JP3591937B2

JP3591937B2 - Flexible connection structure of pipe material

Info

Publication number: JP3591937B2
Application number: JP26404095A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 吉章妹尾; 浩二瀬尾; 茂佐藤
Original assignee: Katayama Kogyo Co Ltd
Current assignee: Katayama Kogyo Co Ltd
Priority date: 1995-10-12
Filing date: 1995-10-12
Publication date: 2004-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2015-10-12
Also published as: JPH09105489A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、自動車の排気管等を構成するパイプ材のフレキシブル連結構造に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、例えば特開平５−１５３２号公報に示されるように、自動車用エンジンの排気管を構成する第１パイプ材と、第２パイプ材との連結部にベローズ管を配設するとともに、このベローズ管を覆うように第１サポートカバーと第２サポートカバーとを設け、上記第１サポートカバーにピン部材を取り付けるとともに、第２サポートカバーにキャップ部材を取り付け、上記ピン部材とキャップ部材との間に、ワイヤーメッシュからなる緩衝材を配設してなる排気管用フレキシブルパイプ装置が知られている。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記構成の従来装置では、図２に示すように、自動車の前部に横置き式に設置されたエンジンＥの作動時に発生する回転振動等に応じ、第１パイプ材１を揺動変位させる矢印Ａ方向の荷重が作用した場合に、上記ピン部材およびキャップ部材の軸心Ｏを支点にして第１パイプ材１の揺動変位が許容されるため、この第１パイプ材１の振動が排気管の下流側に伝達されるのを防止できるという利点を有する。この反面、上記ピン部材を第１サポートカバーに溶接して上記緩衝材を設置した後、上記キャップ部材を第２サポートカバーに溶接して固定するように構成されており、その組み付け作業が繁雑であるとともに、部品点数が多いため、製造コストが高くつくという問題があった。
【０００４】
また、上記キャップ部材を第２サポートカバーの外方側に突設させる必要があるので、上記排気管用フレキシブルパイプ装置の外径が大きくなることが避けられない。したがって、このフレキシブルパイプ装置がエンジンルーム内の周辺機器に干渉することのないように、大きな取り付けスペースを確保する必要があり、その設置位置が制限されるという問題があった。
【０００５】
本発明は、上記問題点を解決するためになされたものであり、外径を大きくすることなく、一対のパイプ材の連結部に作用する荷重を効果的に支持してベローズ管を保護することができるパイプ材のフレキシブル連結構造を提供することを目的としている。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１に係る発明は、互いに連結される一対のパイプ材を接続するベローズ管を有するパイプ材のフレキシブル連結構造であって、一方のパイプ材の端部に、上記ベローズ管の外周部を被覆するカバー部材を設けるとともに、このカバー部材の先端部に、内周方向に突出する突部を設け、かつ他方のパイプ材の端部に、上記カバー部材の先端部の前後移動を規制する規制部材と、カバー部材の突部の前面に圧接されてこれを後方側に付勢する皿ばねからなる第１付勢部材と、上記突部の後面に圧接されてこれを前方側に付勢する皿ばねからなる第２付勢部材とを設けたものである。
【０００７】
上記構成によれば、パイプ材の連結部に、ベローズ管を伸長または圧縮させる荷重が作用すると、カバー部材の先端部の前後移動が規制部材によって規制されつつ、上記パイプ材の連結部に、ベローズ管を伸長または圧縮させる荷重が作用すると、皿ばねからなる第１，第２付勢部材が弾性変形することにより、上記荷重が吸収されることになる。
【０００８】
請求項２に係る発明は、上記請求項１記載のパイプ材のフレキシブル連結構造において、規制部材の設置部に、皿ばねからなる第１，第２付勢部材の内周面を支持するスペーサを配設したものである。
【０００９】
上記構成によれば、金属メッシュ等からなるスペーサによって皿ばねからなる第１，第２付勢部材の内周面が支持されることにより、これらの第１，第２付勢部材がその径方向に移動することが拘束されつつ、パイプ材の連結部に、ベローズ管を伸長または圧縮させる方向に荷重が作用した場合に、上記第１，第２付勢部材の内端部がスペーサに沿って摺動することが許容されることになる。
【００１０】
【実施の形態】
図１は、本発明に係るパイプ材のフレキシブル連結構造の実施形態を示している。このパイプ材のフレキシブル連結構造は、図外の排気マニホールド等に接続された第１パイプ材１と、その下流側部に配設された第２パイプ材２との連結部に設けられている。
【００１１】
上記第１パイプ材１と第２パイプ材２との連結部には、この両パイプ材１，２を接続するステンレス鋼製の薄板等からなるベローズ管３と、上記ベローズ管３の外周部を被覆するカバー部材４と、このカバー部材４の先端部の前後移動を規制する規制部材５とが設けられている。また、第１パイプ材１には、上記ベローズ管３の内周面に沿って後方側、つまり第２パイプ材２の設置部側に伸びるステンレス鋼管等からなるインナパイプ６が取り付けられている。
【００１２】
上記カバー部材４は、ベローズ管３の一側端部およびインナパイプ６の基端部にスポット溶接等またはかしめ等の手段で一体に接合されるとともに、第１パイプ材１の端部に溶接される等により取り付けられた第１カバー７と、この第１カバー７の先端部に溶接等の手段で固着された第２カバー８とからなっている。
【００１３】
上記カバー部材４の第１カバー７は、円筒状の取付部９と、この取付部９の先端部から外周方向に伸びる起立壁部１０と、この起立壁部１０の外周部から第２パイプ材２側に伸びる外壁部１１とを有している。また、上記カバー部材４の第２カバー８は、上記第１カバー７の外壁部１１の先端部に固着された筒状の外壁部１２と、その先端部から内周方向に伸びるリング状の突部１３とからなっている。
【００１４】
上記規制部材５は、ベローズ管３の他側端部にスポット溶接等またはかしめ等の手段で一体に接合されるとともに、第２パイプ材２の端部に溶接される等により取り付けられた第１規制部材１４と、この第１規制部材１４の基端部外周面に溶接等の手段で固着された第２規制部材１５とからなっている。上記第１規制部材１４は、円筒状の取付部１６と、この取付部１６の先端部から外周方向に伸びる起立壁部１７とを有している。また、上記第２規制部材１５は、円筒状の取付部１８と、この取付部８の先端部から外周方向に伸びる起立壁部１９とを有している。
【００１５】
そして、上記第１規制部材１４の起立壁部１７と、第２規制部材１５の起立壁部１９とが所定間隔を置いて相対向して設置されるとともに、上記カバー部材４の先端部に設けられた突部１３が上記両起立壁部１７，１９の間に嵌入されるように、この両起立壁部１７，１９の突設位置および突出量等が設定されている。
【００１６】
また、上記第１規制部材１４の起立壁部１７と、カバー部材４の突部１３との間には、この突部１３の前面に圧接されてこれを後方側に付勢する皿ばねからなる第１付勢部材２０が配設され、かつ上記第２規制部材１５の起立壁部１９と、上記カバー部材４の突部１３との間には、この突部１３の後面に圧接されてこれを前方側、つまり第１パイプ材１の設置部側に付勢する皿ばねからなる第２付勢部材２１が配設されている。
【００１７】
さらに、上記第１規制部材１４の起立壁部１７と、第２規制部材１５の起立壁部１９と間には、上記皿ばねからなる第１，第２付勢部材２０，２１の内周面を支持するスペーサ２２が配設されている。このスペーサ２２は、マイカまたはカーボン等の耐火材をステンレスメッシュ等によって補強してなる素材により円筒状に形成された金属メッシュからなっている。
【００１８】
上記第１パイプ材１および第２パイプ材２を連結するには、まずインナパイプ６の基端部およびベローズ管３の一側端部を第１カバー７の取付部９に固着するとともに、ベローズ管３の他側端部を第１規制部材１４の取付部１６に固着することによって仮止めする。次に、上記第１規制部材１４の取付部１６上に、上記第１付勢部材２０と、第２カバー１３と、第２付勢部材２１と、第２規制部材１５とを設置した後、上記第２規制部材１５の取付部１８を上記第１規制部材１４の基端部外周面に固着するとともに、上記第２カバー８の基端部を第１カバー７の外壁部１１に固着する。
【００１９】
なお、第２規制部材１５の取付部１８を上記第１規制部材１４の基端部外周面に固着する際には、この第１，第２規制部材１４，１５の起立壁部１７，１９の間に、上記第１，第２付勢部材２０，２１がそれぞれ弾性変形した状態で配設されるように、上記両起立壁部１７，１９の設置間隔を設定した状態で、上記第１規制部材１４と第２規制部材１５とを溶接等の手段で固着する。
【００２０】
そして、上記カバー部材４の取付部９および規制部材５の取付部１６に第１パイプ材１および第２パイプ材２をそれぞれ嵌入してこれらを溶接することにより、上記ベローズ管３、カバー部材４、規制部材５および第１，第２付勢部材２０，２１等によって第１パイプ材１と第２パイプ材２とを互いに連結する。
【００２１】
このように互いに連結される一対のパイプ材１の一方の端部に、上記ベローズ管３の外周部を被覆するカバー部材４を設けるとともに、このカバー部材４の先端部に、内周方向に突出する突部１３を設け、かつ上記両パイプ材１，２の他方の端部に、上記カバー部材４の突部１３の前後移動を規制する第１，第２規制部材１４，１５と、上記カバー部材４の突部１３をベローズ管３の軸方向に付勢する第１，第２付勢部材２０，２１を配設したため、簡単な構成で両パイプ材１，２の連結部を長期間に亘り適正な連結状態に維持することができる。
【００２２】
すなわち、上記第１，第２パイプ材１，２の連結部に配設されたベローズ管３を伸縮させる方向に小さな振動荷重が作用した場合には、上記第１，第２付勢部材２０，２１が弾性変形することによって上記振動荷重が吸収され、第１パイプ材１側から上記連結部に伝達された振動荷重が第２パイプ材２側に伝達されるのを防止することができるとともに、第２パイプ材２側から上記連結部に伝達された振動荷重が第１パイプ材１側に伝達されるのを防止することができる。
【００２３】
また、上記第１，第２パイプ材１，２内を通る排気ガス等によって両パイプ材１，２が加熱されて大きく熱膨張し、あるいはエンジンＥが横置き式に設置された自動車の急発進時または悪路走行時に大きなエンジンＥの駆動力および路面から大きな反力が作用する等により、第１，第２付勢部材２０，２１の変形によって吸収できない大きな圧縮荷重Ｂが作用した場合には、上記カバー部材４の突部１３と、第２規制部材１５の起立壁部１９とが上記荷重Ｂの支持部材として機能することになる。したがって、上記ベローズ管３の全長を大きくすることなく、上記両パイプ材１，２の熱膨張およびエンジンＥの駆動力等に起因した大きな圧縮荷重Ｂを上記突部１３および起立壁部１７との間で確実に支持し、上記ベローズ管３の損傷を防止することができる。
【００２４】
さらに、寒冷時等に両パイプ材１，２が冷却されて熱収縮し、あるいは上記自動車の急後退時または悪路走行時に大きなエンジンＥの駆動力および路面から大きな反力が作用する等により、第１，第２付勢部材２０，２１の変形によって吸収できない大きな圧縮荷重Ｃが、ベローズ管３を伸長させる方向に作用した場合には、上記カバー部材４の突部１３と、第１規制部材１４の起立壁部１７とが上記荷重Ｃの支持部材として機能することになる。したがって、上記ベローズ管３の全長を大きくすることなく、上記ベローズ管３を伸長させる方向に作用する上記収縮荷重Ｃを上記突部１３と起立壁部１９との間で確実に支持し、上記ベローズ管３の損傷を防止することができる。
【００２５】
さらに、図２に示すように、自動車の前部に横置き式に設置されたエンジンＥの作動時に発生する回転振動等に応じ、両パイプ材１，２の連結部を支点に、第１パイプ材１または第２パイプ材を上下に揺動変位させて上記連結部を曲げ変形させる振動荷重が作用した場合には、上記カバー部材４の突部１３と、第１，第２規制部材１４，１５の起立壁部１７，１９との間に配設された第１，第２付勢部材２０，２１の上方部および下方部が交互に弾性変形することにより、第１，第２パイプ材１，２の揺動変位が許容されるため、両パイプ材１，２の一方から入力された振動が他方に伝達されるのを防止することができる。
【００２６】
しかも、上記突部１３をカバー部材４の先端部から内周方向に突設するとともに、この突部１３と、上記第１，第２規制部材１４，１５との間に、上記第１，第２付勢部材２０，２１を配設するように構成したため、フレキシブル連結構造の外径を大きくすることなく、上記荷重Ｂ，Ｃによってベローズ管３が損傷するのを効果的に防止することができるとともに、自動車の走行時に路面から飛来する小石等から上記ベローズ管３を効果的に保護することができる。
【００２７】
また、上記実施形態では、第１規制部材１４の取付部１６上に、上記皿ばねからなる第１，第２付勢部材２０，２１の内周面を支持する金属メッシュ等からなるスペーサ２２を配設したため、第１，第２付勢部材２０，２１がその径方向に移動してがたつきが生じるのを上記スペーサ２２によって防止しつつ、上記ベローズ管３を伸長または圧縮させる方向に荷重が作用した場合に、上記第１，第２付勢部材２０，２１の内端部を上記スペーサ２２に沿ってスムーズに摺動させることができる。
【００２８】
また、上記のように第１，第２規制部材１４，１５の起立壁部１７，１９の間に、上記第１，第２付勢部材２０，２１をそれぞれ弾性変形させた状態で配設することにより、両付勢部材２０，２１に初期荷重を付与するように構成した場合には、この第１，第２付勢部材２０，２１の付勢力に応じて通常時に上記第１パイプ材１と第２パイプ材２とを安定した連結状態に維持することができる。
【００２９】
さらに、上記実施形態では、ベローズ管３の内周面に沿って第２パイプ材２側に伸びるインナパイプ６を第１パイプ材１の端部に取り付け、この第１パイプ材１から連結部に導入された排気ガスを上記インナパイプ６によって案内するように構成したため、上記排気ガスがベローズ管３に接触して気流の乱れにより流速が低下するという事態の発生を効果的に防止することができるとともに、上記ガスがベローズ管３に衝突することに起因した異音の発生およびベローズ管３の熱劣化等を確実に抑制することができる。なお、上記インナパイプ６を省略した構造としてもよい。
【００３０】
また、上記実施形態では、別体に形成された第１規制部材１４と第２規制部材１５とによって規制部材５を構成した例について説明したが、円筒体の両端部を外周方向に折り曲げて一対の起立壁部を形成してなる単一の規制部材を第２パイプ材２の端部に設けた構造としてもよい。さらに、別体に形成された上記第１カバー７と上記第２カバー８とを接合することによりカバー部材４を形成してなる上記構成に代え、一枚の板材を折り曲げることにより、カバー部材４を構成するようにしてもよい。
【００３１】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、請求項１に係る発明は、互いに連結される一対のパイプ材の一方の端部に、ベローズ管の外周部を被覆するカバー部材を設けるとともに、このカバー部材の先端部に、内周方向に突出する突部を設け、かつ他方のパイプ材の端部に、上記カバー部材の突部の前後移動を規制する規制部材と、カバー部材の突部の前面に圧接されてこれを後方側に付勢する皿ばねからなる第１付勢部材と、上記突部の後面に圧接されてこれを前方側に付勢する皿ばねからなる第２付勢部材とを設けたため、両パイプ材の連結部の外径を大きくすることなく、この連結部に作用する小さな振動荷重等を上記第１，第２付勢部材により吸収することができるとともに、上記連結部に作用する大きな荷重を上記規制部材により支持することができる。
【００３２】
したがって、上記パイプ材の連結部の設置スペースを容易に確保することができるとともに、簡単な構成で両パイプ材の一方から上記連結部に入力された振動荷重が他方のパイプ材側に伝達されるのを抑制することができ、さらにベローズ管の全長を大きくすることなく、その損傷を効果的に防止できるという利点がある。しかも、カバー部材の突部の前面に圧接される皿ばねからなる第１付勢部材と、上記突部の後面に圧接される皿ばねからなる第２付勢部材とを設けたため、両パイプ材の連結部に振動荷重等が作用した場合に、上記両付勢部材を弾性変形させることにより、上記振動荷重等を効果的に吸収することができるという利点がある。
【００３３】
また、請求項２に係る発明は、規制部材の設置部に、皿ばねからなる第１，第２付勢部材の内周面を支持するスペーサを配設したため、このスペーサによって上記付勢部材の径方向に移動を規制してそのがたつきを効果的に防止することができるとともに、上記ベローズ管を伸長または圧縮させる方向に作用する荷重に応じて上記付勢部材をベローズ管の軸方向に移動させる応力が生じた場合に、第１，第２付勢部材を上記スペーサに沿って摺動させることにより、上記両付勢部材の塑性変形を防止できるという利点がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係るパイプ材のフレキシブル連結構造の実施形態を示す側面断面図である。
【図２】パイプ材のフレキシブル連結構造の設置状態を示す説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１，２パイプ材
３ベローズ管
４カバー部材
５規制部材
１３突部
２０第１付勢部材
２１第２付勢部材
２２スペーサ[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a flexible connection structure for pipe members constituting an exhaust pipe of an automobile and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as shown in, for example, JP-A-5-1532, a bellows pipe is provided at a connecting portion between a first pipe member and a second pipe member constituting an exhaust pipe of an automobile engine, and the bellows pipe is provided. A first support cover and a second support cover are provided so as to cover the pipe, and a pin member is attached to the first support cover, and a cap member is attached to the second support cover, and between the pin member and the cap member. A flexible pipe device for an exhaust pipe in which a buffer material made of a wire mesh is provided is known.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional device having the above-described configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, an arrow for swingingly displacing the first pipe member 1 in response to a rotational vibration or the like generated when an engine E installed horizontally on the front of an automobile is operated. When a load in the direction A is applied, the swing displacement of the first pipe member 1 is allowed about the axis O of the pin member and the cap member as a fulcrum. Has the advantage that it can be prevented from being transmitted to the downstream side. On the other hand, after the pin member is welded to the first support cover and the cushioning material is installed, the cap member is welded to the second support cover and fixed, so that the assembling work is complicated. In addition, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost is high because of the large number of parts.
[0004]
In addition, since the cap member needs to protrude outward from the second support cover, it is inevitable that the outer diameter of the exhaust pipe flexible pipe device becomes large. Therefore, it is necessary to secure a large mounting space so that the flexible pipe device does not interfere with peripheral devices in the engine room, and there is a problem that the installation position is limited.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to protect a bellows tube by effectively supporting a load acting on a connecting portion of a pair of pipe members without increasing an outer diameter. It is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible connection structure for pipe materials that can be used.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is a flexible connection structure of a pipe material having a bellows pipe connecting a pair of pipe materials connected to each other, wherein an end of one pipe material covers an outer peripheral portion of the bellows pipe. A regulating member for regulating the forward and backward movement of the distal end of the cover member at the end of the other pipe member, and at the distal end of the cover member, A first urging member made of a disc spring pressed against the front surface of the protrusion of the cover member to urge the cover member rearward, and a plate pressed against the rear surface of the protrusion to urge the front member forward. A second biasing member made of a spring .
[0007]
According to the above configuration, the connecting portion of the pipe, when the load is extended or compressed bellows tube acts, while the front and rear movement of the front end portion of the cover member is regulated by the regulating member, the connection of the pipes material, When a load for extending or compressing the bellows tube acts, the first and second biasing members made of a disc spring are elastically deformed, so that the load is absorbed.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 2, in the flexible coupling structure of the pipe according to the first aspect, the set portion of the regulating member, the first consisting of disc springs, a spacer for supporting the inner peripheral surface of the second biasing member It is arranged.
[0009]
According to the above configuration, the inner peripheral surfaces of the first and second urging members made of a disc spring are supported by the spacers made of a metal mesh or the like, so that these first and second urging members are moved in the radial direction. When a load is applied to the connecting portion of the pipe material in a direction to extend or compress the bellows tube while being restricted from moving , the inner ends of the first and second urging members are moved along the spacer. Sliding will be allowed.
[0010]
Embodiment
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a flexible connection structure for pipe materials according to the present invention. The flexible connection structure of the pipe members is provided at a connection portion between a first pipe member 1 connected to an exhaust manifold or the like (not shown) and a second pipe member 2 disposed downstream thereof.
[0011]
A connecting portion between the first pipe member 1 and the second pipe member 2 includes a bellows pipe 3 made of a stainless steel thin plate or the like connecting the pipe members 1 and 2 and an outer peripheral portion of the bellows pipe 3. A cover member 4 to be covered and a regulating member 5 for regulating the front-back movement of the tip of the cover member 4 are provided. An inner pipe 6 made of a stainless steel pipe or the like extending rearward along the inner peripheral surface of the bellows pipe 3, that is, toward the installation portion of the second pipe 2 is attached to the first pipe 1.
[0012]
The cover member 4 is integrally joined to one end of the bellows pipe 3 and a base end of the inner pipe 6 by means such as spot welding or caulking, and is welded to an end of the first pipe material 1. And a second cover 8 fixed to the tip of the first cover 7 by welding or the like.
[0013]
The first cover 7 of the cover member 4 includes a cylindrical mounting portion 9, an upright wall portion 10 extending in an outer peripheral direction from a tip portion of the mounting portion 9, and a second pipe member extending from the outer peripheral portion of the upright wall portion 10. And an outer wall portion 11 extending to two sides. The second cover 8 of the cover member 4 has a cylindrical outer wall portion 12 fixed to the distal end portion of the outer wall portion 11 of the first cover 7 and a ring-shaped protrusion extending from the distal end portion in the inner circumferential direction. And part 13.
[0014]
The restriction member 5 is integrally joined to the other end of the bellows pipe 3 by means such as spot welding or caulking, and is attached to the end of the second pipe member 2 by welding or the like. It comprises a regulating member 14 and a second regulating member 15 fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the base end of the first regulating member 14 by welding or the like. The first restricting member 14 has a cylindrical mounting portion 16 and an upright wall portion 17 extending from the distal end of the mounting portion 16 in the outer peripheral direction. Further, the second regulating member 15 has a cylindrical mounting portion 18 and an upright wall portion 19 extending in the outer peripheral direction from the distal end of the mounting portion 8.
[0015]
The upright wall portion 17 of the first regulating member 14 and the upstanding wall portion 19 of the second regulating member 15 are installed facing each other at a predetermined interval, and provided at the tip of the cover member 4. The protruding positions, the protruding amounts, and the like of the upright wall portions 17 and 19 are set so that the projected portion 13 is fitted between the upright wall portions 17 and 19.
[0016]
Further, between the upright wall portion 17 of the first regulating member 14 and the protrusion 13 of the cover member 4, there is provided a disc spring that is pressed against the front surface of the protrusion 13 and urges the same to the rear. A first urging member 20 is provided, and between the upright wall portion 19 of the second regulating member 15 and the protrusion 13 of the cover member 4 is pressed against the rear surface of the protrusion 13 so as to be pressed. A second urging member 21 composed of a disc spring for urging the front side, that is, the installation portion side of the first pipe member 1, is disposed.
[0017]
Further, between the upright wall portion 17 of the first regulating member 14 and the upstanding wall portion 19 of the second regulating member 15, the inner peripheral surfaces of the first and second urging members 20, 21 made of the above-mentioned disc springs are provided. Are provided. The spacer 22 is formed of a metal mesh formed in a cylindrical shape by a material obtained by reinforcing a refractory material such as mica or carbon with a stainless mesh or the like.
[0018]
In order to connect the first pipe member 1 and the second pipe member 2, first, the base end of the inner pipe 6 and one end of the bellows pipe 3 are fixed to the mounting portion 9 of the first cover 7, and the bellows The other end of the tube 3 is temporarily fixed by being fixed to the mounting portion 16 of the first regulating member 14. Next, after installing the first urging member 20, the second cover 13, the second urging member 21, and the second restricting member 15 on the mounting portion 16 of the first restricting member 14, The mounting portion 18 of the second regulating member 15 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the base end of the first regulating member 14, and the base end of the second cover 8 is fixed to the outer wall 11 of the first cover 7.
[0019]
When the mounting portion 18 of the second regulating member 15 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the base end of the first regulating member 14, the upright wall portions 17 and 19 of the first and second regulating members 14 and 15 are fixed. In the state where the interval between the upright wall portions 17 and 19 is set so that the first and second urging members 20 and 21 are respectively elastically deformed, the first restriction member is provided. The member 14 and the second regulating member 15 are fixed by means such as welding.
[0020]
Then, the first pipe member 1 and the second pipe member 2 are fitted into the mounting portion 9 of the cover member 4 and the mounting portion 16 of the regulating member 5 and welded to each other, so that the bellows pipe 3 and the cover member 4 are fitted. The first pipe member 1 and the second pipe member 2 are connected to each other by the regulating member 5 and the first and second urging members 20, 21 and the like.
[0021]
At one end of the pair of pipe members 1 connected to each other in this manner, a cover member 4 for covering the outer peripheral portion of the bellows pipe 3 is provided. First and second regulating members 14 and 15 for regulating the forward and backward movement of the projecting portion 13 of the cover member 4 at the other ends of the two pipe members 1 and 2; Since the first and second urging members 20 and 21 for urging the projection 13 of the member 4 in the axial direction of the bellows pipe 3 are provided, the connecting portion between the two pipe members 1 and 2 can be extended for a long time with a simple configuration. Thus, it is possible to maintain an appropriate connection state over the entirety.
[0022]
That is, when a small vibration load is applied in a direction in which the bellows pipe 3 disposed at the connecting portion of the first and second pipe members 1 and 2 expands and contracts, the first and second urging members 20 and The vibration load is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the first pipe member 21, and the vibration load transmitted from the first pipe member 1 to the connecting portion can be prevented from being transmitted to the second pipe member 2. It is possible to prevent the vibration load transmitted from the second pipe member 2 side to the connecting portion from being transmitted to the first pipe member 1 side.
[0023]
Further, the two pipe materials 1 and 2 are heated by the exhaust gas and the like passing through the first and second pipe materials 1 and 2 and greatly expanded, or a sudden start of the vehicle in which the engine E is installed horizontally. When a large compressive load B that cannot be absorbed by deformation of the first and second urging members 20 and 21 is applied due to, for example, a large driving force of the engine E and a large reaction force from the road surface when the vehicle is traveling on a rough road. The projection 13 of the cover member 4 and the upright wall 19 of the second regulating member 15 function as a support member for the load B. Therefore, without increasing the overall length of the bellows tube 3, a large compressive load B caused by the thermal expansion of the two pipe members 1 and 2 and the driving force of the engine E is applied to the protrusion 13 and the upright wall portion 17. The bellows tube 3 can be securely supported between the bellows tube and the bellows tube 3 can be prevented from being damaged.
[0024]
Further, the two pipe materials 1 and 2 are cooled in cold weather or the like and thermally contract, or a large driving force of the engine E and a large reaction force from the road surface are applied when the vehicle suddenly retreats or travels on a rough road. When a large compressive load C that cannot be absorbed by the deformation of the first and second urging members 20 and 21 acts in a direction in which the bellows tube 3 extends, the protrusion 13 of the cover member 4 and the first regulating member The 14 standing wall portions 17 function as a support member for the load C. Therefore, the contraction load C acting in the direction in which the bellows tube 3 is extended is reliably supported between the projection 13 and the upright wall portion 19 without increasing the overall length of the bellows tube 3, Damage to the tube 3 can be prevented.
[0025]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the first pipe is connected to the connecting portion between the two pipe members 1 and 2 in accordance with the rotational vibration or the like generated when the engine E installed horizontally on the front of the automobile is operated. When a vibration load is applied which causes the connecting member to bend and deform by swinging and displacing the member 1 or the second pipe member up and down, the protrusion 13 of the cover member 4 and the first and second regulating members 14 and The upper and lower portions of the first and second urging members 20 and 21 disposed between the first and second upright wall portions 17 and 19 are elastically deformed alternately, thereby forming the first and second pipe members 1. , 2 is allowed, so that vibration input from one of the two pipe members 1, 2 can be prevented from being transmitted to the other.
[0026]
In addition, the protrusion 13 is provided so as to protrude from the front end of the cover member 4 in the inner circumferential direction, and the first and second regulating members 14 and 15 are provided between the protrusion 13 and the first and second regulating members 14 and 15. Since the two urging members 20 and 21 are provided, the bellows tube 3 can be effectively prevented from being damaged by the loads B and C without increasing the outer diameter of the flexible connection structure. At the same time, the bellows tube 3 can be effectively protected from pebbles and the like flying from the road surface when the vehicle is running.
[0027]
In the above-described embodiment, the spacer 22 made of a metal mesh or the like that supports the inner peripheral surfaces of the first and second urging members 20 and 21 made of the disc springs is provided on the mounting portion 16 of the first regulating member 14. Since the spacers 22 prevent the first and second urging members 20 and 21 from moving in the radial direction and rattling, the load is applied in a direction in which the bellows tube 3 is extended or compressed. Is applied, the inner ends of the first and second urging members 20, 21 can be smoothly slid along the spacer 22.
[0028]
Further, the first and second urging members 20, 21 are disposed between the upright walls 17, 19 of the first and second regulating members 14, 15 in a state of being elastically deformed, respectively. Thus, when the initial load is applied to both of the urging members 20 and 21, the first pipe member 1 is normally operated according to the urging forces of the first and second urging members 20 and 21. And the second pipe member 2 can be maintained in a stable connected state.
[0029]
Further, in the above embodiment, the inner pipe 6 extending toward the second pipe material 2 along the inner peripheral surface of the bellows pipe 3 is attached to the end of the first pipe material 1, and the first pipe material 1 is connected to the connecting portion. Since the introduced exhaust gas is configured to be guided by the inner pipe 6, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the exhaust gas comes into contact with the bellows pipe 3 and the flow velocity decreases due to turbulence of the air flow. At the same time, generation of abnormal noise and thermal deterioration of the bellows tube 3 caused by the gas colliding with the bellows tube 3 can be reliably suppressed. The inner pipe 6 may be omitted.
[0030]
In the above embodiment, the example in which the regulating member 5 is constituted by the first regulating member 14 and the second regulating member 15 formed separately has been described. However, both ends of the cylindrical body are bent in the outer peripheral direction to form a pair. A single regulating member having the upright wall portion may be provided at the end of the second pipe member 2. Further, instead of the above-described configuration in which the cover member 4 is formed by joining the first cover 7 and the second cover 8 formed separately, the cover member 4 is bent by bending a single plate. May be configured.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a cover member for covering the outer peripheral portion of the bellows pipe is provided at one end of a pair of pipe members connected to each other. A regulating member for regulating the forward and backward movement of the cover member at the end of the other pipe member, and a pressing member which is pressed against the front surface of the projection of the cover member. A first urging member made of a disc spring that urges the rearward side and a second urging member made of a disc spring that is pressed against the rear surface of the projection and urges this forward. Without increasing the outer diameter of the connecting portion of the pipe material, a small vibration load or the like acting on the connecting portion can be absorbed by the first and second urging members, and a large load acting on the connecting portion. Can be supported by the regulating member. .
[0032]
Therefore, it is possible to easily secure the installation space of the connecting portion of the pipe material, and to transmit the vibration load input to the connecting portion from one of the two pipe materials to the other pipe material side with a simple configuration. In addition, there is an advantage that the damage can be effectively prevented without increasing the overall length of the bellows tube. Moreover, since the first urging member made of a disc spring pressed against the front surface of the projection of the cover member and the second urging member made of a disc spring pressed against the rear surface of the projection, both pipe members are provided. In the case where a vibration load or the like acts on the connecting portion, there is an advantage that the vibration load or the like can be effectively absorbed by elastically deforming the biasing members.
[0033]
In the invention according to claim 2 , the spacer for supporting the inner peripheral surfaces of the first and second urging members made of a disc spring is disposed at the installation portion of the regulating member. The rattling can be effectively prevented by restricting the movement in the radial direction, and the urging member is moved in the axial direction of the bellows pipe in accordance with a load acting in a direction to extend or compress the bellows pipe. When the stress for moving occurs, the first and second urging members are slid along the spacer, so that there is an advantage that the plastic deformation of the both urging members can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing an embodiment of a flexible connection structure for pipe materials according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing an installation state of a flexible connection structure for pipe members.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 2 pipe member 3 bellows tube 4 cover member 5 regulating member 13 projection 20 first urging member 21 second urging member 22 spacer

Claims

A pipe member flexible connection structure having a bellows pipe connecting a pair of pipe members connected to each other, wherein a cover member for covering an outer peripheral portion of the bellows pipe is provided at an end of one of the pipe members. At the tip of the cover member, a projection that projects in the inner circumferential direction is provided, and at the end of the other pipe member, a regulating member that regulates forward and backward movement of the tip of the cover member, and a projection of the cover member. A first urging member made of a disc spring pressed against the front surface to urge the rear side; and a second urging member made of a disc spring pressed against the rear surface of the projection and urges the front side. And a flexible connecting structure for pipe material.

The installation portion of the regulating member, the first flexible coupling structure of the pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that disposed spacers for supporting the inner peripheral surface of the second biasing member made of a disc spring.