Universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for compound free corrugated pipe expansion joint

Abstract

The invention provides a universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free corrugated pipe expansion joint. The expansion joint comprises an end connecting pipe, a corrugated pipe and a middle pipe. The number of the end connecting pipes and the number of the corrugated pipes are both two, the two ends of the middle pipe are connected with the end connecting pipes through the corrugated pipes correspondingly, and the mechanism comprises a universal ring assembly, a proportional connecting rod assembly, a hinge base assembly and a saddle. The two ends of the proportional connecting rod assembly are sequentially connected with the two end connecting pipes through the universal ring assembly and the hinge base assembly respectively. The side, facing the expansion joint, of the proportional connecting rod assembly is connected with the middle pipe through a saddle. According to the universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for the compound free corrugated pipe expansion joint, the number of parts can be reduced, the structure of the connecting rod mechanism is simplified, the cost of the connecting rod mechanism is reduced, the disassembly and assembly convenience of the connecting rod structure is improved, and the service life of the expansion joint is effectively prolonged; and the functions of realizing the coordinated deformation of the two groups of corrugated pipes of the compound corrugated pipe expansion joint and bearing the self weight of the middle pipe are also realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of expansion joints for pipelines, and in particular to a universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint. Background Art

[0002] A compound free-type bellows expansion joint consists of end pipes, two sets of bellows, and an intermediate pipe. It is used to compensate for the axial and lateral thermal expansion deformation of the pipeline. In practical applications, factors such as the inconsistent stiffness of the two sets of bellows and the influence of the intermediate pipe's deadweight can lead to inconsistent deformation of the two sets of bellows. Therefore, it is of great significance to study how to ensure the coordinated deformation of the two sets of bellows and extend the overall service life of the expansion joint.

[0003] Patent CN201720005066.9 discloses a compound universal four-link expansion joint capable of absorbing multi-plane lateral displacements. The invention is used to solve the problems of the intermediate tube weight bearing and absorbing multi-plane lateral displacements of the compound bellows expansion joint. The invention is realized by a four-link mechanism, a U-shaped hinge plate assembly, a universal ring, a universal ring bracket and a pin shaft. However, the structural functional components are relatively complex, which easily leads to the problem of high cost of the expansion joint. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose a universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint, so as to solve the problems in the prior art that the existing structure capable of realizing the coordinated deformation of the two groups of bellows of the compound bellows expansion joint and bearing the dead weight of the intermediate tube is relatively complex and costly; thereby achieving the purpose of simplifying the structure of the connecting rod mechanism, reducing the cost of the connecting rod mechanism, improving the convenience of disassembly and assembly of the connecting rod structure, and effectively extending the service life of the expansion joint; in addition, it also has the function of realizing the coordinated deformation of the two groups of bellows of the compound bellows expansion joint and bearing the dead weight of the intermediate tube.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0006] The present invention relates to a universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint. The expansion joint comprises an end tube, a bellows and an intermediate tube. Two end tubes and two bellows are provided, and both ends of the intermediate tube are connected to the end tubes via the bellows. The universal proportional connecting rod mechanism comprises a universal ring assembly, a proportional connecting rod assembly, a hinge seat assembly and a saddle. Both ends of the proportional connecting rod assembly are connected to the two end tubes via the universal ring assembly and the hinge seat assembly respectively. The side of the proportional connecting rod assembly facing the expansion joint is connected to the intermediate tube via the saddle.

[0007] Furthermore, the universal ring assembly is arranged in parallel with the bellows; there is a certain distance between the universal ring assembly and the bellows.

[0008] Furthermore, two universal ring assemblies are provided, and the arrangement positions of the two universal ring assemblies correspond to the arrangement positions of the two bellows respectively.

[0009] Furthermore, at least four hinge seat assemblies are provided.

[0010] Furthermore, four hinge seat assemblies are provided; each universal ring assembly is equipped with two hinge seat assemblies; one end of the two hinge seat assemblies is evenly distributed along the circumference on the outer side wall of the end pipe; the other ends of the two hinge seat assemblies are respectively connected to the corresponding universal ring assemblies.

[0011] Furthermore, the hinge seat assembly includes a vertical plate and a horizontal plate; two vertical plates and two horizontal plates are provided; the two vertical plates are vertically arranged on the outer side wall of the end pipe; one end of the two horizontal plates is arranged between the two vertical plates; the opposite sides of the other ends of the two horizontal plates are respectively fitted with the inner side wall and the outer side wall of the universal ring assembly; the two vertical plates and the two horizontal plates are arranged in parallel.

[0012] Furthermore, the proportional connecting rod assembly includes a first rod, a second rod, a third rod, a fourth rod, a fifth rod and a sixth rod; the first rod, the second rod, the third rod, the fourth rod, the fifth rod and the sixth rod are connected end to end in sequence to form a closed chain structure; the second rod is connected to the saddle through the fifth rod; the second rod and the fifth rod are arranged alternately; the end of the first rod connected to the sixth rod and the end of the third rod connected to the fourth rod are both connected to the corresponding universal ring assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, both ends of the first rod are respectively arranged on the side of the second rod and the sixth rod facing the expansion joint; both ends of the third rod are respectively arranged on the side of the second rod and the fourth rod facing the expansion joint; the fifth rod is arranged on the side of the second rod, the fourth rod and the sixth rod facing the expansion joint.

[0014] Furthermore, two proportional link assemblies are provided; the two proportional link assemblies are evenly distributed along the circumference and arranged outside the expansion joint; and both ends of the two proportional link assemblies are respectively connected to the two universal ring assemblies.

[0015] Furthermore, the saddle is prismatic.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint described in the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] By setting up the connecting rod mechanism, the number of parts can be reduced, the structure of the connecting rod mechanism can be simplified, the cost of the connecting rod mechanism can be reduced, the convenience of disassembly and assembly of the connecting rod structure can be improved, and the service life of the expansion joint can be effectively extended. In addition, it also has the function of realizing the coordinated deformation of the two groups of bellows of the compound bellows expansion joint and bearing the dead weight of the intermediate tube. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of the present invention, are provided to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint;

[0020] Figure 2 The diagram is a partial cutaway diagram of a compound free-type bellows expansion joint using a universal proportional linkage mechanism.

[0021] Explanation of the accompanying reference numerals: 1. End pipe; 2. Bellows; 3. Intermediate pipe; 4. Universal ring assembly; 5. Proportional connecting rod assembly; 51. First rod; 52. Second rod; 53. Third rod; 54. Fourth rod; 55. Fifth rod; 56. Sixth rod; 6. Hinge seat assembly; 61. Vertical plate; 611. Vertical plate 1; 612. Vertical plate 2; 62. Horizontal plate; 621. Horizontal plate 1; 622. Horizontal plate 2; 7. Saddle; 8. Pin 1 shaft; 9. Pin 2 shaft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The inventive concepts of the present disclosure will be described below using terms commonly used by those skilled in the art to convey the essence of their work to other persons skilled in the art. However, these inventive concepts can be embodied in many different forms and should not be considered limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0023] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0024] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments.

[0025] This embodiment is directed to an expansion joint, which is similar to a conventional expansion joint in that the overall structure is composed of an intermediate tube, a bellows, and an end tube.

[0026] To address the complex and costly problems of existing structures for achieving coordinated deformation of two sets of bellows in a compound bellows expansion joint and bearing the weight of the intermediate tube, this embodiment proposes a universal proportional linkage mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint. The expansion joint comprises an end tube 1, a bellows 2, and an intermediate tube 3. Two end tubes 1 and two bellows 2 are provided, with the intermediate tube 3 connected to the end tube 1 at both ends via the bellows 2. The universal proportional linkage mechanism comprises a universal ring assembly 4, a proportional linkage assembly 5, a hinge seat assembly 6, and a saddle 7. The ends of the proportional linkage assembly 5 are connected to the two end tubes 1, respectively, via the universal ring assembly 4 and the hinge seat assembly 6. The side of the proportional linkage assembly 5 facing the expansion joint is connected to the intermediate tube 3 via the saddle 7. The universal ring assembly 4 is arranged parallel to the bellows 2, with a certain distance between them. The universal ring assembly 4 is annular in shape. The proportional linkage assembly 5 is arranged parallel to the expansion joint. The saddle 7 is prismatic.

[0027] The arrangement of the connecting rod mechanism can reduce the number of parts, simplify the structure of the connecting rod mechanism, reduce the cost of the connecting rod mechanism, improve the ease of assembly and disassembly of the connecting rod structure, and effectively extend the service life of the expansion joint. In addition, it also has the function of achieving coordinated deformation of the two groups of bellows 2 of the compound bellows 2 expansion joint and bearing the weight of the intermediate tube 3. In addition, by coordinating the connecting rod mechanism with the various components of the expansion joint, a compound free-type bellows 2 expansion joint with a universal proportional connecting rod mechanism is formed. The compound free-type bellows 2 expansion joint with a universal proportional connecting rod mechanism can solve the problem of uncoordinated deformation of the two bellows 2 of the ordinary compound free-type bellows expansion joint, while also being able to bear the weight of the intermediate tube 3.

[0028] The universal proportional linkage mechanism also includes a first pin 8. This first pin 8 extends sequentially from the outside inward through the proportional linkage assembly 5 and the universal ring assembly 4, securing the proportional linkage assembly 5 and the universal ring assembly 4. The universal proportional linkage mechanism also includes a second pin 9. This second pin 9 extends through the hinge base assembly 6 and the universal ring assembly 4, securing the hinge base assembly 6 and the universal ring assembly 4.

[0029] By coordinating the pin one axis 8 and the pin two axis 9, a tight connection can be achieved at different positions of the connecting rod mechanism, and it also has the effect of simplifying the connection structure and connection method of each component in the connecting rod assembly, ensuring the overall structural stability of the connecting rod structure and reducing the cost of the connecting rod mechanism.

[0030] Two universal ring assemblies 4 are provided, and the locations of the two universal ring assemblies 4 correspond to the locations of the two bellows 2. At least four hinge seat assemblies 6 are provided. Preferably, four hinge seat assemblies 6 are provided. Each universal ring assembly 4 is configured with two hinge seat assemblies 6. One end of the two hinge seat assemblies 6 is evenly distributed along the circumference and arranged on the outer wall of the end pipe 1. The other ends of the two hinge seat assemblies 6 are respectively connected to the corresponding universal ring assembly 4. Both ends of the proportional link assembly 5 are respectively arranged on the universal ring assembly 4 between the two hinge seat assemblies 6.

[0031] Different from the prior art CN201720005066.9 in which a U-shaped hinge plate assembly is coordinated with a four-bar linkage to achieve coordinated multi-plane lateral displacement, the present application uses the coordination of two universal ring assemblies 4 and a proportional link assembly 5. On the basis of achieving the coordinated deformation of the two groups of bellows 2 of the compound bellows 2 expansion joint and bearing the self-weight of the intermediate tube 3, it can also simplify the structure of the link mechanism, enhance the radial constraint force of the link mechanism on the expansion joint, reduce the vibration of the expansion joint, and extend the overall service life of the expansion joint.

[0032] Among them, the hinge seat assembly 6 includes a vertical plate 61 and a horizontal plate 62. Two vertical plates 61 and two horizontal plates 62 are provided. The two vertical plates 61 are vertically arranged on the outer wall of the end pipe 1. One end of the two horizontal plates 62 is arranged between the two vertical plates 61; the opposite sides of the other ends of the two horizontal plates 62 are respectively fitted with the inner wall and the outer wall of the universal ring assembly 4. The two vertical plates 61 and the two horizontal plates 62 are arranged in parallel. The vertical plates 61 and the horizontal plates 62 are both flat plates. In this embodiment, the inner wall refers to the side facing the inside of the expansion joint, and the outer wall refers to the direction opposite to the inner side.

[0033] The coordinated arrangement of the vertical plate 61 and the horizontal plate 62 can reduce the structure of the hinge seat assembly 6 , reduce the cost of the hinge seat assembly 6 , and lighten the overall weight of the connecting rod mechanism.

[0034] Specifically, the two vertical plates 61 are the first vertical plate 611 and the second vertical plate 612; the two horizontal plates 62 are the first horizontal plate 621 and the second horizontal plate 622. The first vertical plate 611 and the second vertical plate 612 are vertically arranged on the outer wall of the end pipe 1, and the first vertical plate 611 and the second vertical plate 612, as well as the first horizontal plate 621 and the second horizontal plate 622 are arranged in parallel. The opposite sides of the first vertical plate 611 and the second vertical plate 612 are respectively aligned with the end of the first horizontal plate 621 and the second horizontal plate 622 away from the universal ring assembly 4, and perpendicular to the two sides of the expansion joint. The opposite sides of the first horizontal plate 621 and the second horizontal plate 622 are respectively aligned with the inner side wall and the outer side wall of the universal ring assembly 4. The first horizontal plate 621 is arranged on the side of the second horizontal plate 622 facing the expansion joint. Among them, the first through hole is provided on the end of the first horizontal plate 621 and the second horizontal plate 622 away from the hinge seat assembly 6. The first through-hole of the first transverse plate 621 is positioned in a corresponding position to the first through-hole of the second transverse plate 622. The universal ring assembly 4 is provided with second through-holes, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the universal ring assembly 4. The second pin 9 extends from the outside inward through the first through-hole of the second transverse plate 622, the second through-hole of the universal ring assembly 4, and the first through-hole of the first transverse plate 621.

[0035] By coordinating the vertical plate 611 and the second vertical plate 612, and the horizontal plate 621 and the second horizontal plate 622, the tightness of the connection between the hinge seat assembly 6 and the end pipe 1 and the universal ring assembly 4 can be ensured, and the stability and reliability of the connection between the three can be improved.

[0036] The proportional linkage assembly 5 includes a first rod 51, a second rod 52, a third rod 53, a fourth rod 54, a fifth rod 55, and a sixth rod 56. These rods are connected end-to-end to form a closed chain structure. The second rod 52 is connected to the saddle 7 via the fifth rod 55. The second and fifth rods 52 and 55 are arranged alternately. The ends of the first rod 51 and sixth rod 56, and the ends of the third rod 53 and fourth rod 54, are each connected to the corresponding universal ring assembly 4 via a pin-shaft 8.

[0037] By coordinating the first rod 51, the second rod 52, the third rod 53, the fourth rod 54, the fifth rod 55 and the sixth rod 56, the relative motion between any two connecting rods can be constrained, and synchronous motion can be forced, which is conducive to more simply solving the problem of the difficulty in completely coordinating the deformation of the two groups of bellows 2 of the compound bellows 2 expansion joint and the difficulty in bearing the weight of the intermediate tube 3, and is also conducive to playing a vibration reduction role.

[0038] The first rod 51, the second rod 52, the third rod 53, the fourth rod 54, the fifth rod 55, and the sixth rod 56 are each provided with a third through-hole, and the third through-hole is located at the connection between the second rod 52 and the fifth rod 55. The ends of the first rod 51, the second rod 52, the third rod 53, the fourth rod 54, the fifth rod 55, and the sixth rod 56 are connected by a pin-shaft 8. The pin-shaft 8 extends from the outside to the inside of the second rod 52, the fifth rod 55, and the saddle 7. In this embodiment, both ends of the first rod 51 are respectively located on the side of the second rod 52 and the sixth rod 56 facing the expansion joint. Both ends of the third rod 53 are respectively located on the side of the second rod 52 and the fourth rod 54 facing the expansion joint. The fifth rod 55 is located on the side of the second rod 52, the fourth rod 54, and the sixth rod 56 facing the expansion joint. The first rod 51, the third rod 53, the fourth rod 54, and the sixth rod 56 are of equal length, and the second rod 52 and the fifth rod 55 are of equal length. The length of the first rod 51 is shorter than that of the second rod 52. That is, the first rod 51, the third rod 53, the fourth rod 54, and the sixth rod 56 are all short rods, and the second rod 52 and the fifth rod 55 are long rods.

[0039] The connection method between the different links in the proportional linkage assembly 5 can effectively enhance the structural stability of the proportional linkage assembly 5, eliminate the freedom of relative motion between two adjacent links, provide rigid motion constraints, simplify the structure of the proportional linkage assembly 5, and reduce the cost of the proportional linkage assembly 5. The combination of short and long rods can increase the speed of assembly and disassembly, improve the efficiency of mechanism assembly and disassembly, and simplify replacement.

[0040] Two proportional link assemblies 5 are provided. The two proportional link assemblies 5 are evenly distributed along the circumference and arranged outside the expansion joint. Both ends of the two proportional link assemblies 5 are respectively connected to the two universal ring assemblies 4.

[0041] By setting up two proportional connecting rod assemblies 5, more comprehensive protection of the expansion joint can be achieved, which is more conducive to the joint coordination of the two working universal ring assemblies 4 and the proportional connecting rod assembly 5. When the bellows 2 undergoes axial displacement and lateral displacement in any direction, the two bellows 2 of the compound free-type bellows 2 expansion joint can achieve deformation coordination. At the same time, because the universal proportional connecting rod structure has a certain radial constraint effect, it can also reduce vibration and bear the dead weight of the intermediate tube 3, which can extend the overall service life of the expansion joint.

[0042] In the present invention, any expansion joint may include a universal proportional linkage structure for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint as described in this embodiment, and based on the relevant structures and assembly relationships of the universal ring assembly 4, proportional linkage assembly 5, and saddle 7 provided in this embodiment, the expansion joint also includes conventional components including an intermediate tube 3, a bellows 2, an end tube 1 and other structures; in view of the fact that they are all prior art, they will not be described in detail here.

[0043] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint, the expansion joint comprising an end pipe (1), a bellows (2) and an intermediate pipe (3); two end pipes (1) and two bellows (2) are provided, and both ends of the intermediate pipe (3) are connected to the end pipe (1) through the bellows (2), characterized in that: The universal proportional link mechanism comprises a universal ring assembly (4), a proportional link assembly (5), a hinge seat assembly (6) and a saddle (7); the two ends of the proportional link assembly (5) are respectively connected to the two end pipes (1) through the universal ring assembly (4) and the hinge seat assembly (6); and the side of the proportional link assembly (5) facing the expansion joint is connected to the intermediate pipe (3) through the saddle (7).

2. A universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The universal ring assembly (4) is arranged in parallel with the bellows (2); there is a certain distance between the universal ring assembly (4) and the bellows (2).

3. A universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two universal ring assemblies (4) are provided, and the arrangement positions of the two universal ring assemblies (4) respectively correspond to the arrangement positions of the two bellows (2).

4. A universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least four hinge seat assemblies (6) are provided.

5. A universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint according to claim 4, characterized in that: Four hinge seat assemblies (6) are provided; each universal ring assembly (4) is equipped with two hinge seat assemblies (6); one end of the two hinge seat assemblies (6) is evenly distributed along the circumference and arranged on the outer side wall of the end pipe (1); the other ends of the two hinge seat assemblies (6) are respectively connected to the corresponding universal ring assembly (4).

6. A universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hinge seat assembly (6) comprises a vertical plate (61) and a horizontal plate (62); two vertical plates (61) and two horizontal plates (62) are provided; the two vertical plates (61) are vertically arranged on the outer side wall of the end pipe (1); one end of the two horizontal plates (62) is arranged between the two vertical plates (61); the other ends of the two horizontal plates (62) are opposite to each other and are respectively fitted with the inner side wall and the outer side wall of the universal ring assembly (4); the two vertical plates (61) and the two horizontal plates (62) are arranged in parallel.

7. A universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The proportional link assembly (5) comprises a first rod (51), a second rod (52), a third rod (53), a fourth rod (54), a fifth rod (55) and a sixth rod (56); the first rod (51), the second rod (52), the third rod (53), the fourth rod (54), the fifth rod (55) and the sixth rod (56) are connected end to end in sequence to form a closed chain structure; the second rod (52) is connected to the saddle (7) through the fifth rod (55); the second rod (52) and the fifth rod (55) are arranged alternately; one end of the first rod (51) connected to the sixth rod (56) and one end of the third rod (53) connected to the fourth rod (54) are both connected to the corresponding universal ring assembly (4).

8. A universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint according to claim 7, characterized in that: Both ends of the first rod (51) are respectively arranged on the side of the second rod (52) and the sixth rod (56) facing the expansion joint; both ends of the third rod (53) are respectively arranged on the side of the second rod (52) and the fourth rod (54) facing the expansion joint; and the fifth rod (55) is arranged on the side of the second rod (52), the fourth rod (54) and the sixth rod (56) facing the expansion joint.

9. A universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two proportional connecting rod assemblies (5) are provided; the two proportional connecting rod assemblies (5) are evenly distributed along the circumference and arranged outside the expansion joint; both ends of the two proportional connecting rod assemblies (5) are respectively connected to the two universal ring assemblies (4).

10. A universal proportional connecting rod mechanism for a compound free-type bellows expansion joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The saddle (7) is prismatic.

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