Patent Publication Number: US-2023160506-A1

Title: Clamping apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of the European patent application No. 21209665.5 filed on Nov. 22, 2021, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by way of reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the technical field of aeronautics. In particular, the present invention relates to a clamping apparatus, a clamping system, a tube system and an airplane. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Airplanes use a great variety of tube systems. Tube systems usually distribute materials, liquids, gases and/or aerosols to the different locations where they are needed. These materials may have different chemical and/or physical properties. For example, the transported materials may react with other elements, such as the elements used for the material of the tube system. Or they may have different temperatures and/or pressure. 
     When developing a Zero-Emission airplane, the use of hydrogen (H2) is relevant. For distributing H2 to engines or fuel-cells, a distribution system is needed which comprises different types of tube systems. Such distribution systems used for the transport of H2 usually are double-walled allowing the detection of any leakage of H2. 
     For instance, a hose-in-shroud design is used to transport H2 within an airplane where a hose is surrounded by a jacket. 
     When linking the tubes and/or hoses for a hose-in-shroud system special care needs to be taken in order to prevent leakage of H2. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It might be seen as an object of the invention to provide an efficient connection for tube systems. 
     According to an aspect a clamping apparatus for connecting flanges of tubes and/or hoses is provided. The clamping apparatus comprises a first bracing device and a second bracing device. 
     The first bracing device connects a first mounting device and a second mounting device. The first bracing device has a partially circular shape with a first inner wall and a first outer wall. In an example, the first bracing device is arranged between the first mounting device and the second mounting device. In one example, the shape is half circular shape. In another example, the shape is a quarter circular shape. 
     The second bracing device connects a first connecting device and a second connecting device. In an example, the second bracing device is arranged between the first connecting device and the second connecting device. 
     The first inner wall of the first bracing device has a first recess, and the first outer wall of the first bracing device is adapted to contact the second bracing device. 
     The second bracing device is adapted to contact the first outer wall of the first bracing device in order to apply substantially radial force on the first outer wall of the first bracing device. 
     In an example, the first outer wall and/or the surface of the first outer wall is adapted in such way that the second bracing device is able to stably contact the first outer wall. In an example, the first outer wall has a substantially plane surface in order to allow for a good contact with a substantially plane surface of the second bracing device. A good contact between the first bracing device and the second bracing device may allow for a good force distribution and/or for a good protection. 
     The shape of the first recess is adapted to substantially convert the radial force applied to the first outer wall of the first bracing device into an axial force inside the inner wall. The force in an axial direction of a tube may help to press two flanges of two tubes to be connected together in order to form a sealed connection between the two tubes. 
     The first mounting device and the second mounting device each comprise at least two attachment devices for connecting the first connecting device and the second connecting device of the second bracing device. In this way, the first and second bracing devices may be joined. The attachment devices may also allow for aligning the first and second bracing devices and/or to generate a force in a radial direction. 
     The clamping apparatus may offer an intrinsic redundancy for the clamping apparatus when used for a tubular distribution system. The clamping apparatus may prevent loss or damage of the system due to a single failure. The size of the clamping apparatus is small enough to be fed through a jacket and/or a shroud. The clamping apparatus may avoid a single failure outage and may allow for continuously using of a tube system even in cases where a single part of the clamping apparatus breaks. 
     It may be seen as an idea of the invention to introduce a second load-path for the clamp and to use a high number of fixing devices, attachment devices and/or mounting devices in order to maintain the functionality of a connection linked by the clamping apparatus even when one single part of the clamping apparatus breaks. At the same time, the dimension of the whole clamping apparatus and/or of a clamping system may be kept small enough to be fit into a shroud and/or a jacket. In an example, the clamping apparatus uses four bolts instead of one or two and therefore may still meet the requirements of holding a tube system together after one bolt is damaged and/or lost. 
     In another example, both the first bracing device and the second bracing device are adapted to generate the force in the radial direction and to convert it in a force which substantially is effective in the axial direction. The force may be generated by pressing the first and second mounting devices and/or the first and the second connecting devices against a mount. The mount may be another clamping apparatus and/or a wall. This pressing force may be used to decrease a diameter of a substantially circular opening formed by the circular shape of any of the bracing devices and, as a result, clamping a tube connection which is inside the substantially circular opening. In general, the contour of the opening of the first bracing device and/or the second bracing device is adapted to the contour of the cross section the tube to be connected. 
     In case the first bracing device fails, the pressure can still be generated by the second bracing device. In case the second bracing device fails, the pressure can still be generated by the second bracing device. In other words, the first bracing device is adapted as a first load-path, the second bracing device is adapted as a second load-path. The first and second load paths may substantially be independent from another. 
     According to another aspect, the first recess has a V-shape. The V-shape may help converting a substantially radial force into an axial force. The V-shape may extend along the inner wall of the first bracing device in a circumferential direction. 
     According to yet another aspect, the second bracing device is at least partially made of a substantially flexible material and/or designed as a flexible element. 
     The flexible element may be a wire, a ribbon, a band, a strap and/or a belt. Such element, particularly when made of steel, in particular stainless steel, may help to apply a force onto the first bracing device and may build a second load-path. In case the first bracing element fails the second bracing element may still hold the clamping apparatus together and vice versa. 
     According to a further aspect, the second bracing device is at least partially made of a substantially rigid material and thus supports the first bracing element. 
     According to another aspect, the second bracing device has a partially circular shape with a second inner wall and a second outer wall, wherein the second inner wall of the second bracing device has a second recess. The shape of the second recess is adapted to engage with the first outer wall of the first bracing device. In an example, the contour of an opening of the second bracing device may be adapted to the contour of the cross section the outer wall of the first bracing device. 
     The form of the second bracing device may substantially correspond to the form of the first bracing device. The second bracing device may take into account that the first bracing device needs to be covered and therefore the size of the second bracing device is larger than the size of the first bracing device. 
     In this way, the second bracing device maybe adapted to cover the first bracing device and may help to prevent that a single failure, e.g., a break and/or crack in the first bracing device, damages the whole tube system. 
     According to another aspect, the second recess has a V-shape and thus the shape of the second recess is substantially similar to the first recess. The V-shape may help to introduce a force in a substantially axial direction into the first bracing device. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the at least two attachment devices are adapted to receive at least one of the fixing devices selected from the group of fixing devices consisting of a bolt, a pin, a screw, a clip; and a rivet. 
     The fixing devices may be combined with the at least two attachment devices in order to connect the first bracing device and the second bracing device. In another example, the fixing devices may also be used to mount the first and/or second bracing device to a mount and/or to another clamping apparatus. 
     According to a further aspect, the first bracing device and the second bracing device are connected to another. 
     The connection may combine the bracing devices to form a clamping system which is tolerant to a single failure. 
     According to another aspect, the first bracing device and the second bracing device are connected by a hinge. The hinge may prevent disassembling of the first bracing device and the second bracing device in case of a single failure. 
     Connecting and/or joining the first bracing device and the second bracing device may remind a worker to fix both devices. In other words, the first bracing device and the second bracing device and/or the first and second clamps are joined together in order to allow proper installation substantially only after both bracing devices are correctly mounted to another. The hinge, for example, can comprise an elastic element and/or a spring element in order to prevent mounting the clamping apparatus to the tube without fixing the first and second bracing devices to another. In a case where the first and second bracing devices were not fixed together, they may not fit into a corresponding jacket and the incorrect assembling may be discovered during the installation. 
     According to a further aspect, a clamping system is provided, comprising at least two of the inventive clamping apparatuses, wherein the at least two clamping apparatuses are connected by at least four fixing devices selected from the group of fixing devices consisting of a bolt, a pin, a screw, a clip and a rivet. 
     A clamping system may allow for a secure connection of tubes wherein the clamping system is resilient to a single failure. 
     According to another aspect, a tube system is provided, comprising a first tube with a first flange and a second tube with a second flange, wherein the first flange and the second flange are connected by at least one of the inventive clamping apparatuses and/or by at least one inventive clamping system. 
     According to yet another aspect, at least one of the first tube and the second tube is/are a hose. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the tube system further comprises a jacket, wherein the first tube and the second tube and the clamping apparatus and/or the clamping system are surrounded by the jacket. In an example, the jacket may be another tube. 
     According to another aspect, the tube system is built as a hose-in-shroud system. 
     According to a further aspect, an airplane is provided, comprising at least one of the inventive clamping apparatuses, the inventive clamping system and the inventive tube system. 
     The operation security may be increased by using the inventive clamping apparatus, the inventive clamping system and/or the inventive tube system in an airplane or aircraft. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following, with reference to the following drawings. The illustration in the drawings is schematic and may be not to scale. In different drawings, similar or identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals. 
         FIG.  1    shows a schematic partial cross section view of a V-flange connection for a better understanding of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    shows a schematic partial cross section view of a V-flange connection for a flange with stepped connection surfaces for a better understanding of the present invention. 
         FIG.  3    shows a front view of a V-shaped band for a better understanding of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4    shows a front view of a V-shaped retainer for a better understanding of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5    shows a side view of the V-shaped retainer of  FIG.  4    for a better understanding of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6    shows a perspective view of a hose-in-shroud arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7    shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a force distribution on a connection of two flanges according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8    shows two clamping apparatuses in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9    shows a clamping system in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG.  1    shows a schematic partial cross section view of a V-flange connection for a better understanding of the present invention. In this connection two tubes, e.g., a first hose  101  and a second hose  102 , are to be connected. Each hose  101 ,  102  has a flange  101   a ,  102   a  formed at their respective ends. In order to prevent any material transported inside the hoses  101 ,  102  from leaking out of the connection of the first hose  101  with the second hose  102  the first flange  101   a  and the second flange  102   a  are pressed together in an axial direction  104   a ,  104   b  in order to form a press fit and/or a seal. The axial direction  104   a ,  104   b  is substantially a direction along the virtual longitudinal axis  105  and/or in parallel thereto. A seal  103  that is used between the first and second flanges  101   a ,  102   a  and that is substantially surrounding the virtual longitudinal axis  105 , may additionally help to seal the connection of the first and second flanges  101   a ,  102   a . In order to provide space for the seal  103  one of the connection surfaces  107   a ,  107   b  may have a step. 
     An axial direction  104   a ,  104   b  may be any direction parallel to the longitudinal axis  105 . In order to generate pressure in the axial direction  104   a ,  104   b , one end of each hose  101 ,  102  is angled compared to the radial direction. The radial direction may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  105 . 
     The angled ends  106   a ,  106   b  of the flanges  101   a ,  102   a  are distant from the connection surfaces  107   a ,  107   b . The connection surfaces  107   a ,  107   b  are orientated substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  105 , i.e., in radial direction. 
     Clamp  108  has a V-shaped cross sectional profile and generates an axial force to the connection surfaces  107   a ,  107   b  when a radial force in the direction to the longitudinal axis  105  is applied to the clamp  108 . 
       FIG.  2    shows a schematic partial cross section view of a V-flange connection for a flange with stepped connection surfaces  107   a ′,  107   b ′ for a better understanding of the present invention. The steps built in the connection surface  107   a ′ of the first flange and the connection surface  107   b ′ of the second flange allow for forming a further barrier in order to provide a high sealing effect for a tube connection. 
       FIG.  3    shows a front view of a V-shaped band for a better understanding of the present invention. In this design, a sheet metal retainer  308  is surrounded by a band  301  or strap  301  with tangential wraps. The band  301  is tightened by a T-bolt  302  which connects two ends of the band  301  and allows to vary the diameter in radial direction of a circle and/or of a cylinder formed by the sheet metal retainer  308 . In order to be flexible for diameter variation the sheet metal retainer  308  comprises retainer gaps  303 . 
     The band  301  is made of flexible material and/or of a flexible design. 
       FIG.  4    shows a front view of a V-shaped retainer for a better understanding of the present invention. In this design, two trunnion retainer halves  408  are connected by a rivet hinge  401 . Opposite of the rivet hinge  401  an eye-bolt  402  in a safety latch  403  is used to generate a radial force substantially in the direction to the center of a circle formed by the trunnion retainer halves  408 . 
     The trunnion retainer halves  408  are made of rigid material and/or of rigid design. 
       FIG.  5    shows a side view of the V-shaped retainer of  FIG.  4    for a better understanding of the present invention. 
     The connectors shown in  FIGS.  1  to  5    show V-clamp connections that are typically used on different aircraft. Different standards are available for such pneumatic connectors. 
       FIG.  6    shows a perspective view of a hose-in-shroud arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     A hose-in-shroud arrangement  600  may be used for distribution of H2 to engines or fuel-cells in an airplane. As shown in  FIG.  6   , the hose-in-shroud arrangement  600  is double-walled, so that any leakage of H2 can be detected and safety measures can be taken. The protection tube  601 , shroud  601  or jacket  601  is a tube with a flange  602  for connecting to another shroud (not shown in  FIG.  6   ). 
     During the installation of a hose-in-shroud arrangement  600  and/or of a hose-in-shroud system  600  a tube  102 ′, e.g., a hose, is fed through the shroud  601  to form a substantially coaxial arrangement. To allow this arrangement inside the shroud  601 , any connection including a clamp fixing the connection needs to be smaller than the inner diameter of the shroud  601 . 
     The tube  102 ′ extends into an axial direction  104   b . The end of the tube  102 ′ protruding from the shroud  601  has a flange  102   a ′ which may be used to connect to another tube (not shown in  FIG.  6   ) for extending the length for a corresponding tube system. The flange  102   a ′ has the contacting surface  107   b ′ or connection surface  107   b ′ for directly contacting the other tube and an angled, sloped and/or declined surface  106   b ′. The angled surface  106   b ′ faces the flange  602 . 
       FIG.  7    shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a force distribution on a connection of two flanges  701   a ,  702   a  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     A V-shaped first bracing device  708  or clamp  708  is pressed in a radial direction  704   c  towards the surface of a tube  701 ,  702 . When the radial force is applied to the outer wall of the first bracing device  708 , the V-shape of the first bracing device  708  converts the radial force into an axial force in axial directions  704   a ,  704   b . The radial force is directed to a longitudinal axis (not shown in  FIG.  7   ) of the tubes  701 ,  702  and/or to a center (not shown in  FIG.  7   ) of tubes  701 ,  702 . In other words, the radial force is directed substantially parallel to the connection surfaces  707   a ,  707   b . 
     The axial directions  704   a ,  704   b  are substantially directed in opposite axial directions and are directed towards another. This pressure towards another forms a press fit which also seals the inside of tubes  701 ,  702  from the outside, i.e., the gap between tube  102 ′,  701 ,  702  and a corresponding shroud  601 . The sealing effect of the press fit is supported by an additional sealing element  703 , e.g., an O-ring. 
     The flanges  701   a ,  702   a  have angled surfaces  706   a ,  706   b  or angled planes  706   a ,  706   b  and are attached to the end of the tubes  701 ,  702  which need to be connected. A combination of the V-shaped first bracing device  708  and the substantially V-shaped angled surfaces  706   a ,  706   b  of the flanges  701   a ,  702   a  presses the flanges  701   a ,  702   a  together and provides the tightness for the connection of the tubes  701 ,  702 . 
     The tightness of the connection allows for using a tube system  701 ,  702  connected with a bracing device for the transport of H2. The connections meet the special requirements with regard to preventing leakage of H2 through the coupling. Such a connection solution helps to replace a Harrison fitting with a swivel nut which may not be appropriate for the transport of H2 due to the leakages for gas through a Harrison fitting. 
       FIG.  8    shows two clamping apparatuses  700 ,  700 ′ in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     In the following, only one clamping apparatus  700  of the two clamping apparatuses  700 ,  700 ′ is described in detail because the structure of the other clamping apparatus  700 ′ is substantially the same. Each of the two clamping apparatuses  700 ,  700 ′ has substantially the shape of a half circle. 
     The clamping apparatus  700  comprises a first bracing device  708  and a second bracing device  708 ′. The first bracing device  708  connects a first mounting device  709   a  and a second mounting device  709   b . In other words, the first bracing device  708  is positioned between the first mounting device  709   a  and the second mounting device  709   b . The first bracing device  708  has a partially circular and/or cylindrical shape with a first inner wall  710  and a first outer wall  711 . 
     The second bracing device  708 ′ connects a first connecting device  712   a  and a second connecting device  712   b . In other words, the second bracing device  708 ′ is positioned between the first connecting device  712   a  and the second connecting device  712   b . 
     The shape of the first mounting device  709   a  and the second mounting device  709   b , and the first connecting device  712   a  and the second connecting device  712   b , substantially correspond to another. 
     The first inner wall  710  of the first bracing device  708  has a first recess  713 . 
     The first outer wall  711  of the first bracing device  708  is adapted to contact the second bracing device  708 ′. 
     The second bracing device  708 ′ is adapted to contact the first outer wall  711  of the first bracing device  708  in order to apply a substantially radial force on the first outer wall  711  of the first bracing device  708 . The radial force is a force substantially directed in a radial direction  704   c , which is the direction towards an imaginary center of the circular shape of the first bracing device  708 . The center may correspond to a longitudinal axis of a tube that is to be connected to another tube using the first bracing device  708  (the tubes are not shown in  FIG.  8   ). 
     The shape of the first recess  713  is a V-shape and is adapted to substantially convert the radial force applied to the first outer wall  711  of the first bracing device  708  into an axial force inside the first inner wall  710 , in particular when it gets into contact with the angled surfaces  706   a ,  706   b  of a flange  701   a ,  702   a . 
     The first mounting device  709   a  and the second mounting device  709   b  of the first bracing device  708  each comprise at least two attachment devices  714   a ,  714   b ,  714   c ,  714   d  for connecting the first connecting device  712   a  and the second connecting device  712   b  of the second bracing device  708 ′. 
     The second bracing device  708  comprises corresponding attachment devices  714   a ′,  714   b ′,  714   c ′,  714   d ′ which may be aligned with the at least two attachment devices  714   a ,  714   b ,  714   c ,  714   d . 
     By connecting the first bracing device  708  and the second bracing device  708 ′ the second bracing device  708 ′ becomes a secondary load path for the primary load path of the first bracing device  708 . Providing at least two load paths allows for a single failure of one of the first bracing device  708  and the second bracing device  708 ′. 
     Mounting the first bracing device  708  and/or the second bracing device  708 ′ to a mount and/or to a second clamping apparatus  700 ′ substantially allows for generating the force in a radial direction. This radial force may be generated in the first load-path and/or the second load-path, formed by the first bracing device  708  and the second bracing device  708 ′ respectively. 
     The attachment devices  714   a ,  714   b ,  714   c ,  714   d ,  714   a ′,  714   b ′,  714   c ′,  714   d ′, e.g., holes and/or bores, may receive a fixing device (not shown in  FIG.  8   )  901   a ,  901   b ,  901   c ,  901   d  in order to mount the first bracing device  708  and/or the second bracing device  708 ′. The fixing device may be used to generate a radial force by moving the clamping apparatus  700 ′ in a radial direction of a tube system. In other words, the fixing device may be substantially positioned for generating a force in the radial direction  704   c . In an example, the fixing device  901   a ,  901   b ,  901   c ,  901   d  is positioned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a tube to be connected. In another example, the fixing device  901   a ,  901   b ,  901   c ,  901   d  is arranged along a tangential direction to at least one of the first bracing device  708  and/or the second bracing device  708 ′. Examples for a fixing device  901   a ,  901   b ,  901   c ,  901   d  are a bolt, a pin, a screw, a clip and a rivet. 
     The design of the clamping apparatus  700 ,  700 ′ allows for a single failure without substantially breaking the connection of the tubes. The second bracing device  708 ′ may be used as a shelter for the first bracing device  708 . In this way also a second load-path for the clamp is provided and a clamp-connection uses at least 4 fixing devices  901   a ,  901   b ,  901   c ,  901   d  and corresponding attachment devices  714   a ,  714   b ,  714   c ,  714   d ,  714   a ′,  714   b ′,  714   c ′,  714   d ′ instead of only 1 or 2. In other words, every fixing device  901   a ,  901   b ,  901   c ,  901   d  and/or attachment devices  714   a ,  714   b ,  714   c ,  714   d ,  714   a ′,  714   b ′,  714   c ′,  714   d  is doubled in order to allow for a single failure. In one example one fixing device is used to link two attachment devices  714   a ,  714   b ,  714   c ,  714   d ,  714   a ′,  714   b ′,  714   c ′,  714   d ′ of the first bracing device  708  and the second bracing device  708 ′, respectively. One fixing device links the first bracing device  708  with the second bracing device  708 ′. In other words, for every bracing device  708 ,  708 ′ the appropriate number of fixing and/or attachment devices is provided such as each single bracing device  708 ,  708 ′ alone were responsible of forming the tube connection. 
     The clamping apparatus  700  can be used for an H2-distribution system. Substantially all components are at least doubled in order to allow for a redundant design. The clamping apparatus  700  and/or a V-clamp connection formed with the clamping apparatus  700  may prevent a complete damage and loss of the functionality due to a single failure. 
     The clamping apparatus  700 ,  700 ′ is small enough to be fed through a shroud  601 . The robustness against a single failure allows for a low maintenance inside the shroud  601 . 
     The second bracing device  708 ′ has a partially circular and/or cylindrical shape with a second inner wall  715  and a second outer wall  716 . The second inner wall  715  of the second bracing device708′ has a second recess  717 , wherein the shape of the second recess  717  is adapted to engage with the first outer wall  711  of the first bracing device  708 . In an example, the second recess  717  has a V-shape and/or the first outer wall  711  of the first bracing device  708  has a V-shape as well. In order to embed the first bracing device  708  into the second bracing device  708 ′ the dimensions of the second bracing device  708 ′ are larger than the dimensions of the first bracing device  708 . In a case of just embedding, the first bracing device  708  and second bracing device  708 ′ may touch another without substantially executing pressure to another. Only when the inner bracing device may break, the pressure is executed by the outer bracing device. 
     On one side of first mounting device  709   a , and/or the second mounting device  709   b , and the first connecting device  712   a , and/or the second connecting device  712   b , the first bracing device  708  and the second bracing device  708 ′ are connected by a hinge  718 . The hinge  718  may help to let a user who handles the clamping apparatus  700 ,  700 ′ recognize if the clamping apparatus  700 ,  700 ′ is not yet ready to be mounted inside the shroud. The hinge  718  also prevents that only one clamping apparatus  700 ,  700 ′ of the first bracing device  708  and/or the second bracing device  708 ′ is installed. As the first bracing device  708  and/or the second bracing device  708 ′ are always linked by the hinge  718 , it is substantially impossible to forget one of the redundant parts of the clamping apparatus  700 ,  700 ′ when a tube connection is made. 
     In one example, the hinge  718  may be used as a leverage in order to apply a substantially radial force on the first outer wall  711  of the first bracing device  708   and/or to build up a tension. The final pressure to the flanges of a tube may be generated by attaching the clamping apparatus to a mount. 
     The hinge  718  is an additional attachment device and/or fixing device on the side where it is used. In this way the side where the hinge  718  is used has three attachment devices. In other words, the side where the hinge  718  is used may only uses one single of the attachment devices  714   a ,  714   b ,  714   c ,  714   d ,  714   a ′,  714   b ′,  714   c ′ and uses the hinge  718  as the second attachment device in order to still allow for a single failure. 
       FIG.  9    shows a clamping system  900  in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     The clamping system  900  comprises the first clamping apparatus  700  and the second clamping apparatus  700 ′, wherein the two clamping apparatuses  700 ,  700 ′ are connected by four fixing device  901   a ,  901   b ,  901   c ,  901   d , e.g., four bolts. An additional fixing device is formed by the hinges  718 ,  718 ′. 
     The clamping system  900  can be used to connect two tubes (not shown in  FIG.  9   ) inside the substantially circular opening  902  surrounded by the two clamping apparatuses  700 ,  700 ′. The contour of the circular opening  902  substantially corresponds to the contour of the tubes to be connected. 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms “a” or “one” do not exclude a plural number, and the term “or” means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
       
         
           
               
               
            
               
                 
                   101 
                 
                 first hose 
               
               
                 
                   101 
                   a 
                 
                 first flange 
               
               
                 
                   102 
                 
                 second hose 
               
               
                   102 ′ 
                 tube inside a shroud 
               
               
                 
                   102 
                   a 
                 
                 second flange 
               
               
                 
                   103 
                 
                 seal 
               
               
                   104   a ,  104   b   
                 axial direction 
               
               
                 
                   105 
                 
                 longitudinal axis 
               
               
                 
                   106 
                   a 
                 
                 angled end of first flange 
               
               
                 
                   106 
                   b 
                 
                 angled end of second flange 
               
               
                 
                   107 
                   a 
                 
                 connection surface of first flange 
               
               
                 
                   107 
                   b 
                 
                 connection surface of second flange 
               
               
                   107   a ′ 
                 stepped connection surface of first flange 
               
               
                   107   b ′ 
                 stepped connection surface of second flange 
               
               
                 
                   108 
                 
                 clamp 
               
               
                 
                   301 
                 
                 band 
               
               
                 
                   302 
                 
                 T-bolt 
               
               
                 
                   303 
                 
                 retainer gaps 
               
               
                 
                   308 
                 
                 sheet metal retainer 
               
               
                 
                   401 
                 
                 rivet hinge 
               
               
                 
                   402 
                 
                 eye-bolt 
               
               
                 
                   403 
                 
                 safety latch 
               
               
                 
                   408 
                 
                 trunnion retainer halves 
               
               
                 
                   600 
                 
                 hose-in-shroud arrangement 
               
               
                 
                   601 
                 
                 shroud 
               
               
                 
                   602 
                 
                 flange of jacket 
               
               
                 
                   700 
                 
                 first clamping apparatus 
               
               
                   700 ′ 
                 second clamping apparatus 
               
               
                 
                   701 
                 
                 first tube 
               
               
                 
                   702 
                 
                 second tube 
               
               
                 
                   701 
                   a 
                 
                 first flange 
               
               
                 
                   702 
                   a 
                 
                 second flange 
               
               
                 
                   703 
                 
                 sealing element 
               
               
                 
                   704 
                   a 
                 
                 first axial direction 
               
               
                 
                   704 
                   b 
                 
                 second axial direction 
               
               
                 
                   704 
                   c 
                 
                 radial direction 
               
               
                 
                   706 
                   a 
                 
                 first angled surface 
               
               
                 
                   706 
                   b 
                 
                 second angled surface 
               
               
                 
                   707 
                   a 
                 
                 first connection surface 
               
               
                 
                   707 
                   b 
                 
                 second connection surface 
               
               
                 
                   708 
                 
                 first bracing device 
               
               
                   708 ′ 
                 second bracing device 
               
               
                 
                   709 
                   a 
                 
                 first mounting device 
               
               
                 
                   709 
                   b 
                 
                 second mounting device 
               
               
                 
                   710 
                 
                 first inner wall 
               
               
                 
                   711 
                 
                 first outer wall 
               
               
                 
                   712 
                   a 
                 
                 first connecting device 
               
               
                 
                   712 
                   b 
                 
                 second connecting device 
               
               
                 
                   713 
                 
                 first recess 
               
               
                   714   a ,  714   b ,  714   c ,  714   d   
                 attachment devices of the first bracing device 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   714   a ′,  714   b ′,  714   c ′,  714   d ′ 
                 attachment devices of the second bracing device 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 
                   715 
                 
                 second inner wall 
               
               
                 
                   716 
                 
                 second outer wall. 
               
               
                 
                   717 
                 
                 second recess 
               
               
                 
                   718 
                 
                 hinge 
               
               
                   718 ′ 
                 hinge 
               
               
                 
                   900 
                 
                 clamping system 
               
               
                   901   a ,  901   b ,  901   c ,  901   d   
                 fixing device 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 
                   902 
                 
                 opening