Flexible joint for transmitting torque

Abstract

A flexible joint includes: an inner tube defining a joint central axis and having a first member, a second member, and a bellows extending between the first and second members, the second member including an internal spline; an outer sleeve having an adapter end fixedly attached to the first member and a sliding end movably attached to the second member, the sliding end including an external spline engaging the internal spline to allow relative axial movement between the sliding end and the second member relative to the joint central axis and to limit relative rotation between them; an outer tube surrounding the outer sleeve; and a locking washer located between the first member and the outer tube, the locking washer fixing the first member relative to the outer tube in a rotational direction and movably attaching the first member axially relative to the joint central axis to the outer tube.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] A gas turbine engine typically comprises a compressor section, a turbine section, and a combustion section located between them. The compressor section typically includes multiple stages of rotating compressor moving blades and fixed compressor stationary blades to generate compressed air. The combustion section typically includes multiple combustion chambers that generate a hot working flow by burning the mixture of compressed air and fuel. The turbine section typically includes multiple stages of rotating turbine moving blades and fixed turbine stationary blades to expand the hot working flow and convert fluid energy into mechanical energy. The rotating turbine moving blades and fixed turbine stationary blades typically operate in high-temperature environments and are internally cooled.

[0002] Flexible joints are used in gas turbine engines to compensate for relative movement between components. Flexible joints allow for relative expansion and contraction between components without placing significant stress on the interface components. When subjected to excessive torsional loads, flexible joints may require torsional protection to achieve high flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, a flexible joint is provided. The flexible joint includes an inner tube defining a joint central axis and having a first member, a second member, and a bellows extending between the first and second members, the second member including an internal spline; an outer sleeve having an adapter end fixedly attached to the first member and a sliding end movably attached to the second member, the sliding end including an external spline engaging with the internal spline to allow relative axial movement between the sliding end and the second member relative to the joint central axis and to restrict relative rotation between them; an outer tube surrounding the outer sleeve; and a locking washer located between the first member and the outer tube, the locking washer securing the first member relative to the outer tube in a rotational direction and movably attaching the first member axially relative to the joint central axis to the outer tube.

[0004] In one aspect, a method for transmitting torque via a flexible joint is provided. The method includes: fixing an end of an outer tube to a cover plate; axially movably attaching a locking end of the outer tube to a first member and fixing the locking end to the first member in a rotational direction; axially positioning a bellows between the first and second members to define an inner tube; circumferentially positioning an outer sleeve between the outer and inner tubes; fixing an adapter end of the outer sleeve to the first member and axially movably attaching a sliding end of the outer sleeve to the second member; and applying torque to the first member, a first portion of the torque being transmitted to the outer tube, a second portion of the torque being transmitted to the bellows, and a third portion of the torque being transmitted to the outer sleeve. Attached Figure Description

[0005] To facilitate identification of any particular element or action being discussed, the highest digit in the reference numerals indicates the reference number in which that element first appears.

[0006] Figure 1 It is a longitudinal sectional view of a gas turbine engine taken along a plane that includes the longitudinal axis or the central axis.

[0007] Figure 2 It is used for Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the flexible joint of a gas turbine engine.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the flexible joint taken along the plane including line 3-3.

[0009] Figure 4 It is used for Figure 1 A partial perspective view of another flexible joint of a gas turbine engine.

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the locking washer of the flexible joint.

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the flexible joint taken along the plane including line 6-6.

[0012] Figure 7 It is used for Figure 2 A perspective view of another locking washer of the flexible joint.

[0013] Figure 8 It is used for Figure 7 A perspective view of the locking end of the outer tube of the locking washer. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Before explaining any embodiments of the invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in this specification or shown in the following drawings. The invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting.

[0015] Various techniques relating to systems and methods will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals consistently denote the same elements. The drawings discussed below, as well as the various embodiments used in this patent document to describe the principles of this disclosure, are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of this disclosure can be implemented in any suitably arranged apparatus. It should be understood that functions described as being performed by certain system elements can be performed by multiple elements. Similarly, for example, an element can be configured to perform functions described as being performed by multiple elements. Numerous inventive teachings of this application will be described with reference to exemplary, non-limiting embodiments.

[0016] It should be understood that, unless explicitly defined in certain examples, the words or phrases used herein should be interpreted broadly. For example, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including,” and their derivatives, mean including but not limited to. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and / or, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. The phrases “associated with” and “associated with,” and their derivatives, may mean including, being included, interconnected with, containing, being contained, connected to or connected with, coupled to or coupled with, communicating with, cooperating with, interleaving, juxtaposing, being adjacent to, combining to or combining with, having, having the characteristics of, etc., although multiple embodiments or constructions may be described herein, unless expressly stated to the contrary, any feature, method, step, component, etc., described with respect to one embodiment is equally applicable to other embodiments.

[0017] Although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to refer to various elements, information, functions, or actions, these elements, information, functions, or actions should not be limited by these terms. Rather, these numerical adjectives are used to distinguish different elements, information, functions, or actions from one another. For example, a first element, information, function, or action may be referred to as a second element, information, function, or action, and similarly, a second element, information, function, or action may be referred to as a first element, information, function, or action, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0018] In this specification, the term "axial" or "axially" refers to the direction along the longitudinal axis of the gas turbine engine. The term "radial" or "radially" refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gas turbine engine. The term "downstream" or "rearward" refers to the direction along the flow direction. The term "upstream" or "forward" refers to the direction against the flow direction.

[0019] Furthermore, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "proximately to" may mean that an element is relatively close to but not in contact with another element, or that the element is in contact with another part. Additionally, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "at least partially based on," unless otherwise expressly stated. The terms "about" or "substantially" or similar terms are intended to cover numerical variations in the dimension within normal industrial manufacturing tolerances. If no industry standard is available, 20 percent variation will fall within the meaning of these terms unless otherwise stated.

[0020] Figure 1An example of a gas turbine engine 100 is shown, which includes a compressor section 102, a combustion section 104, and a turbine section 106 arranged along a central axis 112. The compressor section 102 includes multiple compressor stages 114, each compressor stage 114 including a set of fixed compressor stator vanes 116 or adjustable guide vanes and a set of rotating compressor rotor vanes 118. A rotor 134 supports the rotating compressor vanes 118 for rotation about the central axis 112 during operation. In some configurations, a single integral rotor 134 extends the length of the gas turbine engine 100 and is supported for rotation by bearings at both ends. In other configurations, the rotor 134 is assembled from several separate spools connected to each other, or the rotor 134 may include multiple disk segments connected by one or more bolts.

[0021] Compressor section 102 is in fluid communication with inlet section 108 to allow gas turbine engine 100 to draw atmospheric air into compressor section 102. During operation of gas turbine engine 100, compressor section 102 draws in atmospheric air and compresses it for delivery to combustion section 104. The compressor section 102 shown is an example of a compressor section 102, but other arrangements and designs are possible.

[0022] In the illustrated configuration, combustion section 104 includes a plurality of independent combustion chambers 120, each combustion chamber 120 for mixing a fuel stream with compressed air from compressor section 102 and burning the air-fuel mixture to produce a high-temperature, high-pressure combustion gas or exhaust stream 122. Of course, combustion section 104 may also be many other arrangements.

[0023] Turbine section 106 includes multiple turbine stages 124, each turbine stage 124 including several stationary turbine blades 126 and several rotating turbine blades 128. Turbine stages 124 are arranged to receive exhaust gas 122 from combustion section 104 at turbine inlet 130 and expand the gas to convert thermal and pressure energy into rotational or mechanical work. Turbine section 106 is connected to compressor section 102 to drive compressor section 102. For gas turbine engine 100 used for power generation or as a prime mover, turbine section 106 is also connected to a generator, pump, or other driven device. Like compressor section 102, turbine section 106 may also have other designs and arrangements.

[0024] Exhaust section 110 is located downstream of turbine section 106 and is arranged to receive the expansion flow of exhaust 122 from the last turbine stage 124 in turbine section 106. Exhaust section 110 is arranged to effectively guide exhaust 122 away from turbine section 106 to ensure efficient operation of turbine section 106. Many variations and design differences may exist in exhaust section 110. Therefore, the exhaust section 110 shown is merely an example of these variations.

[0025] The control system 132 is coupled to the gas turbine engine 100 and operated to monitor various operating parameters and control various operations of the gas turbine engine 100. In a preferred configuration, the control system 132 is typically microprocessor-based and includes storage devices for collecting, analyzing, and storing data. Furthermore, the control system 132 provides output data to various devices, including monitors, printers, indicators, etc., enabling users to interact with the control system 132 to provide inputs or adjustments. In the example of a power generation system, the user can input a power output setpoint, and the control system 132 can adjust various control inputs to achieve that power output efficiently.

[0026] The control system 132 can control various operating parameters, including but not limited to variable inlet guide vane position, fuel flow rate and pressure, engine speed, valve position, generator load, and generator excitation. Of course, other applications may have fewer or more controllable devices. The control system 132 also monitors various parameters to ensure the normal operation of the gas turbine engine 100. Some of the monitored parameters may include inlet air temperature, compressor outlet temperature and pressure, combustion chamber outlet temperature, fuel flow rate, generator power output, bearing temperature, etc. Many of these measurements are displayed to the user and recorded for future review.

[0027] Figure 2 It is used with Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of a flexible joint 200 used in conjunction with a gas turbine engine. The flexible joint 200 may be located at the upstream end of the combustion chamber 120 to receive fuel for the combustion chamber 120.

[0028] The flexible joint 200 has a joint central axis 202. An inner sleeve 204 extends along the joint central axis 202 and is connected to a fuel supply source to receive fuel for the combustion chamber 120. The inner sleeve 204 is removably arranged in the flexible joint 200.

[0029] The inner tube 206 extends along the central axis 202 of the joint and surrounds the inner sleeve 204. The inner tube 206 includes a first member 208, a second member 210, and a bellows 212 extending between the first member 208 and the second member 210. The bellows 212 includes a plurality of corrugations 214 extending circumferentially around the inner tube 206.

[0030] The first component 208 includes an outer polygonal sleeve 216 (in... Figure 6 (To be better shown in the image). Figure 2 and Figure 6In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer polygonal cap 216 is an outer hexagonal cap. In other embodiments, the outer polygonal cap 216 may have a shape other than an outer hexagonal cap, such as an outer pentagonal cap or an outer octagonal cap.

[0031] The second component 210 includes a plurality of grooves 218 extending axially along the second component 210 and circumferentially distributed around the second component 210 relative to the central axis 202 of the joint. The plurality of grooves 218 form an internal spline.

[0032] The outer sleeve 220 extends along the central axis 202 of the connector and surrounds the inner tube 206 from the first member 208 to the second member 210, and surrounds the entire outer surface of the bellows 212. The outer sleeve 220 has an adapter end 222 and a sliding end 224. The adapter end 222 is fixedly attached to the first member 208. A collar 226 is arranged at the adapter end 222 to fix the outer sleeve 220 to the first member 208 of the inner tube 206. One end of the collar 226 is fixedly attached to the outer sleeve 220, and the other end of the collar 226 is fixedly attached to the first member 208. The collar 226 may have multiple segments. For example, the collar 226 may have a first semicircular part and a second semicircular part, which are fixedly arranged between the inner tube 206 and the outer sleeve 220, and have a small gap between the first semicircular part and the second semicircular part. The collar 226 may also be a single, complete circular piece. The collar 226 and the outer sleeve 220 can be made as a single piece, or as two separate parts attached together.

[0033] The sliding end 224 is movably attached to the second member 210. The sliding end 224 includes a plurality of teeth 228 extending axially along the sliding end 224 and distributed circumferentially around the sliding end 224 relative to the central axis 202 of the joint. The plurality of teeth 228 form an external spline.

[0034] The outer tube 230 extends along the central axis 202 of the joint and surrounds the outer sleeve 220. The outer tube 230 has a locking end 232 and a fixing end 234. The fixing end 234 is fixedly attached to the cover plate 236 in the axial, radial and circumferential directions.

[0035] A locking washer 238 is disposed between the first member 208 and the locking end 232. The locking washer 238 engages the inner tube 206 and the outer tube 230 to allow relative axial and radial movement between the inner tube 206 and the outer tube 230 relative to the central axis 202 of the joint, and to restrict relative rotation between the two.

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the flexible joint 200 taken along the plane including line 3-3. For better illustration, Figure 3This is a complete cross-sectional view of the flexible joint 200, which includes Figure 2 The cut-off portion of the flexible joint 200.

[0037] One of the engagement grooves 218 in each of the teeth 228 forms a spline engagement between the inner tube 206 and the outer sleeve 220. The spline engagement allows relative axial and radial movement between the inner tube 206 and the outer sleeve 220 relative to the joint's central axis 202, and restricts relative rotation between them. Small gaps may be arranged between each of the teeth 228 and the engagement grooves 218 to allow only a small degree of relative rotation between the inner tube 206 and the outer sleeve 220.

[0038] Figure 3 The inner tube 206 is shown to have six grooves 218, and the outer sleeve 220 has six teeth 228. In other embodiments, the inner tube 206 may have fewer or more than six grooves 218, and correspondingly, the outer sleeve 220 may have fewer or more than six teeth 228, such as three, five, eight, ten, twenty, one hundred, two hundred, etc., depending on design requirements.

[0039] Figure 3 It is also shown that a groove 218 is arranged on the inner tube 206 and a tooth 228 is arranged on the outer tube 220. In other embodiments, the groove 218 may be arranged on the outer tube 220, and correspondingly, the tooth 228 may be arranged on the inner tube 206.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view of another flexible joint 200 used with the gas turbine engine 100. For better illustration, the outer tube 230 is... Figure 4 It was removed from the text.

[0041] The inner tube 206 includes a plurality of lugs 402 that extend axially along the second member 210 and are circumferentially distributed around the second member 210 relative to the central axis 202 of the joint. The plurality of lugs 402 form an internal spline.

[0042] The outer sleeve 220 includes a plurality of slots 404 extending axially along the sliding end 224 and arranged circumferentially around the sliding end 224 relative to the joint central axis 202. The slots 404 are axially closed. The plurality of slots 404 form an external spline.

[0043] Each of the lugs 402 and one of the engaging slots 404 forms a spline engagement between the inner tube 206 and the outer sleeve 220. The spline engagement allows relative axial and radial movement between the inner tube 206 and the outer sleeve 220 relative to the joint's central axis 202, and restricts relative rotation between them. Small gaps may be arranged between each of the lugs 402 and the engaging slots 404 to allow only a small degree of relative rotation between the inner tube 206 and the outer sleeve 220.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of locking washer 238. Locking washer 238 has an inner surface 502 and an outer surface 504. An inner polygonal recess 506 is arranged on the inner surface 502. Figure 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner polygonal socket 506 is an inner hexagonal socket. In other embodiments, the inner polygonal socket may have a shape other than an inner hexagonal socket, such as an inner pentagonal or inner octagonal socket.

[0045] Multiple teeth 508 are arranged on the outer surface 504 of the washer. The teeth 508 extend axially along the outer surface 504 and are circumferentially distributed around the outer surface 504 relative to the central axis 202 of the joint. The teeth 508 also extend radially from the outer surface 504. The teeth 508 form a washer spline. The number of teeth 508 varies according to design requirements. For example, the number of teeth 508 can be three, ten, twenty, one hundred, two hundred, etc.

[0046] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the flexible joint 200 taken along a plane including line 6-6. For better illustration, Figure 6 This is a complete cross-sectional view of the flexible joint 200, which includes Figure 2 The cut-off portion of the flexible joint 200.

[0047] A locking washer 238 is disposed between the inner tube 206 and the outer tube 230. The outer polygonal sleeve 216 of the inner tube 206 engages the inner polygonal socket 506 of the locking washer 238 to connect the inner tube 206 to the locking washer 238 and restrict relative rotation between the inner tube 206 and the locking washer 238 relative to the joint's central axis 202. A small gap may be provided between the outer polygonal sleeve 216 and the inner polygonal socket 506 to allow for thermal expansion.

[0048] The outer tube 230 includes a plurality of grooves forming a pipe spline. Each of the teeth 508 of the locking washer 238 engages one of the grooves of the outer tube 230, forming a spline engagement between the locking washer 238 and the outer tube 230. The spline engagement allows relative axial and radial movement between the locking washer 238 and the outer tube 230 relative to the joint central axis 202, and restricts relative rotation between the locking washer 238 and the outer tube 230. A small gap may be arranged between each of the teeth 508 and the engaged groove to allow only a small degree of relative rotation between the locking washer 238 and the outer tube 230.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of another locking washer 238 for use with the flexible joint 200. The locking washer 238 includes a plurality of holes 702 disposed on an outer surface 504 of the washer. The plurality of holes 702 extend axially along the outer surface 504 of the washer and are circumferentially distributed around the outer surface 504 of the washer relative to the central axis 202 of the joint. A plurality of protrusions 704 extend axially along an end face 706 of the washer and are circumferentially distributed around the end face 706 of the washer relative to the central axis 202 of the joint. In other embodiments, the locking washer 238 may not have the plurality of protrusions 704.

[0050] Figure 8 It is used with Figure 7 A perspective view of the locking end 232 of the outer tube 230 used in conjunction with the locking washer 238. The outer tube 230 has a tube end face 806. A plurality of pins 802 extend axially from the tube end face 806 and are circumferentially distributed around the tube end face 806 relative to the connector central axis 202, the plurality of pins 802 extending parallel to the connector central axis 202. Each of the plurality of pins 802 is movably inserted into a hole defined on the tube end face 806 or fixedly attached to the tube end face 806. A plurality of recesses 804 are circumferentially distributed around the tube end face 806. In other embodiments, the outer tube 230 may not have the plurality of recesses 804.

[0051] In the assembled state, each of the pins 802 engages one of the holes 702, and each of the protrusions 704 also engages one of the recesses 804 to connect the locking washer 238 to the outer tube 230 and allow relative axial and radial movement between the locking washer 238 and the outer tube 230. A small gap may be provided between each of the pins 802 and the engaged holes 702 to allow only a small degree of relative rotation between the locking washer 238 and the outer tube 230.

[0052] Figure 5-8Some embodiments of connecting the locking washer 238 to the outer tube 230 are shown. It should be understood that the locking washer 238 and the outer tube 230 can be connected in any suitable manner, such as a rough surface on the locking washer 238 adjacent to the outer tube 230, a rough surface on the outer tube 230 adjacent to the locking washer 238, or a groove on the locking washer 238 and a tooth 508 on the outer tube 230, etc.

[0053] In operation, torque is applied to the first member 208 of the inner tube 206. A first portion of the torque is transmitted to the locking washer 238 via a locking engagement between the first member 208 and the locking washer 238, and then to the outer tube 230 via a spline engagement between the locking washer 238 and the outer tube 230. A second portion of the torque is transmitted to the bellows 212. A third portion of the torque is transmitted to the outer tube 220 via a spline engagement between the second member 210 and the outer tube 220 at the sliding end 224. The spline engagement allows the bellows 212 to expand and contract axially and restricts its rotation. The anti-rotation feature of the spline engagement and the fixed attachment at the adapter end 222 keep the first member 208 and the second member 210 coaxial and transmit torque to the outer tube 220 around the bellows 212. The first member 208 and the second member 210 are arranged at both ends of the bellows 212. The arrangement of the flexible joint 200 provides anti-rotation control at both ends of the bellows 212 and transmits the torque applied to the bellows 212 to the outer sleeve 220 and the outer tube 230. This arrangement limits the reaction torque through the bellows 212 and improves the service life of the bellows 212.

[0054] The outer sleeve 220 surrounds the entire outer surface of the bellows 212, providing protection for the bellows 212 during handling and assembly. The outer sleeve 220 has a small radial clearance at the sliding end 224, allowing it to act as a leakage limiter for the bellows 212.

[0055] The inner sleeve 204 is removably arranged in the flexible joint 200. This removable arrangement of the inner sleeve 204 provides a clearance between the inner sleeve 204 and the bellows 212, allowing inspection of the inside of the bellows 212. This inspection reduces the risk of friction between the inner sleeve 204 and the bellows 212.

[0056] Although exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, modifications and improvements may be made to the content disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure in its broadest form.

[0057] The descriptions in this application should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step, action, or function is an essential element that must be included within the scope of the claims: the scope of the patentable subject matter is defined only by the granted claims. Furthermore, unless the exact phrase "means for..." is followed by a participle, these claims are not intended to invoke a claim interpretation of "means plus function".

[0058] List of Components in the Attachment 100 Gas Turbine Engine 102 Compressor Section 104 Combustion Section 106 Turbine Section 108 Entrance section 110 Exhaust Section 112 Central Axis 114 Compressor stage 116 Fixed compressor stator vanes 118 Rotary Compressor Driven Blades 120 Combustion Chamber 122 exhaust 124 Turbo Stage 126 Fixed turbine stator vanes 128 Rotary turbine blades 130 Turbine Inlet 132 Control System 134 rotor 200 Flexible Joint 202 Joint center axis 204 inner sleeve 206 Inner Tube 208 First Component 210 Second component 212 Corrugated Pipe 214 ripples 216 Outer polygonal head 218 Groove 220 coat sleeve 222 Adapter end 224 Sliding end 226 rings 228 teeth 230 outer tube 232 Locking end 234 Fixed end 236 Cover plate 238 Locking Washer 402 Protruding Ear 404 slot 502 Inner Surface of Washer 504 Stainless Steel Washer Outer Surface 506 Inner polygonal bearing socket 508 teeth 602 inner surface 604 Groove 702 Holes 704 protrusion 706 washer end face 802 Selling 804 concavity 806 tube end face

Claims

1. A flexible joint, comprising: An inner tube defining a central axis of a joint and having a first member, a second member, and a bellows extending between the first member and the second member, the second member including an internal spline; An outer sleeve having an adapter end fixedly attached to the first member and a sliding end movably attached to the second member, the sliding end including an external spline engaging the internal spline to allow relative axial movement between the sliding end and the second member relative to the central axis of the joint, and to restrict relative rotation between the sliding end and the second member; Outer tube, which surrounds the outer sleeve; as well as A locking washer is located between the first member and the outer tube. The locking washer fixes the first member relative to the outer tube in the rotational direction and axially movably attaches the first member to the outer tube relative to the central axis of the joint.

2. The flexible joint according to claim 1, wherein, The internal spline includes a plurality of grooves, and the external spline includes a plurality of teeth, wherein each groove is arranged to engage one of the teeth.

3. The flexible joint according to claim 1, wherein, The internal spline includes a plurality of lugs, and the external spline includes a plurality of end-closed axially extending slots, wherein each lug is arranged to engage one of the slots.

4. The flexible joint according to claim 1, wherein, The outer tube includes a fixed end and a locking end, wherein the fixed end is fixed to the cover plate in the axial, radial and circumferential directions relative to the central axis of the joint, and wherein the locking end engages the locking washer.

5. The flexible joint according to claim 4, wherein, The locking end includes a plurality of grooves, and the locking washer includes a plurality of teeth, wherein each groove is arranged to engage one of the teeth to allow relative axial movement between the locking end and the locking washer, and to restrict relative rotation between the locking end and the locking washer.

6. The flexible joint according to claim 4, wherein, The locking end includes a plurality of pins extending parallel to the central axis of the connector, and the locking washer includes a plurality of holes, wherein each pin is arranged to engage one of the holes to allow relative axial movement between the locking end and the locking washer and to restrict relative rotation between the locking end and the locking washer.

7. The flexible joint according to claim 1, wherein, The first component includes an outer polygonal sleeve, and the locking washer includes an inner polygonal recess that engages with the outer polygonal sleeve.

8. The flexible joint according to claim 7, wherein, The outer polygonal sleeve includes an outer hexagonal sleeve, and the inner polygonal socket includes an inner hexagonal socket.

9. The flexible joint according to claim 1, wherein, The corrugated pipe includes multiple corrugations that extend circumferentially around the inner pipe.

10. The flexible joint of claim 1, further comprising a collar disposed at the adapter end, wherein one end of the collar is fixedly attached to the outer sleeve, and the other end of the collar is fixedly attached to the first member.

11. The flexible joint of claim 1, further comprising an inner sleeve that extends removably along the central axis of the joint and is surrounded by the inner tube.

12. A method for transmitting torque via a flexible joint, the method comprising: The fixed end of the outer tube is securely attached to the cover plate; The locking end of the outer tube is axially movably attached to the first component, and the locking end is fixedly attached to the first component in the rotational direction; The bellows is axially positioned between the first and second components to define the inner tube; The outer sleeve is circumferentially positioned between the outer tube and the inner tube; The adapter end of the outer sleeve is fixedly attached to the first component, and the sliding end of the outer sleeve is axially movably attached to the second component; as well as A torque is applied to the first component, a first portion of which is transmitted to the outer tube, a second portion of which is transmitted to the bellows, and a third portion of which is transmitted to the outer sleeve.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, Attaching the fixed end to the cover plate includes attaching the fixed end to the cover plate in the axial, radial and circumferential directions.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The sliding end includes an external spline, and the second member includes an internal spline, wherein axially movably attaching the sliding end to the second member includes engaging the external spline with the internal spline.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising connecting the locking end to the first member by a locking washer located between the first member and the locking end.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The locking end includes a plurality of grooves, and the locking washer includes a plurality of teeth, wherein engaging the locking end to the first member includes engaging each groove with one of the teeth to allow relative axial movement between the locking end and the locking washer and to restrict relative rotation between the locking end and the locking washer.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The locking end includes a plurality of pins, and the locking washer includes a plurality of holes, wherein engaging the locking end to the first member includes engaging each pin with one of the holes to allow relative axial movement between the locking end and the locking washer and to restrict relative rotation between the locking end and the locking washer.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The first component includes an outer polygonal sleeve, and the locking washer includes an inner polygonal recess, wherein connecting the locking end to the first component includes engaging the inner polygonal recess with the outer polygonal sleeve to securely attach the locking washer and the first component.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing a plurality of corrugations on the corrugated pipe, the plurality of corrugations extending circumferentially around the inner pipe.

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The adapter end includes a collar, and fixing the adapter end of the outer sleeve to the first component includes fixing one end of the collar to the outer sleeve and fixing the other end of the collar to the first component.

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