NL2019321B1 - Flexible coupler - Google Patents
Flexible coupler Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL2019321B1 NL2019321B1 NL2019321A NL2019321A NL2019321B1 NL 2019321 B1 NL2019321 B1 NL 2019321B1 NL 2019321 A NL2019321 A NL 2019321A NL 2019321 A NL2019321 A NL 2019321A NL 2019321 B1 NL2019321 B1 NL 2019321B1
- Authority
- NL
- Netherlands
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- flexible
- flexible tube
- folded
- folded section
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
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- 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
- F16L51/00—Expansion-compensation arrangements for pipe-lines
- F16L51/02—Expansion-compensation arrangements for pipe-lines making use of bellows or an expansible folded or corrugated tube
- F16L51/025—Expansion-compensation arrangements for pipe-lines making use of bellows or an expansible folded or corrugated tube with several corrugations
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- 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
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- 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
- F16L51/00—Expansion-compensation arrangements for pipe-lines
- F16L51/02—Expansion-compensation arrangements for pipe-lines making use of bellows or an expansible folded or corrugated tube
- F16L51/021—Expansion-compensation arrangements for pipe-lines making use of bellows or an expansible folded or corrugated tube having a rectangular cross-section
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
- F24F13/0209—Ducting arrangements characterised by their connecting means, e.g. flanges
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
- F24F13/0218—Flexible soft ducts, e.g. ducts made of permeable textiles
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a flexible coupler for connecting air ducts comprising a first L frame (10) and a second frame (11), the first and second frame being connected via a flexible tube (5). Each frame is provided around the periphery thereof with { respectively a first wall (6) and a second wall (7) spaced apart for providing a gap for accommodating a part ofthe flexible tube clamping means (3, 4) positioned in the gap. r Furthermore, the flexible tube in a first folded state comprises a first folded section (100) located between the two walls of the first frame, and the first folded section is arranged to unfold in a second state.
Description
Flexible coupler
Field of the invention [0001] The invention relates to a flexible coupler for connecting air ducts.
Background of the invention [0002] Flexible couplers for connecting air ducts, also called compensators or sleeve couplings, are necessary for coupling large thin-walled tubes for air or gas transport in buildings to one another or to installations. The flexible couplers are used in ducts and piping systems to absorb movements by heat and mechanical vibration. These flexible couplers can be used in air-conditioning systems, in combination with fans and air treatment cabinets.
[0003] Furthermore, the flexible couplers provide simplified assembly of pipelines and devices. Because the flexible coupler can absorb axial and lateral movement/displacement of the pipelines the flexible coupler couples to, the pipelines can be easily, durably and cheaply installed and connected.
[0004] In order to absorb the axial and lateral movement/displacement of the pipelines the flexible coupler couples to, a conventional flexible coupler comprises an additional length section (wrinkles) to overcome especially the lateral displacement, [0005] A disadvantage of the conventional flexible coupler is that the additional length section of the flexible coupler can partially block the passage of the coupler. Also, wrinkles may become contaminated with dust on which bacteria and mold growth can occur. This is one of the causes of sick-building syndrome.
[0006] There is therefore a need to provide a more efficient flexible coupler improving the flow through the flexible coupler.
Summary of the invention
According to a first aspect, the invention provides a flexible coupler for connecting air ducts comprising a first frame and a second frame, the first and second frame being connected via a flexible tube, each frame is provided around the periphery thereof with respectively a first wall and a second wall spaced apart for providing a gap for accommodating a part of the flexible tube. The flexible coupler further comprises clamping means positioned in the gap, wherein the flexible tube in a first folded state comprises a first folded section located between the two wails of the first frame, and the first folded section is arranged to unfold in a second state.
[0007] Such a flexible coupler provides a better air flow through the coupler. The flexible coupler in the first state absorbs movements by vibration, mechanical and thermal movements, and provides an airtight connection between the pipelines the flexible coupler connects to. In case of sudden extreme movements in lateral axial or angular direction or any direction of the pipelines the coupler connects to, the couplers is forced in a second state, wherein the first folded section will be unfolded allowing the air treatment system to continue to function. The flexible coupler also reduces hollow spaces in which bacteria and fungi can form in accumulated dirt or dust. Furthermore, the flexible coupler can be reused again by folding back into the first folded state. A further advantage is that the coupler is less vulnerable against earth quakes.
[0008] In an embodiment, the flexible tube in the first folded state further comprises a second folded section located between the two walls of the second frame, and the second folded section is arranged to unfold in the second state. Unfolding the second folded section will increase the total length of the coupler, thus a higher degree of movement can be absorbed by the coupler.
[0009] In further embodiment, wherein the flexible tube in the first folded state further comprises a third folded section located between the two walls of the second frame, wherein the second folded section is at least partially sandwiched in the third folded section, and the third folded section is arranged to unfold in the second state. In this way, the flexible tube can be folded in a Z-shape between the two frames, so the flexible tube can extends its length about three times in the extended state.
[0010] In another embodiment, the first or/and second or/and third folded section is located between one of the two walls and the clamping means of the first frame or/and the second frame, in this way, the flexible tube can be firmly clamped in the frames such that the flexible tube only gets unfolded after a certain threshold of force is exerted on the flexible coupler. That is, the flexible tube will not get unfolded accidentally.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the one of the two walls is the first wall, the first wall being closer to a centre of the first or/and second frame than the second wall. In this way, the clamping means will be detached from the frames and will not stay in the coupler in the second state.
[0012] Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the attached claims.
Brief description of the Figures [0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings which are schematic in nature and therefore not necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, like reference signs in the drawings relate to like elements.
[0014] Figure 1a schematically shows a flexible coupler in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] Figure 1b schematically shows a flexible coupler in a second state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure [0016] Figure 2 schematically shows a frame of a flexible coupler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] Figure 3 schematically shows a part of the flexible coupler of Figs, 1 and 2. [0018] Figure 4a schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a flexible coupler in a first folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] Figure 4b schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a flexible coupler in a second state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Detailed description [0020] Figure 1a schematically shows a flexible coupler in a first folded state. The flexible coupler comprising a first frame 10 and a second frame 11. The two frames are located a certain distance apart in the first folded state with a flexible tube 5 connected between the two frames 10, 11.
[0021] The dimensions of the first and second frames 10, 11 are for example from 10cm by 10cm to 250cm by 250cm; the distance is for example from 15cm to 30cm. The first or/and second frames 10, 11 can comprise a square, circular, elliptical, or a polygonal shape.
[0022] The frames 10, 11 can be fixed to two ducts in a conventional manner. As a result a flexible transition is provided between the two ducts.
[0023] Figure 1b schematically shows the flexible coupler of Fig. 1a in a second state. The second state is a state wherein the flexible tube 5 is extended.
[0024] Figure 2 shows the frame 10, 11 according to an embodiment. The frame 10, 11 comprises section components 1 or profile sections and corner components 2, both of which are provided with wails 6, 7 around the periphery of the frame 10, 11. The walls 6, 7 are positioned perpendicular to a main surface of the frame 10, 11. The main surface of the frame 10 faces a main surface of the frame 11. The two walls 6, 7 provide a gap or groove 8 that runs around the periphery of the frame 10, 11. The gap 8 is for accommodating a part of the flexible tube 5 and clamping means 3, 4. That is, a part of the fiexibie tube 5 is confined in the gap 8 by the clamping means 3, 4. The frame 10, 11 can comprise aluminium components. The profile sections 1 can comprise a container or tube 9. The tube 9 can be closed. This construction provides a high torsional rigidity.
[0025] Figure 3 shows a part of the frame 10, 11 of Fig. 2 and clamping means 3, 4. A corner component 4 of the clamping means extends into adjacent profile sections 3 of the clamping means 3, 4. The clamping means 3, 4 can be resilient parts, and are resiliently compressible in the direction transverse to the two walls 6, 7. The clamping means 3, 4 comprise U-shaped components 4 at the location of the corner components 2 and tubular elastic section components 3 in the section components 1. [0026] The frame 10,11 comprises one or a number of acutely angled edges 8 at one or both walls 6, 7 over a large portion of the periphery of the frame 10, 11. The clamping means 3, 4 press a part of the flexible tube 5 around these edges. In an embodiment, the flexible tube 5 comprise fabric material, especially a polyester woven fabric provided with a PVC coating. The clamping means 3, 4 can comprise a rubbery body or/and a rubbery string or/and a plastic extruded section.
[0027] Figure 4a shows a cross-sectional view of a flexible coupler in a first folded state. Figure 4a shows that the clamping means 3, 4 are provided with a profiling or a protruding ridge 12. The wall 6 is provided with a corresponding interacting locking means or recess 13. A part of the flexible tube 5 is placed in (direct) contact at the first frame 10 and the second frame 11 with a surface of the first wall 6, 6’ facing to the center of the first frame 10 and the second frame 11 respectively. In an embodiment, the part of the flexible tube 5 can be firmly attached to the surface of the first wall 8, 6’. In an embodiment, a part of the flexible tube 5 is placed in (direct) contact with and firmly attached to a surface of the frame 10 facing away from the other frame 11 (respectively a surface of the frame 11 facing away from the frame 10). In an embodiment, the surface and the corresponding part of the flexible tube 5 can be provided with hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro) so they attach to each other. Alternatively, the part of the flexible tube 5 can be glued to the surface of the frame 10 facing away from the other frame 11 (respectively the surface of the frame 11 facing away from the frame 10). In this way, when the flexible tube 5 is extended in the extended state, the flexible tube 5 remains firmly connected to the frames 10, 11, so the flexible coupler remains airtight in the extended state.
[0028] The flexible tube 5 extends from the first frame 10 to the second frame 11 via respectively a second folded section 200 of the flexible tube 5 located between the two walls 6’, 7’ of the second frame 11, a first folded section 100 of the flexible tube 5 located between the two walls 6, 7 of the first frame 10, and a third folded section 300 of the flexible tube 5 located between the two walls 6', 7’ of the second frame 11. The second folded section 200 is at least partially positioned or sandwiched in the third folded section 300. That is, from cross-sectional view, the flexible tube 5 is folded in a Z-shape between the two frames 10, 11.
[0029] Fig. 4a also shows that the first folded section 100 and second folded section 200 and third folded section 300 are located between wail 6, 6' and the clamping means 3, 4. In this way, the flexible tube 5 can be firmly clamped in the frames 10, 11 such that the flexible tube 5 only gets unfolded after a certain threshold of force is exerted on the flexible coupler. That is, the flexible tube 5 will not get unfolded accidentally. Furthermore, the clamping means 3, 4 will be detached or released from the frames 10, 11 and will not stay in the flexible coupler in the second extended state. In this way, the clamping means 3, 4 will not negatively influence the flow through the coupler in the second extended state.
[00 303 Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional view of a flexible coupler in a second state. The flexible tunnel 5 is extended, or unfolded. The previous first folded section 100, second folded section 200, third folded section 300 are now unfolded in the second state. In this way, the flexible tube 5 can extends its length about three times in the extended state and the flexible coupler can provide absorb sudden extreme movements (like during earthquake) in lateral axial or angular direction of the pipelines the flexible coupler connects to.
[0031] Alternatively, although not shown, the flexible tube 5 can comprise more than three folded sections in the first folded state, such that the flexible tube 5 can extends its length more than three times in the extended state. For example, the flexible tube 5 can be folded in a M-shape between the two frames 10, 11 in the first folded state, and can extends its length about five times in the extended state.
[0032] In the foregoing description of the figures, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as summarized in the attached claims.
[0033) in addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (14)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NL2019321A NL2019321B1 (en) | 2017-07-21 | 2017-07-21 | Flexible coupler |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NL2019321A NL2019321B1 (en) | 2017-07-21 | 2017-07-21 | Flexible coupler |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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NL2019321B1 true NL2019321B1 (en) | 2019-02-06 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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NL2019321A NL2019321B1 (en) | 2017-07-21 | 2017-07-21 | Flexible coupler |
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NL (1) | NL2019321B1 (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE7214176U (en) * | 1973-09-20 | Nickel H Gmbh | Device for producing an elastic connection between flanges of a pipeline and the like, in particular in ventilation devices | |
EP1357323A1 (en) * | 2002-04-25 | 2003-10-29 | Robert Geiger | Device for forming a flexible connection |
US6796585B1 (en) * | 1999-03-23 | 2004-09-28 | Siegfried Geldner | Bellows for a compensator and compensator pertaining thereto and method for producing bellows |
WO2005073641A1 (en) * | 2004-01-28 | 2005-08-11 | Euro Manchetten & Compensatoren B.V. | Flexible air duct coupling |
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2017
- 2017-07-21 NL NL2019321A patent/NL2019321B1/en active
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE7214176U (en) * | 1973-09-20 | Nickel H Gmbh | Device for producing an elastic connection between flanges of a pipeline and the like, in particular in ventilation devices | |
US6796585B1 (en) * | 1999-03-23 | 2004-09-28 | Siegfried Geldner | Bellows for a compensator and compensator pertaining thereto and method for producing bellows |
EP1357323A1 (en) * | 2002-04-25 | 2003-10-29 | Robert Geiger | Device for forming a flexible connection |
WO2005073641A1 (en) * | 2004-01-28 | 2005-08-11 | Euro Manchetten & Compensatoren B.V. | Flexible air duct coupling |
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