Flange connection structure, muffler assembly and vehicle

Abstract

This utility model discloses a flange connection structure, a muffler assembly, and a vehicle. The flange connection structure includes: a first flange with a mounting groove, a first mounting hole on its outer peripheral wall, and a first groove on the inner peripheral wall of the first mounting hole; a second flange with a mounting protrusion, a second mounting hole on its outer peripheral wall, and a second, third, and fourth groove on the inner peripheral wall of the second mounting hole; a guide hole on the side wall of the fourth groove, an elastic element within the guide hole, a locking element connected to the elastic element, and the mounting protrusion fitting into the mounting groove; and a fixing member with a fixing pin on its outer peripheral wall, the fixing member passing through the first and second mounting holes, the fixing pin being located in the fourth groove, and at least a portion of the locking member extending out of the guide hole and opposite the fixing pin. According to this flange connection structure, the difficulty of arranging the muffler on a vehicle can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a flange connection structure, a muffler assembly, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The muffler is an important component of the vehicle exhaust system. As emission standards continue to be upgraded, vehicle exhaust systems are becoming more and more complex, and the space required for the components in the exhaust system is also increasing. The space left for the muffler on the vehicle is becoming smaller. The muffler is usually connected to other components in the exhaust system through a flange. In related technologies, the flange connection structure at the end of the muffler is relatively large, making it more difficult to install the muffler on the vehicle. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides a flange connection structure that can reduce the difficulty of muffler placement.

[0004] This utility model also proposes a silencer having the above-mentioned flange connection structure.

[0005] This utility model also proposes a vehicle having the above-mentioned muffler assembly.

[0006] The flange connection structure according to a first aspect of this utility model includes: a first flange, wherein an annular mounting groove is formed at one axial end of the first flange, a first mounting hole is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the first flange, and a first groove is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the first mounting hole, the first mounting hole and the first groove both extending radially along the first flange to communicate with the mounting groove, and the first groove penetrating the outer peripheral wall of the first flange; and a second flange, wherein an annular mounting protrusion is formed at one axial end of the second flange, a second mounting hole is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the mounting protrusion, and a second groove, a third groove and a fourth groove are formed on the inner peripheral wall of the second mounting hole, the second mounting hole, the second groove and the fourth groove all extending radially along the second flange, and the third groove extending radially along the circumference of the second mounting hole. Extending radially in the second flange, the inner end of the second groove is connected to one end of the third groove and the outer end passes through the mounting protrusion; the outer end of the fourth groove is connected to the other end of the third groove; an elastic element and a locking element are provided, wherein a guide hole is formed on the side wall opposite to the third groove of the fourth groove, the elastic element is disposed in the guide hole, the locking element is connected to the elastic element, the mounting protrusion is fitted in the mounting groove, the first mounting hole is opposite to the second mounting hole, and the first groove is opposite to the second groove; a fixing element is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the fixing element, the fixing element passes through the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole, the fixing pin is fitted in the fourth groove, and at least a portion of the locking element is opposite to the fixing pin in the radial direction of the second flange.

[0007] According to the flange connection structure of the first aspect of this utility model, on the one hand, by cooperating with the mounting boss and the mounting groove, the axial arrangement space of the first flange and the second flange can partially overlap, thereby reducing the axial size of the flange connection structure. The muffler requires less arrangement space when connected to other components through the flange connection structure, which can reduce the difficulty of arranging the muffler on the vehicle. On the other hand, the operation of connecting the first flange and the second flange is more convenient, and the reliability after connection is higher. In addition, less material is used during connection, which can reduce production costs.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the locking member includes a locking ball portion, at least a portion of which is radially opposite to the fixing pin portion of the second flange.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the locking ball portion and the edge of the guide hole are radially opposite to each other on the second flange.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this utility model, in the corresponding first mounting hole and second mounting hole, there are multiple first grooves, second grooves, third grooves, fourth grooves, elastic members, locking members and fixing pins, and the first grooves, second grooves, third grooves, fourth grooves, elastic members, locking members and fixing pins correspond one-to-one.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second flange is a cylindrical shape with open ends, and the sidewall of the second flange is formed as the mounting protrusion.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flange connection structure further includes: a sealing element, the sealing element being annular, the sealing element being sealingly connected between the mounting protrusion and the inner wall of the mounting groove.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the end of the fastener exposed in the first mounting hole is further provided with an indicator portion, which is used to indicate the position of the fixing pin portion in the third groove.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the indicator portion includes an indicator groove, and both the indicator groove and the fixing pin portion extend along a first direction.

[0015] A muffler assembly according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: the flange connection structure described above according to the first aspect of the present invention; and a muffler connected to the first flange or the second flange.

[0016] According to the muffler assembly of the second aspect of the present invention, by setting the flange connection structure according to the first aspect of the present invention, the space occupied by the muffler assembly can be reduced, thereby facilitating the arrangement of the muffler on the vehicle.

[0017] The vehicle according to the third aspect of the present invention includes: the muffler assembly according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0018] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the design difficulty of the vehicle can be reduced by setting the muffler assembly according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flange connection structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the flange connection structure shown;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the first flange shown;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the second flange shown;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the second flange according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic member and locking member according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the fastener shown;

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the fastener from another angle;

[0028] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the fastener at another angle shown;

[0029] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the seal shown.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 100. Flange connection structure;

[0032] 10. First flange; 11. Mounting groove; 12. First mounting hole; 13. First recess;

[0033] 20. Second flange; 21. Second mounting hole; 22. Second groove; 23. Third groove; 24. Fourth groove;

[0034] 30. Elastic components;

[0035] 40. Locking components;

[0036] 50. Fastener; 51. Fixing pin; 52. Indicator;

[0037] 60. Sealing element; 61. Sealing rib. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0039] The following is for reference. Figures 1-10 A flange connection structure 100 according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0040] like Figures 1-9 As shown, the flange connection structure 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: a first flange 10, a second flange 20, a fixing member 50, an elastic member 30, and a locking member 40.

[0041] Specifically, the first flange 10 has an annular mounting groove 11 at one axial end, a first mounting hole 12 is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the first flange 10, and a first groove 13 is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the first mounting hole 12. Both the first mounting hole 12 and the first groove 13 extend radially along the first flange 10 to communicate with the mounting groove 11. The first groove 13 penetrates the outer peripheral wall of the first flange 10. The second flange 20 has an annular mounting protrusion at one axial end, a second mounting hole 21 is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the mounting protrusion, and a second groove 22, a third groove 23, and a fourth groove 24 are formed on the inner peripheral wall of the second mounting hole 21. The second mounting hole 21, the second groove 22, and the fourth groove 24 all extend radially along the second flange 20. The third groove 23 extends radially along the second mounting hole 21. Extending circumferentially, in the radial direction of the second flange 20, the inner end of the second groove 22 is connected to one end of the third groove 23 and the outer end passes through the mounting protrusion. The outer end of the fourth groove 24 is connected to the other end of the third groove 23. A guide hole is formed on the side wall of the fourth groove 24 opposite to the third groove 23. The elastic element 30 is disposed in the guide hole. The locking element 40 is connected to the elastic element 30. The mounting protrusion is fitted in the mounting groove 11. The first mounting hole 12 is opposite to the second mounting hole 21. The first groove 13 is opposite to the second groove 22. A fixing pin 51 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the fixing element 50. The fixing element 50 passes through the first mounting hole 12 and the second mounting hole 21. The fixing pin 51 is fitted in the fourth groove 24. At least a portion of the locking element 40 is opposite to the fixing pin 51 in the radial direction of the second flange 20.

[0042] During assembly, the mounting boss is first inserted into the mounting groove 11, aligning the second mounting hole 21 with the first mounting hole 12 and the second groove 22 with the first groove 13. Then, the fastener 50 is inserted into the first mounting hole 12 and the second mounting hole 21, with the fixing pin 51 extending from the first groove 13 into the second groove 22. When the fixing pin 51 is inserted to the position opposite the third groove 23, the fastener 50 is rotated to move the fixing pin 51 towards the guide hole within the third groove 23. When the fixing pin 51 contacts the locking member 40, the locking pin 51... As the locking pin 51 moves, it gradually pushes the locking member 40 to compress the elastic member 30, causing the locking member 40 to retract into the guide hole. When the locking pin 51 moves to be opposite to the fourth groove 24, it continues to extend into the locking member 50 along the depth direction of the first mounting hole 12 and the second mounting hole 21, so that the locking pin 51 extends into the fourth groove 24. At this time, the locking pin 51 disengages from the locking member 40. Under the action of the elastic member 30, the locking member 40 moves away from the guide hole to be opposite to the locking pin 51 in the radial direction of the second flange 20. Thus, the connection between the first flange 10 and the second flange 20 can be realized.

[0043] During the movement of the fixing pin 51 within the second groove 22, it can be determined that the fixing pin 51 is aligned with the third groove 23 when it moves to abut against the side wall opposite to the third groove 23 and the second groove 22. Then, the fixing member 50 is rotated to move the fixing pin 51 toward the guide hole. Alternatively, a corresponding indicator mark can be provided on the outer peripheral wall of the fixing member 50, and the relative position of the indicator mark and the first flange 10 is used to determine whether the fixing pin 51 is aligned with the third groove 23. Similarly, during the movement of the fixing pin 51 within the third groove 23, it can be determined that the fixing pin 51 is aligned with the fourth groove 24 when it moves to abut against the side wall opposite to the fourth groove 24 and the third groove 23. Then, the fixing member 50 is pushed to extend the fixing pin 51 into the fourth groove 24. Alternatively, a corresponding indicator 52 can be provided on the exposed end of the fixing member 50 in the first mounting hole 12, and the relative position of the indicator 52 and the first flange 10 is used to determine whether the fixing pin 51 is aligned with the fourth groove 24.

[0044] It is understandable that the mounting boss is set in the mounting groove 11, and part of the axial arrangement space of the first flange 10 and the second flange 20 will overlap. In this way, the axial dimension of the first flange 10 and the second flange 20 after connection is small. When the muffler is connected to other components using the flange connection structure 100 in this embodiment, the muffler and the flange connection structure 100 occupy less arrangement space, and the muffler is easier to arrange on the vehicle, thereby reducing the difficulty of arranging the muffler on the vehicle.

[0045] During assembly, the operator only needs to push and rotate the fixing member 50 to connect the first flange 10 and the second flange 20, which is relatively simple. During assembly, the fixing pin 51 pushes the locking member 40 to compress the elastic member 30, which can provide clearance for the fixing pin 51. After assembly, under the action of the elastic member 30, the locking member 40 extends to be opposite the fixing pin 51, thereby preventing the fixing pin 51 from coming out of the fourth groove 24. The third groove 23 and the second groove 22 are set vertically. During the operation of the muffler, even if the fixing pin 51 squeezes the locking member 40 and causes the fixing pin 51 to enter the third groove 23 from the fourth groove 24, the third groove 23 can still limit the fixing pin 51. In this way, the reliability of the connection between the first flange 10 and the second flange 20 can be improved.

[0046] In addition, during the connection of the first flange 10 and the second flange 20, only one component, the fastener 50, is needed at the first mounting hole 12 and the second mounting hole 21 to achieve the connection of the first flange 10 and the second flange 20, which can reduce the materials used during the connection and thus reduce production costs.

[0047] Preferably, the elastic element 30 is a spring.

[0048] According to the flange connection structure 100 of the first aspect of the present invention, on the one hand, by cooperating with the mounting boss and the mounting groove 11, the axial arrangement space of the first flange 10 and the second flange 20 can partially overlap, thereby reducing the axial size of the flange connection structure 100. When the muffler is connected to other components through the flange connection structure 100, the required arrangement space is smaller, which can reduce the difficulty of arranging the muffler on the vehicle. On the other hand, the operation of connecting the first flange 10 and the second flange 20 is more convenient, and the reliability after connection is higher. In addition, less material is used during connection, which can reduce production costs.

[0049] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the locking member 40 includes a locking ball portion, at least a portion of which is radially opposite the fixing pin portion 51 to the second flange 20.

[0050] In other words, either the locking ball portion or the fixing pin portion 51 can be radially opposite to the second flange 20, or the entire locking ball portion can be radially opposite to the fixing pin portion 51 of the second flange 20.

[0051] Understandably, when the locking member 40 limits the fixing pin 51, the outermost end of the side edge of the locking member 40 facing the fixing pin 51 abuts against the fixing pin 51. By providing a locking ball, the locking ball limits the fixing pin 51, which can reduce the material used in the part of the locking member 40 that does not limit the locking ball. In addition, the force distribution on the locking ball is more uniform, and the structural strength of the locking ball is higher.

[0052] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the locking ball and the edge of the guide hole are radially opposite to the second flange 20.

[0053] In other words, the locking ball portion is opposite to the fixing pin portion 51, and the locking ball portion is opposite to the edge of the guide hole. In this way, when the fixing member 50 shakes and the fixing pin portion 51 impacts the locking ball portion, the edge of the guide hole can abut against the locking ball portion, thereby reducing the shaking caused by the fixing pin portion 51 impacting the locking ball portion and reducing the noise of the first mounting hole 12 and the second mounting point.

[0054] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 2-5 As shown, in the corresponding first mounting hole 12 and second mounting hole 21, there are multiple first grooves 13, second grooves 22, third grooves 23, fourth grooves 24, elastic elements 30, locking elements 40, and fixing pins 51. Each of the first groove 13, second groove 22, third groove 23, fourth groove 24 corresponds one-to-one with the elastic elements 30, locking elements 40, and fixing pins 51. For example, there may be two, three, or four first grooves 13, second grooves 22, third grooves 23, and fixing pins 51.

[0055] In this way, each set of fixing pins 51 and locking elements 40 can be locked and limited, and multiple fixing pins 51 can share the radial force on the fixing element 50 from multiple positions on the fixing element 50. The force on a single fixing pin 51 is smaller, and the probability of the fixing pin 51 being damaged or even broken is lower, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the first flange 10 and the second flange 20.

[0056] Preferably, the first flange 10 is provided with a plurality of first mounting holes 12, and the second flange 20 is provided with a plurality of second mounting holes 21, wherein the first mounting holes 12 and the second mounting holes 21 correspond one-to-one.

[0057] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, the second flange 20 is a cylindrical shape with open ends, and the sidewall of the second flange 20 is formed as a mounting protrusion.

[0058] In this way, the structure of the second flange 20 is relatively simple, and the contact area between the first flange 10 and the second flange 20 is large, which can improve the sealing reliability of the connection between the first flange 10 and the second flange 20, and improve the stability of the connection between the first flange 10 and the second flange 20.

[0059] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 10 As shown, the flange connection structure 100 also includes a sealing element 60, which is annular and is sealed between the mounting protrusion and the inner wall of the mounting groove 11.

[0060] By setting the sealing element 60, the sealing reliability between the first flange 10 and the second flange 20 can be improved, and the sealing element 60 can absorb some of the vibration between the first flange 10 and the second flange 20, thereby improving the stability of the flange connection structure 100.

[0061] The sealing element 60 has a sealing rib 61 on one side, which abuts against the mounting boss, and the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11 abuts against the other side of the sealing element 60.

[0062] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the end of the fastener 50 exposed in the first mounting hole 12 is also provided with an indicator 52, which is used to indicate the position of the fixing pin 51 in the third groove 23.

[0063] The first flange 10 has a reference part. When the fixing pin 51 moves to be opposite to the fourth groove 24, the relative angle or relative position of the indicator part 52 and the reference part is fixed. For example, the relative angle between the indicator part 52 and the edge of the first flange 10 can be observed. Alternatively, an indicator mark can be set on the first flange 10 to observe the relative angle or relative position relationship between the indicator part 52 and the indicator mark.

[0064] During the assembly process, as the fastener 50 rotates, the fixing pin 51 moves within the third groove 23, and the indicator 52 also rotates accordingly. When the relative angle or relative position between the indicator 52 and the reference part on the first flange 10 reaches the aforementioned fixed angle or position, it can be determined that the fixing pin 51 has moved into place within the third groove 23. Then, the operator can continue to push the fastener 50 inward, causing the fixing pin 51 to be pushed into the fourth groove 24.

[0065] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the indicator 52 includes an indicator groove, and both the indicator groove and the fixing pin 51 extend along a first direction.

[0066] In this way, the indicator groove can more intuitively reflect the position of the fixing pin 51 in the third groove 23, thereby enabling the operator to make a judgment more easily and quickly.

[0067] A muffler assembly according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: the flange connection structure 100 and the muffler described in the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the muffler is connected to a first flange 10 or a second flange 20.

[0068] According to the second aspect embodiment of the present invention, by providing the flange connection structure 100 according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention, the space occupied by the muffler assembly can be reduced, thereby facilitating the arrangement of the muffler on the vehicle.

[0069] The vehicle according to a third aspect of the present invention includes: the muffler assembly according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0070] The design difficulty of the vehicle according to the third aspect embodiment of the present invention can be reduced by setting the muffler assembly according to the second aspect embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 this utility model.

[0072] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0073] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0074] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0075] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand 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 claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A flange connection structure characterized by, include: A first flange has an annular mounting groove at one end in the axial direction, a first mounting hole is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the first flange, and a first groove is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the first mounting hole. Both the first mounting hole and the first groove extend radially along the first flange to communicate with the mounting groove, and the first groove penetrates the outer peripheral wall of the first flange. The second flange has an annular mounting protrusion at one axial end. A second mounting hole is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the mounting protrusion. A second groove, a third groove, and a fourth groove are formed on the inner peripheral wall of the second mounting hole. The second mounting hole, the second groove, and the fourth groove all extend radially along the second flange. The third groove extends circumferentially along the second mounting hole. In the radial direction of the second flange, the inner end of the second groove is connected to one end of the third groove, and the outer end of the second groove passes through the mounting protrusion. The outer end of the fourth groove is connected to the other end of the third groove. The fourth groove and the third groove have a guide hole formed on their sidewalls opposite to each other. The elastic element is disposed in the guide hole. The locking element is connected to the elastic element. The mounting protrusion is fitted into the mounting groove. The first mounting hole is opposite to the second mounting hole. The first groove is opposite to the second groove. The fastener has a fixing pin on its outer peripheral wall, the fastener passes through the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole, the fixing pin is engaged in the fourth groove, and at least a portion of the locking member is radially opposite to the fixing pin on the second flange.

2. The flange joint structure according to claim 1, characterized by The locking element includes a locking ball portion, at least a portion of which is radially opposite the retaining pin portion to the second flange.

3. The flange joint structure according to claim 2, characterized by The locking ball and the edge of the guide hole are radially opposite each other on the second flange.

4. The flange joint structure according to claim 1, wherein In the corresponding first mounting hole and second mounting hole, there are multiple first grooves, second grooves, third grooves, fourth grooves, elastic elements, locking elements, and fixing pins, and the first grooves, second grooves, third grooves, fourth grooves, elastic elements, locking elements, and fixing pins correspond one-to-one.

5. The flange joint structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by The second flange is a cylindrical shape with open ends, and the sidewall of the second flange is formed as the mounting protrusion.

6. The flange joint structure according to claim 1, wherein The flange connection structure further includes a sealing element, which is annular and is sealed between the mounting protrusion and the inner wall of the mounting groove.

7. The flange connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastener also has an indicator at one end exposed in the first mounting hole, which is used to indicate the position of the fixing pin in the third groove.

8. The flange joint structure according to claim 7, wherein The indicator portion includes an indicator groove, and both the indicator groove and the fixing pin portion extend along a first direction.

9. A muffler assembly characterized by, include: The flange connection structure according to any one of claims 1-8; A silencer, which is connected to either the first flange or the second flange.

10. A vehicle characterized by comprising: include: The muffler assembly as claimed in claim 9.

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