A metal bellows expansion joint

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of bellows expansion joint technology and discloses a metal bellows expansion joint, comprising: a metal bellows, end pipes, and flanges. End pipes are fixedly connected to both ends of the metal bellows, and flanges are fixedly sleeved on the outer walls of the end pipes. A support structure is provided on the outer side of the flanges. This metal bellows expansion joint, through the cooperation between the metal bellows, end pipes, flanges, and support structure, creates a certain gap between the expansion joint and the horizontal plate. At this time, the vertical rod can slide laterally inside the horizontal groove, thereby enabling vertical misalignment installation between the two flanges, facilitating smooth on-site installation. After the flanges at both ends of the metal bellows are installed, the first bolt and nut are tightened clockwise in sequence to stably connect the horizontal plate to the flanges and the vertical rod to the horizontal plate. At this time, the support structure can provide stable support force to the two flanges, ensuring the stability of the expansion joint after installation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bellows expansion joint technology, specifically a metal bellows expansion joint. Background Technology

[0002] A metal bellows expansion joint is a flexible connection device used to compensate for the expansion and contraction of pipelines or equipment caused by factors such as temperature changes and mechanical displacement, while absorbing vibration and reducing noise. It consists of components such as metal bellows, end pipes, flow guide tubes, flanges or connecting pipes. The core component is the metal bellows, a thin-walled metal pipe fitting with multiple transverse corrugations made by rolling or hydroforming processes.

[0003] Currently, to ensure stable performance after installation, commercially available metal bellows expansion joints typically have a support structure installed on the outside of the bellows between the two flanges. While this external support structure doesn't affect the expansion tension adjustment, it restricts the angle adjustment of the flange hole positions and prevents misalignment installation between the two flanges. In actual installation, its compatibility is relatively poor, hindering smooth on-site installation work. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a metal bellows expansion joint that, while ensuring stable performance after installation, does not restrict the angle adjustment of the flange hole position, and can also realize the staggered installation between two flanges, facilitating the smooth progress of on-site installation operations, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a metal bellows expansion joint, comprising: a metal bellows, end pipes, and flanges. Both ends of the metal bellows are fixedly connected to end pipes. A flange is fixedly fitted onto the outer wall of each end pipe. A support structure is provided on the outer side of the flange. The support structure includes: two pairs of T-shaped grooves, each pair of T-shaped grooves being respectively opened on the outer wall of one of the two flanges. A T-shaped slider is slidably engaged inside the T-shaped groove. A horizontal plate is fixedly connected to the end of the T-shaped slider away from the flange. A horizontal groove is opened on the upper surface of the horizontal plate. A first bolt is inserted into the inner wall of the horizontal groove. The first bolt passes through the horizontal plate and the T-shaped slider in sequence and abuts against the flange. A vertical rod is provided inside the horizontal groove. Multiple nuts are threaded onto the outer wall of the vertical rod, and the nuts abut against the horizontal plate.

[0006] Preferably, the flange has a double-layer structure, and the two layers of the flange are connected by a second bolt.

[0007] Preferably, the flange has a sealing ring on the surface away from the metal bellows.

[0008] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This metal bellows expansion joint has the following advantages over traditional technology:

[0009] Through the cooperation between the metal bellows, end pipes, flanges, and support structure, when the user installs the metal bellows into the pipeline using two flanges, the first bolt can be turned counterclockwise to separate it from the flange. At this time, the T-shaped slider can slide inside the T-shaped groove, thereby enabling fine adjustment of the flange mounting hole angle. Turning the nut counterclockwise creates a certain gap between it and the horizontal plate, allowing the vertical rod to slide laterally inside the horizontal groove, thus enabling vertical misalignment between the two flanges and facilitating smooth on-site installation. After the flanges at both ends of the metal bellows are installed, the first bolt and nut are tightened clockwise in sequence to stably connect the horizontal plate to the flange and the vertical rod to the horizontal plate. At this time, the support structure can provide stable support force for the two flanges, ensuring the stability of the expansion joint after installation. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic, and the originals and elements are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0012] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0013] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0014] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0015] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A top view of the overall structure of the middle horizontal plate.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Corrugated metal pipe, 2. End pipe, 3. Flange, 4. T-shaped slide, 5. T-shaped slider, 6. Horizontal plate, 7. Horizontal groove, 8. First bolt, 9. Vertical rod, 10. Nut, 11. Second bolt, 12. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0018] Please see Figures 1-5 This utility model provides a technical solution: a metal bellows expansion joint, comprising: a metal bellows 1, an end pipe 2, and a flange 3. Both ends of the metal bellows 1 are fixedly connected to the end pipe 2. The outer wall of the end pipe 2 is fixedly sleeved with the flange 3. The outer side of the flange 3 is provided with a support structure, which includes: two pairs of T-shaped sliding grooves 4. The two pairs of T-shaped sliding grooves 4 are respectively opened on the outer wall of the two flanges 3. A T-shaped slider 5 is slidably engaged inside the T-shaped sliding groove 4. A horizontal plate 6 is fixedly connected to the end of the T-shaped slider 5 away from the flange 3. A horizontal groove 7 is opened on the upper surface of the horizontal plate 6. A first bolt 8 is inserted into the inner wall of the horizontal groove 7. The first bolt 8 passes through the horizontal plate 6 and the T-shaped slider 5 in sequence and abuts against the flange 3. A vertical rod 9 is provided inside the horizontal groove 7. Multiple nuts 10 are threadedly connected to the outer wall of the vertical rod 9. The nuts 10 abut against the horizontal plate 6.

[0019] In practical implementation, it is particularly worth noting that the metal bellows 1 is the core elastic component of the entire expansion joint. It is typically made of stainless steel or other metals with good elasticity and corrosion resistance. Its unique corrugated shape design allows it to generate significant deformation in multiple directions, including axial, lateral, and angular directions. This effectively compensates for displacements caused by temperature changes, pressure fluctuations, and mechanical vibrations in the pipeline system, preventing damage to the pipeline due to excessive stress. The end pipe 2, as the connecting transition component between the metal bellows 1 and the pipeline, generally uses the same or compatible metal material as the metal bellows 1. It is firmly connected to the metal bellows 1 through welding or other processes, ensuring the sealing and strength of the connection, allowing fluid to flow smoothly and steadily between the pipeline and the metal bellows 1. The flange 3 is a key component used to connect and fix the expansion joint to other components in the pipeline system. Its material also needs to have good strength and corrosion resistance, and its surface is usually precision-machined to ensure tightness and reliability when connected to bolts and other fasteners, ensuring the overall pipeline system's tightness. The sealing properties of the T-slide 4 and T-slide 5, combined with their design, provide the support structure with flexible adjustment capabilities. The shape and dimensions of the T-slide 4 are precisely calculated and designed to ensure the stable sliding of the T-slide 5 within it, while preventing it from coming off. The T-slide 5 and the horizontal plate 6 are firmly connected through welding and other processes, ensuring the stability of the structure during adjustment. As the main load-bearing component of the support structure, the horizontal plate 6 must possess sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand various external forces in the pipeline system. The horizontal groove 7 provides space for the installation and adjustment of the vertical rod 9. The first bolt 8 passes through the horizontal plate 6 and the T-slide 5 and abuts against the flange 3, achieving relative fixation between the horizontal plate 6 and the flange 3. When adjustment is required, simply loosening the first bolt 8 allows the T-slide 5 to slide within the T-slide 4, thereby enabling fine-tuning of the mounting hole angle of the flange 3. The lateral sliding of the vertical rod 9 within the horizontal groove 7 and its abutment against the horizontal plate 6 via the nut 10 allow for vertically staggered installation between the two flanges 3, greatly enhancing the adaptability of the expansion joint in complex pipeline systems.

[0020] Furthermore, the flange 3 has a double-layer structure, and the two flanges 3 are connected by a second bolt 11.

[0021] In the specific implementation process, it is worth noting that the double-layer flange 3 can facilitate the installation of T-shaped sliders 5 inside the T-shaped groove 4. The connection between the double-layer flange 3 is achieved by the second bolt 11. The specifications and quantity of the second bolt 11 are reasonably selected according to the size of the flange 3 and the stress conditions to ensure a firm and reliable connection. During the installation process, the second bolt 11 must be tightened according to the specified torque to ensure a tight fit between the double-layer flange 3 and prevent fluid leakage.

[0022] Furthermore, a sealing ring 12 is provided on the surface of the flange 3 away from the metal bellows 1.

[0023] In the specific implementation process, it is worth noting that the sealing ring 12 is a key component to ensure the sealing performance of the expansion joint and other components of the pipeline system. It is usually made of materials with good elasticity and sealing performance, such as rubber. Depending on the different operating conditions and media requirements, sealing rings 12 of different materials and specifications can be selected. The sealing ring 12 is installed on the surface of the flange 3 away from the metal bellows 1. When the flange 3 is connected to other components by bolts, the sealing ring 12 is compressed and deformed, thereby filling the gap between the flange 3 and other components, forming a reliable sealing barrier, effectively preventing fluid leakage in the pipeline system, and ensuring the safe operation of the pipeline system.

[0024] Working principle:

[0025] Overall structural synergy foundation:

[0026] A metal bellows expansion joint consists of key components such as a metal bellows, end pipes, flanges, and a support structure. These components work together to achieve their function. The metal bellows has excellent expansion and contraction performance, which can compensate for displacement caused by factors such as temperature changes and pressure fluctuations in the pipeline system. The end pipes connect the metal bellows to the pipeline, ensuring smooth fluid flow. The flanges, as key components for connection and fixation, are reliably connected to other pipeline components through bolts and other fasteners. The support structure provides stable support for the entire expansion joint, ensuring its stability during operation.

[0027] Fine-tuning of the flange mounting hole angle during installation:

[0028] When the user installs the metal bellows 1 into the pipeline using the two flanges 3, if a fine adjustment of the mounting hole angle of the flange 3 is required, the first bolt 8 can be turned counterclockwise to separate it from the flange 3. At this time, the T-shaped slider 5, which was originally restricted by the first bolt 8, can slide freely inside the T-shaped groove 4. Due to the specific connection between the T-shaped slider 5 and the flange 3, the sliding of the T-shaped slider 5 will cause the flange 3 to rotate accordingly, thereby achieving precise fine adjustment of the mounting hole angle of the flange 3 to meet the installation angle requirements of different pipeline systems and improve the adaptability of the installation.

[0029] During installation, the two flanges are installed vertically offset:

[0030] After fine-tuning the flange mounting hole angle, if vertical misalignment between the two flanges 3 is still required, the nut 10 can be rotated counterclockwise to create a gap between the nut 10 and the horizontal plate 6. This operation removes the restriction of the nut 10 on the vertical rod 9 in the vertical direction. At this time, the vertical rod 9 can slide laterally inside the horizontal groove 7. The lateral sliding of the vertical rod 9 will cause the connected components to change position, thereby enabling the two flanges 3 to adjust their relative positions in the vertical and horizontal directions, achieving vertical misalignment installation. This further enhances the installation flexibility of the expansion joint in complex pipeline systems and facilitates the smooth progress of on-site installation operations.

[0031] The principle of stable support after installation:

[0032] After the flanges 3 at both ends of the metal bellows 1 have been flexibly adjusted and installed, tighten the first bolt 8 and nut 10 clockwise in sequence. Tightening the first bolt 8 will make the horizontal plate 6 and the flange 3 tightly connected, forming a stable overall structure and preventing the flange 3 from loosening or shifting during use. Tightening the nut 10 will make the vertical rod 9 and the horizontal plate 6 stably connected, ensuring the overall rigidity and stability of the support structure. At this time, the support structure can fully exert its supporting role and provide stable supporting force to the two flanges 3. This supporting force can effectively resist various external forces in the pipeline system, such as fluid pressure and pipeline vibration, thereby ensuring the stability of the expansion joint after installation, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the metal bellows expansion joint in the pipeline system, and extending its service life.

[0033] Through flexible adjustments during the installation process and stable support after installation, the metal bellows expansion joint can adapt to the installation requirements of different pipeline systems. While ensuring its own stable operation, it can effectively compensate for the displacement of the pipeline system and ensure the safe and reliable operation of the entire pipeline system.

[0034] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A metal bellows expansion joint, comprising: The metal bellows (1), end pipes (2), and flanges (3) are provided. Both ends of the metal bellows (1) are fixedly connected to end pipes (2). The outer wall of the end pipes (2) is fixedly fitted with flanges (3). The flanges (3) are characterized in that: a support structure is provided on the outer side of the flanges (3), and two pairs of T-shaped grooves (4) are provided. The two pairs of T-shaped grooves (4) are respectively opened on the outer wall of the two flanges (3). T-shaped sliders (5) are slidably engaged inside the T-shaped grooves (4). (5) A horizontal plate (6) is fixed to the end away from the flange (3). A horizontal groove (7) is provided on the upper surface of the horizontal plate (6). A first bolt (8) is inserted into the inner wall of the horizontal groove (7). The first bolt (8) passes through the horizontal plate (6) and the T-shaped slider (5) in sequence and abuts against the flange (3). A vertical rod (9) is provided inside the horizontal groove (7). A plurality of nuts (10) are threaded on the outer wall of the vertical rod (9). The nuts (10) abut against the horizontal plate (6).

2. The metal bellows expansion joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flange (3) has a double-layer structure, and the two layers of the flange (3) are connected by a second bolt (11).

3. The metal bellows expansion joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flange (3) has a sealing ring (12) on the surface away from the metal bellows (1).

Images