Device for internal clamping of exhaust pipes

Abstract

A device (1) for internal clamping of an exhaust pipe, comprising: a support (20); a clamping device (100) comprising a pulling element and a plurality of substantially rigid segments (111-119) connected in series and movable relative to each other, wherein one of the segments (111) is connected to the support and another of the segments (119) is connected to the pulling element; wherein the plurality of segments is movable between a substantially straight configuration and a curved configuration, wherein the pulling element comprises a flexible portion (125) extending through the segments; wherein the support (20) is provided with an actuator (40) adapted to pull the pulling element to cause the segments of the clamping device to move relative to each other into the curved configuration in which they form a curved shape for clamping an inner surface of an exhaust pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for internal clamping of an exhaust pipe, and more particularly to such a device that allows exhaust gases to pass through it when the exhaust pipe is clamped. This device is typically used to expel exhaust gases from a vehicle's exhaust system while the vehicle's engine is running. Background Technology

[0002] US Patent Application US2011 / 0101672 A1 describes an apparatus for internal clamping of an exhaust pipe. This prior art apparatus includes a clamping device comprising a first and a second extension interconnected to allow displacement relative to each other along a first axis, wherein such displacement causes a change in the relative position of the first and second extensions along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The apparatus for internal clamping also includes an operating device for realizing the relative displacement of the two extensions, the operating device having a forwarding unit and a connecting member, the forwarding unit being arranged to displace the first extension relative to the operating device along the first axis, and the connecting member connecting the operating device to the second extension and limiting the displacement of the second extension relative to the operating device along the first axis during the displacement of the first extension by the forwarding unit.

[0003] Although known devices can be conveniently connected to straight exhaust pipes, it is difficult to connect to an exhaust device that has a bend or kink near the distal end of the exhaust device to be connected.

[0004] The object of this invention is to provide an internal clamping device for an exhaust pipe, which can be more easily connected to a bent or folded end of the exhaust pipe. Another object of this invention is to provide a clamping device that ensures quick and secure clamping of the exhaust pipe. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a device suitable for internal clamping of an exhaust pipe, comprising:

[0006] Support component, also known as "handheld component";

[0007] A clamping device attached to the support member, the clamping device being adapted to insert an exhaust pipe, the clamping device comprising...

[0008] - An elastic, slender, flexible body having a clamping surface.

[0009] - A flexible pulling element, which extends along the flexible body or within the flexible body from an end portion to the support member, and

[0010] - An actuator (also called a "manipulation device"), which is mounted on the support, wherein

[0011] The flexible pulling element has a distal end connected to an end portion of the flexible body and a proximal end connected to the actuator, wherein when the actuator applies a pulling force to the pulling element, the elastic body adopts a bending shape for contacting the clamping surface with the internal portion of the exhaust pipe.

[0012] The user can insert an elongated, flexible body into an exhaust pipe, such as one with a bend or fold at its distal end, wherein during insertion, the flexible body is not pulled taut by the actuator, allowing it to conform to the shape of the exhaust pipe and slide along the pipe wall to its end position. Once the flexible body is fully inserted into the exhaust pipe, the user can operate the actuator to apply tension to a pulling element, causing the flexible body to bend into a curved configuration in which at least some sections clamp against the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, thus holding the device of the invention in place relative to the exhaust pipe. Therefore, the device of the invention can be conveniently used with exhaust pipes of different shapes and sizes.

[0013] The clamping device according to the invention allows for easy insertion and secure clamping with the exhaust pipe, ensuring that the device is not unintentionally released when the exhaust pipe moves, for example, during exhaust emission measurements. This allows vehicles with the device attached to move vertically on bridges or horizontally while driving on test benches or test tracks, while simultaneously performing exhaust emission measurements using the device according to the invention in its connected state.

[0014] An embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention includes a skirt for mounting around an end portion of an exhaust pipe. The skirt forms a funnel for removing exhaust gas from the exhaust pipe over a large surface area. In the case of dual exhaust pipes, the skirt will also cover both pipes and trap all exhaust gas. Furthermore, when the flexible body is inserted into the exhaust pipe, the skirt guides the device into position, and when the flexible body is in its end position, the device closes the exhaust pipe so that no exhaust gas can escape as it is collected from the exhaust pipe.

[0015] The support structure carrying the flexible body and skirt may include an adjustable bracket supported on the floor or ceiling of the workspace utilizing the device according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure includes a manual handle and an operating member for controlling the actuator. The device can be manually coupled to an exhaust pipe, for example, to perform waste measurements as part of a regular maintenance cycle.

[0016] The device may include a clamping member located on an end portion of a flexible body, the clamping member having a rigid clamping surface for engaging with the interior of an exhaust pipe.

[0017] The outer surface of the slender, flexible body can be smooth to easily slide along the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, or it can have clamping areas with increased friction along its length for engagement with the inner exhaust pipe wall. By providing rigid clamping surfaces to the end portions of the slender, flexible body, very strong clamping forces with the interior of the exhaust pipe can be achieved.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible body includes a plurality of substantially rigid segments connected in series and movable relative to each other, wherein one segment is connected to the support and another segment is connected to the pulling element;

[0019] The plurality of segments are movable between a substantially straight structure and a curved structure; in the straight structure, the segments are substantially aligned along a first axis; and in the curved structure, the segments are substantially aligned along a curve.

[0020] The pulling element includes a flexible portion extending through the segment;

[0021] The actuator is adapted to pull the pulling element such that the segments of the clamping device move relative to each other to the curved structure, in which they form a curved shape for clamping the inner surface of the exhaust pipe and the flexible portion of the pulling element extends through the curved shape in a non-linear manner.

[0022] An array of rigid sections with articulated connections can be pushed quickly and accurately along a bending trajectory and can provide a firm clamping force in the operating position.

[0023] Preferably, each segment has a maximum outer diameter between 0.25 and 0.85 times the inner diameter of the exhaust pipe.

[0024] In one embodiment, the plurality of segments are adapted to have a substantially predetermined curved shape when in a curved configuration. Therefore, when the actuator is operated to pull the pulling element, the user knows in advance in which direction and / or plane the plurality of segments will bend, and can ensure that the plurality of segments are inserted into the exhaust pipe in such a way that the bending of the segments will at least partially follow the bending of the exhaust pipe. It should be understood that the pulling element can act on the plurality of segments to present a predetermined curved shape when the movement of the segments is not impeded by the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, i.e., when the relative movement of the segments is not impeded by structures external to the device (such as the wall of the exhaust pipe). When the plurality of segments have been inserted into the exhaust pipe, upon actuation of the actuator, the plurality of segments will generally initially tend toward the predetermined curved shape until one or more of the segments contact the inner surface of the exhaust pipe. In this case, when the segments of the plurality of segments are clamped against the inner surface, the shape of the plurality of segments may differ somewhat from the predetermined curved shape.

[0025] In one embodiment, the plurality of segments are adapted to move relative to each other from a substantially straight structure to a curved structure within a predetermined plane. For example, when a segment moves from a straight structure to a curved structure, the centerlines of each segment, which coincides with the central axis segment and extends between the two opposite distal ends of the segment, may intersect and / or remain within the predetermined plane.

[0026] In one embodiment, the clamping device is rotatable relative to the actuator about an axis parallel to the first axis. Therefore, before or during the insertion of the plurality of sections into the exhaust pipe, the user can rotate the clamping device relative to the actuator, and thus rotate the plurality of sections.

[0027] In one embodiment, the device includes a biasing element, such as a compression spring or a beam comprising or made of an elastic material, extending on the inner side of one or more of the segments and adapted to bias the plurality of segments toward a straight configuration. When a pulling element does not apply tension to another of the segments, the biasing element pushes the plurality of segments toward the straight configuration. Preferably, when the plurality of segments comprises N segments, the biasing element extends through at least N-2 or N-1 of these segments, and preferably, the biasing element extends at least partially through all the segments.

[0028] In one embodiment, the pulling element further includes a substantially rigid rod connected to the flexible portion, the rod extending into an actuator adapted to act on the rod to tighten the flexible portion, thereby moving the plurality of segments toward a bending configuration. Thus, the actuator can contact the rigid rod and act on it to tighten the flexible portion, the rigid rod typically being made of a metal such as hardened steel. A suitable actuator for acting on a rod is known, for example, from US2011 / 0101672 A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. When the actuator contacts the rod rather than the flexible portion of the pulling element, a relatively large pulling force, such as greater than 1000 N, can be applied to the pulling element without causing it to slip out of the actuator.

[0029] In one embodiment, the actuator includes engagement plates for engaging a pulling element and translating the pulling element relative to the actuator, wherein each of the plates has a material hardness greater than that of the substantially rigid rod. In this way, the rod will become the part that wears during use, while the engagement plates of the actuator will experience significantly less wear.

[0030] In one embodiment, the rod is connected to the flexible part via a releasable connection, such as a threaded connection. Therefore, the rod can be easily replaced, for example, when it wears out.

[0031] In one embodiment, the device includes a locking mechanism for releasably locking the clamping device relative to the actuator, such that translation of one of the segments relative to the actuator is substantially prevented. Therefore, the entire clamping device can be easily replaced by unlocking the locking mechanism, removing the clamping device, arranging a replacement clamping device such that its pulling element engages with the actuator, and locking one of the segments of the replacement clamping device relative to the actuator. Preferably, the locking mechanism allows the clamping device to rotate relative to the actuator about an axis parallel to a first axis.

[0032] In one embodiment, the support includes an outlet opening and a valve arranged in the outlet opening such that the valve is movable between an open position, in which the valve substantially allows exhaust gas to pass through the opening, and in a closed position, the valve substantially prevents exhaust gas from passing through the opening. Typically, during use, a vacuum conduit or the like for discharging exhaust gas passing through the device is connected to the outlet opening. By closing the valve when the device of the present invention is not connected to an exhaust pipe, the power consumption of the vacuum system, which is not conducive to exhaust gas discharge, can be reduced.

[0033] Preferably, the valve is provided with adjacent surfaces arranged to contact the rod, such that when the pulling element causes the plurality of sections to form a curved shape for clamping the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, the rod pushes the valve to the open position. In this way, the valve is automatically opened when the sections clamp the inner surface of the exhaust pipe. The valve may also be provided with a biasing element (such as a spring) to bias the valve to the closed position, in which case the valve is automatically closed when the sections are in a substantially straight configuration.

[0034] In one embodiment, the device further includes a skirt connected to a support and adapted to partially surround the exhaust pipe. When the clamping device holds the device of the invention in place relative to the exhaust pipe, the skirt may partially or completely surround the outer surface of the clamping device.

[0035] Preferably, the skirt is connected to the support member such that the skirt can rotate relative to the actuator and / or can translate relative to the actuator along a first axis. This allows for slight adjustment of the skirt's position relative to the opening end of the exhaust device. For example, the skirt can translate at least 5 cm along the first axis, such as a distance between 6 cm and 10 cm, and / or the skirt can rotate relative to the first axis within a range of +10 to -10 degrees.

[0036] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of segments, except for one segment and another segment, is connected to at most two of its directly adjacent segments. This allows the segments to bend easily.

[0037] In one embodiment, the plurality of segments includes two or more segments connected in series, wherein preferably, the plurality of segments includes at least four segments connected in series, for example, between six and twelve segments connected in series.

[0038] In one embodiment, a plurality of segments are adapted to contact the inner surface of the exhaust pipe at at least three distinct points, said at least three distinct points being spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the clamping device. This ensures a secure clamping of the exhaust pipe. For example, one of the segments may contact the inner surface of the exhaust pipe at a first point, and two other segments may contact the inner surface of the exhaust pipe at two other points.

[0039] In one embodiment, the length of one segment is at least three times the length of its directly adjacent segment. Therefore, the first segment can be used to contact the inner surface of the tube at a first location, while one or more of the other segments contact the tube at two other locations, such that the inner surface of the tube can be clamped by the segments at at least three points.

[0040] In one embodiment, the first segment of the plurality of segments includes a protrusion adapted to be received in an open-end slot of a second directly adjacent segment of the plurality of segments. The first segment also includes an edge adapted to contact an edge of the first segment when the plurality of segments are in a curved configuration, wherein the edges of the first and second segments are adapted to be completely spaced apart from each other when the plurality of segments are in a substantially straight configuration. Preferably, the protrusion and the open-end slot are adapted to prevent the protrusion from dislodging from the open-end slot while allowing the first segment to rotate relative to the second segment such that the central axes of the first and second segments do not coincide when the plurality of segments are in a curved configuration. For example, both the protrusion and the slot may include a narrow portion and a wider portion, wherein the narrow portion is closer to the end of the segment near the actuator. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The invention will now be discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which...

[0042] Figure 1A An isometric view of the device according to the invention is shown, wherein the internal clamping device section is in a straight configuration;

[0043] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device;

[0044] Figure 2A This illustrates when multiple segments are in a straight construction. Figure 1A Details of a part of the device;

[0045] Figure 2B This illustrates the situation when multiple segments are in a bent structure. Figure 1A Details of a part of the device;

[0046] Figure 3 This illustrates how the clamping device can be releasably locked in place relative to the actuator of the device of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Details of individual sections from a set of multiple sections are shown; and

[0048] Figure 5 An embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention is shown, the clamping device having a clamping member located on the end portion of an elongated flexible body. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Isometric views of the device 1 according to the invention are shown respectively, when it is being inserted into the exhaust pipe 2 of a vehicle (not shown). Figure 1A A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device. For clarity, in Figure 1A The exhaust pipe 2, shown as transparent, has a substantially straight portion 3 that merges into a curved portion 4 connected to another exhaust pipe of the vehicle. The device 1 includes: a clamping device 100 having a flexible body 101 with a clamping surface 102 to be inserted into the exhaust pipe 2; a skirt 10 partially surrounding the exhaust pipe; and a support member 20. The support member 20 is provided with a manually operable trigger 21 for actuating the clamping device 100 to pull a component including a rigid metal rod 126 (…). Figure 1B The flexible wire 125 (shown in the diagram) is a pulling element that causes sections 111-119 of the flexible body 101 to have a bent structure and engage the clamping surface 102 with the inner wall of the exhaust pipe 2. A release button 22 is provided to release the tension applied to the pulling element, allowing the multiple sections 111-119 of the device to move back to their original position. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The substantially straight construction shown aligns the clamping device segments 111-119 along a first straight axis A. The first segment 111 of segments 111-119 is releasably attached to the support member, as will be referred to... Figure 3 As shown in more detail, the first segment 111 is significantly longer than its directly adjacent segment 112 (e.g., at least three times longer) and also significantly longer than segments 113-118, which have the same shape as segment 112. In the illustrated embodiment, when the multiple segments are in a substantially straight configuration, the length of segment 111 is equal to or greater than the combined length of the other segments 112-119. During use, when the segments are in a curved configuration, the first segment will typically contact the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, and one or both of the other segments will similarly contact the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, thus providing at least three contact points between the clamping device and the inner surface of the exhaust pipe.

[0050] The skirt 10 has a hemispherical surface 13 accommodated in the mating surface 23 of the support 20, allowing the skirt to rotate relative to the support 20 within a range of +10 degrees from the first axis A to -10 degrees from the first axis A. The surface 23 of the support 20 can then be translated 7 cm relative to the inner portion 24 of the support 20 along the first axis A. When the clamping device 100 is clamped against the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, the orientation and position of the skirt 10 relative to the clamping device 100 can thus be adjusted to a more optimal position relative to the exhaust pipe.

[0051] During use, exhaust gas can pass from skirt 10 through support 20 to outlet opening O of support 20. This outlet opening is adapted to connect to a pipe, such as a flexible pipe, which can be connected to a vacuum system or low-pressure system to extract the exhaust gas. Valve 27 is rotatably arranged in outlet opening O such that the valve can... Figure 1BRotate to the closed position as shown Figure 2B The open position is shown. The openings and slots provided in the circumferential wall of the section further ensure that gas can still flow through the skirt 10 and the support 20 to the outlet opening O when the section is clamped against the inner surface of the exhaust pipe.

[0052] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The diagrams show the configurations when multiple segments are in a straight structure and when multiple segments are in a curved structure, respectively. Figure 1A Cross-sectional details of a portion of the device. For clarity, in Figure 2A and Figure 2B Some elements of the skirt 10 and support 20, such as the surface 23 and the internal part 24, have been omitted.

[0053] exist Figure 2A In the configuration, a biasing element in the form of a compression spring 130 is provided, which is attached to the first segment 111 and the last segment 119 of a plurality of segments 111-119 connected in series. The spring 130 extends on the inner side of the segments 111-119 and biases the segments into a substantially straight configuration in which the segments are aligned along a first axis A. When the segments are in the straight configuration, the distal end 126a of the rod 126 can abut against or be spaced apart from the adjacent surface 27a of the valve 27, and by means of Figure 3 The spring 28 and valve 27 shown are biased to Figure 2A The position shown in the figure essentially closes the opening O of the support 20.

[0054] Still Figure 2A and Figure 2B The image shows element 121 in more detail, which is disposed at the distal end of the flexible portion 125 of the pulling element and rests against the inner surface of segment 119 and the internal pin 119a of segment 119 in such a way that the element cannot be pulled beyond pin 119a in the X direction. Therefore, when a tensile force is applied to the flexible portion in the X direction, this will cause the spring 130 and the plurality of segments 111-119 to bend.

[0055] The support member 20 is provided with an actuator 40, through which a metal rod 126 of the pulling element extends. The actuator 40 includes a lever 41 fixed to a manually operable trigger 21 and arranged to push a first engaging plate 42 and a second engaging plate 43. The rod 126 extends substantially along the X direction through the first engaging plate 42 and the second engaging plate 43. The plates 42, 43 then engage with the rod, causing the rod 126 to also move in the X direction, and the rod and flexible portion 125 of the pulling element move towards... Figure 2B The bending structure shown in the figure pulls multiple sections 111-119.

[0056] The locking plate 44 also engages the lever 126 and prevents the lever from moving in the opposite direction to X as long as the release button 22 is in the locked position shown. By also sliding the release button 22 substantially in the X direction toward the unlocked position, the plate 44 disengages from the lever 126, thereby allowing the lever to slide back in the opposite direction to X due to the spring force exerted by the compression spring, until the multiple sections are once again in a substantially straight configuration.

[0057] Figure 3 This illustrates how the clamping device 100 can be releasably locked in place relative to the actuator 40. At the end of the first segment 111, the clamping device is provided with a bushing 122 having a first outer diameter and including a circumferential groove 123 having a smaller second outer diameter. The first outer diameter substantially corresponds to the diameter of the openings in the U-shaped plate 62 of the locking mechanism 60, such that the bushing can be substantially supported in these openings. The U-shaped plate 62 is fixed relative to the actuator 40. The locking mechanism 60 also includes a plate 61 having an elliptical opening and biased by a spring 63 such that the center of the elliptical opening is misaligned with the center of the opening in the U-shaped plate 62. To secure the clamping device 100 to the actuator 40, the locking mechanism 60 should first be unlocked by manually pushing the plate 61 in the Y direction until the elliptical opening and the opening in the U-shaped plate are aligned, allowing the bushing 122 to be arranged within the opening of the U-shaped plate 62. Then, once the clamping device has been inserted into the actuator in the direction X and the plate 61 is released, the spring 63 will push the plate 61 so that the inner edge of its opening partially falls into the groove 123, thereby preventing the clamping device 100 from translating relative to the actuator in the direction X, while still allowing the clamping device to rotate relative to the actuator about axis A.

[0058] Figure 4A Details of a segment in a curved structure are shown, with the centerline of each segment lying in a common plane.

[0059] Figure 4B Isometric views of two segments 112 and 113, which are identical in shape, are shown. Each segment 112 and 113 includes a protrusion 112a and 113a, respectively, which forms the distal end of the segment along its longitudinal axis. The protrusion 112a is adapted to fit into an opening 113b, such that… Figure 4A As shown, and allows segment 113 to move relative to segment 112 between a position where one or more of the distal edges 113d are adjacent to the contact edge 113c and the center lines of segments 112 and 113 do not coincide, and a position where the center lines of segments 112 and 113 substantially coincide and the distal edges 113d are spaced apart from the edge 113c of segment 112.

[0060] Figure 5 An embodiment of the clamping device is shown, wherein a flexible body 101 is provided with a clamping member 105 at its end portion 103. The clamping member 105 has sides 106, 107 protruding beyond the periphery of the end portion 103 for secure engagement with the inner wall of the exhaust pipe.

[0061] The invention has been described above with reference to several exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible and are included within the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device (1) for internal clamping of an exhaust pipe suitable for a vehicle, the device being capable of connecting to a bent or folded end of the exhaust pipe to discharge exhaust gases from the vehicle, the device comprising: Support (20) that allows exhaust gas to pass through an outlet opening of the support, the outlet opening being adapted to be connected to a vacuum system via a flexible pipe; A clamping device (100), attached to the support member (20), the clamping device being adapted to be inserted into the exhaust pipe for internal clamping of the exhaust pipe, is characterized in that... The clamping device includes - An elongated flexible body (101) having a clamping surface (102) and a first axis (A). - A flexible pulling element that extends along the flexible body or extends from an end portion into the support within the flexible body, and - Actuator (40), the actuator being mounted on the support, wherein The flexible pulling element has a distal end connected to an end portion of the flexible body and a proximal end connected to the actuator, wherein when the actuator applies a pulling force to the pulling element, the flexible body is adapted to take on a bending shape for contacting the clamping surface with the internal portion of the exhaust pipe.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support (20) includes a skirt (10) for mounting around the end portion of the exhaust pipe.

3. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support (20) includes a manual handle and operating components (21, 22) for controlling the actuator (40).

4. The device (1) according to claim 1, comprising a clamping member (105) located on an end portion (103) of the flexible body (101), the clamping member having a rigid clamping surface (106, 107) for engaging with the interior of the exhaust pipe.

5. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible body comprises a plurality of substantially rigid segments (111-119) connected in series and movable relative to each other, wherein a first segment (111) of the plurality of segments is connected to the support member, and a last segment (119) of the plurality of segments is connected to the pulling element.

6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of segments are movable between a substantially straight configuration and a curved configuration, wherein in the straight configuration the plurality of segments are substantially aligned along the first axis (A) and in the curved configuration the plurality of segments are substantially aligned along a curve (C).

7. The device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the pulling element includes a flexible portion (125) extending through the plurality of segments, and the actuator (40) is adapted to pull the pulling element such that the plurality of segments of the clamping device move relative to each other to the curved configuration, wherein the plurality of segments form a curved shape for clamping the inner surface of the exhaust pipe and the flexible portion of the pulling element extends through the curved shape in a non-linear manner.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamping device (100) is rotatable relative to the actuator about an axis parallel to the first axis (A).

9. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a biasing element extending on the inner side of one or more of the plurality of segments (111-119) and adapted to bias the plurality of segments toward the straight configuration.

10. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the pulling element further comprises a substantially rigid rod (126) connected to the flexible portion (125), the rod extending into the actuator (40), wherein the actuator is adapted to act on the rod to tighten the flexible portion for moving the plurality of segments toward the bending configuration, the rod (126) being connected to the flexible portion (125) via a releasable connection.

11. The apparatus of claim 5, comprising a locking mechanism (60) for releasably locking the clamping device (100) relative to the actuator (40) such that translation of the first segment (111) of the plurality of segments relative to the actuator is substantially prevented.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the valve (27) of the support is arranged in the outlet opening such that the valve is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the valve substantially allows exhaust gas to pass through the opening, and in the closed position the valve substantially prevents exhaust gas from passing through the opening.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the valve (27) of the support is arranged in the outlet opening such that the valve is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the valve substantially allows exhaust gas to pass through the opening and in the closed position the valve substantially prevents exhaust gas from passing through the opening, and the valve is provided with an adjacent surface arranged to contact the rod such that when the pulling element causes the plurality of segments to form a curved shape for clamping the inner surface of the exhaust pipe, the rod pushes the valve to the open position.

14. The device of claim 6, wherein the support (20) includes a skirt (10) for mounting around an end portion of the exhaust pipe, and the skirt is connected to the support such that the skirt is at least one of being rotatable relative to the actuator and translatable relative to the actuator along the first axis.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the actuator includes engagement plates (42, 43) for engaging the pulling element and translating the pulling element relative to the actuator, wherein each of the plates has a material hardness greater than that of the rod.

16. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein in the plurality of segments, each segment other than the first segment (111) and the last segment (119) is connected to at most two of its directly adjacent segments.

17. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the length of the first segment (111) is at least three times the length of its directly adjacent segment (112).

18. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first segment of the plurality of segments includes a protrusion adapted to be received in an open end slot of a second directly adjacent segment of the plurality of segments, the first segment further including an edge adapted to contact an edge of the first segment when the plurality of segments are in the curved configuration, wherein when the plurality of segments are in the substantially straight configuration, the edges of the first segment and the second directly adjacent segment are adapted to be completely spaced apart from each other.

19. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the biasing element is a compression spring.

20. The device according to claim 10, wherein the rod (126) is connected to the flexible portion (125) via a threaded connection.

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