A bellows compensator with a protective device

Abstract

This disclosure relates to the technical field of bellows compensators. One embodiment of this disclosure provides a bellows compensator with a protective device, comprising: a bellows compensator body and several outer protective plates. The outer protective plates are all disposed outside the bellows compensator body. A supporting protective assembly is disposed on the outer protective plates. A docking and fixing assembly is disposed between the several outer protective plates. The docking and fixing assembly includes a pair of ear plates, which are disposed at both ends of the outer protective plates. Each ear plate has a pair of insertion holes on its surface. The several outer protective plates are docked to each other through the ear plates. The ear plates are fitted onto the outside of the screw portion of the bellows compensator body. This technical solution solves the technical problem that traditional bellows compensators in the prior art generally lack protective functions, resulting in short service life and high failure risk under complex working conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the technical field of bellows compensators, and more specifically, to a bellows compensator with a protective device. Background Technology

[0002] In petrochemical, heating network, and water supply and drainage engineering, corrugated pipe compensators are core components of pipeline systems. They are primarily used to absorb thermal expansion and contraction and displacement caused by temperature changes and media pressure fluctuations, preventing stress cracking, joint leaks, and ensuring long-term stable pipeline operation. The core structure of a corrugated pipe compensator is a metal bellows, which has thin walls and high flexibility, but is relatively weak in impact and wear resistance, making it susceptible to damage from external factors. Furthermore, traditional corrugated pipe compensators generally lack protective functions, resulting in short service life and high failure risk under complex operating conditions, seriously affecting the safety of pipeline systems.

[0003] Traditional corrugated pipe compensators are mostly exposed designs without dedicated protective structures. In outdoor or industrial workshop environments, dust and sand around the pipe can easily impact the surface of the corrugated pipe with the airflow, causing scratches and wear on the pipe wall. Long-term use will lead to a reduction in the thickness of the corrugated pipe wall and a decrease in its pressure resistance. If heavy equipment is operating in the workshop, falling parts or tools can easily directly impact the corrugated pipe, causing the pipe to deform and crack, resulting in media leakage, or even causing safety accidents such as fires and explosions.

[0004] Therefore, developing corrugated pipe compensators with protective functions has become an urgent need for the industry to improve the safety of pipeline systems and extend the service life of equipment. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the above-mentioned defects, the embodiments of this disclosure provide a bellows compensator with a protection device, which solves the technical problem that traditional bellows compensators in the prior art generally do not have protection functions, resulting in short service life and high failure risk under complex working conditions.

[0006] According to one aspect, at least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a bellows compensator with a protection device, comprising: The bellows compensator body and several outer protective plates are provided on the outside of the bellows compensator body. A support and protection assembly is disposed on the outer protective plate; A docking and fixing assembly is disposed between a plurality of the outer protective plates; The docking and fixing assembly includes a pair of outer ear plates, which are disposed at both ends of the outer protective plate. Each outer ear plate has a pair of insertion holes on its surface. Several outer protective plates are docked to each other through the outer ear plates. The outer ear plates are fitted onto the outside of the screw portion of the corrugated pipe compensator body.

[0007] As a further technical solution, a connecting frame is inserted into a pair of holes between the two spliced ​​outer protective plates. The end faces of the connecting frame inserted into the holes are provided with threaded grooves, and fastening bolts are screwed into the threaded grooves.

[0008] According to another aspect, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the supporting and protective component includes a pair of protrusions, the pair of protrusions being disposed on the surface of the outer protective plate, a pair of inner grooves being formed on the inner side of the outer protective plate, and an inner cavity being formed in the protrusions.

[0009] As a further technical solution, a pair of connecting columns are movably connected inside the inner groove. One end of each connecting column is located in the inner cavity, and one end of each pair of connecting columns is connected to an inner support protective plate. The inner support protective plate is attached to the surface of the corrugated pipe compensator body, and a spring is fitted on the connecting column.

[0010] As a further technical solution, the cross-section of the connecting column is T-shaped.

[0011] As a further technical solution, the outer protective plate and the outer ear plate are provided with notches at the top and bottom, and the notches correspond to the opening positions of the flange portion of the bellows compensator body.

[0012] As a further technical solution, the flange portion of the bellows compensator body is provided with several pairs of positioning sleeves, and a pair of inserts are provided on both the upper and lower ends of the outer protective plate. The inserts are horizontally slidably inserted into the positioning sleeves.

[0013] As a further technical solution, the positioning sleeve has an overall U-shaped opening structure.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the embodiments disclosed herein are as follows: In this disclosure, the docking and fixing assembly utilizes a modular splicing design, solving the problems of traditional compensators lacking protection and being difficult to assemble and disassemble. The outer lugs and sockets mate for precise docking, while the connecting frame and fastening bolts connect the dispersed outer protective plates into a unified whole, forming a complete protective barrier that effectively resists external impacts and foreign object intrusion. The outer lug mounting bolts do not affect the original function of the compensator, and dual positioning ensures the stability of the protective structure. This structure allows for protective assembly without damaging the connection between the compensator and the pipeline, facilitating easy disassembly and assembly during maintenance, significantly reducing downtime, extending the compensator's service life, adapting to protection requirements under complex operating conditions, and reducing the risk of failure. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and these drawings without any creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is an isometric sectional view of the present disclosure; Figure 3 This is another isometric sectional view of this disclosure; Figure 4 This is an isometric view of the outer protective plate portion of this disclosure; Figure 5 Appendix to this disclosure Figure 3 Enlarged view of part A in the middle; In the diagram: 1. Corrugated pipe compensator body; 2. Outer protective plate; 3. Docking and fixing assembly; 3-1. Outer ear plate; 3-2. Insertion hole; 3-3. Connecting frame; 3-4. Threaded groove; 3-5. Fastening bolt; 4. Support and protection assembly; 4-1. Protrusion; 4-2. Inner groove; 4-3. Inner cavity; 4-4. Connecting column; 4-5. Inner support protective plate; 4-6. Spring; 5. Notch; 6. Positioning sleeve block; 7. Insert block. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0018] To keep the drawings concise, each drawing only schematically shows the parts relevant to the disclosure; these do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, in some drawings, only one of components with the same structure or function is schematically shown, or only one is labeled. In this document, "one" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one," and "several" includes "two" and "more than two."

[0019] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0020] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0021] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

[0022] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] like Figures 1-5 As shown, a bellows compensator with a protective device is illustrated in one embodiment of this disclosure, comprising: The bellows compensator body 1 and several outer protective plates 2 are all disposed outside the bellows compensator body 1; Support and protection component 4 is disposed on the outer protective plate 2; A docking and fixing component 3 is disposed between several outer protective plates 2; The docking and fixing assembly 3 includes a pair of outer ear plates 3-1, which are disposed at both ends of the outer protective plate 2. Each outer ear plate 3-1 has a pair of insertion holes 3-2. Several outer protective plates 2 are docked to each other through the outer ear plates 3-1. The outer ear plates 3-1 are fitted onto the outside of the screw part of the corrugated pipe compensator body 1. A connecting bracket 3-3 is inserted into the pair of insertion holes 3-2 between a pair of spliced ​​outer protective plates 2. The end faces of the connecting bracket 3-3 inserted into the insertion holes 3-2 at both ends are provided with threaded grooves 3-4. Fastening bolts 3-5 are screwed into the threaded grooves 3-4.

[0024] In some examples, to achieve rapid assembly and circumferential fixation of multiple outer protective plates 2 on the outer surface of the corrugated pipe compensator body 1, forming a complete external protective barrier to prevent damage to the compensator body from external impact, corrosion, or foreign object intrusion, and to facilitate disassembly and assembly during later maintenance, a docking and fixing assembly 3 is designed. This assembly includes a pair of ear plates 3-1 set at both ends of the outer protective plate 2, which are integrally formed with the outer protective plate 2. A pair of insertion holes 3-2 on the surface of the ear plates are symmetrically distributed to provide a precise positioning reference for the docking of adjacent outer protective plates 2. When multiple outer protective plates 2 are spliced ​​around the compensator body, the outer ear plates 3-1 of adjacent outer protective plates 2 fit together, and the insertion holes 3-2 are completely aligned, ensuring the circumferential flatness of the outer protective plates 2 after splicing and avoiding misalignment that could lead to protective gaps.

[0025] The outer ear plate 3-1 is fitted onto the outside of the screw part of the main body 1 of the bellows compensator. This does not affect the original fastening function of the screw of the compensator, and the screw can be used to achieve the initial positioning of the outer ear plate 3-1, preventing the outer protective plate 2 from sliding along the compensator axis during the splicing process. After the adjacent outer protective plates 2 are connected, the two ends of the connecting bracket 3-3 are inserted into the aligned insertion holes 3-2 to form a transverse connection structure, connecting the scattered outer protective plates 2 into a whole, enhancing the integrity and impact resistance of the protective structure.

[0026] The end faces of the connecting bracket 3-3 that are inserted into the insertion holes 3-2 are provided with threaded grooves 3-4. After the fastening bolts 3-5 are screwed into the threaded grooves 3-4, their heads are tightly attached to the surface of the outer ear plate 3-1. The relative position of the connecting bracket 3-3 and the outer ear plate 3-1 is locked by the bolt preload, preventing the connecting bracket 3-3 from loosening and falling off, and further ensuring the stability of the splicing structure.

[0027] During operation, first, surround the compensator body with multiple outer protective plates 2, ensuring that adjacent outer ear plates 3-1 are fitted together and insertion holes 3-2 are aligned; then insert the connecting bracket 3-3 and tighten the fastening bolts 3-5 to complete the fixation; during maintenance, simply loosen the bolts to remove the outer protective plates 2. The ear plate docking ensures accurate positioning, the bracket insertion enhances overall integrity, and the bolt locking ensures reliable fixation. The coordinated operation of all components enables the rapid assembly and circumferential protection of the outer protective plates 2, providing comprehensive external protection for the compensator body.

[0028] like Figures 1-5 As shown in the figure, the support and protection component 4 in this embodiment includes a pair of protrusions 4-1, which are disposed on the surface of the outer protective plate 2. A pair of inner grooves 4-2 are formed on the inner side of the outer protective plate 2. An inner cavity 4-3 is formed in the protrusions 4-1. A pair of connecting posts 4-4 are movably connected in the inner grooves 4-2. One end of the connecting post 4-4 is located in the inner cavity 4-3. One end of the pair of connecting posts 4-4 is connected to an inner support protective plate 4-5. The inner support protective plate 4-5 is attached to the surface of the corrugated pipe compensator body 1. A spring 4-6 is fitted on the connecting post 4-4.

[0029] In some examples, to achieve flexible support and buffer protection for the surface of the bellows compensator body 1, avoid surface wear caused by direct rigid contact between the outer protective plate 2 and the compensator body, and absorb impact force through elastic deformation when the compensator expands or contracts due to temperature changes or is subjected to external impact, thus protecting the compensator body, a support and protection component 4 is designed. This component includes a pair of protrusions 4-1 set on the surface of the outer protective plate 2, symmetrically distributed on the inner side of the protective plate. The inner cavity 4-3 of the protrusions 4-1 provides movement space for the connecting column 4-4. A pair of inner grooves 4-2 opened on the inner side of the outer protective plate 2 communicate with the inner cavity 4-3 of the protrusions 4-1. The connecting column 4-4 is movably fitted in the inner groove 4-2 and can move axially along the inner groove 4-2, providing adjustment margin for elastic support.

[0030] One end of the connecting column 4-4 is located in the inner cavity 4-3 of the protrusion 4-1, and the other end is connected to the inner support protective plate 4-5. The inner support protective plate 4-5 is made of flexible and wear-resistant material (such as rubber composite plate or polyethylene plate). Its inner surface is closely attached to the surface of the corrugated pipe compensator body 1, which can avoid wear caused by direct contact between metal materials and disperse the support force through the contact surface to prevent excessive local pressure from damaging the corrugated structure.

[0031] The spring 4-6, which is mounted on the connecting column 4-4, abuts against the bottom of the inner cavity 4-3 of the protrusion 4-1 at one end and against the inner support protective plate 4-5 at the other end. The spring 4-6 is always in a compressed state, providing a continuous elastic preload to the inner support protective plate 4-5, ensuring that the inner support protective plate 4-5 always fits against the surface of the compensator body. Even if the compensator experiences slight expansion or displacement, the spring 4-6 can adaptively adjust the support position and force through deformation.

[0032] When the outer protective plate 2 is subjected to external impact, the impact force is transmitted to the protrusion 4-1 and the spring 4-6 in sequence. The spring 4-6 absorbs the impact energy through elastic deformation, which greatly weakens the impact force transmitted to the compensator body and plays a role in buffering and shock absorption.

[0033] During operation, the inner support protective plate 4-5 adheres to the compensator body under the action of spring 4-6, forming a flexible support; when subjected to impact, spring 4-6 buffers the impact force; when the compensator extends or retracts, spring 4-6 adaptively adjusts the support force. The elastic support achieves buffering and shock absorption, the inner support adheres to the protective surface, and all components work together to provide flexible buffer protection for the compensator body, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the compensator.

[0034] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cross-section of the connecting column 4-4 has a T-shaped structure.

[0035] In some examples, the connecting post 4-4 has a T-shaped cross-section. The lateral end of the T-shape is located in the inner cavity 4-3 of the protrusion 4-1, and the longitudinal end passes through the inner groove 4-2 and connects to the inner support protective plate 4-5. This structure effectively restricts the connecting post 4-4 from detaching along the axial direction of the inner groove 4-2, preventing the connecting post 4-4 from being pulled out of the inner groove 4-2 when the spring 4-6 elastically resets, thus ensuring the structural integrity of the support protective assembly 4.

[0036] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outer protective plate 2 and the outer ear plate 3-1 are provided with notches 5 at the top and bottom, and the notches 5 correspond to the opening positions of the flange portion of the corrugated pipe compensator body 1.

[0037] In some examples, the outer protective plate 2 and the outer ear plate 3-1 both have notches 5 at the top and bottom, and the notches 5 correspond to the opening positions of the flange portion of the bellows compensator body 1. This design avoids the bolts or screw holes on the flange used to connect the pipe, prevents the outer protective plate 2 from blocking the flange openings during installation, and does not affect the normal docking and installation of the compensator and the pipeline.

[0038] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the flange portion of the bellows compensator body 1 is provided with several pairs of positioning sleeves 6, and the upper and lower end faces of the outer protective plate 2 are each provided with a pair of inserts 7, which are horizontally slidably inserted into the positioning sleeves 6.

[0039] In some examples, several pairs of positioning sleeves 6 are provided on the flange surface of the bellows compensator body 1, which cooperate with the inserts 7 on the upper and lower end faces of the outer protective plate 2 to form an additional axial positioning structure. When the outer protective plate 2 is installed, the inserts 7 are horizontally slidably inserted into the positioning sleeves 6, which can restrict the movement of the outer protective plate 2 along the axial direction of the compensator and prevent the outer protective plate 2 from axially shifting due to vibration or external force. It forms a double axial fixation with the screw fitting of the outer ear plate 3-1, further enhancing the stability of the outer protective plate 2 after assembly and ensuring that the protective barrier formed by the docking fixing assembly 3 always fits the compensator body without any protective gaps.

[0040] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the positioning sleeve 6 has an overall U-shaped opening structure.

[0041] In some examples, the positioning sleeve 6 has a U-shaped opening structure with the U-shaped opening facing the outside of the compensator, which makes it easy for the insert 7 of the outer protective plate 2 to slide horizontally from the side, without having to fit the outer protective plate 2 along the axial direction of the compensator, thus simplifying the installation process of the outer protective plate 2.

[0042] In practical use: Several outer protective plates 2 are wrapped around the outside of the corrugated pipe compensator body 1, so that the outer ear plates 3-1 at both ends of each outer protective plate 2 are in contact with the outer ear plates 3-1 of the adjacent outer protective plate 2, ensuring that the insertion holes 3-2 on the outer ear plates 3-1 are completely aligned. At the same time, the outer ear plates 3-1 are fitted onto the outside of the screw part of the compensator body for initial positioning. The two ends of the connecting bracket 3-3 are inserted into the aligned insertion holes 3-2 of the adjacent outer protective plates 2, and the fastening bolts 3-5 are tightened in the threaded grooves 3-4 at both ends of the connecting bracket 3-3, so that the bolt heads are in contact with the surface of the outer ear plates 3-1, completing the splicing and fixing of the outer protective plates 2. At this time, the inner support protective plate 4-5 of the supporting protective component 4 is tightly attached to the surface of the compensator body under the action of the spring 4-6, and the connecting column 4-4 adaptively adjusts the support force along the inner groove 4-2 to form a flexible support. If maintenance is required, loosen the fastening bolts 3-5 and remove the connecting bracket 3-3 to remove the outer protective plate 2. The entire process does not require disassembling the connection between the compensator body and the pipeline, making the operation convenient and efficient.

[0043] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this disclosure, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A bellows compensator with a protective device, characterized in that, include: The corrugated compensator body (1) and several outer protective plates (2) are provided outside the corrugated compensator body (1); A support and protection component (4) is provided on the outer protective plate (2); A docking fixing component (3) is disposed between several of the outer protective plates (2); The docking and fixing assembly (3) includes a pair of outer ear plates (3-1), which are disposed at both ends of the outer protective plate (2). Each outer ear plate (3-1) has a pair of insertion holes (3-2) on its surface. Several outer protective plates (2) are docked to each other through the outer ear plates (3-1). The outer ear plates (3-1) are fitted onto the outside of the screw part of the corrugated pipe compensator body (1).

2. A bellows compensator with a protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting bracket (3-3) is inserted into a pair of sockets (3-2) between a pair of spliced ​​outer protective plates (2). The end faces of the connecting bracket (3-3) inserted into the sockets (3-2) are provided with threaded grooves (3-4). Fastening bolts (3-5) are screwed into the threaded grooves (3-4).

3. A bellows compensator with a protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support and protection component (4) includes a pair of protrusions (4-1), which are disposed on the surface of the outer protective plate (2). A pair of inner grooves (4-2) are provided on the inner side of the outer protective plate (2), and an inner cavity (4-3) is provided in the protrusions (4-1).

4. A bellows compensator with a protective device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A pair of connecting posts (4-4) are movably connected inside the inner groove (4-2). One end of the connecting post (4-4) is located in the inner cavity (4-3). One end of the pair of connecting posts (4-4) is connected to an inner support protective plate (4-5). The inner support protective plate (4-5) is attached to the surface of the corrugated pipe compensator body (1). A spring (4-6) is fitted on the connecting post (4-4).

5. A bellows compensator with a protective device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting column (4-4) has a T-shaped cross-section.

6. A bellows compensator with a protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer protective plate (2) and the outer ear plate (3-1) are provided with notches (5) at the top and bottom, and the notches (5) correspond to the opening positions of the flange portion of the corrugated pipe compensator body (1).

7. A bellows compensator with a protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flange portion of the bellows compensator body (1) is provided with several pairs of positioning sleeves (6), and the upper and lower end faces of the outer protective plate (2) are each provided with a pair of inserts (7), which are horizontally slidably inserted into the positioning sleeves (6).

8. A bellows compensator with a protective device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positioning sleeve (6) has an overall U-shaped opening structure.

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