| 摘要 |
<p>A flexible joint assembly for interconnecting two conduits that transport fluid under pressure includes an annular housing and a tubular member of smaller diameter than the housing. The housing has adjacent each end an annular flange that extends radially inwardly relative to the housing. Disposed between the flanges of the housing is an annular flange which extends radially outwardly adjacent one end of the tubular member. The other end of the tubular member projects through an opening at one end of the housing for attachment to a fluid conduit. Within the housing and encircling the tubular member is a rigid annulus. On each side of the rigid annulus is an annular flexible element that encircles the tubular member and includes at least one body of elastomer. The flexible elements are joined to the rigid annulus and to adjacent flanges of the tubular member and the housing so as to define a fluid-tight seal and load bearing connection between the tubular member and the housing. Each flexible element has a pair of opposed end surfaces which, when viewed in radial section, have arcuate shapes. The end surfaces of the flexible element located between the rigid annulus and the adjacent flange of the housing are curved in a direction opposite from and about different points than the end surfaces of the flexible element located between the rigid annulus and the flange of the tubular member. The oppositely curved surfaces of the flexible elements permit the joint assembly to accommodate relative tilting motions between two conduits with a relatively small and stable structure.</p> |
