U.S. patent application number 15/043783 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-30 for exhaust system conduit with thermal/noise insulation.
The applicant listed for this patent is TRU-FLEX, LLC. Invention is credited to Robert F. Stalcup, II, Scott R. Swank, R. Winfield Thomas.
Application Number | 20160186897 15/043783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43297084 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160186897 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stalcup, II; Robert F. ; et
al. |
June 30, 2016 |
EXHAUST SYSTEM CONDUIT WITH THERMAL/NOISE INSULATION
Abstract
A flexible conduit for use in a pipe system such as a vehicular
exhaust system to provide a torsional or non-torsional joint
between two pipes. The conduit has an outer bellows and an inner
liner between which a layer of noise/thermal insulation is
sandwiched to attenuate noise, resist thermal transmission and
dampen vibration.
Inventors: |
Stalcup, II; Robert F.;
(Covington, IN) ; Swank; Scott R.; (Williamsport,
IN) ; Thomas; R. Winfield; (West Lebanon,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TRU-FLEX, LLC |
WEST LEBANEN |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
43297084 |
Appl. No.: |
15/043783 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12569630 |
Sep 29, 2009 |
9261216 |
|
|
15043783 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/49 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 11/12 20130101;
F01N 13/148 20130101; F16L 51/026 20130101; F16L 55/0336 20130101;
F16L 11/26 20130101; F01N 13/143 20130101; F01N 2470/12
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 11/12 20060101
F16L011/12; F01N 13/14 20060101 F01N013/14; F16L 55/033 20060101
F16L055/033 |
Claims
1. A flexible conduit structure for coupling first and second
pipes, comprising: a conduit having first and second ends for
connection with said first and second pipes, respectively; an
outside portion of said conduit constructed in a manner to provide
flexibility to said conduit; an inside portion of said conduit
connected to said outside portion and arranged to provide a bore
through said conduit for the passage of fluid therethrough; and an
insulation blanket sandwiched between said outside and inside
portions, said blanket being constructed to suppress noise and heat
transmission from within said conduit.
2. A conduit structure as set forth in claim 1, including a
covering substantially surrounding said outside portion of said
conduit.
3. In a vehicle exhaust system, the combination of: first and
second pipes and a conduit extending between and coupled with said
first and second pipes; an outside portion of said conduit having a
plurality of corrugations to accommodate flexing of said conduit; a
liner on said conduit providing a flow channel through which
vehicle exhaust gases can flow, said liner being connected with
said outer portion of said conduit; and an insulation blanket
sandwiched between said liner and said outside portion of said
conduit, said blanket being constructed of a material effective to
suppress noise and heat transmission from within said conduit.
4. The combination of claim 3, wherein said liner comprises a metal
strip arranged in a helical winding.
5. The combination of claim 3, including a covering substantially
surrounding said conduit.
6. The combination of claim 5, wherein said covering comprises a
wire braid.
7. A flexible conduit structure for a vehicle exhaust system,
comprising: a conduit having a liner forming a flow passage for
flow of vehicle exhaust gases therethrough and an outer corrugation
body having a plurality of corrugations to provide flexibility of
said conduit; a pair of end fittings on opposite ends of said
conduit for connection to respective pipes between which said flow
passage directs vehicle exhaust gases; and a layer of insulation
between said liner and said corrugated body constructed and
arranged to suppress noise and heat transmission from within said
conduit.
8. A conduit structure as set forth in claim 7, including a
covering substantially enclosing said conduit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and is a divisional
application under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.121 of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/568,630, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,261,216, which was filed
on Sep. 29, 2009 and is expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of pipe
systems and more particularly to a flexible pipe system such as the
type commonly used in vehicular exhaust systems or farm equipment,
construction equipment, or other equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Flexible pipe and conduit structures are used in a variety
of applications. For example, vehicular exhaust systems make use of
flexible conduits in order to accommodate the jarring, vibration
and thermal stresses to which the exhaust system is subjected when
the vehicle is in use. Examples of spiral wound flexible pipes
suitable for use in vehicular exhaust systems are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,497,254 to Thomas et al. Bellows type systems which
provide flexibility by using corrugated conduits are exemplified by
U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,495 to Thomas et al. The latter patent also
discloses an arrangement for interfitting the corrugations on the
pipes in a manner to allow relative rotation at the pipe
joints.
[0004] These prior art exhaust systems function in a generally
satisfactory manner for the most part. The flexibility of the pipes
allows them to withstand the forces that are applied due to jolts,
vibrations and thermal stresses. The rotary or torsional joint is
especially beneficial in many applications because it is able to
accommodate torsional loading without unduly stressing the pipes.
Even so, the prior art exhaust systems of this type have not been
completely free of problems.
[0005] In particular, the vibration and other movement creates
substantial noise which can be aggravated by the hot exhaust gases
going through the pipes. Additionally, the heat from the exhaust
gases causes the outside surfaces of the pipes to reach
temperatures that can be high enough to create undue heat stress on
the piping and safety hazards if contacted by persons. These noise
and heat problems have not been successfully addressed and have
been increasing causes for concern due to the increasing emphasis
that has been placed on controlling noise pollution and increasing
concern with safety considerations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to a flexible conduit
system which may be used in a variety of applications, including in
an exhaust system for an engine used on vehicles, farm equipment,
construction equipment or other equipment. In accordance with the
invention, a conduit which is used to couple together a pair of
pipes is constructed with a corrugated outer portion, an inside
portion which may be a spirally wound strip with interlocked edges,
and a layer of insulation sandwiched between the inside and outside
portions.
[0007] The insulation layer may be constructed of any suitable
material that is effective to suppress noise transmission within
the conduit and to resist heat transmission. Additionally, the
insulation provides a barrier that dampens vibration and prevents
the inside and outside layers of the pipe from physically
contacting each other. As a consequence, the conduit and the joints
it makes with other pipe exhibit improved noise control, reduced
heat transmission, diminished vibration, and enhanced structural
capabilities. The conduit provides particular utility as a joint
between two other pipes, and the joint may be constructed as either
a torsional joint or a non-torsional joint depending upon the
application.
[0008] Other and further objects of the invention, together with
the features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear in the
course of the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0009] In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the
specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith in which
like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts
in the various views:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a conduit constructed
according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention,
with the conduit having a configuration to provide a torsional
joint between a pair of pipes;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale
of the detail identified at 2-2 in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a conduit constructed
according to another embodiment of the present invention, with the
conduit arranged to provide a non-torsional joint; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale
of the detail identified at 4-4 in FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] Referring now to the drawings in more detail and initially
to FIG. 1, numeral 10 generally designates a conduit which is
constructed according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The conduit 10 may couple together a pair of pipes 12 and 14. By
way of example, the conduit 10 and the pipes 12 and 14 may be parts
of a vehicular exhaust system through which exhaust gases flow.
[0015] The conduit 10 has an inner cylindrical liner portion 16
which may be constructed as a flexible conduit formed by a spirally
wound strip 18 having edges of adjacent windings interlocked in the
manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,727 to Thomas which is
incorporated by reference. The liner portion 16 has a flexible
construction which allows it to flex in a manner to withstand the
forces that are applied to it in service. The liner portion 16
provides a cylindrical bore 20 through which the hot vehicular
exhaust gases pass from pipe 12 to pipe 14, as shown by the
directional arrow 22 in FIG. 1.
[0016] An outer portion of the conduit 10 is formed by a bellows 24
which extends around the liner 16 and has a plurality of
corrugations 26 on its outer surface. The bellows 24 may be
constructed in the manner disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,495 to
Thomas et al. which is incorporated by reference. Alternatively,
the outer portion of conduit 10 may be constructed as a braided
structure, an interlock flexible hose or in another manner
providing flexibility to the conduit.
[0017] A cylindrical insulation blanket 28 is sandwiched between
the inside conduit 16 and the bellows 24. The layer or blanket 28
may be constructed of any material that is effective to attenuate
noise, resist heat transmission, and/or dampen vibration. One
material that is satisfactory for the blanket 28 is commercially
available silica fiber insulation. However, additional materials
having the necessary characteristics can also be used. The blanket
28 is enclosed within the conduit structure provided by the bellows
24 on the outside and the inside liner 16 on the inside. The
conduit 10 may be equipped with a pair of end fittings 30 and 32
which are located on the opposite ends of the conduit 10. Fitting
30 has at least one exterior corrugation 34 that interfits with a
mating corrugation 26 on or near the end of the bellows 24. The fit
between these corrugations allow the fitting 30 to rotate relative
to the bellows 24 with the corrugations continuing to mate during
such rotation in order to maintain the integrity of the rotary or
torsional joint. Similarly, fitting 32 has at least one corrugation
36 that interfits with a mating corrugation 26 on or near the
opposite end of the bellows 24. This allows fitting 32 to rotate
relative to bellows 24 similarly to fitting 30. Pipes 12 and 14 may
be connected to the respective fittings 30 and 32 by welding or in
any other suitable matter. In this way, the pipes 12 and 14 are
allowed to rotate relative to the conduit 10 to relieve torsional
stresses that may be applied to the pipe structure during use.
[0018] When the conduit 10 is used in a vehicular exhaust system,
the flexibility provided by the strip wound inside liner portion 16
and the outer bellows 24 accommodates jolting, vibration and
thermal stresses to which the exhaust system is subjected. The
torsional joint provided by the rotary connections of the fittings
30 and 32 enables the pipe system to withstand rotary or torsional
loads without undue stress.
[0019] The insulation blanket 28 is of particular importance
because it reduces the noise that is generated within the piping
system as the vehicle operates and hot exhaust gases flow through
the pipes 12 and 14 and the conduit 10. At the same time, the
thermal insulation provided by the blanket 28 reduces the heat
transmission from the inside to the outside of the conduit 10, and
the corrugations 26 act as cooling fins to dissipate the heat from
the bellows 24. The insulation 28 also serves to dampen vibration
of the pipe system and thus reduces the fatigue forces that can
weaken pipe systems of this type over prolong periods of
operation.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 3, numeral 110 generally identifies a
conduit constructed according to a second embodiment of the
invention. The conduit 110 is used to connect a pair of pipes 112
and 114 which may be part of a vehicular exhaust system or another
type of pipe system.
[0021] The conduit 110 has an inside liner 116 which may be a
spirally wound strip 118 interconnected at its edges in the manner
described previously for conduit 16. The liner 116 provides a
cylindrical bore 120 aligned with the bores of pipes 112 and 114 to
accommodate the flow of materials such as hot exhaust gases from
pipe 112 to pipe 114.
[0022] An outer portion of the conduit 110 is provided by a bellows
124 having a plurality of corrugations 126 on its outside surface.
The bellows 124 may be constructed generally in the same manner as
bellows 24.
[0023] An insulation blanket 128 is enclosed within conduit 110
between the inside liner 116 and bellows 124. The blanket 128
serves the same function as blanket 28 and may be constructed of
the same materials and in a similar cylindrical configuration.
[0024] As best shown in FIG. 4, a flexible cover 129 may be used to
closely cover the entirety of the conduit 110. The cover 129 may be
secured in place by any suitable means and may be constructed of
any suitable material, preferably wire braid.
[0025] The conduit 110 is provided with end flanges 130 and 132
which may be integral with the inside tube 116 and/or the bellows
124. The end fittings 130 and 132 are cylindrical and provide a
convenient means for attaching conduit 110 to the pipes 112 and
114, as by welding the pipes to the end fittings.
[0026] In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the conduit 110 provides
a non-torsional joint between the pipes 112 and 114. The insulation
blanket 128 provides the same noise attenuation, heat resistance
and vibration dampening as blanket 28 when the pipe system is in
service as a vehicular exhaust system or otherwise.
[0027] From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to attain all ends and objects hereinabove set
forth together with the other advantages which are obvious and
which are inherent to the structure.
[0028] It will be understood that certain features and
subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without
reference to other features and subcombinations. This is
contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
[0029] Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention
without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood
that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying
drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a
limiting sense.
* * * * *