Patent ID: 6331019
Filing Date: 2001-12-18
Classification: F01N,F16L

Abstract:
A conduit vibration decoupling device for use in exhaust systems of internal combustion engines, comprising a pair of axially spaced conduit connecting members interconnected with each other by a flexible connecting element, and a force transmitting means having at least axial elasticity for transferring forces between said conduit connecting members whilst by-passing the flexible connecting element, said force transmitting means comprising a housing surrounding said flexible connecting element, said housing being connected near at least one axial end thereof to an adjacent conduit connecting member by an articulated spring assembly having at least a pair of spring means, each of said spring means comprising at least a single leaf spring element and having a pair of end portions spaced from each other, and wherein each of said spring means at an intermediate portion thereof between said end portions being mounted to the adjacent conduit connecting member substantially free from play at least in the circumferential direction of the decoupling device, and wherein the end portions of said spring means being supported by said housing at circumferentially spaced locations thereof in which one of said end portions being supported by said housing substantially free from play at least in the circumferential direction of the decoupling device.