DE202022107189U1 - Flexible line element - Google Patents

Abstract

Flexible line element (1) for connecting components of an exhaust system, comprising:
a bellows member (2) comprising at least two bellows portions (2a, 2b) arranged adjacent to each other along an axial direction;
an inner tube (3) attached to an intermediate portion (2c) between the two bellows portions (2a, 2b), characterized in that
the inner tube (3) comprises two separate tube elements (3a, 3b) jointly attached to the intermediate portion (2c).

Description

The present invention relates to a flexible line element for connecting components of an exhaust system.

From the state of the art, in particular EP 3 591 183 A1 a flexible line element for connecting components of an exhaust system is known. The conduit member includes an outer bellows member that defines the outer contour and allows for flexibility, and an inner tube that is disposed within the bellows member and forms a flow channel. The bellows member has two bellows portions provided adjacent and spaced from each other in an axial direction with a smooth intermediate portion formed therebetween. The inner tube is attached to the intermediate section.

For flexible line elements of the type mentioned above, the attachment of the inner tube to the intermediate section is complex and cannot be carried out reliably. Therefore, the inner tube may detach from the bellows member.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a flexible line element in which assembly can be simplified and operational reliability can be ensured.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a flexible line element according to claim 1.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a flexible conduit member for connecting components of an exhaust system, comprising: a bellows member including at least two bellows portions arranged adjacent to each other along an axial direction; and an inner tube attached to an intermediate portion between the two bellows portions.

Distinguishing from the prior art, the present invention is particularly characterized in that the inner tube comprises two separate tube elements which are jointly attached to the intermediate section.

According to this embodiment, two separate tube elements are provided for the inner tube, which are jointly attached to the intermediate portion of the bellows element. Thus, the transition area between the tube elements can be specifically designed for the attachment of the tube elements. This enables simple and reliable installation.

"Together" can mean a simultaneous or temporally separate attachment to the intermediate section, but means in particular that a continuous transition is created between the two tubular elements, preferably not by the intermediate section itself.

According to a further aspect, the flexible conduit element can further comprise a coupling element to which the two pipe elements are attached, it being possible for the two separate pipe elements to be connected to the intermediate section via the coupling element.

The two tubular elements can thus be attached to the intermediate section in a simple manner via the coupling element, which can be specially designed for connection to the intermediate section. The tubular elements can have a different geometric shape than the coupling element. In particular, the tubular elements can be attached to the coupling element outside of the bellows element, which can then be attached to the intermediate section with the preassembled tubular elements. The coupling element preferably forms part of a flow channel which is formed by the tube elements. The tubular elements can be welded to the coupling element.

The coupling element is preferably connected to the intermediate section by a form fit or press fit.

As a result, a simple connection of the coupling element to the intermediate section can be created, and detachment or relative movement of the coupling element and the tube elements from/to the intermediate section can be suppressed. Furthermore, the pipe members can be prevented from being affected by the attachment.

Alternatively or additionally, the two tube elements can be attached to axially opposite sides, preferably ends, of the coupling element, preferably overlapping with the coupling element.

This allows an axially middle section of the coupling element to be provided for the connection to the intermediate section. Furthermore, the attachment of the tube elements to the coupling element can be simplified.

According to yet another aspect, the coupling element can have a convex or concave section for attachment to the intermediate section, the convex or concave section preferably extending along a circumferential direction direction with respect to an axis of the tubular member, more preferably 360 degrees, or the coupling member may have a plurality of convex or concave portions for attachment to the intermediate portion, spaced at intervals along the circumferential direction, preferably equally.

The attachment of the coupling element to the intermediate section can be facilitated by the convex or concave section. In particular, the convex or concave portion may protrude further outward/inward from an axis of the tubular members than an outer surface of the tubular members. In the case of a configuration in the circumferential direction, that is to say along an arc of a circle, the attachment can take place along a large surface.

According to yet another aspect, the coupling element can be connected to the intermediate section by crimping.

A form fit can thus be produced when connecting, in particular by plastic deformation, it being possible for the tubular elements not to be damaged.

Preferably, the coupling element is formed from a material that includes a metal, preferably includes steel, more preferably consists of steel.

The coupling element can thus ensure sufficient mechanical strength and also withstand the thermal loads.

According to yet another aspect, the two tube elements can be jointly connected to the intermediate section by material bonding, preferably by welding.

Thus, the common connection can be done in a simple manner. For example, the tube elements can be attached together to the intermediate section by means of a weld seam that preferably runs along the entire periphery. However, other forms of material connection, such as by means of solder, are also conceivable.

The flexible line element is preferably formed from at least two flexible line sub-elements, each of which comprises a bellows sub-element with the bellows section and one of the tube elements, the tube element with the bellows sub-element, more preferably on at least one axial end side, again preferably one axial end, of the flexible line sub-element, is connected and the flexible line sub-elements, preferably on the axial end sides, in particular the axial ends, are connected to one another by material bonding, whereby the intermediate section is formed.

As a result, the flexible line element can be formed in a simple manner from prefabricated line sub-elements. The line sub-elements have smaller dimensions than the flexible line element and can therefore be manufactured and transported more easily. In particular, the intermediate section can be formed by the integral connection.

Each flexible line sub-element preferably comprises a connection element, further preferably a ring element, on the respective axial end side, in particular the axial end with which the tube element and the bellows sub-element are connected, and the connection elements are welded to one another.

Thus, the pipe elements can be connected to the bellows sub-element at the axial ends, and adjacent axial ends of the line sub-elements can be connected to one another by welding. The connection element can consist of a weldable material and can be designed in the form of a ring. Thus, welding can be done easily. The connecting element can in particular have a planar surface pointing towards the adjacent line sub-element.

According to yet another aspect, the inner tube, in particular each of the tube elements, can comprise clasp elements.

Thus, the flexibility of the inner tube can be provided because the clasp elements (hook elements) can be provided so as to be movable relative to one another and engage in one another. At the same time, the flow channel can be made uniform.

According to yet another aspect, at least the bellows sections, preferably the entire flexible line element, can be designed essentially symmetrically to the intermediate section.

As a result, the assembly and production can be simplified. In particular, with the above aspects, the symmetry can be easily established. In addition, the vibration behavior can be improved.

• 1 zeigt ein flexibles Leitungselement für ein Abgassystem eines Fahrzeugs in einem Halbschnitt in einer ersten Ausführungsform.
• 2 zeigt 1 folgend eine Anbringungsstruktur eines Innenrohrs und eines Balgelements in Detailansicht.
• 3 zeigt ein flexibles Leitungselement für ein Abgassystem eines Fahrzeugs in einem Halbschnitt in einer zweiten Ausführungsform.
• 4 zeigt 3 folgend eine Anbringungsstruktur eines Innenrohrs und eines Balgelements in Detailansicht.

For example, the bellows element can have four natural frequencies in a range from 20 to 300 Hz, of which the first and third can be damped by the inner tube, and the second and fourth can be undamped.

• 1 shows a flexible line element for an exhaust system of a vehicle in a half section in a first embodiment.
• 2 shows 1 the following is a detailed view of an attachment structure of an inner tube and a bellows member.
• 3 shows a flexible line element for an exhaust system of a vehicle in a half section in a second embodiment.
• 4 shows 3 the following is a detailed view of an attachment structure of an inner tube and a bellows member.

1 shows a flexible pipe element 1, with which components of an exhaust system of a vehicle, such as exhaust pipes, engine exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, silencer, etc. can be connected, in half section. The flexible conduit member 1 comprises a metallic bellows member 2, a flexible inner tube 3, and an outer mesh (not shown) is preferably formed thereof. The upstream part of the duct element 1 is denoted by the reference number 7 and couples to an upstream component, and the downstream part of the duct element 1 is denoted by the reference number 8 and couples to a downstream component. The components are both flexibly connected to one another by the flexible line element 1 . The exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine are guided from the upstream side to the downstream side through the flexible duct member 1 .

In a preferred embodiment, the outer mesh is braided metal wire. However, other solutions are also possible, such as B. a knitted wire mesh instead of the braided wire mesh. Embodiments without an external network are also possible.

The invention can be implemented with a metallic bellows element 2 for the flexible, gas-tight connection of components along an exhaust path of an internal combustion engine. Such a bellows element 2 is formed from a thin metallic material, which may comprise one or more layers. The material is typically a corrosion resistant metal such as austenitic stainless steel or a high nickel alloy. The material can also be selected based on other considerations such as cost, formability, and durability. The material is typically less than 1.0mm thick and preferably may be between 0.15 and 0.25mm thick. The shape of the bellows member 2 is typically made by cold forming a cylindrical tube from the material. This shaping can be accomplished by a variety of known methods, including hydroforming, spinning, and other forming methods.

The bellows element 2 comprises two annularly corrugated bellows sections 2a, 2b with a plurality of corrugations 11 and 12 to form two flexible conduit sections. These two bellows sections 2a, 2b enclose between them a preferably non-corrugated, essentially inflexible, tubular, in particular annular, intermediate section 2c. The shafts 11 and 12 can be cylindrical or helical and preferably rotate about the longitudinal axis. Inner waves 11 and outer waves 12 alternate along the longitudinal direction. The inner waves 11 are designed as grooves, the outer waves 12 as webs. The end portions of the bellows member 2 may be approximately cylindrical to facilitate secure and gas-tight attachment to the adjacent components.

The bellows element 2 of the flexible pipe element 1 is intended to accommodate axial and radial movements or angular movements of the upstream part of the exhaust pipe with respect to the downstream part of the exhaust pipe during vehicle operation. Accordingly, the bellows element is subjected to high stress from vibration and bending.

The flexible inner tube 3 is of the clasp type and is arranged inside the bellows member 2 . Of course, other flexible inner tubes are also possible. The inner tube 3 is preferably metallic. In particular, the inner tube 3 comprises two tube elements 3a and 3b, each of which is designed as a conventional wound hose made of clip elements. The end portions of the tube members 3a and 3b may be reinforced. For example, the clip elements can have a thicker thickness than the other clip elements at the respective axial ends or have a different profile shape.

The pipe members 3a and 3b may have a prismatic shape, and a cross-sectional shape may be polygonal or circular.

The two tube elements 3a and 3b are continuously connected to each other by a coupling element 5, which is also preferably made of a metallic material. The coupling member 5 is provided between the tube members 3a and 3b in the axial direction. The coupling element 5 has two essentially axial end sections 5a and 5b ( 2 ), which are tubular and preferably have a cross-sectional shape which is ent to that of the end portions of the tubular members 3a and 3b speak. The end portions of the tube members 3a and 3b preferably overlap the respective end portions 5a and 5b in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

The end sections of the tube elements 3a and 3b can be connected to the end sections 5a and 5b in a gas-tight manner. For example, an integral connection can be formed, for example by welding or soldering. But it is also possible to provide fastening means such as screws and a sealing member between the end portions 5a and 5b and the end portions of the tube members 3a and 3b. The sealing member may be provided between the respective end portions in the radial direction. Other alternative forms of attachment may include crimping. Also, the connection does not have to be provided on the respective axial end sections, but can be provided on other sections.

In the axial center between the end portions 5a and 5b is a convex portion 5c functioning as an attachment portion to the intermediate portion 2c as shown in FIG 2 to see. Pipe members 3a and 3b are attached on opposite sides with respect to the attachment portion, particularly at the end portions 5a and 5b. The convex portion 5c, particularly an apex thereof, projects in the radial direction beyond the outside of the end portions 5a and 5b. The convex portion 5c is formed as a bead, and can be formed by hydroforming, spinning, or machining.

The convex section 5c can already be formed in the free state of the coupling element 5, ie in the state without being connected to the intermediate section 2c. It is also possible to form the convex portion 5c when connecting to the intermediate portion 2c. The convex portion can be formed with the intermediate portion 2c, for example, by crimping, ie caulking.

However, the connection to the intermediate section 2c can also be effected by positive locking. Thus, the convex section 5c on the outside of the coupling element 5 can engage in a concave section on the inside of the intermediate section 2c.

An alternative form of connection can provide a press fit between the coupling element 5, in particular the convex section 5c, and the intermediate section 2c. For this purpose, heating and cooling can be carried out during production. The coupling element 5c can also be elastic.

An inside of the intermediate portion 2c may be offset radially inward from the inside of the inner shafts 11 . This makes it easier to insert the coupling element 5.

The convex portion 5c is preferably formed all around in a peripheral direction (circumferential direction). However, it can also be formed over a circumferential angle of less than 360°. Alternatively, a plurality of convex sections can be provided which are spaced apart, in particular evenly. The plurality of convex portions are preferably formed with the same length in the circumferential direction. It is also possible to provide a plurality of convex sections adjacent to one another in the axial direction.

3 and 4 12 show a second embodiment, in which essentially the same elements are provided with the same reference numbers. A renewed description of these elements is omitted.

As in 3 and 4 As can be seen, the line element 1 has two line sub-elements 1a and 1b.

Each of these line sub-elements 1a and 1b includes one of the respective bellows sections 2a and 2b. Just like the bellows element 2, each of the bellows sub-elements 21 and 22 can have the said bellows sections 2a and 2b and axial end sections which are undulation-free, ie essentially cylindrically smooth.

At least on the end sides facing each other (near the end side or one side near the intermediate section 2c that is then formed) of the adjacent line sub-elements 1a and 1b there is a connection element 6 in each case. One of the bellows sub-elements 21 and 22 and one of the tube elements are attached to the connection element 6 in each case 3a and 3b connected. The connection of the lower bellows elements 21 and 22 and the tube elements 3a and 3b to the connecting element 6 can be flexible, for example via an elastic element. Such an elastic element can be provided between the lower bellows element 21, 22 and the tubular element 3a, 3b.

Here, the terminal member 6 is a ring provided at respective adjacent end portions of the sub-lead members 1a and 1b on the outer side. The connecting element 6 overlaps the lower bellows elements 21, 22 and the tubular elements 3a and 3b in the radial direction. The bellows elements 21, 22 and the tube elements 3a, 3b can be attached to the ring by welding or crimping, respectively. However, other forms of attachment are also conceivable. In 4 a crimped connection is shown. The tube elements 3a and 3b are indirectly connected to the connecting element, while the bellows sub-elements 21, 22 are directly connected to it.

As in 4 As can be seen, the end portions of the tube members 3a and 3b can protrude beyond the axial ends of the ring 6 (connecting member) in the axial direction. This can ensure that the tube elements are continuously connected in a materially bonded manner.

As is the case here, a single weld seam preferably runs between the axial end faces of the rings 6 and the end sections of the tube elements 3a and 3b, as a result of which the intermediate section 2c is formed. To improve welding, the faces on the axial face may be beveled.

As shown in the above embodiments, the inner tube comprises two separate tube members 3a and 3b commonly attached to the intermediate portion 2c.

Thus, the transition area between the tube elements 3a and 3b can be specifically designed for the attachment of the tube elements 3a and 3b. This enables simple and reliable installation.

Using the example of the coupling element 5, in particular at least one convex or concave section can be provided. The materials of the coupling element 5 can also be suitably selected. For example, depending on the connection to the intermediate section 2c, the convex section 5c can be made harder and stiffer or else softer and more elastic than the end sections 5a and 5b.

In the case of the connection element 6, this can be designed with a view to welding. In particular, the connection element 6 can be formed from a material with a relatively high thermal conductivity which is at least higher than that of the bellows sub-elements 21 and 22 .

As shown in the embodiments, the entire flexible conduit member 1 is formed substantially symmetrically to the intermediate portion 2c.

As a result, the assembly and production can be simplified. In particular, with the above aspects, the symmetry can be easily established. In addition, the vibration behavior can be improved. The symmetry can be geometric and/or in terms of materials.

The above embodiment is not meant to be limiting.

For example, the coupling element 5 can include a concave section instead of or in addition to the convex section, or this section can be omitted entirely.

The shape of the tube elements 3a and 3b can be a polygon or a rectangle in cross section, but round designs are also conceivable.

An attachment portion, which is at least a part of the convex portion 5c in the case of the coupling member 5, and the intermediate portion 2c preferably have a circular shape.

In the second embodiment in particular, both the tube elements 3a, 3b and the bellows sub-elements 21 and 22 can be connected directly to the connecting element 6. The tubular elements 3a, 3b and the lower bellows elements 21 and 22 can also be connected indirectly, for example via the connecting element 6. The connection between the tube elements and the bellows sub-elements can also only take place during the welding process.

A connection element can also be omitted.

On the distal end sides (opposite the proximal end side (i.e., the intermediate portion side) with respect to the respective bellows portions 2a and 2b), the tube members 3a and 3b may also be connected to the bellows member 2, for example, at a fitting member.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• EP 3591183 A1 [0002]

Claims (12)

A flexible conduit member (1) for connecting components of an exhaust system, comprising: a bellows member (2) comprising at least two bellows portions (2a, 2b) arranged adjacent to each other along an axial direction; an inner tube (3) attached to an intermediate portion (2c) between the two bellows portions (2a, 2b), characterized in that the inner tube (3) comprises two separate tube elements (3a, 3b) jointly attached to the intermediate portion ( 2c) are attached. The flexible line element (1) after claim 1 , further comprising a coupling element (5) to which the two pipe elements (3a, 3b) are attached, the two separate pipe elements (3a, 3b) being connected to the intermediate section (2c) via the coupling element (5). The flexible line element (1) after claim 2 , wherein the coupling element (5) is connected to the intermediate section (2c) by a positive fit or press fit. The flexible line element (1) after claim 2 or 3 , wherein the two tubular elements (3a, 3b) are attached to axially opposite sides, preferably ends, of the coupling element (5). The flexible line element (1) according to one of claims 2 until 4 , wherein the coupling element (5) has a convex or concave portion (5c) for attachment to the intermediate portion (2c), the convex or concave portion (5c) preferably extending along a circumferential direction with respect to an axis of the tubular element (3a, 3b ) extends, more preferably 360 degrees, or the coupling element (5) has a plurality of convex or concave portions (5c) for attachment to the intermediate portion (2c), which are spaced at intervals along the circumferential direction, preferably equally. The flexible line element (1) according to one of claims 2 until 5 , wherein the coupling element (5) is connected to the intermediate section (2c) by crimping. The flexible line element (1) according to one of claims 2 until 6 , wherein the coupling element (5) is formed from a material comprising a metal, preferably steel, more preferably steel. The flexible line element (1) after claim 1 , wherein the two tubular elements (3a, 3b) are connected together with the intermediate section (2c) by material connection, preferably by welding. The flexible line element (1) after claim 8 , wherein the flexible line element (1) is formed from at least two flexible line sub-elements (1a, 1b), each comprising a bellows sub-element (21, 22) with the bellows section (2a, 2b) and one of the tube elements (3a, 3b), wherein the tube element (3a, 3b) is connected to the bellows sub-element (21, 22), preferably on at least one axial end side of the flexible line sub-element (1a, 1b), and the flexible line sub-elements (1a, 1b), preferably on the axial end sides, through Bonding are connected to each other, whereby the intermediate portion (2c) is formed. The flexible line element (1) after claim 9 , wherein each flexible line sub-element (1a, 1b) comprises a connection element (6), preferably a ring element, on the respective axial end side, with which the tube element (3a, 3b) and the bellows sub-element (21, 22) are connected, and the connection elements (6) are welded together. The flexible conduit element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner tube (3), in particular each of the tube elements (3a, 3b), comprises clip elements. The flexible conduit element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the bellows sections (2a, 2b), preferably the entire flexible conduit element (1), is/are formed essentially symmetrically to the intermediate section (2c).

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