Endless sleeve for a pipe

Abstract

The present invention relates to an endless sleeve for a pipe. The endless sleeve comprises a hybrid material, optionally a metal strip and a plurality of mounting devices. The hybrid material comprises at least a first layer and a carrier layer, which is arranged parallel to the first layer and is in surface-area connection therewith. The first layer at least partially comprises an intumescent material. The hybrid material is arranged in a plurality of layers around the pipe. The optional metal strip may be arranged outside the hybrid material, and adjacent thereto, as seen in a radial direction of the pipe. The mounting devices are intended to enclose the hybrid material, and possibly the metal strip, at least partially, along an axial direction of the pipe. The endless sleeve can be fixed on an external mount by means of the mounting devices. The carrier layer has a mesh structure.

Description

[0001] Hilti Corporation

[0002] Principality of Liechtenstein

[0003] Endless sleeve for one pipe

[0004] The present invention relates to an endless sleeve for a pipe.

[0005] Fire collars are used to provide sealing solutions for pipes, particularly plastic pipes, that pass through walls. The goal is to seal the wall penetration through which the pipe passes in the event of a fire, once the melted or burned pipe no longer provides a seal. To this end, fire collars contain an intumescent material. Intumescent materials have the property of expanding above a certain temperature limit. During expansion, the material foams and then chars, providing a thermally insulating, resistant layer. This allows the wall penetration to be securely sealed in the event of a fire, preventing flames from spreading through the wall penetration into adjacent rooms.

[0006] Fire protection collars are known that have special housing shapes. The housing then contains a receiving space for the intumescent material. However, positioning the typically multi-layered strip package of intumescent material within the receiving space requires a relatively large amount of manual labor, making it complex and costly.

[0007] In addition, the housings typically have complex geometries that also vary depending on the respective pipe diameter. As a result, different punching and bending tools are required for production depending on the different pipe diameters. For the manufacturer, the payback period for these tools is often very long, especially for pipe sizes that are not frequently used. The comparatively small quantities that can be sold on the market therefore often do not justify the investment in such specialized and therefore cost-intensive tools. Furthermore, due to their geometries, the housings require increased storage space.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a fire protection collar that eliminates or at least reduces the disadvantages of known fire protection collars. In particular, the respective wall opening should be reliably sealed when necessary. Furthermore, the requirement for special housing geometries depending on the respective pipe diameter should be avoided as far as possible. Furthermore, it is advantageous if only a reduced storage space is required and if the collar is easy to install for the user or installer.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent patent claims and the following description, each of which, individually or in (sub)combination, may represent aspects of the invention.

[0010] According to one aspect, an endless sleeve for a pipe is provided. The endless sleeve is a fire protection sleeve. The endless sleeve comprises a hybrid material, optionally a metal band, and a plurality of mounting devices. The hybrid material comprises at least a first layer and a carrier layer arranged parallel to the first layer and connected to the first layer in a planar manner. The first layer at least partially comprises an intumescent material. The hybrid material is arranged in multiple layers around the pipe. The optional metal band can be arranged externally adjacent to the hybrid material in a radial direction of the pipe. The mounting devices are configured to enclose the hybrid material and optionally the metal band at least partially along an axial direction of the pipe. The endless sleeve can be fixed to an external receptacle by means of the mounting devices. The carrier layer has a mesh structure.

[0011] The endless sleeve thus formed advantageously does not require a complexly shaped housing. The mesh structure ensures sufficient mechanical stability even in the event of a fire when the intumescent material expands. The mesh structure also provides permeability for the intumescent material, allowing the intumescent material of adjacent layers of the hybrid material to bond with each other, enabling direct coupling. This improves the sealing of the pipe penetration after it has burned or melted. Furthermore, the manufacturing process does not require costly punching and bending tools, thus reducing production costs. In addition, the complex positioning steps for arranging the intumescent material in a housing receiving space are eliminated. Another aspect is that the required storage space is reduced by avoiding complex housing geometries.Only one continuous component (hybrid material) needs to be produced and procured, regardless of the pipe diameter. The installer simply cuts the correct length of the continuous sleeve, i.e., the hybrid material and, if applicable, the metal band, depending on the pipe diameter and then installs the continuous sleeve.

[0012] In the present context, a hybrid material is understood to be a material that has at least two different material components. In this case, the different material components in the hybrid material are arranged in parallel layers.

[0013] The hybrid material is arranged in multiple layers around the pipe. This means that the hybrid material is wrapped around the pipe multiple times. The number of layers of the hybrid material generally depends on the pipe diameter and thus the size of the wall penetration. Therefore, in use, the hybrid material is present in at least two layers around the pipe. In particular, the hybrid material can have at least two, preferably between four and seven, layers in use.

[0014] The metal band, which can be positioned radially outward relative to the center of the pipe and thus the endless sleeve, forces the intumescent material toward the center as it expands in the event of a fire. This can improve the sealing of the pipe penetration.

[0015] The mounting devices essentially ensure the correct positioning of the endless sleeve with respect to the opening for the pipe. Furthermore, they prevent relative movement of the endless sleeve with respect to the pipe. In this context, "enclosing" means that the mounting devices surround the hybrid material at least positively, in particular also frictionally and / or force-fittingly, in such a way that the hybrid material is thereby fixed in its relative position with respect to the external receptacle and the pipe. Optionally, the mounting device can have a clamp connection or a hook connection for securing the hybrid material.

[0016] The external mount is generally the structure that has the opening for the pipe.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the carrier layer comprises a fiberglass material and / or aluminum material. Fiberglass or metal wire mesh, or a composite of both, is also preferred. Such materials are well suited to ensuring sufficient mechanical stability, even in the event of a fire.

[0018] Alternatively or cumulatively, the hybrid material comprises a fabric. In particular, at least the carrier layer can comprise a fabric. Fabric structures can be manufactured using industrially standardized methods, thus reducing manufacturing costs. Nevertheless, they ensure high mechanical stability. Therefore, fabric structures are well suited to absorbing and withstanding the intumescent forces of the intumescent material that expands in the event of a fire.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the mesh structure has a diamond mesh structure or a rectangular mesh structure. These geometries have proven particularly suitable in terms of sufficient mechanical stability while simultaneously providing advantageous permeability for the intumescent material.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the mesh structure has substantially uniform mesh openings with a first and a second edge length. The first and second edge lengths are at least 2 mm and up to 10 mm. Preferably, the first and second edge lengths are at least 3 mm and up to 6 mm. More preferably, the first and second edge lengths are at least 3.5 mm and up to 4 mm. These edge lengths of the mesh openings enable a good compromise between advantageously low material consumption and, on the other hand, sufficient mechanical stability.

[0021] Optionally, the intumescent material contains graphite particles. The graphite particles can typically be 0.4 mm in size. This particle size has proven particularly suitable in relation to the edge lengths of the mesh openings. This ensures that the graphite particles of the intumescent material can pass through the mesh openings, enabling the coupling of adjacent layers of the hybrid material in the event of a fire.

[0022] The hybrid material preferably further comprises a third layer arranged parallel to the carrier layer and bonded to it over its entire surface. The third layer can comprise a film made of a plastic material. The third layer enables simplified production, as the hybrid material can be transported and processed in the production facility based on the third layer. This prevents, for example, the carrier layer arranged on the third layer or the layer of intumescent material from being damaged during processing.

[0023] Optionally, the mounting devices can comprise at least one hook section and one finger section. The finger section can be arranged on the inside of the tube, adjacent to the hybrid material, in the radial direction. The hook section can be arranged at least partially on the outside of the tube, optionally adjacent to the metal strip. This ensures a simple but effective enclosure of the hybrid material and, optionally, the metal strip relative to the tube. Thus, the mounting device enables the hybrid material to maintain its positional accuracy with respect to the tube and the external receptacle.

[0024] The hook portion may preferably have at least one eyelet, an elongated hole or a corresponding portion by means of which the respective mounting device can be fixed to the external receptacle and which provides at least one degree of freedom with regard to positioning.

[0025] Preferably, the finger sections are bendable at least between a first and a second orientation direction. The first orientation direction is aligned substantially parallel to the axial direction of the tube. The second orientation direction is arranged substantially along the radial direction of the tube. Thus, the hybrid material of the endless sleeve can initially be enclosed in the axial direction by the finger section. If the tube melts or burns, the finger section bends toward the center of the tube or the endless sleeve due to the intumescence, so that the intumescent material can further occupy the freed radially inner space to seal off the opening.

[0026] In general, the hybrid material, the optional metal band, and the mounting devices represent separate components, even if they are at least positively coupled to one another in use and therefore form the endless cuff as a common unit. In an alternative perspective, however, they can also be viewed together as a system that, as a whole, forms the endless cuff. According to this alternative perspective, all claimed subject matter can be transferred analogously to an endless cuff comprising a system that has at least the aforementioned components.

[0027] All features explained with regard to the various aspects can be combined individually or in (sub-)combination with other aspects.

[0028] The invention, as well as further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features shown in the description and the drawings can be used individually or in any combination according to the invention. They show:

[0029] Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic representation of the hybrid material according to one embodiment,

[0030] Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic representation of the hybrid material according to another embodiment,

[0031] Fig. 3 is a simplified schematic representation of the endless sleeve, the tube and the external receptacle, and Fig. 4 is a simplified schematic representation of a mounting device.

[0032] All features disclosed below with respect to the embodiments and / or the accompanying figure may be combined alone or in any sub-combination with features of the aspects of the present disclosure, including features of preferred embodiments, provided that the resulting combination of features is meaningful to a person skilled in the art.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of the hybrid material 10 according to one embodiment. The hybrid material 10 is shown here in a cross-sectional view.

[0034] The hybrid material 10 comprises a first layer 12, a carrier layer 14 (also called the second layer), and a third layer 16. The first layer 12, the carrier layer 14, and the third layer 16 are stacked along the layer thickness HD of the hybrid material 10. This means that the layers 12, 14, 16 are arranged parallel to one another along the longitudinal direction of the hybrid material 10 and along the width of the hybrid material 10, one above the other, and are connected to one another in pairs. Suitable coupling agents, such as an adhesive, can be provided to couple the different layers 12, 14, 16.

[0035] The first layer 12 at least partially comprises the intumescent material 18. In addition to the intumescent material 18, the first layer 12 can also contain other ingredients. In the present case, the intumescent material 18 comprises graphite particles 20. The graphite particles 20 have a particle size of essentially 0.4 mm. The particle size here refers to an average diameter of a graphite particle 20, which can be assumed to be spherical in a first approximation. Alternatively, the graphite particles 20 can also have other geometries. However, the largest dimension of the respective particle geometry is essentially 0.4 mm.

[0036] The carrier layer 14 is arranged adjacent to the first layer 12. The carrier layer 14 has a mesh structure 22. In the present case, the mesh structure 22 is formed as a rectangular mesh structure 24. The rectangular mesh structure 24 has essentially uniformly formed rectangular meshes 26.

[0037] In the present case, the individual stitches 26 have a first edge length 28 and a second edge length 30. In this embodiment, the first edge length 28 and the second edge length 30 are at least 3.5 mm and up to 4 mm.

[0038] Even if the openings of the meshes 26 are formed only perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the layer thickness HD of the hybrid material 10 due to the cross-sectional view, the meshes 26 can also have openings along the layer thickness HD.

[0039] The third layer 16 comprises a film 32, which in this case comprises a plastic material.

[0040] In the event of a fire, the graphite particles 20 foam and expand. This leads to an overall expansion of the first layer 12 and thus of the hybrid material 10. The particle size of the graphite particles 20 in relation to the edge lengths 28, 30 of the meshes 26 ensures that the intumescent material 18, including the graphite particles 20, can partially penetrate through the meshes 26. Since the foil 32 melts in the event of a fire, a coupling between the intumescent material 18 of adjacent, stacked layers of the hybrid material 10 can be ensured. This creates a resilient, mechanically stable coupling that can be used to seal off a wall penetration.

[0041] To ensure sufficient mechanical stability of the hybrid material 10, at least the carrier layer 14 has a fabric 34. The meshes 26 are thus formed from a fabric 34.

[0042] Optionally, the first layer 12 and / or the third layer 16 may also comprise the fabric 34.

[0043] Alternatively, the fabric 34 may differ from each other for each layer 12, 14, 16.

[0044] The carrier layer 14 can also be considered a second layer. The mesh structure 22 of the carrier layer 14 preferably comprises a fiberglass material and / or an aluminum material.

[0045] Figure 2 shows a simplified schematic representation of the hybrid material 10 according to another embodiment. Only differences from the previous embodiment are discussed here.

[0046] In contrast to the previous embodiment, the carrier layer 14 has a mesh structure 22 comprising a diamond mesh structure 36. The edge lengths 28, 30 of the meshes 26 of the diamond mesh structure 36 correspond to those of the rectangular mesh structure 24 from the previous embodiment.

[0047] The remaining structure of the hybrid material 10 corresponds to that of the previous embodiment.

[0048] The choice of mesh shape 26 influences mechanical stability. This means that, for example, the diamond mesh structure 36 may be preferred in particularly demanding applications.

[0049] Figure 3 shows a simplified schematic representation of the endless sleeve 40, the tube 42 and the external receptacle 44. The components are shown according to a cross-sectional view.

[0050] The endless sleeve 40 comprises the hybrid material 10, which is arranged radially outwardly in multiple layers around the pipe 42. The number of layers 46 generally depends on the diameter of the pipe 42.

[0051] The endless sleeve 40 may further comprise a metal band 48, which may be arranged radially outward relative to the center of the endless sleeve 40 and thus adjacent to the center of the tube 42, to the hybrid material 10.

[0052] The endless sleeve 40 further comprises several, here three, mounting devices 50, which serve, on the one hand, to position the endless sleeve 40 and, on the other hand, to ensure correct positioning of the hybrid material 10 and, if applicable, the metal strip 48 relative to the tube 42. The mounting devices 50 at least partially enclose the hybrid material 10 and, if applicable, the metal strip 48 at least along the axial direction of the tube 42. The mounting devices 50 thus prevent the hybrid material 10 or, if applicable, the metal strip 48 from moving along the axial direction, the radial direction, or the circumferential direction of the tube 42.

[0053] Because, in a preferred embodiment, the metal band 48 is also enclosed by the mounting devices 50, the intumescent material 18 is forced in the radial direction of the tube 42 towards the center when it expands in the event of a fire.

[0054] If the pipe 42 burns or melts, the intumescent material 18 can occupy the space created and seal the corresponding opening in the external receptacle 44, for example, a wall. Furthermore, the intumescent material 18 of the adjacent layers 46 of the hybrid material 10 penetrates the mesh 26 and couples with each other, ensuring a mechanically stable partition.

[0055] The mounting devices 50 have at least hook sections 52 by means of which the endless cuff 40 can be fixed to the external receptacle 44. The hook sections 52 advantageously have an elongated hole 54 to provide at least one degree of freedom during fixation.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a simplified schematic representation of a mounting device 50 according to a side view.

[0057] The mounting device 50 has a hook portion 52 with a slotted hole 54 for securing it to the external receptacle 44. After securing it to the external receptacle 44, the contact surface 56 is arranged adjacent to the external receptacle 44.

[0058] Furthermore, the hook portion 52 of the mounting device 50 has a substantially L-shaped base portion 58. The long leg of the L-shaped base portion 58 is oriented along the axial direction of the tube 42 in use. The short leg of the L-shaped base portion 58 is oriented along the radial direction of the tube 42 in use.

[0059] The mounting device 50 further comprises a finger portion 60 extending at least partially along the axial direction. The finger portion 60 is coupled to the base portion 58 by suitable connecting means 62, for example, by screws, rivets, an adhesive, or the like. Alternatively, the finger portion 60 can also be manufactured from a single material together with the hook portion 52; however, the bending point must be designed such that the finger portion 60 can be bent with little force in the event of a fire.

[0060] While the long leg of the L-shaped base section 58 is arranged radially outward relative to the hybrid material 10 and, if applicable, the metal band 48 of the endless cuff 40 in the use situation, the finger section 60 is arranged radially inward relative to the hybrid material 10 and, if applicable, the metal band 48 of the endless cuff 40 in the use situation. An outer surface 64 of the finger section 60 is then arranged adjacent to the tube 42.

[0061] Along the axial direction, the hybrid material 10 and, if applicable, the metal band 48 are enclosed between the external receptacle 44 and the abutment surface 66 in the use situation.

[0062] Along the radial direction, the hybrid material 10 and optionally the metal band 48 are enclosed in the use situation between the finger portion 60 and the long leg of the L-shaped base portion 58.

[0063] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hybrid material 10 and the metal band 48 are enclosed as a whole by the mounting device 50.

[0064] In the event of a fire, the intumescent material 18 expands. To prevent this expansion from being hindered, the finger portion 60 is designed such that it can bend from a first orientation direction 70 along the axial direction of the tube 42, due to a bend 72, into a second orientation direction 74 along the radial direction of the tube 42. This provides more space for the expansion of the intumescent material 18. Furthermore, this allows the space released by the melting or burning tube 42 to be occupied by the intumescent material 18.

[0065] In contrast to the finger section 60, the base section 58 and also the hook section 52 as a whole essentially do not bend in the event of a fire, at least not under typical fire conditions. As an aid, the coordinate system 76 schematically illustrates the orientation relative to the pipe 42. Tangential refers to the circumferential direction of the pipe 42 lying in the plane of the drawing.

[0066] Reference may be made to quantities and numbers in this disclosure. Unless expressly stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered limiting, but rather as examples of the possible quantities or numbers in connection with this disclosure. In this context, the term "plurality" may also be used in this disclosure to refer to a quantity or number. In this context, the term "plurality" means any number greater than one, e.g., two, three, four, five, etc. The terms "about," "approximately," "near," etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Continuous sleeve (40) for a tube (42) comprising a hybrid material (10), optionally a metal strip (48) and several mounting devices (50), wherein the hybrid material (10) comprises at least a first layer (12) and a support layer (14) arranged parallel to and planarly connected with the first layer (12), wherein the first layer (12) at least partially comprises an intumescent material (18), wherein the hybrid material (10) is arranged in multiple layers around the tube (42) and optionally the metal strip (48) is arranged externally adjacent to the hybrid material (10) in a radial direction of the tube (42), wherein the mounting devices (50) are configured to enclose the hybrid material (10) and optionally the metal strip (48) at least partially along an axial direction of the tube (42) and wherein the continuous sleeve (40) can be fixed to an external receptacle (44) by means of the mounting devices (50), characterized in thatthat the carrier layer (14) has a mesh structure (22).

2. Endless cuff (40) according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier layer (14) comprises a glass fiber material and / or aluminium.

3. Endless cuff (40) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hybrid material (10) comprises a fabric (34), in particular wherein at least the carrier layer (14) comprises a fabric (34).

4. Endless cuff (40) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mesh structure (22) has a diamond mesh structure (36) or a rectangular mesh structure (24).

5. Endless cuff (40) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mesh structure (22) has substantially uniform mesh openings with a first and a second edge length (28, 30), and wherein the first and the second edge length (28, 30) are at least 2 mm and up to 10 mm, preferably wherein the first and the second edge length (28, 30) are at least 3 mm and up to 6 mm, more preferably wherein the first and the second edge length (28, 30) are at least 3.5 mm and up to 4 mm.

6. Endless cuff (40) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intumescent material (18) comprises graphite particles (20) and the particle size of the graphite particles (20) is substantially 0.4 mm.

7. Endless cuff (40) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hybrid material (18) further comprises a third layer (12) which is arranged parallel to the carrier layer (14) and is connected to it over a planar area, and wherein the third layer (12) has a film (32) made of a plastic material.

8. Endless cuff (40) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting devices (50) have at least one hook section (52) and one finger section (60), and wherein the finger section (60) is arranged in the radial direction of the tube (42) adjacent to the hybrid material (10) and the hook section (52) is arranged at least partially adjacent to the outside of the tube, at least in the radial direction, optionally to the metal strip (48).

9. Endless cuff (40) according to claim 8, characterized in that the finger sections (60) are bendable at least between a first and a second orientation direction (70, 74), wherein the first orientation direction (70) is oriented substantially parallel to the axial direction of the tube (42), and wherein the second orientation direction (74) is arranged substantially along the radial direction of the tube (42).

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