Bellows assembly and air conditioning system
By winding helical springs and braided layers in the troughs of the bellows, the cracking problem caused by stress concentration in the bellows is solved, improving the flexibility and pressure resistance of the bellows, making it suitable for refrigerant piping in air conditioning systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GD MIDEA HEATING & VENTILATING EQUIP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing corrugated pipes suffer from stress concentration at the troughs, leading to pipe cracking. Increasing the thickness to prevent cracking would increase costs and reduce flexibility.
A helical spring is wound in the trough of the bellows, and the bellows is made of plastic material, combined with a braided layer to reduce stress concentration and enhance pressure resistance and flexibility.
By reducing stress concentration in the troughs, the wall thickness of the corrugated pipe is reduced, improving flexibility and load-bearing capacity. At the same time, in the refrigerant or other internal environments, the vibration damping effect of the equipment is enhanced. Moreover, due to the good extensibility of the corrugated pipe assembly, it has a good function of compensating for displacement.
Smart Images
Figure CN224479384U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This article relates to the field of pipeline connection technology, and in particular to a corrugated pipe assembly and air conditioning system. Background Technology
[0002] Corrugated pipes are widely used in various piping systems, serving as flexible connectors to compensate for displacement, reduce vibration, and lower noise. Simulation results show that under internal pressure, stress concentration typically occurs at the troughs and crests of the corrugated pipe, with the stress concentration effect at the troughs being significantly greater than that at the crests.
[0003] Currently, to prevent the pipe body from cracking, the thickness of the corrugated pipe body is increased. However, increasing the thickness not only increases the cost, but also reduces the flexibility of the corrugated pipe. Utility Model Content
[0004] This utility model provides a corrugated pipe assembly and an air conditioning system to solve the problem in the prior art where the corrugated pipe body is prone to cracking due to stress concentration at the troughs.
[0005] An embodiment of this application provides a bellows assembly, including: a bellows, pipe joints connected to both ends of the bellows, and a helical spring; the bellows is provided with helically extending troughs and crests, and the helical spring is wound inside the troughs;
[0006] The bellows is made of plastic, and the helical spring is configured to cause the bellows to be in a contracted state in the axial direction.
[0007] In one embodiment, the helical spring is made of steel wire.
[0008] In one embodiment, the corrugated pipe is made of polytetrafluoroethylene or nylon.
[0009] In one embodiment, the two ends of the helical spring are welded to the corresponding pipe joints.
[0010] In one embodiment, the bellows assembly further includes a braided layer located outside the bellows and the helical spring.
[0011] In one embodiment, the woven layer is made of polyester or nylon.
[0012] In one embodiment, straight pipe sections are respectively provided at both ends of the corrugated pipe, and connecting portions extending to the straight pipe sections are respectively provided at both ends of the helical spring. The braided layer extends to the straight pipe section and covers the connecting portions. The pipe joint is connected to the straight pipe section and the connecting portions and the braided layer on the outside of the straight pipe section by crimping.
[0013] In one embodiment, the trough radius of the bellows is R1, and the spring wire radius of the helical spring is R2, 0.02 mm. <R2-R1<0.5mm。
[0014] In one embodiment, the bellows assembly, in its free state, has an outer diameter φ of 8-12.7 mm, a wave pitch of 1.2-1.5 mm, and a wave height of 1.5-2 mm.
[0015] Alternatively, when the bellows assembly is in its free state, its outer diameter φ is 12.7-19 mm, its wave pitch is 2.5-3 mm, and its wave height is 3-4 mm.
[0016] Alternatively, when the bellows assembly is in its free state, its outer diameter φ is 19-28.6 mm, its wave pitch is 3-3.5 mm, and its wave height is 3.5-4.5 mm.
[0017] Embodiments of this application also provide an air conditioning system, including a refrigerant pipeline for conveying refrigerant, the refrigerant pipeline including the corrugated pipe assembly as described above.
[0018] The technical solution provided in this application reduces stress concentration at the troughs of the bellows by winding helical springs in the troughs, thereby enhancing the pressure-bearing capacity of the bellows. This allows for a reduction in the wall thickness of the bellows, enabling the bellows to have a higher corrugation height and a smaller corrugation pitch, which in turn improves the flexibility of the bellows.
[0019] Furthermore, in the bellows assembly provided in this application, the bellows is made of plastic, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or nylon. Compared to metal bellows, plastic bellows offer improved flexibility and allow for a larger axial contraction length of the bellows relative to the helical spring. Thus, when using this bellows assembly, for example, in the refrigerant piping of an air conditioning system, energy can be dissipated through the contraction of the pipe length under the impact of refrigerant or other internal media, enhancing the vibration damping effect of the pipe body. Moreover, due to the good flexibility and extensibility of the bellows assembly, it also provides good displacement compensation.
[0020] Other features and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain the technical solution of this utility model and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solution of this utility model.
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in which a helical spring is wound around a bellows according to one embodiment of the present application;
[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure shown;
[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the structure.
[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0026] 1-Corrugated pipe; 11-Corrugated pipe section; 12-Straight pipe section; 2-Helical spring. Detailed Implementation
[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.
[0028] Embodiments of this application provide a bellows assembly, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the system includes: a bellows 1, pipe fittings (not shown) connecting both ends of the bellows 1, and a helical spring 2. The bellows 1 has spirally extending troughs and crests, with the helical spring 2 wound within the troughs. The bellows 1 is made of plastic, and the helical spring 2 is configured to cause the bellows 1 to be in a contracted state axially. The contracted state of the bellows 1 due to the helical spring 2 means that the length of the bellows 1 after being wound with the helical spring 2 is shorter than the length without the helical spring 2.
[0029] The technical solution provided in this application reduces stress concentration at the troughs of the bellows 1 by winding a helical spring 2 in the troughs of the bellows 1, thereby enhancing the pressure-bearing capacity of the bellows 1. This allows for a reduction in the wall thickness of the bellows 1, which in turn allows the bellows 1 to have a higher corrugation height and a smaller corrugation pitch, thus improving the flexibility of the bellows 1.
[0030] Furthermore, in the bellows assembly provided in this application, the bellows 1 is made of plastic, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or nylon. Compared to metal bellows, plastic bellows offer improved flexibility and allow the helical spring 2 to have a larger axial contraction length relative to the bellows 1. Thus, when using this bellows assembly, for example in the refrigerant piping of an air conditioning system, energy can be dissipated through the contraction of the pipe length under the impact of refrigerant or other internal media, enhancing the vibration damping effect of the pipe body. Moreover, due to the good flexibility and extensibility of the bellows assembly, it also provides good displacement compensation.
[0031] The helical spring 2 can be made of steel wire. Steel wire springs have higher elasticity, which is more conducive to improving the elasticity of the bellows assembly. Of course, in other embodiments, the helical spring 2 can also be made of other materials that can improve the spring's elasticity.
[0032] In one embodiment, the two ends of the helical spring 2 can be welded to the corresponding pipe joints. That is, the helical spring 2 is confined to the bellows 1 by welding to prevent the helical spring 2 from moving along the troughs of the bellows.
[0033] In one embodiment, the bellows assembly further includes a braided layer (not shown), located outside the bellows 1 and the helical spring 2. The braided layer 1 limits the maximum elongation of the bellows assembly, preventing excessive stretching and damage to the pipe body. Furthermore, the braided layer reduces stress concentration at the corrugations, thus addressing the stress concentration problem at the corrugations of the bellows 1.
[0034] The braided layer can be made of polyester or nylon. Using this material to make the braided layer improves its elasticity, allowing for a longer extension and contraction length of the bellows 1. Of course, the braided layer can also be made of metal or other materials.
[0035] To allow the corrugated pipe 1 and the braided layer to connect to the pipe fittings at both ends, straight pipe sections 12 are respectively provided at both ends of the corrugated pipe 1, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the corrugated pipe 1 includes a corrugated pipe section 11 and straight pipe sections 12 located at both ends of the corrugated pipe section 11. The two ends of the helical spring 2 are respectively provided with connecting portions extending to the straight pipe sections 12. These connecting portions can be straight segments extending axially along the outer side of the straight pipe sections 12. A braided layer extends onto the straight pipe sections 12 and covers the connecting portions. The straight pipe sections 12, the connecting portions at the ends of the helical spring 2, and the braided layer are connected to the corresponding pipe fittings by crimping. Crimping connection is a common technique used by those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.
[0036] In one embodiment, reference Figure 3, the radius of the trough of the bellows 1 is R1, and the radius of the spring wire of the helical spring 2 is R2, where 0.02 mm < R2 - R1 < 0.5 mm. By setting the radius of the spring wire of the helical spring 2 to match the trough, the helical spring 2 can significantly reduce the stress concentration at the trough. In contrast, if the radius of the spring wire is too small compared to the radius of the trough, it cannot effectively reduce the stress at the trough, and if the radius of the spring wire is too large, it will affect the contraction degree of the bellows assembly.
[0037] In one example, when the bellows assembly is in the free state, the outer diameter φ is 8 - 12.7 mm, the pitch d is 1.2 - 1.5 mm, and the height h is 1.5 - 2 mm. In another example, when the bellows assembly is in the free state, the outer diameter φ is 12.7 - 19 mm, the pitch d is 2.5 - 3 mm, and the height h is 3 - 4 mm. In yet another example, when the bellows assembly is in the free state, the outer diameter φ is 19 - 28.6 mm, the pitch d is 3 - 3.5 mm, and the height h is 3.5 - 4.5 mm. Here, the pitch d refers to the distance between two adjacent wave crests (or troughs) of the bellows 1 in the bellows assembly, and the height h refers to the height difference between the trough and the wave crest. Compared with the existing bellows assemblies, the bellows assembly provided in this application has a smaller pitch and a larger height, so the bellows assembly provided in this application has a larger telescopic length and better flexibility.
[0038] The embodiment of this application also provides an air - conditioning system, including a refrigerant pipeline for transporting refrigerant, and the refrigerant pipeline includes the bellows assembly as described above.
[0039] The refrigerant pipeline adopts the bellows assembly as described above. Compared with the current refrigerant pipeline using a metal pipe (such as a copper pipe), it has good connection flexibility and shock absorption, and can effectively solve the problems caused by vibration or stress deformation in the air - conditioning system.
[0040] In the air - conditioning system, since the compressor generates relatively large vibration during operation, the bellows assemblies provided in this application can be respectively connected to the suction end and the discharge end of the compressor. This can not only increase the flexibility of the pipeline connection, but also effectively reduce noise and solve the stress problem caused by vibration.
[0041] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "one side", "the other side", "one end", "the other end", "side", "opposite", "four corners", "perimeter", "the 'mouth' - shaped structure", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the structure referred to has a specific orientation, is constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation to the present utility model.
[0042] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "direct connection," "indirect connection," "fixed connection," "installation," and "assembly" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. The terms "installation," "connection," and "fixed connection" can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or they can refer to the internal communication between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0043] Although the embodiments disclosed in this utility model are as described above, the content described is only for the purpose of facilitating understanding of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. Any person skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make any modifications and changes in the form and details of the implementation without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed in this utility model, but the patent protection scope of this utility model shall still be defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A bellows assembly, characterized in that, include: A bellows, pipe fittings connected to both ends of the bellows, and a helical spring; the bellows is provided with helically extending troughs and crests, and the helical spring is wound inside the troughs; The bellows is made of plastic, and the helical spring is configured to cause the bellows to be in a contracted state in the axial direction.
2. The bellows assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The helical spring is made of steel wire.
3. The bellows assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The corrugated pipe is made of polytetrafluoroethylene or nylon.
4. The bellows assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two ends of the helical spring are respectively welded to the corresponding pipe joints.
5. The bellows assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a braided layer located outside the bellows and the helical spring.
6. The bellows assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The woven layer is made of polyester or nylon.
7. The bellows assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The corrugated pipe has straight pipe sections at both ends, and the helical spring has connecting parts extending to the straight pipe sections at both ends. The braided layer extends to the straight pipe sections and covers the connecting parts. The pipe joint is connected to the straight pipe sections, the connecting parts on the outside of the straight pipe sections, and the braided layer by crimping.
8. The bellows assembly according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The corrugated pipe has a trough radius of R1, and the coil spring has a wire radius of R2, which is 0.02 mm. <R2-R1<0.5mm。 9. The bellows assembly according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, When the bellows assembly is in its free state, its outer diameter φ is 8-12.7mm, its wave pitch is 1.2-1.5mm, and its wave height is 1.5-2mm. Alternatively, when the bellows assembly is in its free state, its outer diameter φ is 12.7-19 mm, its wave pitch is 2.5-3 mm, and its wave height is 3-4 mm. Alternatively, when the bellows assembly is in its free state, its outer diameter φ is 19-28.6 mm, its wave pitch is 3-3.5 mm, and its wave height is 3.5-4.5 mm.
10. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, Includes a refrigerant pipeline for conveying refrigerant, said refrigerant pipeline including a corrugated pipe assembly according to any one of claims 1-9.