Flexible Exhaust Pipe Coupling

Abstract

A device for connecting pipes in a heavy truck exhaust system includes a flexible sleeve joined to both connecting pipes and a flow guide connected or formed to an upstream pipe and extending through the flexible sleeve into the downstream pipe. The flow guide may have a frustoconical shape converging toward an outlet end with an outlet rim that flares radially outward. An inlet rim of the downstream pipe converges radially inward to prevent backflow into the joint region.

Description

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to exhaust systems for vehicles, in particular heavy trucks. More particularly, the invention relates to a flexible coupling for an exhaust system for a heavy truck that allows liquid to pass through the coupling without leakage.[0002]Exhaust systems in truck tractors conduct exhaust gases along a relatively long path from the engine rearward of the cab to a stack or tail pipe. The pipes are subject to vibrations from the flowing gases and vibrations and bending movements imparted by the moving vehicle. To accommodate vibration and flexing, the pipe joints are joined with resilient, movable couplings.[0003]U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,215 to Udell shows one such resilient coupling. The device includes two sleeve members 16, 17 that join in an overlapping manner. The end edges of the sleeves are turned outward and inward, respectively, to retain a spacer member 48 between the sleeves. The sleeves are surrounded by a bellows 10...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0001]The invention relates to exhaust systems for vehicles, in particular heavy trucks. More particularly, the invention relates to a flexible coupling for an exhaust system for a heavy truck that allows liquid to pass through the coupling without leakage.

[0005]The present invention provides a flexible pipe coupling system that eliminates components and associated cost and complexity of known devices, while providing a coupling allowing liquid to pass without leakage.

[0008]According to another aspect of the invention, an outlet of the guide tube may include a radially outwardly flaring mouth to improve the pressure loss at the outlet of the guide tube.

[0009]According to another aspect of the invention, an inlet end of the downstream pipe may be shaped with a rim that converges radially inwardly. The rim of the downstream pipe helps prevent backflow of liquid into the flexible sleeve area.

[0011]The invention provides a low cost, reliable device. The flexible sleeve allows the upstream exhaust pipe and downstream exhaust pipe to move relative to one another, but the sleeve does not need to be liquid tight. The internal guide tube carries liquid and exhaust gas flow through the coupling joint without leakage.

Problems solved by technology

The pipes are subject to vibrations from the flowing gases and vibrations and bending movements imparted by the moving vehicle.

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