| 摘要 |
An articulated bend limiter (10) is provided for connection to an elongate flexible member such as a steel cable (14). In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes of a plurality of interconnected segments (12), each of which includes a modified ball and socket joint capable of limited angular movement. The ball (36) contained within each socket is modified in that it comprises two generally hemispherical sections (36A,36B) that form a split ball and that move relative to one another within a limited range. Each hemispherical section (36A,36B) is formed of two half-portions which may be bolted together about a mid span region of a cable (14). The socket is defined by a curved inner surface (34) of an outer sleeve (30) that, itself, includes two half-portions (30A,30B) which are bolted around the ball assembly (36). The range of movement of each of the hemispherical sections (36A,36B) within the socket is defined by a coacting stop surfaces (42A,42B) respectively provided on the sections (36A,36B). A resilient spacer element (46) of elliptical cross-section is provided axially between the hemispherical sections (36A,36B) of each segment (12).
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