Hose clamp suitable for joining two plain ends, with added thickness on radially internal surfaces
The hose clamp with metal half-collars and elastomeric sleeve, featuring extra thickness on inner surfaces, addresses the issue of root and spore penetration, ensuring secure and cost-effective joining of plain ends in installations like Canadian wells.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing hose clamps for joining plain ends are susceptible to penetration by roots or spores, posing a risk to the integrity of installations like Canadian wells, and there is a need for a solution that is easy to implement and cost-effective.
A hose clamp comprising a first and second half-collar made of metal, a sealing sleeve of elastomeric material, and fastening systems, with one or more extra thicknesses on the radially inner surfaces to form a band around the joined ends, ensuring a uniform clamping force and preventing penetration.
The clamp effectively prevents root and spore penetration while maintaining easy installation and affordability, providing enhanced security and durability for buried installations.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Clamping collar adapted for joining two plain ends, with extra thickness on radially internal surfaces Scope of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a hose clamp adapted for joining two plain ends extending along a central axis, the hose clamp being adapted to form a band around the two plain ends in a tight configuration of the hose clamp, and comprising a sealing sleeve made of elastomeric material adapted to surround the two plain ends around the central axis in the tight configuration, the sealing sleeve being compressed radially with respect to the central axis between the two plain ends and the band.
[0002] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising the two joined ends and such a clamp joining the two joined ends. State of the art
[0003] Plain ends belong for example to piping elements.
[0004] Such an assembly is generally buried, for example to create a Canadian well, that is to say an installation allowing air to pass through the ground to air condition a dwelling or a building by taking advantage of the thermal inertia of the ground.
[0005] However, it sometimes happens that plant roots or spores penetrate between the clamp and the plain ends.
[0006] An object of the invention is therefore to provide a technical solution enabling the joining between the two joined ends, while limiting or avoiding the risk of penetration of roots or spores, the solution being easy to implement and at an affordable cost. Summary of the invention
[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a clamp adapted for joining two plain ends extending along a central axis, the clamp comprising:
[0008] - a first half-collar and a second half-collar made of metal, in particular cast iron, each of the first half-collar and the second half-collar comprising a first loop and a second loop,
[0009] - a sealing sleeve made of elastomeric material, and
[0010] - a first fastening system, and a second diametrically opposed fastening system opposed to the first fixing system along a first radial direction perpendicular to the central axis,
[0011] the clamp being movable between a rest configuration, and a confi- tight configuration, in which:
[0012] - the first half-collar and the second half-collar are closer to each other that in the resting configuration and are adapted to form a band around the two joined ends, and
[0013] - the sealing sleeve is intended to surround the two joined ends, around the axis central and to be compressed radially with respect to the central axis between the two joined ends and the band,
[0014] the first fastening system and the second fastening system being adapted to fix the first half-collar and the second half-collar one on top of the other in the tight configuration,
[0015] each of the first half-collar and the second half-collar defining a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface,
[0016] the radially outer surface extending, in the rest configuration, in section along a plane perpendicular to the central axis, along a first arc of a circle having a first center,
[0017] in which, in the rest configuration, points of the radially inner surface are located, in said plane, at a variable distance from the first center due to at least one overthickness of each of the first half-collar and the second half-collar, the distance being in a range of values as a function of an angle defined around the first center from a second radial direction, the angle being in a maximum angular range extending between the first flange and the second flange, the second radial direction being perpendicular to the axis and to the first radial direction.
[0018] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the hose clamp comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:
[0019] - the range of distance values has an amplitude between 0.10 mm and 6.0 mm;
[0020] - the average distance of the points on the radially inner surface located on a given angular range within the maximum angular range is less than the average distance of points on the radially inner surface located outside the given angular range within the maximum angular range;
[0021] - the distance is progressively angular, the distance being minimal in the second radial direction and increasing on each side of the second radial direction;
[0022] - the distance is symmetrical with respect to the second radial direction as a function of the angle;
[0023] - the excess thickness protrudes from a part of the radially inner surface;
[0024] - the excess thickness forms a band extending at least 150° around the axis central in the tight configuration;
[0025] - at the location of the band, the radially inner surface extends, in section according to the plan, along a second arc of a circle having a second center which is offset from the first center in the second radial direction on the side opposite the radially inner surface;
[0026] - each of the first half-collar and the second half-collar comprises: two parts extending angularly in line with each other around the central axis; and an intermediate fastening system adapted to secure the two parts together, the intermediate fastening system forming a projection from the radially outer surface; and
[0027] - each of the first half-collar and the second half-collar comprises at least two teeth adapted to bite respectively into the two joined ends.
[0028] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising two joined ends extending along a central axis, and a clamping collar as described above, the clamping collar being in the tightened configuration and joining the two joined ends, the first half-collar and the second half-collar forming a band around the two joined ends, the sealing sleeve surrounding the two joined ends around the central axis and being compressed radially with respect to the central axis between the two joined ends and the band. Figures
[0029] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0030] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of an assembly according to the invention,
[0031] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an axial, or profile, view of a clamping collar according to the invention shown in [Fig. 1], the hose clamp being in the resting (untightened) configuration,
[0032] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an axial, or profile, view of one of the half-collars of the collar of tightening shown in [Fig.2],
[0033] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a view from below of the half-collar shown in [Fig.3],
[0034] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is an axial, or side, view of a clamp constituting a variant of the hose clamp shown in [Fig.2], in the resting configuration, and
[0035] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is an axial, or profile, view of part of one of the half-collars of the hose clamp shown in [Fig.5]. Together
[0036] With reference to [Fig.1], an assembly 10 according to the invention is described.
[0037] The assembly 10 comprises two plain ends 12, 14 extending along a central axis X, and a clamp 16 adapted to join the two plain ends in a tight configuration ([Fig.1]) of the clamp.
[0038] The assembly 10 is for example buried in a soil 18, and advantageously forms part of a Canadian well (not shown).
[0039] The two joined ends 12, 14 are advantageously made of ductile iron. The two joined ends 12, 14 have, for example, the same external diameter DE.
[0040] The two joined ends 12, 14 are for example part of piping elements 12A, 14A, such as pipes or fittings (very partially represented), or even tank elements.
[0041] The external diameter DE is in the example 200 mm. hose clamp
[0042] As seen in figures 2 to 4, the clamp 16 comprises a first half-clamp 16A, a second half-clamp 16B, and a sealing sleeve 20. The clamp 16 comprises a first fixing system 22A, and a second fixing system 22B diametrically opposite to the first fixing system along a first radial direction DI perpendicular to the central axis X.
[0043] A second radial direction D2 is also defined, perpendicular to the central axis X and to the first radial direction DI.
[0044] The clamping collar 16 is movable between a rest configuration ([Fig.2]), and the tightened configuration ([Fig.1]), in which the first half-collar 16A and the second half-collar 16B are closer to each other than in the rest configuration and form a band around the two joined ends 12, 14, the sealing sleeve 20 surrounding the two joined ends around the central axis X and being compressed radially with respect to the central axis X between the two joined ends and the band.
[0045] In the rest configuration, the clamping collar 16 has, for example, a symmetry with respect to a plane P perpendicular to the first radial direction DI and passing through the central axis X.
[0046] In the rest configuration, the clamping collar 16 is advantageously symmetrical with respect to a plane P' perpendicular to the second radial direction D2 and passing through the central axis X, with the possible exception of fastening elements 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D of the first fastening system 22A and the second fastening system 22B.
[0047] The clamping collar 16 is for example symmetrical with respect to a plane P" perpendicular to the central axis X.
[0048] The first fastening system 22A and the second fastening system 22B are adapted to fix the first half-collar 16A and the second half-collar 16B to one another on the other in the tight configuration, for example by bringing them closer together in the second radial direction D2 from the rest configuration to the tight configuration.
[0049] The first fastening system 22A includes for example a first flange 26A of the first half-collar 16A, a first flange 26B of the second half-collar 16B, and two fastening members 24A, 24B adapted to bring said first flanges 26A, 26B closer together, advantageously in the second radial direction D2.
[0050] The second fastening system 22B includes, for example, a second flange 28A of the first half-collar 16A, a second flange 28B of the second half-collar 16B, and two fastening members 24C, 24D adapted to bring said second flanges 28A, 28B closer together.
[0051] Alternatively, the fastening systems 22A, 22B each comprise only one fastening member.
[0052] The fasteners 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D are, for example, screws.
[0053] The sealing sleeve is made of elastomeric material, for example rubber. Advantageously, the sealing sleeve has two bulges 29A, 29B, respectively located opposite the first fastening system 22A and the second fastening system 22B. Half-necklaces
[0054] The first half-collar 16A and the second half-collar 16B are made of rigid metallic material, for example cast iron.
[0055] Since the first half-collar 16A and the second half-collar 16B are symmetrical to each other in the example, only the first half-collar will be described below with reference to figures 2 to 4.
[0056] The first half-collar 16A defines a radially external surface 30, and a radially internal surface 32 in contact with the sealing sleeve 20.
[0057] The first half-collar 16A extends around the central axis X from and including the first flange 26A to and including the second flange 28A, advantageously over at least 150° seen from the central axis X.
[0058] The first half-collar 16A advantageously comprises four teeth 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D projecting from the radially inner surface 32, adapted to bite respectively into the two plain ends 12, 14, next to the sealing sleeve 20, in order to achieve electrical continuity between the two plain ends, and / or to axially retain the two plain ends during a pressure leak test.
[0059] In an alternative (not shown), there are two teeth.
[0060] As can be seen in [Fig. 3], in the rest configuration (in the absence of clamping), the radially outer surface 30 extends, in section along the plane P”, along a first arc of a circle Cl having a first center QL
[0061] The first arc of a circle Cl defines a first radius RI.
[0062] In the rest configuration, points M of the radially inner surface 32 are located, in the plane P”, at a variable distance D from the first center Ql due to at least one overthickness 42 of the first half-collar 16A.
[0063] The distance D evolves in a range of values as a function of an angle 0 defined around the first center Ql from the second radial direction D2, the angle 0 being in a maximum angular range 36-38-40 extending between the first flange 26A and the second flange 28A.
[0064] The mean DD1 of the distance D over a given angular range 36, which in the described example is a median range, is lower than the mean DD2 of the distance D over the other angular ranges, which in the described example are two lateral angular ranges 38, 40.
[0065] The given angular range 36 extends for example over 60° around the first center Ql and is symmetric with respect to the second radial direction D2.
[0066] The two lateral angular ranges 38, 40 extend respectively between the first flange 26A and the given angular range 36, and between the second flange 28A and the given angular range 36.
[0067] According to variants not shown, the first half-collar 16A has several overthicknesses, for example forming several bands extending around the central axis X and offset from each other along the central axis X.
[0068] According to other variants not shown, the first half-collar 16A has at least one overthickness extending over a non-median and / or non-symmetrical angular range with respect to the second radial direction D2. Extra thickness
[0069] In other words, in the described example, the extra thickness 42 is present at least in a median portion 44 of the first half-collar 16A corresponding to the given angular range 36, and is more pronounced on average in this median portion than in lateral portions 46, 48 of the first half-collar located on either side of the median portion 44 in the first radial direction DI. The extra thickness 42 is all the more pronounced locally as the distance D with the first center Ql is small.
[0070] According to an unrepresented variant, the extra thickness 42 is present only in the given angular range 36, that is to say in the middle part 44 of the first half-collar 16 A.
[0071] For example, the overthickness 42 is progressively angularly, the distance D being minimal in the second radial direction D2 and increasing, or even strictly increasing, on each side of the second radial direction D2.
[0072] Angle 0 is, for example, positive on the side of the second flange 28A and negative on the side
[0077] r30“ Æ;a( DD2 = of the first flange 26A.
[0073] The extra thickness 42 is, for example, symmetrical with respect to the second radial direction D2, the distance D being symmetrical with respect to the angle 0, as in the example described. In other words, the distance D satisfies the following equation: D(-0) = D(0).
[0074] It should then be noted that, when the given angular range 36 extends over 60° on either side of the second radial direction D2, the average DD1 can be calculated as follows:
[0075] Dm=
[0076] The average DD2 can be calculated as follows: / (^-^„„-60°)
[0078] where 0min and 0max are angles defined respectively by the first flange 26A and the second flange 28A, and correspond to the ends of the maximum angular range 36-38-40. For example 0min and 0max are respectively -80° and +80°.
[0079] The distance D evolves in a range of values depending on the angle 0, the range having an amplitude D3 for example between 0.1 mm and 6.0 mm, preferably between 1.0 and 4.0 mm.
[0080] D3 corresponds to the maximum value of the overthickness 42, which is for example between 0.1 mm and 6.0 mm, preferably between 1.0 and 4.0 mm.
[0081] The extra thickness 42 is for example projecting from a part 50 of the radially inner surface 32. In other words, the extra thickness 42 "is visible" on the first half-collar 16 A.
[0082] According to an unrepresented variant, the extra thickness 42 is present over an entire radially internal face of the first half-collar 16A, and cannot be distinguished from the radially internal surface 32. In other words, there is no part 50 not affected by the extra thickness 42.
[0083] The extra thickness 42 can be seen as an addition of material allowing the thickness of the first half-collar 16A to be increased.
[0084] In the example, the extra thickness 42 forms a band 52 advantageously extending over at least 150° around the central axis X in the tight configuration.
[0085] Part 50 is for example cylindrical of radius RI' around an axis passing through the first center Q1 and parallel to the central axis X.
[0086] Advantageously, at the location of the band 52, the radially inner surface 32 extends, in section along the plane P”, along a second arc of a circle C2 having a second center Q2 which is offset by a distance D4 from the first center Q1 in the second radial direction D2 on the side opposite the radially in- external 32. The additional thickness 42 is cylindrical in the example described.
[0087] The second arc of a circle C2 defines a second radius R2 greater than the radius RL.
[0088] The extra thickness 42 is, in the example, maximum in the second radial direction D2, where the extra thickness is equal to the amplitude D3. The extra thickness 42 decreases, for example, progressively as one moves away from the second radial direction D2 up to the first flange 26A and the second flange 28A.
[0089] The overthickness 42 decreases for example with the angle 0 (considered in absolute value) and is zero at two points A and B defined by the angles 0min and 0max.
[0090] In the example described, the amplitude D3 satisfies the equation D3 = D4 + RL - R2. The amplitude D3 is then less than the distance D4.
[0091] According to other variants not shown, the overthickness(es) form successive sections around the central axis X, separated by portions of the radially interior surface 32 without overthickness.
[0092] Thanks to the characteristics described above, particularly the extra thickness 42, the clamp 16 exerts a clamping force on the two joined ends 12, 14 that is more uniform than without the extra thickness. The clamp 16 makes it possible to join the two joined ends 12, 14, while limiting or preventing the risk of penetration by roots or spores (not shown). Furthermore, the clamp 16 is easy to install and inexpensive. Variant
[0093] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, a hose clamp 116, which is a variant of the hose clamp 16, will now be described. The hose clamp 116 is analogous to the hose clamp 16 shown in Figures 1 to 4. Similar features have the same numeric or alphanumeric reference numerals and will not be described again. Only the differences are described in detail below.
[0094] For the reasons explained above, only the first half-collar 16A will be described.
[0095] The first half-collar 16A comprises two parts 102, 104 extending angularly in line with each other around the central axis X.
[0096] An intermediate fastening system 106 allows the two parts 102, 104 to be joined together. The intermediate fastening system 106 forms a projection 108 from the radially outer surface 30.
[0097] The intermediate fastening system 106 is located, for example, halfway between the first fastening system 22A and the second fastening system 22B.
[0098] The clamping collar 116 is advantageously adapted for an external diameter DE of the plain ends 12, 14 greater than that shown in [Fig.1], for example an external diameter of 300 mm, or even of 500 mm.
[0099] The hose clamp 116 also has the same advantages as the hose clamp 16.
Claims
Demands
1. Hose clamp (16; 116) adapted for joining two plain ends (12, 14) extending along a central axis (X), the hose clamp (16; 116) comprising: - a first half-collar (16A) and a second half-collar (16B) made of metal, in particular cast iron, each of the first half-collar (16A) and the second half-collar (16B) comprising a first flange (26A, 26B) and a second flange (28A, 28B), - a sealing sleeve (20) made of elastomeric material, and - a first fixing system (22A), and a second fixing system (22B) diametrically opposite to the first fixing system (22A) along a first radial direction (Dl) perpendicular to the central axis (X), the clamping collar (16; 116) being movable between a resting configuration and a tightened configuration, in which: - the first half-collar (16A) and the second half-collar (16B) are closer to each other than in the resting configuration and are adapted to form a band around the two joined ends (12, 14), and - the sealing sleeve (20) is intended to surround the two joined ends (12, 14), around the central axis (X) and to be compressed radially with respect to the central axis (X) between the two joined ends (12, 14) and the band, the first fastening system (22A) and the second fastening system (22B) being adapted to fix the first half-collar (16A) and the second half-collar (16B) one on top of the other in the tight configuration, each of the first half-collar (16A) and the second half-collar (16B) defining a radially outer surface (30) and a radially inner surface (32), the radially outer surface (30) extending, in the rest configuration, in section along a plane (P”) perpendicular to the central axis (X), along a first circular arc (Cl) having a first center (Ql), in which, in the rest configuration, points (M) of the radially inner surface (32) are located, in said plane (P”), at a variable distance (D) from the first center (Ql) due to at least one extra thickness (42) of each of the first half-collar (16A) and the second half-collar (16B), the distance (D) being in a range of values in function of an angle (0) defined around the first center (Ql) from a second radial direction (D2), the angle (0) being in a maximum angular range (36-38-40) extending between the first flange (26A, 26B) and the second flange (28A, 28B), the second radial direction (D2) being perpendicular to the axis (X) and to the first radial direction (Dl).
2. Hose clamp (16; 116) according to claim 1, wherein the range of values of the distance (D) has an amplitude (D3) between 0.10 mm and 6.0 mm.
3. Clamping collar (16; 116) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the average distance (D) of points (M) of the radially inner surface (32) located on a given angular range (36) within the maximum angular range (36-38-40) is less than the average distance (D) of points (M) of the radially inner surface (32) located outside the given angular range (36) within the maximum angular range (36-38-40).
4. Clamping collar (16; 116) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distance (D) is angularly progressive, the distance (D) being minimal in the second radial direction (D2) and increasing on each side of the second radial direction (D2).
5. Clamping collar (16; 116) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distance (D) is symmetric with respect to the second radial direction (D2) as a function of the angle (0).
6. Clamping collar (16; 116) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the overthickness (42) is projecting from a portion (50) of the radially inner surface (32).
7. Clamping collar (16; 116) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the overthickness (42) forms a band (52) extending at least 150° around the central axis (X) in the clamped configuration.
8. Clamping collar (16; 116) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, at the location of the band (52), the radially inner surface (32) extends, in section along the plane (P”), along a second arc of a circle (C2) having a second center (Q2) which is offset from the first center (Q1) in the second radial direction (D2) on the side opposite the radially inner surface (32).
9. Hose clamp (116) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the first half-clamp (16A) and the second half-collar (16B) comprises: - two parts (102, 104) extending angularly in line with each other around the central axis (X), and - an intermediate fastening system (106) adapted to secure the two parts (102, 104) together, the intermediate fastening system (106) forming a projection (108) from the radially outer surface (30).
10. Hose clamp (16; 116) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the first half-clamp (16A) and the second half-clamp (16B) comprises at least two teeth (34A, 34B, 34C, 34D) adapted to bite respectively into the two plain ends (12, 14).
11. Assembly comprising two plain ends extending along a central axis (X), and a clamping collar (16; 116) as described by any one of claims 1 to 10, the clamping collar (16; 116) being in the tightened configuration and joining the two plain ends (12, 14), the first half-collar (16A) and the second half-collar (16B) forming a band around the two plain ends (12, 14), the sealing sleeve (20) surrounding the two plain ends (12, 14) around the central axis (X) and being compressed radially with respect to the central axis (X) between the two plain ends (12, 14) and the band.