Pipe joints or couplings – Contact only
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-12
2001-02-27
Arola, Dave W. (Department: 3627)
Pipe joints or couplings
Contact only
C285S031000, C285S039000, C285S300000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06193280
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an exhaust manifold assembly for use with an internal combustion engine, and, more particularly, to an exhaust connector assembly for connecting manifold segments together in a segmented exhaust manifold assembly.
BACKGROUND ART
An exhaust manifold is used in an internal combustion engine to transport combustion products in the form of exhaust gases away from a plurality of combustion chambers within respective cylinders to the ambient environment. A conventional exhaust manifold may be formed as a single cast metal piece with a plurality of exhaust inlets which are connected with a plurality of respective cylinders and disposed in fluid communication with the corresponding combustion chambers therein.
It is also known to construct an exhaust manifold assembly as a segmented exhaust manifold assembly, including a plurality of individual segments. Each segment is typically connected with an associated cylinder of the internal combustion engine and receives combustion products therefrom. The plurality of segments are connected together using a plurality of exhaust connectors which are respectively disposed between each adjacent pair of segments. The exhaust connectors provide a fluid connection between the segments, while at the same time being configured to accommodate varying distances between the segments associated with thermal expansion and contraction during periods of operation and inoperation.
A conventional exhaust connector used between segments of a segmented exhaust manifold assembly may include an axially expandable or contractible bellows which is attached at both ends thereof to a flange (either through welding or through the use of abutting shoulders). The pair of flanges are mated with corresponding flanges disposed on an outlet end of one segment and an inlet end of another segment. A plurality of bolts extending through mating throughholes on the two pairs of adjacent flanges couple the exhaust connector between the pair of adjacent segments. The bolted connection and generally planar surfaces between the two flanges may not provide a sufficient metal-to-metal contact to ensure adequate sealing. Accordingly, gaskets and/or sealants may also be used in the flanged connection between the exhaust connector and manifold segments.
Examples of conventional exhaust connectors for use with a segmented manifold assembly are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,478 (McGurk, et al) and U.S. Pat. No. 3,820,829 (Hasselbacher, et al.), each of which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
It is also known to provide a cross-over tube which conducts fluid away from an exhaust nozzle of a gas turbine engine to a blind receiver mounted in a sidewall of an aircraft. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,531 (Maier) discloses a cross over tube for use with a gas turbine engine which includes spherical ball joints at each end thereof which are connected together via sliding tubes. One of the ball joints is held captive within a corresponding female socket of the aircraft. A bolted plate arrangement maintains the spherical ball of the cross over tube in place, while at the same time allowing a relatively small amount of angular adjustment.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an exhaust manifold assembly with an exhaust connector assembly having two sliding tubular elements which are biased in opposite axial directions against an outlet of one manifold segment and an inlet of another manifold segment using a bellows. The exhaust connector is held in place between the segments using only compressive loading therebetween.
In one aspect of the invention, an exhaust manifold assembly for use with an internal combustion engine includes a segmented exhaust manifold with a first segment and a second segment. The first segment has an inlet end for connection with the internal combustion engine and an outlet end. The second segment has an inlet end for connection with the internal combustion engine and an additional inlet end connected with the outlet end of the first segment. An exhaust connector is connected between the outlet end of the first segment and the additional inlet end of the second segment. The exhaust connector includes an inner tubular element, an outer tubular element and a bellows. The outer tubular element is positioned radially around the inner tubular element. The bellows engages the inner tubular element and biases the inner tubular element against the first segment or the second segment. The bellows also engages the outer tubular element and biases the outer tubular element against the other of the first segment or the second segment. The exhaust connector is held in place between the segments using only compressive loading therebetween.
An advantage of the present invention is that the exhaust connector interconnects adjacent manifold segments using only axial force applied by the bellows.
Another advantage is that only a metal-to-metal sealed contact is provided between the manifold segments and exhaust connector, without requiring the use of additional flanges, bolts or sealant.
Yet another advantage is that the exhaust connector may be easily and simply installed or removed between the manifold segments using a simple installation/removal tool.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3298680 (1967-01-01), Jablin
patent: 5407237 (1995-04-01), Smolowitz
patent: 5603531 (1997-02-01), Maier
patent: 5689954 (1997-11-01), Blocker et al.
Arola Dave W.
Caterpillar Inc.
Taylor Todd T.
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