EP0948722A1 - Appareil de couplage flexible - Google Patents

Appareil de couplage flexible

Info

Publication number
EP0948722A1
EP0948722A1 EP98901178A EP98901178A EP0948722A1 EP 0948722 A1 EP0948722 A1 EP 0948722A1 EP 98901178 A EP98901178 A EP 98901178A EP 98901178 A EP98901178 A EP 98901178A EP 0948722 A1 EP0948722 A1 EP 0948722A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
members
adapter
coupler apparatus
flexible coupler
operably
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98901178A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Mark John Davey
John Rakovic
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Senior Investments GmbH
Original Assignee
Davey Mark John
Rakovic John
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Davey Mark John, Rakovic John filed Critical Davey Mark John
Publication of EP0948722A1 publication Critical patent/EP0948722A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L27/00—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N13/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus characterised by constructional features ; Exhaust or silencing apparatus, or parts thereof, having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01N1/00 - F01N5/00, F01N9/00, F01N11/00
    • F01N13/18—Construction facilitating manufacture, assembly, or disassembly
    • F01N13/1805—Fixing exhaust manifolds, exhaust pipes or pipe sections to each other, to engine or to vehicle body
    • F01N13/1811—Fixing exhaust manifolds, exhaust pipes or pipe sections to each other, to engine or to vehicle body with means permitting relative movement, e.g. compensation of thermal expansion or vibration
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L27/00—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement
    • F16L27/10—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement comprising a flexible connection only, e.g. for damping vibrations
    • F16L27/107—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement comprising a flexible connection only, e.g. for damping vibrations the ends of the pipe being interconnected by a flexible sleeve
    • F16L27/11—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement comprising a flexible connection only, e.g. for damping vibrations the ends of the pipe being interconnected by a flexible sleeve the sleeve having the form of a bellows with multiple corrugations
    • F16L27/111—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement comprising a flexible connection only, e.g. for damping vibrations the ends of the pipe being interconnected by a flexible sleeve the sleeve having the form of a bellows with multiple corrugations the bellows being reinforced

Definitions

  • an exhaust system In addition to the vibrations created by the motor of the vehicle, an exhaust system is also subjected to various tension, compression and bending forces which arise during the operation of the vehicle. While individual components might be made stronger and more massive to resist failure by fatigue, such construction would be undesirable due to weight considerations. Further, by making individual elements stiffer, the vibrations are merely transmitted to the exhaust system mountings or other components, not reduced or eliminated. Accordingly, it is desirable to isolate the exhaust system, or at least components of the system from such vibrations and forces.
  • the sealing ring is subjected to cyclical flexure, tension and compression forces which will ultimately compromise the seal and require replacement of the coupler.
  • Udell U.S. 5, 145,21 5.
  • an inner sleeve member is concentrically received by an outer sleeve member.
  • a substantially porous, non-sealing, vibration absorbing spacer member is arranged between the sleeve members where they overlap, to preclude direct contact between the sleeve members.
  • the spacer member is non-sealing to preclude deterioration while minimizing interference with the reciprocation and articulation of the sleeve members.
  • a flexible, extensible bellows member mechanically connects the sleeve members at their distant non-overlapped ends.
  • a closure member typically of braided metal wire, surrounds the bellows member for protecting the extensible bellows member from damage from external elements and forces.
  • the Udell apparatus While the apparatus of the Udell patent is capable of accommodating extension, compression and relative pivoting of the pipe ends which are connected, the Udell apparatus has but a single "pivot point" and accordingly, does have a limit as to the amount of relative pivoting which can be accommodated. Further, within the limits of compressibility of the spacer member, the axes of the two pipes which are connected, cannot move to a non-intersecting (i.e., skewed) relationship. Still further, the apparatus of
  • Udell is better adapted for the accommodation of extension, than it is to the accommodation of compression.
  • event of overcompression of the coupler there is a possibility of jamming or distortion of components, which may adversely affect the subsequent performance of the coupler, and may even lead to premature degradation and failure of the coupler.
  • the Udell apparatus is provided only with the single "resilient" spacer member which is positioned axially and radially between extending flanges of respective overlapping pipe ends.
  • the bellows member is capable of axial extension and compression as well as some being to accommodate the movements of the respective overlapped pipe ends, the bellows member is not configured for providing a normalizing force on the coupler apparatus so as to tend to maintain the components of the coupler apparatus in a desired, preloaded, configuration.
  • the "resilient" spacer member being constructed, typically, of metal mesh or ceramic wool, does not provide significant graduated damping of the vibrational forces when such forces are sufficiently strong to cause the coupler to be overextended to an extreme orientation.
  • the present invention is directed to a flexible coupler apparatus for connecting adjacent ends of successive pipes to direct fluid flow from one of the two pipes to the other of the two pipes, while precluding transmission of vibration between the two pipes.
  • the flexible coupler apparatus comprises a first adapter member having a first end configured to be operably affixed to a first one of the two pipes, and a second free end, and a second adapter member having a first end configured to be operably affixed to a second one of the two pipes, and a second free end.
  • the second free ends of the first and second adapter members are normally disposed in an axially spaced relationship, when the first and second adapter members are affixed to the first and second pipes, respectively, and the coupler apparatus is in an unstressed state.
  • An inner member is provided, having two free ends, which are insertingly received in respective ones of the second free ends of the first and second adapter members.
  • the two free ends of the inner member are further circumferentially surrounded by the second free ends of the first and second adapter members, respectively.
  • At least first and second resilient spacer members are operably disposed between a first free end of the inner member and the free end of one of the first and second adapter members, and a second free end of the inner member and the free end of the other of the first and second adapter members, respectively, for absorbing vibrations originating from one of the first and second pipes, and for precluding transmission of the vibrations to the other of the pipes.
  • the at least first and second resilient spacer members are radially enclosed between at least the respective two free ends of the inner member and respective ones of the first and second adapter members, respectively.
  • each of the at least first and second resilient spacer members is further operably disposed for axial movement relative to at least one of the inner member, the first adapter member and the second adapter member, respectively.
  • a resilient sealing member is at least indirectly affixed to the first and second pipes, to preclude escape of fluid from the flexible coupler apparatus and for maintaining the first and second pipes in flexibly joined relation to each other to accommodate and enable substantial compressive and extensive axial movement of the first and second pipes relative to one another, as to accommodate orientation of the pipes such that longitudinal axes thereof are positioned in a non-intersecting relationship.
  • At least one stop member is operably disposed about the inner member and operably configured to prevent direct axially abutting contact between the first and second adapter members.
  • the resilient sealing member further comprises a flexible tubular bellows member having formed thereon a plurality of circumferential undulations along its length.
  • Each spacer member preferably comprises a resilient annular member fabricated from metal wire mesh.
  • each spacer member comprises a resilient annular member fabricated from ceramic wool material.
  • the invention further comprises a flexible coupler apparatus for connecting adjacent ends of successive pipes to direct fluid flow from one of the two pipes to the other of the two pipes, while precluding transmission of vibration between the two pipes
  • the flexible coupler apparatus comprises a first adapter member having a first end configured to be operably affixed to a first one of the two pipes, and a second free end.
  • a second adapter member has a first end configured to be operably affixed to a second one of the two pipes, and a second free end.
  • the second free ends of the first and second adapter members are normally disposed in an axially spaced relationship, when the first and second adapter members are affixed to the first and second pipes, respectively, and the coupler apparatus is in an unstressed state.
  • An inner member has two free ends, which are insertingly received in respective ones of the second free ends of the first and second adapter members. The two free ends of the inner member are further circumferentially surrounded by the second free ends of the first and second adapter
  • At least first and second resilient spacer members are operably disposed between a first free end of the inner member and a free end of one of the first and second adapter members, and a second free end of the inner member and a free end of the other of the first and second adapter members, respectively, for absorbing vibrations originating from one of the first and second pipes, and for precluding transmission of the vibrations to the other of the pipes.
  • the at least first and second resilient spacer members are radially enclosed between at least the two free ends of the inner member and respective ones of the first and second adapter members. At least a portion of each of the at least first and second resilient spacer members are further operably disposed for axial movement relative to at least one of the inner member, the first adapter member and the second adapter member.
  • a resilient sealing member is at least indirectly affixed to the first and second pipes, to preclude escape of fluid from the flexible coupler apparatus and for maintaining the first and second pipes in flexibly joined relation to each other to accommodate and enable substantial compressive and extensive axial movement of the first and second pipes relative to one another, as to accommodate orientation of the pipes such that longitudinal axes thereof are positioned in a non-intersecting relationship.
  • the resilient sealing member is operably configured to circumferentially surround and extend axially over the entirety of the inner member, the at least first and second spacer members, and at least a portion of at last one of the first and second adapter members, and overlap at least a portion of each of the two pipes.
  • the at least one stop member is both operably disposed about and affixed to the inner member and operably configured to prevent direct axially abutting contact between the first and second adapter members.
  • the stop member alternatively comprises an annular member, having an axial width around its circumference, wherein at at least one region along the circumference, the axial width is substantially greater than at other regions along the circumference.
  • At least one of the spacer members is affixed to the inner member. In an embodiment of the invention, at least one stop member is affixed to the inner member.
  • a flexible coupler apparatus is provided for connecting adjacent ends of successive pipes to direct fluid flow from one of the two pipes to the other of the two pipes, while precluding transmission of vibration between the two pipes.
  • a first adapter member has a first end configured to be operably affixed to a first one of the two pipes, and a second free end.
  • a second adapter member has a first end configured to be operably affixed to a second one of the two pipes, and a second free end.
  • the second free ends of the first and second adapter members are normally disposed in an axially spaced relationship, when the first and second adapter members are affixed to the first and second pipes, respectively, and the coupler apparatus is in an unstressed state.
  • An outer member is provided, having two free ends, which insertingly receive respective ones of the second free ends of the first and second adapter members, the two free ends of the outer member further circumferentially surrounding the second free ends of the first and second adapter members, respectively.
  • At least first and second resilient spacer members are operably disposed between a first free end of the outer member and a free end of one of the first and second adapter members, and a second free end of the outer member and a free end of the other of the first and second adapter members, respectively, for absorbing vibrations originating from one of the first and second pipes, and for precluding transmission of the vibrations to the other of the pipes.
  • the at least first and second resilient spacer members are radially enclosed between at least the two free ends of the outer member and respective ones of the first and second adapter members.
  • each of the at least first and second resilient spacer members is further operably disposed for axial movement relative to at least one of the outer member, the first adapter member and the second adapter member, respectively.
  • a resilient sealing member at least indirectly affixed to the first and second pipes, to preclude escape of fluid from the flexible coupler apparatus and for maintaining the first and second pipes in flexibly joined relation to each other to accommodate and enable substantial compressive and extensive axial movement of the first and second pipes relative to one another, as to accommodate orientation of the pipes such that longitudinal axes thereof are positioned in a non-intersecting relationship.
  • At least one stop member may be operably disposed within the outer member and operably configured to prevent direct axially abutting contact between the first and second adapter members.
  • An alternative embodiment of the invention is a flexible coupler apparatus for connecting adjacent ends of successive fluid transmission members to direct fluid flow from one of the two fluid transmission members to the other of the two fluid transmission members, while precluding transmission of vibration between the two fluid transmission members.
  • This alternative embodiment comprises a first adapter member having a first end configured to be operably affixed to a first one of the two fluid transmission members, and a second free end.
  • a second adapter member has a first end configured to be operably affixed to a second one of the two fluid transmission members, and a second free end. The second free ends of the first and second adapter members are normally disposed in an axially spaced relationship, when the first and second adapter members are affixed to the first and second fluid transmission members, respectively.
  • An inner member has two free ends, which are insertingly received in respective ones of the second free ends of the first and second adapter members.
  • the two free ends of the inner member are further circumferentially surrounded by the second free ends of the first and second adapter members, respectively.
  • At least first and second resilient spacer members are operably disposed between a first free end of the inner member and the second free end of the first adapter member, and a second free end of the inner member and the second free end of the second adapter member, respectively, for absorbing vibrations originating from one of the first and second fluid transmission members, and for precluding transmission of the vibrations to the other of the fluid transmission members.
  • the at least first and second resilient spacer members are radially enclosed between at least the two free ends of the inner member and respective ones of the first and second adapter members. At least a portion of each of the at least first and second resilient spacer members is further operably disposed for axial movement relative to at least one of the inner member, the first adapter member and the second adapter member, respectively.
  • the first and second adapter members and the inner member are operably arranged for axial movement relative to each other, along a direction parallel to a common longitudinal axis.
  • Means for are provided maintaining the first spacer member in axially bounded relationship between the second free end of the first adapter member and a free end of the inner member, as are means for maintaining the second spacer member in axially bounded relationship between the second free end of the second adapter member and a free end of the inner member.
  • At least one biasing support member is operably connected, at least indirectly, with at least one of the first and second adapter members, and at least one axial biasing member is operably disposed for bearing, at least indirectly, against the at least one biasing support member, for imparting an axial bias in the flexible coupler apparatus.
  • the at least one biasing support member comprises a first biasing support member, operably affixed, at least indirectly, to the first adapter member; a second biasing support member, operably affixed, at least indirectly, to the second adapter member.
  • the at least one axial biasing member comprises a spring member, operably disposed axially between the first and second biasing support members, in axially abutting relationship thereto. The spring member is disposed in an at least partially axially compressed state, for imparting an axial bias in the flexible coupler apparatus.
  • the first and second biasing support members comprise first and second collar members, operably affixed to and emanating radially outwardly from the first and second adapter members, respectively.
  • the spring member is disposed substantially concentrically to and circumferentially around the second free ends of the first and second adapter members and the overlapped inner member, and between the first and second collar members.
  • the flexible coupler apparatus further comprises a resilient sealing member at least indirectly affixed about the first and second adapter members to preclude escape of fluid from the flexible coupler apparatus and for maintaining the first and second adapter members in flexibly joined relation to each other to accommodate and enable substantial compressive and extensive axial movement of the first and second adapter members relative to one another, as to accommodate orientation of the adapter members such that the longitudinal axes thereof are positioned in a non-intersecting relationship.
  • the resilient sealing member is disposed radially inwardly of the spring member such that the spring member encircles the resilient sealing member without making physical contact with same.
  • the first and second biasing support members operably emanate radially inwardly from the second free ends of the first and second adapter members, respectively.
  • the spring member is disposed substantially concentrically to and circumferentially around the inner member.
  • the flexible coupler apparatus further comprises a resilient sealing member at least indirectly affixed about the first and second adapter members to preclude escape of fluid from the flexible coupler apparatus and for maintaining the first and second adapter members in flexibly joined relation to each other to accommodate and enable substantial compressive and extensive axial movement of the first and second adapter members relative to one another, as to accommodate orientation of the adapter members such that the longitudinal axes thereof are positioned in a non-intersecting relationship, in which the resilient sealing member is disposed radially outwardly of the spring member such that the resilient sealing member encircles the spring member without making physical contact with same.
  • the at least one biasing support member comprises a first biasing support member, operably affixed, at least indirectly, to the first adapter member; a second biasing support member, operably affixed, at least indirectly, to the second adapter member; a third biasing support member, operably affixed, at least indirectly, to a first free end of the inner member; and a fourth biasing support member, operably affixed, at least indirectly, to a second free end of the inner member.
  • the at least one axial biasing member comprises a first spring member, operably disposed axially between the first and third biasing support members, in axially abutting relationship thereto, and a second spring member, operably disposed axially between the second and fourth biasing support members, in axially abutting relationship thereto.
  • the first and second spring members are disposed in an at least partially axially compressed state, for imparting an axial bias in the flexible coupler apparatus.
  • the flexible coupler apparatus further comprises a resilient sealing member at least indirectly affixed about the first and second adapter members to preclude escape of fluid from the flexible coupler apparatus and for maintaining the first and second adapter members in flexibly joined relation to each other to accommodate and enable substantial compressive and extensive axial movement of the first and second adapter members relative to one another, as to accommodate orientation of the adapter members such that the longitudinal axes thereof are positioned in a non- intersecting relationship.
  • the resilient sealing member further comprises a flexible tubular bellows member having formed thereon a plurality of circumferential undulations along its length.
  • each spacer member comprises a resilient annular member fabricated from metal wire mesh.
  • each spacer member comprises a resilient annular member fabricated from ceramic wool material.
  • At least one of the spring coil member(s) is a preferably a wave spring member.
  • Fig. 1 is a side elevation, in section, of the flexible coupler apparatus according to the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a highly schematic illustration of the apparatus of the present invention, in place between two pipe ends, illustrating the total possible angular deflection between the pipe ends;
  • Fig. 3 is a slightly less schematic illustration of the apparatus of the present invention, in place between two pipe ends, illustrating the apparatus' capacity to permit non-intersecting orientation of the two pipe ends;
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a spacer member, according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the spacer member according to the embodiment of Fig. 4;
  • Fig. 6 is a plan view of the spacer member according to the embodiment of Fig. 4;
  • Fig. 7 is a fragmentary side elevation, in section, of the flexible coupler apparatus according to a further alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 is a side elevation, in section, of a sub-assembly for forming the flexible coupler apparatus according to alternative several embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 9 is side elevation, in section, of a flexible coupler apparatus, employing the sub-assembly of Fig. 8, according to one alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the spring member(s) is (are) radially outside of the bellows;
  • Fig. 10 is a side elevation, in section, of a flexible coupler apparatus, employing the sub-assembly according to Fig. 8, according to another alternative embodiment of the invention, showing a placement of a spring ring between the adapter members and to the inside of the bellows member;
  • Fig. 1 1 is a side elevation, in section, of a flexible coupler apparatus, employing the sub-assembly according to Fig. 8, according to still another alternative embodiment of the invention, showing a placement of a spring ring radially within the adapter members and axially outside of the inner liner member;
  • Fig. 1 2 is a side elevation of a typical spring ring according to the present invention
  • Fig. 1 3 is a plan view of the spring ring shown in Fig. 1 2, according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a side elevation, in section, of the flexible coupler apparatus 1 0, according to the present invention.
  • apparatus 1 0 is, typically in a preferred embodiment of the invention, intended to be radially symmetrical about a central axis C L
  • only an "upper" portion of coupler apparatus 10 is illustrated, with the understanding that the "lower” portion is symmetrically disposed about axis C L .
  • Pipe ends 1 1 and 1 2 are to be connected, in such a manner that the pipes are decoupled with respect to the transmission of vibrations from pipe end 1 1 to pipe end 1 2.
  • Adapter members 14 and 1 5 are substantially cylindrical members, each having a diameter which is substantially the same as the respective pipe ends 1 1 , 1 2.
  • Adapter members 1 4 and 1 5 will be permanently affixed to ends 1 1 , 1 2 by welding, brazing, or other suitable known technique.
  • adapter members 1 4, 1 5 could be configured as having diameters significantly greater than ends 1 1 , 1 2, slightly less than that of ends 1 1 , 1 2, or even the having the same diameters as their respective ends 1 1 , 1 2, in which case the adapter members would be butt-welded to the respective ends.
  • Radially inwardly extending flanges 1 7, 1 8 are formed on adapter members 14, 1 5.
  • a pipe inner member 20 is provided, which although only illustrated as one-half of a sectional elevation, is understood to be a generally cylindrical member. Inner member 20 is concentrically received radially inwardly of adapter members 14, 1 5.
  • Pipe inner member 20 has a diameter which must always be less than that of adapter members 14, 1 5 and which may be less than that of pipe ends 1 1 , 1 2.
  • Outwardly turned flanges 22, 23 are provided on pipe inner member 20, and may be formed thereon utilizing known fabrication techniques.
  • Pipe inner member 20 will have a short length, relative to the overall apparatus dimensions. For any given application, the length of inner member 20 will be equal to no more than one diameter of the pipe(s) which are being connected. Accordingly, the length of inner member 20 will be, at most, only slightly greater than its own diameter, and may be less.
  • Annular spacer members 25, 26 are preferably formed from metal mesh material, which is resilient, though somewhat porous, and relatively tightly packed.
  • the spacer members may alternatively be fabricated from resilient heat-resistant ceramic wool material, or the like.
  • each of spacer member 25, 26 is radially compressed between inner member 20 and one of adapter members 14, 1 5, each of spacer member 25, 26 is free to engage in some axial movement along inner member 20, subject to possible restraint by flanges 1 7, 1 8 of adapter members 1 4, 1 5.
  • Spacer members 25, 26 will be configured to be resistively compressible, to absorb and resist lateral vibrations, and axial vibrations, both when pipes 1 1 and 1 2 are substantially collinear, and as well as when pipes 1 1 , 1 2 are skewed, laterally displaced relative to one another or moved by external forces so as to be rotated angularly with respect to one another, within the limits of the tolerances of the components and the maximum compressibility of the spacer members.
  • Spacer members 25, 26 need not be porous, though they must be resilient to at least some degree, in order to accomplish the desired decoupling of vibration along the pipes being connected.
  • spacer members 25, 26, if desired, may be spot welded to either adapter members 1 4, 1 5, respectively, or to inner member 20, but not both.
  • Apparatus 1 0 may also be provided with an annular stop member 28, which may be affixed to the outer surface of inner member 20, preferably at a position midway along its length. Alternatively, stop member 28 may simply be positioned about inner member 20. Stop member 28 preferably will be configured from a material which may be the same material as that of spacer members 25, 26 (steel mesh, ceramic wool, etc.) or may be configured from a harder or softer material, and may even be configured as a ring of ceramic, metal or elastomeric material, or other suitable durable, heat resistant material, which may be simply fitted onto inner member 20, or which may be welded or brazed, or otherwise suitably affixed, onto inner member 20.
  • a material which may be the same material as that of spacer members 25, 26 (steel mesh, ceramic wool, etc.) or may be configured from a harder or softer material, and may even be configured as a ring of ceramic, metal or elastomeric material, or other suitable durable, heat resistant material, which may
  • annular spring member such as a Belleville spring, could be substituted for stop member 28.
  • Bellows 30, having ends 31 , 32 is positioned around and sealingly affixed to adapter members 14, 1 5 (if adapter members 1 4, 1 5 are larger in diameter than ends 1 1 , 1 2, as illustrated), by any of a number of known techniques, such as welding or brazing.
  • bellows ends 31 , 32 could be affixed and sealed directly to ends 1 1 , 1 2, if adapter members are insertingly received and mechanically locked within, at or to ends 1 1 , 1 2, or if bellows ends 31 , 32 extend axially beyond adapter members 14, 1 5.
  • the corrugated portion of the bellows 30 should be provided with enough axial length such that all of inner member 20, and spacer members 25, 26, and that portion of adapter members 1 4, 1 5, which overlap inner member 20, are encompassed within the length of the corrugated section.
  • Collars 34, 35 may be provided, and fitted around bellows ends 31 , 32. Suitable welds, brazes and/or crimps will be employed, according to known techniques, for sealingly affixing the various components to one another.
  • the methods for forming and assembling the various described components follow known techniques, and may be readily accomplished by one of ordinary skill in the art, having the present disclosure before them. Accordingly, a detailed description of the forming and assembly of flexible coupler 1 0 is not necessary for a complete understanding of the structure and mode of operation of the present invention.
  • flexible coupler apparatus 10 will be installed, such that the configuration as illustrated in Fig. 1 will be substantially the normal resting state of apparatus 10.
  • Spacer members 25, 26 will not be axially compressed, though they may be radially compressed. Some axial extension of apparatus 1 0, resulting from the pulling apart of ends 1 1 , 1 2, will be accommodated, which will result in the axial compression of spacer members 25, 26. Axial compression of apparatus 1 1 will result in one or both of flanges 1 7, 1 8, moving toward and eventually abutting optional stop member 28 (if provided) .
  • spacer members 25, 26, being resistively compressible in all directions will, subject to the tolerances of the various components, permit some angular deflection of pipe 1 , relative to pipe 2 (see Fig. 2) . For example, for a coupler apparatus having a nominal diameter of 2 in., a total angular deflection of 1 0-1 2° is contemplated.
  • ends 1 1 , 1 2 may be permitted to assume a configuration in which the separate axes of ends 1 1 and 1 2 are not intersecting, but rather are parallel or completely skewed (see Fig. 3) . That is, the inner free ends of adapters 1 4 and 1 5 with flanges 1 7 and 1 8, respectively, cooperate with flanges 22, 23 of inner member 20 and spacer members 25 and 26, respectively, to provide two pivoting joints, having centers of rotation generally located at points 40 and 41 , respectively.
  • each pivoting joint is contemplated as permitting an angular deflection b, or c, of 5-6 °, one-half the total possible deflection of 10-1 2°.
  • bellows member 30 will be suitably configured to accommodate all such combinations of movement, while maintaining a fluid-tight seal at each end to ensure no escape of the gases which pass through apparatus 10.
  • bellows member 30 permits coupler apparatus 10 to be compressed or extended, as necessary, during the installation procedures, and further permit such compression or extension during operation, while maintaining a mechanical sealing connection between the pipe ends 1 1 , 1 2.
  • stop member 28 is illustrated and contemplated as being a simple annular ring, having uniform rectangular cross-sectional configurations.
  • the stop member 55 may be provided with widened portions 56. It is to be recognized that the widened portions are somewhat exaggerated, as illustrated in Figs. 4 - 6, and that it is anticipated that the widened portions will have an axial length which is greater than the axial length of the non-widened portions, by a difference which is equal to approximately 1 0-20% of the total axial length of the stop member.
  • a stop member having an axial length of 8mm at the non-widened portions may have an axial length in the widened portions of 10-1 2mm.
  • each widened portion typically preferably will cover a portion of the circumference of the stop member equal to approximately 90-1 00° of arc, although lesser amounts of arc may be employed if desired.
  • Preferably two widened portions 56 will be provided, for stop member 55, and will be located at diametrically opposed positions in the stop member 55.
  • the widened portions would be axially bounded by flanges 1 7 or 1 8, respectively.
  • additional widened portions may be provided, which would preferably be positioned at radially symmetrical locations about the circumference of the stop member. The widening is provided only in the axial direction, and the radial thickness of the stop member in such widened portions will preferably be the same (at least in the axially uncompressed state) as the non-widened portions.
  • a stop member such as stop member 55, enhanced pivoting action can be obtained, without creating undue axial "looseness" in the coupler.
  • the flexible coupler apparatus may be provided with one or both spacer members having widened portions, in one alternative embodiment, the widening will be present only along one axial "face" of the spacer member.
  • the widening would be present only to one side of plane of symmetry S, in one or preferably both of the spacer members, the other axial face(s) remaining flat.
  • the flat face(s) would preferably be oriented to be the axially outwardly directed faces, relative to the coupler apparatus as a whole, while the face(s) having the widening would be oriented to be the axially inwardly directed faces, relative to the coupler apparatus as a whole. That is, the widened portions would face toward the center of the coupler apparatus, while the flat axial faces would face away from the center of the coupler apparatus.
  • the spacer members would have widened portions on both axial faces, in the manner described with respect to stop member 55, of Figs. 4 - 6. As previously stated, either form of widened spacer member may be utilized with or instead of the stop member having widened portions.
  • stop member or one or more of the spacer members are provided with widened portions
  • stop member or spacer member would be preferably affixed to the inner member 20 by any suitable means, such as a spot weld, braze, etc.
  • adapter members 14' and 1 5' will have flanges 1 7' and 1 8' which will be configured to emanate radially outwardly. While illustrated in section, in the fragmentary view of Fig. 7, it is to be understood, that the section, as illustrated, is intended to represent the cross-section of the pipe ends and that the adapter members, etc., unless otherwise described are generally cylindrical in form.
  • the free ends of adapter members 14' and 1 5' may be necked, as illustrated, or may be simple cylindrical members, as illustrated in Fig. 1 .
  • an outer member 20' may be provided, which circumferentially surrounds at least portions of the free ends of adapter members 14' and 1 5'.
  • Spacer members 25' and 26', and optional stop member 28' may be the same as those various alternative embodiments discussed with respect to Figs. 1 - 6, including those alternative configurations having widened portions.
  • Stop member 28' if provided, typically may not require any form of affixation, to keep it in place within outer member 20', inasmuch as the materials from which stop member 28' (or stop member 28) may be configured, are such that stop member 28' will be relatively stiff (though at least somewhat resilient), and have substantial body.
  • stop member 28' will preferably be dimensioned so that a very slight radial compression of stop member 28' will take place upon insertion into outer member 20' .
  • the alternative coupler apparatus 10' is contemplated as functioning, in its compression, extension, and bending modes in substantially the same manner as the embodiments of Figs. 1 - 6.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates a side elevation, of a subassembly for several alternative embodiments of the flexible coupler apparatus according to the present invention.
  • Two fluid transmission members such as two pipe ends, or a pipe end and an engine component, such as an exhaust manifold (not shown) are to be connected by adapter members 1 1 4 and 1 1 5.
  • Adapter members 1 14 and 1 1 5 are substantially cylindrical members, each having a diameter which is substantially the same as the respective pipe ends, and permanently affixed thereto by welding, brazing, or other suitable known technique, or are configured to be sealingly mounted to an engine component by a suitable bolted bracket.
  • adapter member 1 1 4 may be provided with a suitable flange 1 1 6 to be nestingly received by a suitable bracket or clamp (not shown), such as are known in the art.
  • a suitable bracket or clamp (not shown), such as are known in the art.
  • Radially inwardly extending flanges 1 1 7, 1 1 8 are formed on adapter members 1 14, 1 1 5.
  • a pipe inner member 1 20 is provided, which is also understood to be a generally cylindrical member. Inner member 1 20 is concentrically received radially inwardly of adapter members 1 1 4, 1 1 5. Pipe inner member 1 20 has an innermost diameter which must always be less than that of at least the "free" ends of adapter member 1 1 4, 1 1 5, and which may be less than that of the pipe(s) being joined. Outwardly turned flanges 1 22, 1 23 are provided on pipe inner member 1 20 and may be formed thereon using known fabrication techniques. Pipe inner member 1 20 will have a short length, relative to the overall apparatus dimensions. For any given application, the length of inner member 1 20 will be equal to no more than one diameter of the pipe(s) being connected.
  • annular spacer members 1 24, 1 25 may, preferably, formed from metal mesh material, which is resilient, though somewhat porous, and relatively tightly packed.
  • the spacer members may alternatively be fabricated from resilient heat-resistant ceramic wool material, or the like. In an embodiment of the invention, while each of spacer members 1 24, 1 25 is radially compressed between inner member 1 20 and one of adapter members 1 1 4,
  • each of spacer members 1 24, 1 25 is free to engage in some axial movement along inner member 1 20, subject to possible restraint by flanges 1 1 7, 1 1 8 of adapter members 1 1 4, 1 1 5.
  • Spacer members 1 24, 1 25 will be configured to be resistively compressible, to absorb and resist lateral vibrations, and axial vibrations, both when the pipes or pipe and housing or fixture being connected are substantially collinear, and as well as when the pipes or pipe and housing or fixture are skewed, laterally displaced relative to one another or moved by external forces so as to be rotated angularly with respect to one another, within the limits of the tolerances of the components and the maximum compressibility of the spacer members.
  • Spacer members 1 24, 1 25 need not be porous, though they must be resilient to at least some degree, in order to accomplish the desired decoupling of vibration along the pipes being connected.
  • spacer members 1 24, 1 25, if desired, may be spot welded to either adapter members 1 14, 1 1 5, respectively, or to inner member 1 20, but not both.
  • bellows 1 30, having ends 1 31 , 1 32, is positioned around and sealingly affixed to adapter members 1 1 4, 1 1 5 by any of a number of known techniques, such as welding or brazing.
  • the corrugated portion of the bellows 1 30 should be provided with enough axial length such that all of inner member 1 20, and spacer members 1 24, 1 25, and that portion of adapter members 1 14, 1 1 5, which overlap inner member 1 20, are encompassed within the length of the corrugated section.
  • Each wave spring comprises an annular coil having a flat, substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration.
  • Each "turn” of the coil is provided with a number of axially-extending undulations, for example, undulations 1 51 , 1 52, which, preferably, are circumferentially spaced around each turn, preferably with odd numbers of forward undulations (e.g., 1 51 ) and rearward undulations (e.g., 1 52), so that at the same circumferential location on consecutive turns, however far "forward” the undulation is on one turn, on the adjacent turn, the undulation is that far "rearward”.
  • the portion 1 50 illustrates a coil portion having five full turns, and portions of other turns at its ends.
  • each wave spring is fabricated from a suitable spring steel or other material, which will permit compression of the wave spring, and upon release, the wave spring will expand back to its original length, preferably with little or no over-rebound.
  • a typical wave spring 140 would have a spring rate of 50 Ibf ./in. and preferably would have a constant, linear spring rate. In compression, the alternating undulations and the friction between adjacent bights enhances the strength and spring rate of the wave spring.
  • each wave spring is only used in a compressive mode, and will not provide any resistance or dampening under tension, since the wave spring ends will not be axially fixed.
  • wave spring 140 will have an inner diameter which is substantially greater than the outermost diameter of bellows 1 30, so as to preclude any "nipping" of any of the undulations of bellows 1 30, between any of the turns of wave spring 1 40.
  • Collars 1 34, 1 35 will be provided, and fitted around bellows ends 1 31 , 1 32, and around the ends of wave spring 140. Suitable welds, brazes and/or crimps will be employed, according to known techniques, for sealingly affixing the various components to one another.
  • collars 1 34, 1 35 serve to restrain wave spring 1 40 axially, and also serve to keep wave spring 1 40 centered concentrically around the axial centerline of coupler 1 1 0, thereby preventing contact between the inner edges of wave spring 1 40 and the outer surface of bellows 1 30.
  • wave spring 140 will be compressed slightly to create a positive load.
  • apparatus 1 10 will be capable of the various bending, extension and compression movements of which the apparatus 10 of Figs. 1 - 6 and apparatus 10' of Fig. 7 are capable, as previously described.
  • wave spring 140 provides a progressive resistance to compressive forces.
  • a compressive preloading is provided, which tends to keep the components aligned and concentric, when at rest or during periods when the magnitude and/or frequency of the vibrations is low. Otherwise, during such operations of low magnitude and/or frequency vibration, the components of the coupler apparatus might sag, leading to chatter, "moaning" and/or other noisy and potentially damaging behavior.
  • coupler apparatus 210 includes adapter members 214, 21 5, having inwardly turned flanges 21 7, 21 8, respectively.
  • Inner member 220 has outwardly turned flanges 222 and 223.
  • Spacer members 224, and 225 are positioned between adapter members 21 4, 21 5 and inner member 220, respectively.
  • a wave spring member 240 which has an inner diameter which is slightly greater than the central outer diameter of inner member 220, is positioned around inner member 220, so as to be axially between flanges 21 7, 21 8 of adapter members 214, 21 5, respectively.
  • Wave spring 240 may have a somewhat smaller cross-section, and will have a smaller diameter, both inner and outer, and may be formed from fewer turns, than wave spring 140, for a coupler having the same nominal diameter as the coupler of apparatus 1 1 0.
  • the flexible coupler apparatus 21 0 of Fig. 1 0 is assembled with wave spring 240 in a precompressed state, pressing axially outwardly against flanges 21 7 and 21 8, pushing them against spacer members 224, 225 which in turn, push against flanges 222, 223.
  • the preloading helps take up any "slack" in the coupler, and helps to prevent chatter, and possible uneven wear in the coupler components.
  • apparatus 210 shown in Fig.
  • bellows 230 having ends 231 , 232, is positioned around and sealingly affixed to adapter members 21 4, 21 5 by any of a number of known techniques, such as welding or brazing.
  • the corrugated portion of the bellows 230 should be provided with enough axial length such that all of inner member 220, and spacer members 224, 225, and that portion of adapter members 21 , 21 5, which overlap inner member 220, are encompassed within the length of the corrugated section.
  • an edgewound wave spring 240 Fitted inside bellows 230, between flanges 21 7 and 21 8, is an edgewound wave spring 240, which can have a general configuration to wave spring 1 50, previously described. Collars 234, 235 will be provided, and fitted around bellows ends 231 ,
  • flanges 21 7, 21 8 serve to restrain wave spring 240 axially, and also serve to keep wave spring 240 centered concentrically around the axial centerline of coupler 210.
  • Coupler apparatus 310 includes adapter members 314, 31 5, having inwardly turned flanges 31 7, 31 8, respectively.
  • Inner member 320 has outwardly turned flanges 322 and 323.
  • Spacer members 324, and 325 are positioned between adapter members 314, 31 5 and inner member 320, respectively.
  • Radially inwardly extending flanges 326 and 327 are provided on the inner surfaces of adapter members 31 4, 31 5, respectively, and may be affixed in their respective locations by welding, etc.
  • Bellows 330 having ends 331 , 332, is positioned around and sealingly affixed to adapter members 314, 31 5 by any of a number of known techniques, such as welding or brazing.
  • the corrugated portion of the bellows 330 should be provided with enough axial length such that all of inner member 320, and spacer members 324, 325, and that portion of adapter members 314, 31 5, which overlap inner member 320, are encompassed within the length of the corrugated section. Collars 334, 335 will be provided, and fitted around bellows ends 331 , 332.
  • Two wave spring members 340 and 341 which have outer diameters which are, preferably, slightly less than the respective inner diameters of adapter members 314, 31 5, respectively, are positioned within their respective adapter members, and abutted against respective flanges 326, 327, so as to be positioned axially between flanges 326 and 327 of adapter members 314, 31 5, and flanges 322, 323 of the inner member 320, respectively.
  • Wave springs 340, 341 again, may have a somewhat smaller cross-section, and will have a smaller diameter, both inner and outer, and may be formed from fewer turns, than wave spring 140, for a coupler having the same nominal diameter as the coupler of apparatus 1 10.
  • the flexible coupler apparatus 310 of Fig. 1 1 is assembled with wave springs 340, 341 in a precompressed state, pressing axially outwardly against their respective axially bounding flanges, pushing against spacer members 324, 325, and generally maintaining a state of compression throughout apparatus 31 0.
  • the preloading helps take up any "slack" in the coupler, and helps to prevent chatter, and possible uneven wear in the coupler components.
  • wave springs can be utilized in the embodiment of Fig. 7 as they have been utilized in the embodiment of Fig. 8.
  • the embodiment of Fig. 7 can be integrated with an external wave spring, as shown in Fig. 9, or with one or more internal wave springs, as shown in both Figs. 1 0 and 1 1 , through positioning about flanges 1 7', 1 8', 22' and 23', and/or with bias support ridges interposed thereabout, as needed.
  • wave springs can be interposed between flange 22' and member
  • edgewound wave springs are used in the preferred embodiments of the invention, alternative suitable known spring constructions, having similar operational characteristics may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • Belleville springs or non-wave coil springs, could be used.
  • the wave springs (or other type) which are used should be in a slightly compressed state, even when the coupler apparatus is not installed, and even if the coupler has been pulled to an extreme extended state, in which the spacer members have been crushed to their practical maximum limit of compression.
  • Wave springs such as those disclosed in the present application can be obtained from Smalley Steel Ring Company, of Wheeling, Illinois.

Abstract

Cette invention concerne un appareil de couplage flexible (110) permettant de joindre des longueurs successives d'éléments de transmission de fluides dans le système d'échappement d'un véhicule. Un élément interne de type tuyau est inséré dans les extrémités adjacentes de deux éléments adaptateurs de tuyaux (114, 115) qui sont fixés à des extrémités de tuyaux respectives et adjacentes. Un premier élément d'espacement (125) est inséré radialement et axialement entre l'extrémité de l'un des éléments adaptateurs (114) et l'élément interne de type tuyau. Un second élément d'espacement (126) est inséré radialement et axialement entre l'extrémité de l'autre élément adaptateur (115) et l'élément interne de type tuyau. Un élément d'étanchéité extensible et flexible (130) assure la connexion mécanique des éléments adaptateurs (114, 115) ainsi que celle des extrémités de tuyaux. Des systèmes de poussée (140) vont imprimer une poussée axiale ou une précharge sur l'appareil de couplage (110), ceci de manière à ce que ledit appareil (110) possède une résistance progressive à la compression.
EP98901178A 1997-01-06 1998-01-06 Appareil de couplage flexible Withdrawn EP0948722A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US77916597A 1997-01-06 1997-01-06
US779165 1997-01-06
PCT/US1998/000122 WO1998030824A1 (fr) 1997-01-06 1998-01-06 Appareil de couplage flexible

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EP0948722A1 true EP0948722A1 (fr) 1999-10-13

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EP (1) EP0948722A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2001508160A (fr)
KR (1) KR20000069925A (fr)
AU (1) AU5731998A (fr)
BR (1) BR9806846A (fr)
WO (1) WO1998030824A1 (fr)

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KR100740557B1 (ko) * 2005-05-09 2007-07-19 이효정 파이프의 보수 보강 부재
US10704718B2 (en) 2017-01-25 2020-07-07 Unison Industries, Llc Flexible joints assembly with flexure rods

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4792161A (en) * 1988-03-01 1988-12-20 Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd. Structure for connecting ends of exhaust pipes
FR2641053B1 (fr) * 1988-12-27 1991-04-12 Ecia Equip Composants Ind Auto
US5145215A (en) * 1991-04-26 1992-09-08 Senior Engineering Investments, B.V. Flexible coupler apparatus
DE4224745A1 (de) * 1992-07-27 1994-02-03 Witzenmann Metallschlauchfab Rohrgelenk

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
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WO1998030824A1 (fr) 1998-07-16
KR20000069925A (ko) 2000-11-25
AU5731998A (en) 1998-08-03
BR9806846A (pt) 2001-07-17
JP2001508160A (ja) 2001-06-19

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