Clamp with a mounting element content

Abstract

A clamp with a clamp band and a mounting element which is connected to the clamp band. In a clamp band of the above-described type, this object is met by connecting the mounting element to the clamp band with a clinch connection. The clinch connection may have a polygonal cross-section. The clamp band and the mounting element may be formed of different materials at least in areas where they contact each other.

Claims

1. A clamp comprising a clamp band and a mounting element connected to the clamp band, wherein the mounting element is arranged on an outer side of the clamp band and has a fastening section that extends perpendicularly to a circumferential direction of the clamp band, the clamp further comprising a clinch connection for connecting the mounting element to the clamp band, the clinch connection including an embossment on an outer side thereof, the embossment having a purely hexagonal cross-section, wherein the clamp band has a radially extending projection that engages in the embossment of the clinch connection so as to fix the mounting element to the clamp band and prevent rotation between the clamp band and the mounting element, wherein the radially extending projection has a perimeter that forms a hexagon.

2. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein the clamp band is deformed into the mounting element.

3. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein the clamp is a worm gear clamp and the mounting element is a prepositioning clip.

4. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein the clamp band and the mounting element are of different materials at least in areas thereof where they contact each other.

5. The clamp according to claim 4, wherein the clamp band is of chromium steel.

6. The clamp according to claim 4, wherein the mounting element is of a material having a lower tensile strength then the clamp band.

7. A clamp consisting of a clamp band, a mounting element connected to the clamp band, wherein the mounting element is arranged on an outer side of the clamp band and has a fastening section that extends perpendicularly to a circumferential direction of the clamp band, and a clinch connection for connecting the mounting element to the clamp band so as to prevent rotation between the clamp band and the mounting element, the clinch connection including an embossment on an outer side thereof, the embossment having a purely hexagonal cross-section, wherein the clamp band has a radially extending projection that engages in the embossment of the clinch connection so that the clinch connection provides a deformation of a material of the clamp band and a material of the mounting element that is perpendicular to a surface extension of the clamp band and the mounting element, wherein the radially extending projection has a perimeter that forms a hexagon.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) In the drawing:

(2) FIG. 1 is a side view of a worm gear clamp;

(3) FIG. 2 is a front view of the worm gear clamp of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a top view, on a larger scale, of the worm gear clamp as seen from the inside;

(5) FIG. 4 is a top view, also on a larger scale, of the worm gear clap as seen from below; and

(6) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a clinch connection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(7) As illustrated in the drawing, a worm gear clamp 1 includes a clamp band 2. A housing 3 is arranged in the area of an end of the clamp band 2. A tightening screw 4 with a head 5 is rotatably mounted in the housing 3.

(8) The clamp band 2 has a first end section 6 which is arranged adjacent the housing 3, and a second end section 7 at the other end. The end section 7 has, in a known manner and therefore not illustrated, threaded elements in the form of approximately axial grooves formed in the clamp band 2. These grooves can be placed in engagement with the thread of the tightening screw 4. By turning the tightening screw 4, the worm gear clamp 1 is tightened.

(9) A mounting element in the form of a prepositioning clip 8 is attached to the clamp band 2. The prepositioning clip 8 has a fastening section 9 which extends approximately perpendicularly of the circumferential direction of the clamp band 2. The prepositioning clip 8 is arranged on the radial outer side of the clamp band. The prepositioning clip 8 has a wall 10 which extends from the fastening section 9 radially inwardly (in relation to the clamp band 2 which is bent into a circle). The wall 10 continues into peaks 11, 12 which are bent back in the direction toward the clamp band 2. A recess 13 is provided between the peaks 11, 12.

(10) The prepositioning clip 8 is connected to the clamp band through a clinch connection 14 which is illustrated in a sectional view in FIG. 5.

(11) For manufacturing the clinch connection 14, the fastening section of the prepositioning clip 8 and the clamp band 2 are placed one on top of the other in such a way that the fastening section 9 is arranged on the outside. Subsequently, a suitable tool is used for carrying out a type of deep-process with a subsequent upsetting of the drawn bottom 15.

(12) Used for the deformation is a die with a hexagonal cross-section, so that the clinch connection, as seen from the interior toward the clamp band 2, has a recess 16 with a hexagonal circumference 17. In a similar manner, a projection 18 with a hexagonal circumference is visible on the outer side of the fastening section 9 of the prepositioning clip 8. Accordingly, when the clinch connection 14 is produced, the clamp band 2 is provided with a projection 20 which is hexagonal in cross-section and which engages in the hexagonal projection 18 at the prepositioning clip 8. Since both projections 18, 20 are manufactured together, the materials of the clamp band 2 and the fastening section 9 rest on each other over the surfaces thereof within the clinch connection 14. Since the clinch connection 14 has a polygonal cross-section, particularly a hexagonal cross-section, not only a frictional engagement but also a positive engagement counteract the torques between the prepositioning clip and the clamp band 2.

(13) Since it is now no longer necessary to use heat for mounting the two elements clamp band 2 and positioning clip 8, and an adhesive or other auxiliary joining members are no longer required, it is possible to use different materials for the clamp band 2 and the prepositioning clip 8. For example, the clamp band can be dimensioned in such a way that it has a tensile strength which is not necessary in the case of the prepositioning clip 8. It is no longer necessary to use chromium-nickel steel for the clamp band. It is now sufficient to use a simple chromium steel or even a simple steel.

(14) While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.