Connection system

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection system for connecting a tube, and to a method for determining the installation tension of a connection system. According to the invention, the connection system has means for tension monitoring, wherein the means for tension monitoring have markings. Based on the markings, the stretching of the means for tension monitoring, and thus the installation tension of the connection system, can be calculated.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Connection system

[0003] The present invention relates to a connection system for connecting a hose and a method for determining the installation voltage of a connection system.

[0004] The connection system can be used to connect a hose to a connector. The hose can be a flexible pipe or a line.

[0005] Connection systems for connecting hoses are well known. For example, clamps secured with clamps, crimp connections, or screws are known. These serve to ensure the connection, tightness, and to prevent twisting and pulling off of a flexible hose on a rigid pipe, such as a fitting or connector.

[0006] The disadvantage of conventional connection systems is that they don't offer a way to measure the mechanical installation tension required to securely connect the hose. There's no way to determine whether the hose is correctly fastened or tensioned. The assembly and tightening of the connection system must be done by feel.

[0007] Devices for voltage monitoring are known.

[0008] US 2020 / 0003644 A1 relates to an indicator clip for use in a retaining mechanism. The indicator clip comprises a body with a channel configured to receive a strap from the retaining mechanism, and at least one extension configured to deflect when a force is exerted on the retaining mechanism. The indicator clip serves to measure the force exerted on the retaining mechanism. WO 2011 / 032587 A1 discloses a method for monitoring torsion in a cable. The cable is provided with identification tags, preferably RFID tags. The identification tags are arranged in a cross-sectional plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable. The detection of the electromagnetic signal of the identification tags comprises determining the angular position of the identification tags.

[0009] WO 2007 / 001460 A2 relates to a binary code symbol for nonlinear strain measurement. The symbol is rectangular with a continuous outer perimeter, two data regions along adjacent sides of the rectangle, and a useful region located opposite the data regions on each side. The binary code system is based on monitoring the deformation of the symbol's geometry using the fundamental concepts of nonlinear stress analysis.

[0010] WO 00 / 12955 A1 discloses a device for determining the movement or stretch of an object, in particular a belt. The device consists of two differently inclined length scales, which, when placed on top of each other, form a vernier scale. When the scales are superimposed, a small area of ​​visible contrast color is visible. A large movement of the visible contrast color indicates the small movement of one of the two scales relative to the other.

[0011] DE 10 2021 124 520 A1 relates to a tension clamp for encircling an axle and clamping it to the axle with at least one strain sensor. The tension clamp can be used to measure the bending and torsion of an axle.

[0012] EP 4 001 735 A1 describes a method and system for detecting displacements in installed piping systems and identifying components and their properties. At least two markers applied to at least one component of the installed piping system are captured in a single image. This image is compared with a subsequent image, and the markers are compared to detect any relative displacement of the markers.

[0013] From WO 2022 / 130000 A1, a pipe coupling for connecting two pipes is known, which comprises a flexible clamp band that can be tensioned around the pipes, a tensioning device for reducing the inner diameter of the clamp band and a rubber-elastic sealing insert on the inside of the clamp band.

[0014] US 2008 / 0282509 A1 describes a hose clamp with a visual indicator to show the user that the hose clamp is properly tightened.

[0015] US 2018 / 0340557 A1 describes a hose clamp with an indicator device for displaying the tension state of the clamp band.

[0016] US 2023 / 0347447 A1 describes a method and a device for autonomously marking a substrate.

[0017] The disadvantage of the known devices is that they usually do not allow monitoring of the installation voltage of connection systems over a longer period of time.

[0018] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved connection system for connecting hoses.

[0019] The object is achieved in a connection system according to the preamble of claim 1 in that the connection system has means for voltage monitoring, wherein the means for voltage monitoring have markings, wherein the means for voltage monitoring are arranged in the connection system in such a way that they are elastically deformed when the connection system is tensioned.

[0020] The markings can form a stochastic pattern. Individual sections of the pattern can repeat periodically. The pattern can be computer-generated or arise from stochastic processes during the production of the markings.

[0021] The markings may be any detectable, permanent deviation from the surface of the voltage monitoring device.

[0022] The markings can be detected using imaging techniques, such as optical, ultrasound or radiographic.

[0023] In particular, the connection system can be used to connect a flexible hose to a rigid pipe. The connection system can be placed over the flexible hose like a clamp. When the clamp is tightened, it exerts a pressure corresponding to the installation tension on the flexible hose, pressing it against the rigid pipe. The clamping can be achieved using a bracket, a screw, or clamps, for example. This creates a secure and tight connection between the flexible hose and the rigid pipe. The rigid pipe can be a connector, such as a hose nozzle.

[0024] The connection system can also be used to connect a hose to a rigid connector. One end of the connector is inserted into the hose and then clamped to the hose. The connector can then be connected to another hose using a second connection system.

[0025] When tightening the connection system, an installation tension must be applied. The tension monitoring devices undergo elastic deformation during tightening. This elastic deformation can be either stretching or compression. For example, the tension monitoring device can be a portion of a hose clamp. Advantageously, the tension monitoring device can form the clamp itself.

[0026] By monitoring and measuring changes in the markings, the strain of the stress monitoring devices can be determined. The stress monitoring devices are arranged in the connection system in such a way that they are elastically deformed when the connection system is tightened. This elastic deformation, for example, a strain of the stress monitoring devices, changes the pattern of the markings. The change in the pattern can be recorded using imaging techniques, for example, optically, ultrasound, or radiographically. The change in the pattern can be used to calculate the strain of the stress monitoring device.

[0027] Advantageously, the determination of the strain of the stress monitoring means can be carried out particularly robustly. For example, the strain can be calculated using a sub-area of ​​the pattern or a subset of the markings, and the calculated strain values ​​can be averaged with the strain value calculated from another sub-area of ​​the pattern or another subset of the markings. The averaging can be performed over any number of subsets of the markings.

[0028] Advantageously, the installation stress of the connection system can be derived or calculated by measuring the strain of the stress monitoring devices using Hooke's law or non-linear stress-strain relationships. This makes it possible to check and monitor whether the required mechanical installation stresses have been achieved and maintained, even over longer periods of time. The installation stress can be measured during and / or shortly after installation. During installation, the installation stress can be measured based on the strain measurements of the stress monitoring devices and readjusted based on these measurements. The installation stress can also be measured at periodic or non-periodic intervals. In particular, changes in the installation stress due to thermal expansion or creep strain can be measured.If the installation voltage is measured to be too low or too high, it can be adjusted.

[0029] The strain measurement of the stress monitoring devices can be performed by comparing the originally recorded marking pattern with a marking pattern recorded at a later time, for example, during or after the connection system has been tightened. The marking pattern can also be recorded at several later times, and a comparison between these later times is also conceivable, for example, to detect changes in the installation stress due to thermal expansion or creep.

[0030] Advantageously, the voltage monitoring devices do not require an energy storage device. Installation voltage can be measured even after long intervals.

[0031] It is expedient for the voltage monitoring means to comprise at least one wire, the wire having markings.

[0032] The wire can be designed to be at least partially straight. The pattern of the markings can advantageously be used to calculate the wire's elongation and thus the mechanical installation stress of the connection system. The simple geometry of the wire allows for a particularly simple calculation of the installation stress from the elongation of the voltage monitoring devices.

[0033] One embodiment of the invention is that the connection system is a wire clamp. Advantageously, the connection system can be formed particularly simply by a wire clamp. The wire clamp can be tightened, for example, by a wire clamp or a screw. By operating the wire clamp, a mechanical installation tension can be applied to the hose. Advantageously, the installation tension of the connection system can be continuously varied when tightening the screw. Particularly advantageously, the installation tension can be adjusted based on the measurements of the tension monitoring means.

[0034] A further embodiment of the invention is that the markings can be applied chemically.

[0035] The pattern can be applied to the voltage monitoring means, for example, using an etchant-coated sticker and / or etching pen.

[0036] A further embodiment of the invention is that the markings can be painted on.

[0037] The pattern can be applied to the voltage monitoring devices using individual ink drops. Application can be achieved, for example, by spraying, dabbing, stamping, or printing. The ink drops can be uniform and / or different colors. The colors can be safety varnishes. The ink drops are preferably distributed stochastically on the voltage monitoring devices.

[0038] The voltage monitoring devices can be completely or partially coated with a varnish. Particles or other foreign substances can be introduced into the varnish. These particles and / or foreign substances can form the pattern of the markings.

[0039] A further embodiment of the invention provides for the markings to be mechanically applied. The marking pattern can be applied, for example, to the voltage monitoring means using a stamp.

[0040] A further embodiment of the invention is that the markings can be applied by a laser.

[0041] The advantage here is that a permanent pattern of markings can be created particularly quickly on the voltage monitoring devices.

[0042] The invention also relates to a method for determining the installation voltage of a connection system according to claim 8.

[0043] The procedure includes the following steps:

[0044] • Applying markings to the voltage monitoring devices,

[0045] • Recording the original pattern of markings on the voltage monitoring devices,

[0046] • Converting the pattern of the markings into computer code,

[0047] • Recording the pattern of the markings on the tension monitoring means during and / or after a time interval after tensioning,

[0048] • Calculation of the installation tension based on the comparison of the original pattern of marks with the pattern of marks recorded during and / or after a time interval after tensioning.

[0049] The pattern of markings can be recorded optically, by ultrasound or radiographically.

[0050] Finally, the invention includes adjusting the mechanical installation tension based on the calculated installation tension. An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0051] It shows

[0052] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connection system according to the invention,

[0053] Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the voltage monitoring means of the connection system. Fig. 1 ,

[0054] Fig. 3 shows a further detailed view of the voltage monitoring means of the connection system. Fig. 1 ,

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a connection system 1 according to the invention after tensioning. The connection system has tension monitoring means 6. The connection system 1 connects a hose 2 to a connector 3. The installation tension of the connection system 1 is applied by a hook 5 engaging behind a wire bracket 4. During tensioning, the tension monitoring means 6 are stretched.

[0056] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the voltage monitoring means 6 have markings 7. The markings 7 form a pattern. The markings 7 can be any optically detectable, permanent deviation on the surface of the voltage monitoring means 6. The markings 7 can be detected using imaging techniques, for example, optically, ultrasound, or radiographically.

[0057] By changing the pattern of the markings 7, the elongation of the voltage monitoring means 6 and thus the installation voltage of the connection system 1 can be calculated.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 . Connection system (1) for connecting a hose (2), characterized in that the connection system (1) has means for tension monitoring (6), wherein the means for tension monitoring (6) have markings (7), wherein the means for tension monitoring (6) are arranged in the connection system (1) in such a way that they are elastically deformed when the connection system (1) is tensioned.

2. Connection system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for voltage monitoring (6) comprise at least one wire, the wire having markings (7).

3. Connection system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection system (1) is a wire clamp.

4. Connection system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the markings (7) can be applied chemically.

5. Connection system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the markings (7) can be painted on.

6. Connection system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the markings (7) can be applied mechanically.

7. Connection system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the markings (7) can be applied by a laser.

8. A method for determining the installation voltage of a connection system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: • Applying markings (7) to the voltage monitoring means (6), • Recording the original pattern of the markings (7) on the means for voltage monitoring (6), • Converting the pattern of the markings (7) into computer code, • Recording the pattern of the markings (7) on the tension monitoring means (6) during and / or after a time interval after tensioning, • Calculation of the installation tension based on the comparison of the original pattern of the markings (7) with the pattern of the markings (7) recorded during and / or after a time interval after tensioning.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the mechanical installation stress is adjusted based on the calculated installation stress.

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