IMPROVED SLIP JOINT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

Abstract

Slip joint apparatus is provided. The slip joint apparatus (100) includes a first component (4) having a first end (18) and a second component (6) having a second end. The second end of the second component arranged such that it can be brought into overlapping engagement with the first end of the first component in use. An intermediate joining element (108) is provided for helping to join the first and second components together in use. Movement limitation means (20) are provided on or associated with, at or adjacent the first end (18) of the first component (4) for limiting movement of at least part of the intermediate joining element (108) in at least one direction relative to said first component (4) in use.

Claims

1. Slip joint apparatus, said slip joint apparatus including a first component having a first end and a second component having a second end, the second end of the second component arranged such that it can be brought into overlapping engagement with the first end of the first component in use, and an intermediate joining element for helping to join the first and second components together in use, and wherein movement limitation means are provided on or associated with, at or adjacent the first end of the first component for limiting movement of at least part of the intermediate joining element in at least one direction relative to said first component in use.

2. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and/or second components have one or more of the following features: are elongate or substantially elongate in form, are hollow or substantially hollow, are cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape, are any or any combination of one or more pipes, conduits, sleeve members or channel members.

3. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and/or second components have a longitudinal axis or axes and limitation of movement in the at least first direction is in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis or axes of the first and/or second components.

4. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second end of the second component is flared and/or is outwardly flared.

5. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 4 wherein at least one skirt or platform section is provided between the flared second end and a remaining section of the second component.

6. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 5 wherein dimensions and/or a diameter of the at least one skirt or platform section is larger than the dimensions and/or diameter of the remaining section of the second component but smaller than the dimensions and/or diameter of the flared second end.

7. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the at least one skirt or platform section is flat, planar or substantially flat or planar.

8. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 5 wherein a step is provided between the at least skirt or platform section and the remaining section of the second component to act as a limit to which the first end of the first component can be inserted through an open end of the second component in use.

9. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the step protrudes inwardly of a hollow interior of the second component and/or a height or depth of the step is at least the thickness of the material from which the first component is formed.

10. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the intermediate joining element is any or any combination of in the form of a slip flare, an annular member, a substantially annular member, or is complementary or substantially complementary in shape to at least part of the first component onto which or around which it is located in use.

11. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the intermediate joining element has a first end and a second end, the first end is flared or has larger dimensions or diameter compared to the second end.

12. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the intermediate joining element has a first skirt or platform provided at or adjacent a first end, and a second skirt or platform provided at or adjacent a second end, and an intermediate section provided between the first end, skirt or platform and the second end, skirt or platform, the intermediate section having larger dimensions and/or diameter compared to the second end, skirt or platform, and smaller dimensions and/or diameter compared to the first end, skirt or platform.

13. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the second end, skirt or platform of the intermediate joining element is engageable with or locatable in the movement limitation means provided on the first component in use.

14. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 12 wherein a first step is provided between the first end, skirt or platform and the intermediate section, and at least a second step is provided between the intermediate section and the second end, skirt or platform.

15. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 14 wherein a height or depth of the second step is equal to, substantially equal to, greater than or slightly greater than a height or depth of the movement limitation means defined in or associated with the first component and/or the thickness of the material used to form the intermediate joining element.

16. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 14 wherein a height or depth of the first step is equal to, substantially equal to, greater than or slightly greater than a height of depth of sealing means that are locatable at least partially under or relative to the first step in use.

17. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 12 wherein a width of the second skirt or platform of the intermediate joining element is such so as to be locatable in the movement limitation means and movable therein or relative thereto in use and/or is of sufficient stiffness to prevent, or substantially prevent, lifting of the same over part or out of the movement limitation means in use.

18. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 12 wherein a width of the first skirt or platform of the intermediate joining element is such so as to be wholly or at least partially overlapping with at least a top surface of sealing means in use.

19. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the intermediate joining element has a split or gap provided between first and second ends of the same.

20. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the movement limitation means are in the form of a recess, an inwardly flared section defined in the first component a spaced distance or set back from a first free end of the component, or in the form of a protrusion or outwardly flared section defined in the first component a spaced distance apart or set back from the first free end of the first component, or at the first free end of the component.

21. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 20 wherein a height of a first step or side wall of the recess, inwardly flared section, protrusion or outwardly flared section is equal to, substantially equal to or smaller than a height of a second step of the intermediate joining element.

22. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the recess has a first step or side wall and a second step or side wall and the width of the recess between the same is such so as to allow a second skirt of the intermediate joining element to be slidably movable therein in use.

23. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 1 wherein sealing means are provided to form a seal between at least the first and second components when joined together.

24. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the sealing means are locatable between a flared open end of the second component, at least a first skirt or end of the intermediate joining element and an outer surface of the first component in use; includes one or more gaskets, rubber members or O-rings; include one or more flat or profiled surfaces and/or is annular or substantially annular in shape.

25. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 1 wherein clamping means are provided for clamping the first component, second component, the intermediate joining element and/or sealing means together in use.

26. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the clamping means are movable between a first clamped position, wherein the component being clamped are prevented or substantially prevented from moving under normal conditions, and a second unclamped position, wherein the components being clamped can be assembled and/or disassembled and/or moved relative to the clamping means.

27. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 26 wherein the clamping means include movement means for moving the clamping means between the clamped and unclamped positions, the movement means including one or more threaded screws, nuts and bolts and/or trunnions.

28. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 26 wherein the clamping means is in the form of a band clamp, a V-clamp or a ring clamp.

29. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 26 wherein the clamping means has two opposing free ends and a gap is provided between the two opposing free ends at least in the unclamped position, said gap is arranged to be at least partially or wholly aligned or overlapping with a split or gap provided in the intermediate joining element when the apparatus is assembled in use.

30. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 1 wherein it is used for joining two components, pipes or conduits of a vehicle exhaust system together.

31. Slip joint apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus is used in a fixed arrangement wherein there is negligible or no movement between the first and second components in use; or wherein said apparatus is used in a dynamic arrangement wherein there is movement between the first and second components in use.

32. A method of using slip joint apparatus, said slip joint apparatus including a first component having a first end and a second component having a second end, and an intermediate joining element, said method including the steps of bringing the second end of the second component into overlapping engagement with the first end of the first component in use, applying the intermediate joining element to the first and/or second components to help to join the first and second components together in use, and wherein movement limitation means are provided on or associated with, at or adjacent the first end of the first component for limiting movement of at least part of the intermediate joining element in at least one direction relative to said first component in use.

Description

[0081] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein:

[0082] FIGS. 1a and 1b (PRIOR ART) show a partial cross sectional view and a perspective view of a conventional slip joint respectively;

[0083] FIGS. 2a and 2b show a perspective view and a partial cross sectional view of slip joint apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention respectively;

[0084] FIGS. 3a-3c show partial cross sectional views of the slip joint in FIGS. 2a and 2b in a central position, forwards position and backwards position respectively;

[0085] FIG. 4a shows a cross sectional view of a slip joint assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4b shows a cross sectional view of a slip joint assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Referring firstly to FIGS. 2a-4a, there is illustrated a slip joint assembly 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention for use in a vehicle exhaust system. The same reference numerals are used to describe the same features as shown in FIGS. 1a-1b.

[0087] The slip joint assembly 100 includes a cylindrical inlet pipe 4 and a cylindrical outlet pipe 6. Both pipes 4, 6 are hollow and are arranged to allow the flow of fluid, such as vehicle exhaust gases, along the same when joined in use.

[0088] Inlet pipe 4 has a first free end 18. Movement limitation means in the form of a recess 20 is defined around pipe 4 a pre-determined distance x set back from first end 18. The distance x is such so as to be sufficient to allow sealing means in the form of a gasket 8 to be located on the same in use, and to provide sufficient overlap between the inlet pipe 4 when located in the outlet pipe 6 in use.

[0089] Recess 20 as a width w defined between a front side wall 102 (recess side wall closest to the first free end 18) and a rear side wall 104 (recess side wall furthest from the first free end 18). Recess 20 also has a depth d defined between a base surface 106 of the recess 20 and a top edge of the side walls 102, 104.

[0090] Outlet pipe 6 has an outwardly flared free end 7. A joining section 22 is defined between outlet pipe 6 and flared free end 7. Joining section 22 has a larger diameter or dimensions compared to the diameter or dimensions of outlet pipe 6 but a smaller diameter or dimensions compared to the diameter or dimensions of the flared free end 7. A first step 24 is defined between the outlet pipe 6 and the joining section 22.

[0091] An intermediate joining element or slip flare 108 is provided for engagement with the first pipe 4 in use. The slip flare 108 is annular in shape and has a first skirt section 110 defining a first end 14 and a second skirt section 112 defining a second end 16. First end 14 and first skirt section 110 have a larger diameter than second skirt section 112 and second end 16. In accordance with the present invention an intermediate section 114 is defined between the first and second skirt sections 110, 112. Intermediate section 114 has a larger diameter than second skirt section 112 and a smaller diameter than first skirt section 110.

[0092] A second step or wall 116 is defined between the second skirt section 112 and the intermediate section 114. A first step or wall 118 is defined between the intermediate section 114 and the first skirt section 110.

[0093] The first skirt section 110, the second skirt section 112 and the intermediate section 114 are flat or planar in cross section.

[0094] The second skirt section 112 is typically of such width so as to allow the same to undergo limited sliding movement within recess 20 in a forwards and/or rearwardly linear manner in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipes 4, 6.

[0095] The second step or wall 116 is the same or similar dimensions to the depth d of side walls 102, 104 of recess 20 on first pipe 4. The second step or wall 116 prevents the second skirt section 112 from lifting out of recess 20 in use.

[0096] The first step or wall 118 is the same or similar dimensions to the height or depth of gasket 8.

[0097] A split or gap 120 is defined through the slip flare 108 between the first end 14 and second end 16 to allow for expansion and contraction of the slip flare 108. In particular, the gap 120 allows the diameter of the slip flare 108 to increase or decrease depending on whether the slip flare is placed under relative tension or compression respectively during the fitting process. This allows the slip flare 108 to be located over the larger diameter free end 18 of inlet pipe 4 and for the second skirt section 112 to sit in the smaller diameter recess 20 when assembled.

[0098] In order to assemble the slip joint 100, slip flare 108 is engaged with inlet pipe 4 by moving second end 16 of slip flare 108 over the first end 18 of inlet pipe 4 until second skirt section 112 locates in recess 20 on inlet pipe 4. Sealing gasket 8 is located over first end 18 of inlet pipe 4 onto width x section so as to abut with the underside surface of the first step 118 and to sit under the first skirt section 110 of the slip flare 108. The flared end 7 of outlet pipe 6 is moved into engagement with the gasket 8 such that at least part of the width x of inlet pipe 4 is located inside outlet pipe 6 in overlapping engagement, as shown in FIG. 2b, and the flared end abuts side wall of gasket 8. A retaining clamp 122 is then located around the inlet pipe 4, the outlet pipe 6, the slip flare 108 and the gasket 8 to retain the components together in a clamped manner.

[0099] The retaining clamp 122 in this example is in the form of a band clamp including an outer annular clamping member 124 and an inner segmented annular clamping member 126. The outer and inner clamping members 124, 126 have two opposing free ends 128, 130. Movement means in the form of a threaded bolt 132 and nut 134 are provided between the two free ends 128 130 (via joining straps 136) to allow the free ends to be moved together to form a clamped position and moved apart to form an unclamped position in use. A gap 138 is defined between the two free ends 128, 130.

[0100] The gap 138 of the retaining clamp 122 is typically at least partially or wholly aligned or overlapping with the split 120 of the slip flare 108, thereby allowing the slip flare to be compressed under the clamping force of the retaining clamp in use.

[0101] With the slip joint 100 assembled, the second skirt section 112 is able to move within recess 20 but the side walls 102, 104 of the recess 20 limit movement of the second skirt section as a result of second step 116 abutting against either side wall 102, 104. Thus, the slip flare 108 is capable of undergoing forwardly and/or rearwardly sliding movement in a linear direction, typically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipes 4, 6, in a restricted or contained manner. This feature ensures that in the event of any of the conditions that may have conventionally resulted in failure of the joint as set out above, the inlet and outlet pipes 4, 6 can only separate by a pre-determined amount equal to the degree of movement of second skirt 112 within width w of the recess 20, and the joint remains intact.

[0102] FIG. 3a shows the slip joint 100 in a nominal central position, wherein inlet and outlet pipes 4, 6 have freedom of movement in a forwardly direction (i.e. in the direction of the media flow through the pipe or towards second pipe) and/or a rearwardly direction (i.e. in the direction against the media flow through the pipe or towards the first pipe). In this position, the second skirt section 112 is located centrally of the recess 20, there is a relatively small space between the second step 116 and the front side wall 102, gasket 8 is located centrally of the width x adjacent the first free end 18 of pipe 4, and first free end 18 of inlet pipe 4 is a spaced distance apart from first step 24 on outlet pipe 6.

[0103] FIG. 3b shows the slip joint 100 in a forwardly position (i.e. when the inlet and outlet pipes 4, 6 are as close together as they can be when assembled). In this position, the second end 16 of the second skirt section 112 abuts against rear side wall 104 of recess 20, there is a relatively large space between the second step 116 and the front side wall 102, gasket 8 is located adjacent or close to front side wall 102 and a relatively large distance from free end 18 of inlet pipe 4, and free end 18 of inlet pipe abuts against first step 24 of outlet pipe 6. Thus, there is greater overlap between the inlet and outlet pipes 4, 6 in this position, and step 24 on outlet pipe 6 prevents further forwardly movement of inlet pipe 4 relative to outlet pipe 6, together with rear side wall 104 of recess 20.

[0104] FIG. 3c shows the slip joint 100 in a rearwardly position (i.e. when the inlet and outlet pipes 4, 6 are as far apart as they can be when assembled). In this position, the second step 116 of the second skirt section 112 abuts against front side wall 102 of recess 20, gasket 8 is located adjacent or close to free end 18 of inlet pipe 4 and a relatively large distance from side wall 102 of recess 20, and free end 18 of inlet pipe 4 is a spaced distance apart from first step 24 of outlet pipe 6. Thus, there is the least overlap between the inlet and outlet pipes 4, 6 in this position, and side wall 102 of recess 20 prevents further rearwardly movement (i.e. separation of the pipes 4, 6).

[0105] The slip flare 18 is able to slidably move between the three different positions shown above in use but further movement beyond the forwardly and rearwardly limits is prevented.

[0106] Although the above embodiment describes the movement limitation means on the inlet pipe as being in the form of a recess or internally flared as shown in FIGS. 2a-4a, it will be appreciated that the movement limitation means on the inlet pipe could be in the form of a protrusion or be externally flared instead, as shown in FIG. 4b. This latter arrangement results in improved fluid flow within the pipe since there is nothing protruding into the hollow pipe interior as there is with the recess embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a-4a. In the externally flared arrangement, the section of the pipe adjacent first end 18 has greater dimensions or diameter compared to the dimensions or diameter of the pipe behind step 102. The width of the flared section is equivalent to the width x as with the first embodiment. There is no rear wall 104 to help limit forwards movement of the pipes 4, 6 as there is with the first embodiment but the step 22 on the second pipe 6 still acts to limit forwards movement of the pipes 4, 6. In this embodiment, it is also possible that the gap 120 in the slip flare is not required if the slip flare can be loaded onto the inlet pipe from an end other than the first end 18.