is preferably located on a front face of the protective cap or cover projection facing the receiving structure. Such a projection can help to position the protective cap securely and precisely with respect to the pipeline by engaging in the cross-section of the pipeline. Furthermore, the projection can also be used for the relative positioning or centering of other components, in particular a seal, which will be discussed in more detail below. A conical design of the projection has proven to be particularly easy to handle in practice.

[0016] In another embodiment of the protective cap according to the invention, the receiving structure can be designed and intended to encompass the fastening screw in a threaded area or threaded section thereof over a portion of its circumference, which portion is preferably larger than half the circumference. This ensures particularly good protection against loss of the fastening screw. Especially when the aforementioned portion is larger than half the circumference, a kind of undercut is created in which the fastening screw is received, thus providing particularly good protection against loss.

[0017] Yet another embodiment of the protective cap according to the invention provides that the receiving structure is essentially in the form of a straight circular cylinder with a wall preferably open continuously parallel to the cylinder axis, wherein most preferably one cylinder axis is aligned parallel to a surface normal of the contact surface. Such a design contributes to a further increase in the retention of the cap and also ensures a defined and preferably exactly perpendicular positioning of the fastening screws with respect to the mounting flange.

[0018] In yet another embodiment of the protective cap according to the invention, the receiving structure can be arranged essentially next to the cover projection when the protective cap is viewed along a surface normal of the cover projection. In this way, the protective cap is particularly well adapted to known designs of screw-on flanges in which the screw-on flange has corresponding through-holes, screw holes, or threaded bores adjacent to a clear cross-section of a pipeline.

[0019] To improve the positioning of the protective cap relative to the mounting flange or other components, such as a seal, a further embodiment of the protective cap according to the invention may provide that a surrounding structure for the mounting flange and / or for a seal to be arranged on the protective cap base body is provided. The surrounding structure can be designed and intended to come into contact with a portion of the mounting flange and / or seal, preferably laterally, and advantageously has a correspondingly adapted contour shape.

[0020] To enable the protective cap according to the invention to be easily removed from the pipeline when the pipeline is to be installed as intended, i.e., connected to another fitting, a further embodiment of the protective cap according to the invention provides that at least one pull tab is provided on the base of the protective cap. This pull tab is designed and intended to be grasped by a person, either directly by hand or indirectly by means of a tool, in order to pull the protective cap away from the pipeline. For this purpose, the pull tab may have a hole or an opening.

[0021] In further developments of the protective cap according to the invention, it has proven advantageous if the pull tab is arranged on the side of the enclosure area described above and / or on the side of the enclosure structure described above. The protective cap can then be easily removed from the pipeline or the fastening screws by simply pulling it off.

[0022] In practice, it has proven advantageous if the protective cap according to the invention is made of a relatively soft material. In particular, it has proven beneficial to manufacture the protective cap according to the invention from a plastic material, preferably low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0023] In a further development of the aforementioned combination of protective cap and fastening screw, it can be provided that the inner diameter of the receiving structure essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of the fastening screw in a threaded area or section thereof. In this way, the fastening screw can be easily inserted into the receiving structure and is nevertheless held securely within it.

[0024] In another further development of this combination, the height of the mounting structure can be reduced compared to the length of the fastening screw within a threaded section or area. This allows the fastening screw to protrude from the mounting structure, even with the protective cap in place, and thus be partially inserted into a mounting flange, particularly screwed in, to ensure secure retention.

[0025] In a further development of the aforementioned combination of protective cap and seal according to the invention, it can be provided that the seal has an opening corresponding to a cross-sectional area of ​​the pipeline, into which opening the cover projection engages with its (conical) projection. In this way, the seal can be arranged in a captive manner within the scope of the present invention and pre-centered for later use.

[0026] As part of a further development of this combination, it may also be provided that the seal is located in the system over a partial circumference of the seal with the surrounding structure of the protective cap, in order to be able to position the seal in relation to the screw flange in particular.

[0027] In a further development of the aforementioned combination according to the invention, consisting of a protective cap, a fastening screw, and a pipe, it can be provided that this combination also includes a seal of the type already mentioned, which seal most preferably has at least one additional opening for the fastening screw. In this way, the seal can already be positioned in a later desired position. Then the protective cap is removed, and subsequently the fastening screw is screwed into the mounting flange through the aforementioned additional opening in the seal.

[0028] It has proven particularly advantageous for the use of the protective cap according to the invention if a distance between the receiving structure and the contact surface corresponds essentially to the thickness of the screw-on flange or to a common thickness of the screw-on flange and an additional seal.

[0029] In a further development of the inventive method, it can be provided that a seal is attached to a sealing surface of the screw-on flange before the protective cap is fitted. The particular advantages of such a procedure have already been mentioned above.

[0030] Generally speaking, a protective cap according to the invention consists of a cover plane (formed by a cover projection) that closes the opening (the cross-section of the pipe). Parallel to this plane, there is a second plane that is inserted between a surface of the screw-on flange and the screw head of the fastening screw. The fastening screw is screwed into this second plane in a designated opening (the receiving structure) so that the screw head rests flush on the aforementioned plane, i.e., on the stop surface. The thickness of this second plane (also referred to here as the height of the receiving structure) is adjusted to ensure that the desired minimum screw-in depth of the fastening screw into the screw-on flange is achieved.A slight positive fit between the fastening screw and the protective cap, achieved by the described encircling of the fastening screw over a larger part of its circumference, advantageously ensures that both the fastening screw and the protective cap cannot be lost.

[0031] The present invention therefore offers a whole series of technical and economic advantages over the known prior art: It is possible to accommodate threaded screws (fastening screws) and corresponding pins; it ensures that both the fastening screws and the protective cap cannot be lost; it is possible to screw the fastening screws in to a defined depth up to a desired, predetermined depth; and it is possible to achieve an exactly aligned (perpendicular) screwing in of the fastening screws.

[0032] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective overall view of a protective cap according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows the protective cap Fig. 1 in a top view; Fig. 3 shows the protective cap Fig. 1 in a side view; Fig. 4 shows the protective cap Fig. 1 in a different perspective representation; and Fig. 5 shows a combination of a protective cap according to the invention in the illustration according to Fig. 3 with a pipe section, two fastening screws and a seal.

[0033] In Fig. Reference numeral 1 shows a protective cap according to the invention in its entirety. The protective cap 1 initially comprises a protective cap base body 1a, on which further components of the protective cap 1 are arranged. Firstly, a cover projection 1b is located on the protective cap base body 1a, which is designed and intended to cover a clear cross-section of a pipeline that is to be protected by the protective cap 1. This will be explained in more detail below, particularly with reference to Fig. 5 discussed in more detail. The cover projection 1b comprises a flat contact surface 1c, in the center of which a conical projection 1d rises. In addition, two receiving structures 1e, 1f are arranged on the protective cap base body 1a, which are designed and configured to each accommodate a fastening screw (see ). Fig. 5) for a pipeline ( Fig. 5) to be included. The receiving structures 1e, 1f are arranged on the same side as the mounting surface 1c with respect to the cover projection 1b and each have a stop surface 1g, 1h for the fastening screws, which stop surface 1g, 1h are arranged at a predetermined distance A to the cover projection 1b.

[0034] The receiving structures 1e, 1f are designed and intended to encompass the fastening screws in a threaded area over a portion of their circumference, preferably more than half the circumference. For this purpose, the receiving structures 1e, 1f are essentially formed as straight circular cylinders with cylinder axis Ze or Zf and height H. The wall of each circular cylinder has an opening extending parallel to the respective cylinder axis Ze, Zf, and this opening—as already mentioned—extends in the circumferential direction of the respective circular cylinder Ze, Zf over less than half the circumference. This is particularly advantageous in Fig. 2 is clearly visible and serves to secure a fastening screw received in the respective receiving structure 1e, 1f against falling out by forming an undercut. The in Fig. The cylinder axes Ze and Zf shown in the figures are oriented parallel to a surface normal of the contact surface 1c, which surface normal is not explicitly shown in the figures for the sake of clarity.

[0035] With the protective cap 1 described so far, it is possible to cover the clear cross-section of a pipeline, for which the cover projection 1b can be used, and simultaneously to provide and secure fastening screws for the pipeline by means of the receiving structures 1e, 1f. This is because a clear gap remains between the receiving structures 1e, 1f and the cover projection 1b, since the height H of the receiving structures 1e, 1f is less than the distance A mentioned above between the stop surfaces 1g, 1h and the cover projection 1b or the contact surface 1c. This clear gap (AH) can serve to accommodate a screw-on flange for the pipeline of a corresponding thickness, as shown below. Fig. 5 is shown in more detail.

[0036] As in particular the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 2, the receiving structures 1e, 1f are essentially arranged next to the cover projection 1b, if one views the protective cap 1 along a surface normal of the cover projection 1b or along the Fig. 1 shown cylinder axes Ze, Zf considered.

[0037] Referring again to Fig. 1. The protective cap 1 on the protective cap base body 1a also has a surrounding structure for a connection flange and / or for a seal to be arranged on the connection flange, which is also evident from Fig. 5 will be discussed in more detail. This encompassing structure is in Fig. 1, designated by reference numeral 1i, comprises a curved wall section 1j oriented transversely to the previously mentioned surface normal of the contact surface 1c. Its contour is designed and intended to conform laterally to the screw-on flange of the pipeline (and the seal). The shape of the surrounding structure 1i and its relative arrangement with the cover projection 1b are such that the cover projection 1b can precisely cover the clear cross-section of the pipeline when the surrounding structure 1i, with its wall 1j, interacts with the screw-on flange in the manner described. The same applies to a seal that is regularly arranged on the connection flange or screw-on flange, so that a relative alignment of the protective cap and seal (cf. Fig. 5) can be done.

[0038] Finally, the protective cap 1 on the protective cap base body 1a includes a pull tab 1k, which pull tab 1k is designed and intended to be grasped by a person in order to pull the protective cap 1 away from a pipeline when used as intended. For this purpose, the protective cap 1k has an access hole (or opening) at reference numeral 1l, into which the person can, for example, insert a finger in order to then pull on the pull tab 1k. The pulling direction is preferably upwards. Fig. 2, because otherwise the surrounding structure 1i would not be able to separate from the flange and the receiving structures 1e, 1f would not be able to separate from the fastening screws (see Fig. 5) have it removed.

[0039] The Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows other views of the protective cap 1 described above, so only a few special features will be explicitly discussed here.

[0040] In Fig. 3 the conical shape of the projection 1d is clearly visible, as is the free distance AH remaining between the receiving structures 1e, 1f and the cover projection 1b or its contact surface 1c.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 4 indicates how the projection 1d can be used to center, in particular a seal ( Fig. 5) can occur in all directions of the plane of the cover projection 1b. This is in Fig. 4 expressed by means of the arrows Z.

[0042] While the conical projection 1d preferably serves to center a seal in the manner already described, the flat contact surface 1c extending beyond the projection 1d can advantageously serve as the sealing surface of the screw-on flange (cf. Fig. 5) Protect from scratches or damage.

[0043] Advantageously, the entire protective cap 1 is made of a plastic, with a design in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) proving to be particularly advantageous.

[0044] In addition to the centering effect already described, the cone 1d can also serve as a barb, as long as the protective cap 1 has not yet been secured by the fastening screws ( Fig. 5) is fixed to the pipeline. The projection 1d thus counteracts loss of the protective cap 1.

[0045] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 has already been described that the special design of the receiving structures 1e, 1f for the fastening screws ( Fig. 5) also serves as a retaining device for the fastening screws. Because the lateral opening in the receiving structures 1e, 1f extends over less than half a circumference, a slight undercut is formed relative to the circumference of the fastening screws, which ensures secure fixing and centering of the fastening screws.

[0046] With regard to the enclosing structure 1i, it has already been explained that this structure can be designed and intended to enclose the outer contour of the seal and / or connecting flange. In this way, the enclosing structure 1i initially functions as an assembly aid. If it is appropriately adapted to the dimensions of the connecting flange, this results in the centering of the screw holes of the mounting flange under the receiving structures 1e, 1f, whereby the cylinder axes Ze, Zf and the corresponding axes of the screw holes are most preferably aligned.

[0047] The height H of the receiving structures 1e, 1f is chosen such that when the fastening screws are inserted into the receiving structures 1e, 1f up to the stop surfaces 1g, 1h, a desired screw-in depth into the screw-on flange is achieved.

[0048] This will now be demonstrated, among other things, by means of Fig. 5, which will be discussed in more detail: Fig. 5 shows, based on the illustration of the protective cap 1 in Fig. Figure 3 shows a section through a pipeline 10 with a screw-on flange 11 and a seal 12 arranged on the screw-on flange. The pipeline 10 is shown only insofar as it is connected to the connecting flange 11; the further course of the pipeline 10 is not shown and is not essential within the scope of the present invention. The screw-on flange 11 has screw-in holes or threaded bores or, alternatively, through-holes 13. Reference is made here—without limitation—to an embodiment with screw-in holes or threaded bores in the screw-on flange.

[0049] The Fig. 5 is easily removable, as the protective cap 1 with its surrounding structure 1i is adapted to an outer contour of the connection flange 11. In this way, the receiving structures 1e, 1f of the protective cap 1, into which according to Fig. Five fastening screws 15 are inserted, precisely centered above the bores (threaded bores or screw holes 13) of the mounting flange 11. The cover projection 1b of the protective cap 1 covers a clear cross-section 10a of the pipe 10. The seal 12 is also fixed to the mounting flange 11 via the cover projection 1b and protected against external damage. The projection 1d serves for centering. The clear distance AH accommodates the mounting flange 11 and the seal 12. The height H of the receiving structures 1e, 1f is matched to the fastening screws 15 and ensures that they are screwed sufficiently deep into the mounting flange 11 when the underside of their screw head 15a rests against the receiving structures 1e, 1f. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the length of the fastening screws 15 in a threaded area or threaded section 15b thereof is therefore greater than the height H of the receiving structures 1e, 1f.

[0050] In this way, according to Fig. 5 a combination of a protective cap 1, a plurality of fastening screws 15, a pipe 10 with an end screw-on flange 11, and a seal 12, wherein the fastening screws 15 are partially screwed into the (threaded) bores 13, and wherein the protective cap 1 with its cover projection 1b covers the cross-section 10a of the pipe 10. Preferably, the seal 12 has, as shown in Fig. 5 shown, openings 12a for the fastening screws, through which openings the fastening screws 15 penetrate after the protective cap 1 has been removed and the fastening screws 15 have been screwed further into the (threaded) bores 13 to connect the pipeline 10 or the connecting flange 11 with a (not shown) connecting part.

[0051] How to Fig. 5 can still be extracted, corresponds to a clear inner diameter of the receiving structures 1e, 1f, which in Fig. 5 is not explicitly designated, essentially an outer diameter of the fastening screws 15 in the thread area 15b.

[0052] Corresponding to the cross-sectional area 10a of the pipeline, the seal 12 also has a central opening 12b, into which opening 12b the cover projection 1b engages with its projection 1d in a centering manner.

[0053] In the course of a method according to the invention for protecting a pipeline 10 with an end connection flange 11 and a clear cross-sectional area 10a against damage and / or contamination, the pipeline 10 and the protective cap 1 are first provided as described; the same applies to at least one, in this case two, fastening screw(s). The protective cap 1 is then attached with its cover projection 1b in the area of ​​the cross-sectional area 10a to cover this cross-sectional area 10a of the pipeline 10, preferably with the projection 1d of the protective cap 1 engaging in the cross-sectional area 10a. This ensures – in addition to the enclosing effect of the surrounding structure 1i – a centering of the described component arrangement.The fastening screws 15 are then inserted into the receiving structures 1e, 1f, and their respective threaded sections 15b are screwed into the (threaded) bores 13 of the mounting flange 11 until the underside of their respective screw heads 15a rests against the receiving structures 1e, 1f. If the pipe 10 is now to be connected to other components of a pipe assembly via the mounting flange 11, the protective cap 1 is simply removed as described, allowing the fastening screws 15 to be screwed in even deeper to create the desired connection.

[0054] Advantageously, in a further development of the inventive method, the seal 12 is attached to a sealing surface of the screw-on flange 11 before the protective cap 1 is attached, so that it can subsequently be secured and protected by the protective cap 1 and the fastening screws 15 until it is needed to create the aforementioned further connection.

Claims

[1] Protective cap (1) for a pipeline (10) with end screw-on flange (11), comprising: a protective cap base body (1a); on the protective cap base body (1a) at least one cover projection (1b) for covering a conductor cross-section (10a) of the pipeline (10), which cover projection (1b) has at least in a partial area a preferably flat contact surface (1c); and on the protective cap base body (1a) at least one receiving structure (1e, 1f) for a fastening screw (15) for fastening the pipe (10) to a connection part; which receiving structure (1e,1f) is arranged on the same side as the mounting surface (1c) with respect to the cover projection (1b) and has a stop surface (1g, 1h) for the fastening screw (15), which stop surface (1g, 1h) is arranged at a predetermined distance (A) to the cover projection (1b). [2] Protective cap (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cover projection (1b) has a preferably centrally arranged, preferably conical projection (1d), preferably on its front side facing the receiving structure (1e, 1f). [3] Protective cap (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving structure (1e, 1f) is designed and intended to encompass the fastening screw (15) in a threaded area (15b) thereof over a part of its circumference in a surrounding area, which part is preferably larger than half the circumference. [4] Protective cap (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the receiving structure (1e, 1f) is essentially formed in the form of a straight circular cylinder with a wall open parallel to the cylinder axis (Ze, Zf), wherein preferably a cylinder axis (Ze, Zf) is aligned parallel to a surface normal of the contact surface (1c). [5] Protective cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the receiving structure (1e, 1f) is substantially arranged next to the cover projection (1b) when the protective cap (1) is viewed with a viewing direction along a surface normal of the cover projection (1b). [6] Protective cap (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a surrounding structure (1i) for the screw-on flange (11) and / or for a seal (12) to be arranged on the protective cap base body (1a) is arranged, which surrounding structure (1i) is designed and intended to come into contact with the screw-on flange (11) and / or the seal (12) over a partial circumference. [7] Protective cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one pull tab (1k) is provided on the protective cap base body (1a) which is designed and intended to be grasped by a person either directly with the hand or indirectly by means of a tool, preferably to pull the protective cap (1) away from the pipeline (10). [8] Protective cap (1) according to claim 7, wherein the pull tab (1k) is arranged on the side of the enclosing area according to claim 3 and / or on the side of the enclosing structure (1i) according to claim 6. [9] Protective cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, formed in a plastic material, preferably LDPE or HDPE. [10] Combination of a protective cap (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and a fastening screw (15), which fastening screw (15) is received in the receiving structure and preferably with its screw head (15a) rests against the stop surface (1g, 1h). [11] Combination according to claim 10, wherein a clear inner diameter of the receiving structure (1e, 1f) substantially corresponds to an outer diameter of the fastening screw (15) in a threaded area (15b) thereof. [12] Combination according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a height (H) of the receiving structure (1e, 1f) designed according to claim 4 is less than a length of the fastening screw (15) in a threaded area (15b) thereof. [13] Combination of a protective cap (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, preferably in combination with a fastening screw (15) according to one of claims 10 to 12, and a seal (12), which seal (12) is arranged on the cover projection (1b) at least in the area of ​​the contact surface (1c). [14] Combination according to claim 13, wherein the seal (12) has a penetration (12b) corresponding to a cross-sectional area (10a) of the pipeline (10), into which penetration (12b) the cover projection (1b) engages with its projection (1d) according to claim 2. [15] Combination according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the seal (12) is located in the system over a partial circumference of the seal (12) with the surrounding structure (1i) according to claim 6. [16] Combination of a protective cap (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in combination with a fastening screw (15) according to one of claims 10 to 12, and a pipeline (10), which pipeline (10) has an end screw-on flange (11) with a sealing surface, which sealing surface surrounds a cross-section (10a) of the pipeline (10), wherein the screw-on flange (11) has at least one bore, in particular a through bore or threaded bore (13), outside the sealing surface for inserting or screwing in a fastening screw (15), wherein the protective cap (1) with its cover projection (1b) for covering the cross-section (10a) of the pipeline (10) in the area of ​​the contact surface (1c) abuts the sealing surface of the screw-on flange (11); wherein the fastening screw (15) is partially engaged with the bore of the screw-on flange, preferably partially screwed into the threaded bore (13);preferably in combination with a seal (12) according to one of claims 13 to 15, which seal (12) most preferably has at least one further opening (12a) for the fastening screw (15). [17] Combination according to claim 16, wherein a distance (A) between the receiving structure (1e, 1f) and the contact surface (1c) corresponds substantially to a thickness of the screw-on flange (11) or to a common thickness of the screw-on flange (11) and a seal (12). [18] Method for protecting a pipeline (10) with end screw-on flange (11) and clear cross-sectional area (10a) against damage and contamination, preferably in a combination according to claim 16 or 17, comprising: Providing the pipeline (10) and a protective cap (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and a fastening screw (15); Attaching the protective cap (1) with its covering projection (1b) in the area of ​​the conductor cross-section (10a) to cover the conductor cross-section (10a) of the pipeline (10); and Insert the fastening screw (15) into the receiving structure (1e, 1f) and screw the fastening screw (15) into the mounting flange (11) until the fastening screw with its screw head (15a) rests against the stop surface (1g, 1h). [19] Method according to claim 18, wherein a seal (12) is attached to a sealing surface of the screw-on flange (11) before the protective cap (1) is attached.

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