FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR

Abstract: A flexible connector comprises a metallic corrugated bellows member (1) and a braided tubular liner (4) disposed in said bellows member (1), the braided liner (4) having a circumferentially continuously welded end (6) which is disposed within an end part (2) of the bellows member (1) and which is expanded radially outwards within an outer cylindrical support ring (5). An outer braided hose (3) may also be provided coaxially disposed around the bellows member (1) and retained within the outer cylindrical support ring (5).

Description: -1- FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a flexible connector and relates more especially to a flexible connector for connection in a motor vehicle exhaust system. Background to the Invention Flexible connectors for motor vehicle exhaust systems are known which consist of a helically corrugated or ring corrugated metallic bellows member which is provided with an outer braided tubular hose disposed coaxially around it, and also with an inner braided tubular liner, the common ends of the inner tubular liner, the bellows member and the outer braided hose being radially expanded outwards within a surrounding cylindrical support ring to provide a pipe coupling end. In such a construction it is normal to provide each end of the inner braided liner with an inner support ring which is spot welded to the braided liner and the support ring is radially expanded outwards together with the inner braided liner, the bellows member, and the outer braided hose, within the surrounding cylindrical support ring. It is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible connector of the kind described but which obviates the need to provide the inner support rings spot welded to the inner braided liner. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a flexible connector comprising a metallic corrugated bellows member and a braided tubular liner disposed in said bellows member, said braided liner having a circumferential continuously welded end which is disposed within an end part of said bellows member and which is expanded radially outwards into contact with the inner surface of said bellows member. P431..spec -2- ln carrying out the invention it may be arranged that said flexible connector comprises an outer braided tubular hose member which is disposed coaxially around said bellows member, the common ends of said braided liner, said bellows member and said outer hose member being radially expanded outwards within a cylindrical support ring surrounding said ends. In a preferred embodiment it is arranged that the or each end of said braided tubular liner is resistance welded around the circumference thereof, and conveniently, the resistance weld may be effected by a pair of electrically energized opposed roller between which the braided wall of said tubular liner is passed. Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a fragmentary and partially cut- away view of a flexible connector in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 2 is a photographic perspective view of the left hand end of the flexible connector of Fig. 1. Detailed Description of the Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. -3- Referring to Fig. 1 there is shown a flexible connector for connection in a motor vehicle exhaust system. The flexible connector of Fig. 1 comprises a helically corrugated or ring corrugated bellows member 1 which is provided with plain cylindrical end portions 2, only the left hand portion of which is shown. The bellows member 1 is provided with an outer braided tubular hose 3 disposed coaxially around it and also with an inner braided tubular liner 4. The ends of the outer braided hose 3 and the inner braided liner 4 extend adjacent the plain cylindrical ends 2 of the bellows member 1 and are contained within an outer cylindrical support ring 5 disposed on each end of the assembly. In the manufacture of the flexible connector of Fig. 1 , the common ends of the braided tubular liner 4, the bellows member 1 and the outer braided hose 3 are radially expanded within the outer support ring 5 in order to secure the parts together and in order to provide a correctly sized aperture for receiving an exhaust pipe to which the flexible connector may subsequently be connected. As has already been mentioned, in prior art flexible connectors of the kind thus far described, it is usual to provide each of the inner braided liners with an inner support ring which is spot welded to the braided liner in a prior subassembly procedure. In the flexible connector shown in Fig. 1 the need for an inner support ring for each end of the inner braided liner 4 is obviated by arranging that each end of the inner braided liner 4 is continuously welded around its circumference so as to cause the individual wires of the braid to be welded together as shown at 6 in Fig. 1. The welded end 6 of the inner braided liner 4 is then radially expanded within the outer cylindrical support ring 5 and enables the inner braided liner 4 to be retained in position without the need for an additional inner support ring. -4- ln Fig 2 the left hand end of the flexible connector of Fig. 1 is shown and depicts the inner braided liner 4, the end 6 of which is continuously welded around its entire circumference, disposed within the end 2 of the bellows member 1 , the end of the outer braided hose 3 which is just visible and the outer cylindrical support ring 5. The ends of the inner braided liner 4 may be welded using any convenient welding technique, although electric resistance welding has been found to be very suitable. Typically the electric resistance welding may be effected by using a pair of electrically energized opposed roller between which the braided wall of the inner braided liner is passed. It should be appreciated that the flexible connector which has been described has been given by way of example only and may be adapted to suit any particular application. For example, although the flexible connector described is for use in motor vehicle exhaust systems, other applications may be possible.

Claims: -5- Claims: 1. A flexible connector characterised by comprising: a metallic corrugated bellows member (1); and a braided tubular liner disposed in said bellows member (1 ), said braided liner (4) having a circumferential continuously welded end (6) which is disposed within an end part (2) of said bellows member (1 ) and which is expanded radially outwards into contact with the inner surface of said bellows member (1). 2. A connector as claimed in claim 1 , comprising an outer braided tubular hose member (2) which is disposed coaxially around said bellows member (1), the common ends of said braided liner, said bellows member and said outer hose member being radially expanded outwards within a cylindrical support ring (5) surrounding said ends. 3. A connector as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the or each end of said braided tubular liner (4) is resistance welded around the circumference thereof. 4. A connector as claimed in claim 3, in which the resistance weld is effected by a pair of electrically energised opposed rollers between which the braided wall of said tubular liner is passed. 5. A flexible connector substantially as herinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Inventors: KNIGHT MARTIN WILLIAM, SCALES DAVID JAMES, WHITBREAD TERRY JOHN, KNIGHT, MARTIN, WILLIAM, SCALES, DAVID, JAMES, WHITBREAD, TERRY, JOHN
Applicants: KNIGHT MARTIN WILLIAM, SCALES DAVID JAMES, SENIOR FLEXONICS AUTOMOTIVE LI, WHITBREAD TERRY JOHN, KNIGHT, MARTIN, WILLIAM, SCALES, DAVID, JAMES, SENIOR FLEXONICS AUTOMOTIVE LIMITED, WHITBREAD, TERRY, JOHN
Application year: 1999
Main classification: F01N7
IPC codes: F01N7, F16L51