Flexible joint with support

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10036498-B2
Application number	US-201615372025-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Dec 7, 2016
Priority date	Dec 9, 2015
Publication date	Jul 31, 2018
Grant date	Jul 31, 2018

Abstract

A flexible joint includes a pair of generally tubular members and a ring (e.g., gimbal ring). The tubular members are pivotally connected to the ring by pivot pins such that the pivot axes of the tubular members is generally perpendicularly related to each other to form a hinge. A support structure may interconnect the pivot pins and may be configured to support the pivot pins across the joint to maintain a generally perpendicular hinge orientation. A conduit may connect the tubular members.

First claim

What is claimed:

1. A flexible joint comprising:
a first generally tubular member;
a second generally tubular member;
an annular ring, wherein the first and second generally tubular members are pivotally connected to the ring by pivot pins, a first pivot axis associated with the first tubular member and a second pivot axis associated with the second tubular member are substantially perpendicular to each other and form a hinge, and the annular ring extends radially outward to a further radial extent than the pivot pins;
a support structure, wherein portions of the support structure extend across an inside of the joint and provide support to the ring; and
a conduit enclosing ends of the first and second tubular members.

2. The flexible joint of claim 1 , wherein the ring comprises a gimbal ring.

3. The flexible joint of claim 1 , support structure interconnects the pivot pins and supports the pins across the joint to maintain a generally perpendicular hinge orientation.

4. The flexible joint of claim 1 , wherein the flexible joint includes a spherical interface between the ring and the pivot pins.

5. The flexible joint of claim 1 , wherein the conduit comprises a flexible conduit.

6. The flexible joint of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is integral with the ring.

7. The flexible joint of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is formed as a single unitary component.

8. The flexible joint of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is comprised of a plurality of components formed or combined together.

9. The flexible joint of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is comprised of at least two interconnected pieces.

10. The flexible joint of claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises at least two pieces that are joined, welded, glued, or mechanically connected or affixed together.

11. The flexible joint of claim 1 , wherein the tubular members are configured to pivot about the first pivot axis and a second axis positioned at 90 degrees to each other, and in a common plane.

12. The flexible joint of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is comprised of metal.

13. The flexible joint of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is comprised of plastic.

14. The flexible joint of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is comprised of composite materials.

15. The flexible joint of claim 1 , wherein the support structure includes a cut-out portion adjacent the pivot pins.

16. The flexible joint of claim 1 , wherein the conduit permits angular displacement between adjacent tubular members.

17. The flexible joint of claim 16 , wherein the conduit maintains fluid-tight integrity of the joint.

18. A flexible joint comprising:
a first generally tubular member;
a second generally tubular member;
a gimbal ring, wherein the first and second generally tubular members are pivotally connected to the gimbal ring by pivot pins, and a first pivot axis associated with the first tubular member and a second pivot axis associated with the second tubular member are substantially perpendicular to each other and form a hinge;
a support structure including a lattice pattern, wherein portions of the support structure extend across an inside of the joint and provide support to the gimbal ring; and
a conduit enclosing ends of the first and second tubular members.

19. The flexible joint of claim 18 , wherein the conduit comprises a flexible conduit.

20. A flexible joint comprising:
a first generally tubular member;
a second generally tubular member;
an annular ring, wherein the first and second generally tubular members are pivotally connected to the ring by pivot pins, and a first pivot axis associated with the first tubular member and a second pivot axis associated with the second tubular member are substantially perpendicular to each other and form a hinge;
a support structure, wherein the support structure comprises a lattice pattern, and portions of the support structure extend across an inside of the joint and provide support to the ring; and
a conduit enclosing ends of the first and second tubular members.

Assignees

• Eaton Corp
• Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd

Inventors

• Tabb Norman K
• Munley Daniel T

Classifications

• F16L27/02

  Universal joints, i.e. with mechanical connection allowing angular movement or adjustment of the axes of the parts in any direction · CPC title

• F16L27/0857 Primary

  with hinge and bellows sealing · CPC title

• F16L27/0824

  with ball or roller bearings · CPC title

• F16L27/0812

  with slide bearings · CPC title