A connecting clamp for a motor vehicle exhaust pipe

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of connecting clamps for automobile exhaust pipeline, including clamping body, bolt and nut, by making the first slot of nut bottom end opening and the hump structure shape matching of clamping body, make the nut and clamping body change from traditional plane contact to three-dimensional curved surface inlay, this design makes the nut can be firmly clamped on clamping body when screwing, effectively prevent its rotation and slip under fastening process and vibration working condition, so as to ensure that bolt pre-tightening force can be stably, evenly transmitted to entire clamping body, significantly improve the holding force and sealing reliability of clamping of public pipe and female pipe connection, fundamentally avoid the exhaust pipeline connection place leakage caused by nut loosening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of clamp structure technology, and in particular to a connecting clamp for automobile exhaust pipes. Background Technology

[0002] When tightening traditional automotive exhaust pipe clamps, the nut usually only abuts against the snap-fit ​​part of the clamp body. This contact method not only has a small effective contact area, but also makes it very easy for the nut to rotate or slip relative to the clamp when tightening the nut or when the vehicle is running. This results in uneven distribution of preload and reduced clamping effect, which in turn causes the exhaust pipe connection to loosen and exhaust gas to leak.

[0003] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model discloses a connecting clamp for automotive exhaust pipes. This solves the problems of small effective contact area in the contact method, and the fact that the nut is prone to circumferential rotation or slippage relative to the clamp when tightening the nut or when the vehicle is running. This results in uneven distribution of preload and reduced clamping effect, leading to loosening of the exhaust pipe connection and exhaust gas leakage.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows: A connecting clamp for an automotive exhaust pipe, characterized in that it is used for an exhaust pipe, the exhaust pipe comprising a female pipe and a male pipe, the upper end of the female pipe forming a flared opening, and the lower end of the male pipe forming a hump portion that mates with the inner wall of the flared opening; the connecting clamp for the automotive exhaust pipe includes: The clamp body has a ring structure, and the longitudinal section of the clamp body is a camel hump structure that protrudes outward. The front end of the clamp body has an opening and two symmetrical fastening parts; the clamp body is fitted onto the part of the camel hump that mates with the flared opening. A bolt, the stud of which passes through the two said fastening parts; The nut has a first groove at its bottom end, the shape of which matches the hump structure of the clamp body; the front right side portion of the clamp body is engaged in the first groove; the nut is screwed onto the bolt post and clamps the two fastening parts.

[0006] A further technical solution is that the connecting clamp for the automobile exhaust pipe also includes a pad, which is disposed between the bolt head and the front left snap-fit ​​part of the clamp body. The pad has a second groove, the shape of which matches the hump structure of the clamp body. The front left part of the clamp body is engaged in the second groove.

[0007] A further technical solution is that the pad has the same shape and structure as the nut, and the pad and the nut are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the two fastening parts.

[0008] A further technical solution is that the pad and the nut are both provided with a limiting part on the side facing the corresponding fastening part, and a limiting groove is opened on the fastening part. When the nut is screwed onto the bolt post and clamps the two fastening parts, the limiting part is embedded in the limiting groove.

[0009] A further technical solution is that one end of each of the two fastening parts is provided with a guide part having a through hole, and the bolt stud passes through the first fastening part, the first guide part, the second guide part and the second fastening part in sequence and is screwed onto the nut.

[0010] A further technical solution is that the bolt post is provided with a raised rib, and the raised rib is located between the two guide parts, and the outer diameter of the raised rib is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole.

[0011] A further technical solution is that a self-retracting baffle is provided on the side of the clamp body near the nut, the self-retracting baffle extends toward one end of the nut, and the nut is engaged between the self-retracting baffle and the fastening part; a waist-shaped hole is provided on the self-retracting baffle, and the bolt stud passes through the nut and then through the waist-shaped hole.

[0012] A further technical solution is that the cold end connector of the automobile exhaust pipe also includes a horn-shaped ring gasket, which is disposed between the hump and the horn opening. The horn-shaped ring gasket has a protrusion on the side facing the horn opening, and the protrusion abuts against the inner wall of the horn opening. The upper end and / or lower end of the horn-shaped ring gasket has an extension, which contacts the hump.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model embodiment are as follows: (i) A connecting clamp for automotive exhaust pipes includes a clamp body, a bolt, and a nut. By opening a first groove at the bottom of the nut that matches the hump structure of the clamp body, the nut and the clamp body change from traditional planar contact to three-dimensional curved surface fitting. This design allows the nut to be firmly clamped onto the clamp body when tightened, effectively preventing its rotation and slippage during the tightening process and under vibration conditions. This ensures that the bolt preload can be stably and evenly transmitted to the entire clamp body, significantly improving the clamp's gripping force and sealing reliability at the connection between the male and female pipes, and fundamentally avoiding leakage at the exhaust pipe connection due to nut loosening.

[0014] (ii) Furthermore, a self-retracting baffle is provided on the side of the clamp body near the nut, extending towards one end of the nut, with the nut engaging between the self-retracting baffle and the fastening part. The self-retracting baffle has a slotted hole, through which the bolt stud passes after passing through the nut. A raised rib is provided on the bolt stud, located between the two guide parts, with the outer diameter of the rib larger than the inner diameter of the through hole. The self-retracting baffle fits onto the bolt through its slotted hole and restricts the nut's rotation using its own structure. The outer diameter of the raised rib on the bolt stud is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole in the guide part. When the bolt is loosened, the restricted nut cannot effectively retract. During the bolt's rotation and retraction, the raised rib contacts the inner wall of the through hole in the guide part and generates radial thrust, forcing the two guide parts to separate. Simultaneously, the bolt head pushes the self-retracting baffle through the slotted hole, working together to open the clamp body's opening, thus achieving convenient disassembly without additional tools, automatically loosening while rotating the bolt.

[0015] (iii) Furthermore, compared with the traditional flange docking process, the clamp assembly is designed to be more compact, saving more space in the car chassis. The clamp assembly is also lighter, improving the overall lightweighting of the exhaust system. Finally, the clamp assembly is less expensive than the flange process, saving on the cost of pipe docking. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a top view of the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a front view structural diagram of the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a top view of the trumpet-shaped ring gasket in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a top view of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an isometric view of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the picture: 100. Clamp body; 101. Opening; 102. Fastening part; 103. Limiting part; 104. Limiting groove; 105. Guide part; 106. Self-retracting baffle; 107. Waist-shaped hole; 200. Bolt; 201. Rib; 300. Nut; 400. Washer block; 500. Trumpet-shaped ring washer; 501. Protrusion; 502. Extension. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this utility model in order to achieve the intended utility model purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structure, features and effects of this utility model is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0023] Currently, the chassis design of new energy vehicles equipped with two power systems occupies most of the chassis space, limiting the design space for other chassis components. The traditional exhaust pipe connection method generally uses flanges welded to the ends of the exhaust pipes to align the two heavy flanges and connect them with several bolts and nuts. The installation under the traditional process makes the product heavier, and the flanges used for docking according to the chassis system design occupy more space. At the same time, the installation efficiency is low due to the fixed connection by bolts and nuts. Based on this, the inventors of this application provide the following several embodiments.

[0024] First embodiment: A connecting clamp for automotive exhaust pipes is characterized in that it is used for exhaust pipes, the exhaust pipes including a female pipe and a male pipe, the upper end of the female pipe forming a flared opening, and the lower end of the male pipe forming a hump portion that mates with the inner wall of the flared opening. The connecting clamp for automotive exhaust pipes includes a clamp body 100, a bolt 200, and a nut 300.

[0025] The clamp body 100 has a ring-shaped structure, and its longitudinal section is a hump-shaped structure that bulges outward. The front end of the clamp body 100 has an opening 101 and two symmetrical fastening parts 102. The clamp body 100 is fitted onto the hump part that mates with the flared opening. The bolt 200 has its stud passing through the two fastening parts 102. The bottom end of the nut 300 has a first groove, the shape of which matches the hump structure of the clamp body 100. The right side of the front end of the clamp body 100 is engaged within the first groove. The nut 300 is screwed onto the stud of the bolt 200 and clamps the two fastening parts 102.

[0026] Furthermore, the connecting clamp for the automotive exhaust pipe also includes a spacer 400, which is disposed between the bolt head of the bolt 200 and the left-hand engaging portion 102 at the front end of the clamp body 100. The spacer 400 has a second groove, the shape of which matches the hump structure of the clamp body 100. The left-hand portion at the front end of the clamp body 100 is engaged within the second groove. For example, the spacer 400 and the nut 300 have the same external structure, and the spacer 400 and the nut 300 are symmetrically disposed on both sides of the two engaging portions 102. The pad 400 and the nut 300 form a symmetrical clamping structure. The second slot on the pad matches the hump structure of the clamp body 100, so that the left fastening part 102 can also be stably clamped. Thus, together with the nut 300 on the right, it provides uniform and symmetrical clamping force on both sides of the fastening part 102. This not only effectively avoids clamp skewing or loosening caused by unilateral force, ensuring the sealing and stability of the connection, but its shape, which is consistent with the nut 300, also simplifies parts management and facilitates installation.

[0027] Furthermore, both the pad 400 and the nut 300 have limiting portions 103 on the side facing the corresponding fastening portion 102, and limiting grooves 104 are formed on the fastening portion 102. When the nut 300 is screwed onto the stud of the bolt 200 and clamps the two fastening portions 102, the limiting portion 103 is embedded in the limiting groove 104. This effectively prevents the nut 300 and the pad 400 from rotating or slipping relative to each other during the tightening process or under vehicle vibration conditions, thereby ensuring the long-term stability and reliability of the clamping force and avoiding the loosening problem that may occur due to misalignment between components in the connecting clamp.

[0028] In operation, this embodiment is as follows: First, the clamp body 100 is fitted onto the part of the male pipe's hump that mates with the female pipe's flared opening, so that the hump structure of the clamp body 100 fits snugly against the hump of the pipe. Then, the bolt 200's stud passes sequentially through the second slot of the pad 400 already engaged in the left-side fastening part 102, the two fastening parts 102, and the first slot of the nut 300 on the right side, so that the pad 400 and the nut 300 are respectively engaged on the hump structures on the left and right sides of the clamp body 100 through their second slot and first slot. Next, the nut 300 is tightened, and the nut 300 moves along the bolt 200's stud and works with the pad 400 to clamp the two fastening parts 102. During this process, the limiting parts 103 on the nut 300 and the pad 400 simultaneously embed into the limiting grooves 104 of the corresponding fastening parts 102, achieving circumferential positioning and preventing relative rotation, until the clamp body 100 is fully tightened, thereby reliably connecting the male and female pipes together through its circumferential constraint force.

[0029] In this embodiment, the clamp body 100, with its unique hump structure, fits tightly against the hump of the pipe. Nuts 300 and pads 400, equipped with matching grooves and limiting mechanisms, symmetrically clamp the fastening portion 102 from both sides, thus achieving stable and uniform circumferential constraint at the connection between the male and female pipes. This design effectively prevents the clamp from tilting and loosening under vibration, ensuring long-term sealing reliability. Its symmetrical components facilitate production and installation.

[0030] Second embodiment: Based on the first embodiment, the second embodiment further optimizes and refines the clamp body 100 of the first embodiment.

[0031] Furthermore, each of the two engaging portions 102 has a guide portion 105 with a through hole at one adjacent end. The stud of the bolt 200 passes sequentially through the first engaging portion 102, the first guide portion 105, the second guide portion 105, and the second engaging portion 102, and is screwed onto the nut 300. The through hole provides precise guidance and positioning for the stud of the bolt 200, ensuring that it maintains the correct alignment path when passing through the two engaging portions 102.

[0032] Furthermore, a self-retracting baffle 106 is provided on the side of the clamp body 100 near the nut 300. The self-retracting baffle 106 extends towards one end of the nut 300, and the nut 300 is engaged between the self-retracting baffle 106 and the fastening part 102. The self-retracting baffle 106 has a waist-shaped hole 107, through which the stud of the bolt 200 passes after passing through the nut 300 and then through the waist-shaped hole 107. The stud of the bolt 200 has a ring of raised ribs 201, which are located between the two guide parts 105, and the outer diameter of the raised ribs 201 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole. The self-retracting baffle 106 fits onto the bolt 200 through its waist-shaped hole 107 and restricts the rotation of the nut 300 using its own structure. The outer diameter of the rib 201 on the bolt 200 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole of the guide part 105. When the bolt 200 is loosened, the nut 300, which is restricted from rotation, cannot be effectively retracted. During the rotation and retraction process of the bolt 200, its rib 201 will contact the inner wall of the through hole of the guide part 105 and generate radial thrust, forcing the two guide parts 105 to separate. At the same time, the head of the bolt 200 pushes the self-retracting baffle 106 through the waist-shaped hole 107. Together, they open the opening 101 of the clamp body 100, thereby realizing convenient disassembly without additional tools and automatic loosening while rotating the bolt 200.

[0033] In operation, this embodiment is as follows: During installation, the bolt 200 is first passed through the through holes of the first engaging part 102, the first guide part 105, the second guide part 105, and the second engaging part 102 in sequence, and then screwed onto the nut 300. At this time, the nut 300 is stuck between the self-retracting baffle 106 and the engaging part 102. The oblong hole 107 on the self-retracting baffle 106 provides the bolt 200 with room to move. When it is necessary to disassemble and loosen the bolt 200, since the outer diameter of the rib 201 on the bolt 200 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole of the guide part 105, the rib 201 of the bolt 200 will abut against and open the two guide parts 105. At the same time, the head of the bolt 200 pushes the self-retracting baffle 106 through the oblong hole 107, thereby working together to gradually open the opening 101 of the clamp body 100, achieving the convenient disassembly effect of automatically opening the clamp while rotating the bolt 200.

[0034] In this embodiment, by introducing the guide portion 105, the self-retracting baffle 106, and the bolt 200 with the protruding rib 201, when the bolt 200 is loosened, the protruding rib 201 expands the guide portion 105, and at the same time, the head of the bolt 200 pushes the self-retracting baffle 106, together forcing the clamp opening 101 to open automatically. This eliminates the need for other prying tools during disassembly, greatly improving the efficiency of maintenance.

[0035] Third embodiment: Based on the first embodiment, the third embodiment further optimizes and refines the clamp body 100 of the first embodiment.

[0036] Furthermore, the cold-end connector of the automotive exhaust pipe also includes a flared annular gasket 500, which is located between the hump and the flared opening. The flared annular gasket 500 has a protrusion 501 facing the flared opening, which abuts against the inner wall of the flared opening. An extension 502 is provided at the upper and / or lower ends of the flared annular gasket 500, contacting the hump. The protrusion 501 facing the flared opening achieves initial sealing, while the extension 502 contacts the hump, increasing the contact area and friction. This effectively limits the circumferential sliding of the annular gasket under vibration and evenly distributes the clamping pressure of the clamp, avoiding localized stress concentration and significantly improving the sealing reliability and fatigue resistance of the connection structure.

[0037] In operation, this embodiment is as follows: First, the flared ring gasket 500 is placed between the hump of the male pipe and the flared opening of the female pipe, with its protrusion 501 tightly abutting against the inner wall of the flared opening to form a preliminary seal. At the same time, the extensions 502 at the upper and lower ends of the ring gasket remain in contact with the hump. Then, the clamp body 100 is fitted onto the outside of the mating section and tightened. The clamping pressure generated by the clamp is evenly transmitted and dispersed through the extensions 502. While increasing the contact area and friction, this effectively suppresses the circumferential sliding of the ring gasket under vibration, avoids local stress concentration, and ultimately achieves a significant improvement in the sealing reliability and fatigue resistance of the connection structure.

[0038] In this embodiment, a flared annular gasket 500 with a protrusion 501 and an extension 502 serves as a flexible layer installed between the hump and the flared opening. This annular gasket not only achieves a better initial seal with the protrusion 501, but also increases the contact area with the pipe through the extension 502, thereby evenly distributing the clamping force of the clamp and effectively suppressing fretting wear on both the annular gasket and the pipe using the generated friction. This enhances the sealing reliability and fatigue life of the entire connection assembly under harsh conditions such as high temperature and vibration.

[0039] Compared to the traditional flange connection process, the connection structure of the three embodiments is more compact, saving more space in the car chassis. The clamp assembly is also lighter, improving the overall lightweighting of the exhaust system. Finally, the clamp assembly is less expensive than the flange process, saving on pipe connection costs.

[0040] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A connecting clamp for automotive exhaust pipes, characterized in that, For use in exhaust pipes, the exhaust pipe includes a female pipe and a male pipe, the upper end of the female pipe is formed with a flared opening, and the lower end of the male pipe is formed with a hump portion that mates with the inner wall of the flared opening; the connecting clamp for automobile exhaust pipes includes: The clamp body has a ring structure, and the longitudinal section of the clamp body is a camel hump structure that protrudes outward. The front end of the clamp body has an opening and two symmetrical fastening parts; the clamp body is fitted onto the part of the camel hump that mates with the flared opening. A bolt, the stud of which passes through the two said fastening parts; The nut has a first groove at its bottom end, the shape of which matches the hump structure of the clamp body; the front right side portion of the clamp body is engaged in the first groove; the nut is screwed onto the bolt post and clamps the two fastening parts.

2. The connecting clamp for automobile exhaust pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting clamp for automobile exhaust pipes also includes a pad, which is disposed between the bolt head and the front left snap-fit ​​portion of the clamp body. The pad has a second groove, the shape of which matches the hump structure of the clamp body. The front left portion of the clamp body is engaged in the second groove.

3. The connecting clamp for automotive exhaust pipes according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pad has the same shape and structure as the nut, and the pad and the nut are respectively symmetrically arranged on both sides of the two fastening parts.

4. The connecting clamp for automobile exhaust pipes according to claim 3, characterized in that: Both the pad and the nut are provided with a limiting part on the side facing the corresponding fastening part. A limiting groove is provided on the fastening part. When the nut is screwed onto the bolt post and clamps the two fastening parts, the limiting part is embedded in the limiting groove.

5. The connecting clamp for automobile exhaust pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two fastening parts are provided with a guide part with a through hole at one end of each other. The bolt post passes through the first fastening part, the first guide part, the second guide part and the second fastening part in sequence and is screwed into the nut.

6. The connecting clamp for automobile exhaust pipes according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bolt post is provided with a raised rib, and the raised rib is located between the two guide parts, and the outer diameter of the raised rib is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole.

7. The connecting clamp for automobile exhaust pipes according to claim 6, characterized in that: A self-retracting stop is provided on the side of the clamp body near the nut. The self-retracting stop extends toward one end of the nut, and the nut is engaged between the self-retracting stop and the fastening part. A waist-shaped hole is provided on the self-retracting stop, and the bolt stud passes through the nut and then through the waist-shaped hole.

8. The connecting clamp for automobile exhaust pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting clamp for the automobile exhaust pipe also includes a horn-shaped ring washer, which is disposed between the hump and the horn opening. The horn-shaped ring washer has a protrusion on the side facing the horn opening, and the protrusion abuts against the inner wall of the horn opening. The upper end and / or lower end of the horn-shaped ring washer has an extension, which contacts the hump.

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