Composite material flexible pipeline lossless connection joint structure
The linkage clamping structure composed of inner sleeve, outer sleeve and interference block solves the problems of mechanical damage and poor sealing in the connection of composite flexible pipes, and realizes non-destructive connection and efficient sealing. It is suitable for high internal pressure and dynamic working conditions of composite flexible pipes.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NINGBO INST OF MATERIALS TECH & ENG CHINESE ACAD OF SCI
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing composite material flexible pipe connection methods are prone to mechanical damage, uneven clamping force distribution, and poor sealing.
The system employs a linkage clamping structure consisting of an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and multiple interference blocks. The first linkage part and the second linkage part work together to push the interference blocks radially closer, applying uniform interference pressure. The serrated part is embedded in the outer surface of the flexible tube to form a micro-anchoring effect. A space is reserved for injecting sealant, and the connection is fixed with fastening screws.
It achieves non-destructive connection, improves connection sealing and pull-out resistance, enhances the joint's anti-slip and anti-corrosion properties, and is suitable for high internal pressure and dynamic working conditions.
Smart Images

Figure CN122040988A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of pipeline connection technology and relates to a non-destructive connection joint structure for flexible composite pipes. Background Technology
[0002] Composite material flexible pipes have been widely used in marine engineering, petrochemical, aerospace, and new energy fields due to their advantages such as light weight, corrosion resistance, good fatigue resistance, and flexible laying. However, because their pipe bodies are usually composed of multiple layers of polymer materials and fiber reinforcement layers, their structure is relatively fragile and extremely sensitive to mechanical damage. Traditional connection methods (such as welding, perforated bolt connections, or crimping) often cause problems such as pipe wall delamination, fiber breakage, or sealing failure during the connection process, which seriously affects the integrity and service life of the pipeline system.
[0003] Flexible pipe fittings can currently be classified into five types according to their connection method: adhesive injection type, mechanical type, heat fusion type, and crimp type. Among them, crimp type fittings are the most commonly used type due to their simple structure and convenient operation. However, during use, unreasonable structural design or errors in processing and assembly can lead to tensile and sealing failures in crimp type fittings, indicating significant room for improvement. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology by proposing a non-destructive connection joint structure for flexible pipes made of composite materials.
[0005] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solution: a composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure, comprising: The inner sleeve is provided with a first contact portion, which is used to contact the inner side of the flexible tube; An outer sleeve that can move closer to or further away from the inner sleeve along the axial direction, and the outer sleeve is provided with a first linkage part; The interference block has at least two parts. The interference block is provided with a second linkage part and a second contact part. The second linkage part contacts the first linkage part. The second contact part is used to contact the outer side of the flexible tube. When the outer sleeve can approach the inner sleeve along its own axis, the outer sleeve pushes the first linkage part through the second linkage part to drive each interference block to move inward.
[0006] In the above-mentioned composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure, the inner sleeve is further provided with a first connecting part, and the outer sleeve is further provided with a second connecting part, which can be connected to the first connecting part.
[0007] In the above-mentioned composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure, a fastening screw is also included. The first connecting part is configured as a threaded hole, the second connecting part is configured as a through hole, the head of the fastening screw contacts the outer sleeve, and the tail of the fastening screw can pass through the second connecting part and connect with the first connecting part.
[0008] In the above-mentioned composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure, the fastening screw is set as an internal feature screw.
[0009] In the above-mentioned composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure, the inner sleeve is further provided with a first extension, the first extension is distributed outward in the circumferential direction, the first connecting part is located in the first extension and distributed in the axial direction, and the outer sleeve is further provided with a second extension, the second extension is distributed outward in the circumferential direction, and the second connecting part is located in the second extension and distributed in the axial direction.
[0010] In the above-mentioned composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure, the second linkage part is set as a sawtooth part.
[0011] In the above-mentioned composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure, the serrated part is configured as a ratchet part, the gentle slope of the serrated part is located on the side close to the first extension, and the steep slope of the serrated part is located on the side away from the first extension.
[0012] In the above-mentioned composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure, an injection space is formed between two adjacent interference blocks.
[0013] In the above-mentioned composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure, the outer sleeve is provided with an injection hole, which is aligned with the injection space.
[0014] In the above-mentioned composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure, the first linkage part is set as a first linkage inclined surface, which is inclined relative to its own axis direction, and the second linkage part is set as a second linkage inclined surface, which is inclined relative to its own axis direction.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: by setting up a linkage clamping structure consisting of an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve and multiple interference blocks, when the outer sleeve approaches the inner sleeve along the axial direction, the interference blocks are pushed radially inward by the cooperation of the first linkage part and the second linkage part, thereby applying uniform interference pressure to the outer wall of the flexible tube. This structure eliminates the need for drilling or welding on the flexible tube, avoiding mechanical damage to the composite flexible pipe body and achieving a truly "non-destructive connection." Simultaneously, the uniform distribution of clamping force improves connection sealing and pull-out resistance. The second contact part (the portion directly in contact with the outer wall of the flexible tube) is designed as a serrated section, which can embed into the outer surface of the flexible tube during clamping to form a microscopic anchoring effect, significantly enhancing anti-slip and pull-out resistance. Furthermore, the serrated structure helps to break down any oxide film or contaminants that may be present on the tube wall surface, improving contact sealing, making it particularly suitable for reliable connections under high internal pressure or dynamic operating conditions. A pre-reserved space for adhesive injection between adjacent interference blocks allows for the injection of sealant or structural adhesive after clamping, filling the gap and enhancing sealing and structural integrity, making it particularly suitable for high-pressure, corrosive, or high-cleanliness applications, further improving the sealing reliability and durability of the joint. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the non-destructive connection joint structure of the composite material flexible pipe of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 3 This is a left view of the composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view from the perspective of AA.
[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An enlarged view of part B.
[0021] In the figure, 100 is the inner sleeve; 110 is the first contact part; 120 is the first connecting part; 130 is the first extension part; 200 is the outer sleeve; 210 is the first linkage part; 220 is the second connecting part; 230 is the second extension part; 240 is the glue injection hole; 300 is the interference block; 310 is the second linkage part; 320 is the second contact part; 400 is the fastening screw; and 500 is the flexible tube. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
[0023] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.
[0024] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving terms such as "first," "second," and "a" are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0025] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0026] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.
[0027] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to substitute them, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.
[0028] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure includes: The inner sleeve 100 is provided with a first contact portion 110, which is used to contact the inner side of the flexible tube 500. The outer sleeve 200 can move closer to or further away from the inner sleeve 100 along the axial direction, and the outer sleeve 200 is provided with a first linkage part 210; There are at least two interference blocks 300. Each interference block 300 is provided with a second linkage part 310 and a second contact part 320. The second linkage part 310 contacts the first linkage part 210. The second contact part 320 is used to contact the outer side of the flexible tube 500. When the outer sleeve 200 can approach the inner sleeve 100 along its own axial direction, the outer sleeve 200 pushes the first linkage part 210 through the second linkage part 310 to drive each interference block 300 to move inward.
[0029] In this embodiment, a linkage clamping structure consisting of an inner sleeve 100, an outer sleeve 200, and multiple interference blocks 300 is used. When the outer sleeve 200 approaches the inner sleeve 100 axially, the first linkage part 210 and the second linkage part 310 cooperate to push the interference blocks 300 radially inward, thereby applying uniform interference pressure to the outer wall of the flexible tube 500. This structure eliminates the need for drilling or welding on the flexible tube 500, avoiding mechanical damage to the composite material flexible tube 500 body and achieving a truly "non-destructive connection." Simultaneously, the uniform clamping force distribution improves the connection sealing and pull-out resistance.
[0030] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the inner sleeve 100 is further provided with a first connecting part 120, and the outer sleeve 200 is further provided with a second connecting part 220, which can be connected to the first connecting part 120.
[0031] In this embodiment, a first connecting part 120 and a second connecting part 220 that can be connected to each other are respectively provided on the inner sleeve 100 and the outer sleeve 200, so that the outer sleeve 200 can be fixedly connected to the inner sleeve 100 after the clamping action is completed, preventing the outer sleeve 200 from retracting due to vibration or internal pressure, thereby maintaining a stable clamping state and improving the reliability and safety of the joint for long-term use.
[0032] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, based on the above embodiment, a fastening screw 400 is also included. The first connecting part 120 is configured as a threaded hole, and the second connecting part 220 is configured as a through hole. The head of the fastening screw 400 contacts the outer sleeve 200, and the tail of the fastening screw 400 can pass through the second connecting part 220 and connect with the first connecting part 120.
[0033] In this embodiment, a fastening screw 400 is used to pass through the through hole of the outer sleeve 200 and connect with the threaded hole of the inner sleeve 100. The structure is simple and easy to assemble, and it can provide a reliable axial locking force to ensure that the relative position between the outer sleeve 200 and the inner sleeve 100 is fixed, effectively preventing loosening and enhancing the stability of the overall structure.
[0034] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the fastening screw 400 is configured as an internal feature screw.
[0035] In this embodiment, the fastening screw 400 is set as an internal feature screw (such as internal hexagon, internal Torx, etc.) so that the screw head does not protrude from the outer surface of the outer sleeve 200. This not only improves the appearance and neatness, but also avoids the risk of external interference or bumps. It is particularly suitable for pipeline systems with limited space or sensitive to fluid resistance.
[0036] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the inner sleeve 100 is further provided with a first extension 130, the first extension 130 is distributed outward in the circumferential direction, the first connecting part 120 is located in the first extension 130 and distributed in the axial direction, and the outer sleeve 200 is further provided with a second extension 230, the second extension 230 is distributed outward in the circumferential direction, and the second connecting part 220 is located in the second extension 230 and distributed in the axial direction.
[0037] In this embodiment, by providing a first extension 130 and a second extension 230 extending outward in the circumferential direction on the inner sleeve 100 and the outer sleeve 200 respectively, and arranging the connecting part on the extension part and distributing it axially, the structural strength of the connecting area is increased, the installation of screws and force transmission are facilitated, and the overall structure is made more compact and the force is more uniform, thereby improving the connection stiffness and fatigue life.
[0038] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the second contact portion 320 is configured as a serrated portion.
[0039] In this embodiment, the second contact portion 320 (i.e. the portion that directly contacts the outer wall of the flexible tube 500) is set as a serrated portion, which can be embedded into the outer surface of the flexible tube 500 during the clamping process to form a micro-anchoring effect, significantly enhancing the anti-slip and anti-pull-out capabilities; at the same time, the serrated structure helps to destroy the oxide film or contaminants that may exist on the tube wall surface, improving the contact sealing performance, and is especially suitable for reliable connections under high internal pressure or dynamic working conditions.
[0040] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the serrated portion is configured as a ratchet portion, the gentle slope of the serrated portion is located on the side close to the first extension portion 130, and the steep slope of the serrated portion is located on the side away from the first extension portion 130.
[0041] In this embodiment, the serrated portion of the second contact portion 320 is specifically embodied as a ratchet structure, and a gentle slope is reasonably configured to be close to the first extension portion 130 and a steep slope is configured to be far away from the first extension portion 130. This allows the interference block 300 to be moderately "guided" to fit the flexible tube 500 along the gentle slope direction during the clamping process to prevent damage to the flexible tube 500. When subjected to reverse tensile force, the steep slope structure forms a mechanical barrier, realizing a one-way self-locking function, which greatly improves the pull-out resistance and connection safety.
[0042] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, based on the above embodiment, a glue injection space is formed between two adjacent interference blocks 300.
[0043] In this embodiment, a space for injecting adhesive is reserved between adjacent interference blocks 300, which can be injected with sealant or structural adhesive after clamping to fill the gap and enhance the sealing performance and structural integrity. This is especially suitable for working conditions with high pressure, corrosiveness or high cleanliness requirements, and further improves the sealing reliability and durability of the joint.
[0044] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the outer sleeve 200 is provided with an injection hole 240, which is aligned with the injection space.
[0045] In this embodiment, an injection hole 240 aligned with the injection space is provided on the outer sleeve 200, which facilitates direct injection of the adhesive from the outside, making the operation convenient and ensuring that the adhesive accurately fills the gap between the interference blocks 300, achieving efficient and controllable sealing or bonding, and avoiding adhesive waste or uneven filling.
[0046] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the first linkage part 210 is configured as a first linkage inclined surface, which is inclined relative to its own axis direction, and the second linkage part 310 is configured as a second linkage inclined surface, which is inclined relative to its own axis direction.
[0047] In this embodiment, both the first linkage part 210 and the second linkage part 310 are set as inclined linkage ramps. The axial movement of the outer sleeve 200 is efficiently converted into the radial displacement of the interference block 300 through the ramp engagement. The structure is simple, the transmission is smooth, and the clamping force can be precisely controlled by adjusting the ramp angle, which can adapt to the connection requirements of flexible tubes 500 with different diameters and materials, and improve versatility and adjustment accuracy.
[0048] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, in general, the present invention relates to a non-destructive connection joint structure for composite flexible pipes, which aims to solve the problems of mechanical damage, uneven clamping force distribution and poor sealing caused by connecting composite flexible pipes 500 in the prior art. The joint structure is mainly composed of an inner sleeve 100, an outer sleeve 200 and multiple interference blocks 300. The components work together through a precisely designed linkage mechanism to achieve effective clamping and sealing of the flexible pipe 500, while avoiding damage to the pipe body itself.
[0049] First, the inner sleeve 100 is provided with a first contact portion 110 for tightly fitting against the inner side of the flexible tube 500, providing internal support; the outer sleeve 200 is axially movable and is provided with a first linkage portion 210. There are at least two interference blocks 300, each with a second linkage portion 310 and a second contact portion 320, the latter used to contact and compress the outer wall of the flexible tube 500. When the outer sleeve 200 approaches the inner sleeve 100, the first linkage portion 210 of the outer sleeve 200 pushes the second linkage portion 310 on the interference block 300, causing all interference blocks 300 to synchronously contract radially inward, uniformly pressing the outer wall of the flexible tube 500, ensuring a tight yet undamaged connection.
[0050] Secondly, to further enhance the stability and reliability of the joint, a first connecting part 120 and a second connecting part 220 are respectively provided on the inner sleeve 100 and the outer sleeve 200. These connecting parts can be fixed to each other after the clamping operation is completed, preventing the outer sleeve 200 from retracting due to external vibration or internal pressure. In addition, the fastening screw 400 passes through the through hole of the outer sleeve 200 and connects to the threaded hole of the inner sleeve 100, which not only simplifies the assembly process but also provides additional axial locking force, ensuring the stability of the relative position between the two sleeves.
[0051] Finally, the design of this connector structure fully considers the diversity and complexity of practical applications. For example, it incorporates internally designed screws to adapt to space-constrained environments, optimizes force distribution through extensions, achieves self-locking functionality with serrated sections, and enhances sealing performance through the glue injection space and 240 glue injection hole. In particular, the linkage is designed with a beveled shape, improving transmission efficiency and smoothness, making the entire device more versatile and easier to adjust.
Claims
1. A composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure, characterized in that, include: The inner sleeve is provided with a first contact portion, which is used to contact the inner side of the flexible tube; An outer sleeve that can move closer to or further away from the inner sleeve along the axial direction, and the outer sleeve is provided with a first linkage part; The interference block has at least two parts. The interference block is provided with a second linkage part and a second contact part. The second linkage part contacts the first linkage part. The second contact part is used to contact the outer side of the flexible tube. When the outer sleeve can approach the inner sleeve along its own axis, the outer sleeve pushes the first linkage part through the second linkage part to drive each interference block to move inward.
2. The composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner sleeve is further provided with a first connecting part, and the outer sleeve is further provided with a second connecting part, which can be connected to the first connecting part.
3. The composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a fastening screw, the first connecting part is configured as a threaded hole, the second connecting part is configured as a through hole, the head of the fastening screw contacts the outer sleeve, and the tail of the fastening screw can pass through the second connecting part and connect with the first connecting part.
4. The composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fastening screw is configured as an internal feature screw.
5. The composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner sleeve is further provided with a first extension portion, which is distributed outward in the circumferential direction. The first connecting portion is located on the first extension portion and distributed in the axial direction. The outer sleeve is further provided with a second extension portion, which is distributed outward in the circumferential direction. The second connecting portion is located on the second extension portion and distributed in the axial direction.
6. The composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second contact portion is configured as a serrated portion.
7. The composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The serrated portion is configured as a ratchet portion, with the gentle slope of the serrated portion located on the side closer to the first extension portion and the steep slope of the serrated portion located on the side farther away from the first extension portion.
8. The composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: An injection space is formed between two adjacent interference blocks.
9. The composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The outer sleeve is provided with an injection hole, which is aligned with the injection space.
10. The composite material flexible pipe non-destructive connection joint structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first linkage part is configured as a first linkage inclined surface, which is inclined relative to its own axis. The second linkage part is configured as a second linkage inclined surface, which is inclined relative to its own axis.