PROFILE CLAMP

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a profile clamp with a first profiled clamp section and with a second profiled clamp section and optionally with at least one further profiled clamp section, with which two flange parts can be connected to each other by applying an axial force, wherein a first clamping head and a second clamping head are formed at one end of the first clamp section to form a clamping device, wherein the ends of the clamp sections opposite the clamping heads are connected to each other or to at least one further clamp section of the profile clamp by means of a hinged connection.

[0002] Profile clamps are reliable and well-known fasteners used in industry and automotive manufacturing. They are designed, for example, to create a fluid-tight connection between two axially adjacent pipe or hose ends, which typically have radially outward-facing connecting flanges. The profile clamp is then placed onto the corresponding flanges, and tightening the clamp applies radial and axial holding forces.

[0003] WO 2008 / 102116 A2 discloses a profile clamp comprising two profiled clamp halves. The profile of the clamp halves is designed such that a triangular, roof-edged, or trapezoidal shape is used to connect two flange parts. When a circumferential force is applied to the clamp halves, the two flange parts are connected to each other, generating an axial force. The profile clamp has a clamping device formed by a first clamping head and a second clamping head, each clamped at the end of one of the clamp halves. The two clamping heads are connected to each other by a screw element, so that the profile clamp is clamped by tightening the screw element.

[0004] The two clamp halves are connected diametrically opposite the clamping device by a connecting element, often made of spring steel. This connecting element is welded to the respective end faces of the clamp halves. The spring-like properties of the connecting element create a hinged connection between the two clamp halves, allowing them to be opened and closed during clamp installation and ensuring a permanent connection.

[0005] DE 10 2016 103 988 A1 describes another example from the prior art, which is also in Figur 1 The first clamp half 10 and the second clamp half 11 are articulated together by a hinged connection 14 in the form of a flat band section 15. The flat band section 15 is made of a single material and seamlessly integrates into the respective clamp halves 10 and 11. A hole 26 is located in the center of the flat band section 15. The flat band section 15 is flexible, allowing the two clamp halves 10 and 11 to move towards and away from each other without damaging the flat band section 15 or requiring excessive force. When the nut 20 is tightened on the screw element 18, the two pressure lugs 19 come into contact with each other.

[0006] For example, EP0403379A1 relates to a connecting clamp for exhaust pipes. The connecting clamp has an overall V-shaped cross-section that tapers outwards and consists of a one-piece, open ring that is extended by two clamping jaws.

[0007] At least two points along its circumference, the ring has a flattened section that forms a transverse stripe. This transverse stripe extends across the entire width of the ring but has a thinner wall than the rest of the ring.

[0008] WO2018 / 140916A1 also concerns a profile clamp for exhausts or exhaust pipes and a method for connecting such pipes by means of a clamp.

[0009] For example, DE102005035198A1 further describes a clamp for a pipe connection, whereby the space occupied by the clamp on the connecting part of pipe elements is reduced.

[0010] DE29816889U1 further relates to a clamp with two flanges which are provided with a clamping device, wherein the flanges of the clamp have a U-shaped profile in cross-section with a base leg and two side legs and the openings of the flange profiles are opposite each other.

[0011] US2897569A further describes an improvement to a clamp and refers in particular to a coupling or fastening by which a pair of generally tubular elements are joined together. The coupling is particularly suitable for joining tubular parts used, for example, in sanitary piping systems.

[0012] The object of the invention is the further development of a profile clamp for connecting two flange parts while applying the highest possible axial force. In addition, the design of the profile clamp is to be simplified, so that it can be manufactured more easily and consists of fewer individual parts.

[0013] The problem is solved according to the invention by a profile clamp according to claim 1. Further embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims or are described below.

[0014] The profile clamp according to the invention has a first profiled clamp section and a second profiled clamp section, wherein two flange parts can be connected to each other by applying an axial force to the profiled clamp sections. Preferably, the profile clamp according to the invention has two or three profiled clamp sections. A first clamping head is formed at one end of the first clamp section and a second clamping head is formed at one end of the second clamp section to form a clamping device. The ends of the clamp sections opposite the clamping heads are connected to each other by means of a hinged connection, or the ends of the clamp sections opposite the clamping heads are connected to a further clamp section of the profile clamp by means of hinged connections.The articulated connection is formed by means of a mechanically or forming-processed flat strip section, which is integrally connected to the clamp sections and has a defined flexibility.

[0015] In a first embodiment, the profile clamp according to the invention has two profiled clamp sections, namely a first and a second profiled clamp section, with which two flange parts can be connected to one another by applying an axial force. A first clamping head is formed at one end of the first clamp section and a second clamping head is formed at one end of the second clamp section to form a clamping device, wherein the ends of the clamp sections opposite the clamping heads are connected to one another by means of a hinged connection. The hinged connection is formed by means of a mechanically or formingly processed flat strip section, which is integrally connected to the clamp sections and has a defined flexibility, wherein the mechanical or forming process increases the flexibility compared to an unprocessed flat strip section.

[0016] In an alternative second embodiment, the profile clamp according to the invention has three profiled clamp sections. The first profiled clamp section is connected at the end opposite the clamping head to a first end of a third profiled clamp section by means of a first articulated connection, and the second profiled clamp section is connected at the end opposite the clamping head to a second end of a third profiled clamp section by means of a second articulated connection.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the profile clamp can also be designed with 4 or more clamp sections, wherein, except for the first and the second clamp section, the clamp sections are connected at both ends to the adjacent clamp sections by means of a hinged connection.

[0018] The material of the flat strip section transitions seamlessly, i.e., in one piece and uniformly, into the material of the clamp halves, so that both clamp halves are joined together in one piece. In one embodiment, the profile clamp, including the clamping head, consists of a single piece of strip material.

[0019] The mechanical or forming processing of the flat strip section leads to an increase in flexibility in the area of ​​the articulated connection. Suitable methods for mechanical or forming processing include, for example, bending, embossing, hammering, rolling, and machining processes, preferably milling, bending, rolling, or grinding. Through material thinning in machining processes or geometric modification in bending, a defined stiffness can be achieved, and the flexibility is increased compared to the unprocessed flat strip section. This allows the profile clamp according to the invention to be assembled preferably by hand without mechanical aids.

[0020] According to the invention, the flat strip section has one or more notches to thin the material. The notches have a V-shaped or a U-shaped cross-section. Both cross-sectional shapes can also be combined. The notches extend transversely to the circumferential direction of the clamp across the entire material width of the flat strip section. The notches do not penetrate the sheet thickness but remove material from the top surface of the flat strip section, thereby thinning it. In this embodiment, the underside of the flat strip section remains unchanged and has no notches.

[0021] In another variant, increased flexibility is achieved by geometrically modifying the flat strip section, for example by bending it. In this variant, the mechanically or forming-processed flat strip section has a radially outward or axially inward curved shape, with the curved shape having a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section.

[0022] Both variants can also be combined, resulting in a flat strip section exhibiting both material thinning and a geometric modification. The material thinning can also be in the form of a U- or V-shaped cross-section and may not extend over the entire length of the flat strip section. The specific material thinning can be applied either along the radially inward or radially outward side of the flat strip section.

[0023] According to the invention, "inside" means directed towards the center of the profile clamp. According to the invention, "outside" means directed outwards from the profile clamp, away from the center. "Axially" means aligned along the longitudinal axis, with the longitudinal axis running through the circular center of the profile clamp in the direction of the pipes to be connected.

[0024] The clamp sections or clamp halves are designed as inwardly open hollow profiles and preferably have a trapezoidal, triangular, or roof-like structure. The total surface area of ​​the clamp sections or clamp halves is obtained by unfolding the trapezoidal, triangular, or roof-like structure of the clamp halves into a flat structure. The total surface area thus formed has a greater width than the width of the flat strip section. If the edges of the flat total surface are bent over to form the clamp sections or clamp halves, creating the triangular, trapezoidal, or roof-like shape, the taper of the flat strip section can be dimensioned such that a constant width of the profile clamp is maintained between the clamp sections and the flat strip section – in the radially projected view, even though the flat strip section has no profile.

[0025] The articulated connection is formed from a flat strip section with an axially outward or inward curved shape, which has either a U-shaped or a V-shaped profile. The flat strip section has no profiling and is flat transversely to the circumferential direction of the clamp sections. The bending of the flat strip section occurs around the axis of its transverse direction. The longitudinal sides of the flat strip section do not bend relative to each other, which is why it is described as flat in the axial direction.

[0026] The flat band section is a section with a circumferential extent. In one variant of the profile clamp, the flat band section has a taper formed by lateral edge incisions compared to the total surface area of ​​the profiled clamp halves.

[0027] In one embodiment of the flat strip section with a geometric modification, the flat strip section has a radially outwardly curved shape. This radially outwardly curved shape has a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section. Radially outwardly curved means that the flat strip section has a greater distance from the longitudinal axis in the region of the curve than in the uncurved area.

[0028] In another embodiment of the flat strip section with a geometric modification, the flat strip section has a radially inwardly curved shape. This radially inwardly curved shape has a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section. Radially inwardly curved means that the flat strip section has a smaller distance to the longitudinal axis in the region of the curve than in the uncurved area.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the flat strip section with geometric modification, the curved section has a U-shaped cross-section, preferably in the form of a symmetrical U-profile. In one variant, the flat strip section can be formed from three sections. The flat strip section then comprises a first flat section, a second flat section, and a U-shaped curved section, the U-shaped section connecting the two flat sections. The two flat sections are each integrally formed with one of the two clamp halves.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment of the flat strip section with geometric modification, the curved section has a V-shaped cross-section, preferably in the form of a symmetrical V-profile. In one variant, the flat strip section can be formed from three sections. The flat strip section then has a first flat section, a second flat section, and a V-shaped curved section, the V-shaped section connecting the two flat sections. The two flat sections are each integrally formed with one of the two clamp halves.

[0031] In a three-section design, the flat section is preferably configured as follows: A first flat section is integrally formed with the first clamp half. At the end opposite the first clamp half, the first flat section transitions into a U-shaped or V-shaped projection that extends inwards or outwards along the longitudinal axis of the profile clamp. At the end opposite the first flat section, the curved projection transitions into a second flat section. The second flat section is integrally formed with the second clamp half at its opposite end.

[0032] The flat band section can be pre-tensioned so that the clamp halves are essentially closed to each other, with the two clamping heads facing each other. This simplifies assembly, as the two clamping heads can be easily gripped, for example, to close the clamping device with a screw.

[0033] The two clamping heads are connected by a screw element, so that the profile clamp is tightened by tightening the screw element. This tightening is achieved, for example, with a nut, preferably a self-locking nut, on the screw element. When the nut is tightened, the two pressure tabs come into contact with each other in the version with a pressure plate. The clamping force in the final state is quite precisely defined by the dimensions of the clamp. Errors due to insufficient or excessive clamping force cannot occur with a properly designed clamp.

[0034] In one embodiment of the profile clamp according to the invention, the first clamping head has a rectangular opening through which a screw element with a complementary rectangular shoulder can be inserted. This prevents the screw element from rotating when inserted in the first clamping head. The screw element can be screwed onto the rear of the second clamping head with a nut, the nut being screwed onto the screw element to close the clamping device. Preferably, the screw element is screwed onto a self-locking nut.

[0035] To apply a high clamping force using the clamping device, pressure tabs are optionally formed on the ends of the clamping heads. These tabs can come into contact with each other when the screw element is tightened. This prevents the clamping heads from bending at the transition to the clamp sections and keeps them parallel to each other, resulting in better clamping. The clamping force that can be applied by the clamping device can thus be increased, with the increased clamping force leading to a greater circumferential force in the clamping heads, which is transmitted via the flat band section through the articulated connection according to the invention.

[0036] The flange components can optionally feature a recess. This recess allows the profile clamp to be positioned on the flange in the direction of rotation, as a curved portion of the profile clamp engages in the recess. This prevents the profile clamp from rotating circumferentially on the flange when the connecting element of the two clamping heads is tightened, for example, when tightening a screw. Because the curved portion engages in the recess on the flange, movement of the profile clamp relative to the flange is prevented.

[0037] In one embodiment, a hole is provided in the flat strip section. The hole is preferably provided in a flat strip section with material thinning. The hole can be round, square, or oval. The hole allows the positioning of the profile clamp on the flange in the direction of rotation to be defined by means of the hole, as a corresponding projection on the flange engages in the hole. If the hole is elongated in the circumferential direction, for example, oval, the hole, in conjunction with the projection, offers a certain range of rotation, for example, for adjusting the profile clamp. An additional advantage is that the profile clamp cannot rotate, or can only rotate to a very limited extent, on the flange in the circumferential direction when the connecting element of the two clamping heads is tightened, i.e., when tightening a screw element.

[0038] The hole is designed such that it has a dimension of, for example, 3 mm to 8 mm in a main direction, while a secondary direction perpendicular to the main direction is smaller and has a dimension of, for example, 2 mm to 4 mm. A corresponding projection on the flange, particularly on one of the two flange parts to be joined, can be adapted to the dimensions of the hole.

[0039] The flat band section is designed to be flexible, allowing the two clamp halves or adjacent clamp sections to move towards and away from each other. The design of the articulated connection as a flat band section with a U-shaped or V-shaped profile results in reduced bending stiffness. This allows the clamp halves or clamp sections to be bent open and closed relative to each other, preferably without plastic deformation, by means of an elastic deformation of the flat band section, without damaging it. Due to its curved shape, the flat band section exhibits increased flexibility, or a defined flexibility adapted to the application, and is therefore easier to install.

[0040] Compared to previously used connecting elements, such as ring-shaped ones with hooked ends of the clamp halves, a one-piece articulated connection with a U-shaped or V-shaped design or defined thinning allows for the application of very high circumferential forces to the clamp sections, enabling the flange parts to be joined with a higher axial force. Furthermore, the manufacturing of the profile clamp is simplified, as the clamp sections, clamping heads, and articulated connection can be produced from a single component made of flat strip material, eliminating the need for additional joining steps.This flat strip material is produced by appropriate punching and bending operations into the two clamp halves with the intermediate flat strip section and the U / V-shaped shape or thinning to form the articulated connection, or into the three clamp sections with the intermediate flat strip sections and the U / V-shaped shape or thinning to form the articulated connections. The profile clamp according to the invention offers simple and quick assembly and is designed for high clamping forces.

[0041] The profile clamp according to the invention can be used for various applications. It is preferably used in the field of turbochargers for motor vehicles. For example, a connection between a turbine housing and a central housing of the turbocharger can be secured with the profile clamp according to the invention.

[0042] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a profile clamp according to the prior art, Fig. 2 a profile clamp not according to the invention in one embodiment, Fig. 3 a profile clamp not according to the invention in a further embodiment, Fig. 4 a profile clamp not according to the invention in a further embodiment with flange parts, Fig. 5 a section through one clamp half, Fig. 6 a profile clamp according to the invention in a further embodiment, Fig. 7 a profile clamp not according to the invention in a further embodiment and Fig. 8 a profile clamp not according to the invention in a further embodiment.

[0043] In Fig. 1 A profile clamp 1 according to the state of the art is shown, as described above.

[0044] Fig. 2a Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a profile clamp 1 in a first embodiment not according to the invention. The profile clamp 1 has a first clamp half 10 and a second clamp half 11. The clamp halves 10 and 11 are pivotally connected to each other by a hinged connection 14. Clamping heads 12 and 13 are integrally formed on the clamp halves 10 and 11. The clamping heads 12 and 13 are integrally formed on the clamp halves 10 and 11 opposite the hinged connection 14. Through holes are provided in the clamping heads 12 and 13, with a through hole 17 in the first clamping head 12 and a through hole 25 in the second clamping head 13. A pressure lug 19 is located at the free ends of each of the first and second clamping heads 12 and 13.The two pressure tabs 19 can be brought into contact with each other by tightening a nut on a screw element (both not shown) in order to achieve an improved tension situation between the clamp halves 10 and 11.

[0045] The articulated connection 14 is designed as a flat strip section 15 with a projection 16. The projection 16 is directed axially outwards and has a U-shaped cross-section. Fig. 2b shows an enlarged section of the profile clamp made of Fig. 2a In the area of ​​the articulated connection 14, the flat band section 15 is formed with a first flat section 30 on the second clamp half 11. At the end 27 opposite the first clamp half 10, the first flat section 30 transitions into a U-shaped projection 31, which extends outwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the profile clamp 1. At the end 28 opposite the first flat section 30, the U-shaped projection 31 transitions into a second flat section 32. The second flat section 32 is formed with the first clamp half 10 at its opposite end. Fig. 2 c schematically shows the shape of the articulated connection 14 from Fig. 2b .

[0046] Fig. 3a Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a profile clamp 1 in a second embodiment, not according to the invention. The articulated connection 14 is designed as a flat band section 15 with a projection 16 that is directed radially outwards and has a V-shaped cross-section. Fig. 3b shows an enlarged section of the profile clamp made of Fig. 3a In the area of ​​the articulated connection 14, the flat band section 15 is formed with a first flat section 30 on the second clamp half 11. At the end 27 opposite the first clamp half 10, the first flat section 30 transitions into a V-shaped projection 33 that extends radially outwards. At the end 28 opposite the first flat section 30, the V-shaped projection 33 transitions into a second flat section 32. The second flat section 32 is formed with the first clamp half 10 at its opposite end.

[0047] Fig. 4a Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a profile clamp 1 in a third embodiment not according to the invention. The articulated connection 14 is designed as a flat strip section 15 with a projection 16 that is directed radially inwards and has a V-shaped cross-section. Inside the profile clamp 1, two flange parts 29 of two pipes to be connected are arranged, which are enclosed by the clamp halves 10, 11. In the area of ​​the articulated connection 14, the flange has a recess 35. The recess 35 is designed as a notch in the flange 29 into which the V-shaped projection 16 engages, thus preventing movement of the profile clamp in the circumferential direction relative to the flange. Fig. 4b shows an enlarged section of the profile clamp made of Fig. 4a In the area of ​​the articulated connection 14, the flat band section 15 is formed with a first flat section 30 on the first clamp half 10. At the end 27 opposite the first clamp half 10, the first flat section 30 transitions into a V-shaped projection 34 that extends radially inwards. At the end 28 opposite the first flat section 30, the V-shaped projection 33 transitions into a second flat section 32. The second flat section 32 is formed at its opposite end on the second clamp half 11.

[0048] Fig. 5 shows a section through the first half of the clamp 10 along the line AA' in Fig. 2a It can be seen that the clamp half has a trapezoidal profile. The trapezoidal profile is formed by the legs 40 and 42 and the base section 41. The base section 41 connects the two legs 40 and 42 to each other.

[0049] Fig. 6a Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a profile clamp 1 in a further embodiment not according to the invention. The articulated connection 14 is designed as a flat strip section 15 with a material thinning 21. Fig. 6b shows an enlarged section of the profile clamp made of Fig. 6a In the area of ​​the articulated connection 14, the flat strip section 15 has a reduced material thickness compared to the clamp halves. The dashed line 22 illustrates the material thickness of the clamp half and serves only to depict the material thinning 21. The material thinning, as shown, extends over the entire length of the flat strip section 15. Alternatively, the material thinning can also be in the form of a U- or V-shaped cross-section and not extend over the entire length of the flat strip section. The specific material thinning can be applied either towards the radially inward or radially outward-facing side of the flat strip section. Fig. 6c Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the flat strip section 15 according to the invention with material thinning. The flat strip section in Fig. 6c It features two adjacent material thinnings, a notch 22 with a V-shaped cross-section and a notch 23 with a U-shaped cross-section. The notches are each designed as transverse grooves perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the clamp across the entire material width of the flat strip section.

[0050] Fig. 7a Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a profile clamp 1 not according to the invention in a further embodiment. The articulated connection 14 is as in the one shown in Figure 1. Fig. 6 The profile clamp shown is also designed as a flat strip section 15 with a material thinning 21. Fig. 7b shows an enlarged section of the profile clamp made of Fig. 7a In the area of ​​the articulated connection 14, the flat strip section 15 has a reduced material thickness compared to the clamp halves, in the form of a material thinning 21. The dashed line 21' illustrates the material thickness of the clamp half and serves only to depict the material thinning 21. The material thinning process using rollers has also increased the length L of the flat strip section 15. The material strip section 15 in Fig. 7a und 7 b is therefore longer than the thinned material strip section in Fig. 6a und 6b .

[0051] Fig. 8Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a profile clamp 1, not according to the invention, in a further embodiment with three clamp sections. The profile clamp 1 has a first profiled clamp section 10, a second profiled clamp section 11, and a third profiled clamp section 50. The first clamp section 10 is pivotally connected to the third clamp section 50 at its first end 51 by a first pivot connection 14a. The second clamp section 11 is pivotally connected to the third clamp section 50 at its second end 52 by a second pivot connection 14b. The clamping heads 12 and 13 are integrally formed on the clamp sections 10 and 11 opposite the third clamp section 50. Through holes are provided in the clamping heads 12 and 13, with a through hole 17 in the first clamping head 12 and a through hole 25 in the second clamping head 13.A pressure lug 19 is located at the free ends of the first and second clamping heads 12 and 13. The two pressure lugs 19 can be brought into contact with each other by tightening a nut 20 on a screw element 18 to achieve improved clamping of the clamp sections 11 relative to each other. The two articulated connections 14a, 14b are designed as flat strip sections 15 with a material taper 21.

Claims

1. Profile clamp (1) having a first profiled clamp section (10) and having a second profiled clamp section (11), optionally having at least one further profiled clamp section (50), wherein by way of the clamp sections (10, 11, 50) two flange parts are connectable to each other with the application of an axial force, wherein a first tightening head (12) is formed at one end of the first clamp section (10) and a second tightening head (13) is formed at one end of the second clamp section (11) in order to form a tightening device, wherein the ends of the clamp sections (10, 11) which are located opposite the tightening heads (12, 13) are connected to each other or to at least one of the further clamp sections (50) of the profile clamp (1) by means of an articulated connection (14), wherein the articulated connection (14) is formed by means of a flat band section (15) which is mechanically machined or formed and is integrally connected to the clamp sections and has a defined flexibility, wherein the flat band section (15) in a sheet thickness direction of the flat band section (15) has a material thickness reduced compared to the clamp sections, wherein the flat band section (15) has at least one notch (22, 23) with a U-shaped or V-shaped cross section, wherein the reduced material thickness has been generated by the notch (22, 23), wherein the notch (22, 23) extends transversely to a circumferential direction of the profile clamp (1) over the entire material width of the flat band section (15), wherein the flat band section (15) has an inside face directed towards a centre of the profile clamp (1) and an outside face directed away from the centre of the profile clamp (1), wherein the notch (22, 23) subtracts material only from the inside face of the flat band section (15) and does not penetrate the sheet metal thickness, wherein the notch (22, 23) is formed in such a manner that the outside face of the flat band section (15) remains unchanged and has no notches.

2. Profile clamp (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the profile clamp has two profiled clamp sections (10, 11) as profiled clamp halves, and the first profiled clamp section (10) is a first profiled clamp half (10), and the second profiled clamp section (11) is a second profiled clamp half (11), and the ends of the clamp halves (10, 11) which are located opposite the tightening heads (12, 13) are connected to each other by means of an articulated connection (14).

3. Profile clamp (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the profile clamp has three profiled clamp sections (10, 11, 50), and the first profiled clamp section (10) at the end of the clamp section (10) which is located opposite the tightening head (12) is connected by means of a first articulated connection (14) to a first end of a third profiled clamp section (50), and the second profiled clamp section (11) at the end of the clamp section (11) which is located opposite the tightening head (13) is connected by means of a second articulated connection (14) to a second end of a third profiled clamp section (50).

4. Profile clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat band section (15) has a radially outwardly or radially inwardly bent form (16) and the bent form (16) has a U-shaped or V-shaped cross section.

5. Profile clamp (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the flat band section (15) has a radially outwardly bent form (16).

6. Profile clamp (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the flat band section (15) has a radially inwardly bent form.

7. Profile clamp (1) according to one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the bent form (16) has a U-shaped cross section.

8. Profile clamp (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that that the flat band section (15) has a first flat section (30), a second flat section (32) and a U-shaped form (31, 34), wherein the U-shaped form (31) connects the two flat sections (30, 32) with each other, wherein the flat sections are each formed on one of the two clamp halves (10, 11).

9. Profile clamp (1) according to one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the bent form (16) has a V-shaped cross section.

10. Profile clamp (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that that the flat band section (15) has a first flat section (30), a second flat section (32) and a V-shaped form (33), wherein the V-shaped form (31) connects the two flat sections (30, 32) with each other, wherein the flat sections are each formed on one of the two clamp halves (10, 11).

11. Profile clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that pressure lugs (19) are formed on the end sides of the tightening heads (12, 13), which lugs reach each other when a screw element (18) is tightened.

12. Profile clamp (1) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the screw element (18) is screwed home with a self-locking screw nut (20).

13. Profile clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first tightening head (12) has a rectangular passage (17) through which a screw element (18) with a complementary rectangular shoulder can be inserted.