Pipe clamp with clamping system

Abstract

Pipe clamp, comprehensive - a clamp body with a first bracket (1) and a second bracket (2) for encircling and holding a pipe, - a clamping element (3) for mechanically connecting and tightening a first end (4) of the first bracket (1) and a first end (5) of the second bracket (2), - a joint (10) for mechanically connecting a second end (8) of the first bracket (1) and a second end (9) of the second bracket (2), characterized in that the clamping element (3) has at least a first detent position and a second detent position, and in particular a third detent position, into which the first end (4) of the first bracket (1) can be engaged for mechanically connecting the two brackets (1,2).

Description

Area

[0001] The invention relates to a pipe clamp with a clamp body. The clamp body comprises a first bracket and a second bracket for encircling and holding a pipe. The pipe clamp also includes a clamping element for mechanically connecting and tightening a first end of the first bracket and a first end of the second bracket. A hinge provides a mechanical connection between a second end of the first bracket and a second end of the second bracket. background

[0002] Pipe clamps are typically used to secure pipes, for example those made of polyethylene, carrying water, gases, or other fluids. A pipe clamp has a clamp body designed to encircle and hold a pipe in a generally circular fashion. The clamp body is often threaded, allowing it to be directly or indirectly attached to, for example, a wall or ceiling of a building, or to a structural beam. The clamp body typically has an opening that can be closed with a clamping screw and a hinge on the opposite side. A pipe can be inserted into the clamp body through the opening. Tightening the screw presses the clamp body against the outside of the pipe.

[0003] The pipe clamp can fix the pipe in its position, or the pipe can be inserted into the pipe clamp in a sliding manner, so that no stresses occur when the pipe expands thermally.

[0004] Pipe clamps should be inexpensive to manufacture and, ideally, quick and easy for tradespeople to install and handle without any training. Numerous different designs exist, each with its own specific advantages and disadvantages. Task and solution

[0005] The challenge is to provide a pipe clamp that is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use.

[0006] This task is solved by the pipe clamp of the independent claim. Accordingly, the pipe clamp comprises - A clamp body comprising a first clamp and a second clamp. The clamp body serves to encircle and hold a pipe, in particular a polyethylene pipe. Specifically, the clamp body is substantially circular, and each clamp is substantially semicircular in shape. The clamps are made of a rigid metallic material. - A clamping element for mechanically connecting and tightening the first end of the first clamp and the first end of the second clamp. In particular, the clamping element serves to create a force-fit connection between the pipe clamp and the pipe. Furthermore, the clamping element allows the pipe clamp to be adapted to pipes of different diameters or cross-sections. - A joint for mechanically connecting the second end of the first bracket and the second end of the second bracket. Specifically, the joint is formed from the first bracket and the second bracket themselves; that is, the joint is not a separate component. In particular, the joint is formed by bending the second end of the first bracket and the second end of the second bracket, interlocking them, and connecting them articulately by the play they possess relative to each other.

[0007] The clamping element comprises at least a first detent position and a second detent position, and in particular a third detent position. The first end of the first bracket can be engaged in the detent positions of the clamping element, whereby the two brackets are connected to each other by the engagement.

[0008] The multiple locking positions have the advantage that the pipe clamp can be adapted to different sized pipes, but at the same time is reliably fixed by the locking mechanism.

[0009] Advantageously, the pipe clamp is designed such that, in the locked position, it is under residual tension, such that a force must be applied to move it from the first locking position to the second locking position, which overcomes this residual tension. In particular, with a circular pipe clamp, the force to be applied is directed radially inwards. Advantageously, the pipe clamp, in addition to the first bracket, the second bracket, and the clamping element, does not have a separate component acting as a spring element. Specifically, the residual tension is generated by the geometry and relative arrangement of the two brackets and the clamping element.

[0010] The inherent tension created by the geometry of the pipe clamp has the advantage that the first clamp reliably holds in the detent position and does not disengage. Furthermore, it is advantageous that no separate spring element is required to generate this inherent tension.

[0011] Advantageously, the clamping element comprises a toothed rail with several teeth, whereby the locking in one of the locking positions corresponds to a locking in a tooth of the toothed rail.

[0012] In particular, each detent position is associated with an opening, especially a slot, in the clamping element. A tool, especially a screwdriver, can be guided through the respective opening to move the first bracket from one detent position to another, in other words, to retighten the pipe clamp. Specifically, the tool is guided into the slot, supported on the first end of the first bracket, and tilted. Simultaneously, lever action is used to move the first bracket from its existing detent position to another. If the clamping element has a toothed track, this means that the tool lifts the first end of the first bracket over one or more toothed teeth to move the first bracket to another detent position.

[0013] By using a tool and lever action, the pipe clamp can be tightened with relatively little effort. If a screwdriver can be used, then a tool that is readily available on a construction site can be employed.

[0014] Advantageously, the clamping element has a bent first end and a bent second end, allowing the clamping element to be retightened using a finger at both ends. This has the advantage that retightening is possible even when no tool is available.

[0015] In particular, the pipe clamp includes a locking element. This element is designed to secure engagement in one of at least two locking positions. The locking element can be moved between a locking position and a non-locking position by means of a sliding movement. Specifically, the sliding movement occurs along an arc of the first bracket.

[0016] Although the locking mechanism and the inherent tension of the pipe clamp offer a degree of security against the first clamp unintentionally disengaging from its locked position, greater forces can act on the clamp in certain situations, potentially leading to disengagement. For example, if a ball or other object strikes the clamp unintentionally but at high speed, the clamp's inherent tension may not be sufficient to hold the first clamp in the locked position. In such a situation, the locking element prevents unintentional disengagement and ensures that the pipe is reliably held in the clamp.

[0017] A sliding movement for locking and unlocking the locking element has the advantage that the locking element can be operated very easily.

[0018] Advantageously, the first clamp has an opening at its first end. The locking element is guided through this opening in the locking position and positioned between the clamping element and the first clamp, such that the first end of the first clamp cannot be moved from the first locking position to any other, particularly the second, locking position. This ensures reliable and simple locking of the pipe clamp.

[0019] In particular, the locking element is a separate component with respect to the first bracket, the second bracket, and the clamping element. This has the advantage that, in a first step, the first bracket and the clamping element can be connected to each other and, after engagement, secured by a sliding movement of the locking element.

[0020] Advantageously, the locking element includes a projection and the first bracket includes an elongated opening into which the projection extends, such that during a sliding movement of the locking element, it is guided through the projection extending into the elongated opening.

[0021] Advantageously, the locking element includes a bend to create additional resistance that must be overcome when the locking element is moved out of its locking position. This further increases safety, preventing the pipe clamp from opening unintentionally.

[0022] In particular, the locking element and the clamping element each comprise an opening, especially a hole, through which a seal can be inserted to seal the locking position.

[0023] Advantageously, the clamping element and the second bracket form a single, one-piece component. Alternatively, the clamping element and the second bracket are connected as separate components. If the clamping element and the second bracket are designed as a single piece, this simplifies the manufacturing of the pipe clamp.

[0024] In particular, the pipe clamp consists solely of the first bracket, the second bracket, the clamping element, and the locking element. This means the pipe clamp has an extremely simple design, yet still allows it to be adjusted to different pipe sizes and reliably locked in place. If the second bracket and the clamping element are manufactured as a single piece, the pipe clamp comprises only three components.

[0025] Advantageously, the pipe clamp has no screw and no nut, meaning that the aforementioned components, screw and nut, are not required for tensioning the pipe clamp. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] Further features, advantages, and applications will emerge from the dependent requirements and from the following description using the figures. These will show: Fig. 1a a pipe clamp in the open position; Fig. 1b the pipe clamp in closed and secured state additionally with a detailed view; Fig. 2a a sectional view of the Fig. 1a additionally with a detailed view; Fig. 2b a sectional view of the Fig. 1b additionally with a detailed view; Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b the second bracket and the clamping element as a single component from two perspectives; Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b the safety element from two perspectives; and Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b the first iron from two perspectives. Way to execution

[0027] The Fig. Figure 1a shows the pipe clamp according to the invention in the open state. After a pipe has been inserted into the pipe clamp, the pipe clamp can be closed and tightened. The pipe clamp in the closed state is shown in Fig. 1b shown.

[0028] The pipe clamp comprises a clamp body with a first bracket 1 and a second bracket 2. The clamp body is circular, and both brackets are semicircular. A clamping element 3 is located at one end 5 of the second bracket 2 to mechanically connect the second bracket 2 to the first bracket 1 and to tighten the pipe clamp. The second bracket 2 and the clamping element 3 form a single component.

[0029] For the mechanical connection, the clamping element 3 is guided through an opening 6, which is arranged at a first end 4 of the first bracket 1. The clamping element 3 has a toothed rail 7 with a plurality of teeth, which are arranged in pairs. Each pair of teeth forms a detent position into which the first end 4 of the first bracket 1 can be engaged. In the present embodiment, there are a total of three detent positions, wherein in the Fig. 1b the first bracket 1 is engaged in the second, i.e. in the middle detent position.

[0030] On the opposite side, the second end 8 of the first bracket 1 and the second end 9 of the second bracket 2 are connected to each other via a joint 10. The joint is formed by bending both the second end 8 of the first bracket 1 and the second end 9 of the second bracket 2, interlocking them, and connecting them flexibly relative to each other by the existing play.

[0031] The pipe clamp is under inherent tension when locked in the engaged position, which in Fig. Figure 2a illustrates this. The clamping element 3 presses radially outwards in the direction of arrow 11 against the outer end of the opening 6 of the first bracket 1. The residual tension results from the geometric design of the first bracket 1, the second bracket 2, and the clamping element 3. If the pipe clamp is to be retightened or the clamping element 3 is to be moved from one existing detent position to another, the clamping element 3 must be pressed radially inwards in the direction of arrow 12, overcoming the residual tension of the pipe clamp. Once the clamping element 3 has been pressed sufficiently far inwards in the direction of arrow 12, the first end 4 of the first bracket 1 can be moved beyond one pair of teeth into an adjacent detent position in the direction of arrow 13.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1b, the clamping element 3 has an opening 14 in the form of a slot for each detent position. To move the clamping element 3 from one existing detent position to another, a screwdriver is inserted into the slot and supported on the surface 15 of the first end 4 of the first bracket 1, so that by utilizing the leverage, the first end 4 of the first bracket 1 can be moved to another detent position.

[0033] Furthermore, the clamping element 3 comprises a first bent end 16 and a second bent end 17. These two ends 16 and 17 can be pressed with fingers to move the clamping element 3 from one existing detent position to another detent position.

[0034] The pipe clamp includes a locking element 20 as a separate component to secure the pipe clamp in a locked position. Fig. Figure 2a shows the locking element 20 in a non-locking position and Fig. Figure 2b shows the locking element 20 in a locking position. Between the locking and non-locking positions, the locking element 20 is moved back and forth in the direction of arrow 21, i.e., along an arc of the first bracket 1. In the locking position, the locking element 20 is guided through the opening 6 of the first end 4 of the first bracket 1 and is positioned between the clamping element 3 and the first bracket 1. This positioning of the locking element 20 prevents the clamping element 3 from being moved radially inwards in the direction of arrow 12. This blocks the clamping element 3 from moving from one existing locking position to another.

[0035] The locking element 20 includes a bend 22. The bend 22 results in the locking element 20 bearing against the first end 4 of the first bracket 1 when moved out of the locking position, and therefore an increased force is required to release the locking element 20 from the locking position.

[0036] The locking element 20 includes a hole 24 and the clamping element 3 includes a hole 18. A seal can be passed through the two holes 18 and 24 to seal the locking position of the locking element 20.

[0037] As shown in the detailed drawing of the Fig.As can be clearly seen in Figure 2b, the locking element 20 includes a projection 25 which, in the assembled state, extends radially inwards from the locking element. The projection 25 is guided in an elongated opening 19 of the first bracket 1. This guidance ensures a clearly defined displacement movement of the locking element 20 as it is moved back and forth between the locking and non-locking positions.

[0038] As already mentioned, in the illustrated embodiment, the second bracket 2 and the clamping element 3 form a single, integral component. This means that the pipe clamp consists of only three components: the first bracket 1, the combined component with the second bracket 2 and clamping element 3, and the locking element 20. Furthermore, the pipe clamp does not include a screw or nut for tightening it.

[0039] While preferred embodiments are described in the present application, it should be clearly pointed out that the invention is not limited to these and can also be implemented in other ways within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

[1] Pipe clamp, encompassing - a clamp body with a first bracket (1) and a second bracket (2) for encircling and holding a pipe, - a clamping element (3) for mechanically connecting and tightening a first end (4) of the first bracket (1) and a first end (5) of the second bracket (2), - a joint (10) for mechanically connecting a second end (8) of the first bracket (1) and a second end (9) of the second bracket (2), characterized by , that the clamping element (3) has at least a first detent position and a second detent position, and in particular a third detent position, into which the first end (4) of the first bracket (1) can be engaged for the mechanical connection of the two brackets (1,2). [2] Pipe clamp according to claim 1, wherein the pipe clamp is designed such that in the locked state the pipe clamp is under residual stress, such that a force must be applied to move it from the first locking position to the second locking position which overcomes the residual stress. [3] Pipe clamp according to claim 2, wherein the pipe clamp has no separate component as a spring element in addition to the first bracket (1), the second bracket (2) and the clamping element (3). [4] Pipe clamp according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein - the force to be applied is directed radially inwards, provided the pipe clamp is circular in design, and / or - the pipe clamp is designed in such a way that the residual stress is generated by the geometry and the mutual arrangement of the two brackets and the clamping element. [5] Pipe clamp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each detent position is associated with an opening (14), in particular a slot, in the clamping element (3) through which a tool, in particular a screwdriver, can be guided to move the first bracket (1) from the first detent position to the second detent position. [6] Pipe clamp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping element (3) has a bent first end (16) and a bent second end (17), wherein the clamping element (3) can be moved from the first detent position to the second detent position by means of fingers using the two ends (16, 17) of the clamping element (3). [7] Pipe clamp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe clamp has a locking element (20) which is configured to secure the locking in one of the at least two locking positions, wherein the locking element (20) is displaceable between a locking position and a non-locking position by means of a sliding movement (21). [8] Pipe clamp according to claim 7, wherein the sliding movement (21) takes place along an arc shape of the first bracket (1). [9] Pipe clamp according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the first bracket (1) has an opening (6) at its first end (4), wherein the locking element (20) is guided through the opening (6) in the locking position and is arranged, in particular in the opening (6), between the clamping element (3) and the first bracket (1), such that the first end (4) of the first bracket (1) cannot be displaced from the first locking position to another, in particular to the second, locking position. [10] Pipe clamp according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the locking element (20) is a separate component with respect to the first bracket (1), the second bracket (2) and the clamping element (3). [11] Pipe clamp according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the locking element (20) has a kink (22) to generate an additional resistance to be overcome during the displacement (21) of the locking element (20) from the locking position. [12] Pipe clamp according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein both the locking element (20) and the clamping element (3) have an opening (18,24), in particular a hole, through which a seal can be inserted to seal the locking position. [13] Pipe clamp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping element (3) and the second bracket (2) form a common, one-piece component. [14] Pipe clamp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe clamp consists exclusively of the first bracket (1), the second bracket (2), the clamping element (3) and the locking element (20), in particular the pipe clamp according to claim 10, comprising exactly three components, namely the first bracket (1), a common component comprising the second bracket (2) and the clamping element (3), and the locking element (20). [15] Pipe clamp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe clamp does not include a screw and a nut.

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