A thermaly insultaed clamp

Abstract

Invention relates to a thermally insulated clamp for connecting exhaust pipes. The clamp (1) comprises an inner tightening ring (3), an integrated insulation band (2) arranged around the inner tightening ring (3), an outer strap (4) positioned around the inner tightening ring (3) and connected thereto through holes of the integrated insulation band (2) by means of the connection points (34), and a clamping device (56) connected to the outer strap (4) and configured to tighten said outer strap (4) so that the thermally insulated clamp (1) is secured to the interconnected exhaust pipes. The integrated insulation band (2) comprises two integrated insulation sections (21) encapsulated within the integrated insulation band (2), and wherein each integrated insulation section (21) is positioned on each side of the inner tightening ring (3). Integration of thermal insulation into the clamp (1) ensures efficient thermal management and significantly simplifies the assembly process.

Description

[0001] A THERM ALY INSULTAED CLAMP

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004]

[0001] The invention relates to a thermally insulated clamp for connecting and insulating the exhaust pipes of a vehicle exhaust system.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006]

[0002] Vehicles with internal combustion engines often have exhaust pipes which are exposed to high operation temperatures such as 500°C or more. This exhaust heat is often needed for the efficient operation of catalysts which are located in the exhaust system further downstream so the retention of heat is important for the efficient operation of a modem exhaust system. As a result exhaust pipes are usually insulated but exhaust systems often suffer from significant thermal losses in certain areas that are difficult to insulate, such as at pipe joints / connections. This can lead to reduced thermal performance and prolonged cold starts resulting in reduced catalytic performance. Traditional methods of thermal insulation involve additional components and assembly operations, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

[0007]

[0003] The prior art discloses various clamps for connecting and securing exhaust pipes. Typical clamp is disclosed in the German patent application publication No. DE102009039862A. The publication discloses a profiled clamp equipped with a base, and at least two clamp portions having two trapezoid-shaped cross sections with side faces inclined to an opposite side, and at least one link portion between the respective two clamp portions.

[0008]

[0004] The US patent application publication No. US2022 / 364673 discloses a clamp comprising a foil cover having a top surface with a support structure, side walls and tapered end walls. The foil cover defines a pocket between the top surface, side walls and end walls. The clamp further includes an insulation layer disposed in the pocket between the sidewalls and adjacent an inside of the top surface. The side walls can have a depth so that the pocket is capable of receiving a band of a clamp and so that the side walls are capable of being crimped about the band of the clamp.

[0009]

[0005] The U.S. patent application publication No. US2019353080 discloses a clamping apparatus that comprises at least one clamping member having an inner surface arranged to be brought into contact with an outer surface of at least one of the exhaust pipes being clamped. Thermal insulating means in the form of coatings are provided between the inner surface of the at least one clamping member and the outer surface of the pipe being clamped. Use of coatings is expensive technique to provide thermal insulation. Moreover, during installation of the clamp or during its use, the coating can be damaged, in result of which thermal insulation is lost.

[0010]

[0006] Similar design is disclosed in the U.S. patent application publication No. US2019264846. The publication discloses a clamp, in particular a ring clamp, that includes a clamp ring, which has a base and two radially inwardly directed flanks, and at least one clamping device, wherein the clamp has an inner face and an outer face. According to the disclosure, the outer face of the clamp has at least a partial thermal insulation layer. This type of partial thermal insulation layer also doe does not provide sufficient thermal insulation as it is position only in one position, while the heat from the interconnected pipes irradiates in multiple directions.

[0011]

[0007] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide clamp that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

[0012]

[0008] In addition to aforementioned problems there is a need to provide a clamp that is not only thermally efficient but is also simply to assemble to the pipes and provide certain adaptability so that the clamp can be easy customizable to a necessary size of pipes.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014]

[0009] The present invention is a thermally insulated clamp for securing and thermally insulating interconnected exhaust pipes of a vehicle exhaust system. The thermally insulated clamp comprises an inner tightening ring, an integrated insulation band arranged around the inner tightening ring, and an outer strap positioned around the integrated insulation band forming a sandwich type construction. The outer strap is connected to the inner tightening ring through holes made in the integrated insulation band by means of the connection points.

[0015]

[0010] Both sides of the inner tightening ring comprise side bents so that a profile of the inner tightening ring may be formed in fez-shape, top-hat shape, V-shape or U-shape. So shaped inner tightening ring provides an axial compression on the ends of the interconnected exhaust pipes to secure them in position.

[0016]

[0011] The integrated insulation band comprises two integrated insulation sections. The integrated insulation sections may be attached to the integrated insulation band or encapsulated within the integrated insulation band. Each integrated insulation section is positioned on each side of the inner tightening ring. Moreover, each integrated insulation section extends from the integrated insulation band towards the centre or a longitudinal axis of the integrated insulation band so that both integrated insulation sections cover the inner tightening ring from its sides, where side bents of the inner tightening ring are located. This arrangement of the integrated insulation sections on both sides of the inner tightening ring as well as the covering of the outer surface of the inner tightening ring with the integrated insulation band provides efficient thermal insulation and management. The integrated insulation section thermally insulates the bare un-insulated connection area of the interconnected exhaust pipes. Moreover, as the thermal insulation in the form of the integrated insulation band and the integrated insulation sections is already integrated into the clamp (during manufacture of the thermally insulated clamp), less steps are required during the assembly process of the exhaust pipes, when the exhaust pipes are connected to each other and the thermally insulated clamp is mounted. In addition, less mistakes can be made during the assembly process as less parts have to be assembled - a simpler assembly process.

[0017]

[0012] The thermally insulated clamp further comprises a clamping device connected to the outer strap and configured to tighten said outer strap so that the inner tightening ring that is attached to the outer strap through the connection points is also tightened, in result of which the thermally insulated clamp is secured to the interconnected exhaust pipes providing also a secure connection of the exhaust pipes. The shape of the inner tightening ring ensures axial compression of the exhaust pipe ends (along longitudinal axis of the interconnected exhaust pipes) to deliver a high strength joint.

[0018]

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention the integrated insulation sections may be separate components attached to the integrated insulation band or integrated insulation sections may be integral parts of the integrated insulation band.

[0019]

[0014] The clamping device may be in a form of trunnions, such as a threaded trunnion and a counterbore trunnion, and a screw for securing the thermally insulated clamp to interconnected exhaust pipes. Alternatively, it may also be in the form of a ‘T-shaped’ bolt or T-bolt, formed trunnion and a nut, such as a hexagonal nut. Also, other clamping means known to the skilled person may be used for tightening and securing the thermally insulated clamp.

[0020]

[0015] The integrated insulation band may be made of various heat insulation materials. In some embodiments of the invention the integrated insulation band may made of fiberglass cloth, coated fiberglass cloth or metal foil. The integrated insulation section may be made of E-glass, S-glass or other glass fibre material providing necessary heat insulation.

[0016] The connection points between the inner tightening ring and the outer strap may be made by welding or forming, such as clinching, the connection points or by riveting the connection points.

[0021]

[0017] Moreover, the thermally insulated clamp not only connects the exhausts pipes but also thermally seals a bare un-insulated connection area between these exhaust pipes. Characterizing part of the present invention is such that it integrates thermal insulation into the clamp itself. This ensures efficient thermal management and significantly simplifies the exhaust pipe assembly process.

[0022]

[0018] Thus, the present invention provides synergic effect: (1) thermal efficiency - reduces thermal loss at exhaust pipe connections, enhancing overall system performance; (2) simplified assembly - the integrated insulation removes the need for additional assembly steps, reducing labour and time; and (3) adaptability - the clamp can be customized with different insulating materials, lengths, and shapes to fit various interfaces and conditions.

[0023]

[0019] Moreover, the present invention also prevents direct high temperature impact on surrounding elements or devices and other sensitive components near exhaust pipe and its connections. Hence, enhancing protection of exhaust systems’ surrounding elements. The thermally insulated clamp minimizes hot spot areas by reducing surface temperature, but in the same time maintaining necessary temperatures within the exhaust gas system.

[0024] Brief description of the drawings

[0025]

[0020] The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments of the invention.

[0026]

[0021] Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a thermally insulted clamp (1).

[0027]

[0022] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the thermally insulated clamp (1) as seen in Fig. 1.

[0028]

[0023] Fig. 3 is a front view of the thermally insulated clamp (1).

[0029]

[0024] Fig. 4 is a cross-section view (as seen in Fig. 3 under A-A) of the thermally insulated clamp (1).

[0030]

[0025] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of area B as seen in Fig. 4 illustrating relationship between a integrated insulation band (2), an inner tightening ring (3) and an outer strap (4) in more detail.

[0026] Fig. 6 is a cross-section view of a thermally insulted clamp (1) installed onto a connection of two interconnected exhaust pipes.

[0031]

[0027] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a section, where a thermally insulted clamp (1) is installed onto a connection of two interconnected exhaust pipes as seen in Fig. 6.

[0028] Fig. 8 is an image of one embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Detailed description of the embodiments

[0033]

[0029] The preferred embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the figures to illustrate objectives, advantages, and efficiency of the present invention.

[0034]

[0030] Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a thermally insulted clamp (1), where the same thermally insulated clamp (1) in exploded view is illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a front view of thermally insulated clamp (1) as seen in Figs. 1 and 2, and Fig. 4 is a cross-section view (as seen in Fig. 3 under A-A) of the thermally insulated clamp (1). The thermally insulated clamp (1) comprises an inner tightening ring (3). The inner tightening ring (3) comprises side bents (31) on both of its sides for positioning and holding the interconnected exhaust pipes. The inner tightening ring (3) further comprises notches (32) for ease of bending the inner tightening ring (3) around the interconnected exhaust pipes. The thermally insulted clamp (1) comprises an integrated insulation band (2) arranged around the inner tightening ring (3). The integrated insulation band (2) covers the inner tightening ring (3). The integrated insulation band (2) comprises two integrated insulation sections (21) encapsulated within the integrated insulation band (2), and each integrated insulation section (21) is positioned on each side of the inner tightening ring (3). The integrated insulation section (21) extends from the integrated insulation band (2) towards the centre or a longitudinal axis (X) of the integrated insulation band (2) so that furthest edge of the integrated insulation section (21) towards the centre or a longitudinal axis (X) of the integrated insulation band (2) is about the same level as the most inner part of the inner tightening ring (3). In result of this, when the thermally insulted clamp (1) is installed onto the interconnected exhaust pipes (7) (see Figs. 6 and 7), the integrated insulation sections (21) touch the respective exhaust pipes (7) and thermally insulate the connection area of the interconnected exhaust pipes (7) from the outer environment. In the present embodiment the integrated insulation band (2) is made of fiberglass cloth and each integrated insulation section (21) is made of E-glass. The integrated insulation band (2) further comprises an outer strap (4). The outer strap (4) is positioned around the inner tightening ring (3) and connected thereto through holes in the integrated insulation band (2) by means of connection points (34). In the present embodiment, the connection points (34) are spot welded. Forming spot welded connection points (34). The thermally insulated clamp (1) further comprises a clamping device (56) connected to the outer strap (4) through the connection loops (41) of the outer strap (4) and configured to tighten said outer strap (4) so that the thermally insulated clamp (1) is secured to the interconnected exhaust pipes (7). The clamping device (56) comprises a counterbore trunnion (5B) inserted into one connection loop (41) and a threaded trunnion (5 A) inserted into second connection loop (41), and a screw (6) inserted into both trunnions (5 A; 5B) so that it is possible to tighten the outer strap (4) by rotation of the screw (6) within the trunnions (5 A; 5B), especially within the threaded trunnion (5 A).

[0035]

[0031] The interconnection between the inner tightening ring (3), the integrated insulation band (2) and outer strap (4) is illustrated in more detail in Fig. 5. The integrated insulation band (2) covers the inner tightening ring (3) and only at specific areas the holes are made in the integrated insulation band (2) so that the outer strap (4) can be connected to the inner tightening ring (3). In the present embodiment, the outer strap (4) comprises dimples (42) that go through the holes of the integrated insulation band (2) and touches the inner tightening ring (3) forming connection points (34). At those connection points (34) a spot welding is performed, in result of which a spot-welded connection points (34) are formed.

[0036]

[0032] As seen in Figs. 1 to 5, the integrated insulation band (2) comprises two integrated insulation sections (21) encapsulated within the integrated insulation band (2) or the two integrated insulation sections (21) are covered from both sides by layers of the integrated insulation band (2). Each integrated insulation section (21) extends towards the centre of the integrated insulation band (2) or the centre of the thermally insulated clamp (1) so that upon installation of the thermally insulated clamp (1) onto the interconnected exhaust pipes (7) (see Figs. 6 and 7), each integrated insulation section (21) touches respective exhaust pipe (7) and thermally insulates a bare un-insulated connection area of the interconnected exhaust pipes (7) from the outer environment.

[0037]

[0033] Fig. 6 is a cross-section view of a thermally insulted clamp (1) installed onto a connection of two interconnected exhaust pipes (7). Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a section, where thermally insulted clamp (1) installed onto a connection of two interconnected exhaust pipes (7) as seen in Fig. 6. Figs. 6 and 7 illustrates the installation of the thermally insulted clamp (1) onto the interconnected exhaust pipes (7) as well as a position of the integrated insulation sections (21) of the integrated insulation band (2) on connection area (78) of interconnected exhaust pipes (7). The height of the integrated insulation section (21) extending towards the centre of the thermally insulated clamp (1) is such that upon installation of the thermally insulated clamp (1) onto the interconnected exhaust pipes, the integrated insulation section (21) thermally insulates a connection area of the interconnected exhaust pipes. In connection with an exhaust pipe insulation (8), the integrated insulation band (2) of the thermally insulted clamp (1) forms a more complete insulation system of the interconnected exhaust pipes (7).

[0038]

[0034] Fig. 8 is an image of one embodiment of the invention, wherein the integrated insulation band (2) is made of a coated fiberglass cloth and the integrated insulation sections (21) are filled with the E-glass within the integrated insulation band (2).

[0039]

[0035] While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of which have been shown by way of example in the figures and have been described in detail herein, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

[0040] List of references

[0041] 1 - a thermally insulated clamp;

[0042] 2 - an integrated insulation band;

[0043] 21 - an integrated insulation section;

[0044] 22 - a hole in the integrated insulation band;

[0045] 23 - an overlapping flange of the integrated insulation band;

[0046] 3 - an inner tightening ring;

[0047] 31 - a side bent of the inner tightening ring;

[0048] 32 - a notch in the inner tightening ring;

[0049] 34 - a connection point;

[0050] 4 - an outer strap;

[0051] 41 - a connection loop of the outer strap;

[0052] 42 - a dimple;

[0053] 5 A - a threaded trunnion;

[0054] 5B - a counterbore trunnion;

[0055] 56 - a clamping device;

[0056] 6 - a screw;

[0057] 7 - an exhaust pipe;

[0058] 78 - a connection area of interconnected exhaust pipes;

[0059] 8 - an exhaust pipe insulation; and

[0060] X - a longitudinal axis.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A thermally insulated clamp (1) for securing and thermally insulating interconnected exhaust pipes (7) of a vehicle exhaust system, wherein the thermally insulated clamp (1) comprises:- an inner tightening ring (3);- an integrated insulation band (2) arranged around the inner tightening ring (3) covering thereof, wherein the integrated insulation band (2) comprises two integrated insulation sections (21), and wherein each integrated insulation section (21) is positioned on each side of the inner tightening ring (3) and each integrated insulation section (21) extends from an inner surface of the integrated insulation band (2) towards a longitudinal axis (X) of the integrated insulation band (2);- an outer strap (4) positioned around the integrated insulation band (2) and connected to the inner tightening ring (3) through holes of the integrated insulation band (2) forming connection points (34) of the outer strap (4) to the inner tightening ring (3); and- a clamping device (56) connected to the outer strap (4) and configured to tighten said outer strap (4) so that the thermally insulated clamp (1) is secured to the interconnected exhaust pipes.

2. The thermally insulated clamp (1) according to claim 1, wherein the integrated insulation sections (21) extend towards the centre of the integrated insulation band (2) so that upon installation of the thermally insulated clamp (1) onto the interconnected exhaust pipes (7), the integrated insulation sections (21) is configured to contact the interconnected exhaust pipes (7) and thermally insulate a connection area of the interconnected exhaust pipes.

3. The thermally insulated clamp (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the integrated insulation section (21) is integral part of the integrated insulation band (2).

4. The thermally insulated clamp (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein both sides of the inner tightening ring (3) comprise side bents (31) so that a profile of the inner tightening ring (3) is V-shaped or U-shaped.

5. The thermally insulated clamp (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the clamping device (56) is in a form of trunnions (5 A; 5B) and a screw (6) for securing the thermally insulated clamp (1) to interconnected exhaust pipes.

6. The thermally insulated clamp (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the clamping device (56) is in a form of T-bolted clamping device comprising T-bolt, formed trunnion and a hexagonal nut.

7. The thermally insulated clamp (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the integrated insulation band (2) is made of fiberglass cloth, coated fiberglass cloth or metal foil.

8. The thermally insulated clamp (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the integrated insulation section (21) is made of E-glass, S-glass or other glass fibre.

9. The thermally insulated clamp (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connection points (34) are welled, formed or riveted connection points.

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