A bellows compensator and method of use thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to pipeline connecting device technical field, disclose a corrugated pipe compensator and its using method, including corrugated pipe, and be used for fixing corrugated pipe's connecting flange, both sides connecting flange between connecting be used for corrugated pipe transportation limiting compensator fixing frame, the inner bushing of one end fixed is equipped in corrugated pipe, the variable diameter setting of corrugated pipe, the wave crest higher than both sides and the wave distance greater than both sides are equipped in the middle part, for improving the radial compensation capacity of corrugated pipe;The present application according to the operating state of heat pipe, respectively correspond to the stage of hot flow, stable operation stage and stop heating stage, change the state of fixed sleeve and movable sleeve and limiting assembly in corrugated pipe compensator, make corrugated pipe compensator be compressed when non-design direction is limited, avoid its deviation and lead to stress concentration, retain design direction compensation capacity when stable operation, avoid vibration and make the load of guiding structure deformation failure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipeline connection equipment technology, and in particular to a corrugated pipe compensator and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] A bellows compensator, also known as an expansion joint, is a flexible compensation device that uses a metal bellows as its core elastic element. It absorbs displacement caused by thermal expansion and contraction, vibration, or installation misalignment in pipelines through the axial, lateral, or angular elastic deformation of the bellows, thereby protecting the pipeline system and equipment. In hot pipelines, the temperature difference between the start and stop of heating is significant, resulting in a large difference in axial thermal expansion and contraction displacement of the pipeline, thus leading to a large compensating amount for the bellows. Over long-term use, the connection between the bellows and the pipeline, and the vibration generated during fluid flow, can cause unexpected radial and angular displacements at the connection point, creating localized stress concentrations and leading to bellows damage. Furthermore, when the bellows is stretched or compressed, radial offset, eccentricity, or twisting can occur, causing structural damage and failure during compression and stretching.

[0003] To avoid this phenomenon, existing technologies use guide rods around the bellows compensator to limit its movement, allowing only axial displacement. While this solves the problem of radial displacement causing misalignment between the compensator and the pipeline, the fixed guide rods restrict compensation displacement in non-design directions. When the guide rods prevent non-design displacement, they bear loads in those directions. During stable pipeline operation, prolonged exposure to these loads causes structural deformation. After extended use, the guide rods become misaligned with the compensator. In thermal pipelines, during subsequent cooling and contraction compensation, the large compensation distance can cause friction and compression between the compensator and the guide rod, leading to jamming. In this situation, the guide rods not only fail to provide guidance but may also damage the compensator's structure.

[0004] Therefore, it is essential to invent a compensator that can guide the axial displacement of the bellows and compensate for the lateral and angular displacement of the bellows. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a bellows compensator and its usage method in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] The present invention achieves the above objectives through the following technical solutions: A bellows compensator includes a bellows and a connecting flange for fixing the bellows. The bellows has an inner bushing fixed at one end. The bellows is configured with a variable diameter and has a corrugation peak higher than the two sides and a corrugation pitch greater than the two sides in the middle part, which is used to improve the radial compensation capacity of the bellows. It also includes: The movable sleeve is fitted onto the middle part of the bellows to limit the displacement of the middle part of the bellows in the non-design direction and enhance the ability of the middle part of the bellows to withstand lateral loads. The fixed sleeve is fitted onto both sides of the middle part of the bellows, with one end fixedly connected to the connecting flange and the other end clearance-fitted with the movable sleeve to form a guide mechanism during axial compression. Multiple limiting components are provided and are fixedly installed between the fixed sleeve and the movable sleeve to prevent the compensator from being pulled out or twisted, and to allow angular movement between the fixed sleeve and the movable sleeve within a preset range.

[0007] Preferably, the bellows includes a bellows body, on which a compensation increment section and a rigid connection section are provided. The compensation increment section is located in the middle of the bellows body and is used to increase the radial compensation capacity of the bellows. The rigid connection section is located on both sides of the compensation increment section and is used to fix the connecting flange and reduce the angular displacement between the compensator and the pipeline.

[0008] Preferably, the limiting component includes a rotating seat fixedly welded to the fixed sleeve and a fixed seat fixed to the movable sleeve. A multi-link assembly is connected between the rotating seat and the fixed seat, and the multi-link assembly rotates with the rotating seat.

[0009] Preferably, the multi-link assembly includes a movable rod rotatably fitted at one end to a rotating seat, a connecting rod rotatably fitted at the other end of the movable rod, a swing rod rotatably connected to the connecting rod, and the swing rod rotatably fitted to the fixed seat. A foolproof spring is provided between the movable rod and the swing rod to prevent the swing rod from rotating too much and causing mechanical self-locking.

[0010] Preferably, the fixed base has rectangular grooves on both sides, and a pipe limiting support assembly is fitted in the rectangular groove. The movable sleeve has an installation groove corresponding to the position of the pipe limiting support assembly. The pipe limiting support assembly can extend and retract along the radius of the movable sleeve, and the transmission shaft assembly and the pipe limiting support assembly are a mating mechanism.

[0011] Preferably, a transmission shaft assembly is fixed at the connection between the swing rod and the fixed seat. The transmission shaft assembly includes a polygonal shaft that is snapped into the rotating connection of the fixed seat. The fixed seat has nests on both sides that are coaxial with the polygonal shaft. The two ends of the polygonal shaft are slidably fitted with a clutch tooth mechanism. A support spring is provided between the clutch tooth mechanism and the fixed seat, and the support spring is inserted into the nest. The two ends of the polygonal shaft are provided with round shaft portions, and the two end faces of the polygonal shaft are fixed with end heads.

[0012] Preferred: The pipe limiting support assembly includes a sliding connecting rod that slides in a rectangular groove. A guide bracket is fixed to the lower end of the sliding connecting rod. A limiting cap is fixed to the upper end face of the sliding connecting rod. A return spring is provided between the limiting cap and the fixed seat, and the return spring is sleeved on the outer wall of the sliding connecting rod. A cam is provided above the sliding connecting rod, which is a cooperating mechanism with the limiting cap. The cam is rotatably engaged with the rotating shaft of the polygonal shaft. A transmission tooth is fixed at the cooperating end of the cam and the clutch tooth mechanism. A limiting bushing is fixed between the other end and the end head. A return torsion spring is provided between the cam and the end head, and the return torsion spring is sleeved on the limiting bushing for height adjustment and reset of the guide bracket.

[0013] Preferably, the clutch locking mechanism includes a transmission gear ring for engaging and limiting the transmission gear, and an unlocking gear ring for unlocking and limiting the clutch locking mechanism. The connection between the moving rod and the connecting rod extends to both ends and is provided with a support shaft. A limit unlocking pull rod is rotatably fitted on the support shaft, and the limit unlocking pull rod cooperates with the unlocking gear ring to separate and reset the clutch locking mechanism.

[0014] Preferably, the limiting and unlocking lever includes an unlocking lever with one end rotatably fitted on the support shaft. One end of the unlocking lever has a waist hole, which is slidably fitted on the outer wall of the transmission shaft assembly. Multiple locking tooth grooves are provided on both sides of the unlocking lever. The end of the locking tooth groove away from the swing rod is rotatably fitted with a locking tooth. The locking tooth can only rotate clockwise under the limitation of one end wall of the locking tooth groove. A compression spring is provided between the locking tooth and the other end wall of the locking tooth groove. The outer sides of the multiple locking tooth grooves are jointly fixed with a limiting and locking tooth cover plate.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for using a bellows compensator, comprising the following steps: a. Connect and fix the bellows compensator to the pipeline through the connecting flanges at both ends, and limit its position during transportation by the compensator fixing frame. After installation, remove the compensator fixing frame to put the bellows compensator into working condition. b. During the process of heating up the pipeline by introducing hot flow, the thermal expansion of the pipeline pushes the connecting flange and compresses the bellows and fixed sleeve towards the movable sleeve. The fixed sleeve and the movable sleeve form a guiding fit, causing the bellows to be compressed axially. c. During stable pipeline operation, the pipeline temperature is stable, and the limiting component allows the bellows to undergo minor compensation in the lateral and angular directions, preventing the fixed sleeve and movable sleeve from being subjected to loads in directions other than those designed, which could lead to structural instability. d. As the pipeline gradually cools and contracts, the distance between the fixed sleeve and the movable sleeve gradually increases, and the multi-link assembly is gradually pulled to a horizontal state. When the multi-link assembly is in a horizontal state, the bellows reaches its maximum tensile limit. When the bellows reaches its limit displacement, the flanges at both ends are connected by the fixed sleeve, the limiting assembly and the movable sleeve to be stretched together, so as to avoid the bellows being damaged by excessive tension.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. The fixed sleeve, movable sleeve, and limiting component of this invention are configured to change the state of the fixed sleeve, movable sleeve, and limiting component in the bellows compensator according to the operating state of the thermal pipeline, corresponding to the heat flow stage, stable operation stage, and heating stop stage. This restricts the bellows compensator in the non-design direction when compressed, preventing its deviation from causing stress concentration. During stable operation, it retains the compensation capability in the design direction and prevents vibration from causing deformation failure of the guide structure load.

[0017] 2. The corrugated pipe of this invention has a wall thickness of less than that of the rigid connection section after molding, which increases its flexibility and reduces its rigidity. A movable sleeve is fitted onto the outer wall of the compensation increment section to enhance its lateral load-bearing capacity and limit displacement in non-design directions, while also enhancing the axial compensation capacity of the compensation increment section. The rigid connection section is fixedly welded to the flange. The rigidity of the rigid connection section is greater than that of the compensation increment section, facilitating flange connection and fixation. During use, when pipeline vibration causes displacement in non-design directions, its own rigidity can reduce the amount of displacement, preventing resonance between the corrugated pipe and the pipeline due to insufficient rigidity.

[0018] 3. The transmission shaft assembly, pipe limiting support assembly, and limiting unlocking pull rod of this invention extend the guide bracket during pipe compression to limit the fixed sleeve. This ensures that the rigid connection part and the compensation increment part, respectively limited by the fixed sleeve and the movable sleeve, remain coaxial during compression. Simultaneously, when the pipeline is in a stable operating state, the guide bracket retracts, allowing the bellows compensator to retain a certain lateral and angular compensation capability. Therefore, during long-term use of the bellows compensator, it provides guiding protection during large-distance compression compensation, preventing bellows misalignment and damage. Furthermore, during stable operation, it retains a certain amount of compensation in non-design directions to cope with vibrations caused by fluid movement within the pipeline, preventing the guide structure from deforming and failing due to prolonged non-design direction loads. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of the main structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is the present invention. Figure 2 A sectional view along the middle AA; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bellows structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is the present invention. Figure 3 A magnified view of area B in the middle; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention in use; Figure 7 This is the present invention. Figure 6 A magnified view of area C in the middle; Figure 8 This is an assembly diagram of the limiting component of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting component of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the limiting and unlocking lever of the present invention; Figure 11 This is the present invention. Figure 10 A magnified view of region D in the middle.

[0021] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows: 1. Connecting flange; 2. Fixed sleeve; 3. Inner liner; 4. Compensator mounting bracket; 5. Movable sleeve; 6. Limiting assembly; 7. Bellows; 51. Mounting groove; 61. Rotating seat; 62. Fixed seat; 63. Multi-link assembly; 64. Drive shaft assembly; 65. Pipeline limiting support assembly; 66. Limiting and unlocking pull rod; 67. Anti-fool spring; 71. Bellows body; 72. Rigid connection; 73. Compensation increment; 631. Moving rod; 632. Connecting rod; 633. Swing. 641. Rod; 642. Polygonal shaft; 643. Nesting; 644. Support spring; 645. Clutch tooth mechanism; 646. End; 651. Guide bracket; 652. Sliding connecting rod; 653. Limit cap; 654. Return spring; 655. Cam; 656. Transmission tooth; 657. Return torsion spring; 661. Unlocking pull rod; 662. Cover plate; 663. Locking tooth groove; 664. Compression spring; 665. Locking tooth; 6441. Unlocking tooth ring; 6442. Transmission tooth ring. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings: like Figures 1-11As shown, a bellows compensator includes a bellows 7 and connecting flanges 1 for fixing the bellows 7. A compensator fixing frame 4 for limiting the movement of the bellows 7 during transportation is connected between the two connecting flanges 1. The compensator fixing frame 4 is used to fix the compensator during transportation and needs to be removed after the bellows compensator is installed. An inner bushing 3 with one fixed end is provided inside the bellows 7. In horizontal pipes, the fixed end of the inner bushing 3 is in the fluid inlet direction, and in vertical pipes, the fixed end of the inner bushing 3 is at the top. The bellows 7 is a variable diameter design, with a higher corrugation peak and a larger corrugation pitch in the middle section than on both sides, used to enhance the radial compensation capacity of the bellows 7. By increasing the corrugation peak and corrugation pitch in the middle section of the bellows 7, it has a higher compensation capacity, while the corrugation peak and corrugation pitch on both sides remain unchanged to maintain a certain rigidity, facilitating flange connection and installation. It also includes a movable sleeve 5, which is fitted onto the middle section of the bellows 7 to limit the displacement of the middle section of the bellows 7 in non-design directions, enhancing the ability of the middle section of the bellows 7 to withstand lateral loads. By limiting the middle part of the bellows 7 through the movable sleeve 5, the overall non-design direction displacement of the bellows 7 is restricted. At the same time, the connecting ends of the bellows 7 near the connecting flange 1 on both sides have a certain rigidity, reducing the amount of displacement compensation required for the bellows 7 in the non-design direction, so that the bellows 7 can meet the compensation requirements in the non-design direction. The middle part of the bellows 7 uses a large crest and large pitch design. In the thermal pipeline, the bellows 7 is in a compressed state under normal conditions. When compressed, the large crest and large pitch result in a more uniform stress distribution at the crest compared to the bellows with small crests and small pitch. In normal use, when the pipeline vibrates, it can effectively reduce the risk of stress concentration leading to bellows damage.

[0025] The fixed sleeve 2 is sleeved on both sides of the middle part of the corrugated pipe 7, and one end is fixedly connected to the connecting flange 1, while the other end is fitted with the movable sleeve 5; the fixed sleeve 2 is clearance fitted with the outer diameter of the low corrugated area on both sides of the corrugated pipe 7.

[0026] Multiple limiting components 6 are provided and are fixedly installed between the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5 to prevent the compensator from being pulled out or twisted. The limiting components 6 are evenly spaced along the connection between the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5.

[0027] The movable sleeve 5 and the fixed sleeve 2 are clearance-fitted. When the compensator is compressed, the movable sleeve 5 and the fixed sleeve 2 are inserted to guide the compression of the bellows 7. The outer diameter of the fixed sleeve 2 matches the inner diameter of the movable sleeve 5, and the inner diameter of the movable sleeve 5 is adapted to the outer diameter of the middle part of the bellows 7. When the wall thickness is constant, the outer diameter of the fixed sleeve 2 is adapted to the outer diameter of the end of the bellows 7. When the outer diameter of the bellows 7 changes significantly, the clearance between the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5 is larger, and the compensation for the non-design direction of the pipeline under compression is greater, but the guiding and limiting ability during radial movement is correspondingly weakened.

[0028] In practical operation, after the bellows compensator is fixedly installed with the pipeline, the compensator fixing bracket 4 is removed to allow the bellows compensator to be used normally. When hot flow is introduced into the pipeline, the pipeline temperature gradually rises from room temperature to the highest temperature. During this process, the pipeline temperature changes greatly, and the pipeline expands thermally, compressing the bellows compensator. The connecting flanges 1 on both sides push the fixed sleeve 2 and the bellows 7 towards the movable sleeve 5 for compression. In the initial stage, the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5 are inserted into each other. During the movement of the bellows 7, the middle part and both ends of the bellows 7 are limited respectively, so that the bellows 7 is compressed along the coaxial direction with the pipeline during the compression process.

[0029] When the heat flow in the pipeline is stable, the compression of the bellows compensator is in a stable stage. At this time, the gap between the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5 can enable the bellows to play a certain non-design direction compensation function when the pipeline fluid vibrates. This avoids the load in the non-design direction generated by pipeline vibration from directly acting on the guide structure, i.e., the fixed sleeve 2, the movable sleeve 5 and the limiting component 6, causing deformation and damage to the guide structure, which would reduce the service life of the bellows compensator.

[0030] When heating is stopped in the pipeline, the pipeline gradually cools down from a prolonged high-temperature state. The cooling and contraction of the pipeline pulls the bellows 7 to extend. During this process, the axially spaced limiting components 6 limit the maximum distance between the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5 fixed to the connecting flange 1 on both sides, preventing the bellows compensator from being pulled out and failing. In addition, the multiple circumferentially arranged limiting components 6 connect the connecting flange 1, fixed sleeve 2 and movable sleeve 5 into a whole throughout the use of the bellows compensator, limiting the torsional deformation of the bellows 7.

[0031] As one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3-4 As shown: The bellows 7 includes a bellows body 71, a rigid connection part 72 and a compensation increment part 73 provided on the bellows body 71. The compensation increment part 73 is located in the middle part of the bellows body 71 and is used to increase the radial compensation capability of the bellows 7. The rigid connection part 72 is located on both sides of the compensation increment part 73 and is used to fix the connecting flange 1 and reduce the angular displacement between the compensator and the pipeline.

[0032] In practical operation, the corrugated pipe body 71, rigid connection part 72, and compensation increment part 73 are pipe bodies with the same wall thickness. The rigid connection part 72 and compensation increment part 73 are extruded in sections using different molds. The corrugated pipe body 71 is the original pipe blank. The original wall thickness of the rigid connection part 72 and compensation increment part 73 is the same as that of the corrugated pipe body 71. After forming, the wall thickness of the compensation increment part 73 is smaller than that of the rigid connection part 72, which increases its flexibility and reduces its rigidity. It is movably sleeved on the outer wall of the compensation increment part 73 through the movable sleeve 5 to enhance its lateral load-bearing capacity and limit displacement in non-design directions, while also enhancing the axial compensation capacity of the compensation increment part 73. The end of the rigid connection part 72 after forming is welded and fixed to the connecting flange 1. The rigidity of the rigid connection part 72 is greater than that of the compensation increment part 73, which facilitates flange connection and fixation. During use, when the pipeline vibrates and causes displacement in non-design directions, it can reduce the amount of displacement by its own rigidity, avoiding resonance between the corrugated pipe 7 and the pipeline due to insufficient rigidity.

[0033] As one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 5: The limiting component 6 includes a rotating seat 61 fixedly welded to the fixed sleeve 2, and a fixed seat 62 corresponding to the rotating seat 61, and the fixed seat 62 is fixedly welded to the movable sleeve 5. A multi-link assembly 63 is connected between the rotating seat 61 and the fixed seat 62, and the multi-link assembly 63 is rotatably engaged with the rotating seat 61.

[0034] In actual operation, the joints of the multi-link assembly 63 are rotatably connected and cooperate with the rotating seat 61 and the fixed seat 62. When angular deflection occurs between the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5, multiple limiting components 6 can rely on the rotating seat 61 and the multi-link assembly 63 to complete the deflection within a certain range. During this process, the limiting components 6 in the rotation direction deflect within a certain range by relying on the rotating joints of the multi-link assembly 63. The limiting components 6 set in the vertical and other directions rely on the rotating seat 61 to rotate adaptively during this process, thereby achieving angular movement between the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5 within a certain range and avoiding structural locking.

[0035] As one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown: The multi-link assembly 63 includes a movable rod 631 with one end rotatably engaged on a rotating seat 61, and a connecting rod 632 rotatably engaged at the other end of the movable rod 631. A swing rod 633 is rotatably connected to the connecting rod 632, and the swing rod 633 is rotatably engaged with the fixed seat 62. An anti-fool spring 67 is provided between the movable rod 631 and the swing rod 633 to prevent the swing rod 633 from mechanically locking due to excessive rotation angle.

[0036] In actual operation, the height of the rotation node of the moving rod 631 and the fixed seat 62 is the same, and the fixed seat 62 and the multi-link assembly 63 form a shape as follows: Figure 5As shown in the triangular structure, when the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5 are relatively displaced, the fixed sleeve 2 drives the movable rod 631 to move closer to or away from the fixed seat 62 via the rotating seat 61, and drives the swing rod 633 to rotate around the rotation node of the fixed seat 62 within the range shown by the dotted line in the figure via the connecting rod 632. The anti-fooling spring 67 provides the swing rod 633 with rotational force when the swing rod 633 forms an obtuse angle with the line connecting the fixed seat 62 and the movable rod 631, thus preventing the structure from self-locking when the movable rod 631 is pulled back.

[0037] As one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 6-9 As shown: Rectangular grooves are formed on both sides of the fixed base 62, and pipe limiting support components 65 are fitted into these grooves. A mounting groove 51 is provided on the movable sleeve 5 corresponding to the position of the pipe limiting support component 65. A transmission shaft assembly 64 is fixed at the connection between the swing rod 633 and the fixed base 62, and the transmission shaft assembly 64 and the pipe limiting support component 65 are a mating mechanism. The movable sleeve 5 has an open mounting groove 51 corresponding to the rectangular groove, and the pipe limiting support component 65 slides within the rectangular groove, allowing it to move vertically only along the radial direction of the movable sleeve 5.

[0038] In specific operation, as the fixed sleeve 2 approaches the movable sleeve 5, the swing rod 633 is pushed to swing, causing the transmission shaft assembly 64, which cooperates with the swing rod 633, to rotate by a corresponding angle, thus changing its cooperation with the pipe limiting support assembly 65. This causes the pipe limiting support assembly 65 to extend and retract along the radius of the movable sleeve 5. When the corrugated pipe is compressed during the buffer period, the fixed sleeves 2 on both sides move closer to the movable sleeve 5, pushing the swing rod 633 to rotate around the fixed seat 62 towards one side of the movable sleeve 5. This causes the transmission shaft assembly 64 to rotate synchronously, pushing the pipe limiting support assembly 65. This causes the pipe limiting support assembly 65, one of the multiple limiting assemblies 6 arranged circumferentially, to move synchronously towards the center along the radius of the movable sleeve 5 to a position where it is in contact with the outer end face of the fixed sleeve 2. Thus, when the corrugated pipe 7 is compressed, more precise guidance and limiting of the movable sleeve 5 and the fixed sleeve 2 are achieved, preventing the corrugated pipe 7 from shifting during compression, which would lead to stress concentration and cause the corrugated pipe 7 to break and fail.

[0039] As one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 7As shown: The transmission shaft assembly 64 includes a polygonal shaft 641 that is snapped into the rotating connection of the fixed base 62. The polygonal shaft 641 is rotatably engaged with the fixed base 62 and is snapped into the swing rod 633. The fixed base 62 has nests 642 on both sides, coaxial with the polygonal shaft 641. The nests 642 are rotatably engaged with the fixed base 62 and fixedly snapped into the swing rod 633. Clutch teeth mechanisms 644 are slidably engaged at both ends of the polygonal shaft 641. The clutch teeth mechanisms 644 are clearance-fitted with the outer wall of the polygonal shaft 641. A support spring 643 is provided between the clutch teeth mechanism 644 and the fixed base 62, and the support spring 643 is inserted into the nest 642. The swing rod 633, the polygonal shaft 641, the nest 642, and the support spring 643 are snapped together as a whole, and rotate synchronously around the axis of rotation of the swing rod 633 when the swing rod 633 rotates. The polygonal shaft 641 has round shaft portions at both ends, and end heads 645 are fixed to the two end faces of the polygonal shaft 641. The pipe limiting support assembly 65 is fitted into the round shaft portion, and the end heads 645 are used to limit the pipe limiting support assembly 65.

[0040] In actual operation, when the rotating seat 61 drives the moving rod 631 to push the swing rod 633 to rotate around the end of the fixed seat 62, it synchronously drives the transmission shaft assembly 64 to rotate. Through the clutch tooth mechanism 644 provided on the transmission shaft assembly 64, the pipe limiting support assembly 65 is limited, so that the pipe limiting support assembly 65 and the transmission shaft assembly 64 rotate synchronously, and the bottom of the pipe limiting support assembly 65 moves along the radius of the movable sleeve 5, either centripetally or centrifugally.

[0041] As one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 6-9As shown: The pipe limiting support assembly 65 includes a sliding connecting rod 652 that slides in a rectangular groove. A guide bracket 651 is fixed to the lower end of the sliding connecting rod 652. The sliding connecting rod 652 is a connecting structure. The bottom of the guide bracket 651 has a smooth structure with a chamfer. Its contact surface with the fixed sleeve 2 is an arc-shaped structure that fits the outer circle of the fixed sleeve 2. When the guide bracket 651 moves to its maximum displacement, the cylindrical surface of the lower end face of the guide bracket 651 fits against the fixed sleeve 2. A limiting cap 653 is fixed to the upper end face of the sliding connecting rod 652. A return spring 654 is provided between the limiting cap 653 and the fixed seat 62. The return spring 654 is sleeved on the outer wall of the sliding connecting rod 652. The limiting cap 653 is used to limit the return spring 654, so that the limiting cap 653, the sliding connecting rod 652, the return spring 654, the guide bracket 651 and the fixed seat 62 form an elastic telescopic structure. A cam 655 is provided above the sliding connecting rod 652, which is a mating mechanism with the limiting cap 653. The cam 655 is rotatably fitted onto the rotating shaft of the polygonal shaft 641. The height of the guide bracket 651 is controlled by changing the height of the mating surface between the cam 655 and the limiting cap 653, and by using the return spring 654. A transmission tooth 656 is fixed to the mating end of the cam 655 and the clutch tooth mechanism 644. A limiting sleeve is fixed between the other end and the end head 645. The transmission tooth 656, the cam 655, and the end head 645 are a single integrated structure, rotatably fitted onto the polygonal shaft 641. The end head 645 limits its axial movement along the polygonal shaft 641, allowing it to rotate only around the polygonal shaft 641. The clutch tooth mechanism 644 and the transmission tooth 656 have meshing teeth, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the angle between the engagement surface of the locking teeth and the shaft end face should be less than or equal to 90°. If the angle is greater than 90°, and the load between the clutch locking tooth mechanism 644 and the transmission locking tooth 656 is large, a component force along the axial direction of the polygonal shaft 641 will be generated, thereby pushing the clutch locking tooth mechanism 644 back and causing the meshing point to separate. The engagement surface of the locking teeth is the main force-bearing surface of the locking teeth when the clutch locking tooth mechanism 644 and the transmission locking tooth 656 are engaged and rotating; the shaft end face is the cross-section of the mating point between the clutch locking tooth mechanism 644 and the transmission locking tooth 656. A return torsion spring 657 is provided between the cam 655 and the end 645, and the return torsion spring 657 is sleeved on the limiting bushing. The return torsion spring 657 is used for the return of the cam 655. When the clutch locking tooth mechanism 644 and the transmission locking tooth 656 separate, the cam 655 returns to its original position under the torque of the return torsion spring 657.

[0042] As one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 7As shown: The clutch locking mechanism 644 includes a transmission gear ring 6442 for engaging and limiting the transmission gear 656, and an unlocking gear ring 6441 for unlocking and limiting the clutch locking mechanism 644. The transmission gear ring 6442 and the transmission gear 656 are a mating mechanism. The locking teeth on the unlocking gear ring 6441 are isosceles triangles. Support shafts extend from the connection point of the moving rod 631 and the connecting rod 632 to both ends. A limiting unlocking pull rod 66 is rotatably fitted on the support shaft, and the limiting unlocking pull rod 66 and the unlocking gear ring 6441 are a mating mechanism. The limiting unlocking pull rod 66 engages and limits the movement of the moving rod 631 along the support shaft, so that its other end is... Figure 7 As shown, it engages with the unlocking gear ring 6441 and rotates around the support shaft.

[0043] During actual operation, in the process of compression and tension of the bellows compensator, relative displacement occurs between the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5. The distance between the moving rod 631 connected to the fixed sleeve 2 and the fixed seat 62 fixed to the movable sleeve 5 changes. During this process, the limiting and unlocking lever 66, which cooperates with the moving rod 631 at one end, moves as the moving rod 631 moves. The limiting and unlocking lever 66 is set with... Figure 9 The push structure shown engages with the unlocking gear ring 6441, thereby changing the engagement state between the transmission gear ring 6442 and the transmission locking tooth 656.

[0044] As one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 9-11 As shown: The limiting unlocking lever 66 includes an unlocking lever 661 with one end rotatably engaged on the support shaft. One end of the unlocking lever 661 has a waist hole, and the waist hole is slidably engaged with the outer wall of the transmission shaft assembly 64. The transmission shaft assembly 64 can slide in the waist hole. When the moving rod 631 and the fixed seat 62 are relatively displaced, the waist hole of the unlocking lever 661 adaptively changes its engagement position with the transmission shaft assembly 64. However, in this embodiment, the position of the unlocking lever 661 in the axial direction of the transmission shaft assembly 64 is fixed. Multiple locking grooves 663 are provided on both sides of the unlocking lever 661. The end of the locking groove 663 away from the swing rod 633 is rotatably engaged with a locking tooth 665. The locking tooth 665 can only rotate clockwise under the limitation of one end wall of the locking groove 663. A compression spring 664 is provided between the locking tooth 665 and the other end wall of the locking groove 663. The outer sides of the multiple locking grooves 663 are jointly fixed with a cover plate 662 for limiting the locking tooth 665.

[0045] In actual operation, under normal conditions, the transmission shaft assembly 64 is supported by the support spring 643, which allows it to mesh with the transmission teeth 656.

[0046] When hot flow is introduced into the pipe, the bellows buffer is compressed, and the fixed sleeves 2 at both ends of the movable sleeve 5 move towards the middle. During this process, the rotating seat 61 drives the moving rod 631 to move towards the fixed seat 62, causing the connecting rod 632 to push the swing rod 633 to rotate around the fixed seat 62. Under the action of gravity, the convex surface of the cam 655 always naturally contacts the limit cap 653 after resetting. When the clutch tooth mechanism 644 engages with the transmission tooth 656, it is in the critical or near-critical state of pressing down the limit cap 653. In the initial stage when the swing rod 633 rotates towards the movable sleeve 5, even the polygonal shaft... 641 drives cam 655 to push limit cap 653 down to the maximum displacement position, that is, the convex surface of cam 655 cooperates with limit cap 653. During the process of fixed sleeve 2 moving to the maximum displacement of movable sleeve 5, the convex surface of cam 655 always cooperates with limit cap 653, so that guide bracket 651 moves towards the center of movable sleeve 5 to the mating surface with fixed sleeve 2, and locks fixed sleeve 2 and movable sleeve 5 into place. This ensures that the rigid connection part 72 and the compensation increment part 73 can be rigidly limited in the axial direction during the compression of bellows 7, thereby preventing the bellows 7 from being offset and damaged during the compression process.

[0047] At the same time, when the limit unlocking lever 66 moves toward the movable sleeve 5, the multiple locking teeth 665 are pushed by the locking teeth of the unlocking tooth ring 6441, causing the locking teeth 665 to rotate toward the compression spring 664 and retract into the locking tooth groove 663. After the locking teeth 665 separate from the locking tongue of the unlocking tooth ring 6441, they automatically reset under the action of the compression spring 664.

[0048] As the heat flow in the pipeline gradually stabilizes and the deformation of the pipeline tends to stabilize, the compression displacement of the bellows compensator gradually decreases and tends to stabilize. During this process, the moving rod 631 moves away from the fixed seat 62, driving the limit unlocking lever 66 to move away from the movable sleeve 5. At this time, one side of the locking tooth 665 is limited by the locking tooth groove 663. When it contacts and squeezes the locking tooth provided by the unlocking tooth ring 6441, the locking tooth 665 is fixed in position. Under the action of the squeezing force, the unlocking tooth ring 6441 drives the transmission tooth ring 6442 to slide together towards the center of the fixed seat 62, thereby disengaging the transmission tooth ring 6442 from the transmission locking tooth 656. The cam 655 is reset under the push of the return torsion spring 657 and the limit cap 653, so that the concave surface of the cam 655 cooperates with the limit cap 653, and the guide bracket 651 retracts.

[0049] During pipeline compression, the guide bracket 651 extends to limit the fixed sleeve 2, ensuring that the rigid connection 72 and the compensation increment 73, respectively limited by the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5, remain coaxial during compression. Simultaneously, when the pipeline is in a stable operating state, the guide bracket 651 retracts, allowing the bellows compensator to retain a certain lateral and angular compensation capacity. In this way, during long-term use of the bellows compensator, when large-distance compression compensation occurs, it can be guided and protected, preventing the bellows 7 from shifting and being damaged. At the same time, during stable operation, it can retain a certain amount of compensation in non-design directions to cope with vibrations caused by fluid movement within the pipeline, preventing the guide structure from deforming and failing due to prolonged non-design direction loads.

[0050] The present invention also provides a method for using a bellows compensator, comprising the following steps: a. Connect and fix the bellows compensator to the pipeline via the connecting flange 1, and then remove the compensator fixing bracket 4 to put the bellows compensator into working condition.

[0051] b. When hot flow is introduced into the pipeline, the pipeline begins to expand thermally, and the bellows compensator is compressed. At this time, the fixed sleeves 2 on both sides are squeezed and moved towards the movable sleeve 5. During the movement, the circumferentially equidistant moving rods 631 gradually move towards the fixed seat 62. The connecting rod 632 pushes the swing rod 633 to rotate towards the movable sleeve 5. When the swing rod 633 rotates, the polygonal shaft 641 drives the cam 655 to deflect and squeeze the limiting cap 653, so that the guide bracket 651 moves downward to the position that matches the outer wall of the fixed sleeve 2. The guide bracket 651 limits the rigid connection part 72 and the fixed sleeve 2, so that during the compression process of the bellows compensator, the fixed sleeve 2 and the rigid connection part 72 are coaxial with the movable sleeve 5 and the compensation increment part 73.

[0052] c. When the heat flow in the pipeline is stable, the pipeline temperature is stable. The elongation of the pipeline in this stage is smaller than that in the initial stage. During this process, the compression displacement of the bellows compensator decreases, and the relative distance between the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5 increases. During this process, the limit unlocking lever 66 retracts, and through the locking tooth 665, it squeezes and pushes the unlocking tooth ring 6441, causing the transmission shaft rod assembly 64 to separate from the transmission locking tooth 656. This causes the cam 655 to rotate under the action of the return spring 654 and the return torsion spring 657, and the guide bracket 651 retracts. In this state, there is a gap at the connection between the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5. When the pipeline is displaced in a direction other than the design direction due to vibration, it is compensated by the bellows 7 to avoid the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5 being subjected to loads in a direction other than the design direction, which would lead to structural instability and affect the subsequent compression guidance.

[0053] d. When heating stops in the pipeline and the pipeline gradually cools and shrinks, the distance between the fixed sleeve 2 and the movable sleeve 5 gradually increases, and the multi-link assembly 63 is gradually pulled to a horizontal state. When the multi-link assembly 63 is in a horizontal state, the bellows 7 reaches its maximum tensile limit. When the bellows 7 reaches its limit displacement, the flanges 1 at both ends are connected by the fixed sleeve 2, the limiting assembly 6 and the movable sleeve 5 and are subjected to tension together to avoid damage to the bellows 7 due to excessive tension.

[0054] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A bellows compensator, comprising a bellows (7) and a connecting flange (1) for fixing the bellows (7), wherein an inner bushing (3) with one end fixed is provided inside the bellows (7), characterized in that: The bellows (7) is configured with a variable diameter, and the middle part has a higher peak and a larger pitch than the two sides to improve the radial compensation capability of the bellows (7), and also includes; The movable sleeve (5) is fitted onto the middle part of the bellows (7) to limit the displacement of the middle part of the bellows (7) in the non-design direction and enhance the ability of the middle part of the bellows (7) to withstand lateral loads. The fixed sleeve (2) is sleeved on both sides of the middle part of the bellows (7), and one end is fixedly connected to the connecting flange (1), while the other end is clearance-fitted with the movable sleeve (5) to form a guide mechanism during axial compression. The limiting components (6) are provided in multiple ways and are fixedly installed between the fixed sleeve (2) and the movable sleeve (5) to prevent the compensator from being pulled out and twisted, and to allow the fixed sleeve (2) and the movable sleeve (5) to move angularly within a preset range; The limiting component (6) includes a rotating seat (61) fixed on the fixed sleeve (2) and a fixed seat (62) fixed on the movable sleeve (5). A multi-link assembly (63) is connected between the rotating seat (61) and the fixed seat (62), and the multi-link assembly (63) and the rotating seat (61) are rotatably engaged. The multi-link assembly (63) includes a movable rod (631) with one end rotatably engaged on a rotating seat (61), a connecting rod (632) rotatably engaged on the other end of the movable rod (631), a swing rod (633) rotatably connected to the connecting rod (632), and the swing rod (633) rotatably engaged with a fixed seat (62). A foolproof spring (67) is provided between the movable rod (631) and the swing rod (633) to prevent the swing rod (633) from mechanically locking due to excessive rotation angle. A transmission shaft assembly (64) is fixed at the connection between the swing rod (633) and the fixed seat (62). A rectangular groove is provided on both sides of the fixed seat (62), and a pipe limiting support assembly (65) is fitted in the rectangular groove. An installation groove (51) is provided on the movable sleeve (5) corresponding to the position of the pipe limiting support assembly (65). The pipe limiting support assembly (65) can extend and retract along the radius direction of the movable sleeve (5), and the transmission shaft assembly (64) and the pipe limiting support assembly (65) are a mating mechanism. The transmission shaft assembly (64) includes a polygonal shaft (641) that is snapped into the rotating connection of the fixed seat (62). The fixed seat (62) has nests (642) on both sides that are coaxial with the polygonal shaft (641). The two ends of the polygonal shaft (641) are slidably fitted with a clutch tooth mechanism (644). A support spring (643) is provided between the clutch tooth mechanism (644) and the fixed seat (62), and the support spring (643) is inserted into the nest (642). The two ends of the polygonal shaft (641) are provided with round shaft portions, and the two end faces of the polygonal shaft (641) are fixed with end heads (645).

2. The bellows compensator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bellows (7) includes a bellows body (71), on which a compensation increment (73) and a rigid connection (72) are provided. The compensation increment (73) is located in the middle of the bellows body (71) and is used to increase the radial compensation capability of the bellows (7). The rigid connection (72) is located on both sides of the compensation increment (73) and is used to fix the connecting flange (1) and reduce the angular displacement between the compensator and the pipeline.

3. A bellows compensator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pipe limiting support assembly (65) includes a sliding connecting rod (652) that slides in a rectangular groove. A guide bracket (651) is fixed to the lower end of the sliding connecting rod (652). A limiting cap (653) is fixed to the upper end face of the sliding connecting rod (652). A return spring (654) is provided between the limiting cap (653) and the fixed seat (62), and the return spring (654) is sleeved on the outer wall of the sliding connecting rod (652). A matching device is provided above the sliding connecting rod (652) to the limiting cap (653). The cam (655) of the engagement mechanism is rotatably engaged on the rotating shaft of the polygonal shaft (641). The engagement end of the cam (655) and the clutch tooth mechanism (644) is fixed with a transmission tooth (656). The other end is fixed with a limit sleeve between the end (645). A reset torsion spring (657) is provided between the cam (655) and the end (645), and the reset torsion spring (657) is sleeved on the limit sleeve for height adjustment and reset of the guide bracket (651).

4. A bellows compensator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clutch locking mechanism (644) includes a transmission gear ring (6442) for engaging the limiting transmission gear (656) and an unlocking gear ring (6441) for unlocking the clutch locking mechanism (644). The connection between the moving rod (631) and the connecting rod (632) extends to both ends and is provided with a support shaft. A limiting unlocking pull rod (66) is rotatably fitted on the support shaft, and the limiting unlocking pull rod (66) cooperates with the unlocking gear ring (6441) to separate and reset the clutch locking mechanism (644).

5. A bellows compensator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The limiting and unlocking lever (66) includes an unlocking lever (661) with one end rotatably fitted on the support shaft. One end of the unlocking lever (661) has a waist hole, which is slidably fitted on the outer wall of the transmission shaft assembly (64). Multiple locking tooth grooves (663) are provided on both sides of the unlocking lever (661). The end of the locking tooth groove (663) away from the swing rod (633) is rotatably fitted with a locking tooth (665). The locking tooth (665) can only rotate clockwise under the limitation of one end wall of the locking tooth groove (663). A compression spring (664) is provided between the locking tooth (665) and the other end wall of the locking tooth groove (663). The outer sides of the multiple locking tooth grooves (663) are jointly fixed with a cover plate (662) for limiting and locking teeth (665).

6. A method of using a bellows compensator, characterized in that, It includes the following steps: a. The bellows compensator described in any one of claims 1 to 5 is connected and fixed to the pipeline through the connecting flanges (1) at both ends, and is limited by the compensator fixing frame (4) during transportation. After installation, the compensator fixing frame (4) is removed so that the bellows compensator is in working condition. b. During the process of heating the pipeline by introducing hot flow, the thermal expansion of the pipeline pushes the connecting flange (1) to compress the bellows (7) and the fixed sleeve (2) towards the movable sleeve (5). The fixed sleeve (2) and the movable sleeve (5) form a guiding fit, so that the bellows (7) is compressed axially. c. During the stable operation of the pipeline, the pipeline temperature is stable, and the limiting component (6) allows the bellows (7) to make slight compensation in the lateral and angular range, so as to avoid the fixed sleeve (2) and the movable sleeve (5) being subjected to loads in non-design directions, which would lead to structural instability. d. As the pipeline gradually cools and contracts, the distance between the fixed sleeve (2) and the movable sleeve (5) gradually increases, and the multi-link assembly (63) is gradually pulled to a horizontal state. When the multi-link assembly (63) is in a horizontal state, the bellows (7) reaches the maximum tensile limit. When the bellows (7) reaches the limit displacement, the flanges (1) at both ends are connected by the fixed sleeve (2), the limiting assembly (6) and the movable sleeve (5) and are subjected to tension together to avoid the bellows (7) being damaged by over-tension.

Images