Flexible joint assembly
A flexible joint is used to accommodate dynamic movement such as settlement, seismic and thermal movements. A portion of an outer surface of a ring is surrounded by a sleeve. A coupling attaches the sleeve to the ring. The sleeve is slidably movable on a section of the portion of the outer surface of the ring. The portion of the outer surface comprises first and second grooves, a partial spherical segment, a first frustoconical segment positioned adjacent the partial spherical segment and a second frustoconical segment positioned adjacent the partial spherical segment. The outer surfaces of the first and second frustoconical segments taper away from the partial spherical segment.
1 . A flexible joint, said flexible joint comprising:
a ring surrounding a longitudinal axis and having an outer surface and first and second ends oppositely disposed, said first end of said ring attachable to an end of a center spool;
a sleeve surrounding at least a portion of said outer surface of said ring and having an inner surface slidably engageable with a section of said portion of said outer surface of said ring, said portion of said outer surface including said second end of said ring; and
a coupling configured to attach said sleeve to said ring; wherein
said portion of said outer surface comprises:
a partial spherical segment having a longitudinal midpoint,
a first frustoconical segment positioned adjacent a first end of said partial spherical segment, an outer surface of said first frustoconical segment tapering away from said partial spherical segment at a first angle,
a second frustoconical segment positioned adjacent a second end of said partial spherical segment, an outer surface of said second frustoconical segment tapering away from said partial spherical segment at a second angle, and
a first groove and a second groove spaced axially apart along said longitudinal axis, said first groove positioned on a first side of said longitudinal midpoint of said partial spherical segment, said second groove positioned on a second side of said longitudinal midpoint of said partial spherical segment opposite said first side, said first groove receiving a first seal and said second groove receiving a second seal, each groove of said first and second grooves having an inner wall and an outer wall.
2 . The flexible joint according to claim 1 , wherein:
said first groove is positioned adjacent said partial spherical segment,
said first groove is positioned adjacent said first frustoconical segment,
said second groove is positioned adjacent said partial spherical segment, and
said second groove is positioned adjacent said second frustoconical segment.
3 . The flexible joint according to claim 1 , wherein said first groove and said second groove are positioned within said partial spherical segment.
4 . The flexible joint according to claim 1 , wherein said first groove is positioned within said first frustoconical segment, and said second groove is positioned within said second frustoconical segment.
5 . The flexible joint according to claim 1 , wherein said partial spherical segment has a center point that lies on said longitudinal axis.
6 . The flexible joint according to claim 1 , wherein said first and second angles are measured relative to axes parallel to said longitudinal axis.
7 . The flexible joint according to claim 1 , wherein said coupling comprises a first projection extending towards said outer surface of said ring and a second projection extending towards said sleeve, said first projection engageable with said ring and said second projection engageable with said sleeve.
8 . The flexible joint according to claim 7 , wherein said sleeve has an outer surface and a recess defined within said outer surface to receive said second projection.
9 . The flexible joint according to claim 7 , wherein said coupling further comprises at least one channel positioned between said first projection and said second projection, said at least one channel having a surface facing toward said ring and said sleeve.
10 . The flexible joint according to claim 9 , wherein said at least one channel comprises a first channel configured to receive a portion of said sleeve and a second channel defining a pocket.
11 . The flexible joint according to claim 10 , wherein said outer surface of said ring further comprises at least one flange extending circumferentially around said outer surface and extending transversely to said longitudinal axis.
12 . The flexible joint according to claim 11 , wherein said flange is positioned to extend into said pocket of said coupling.
13 . The flexible joint according to claim 12 , wherein said flange has a height, a width, and a shape that enable said flange to contact said surface of said second channel to limit movement of said sleeve relative to said ring.
14 . The flexible joint according to claim 1 , wherein said coupling is adapted to couple with at least one locking device.
15 . The flexible joint according to claim 14 , wherein said coupling comprises a plurality of openings, wherein each opening of said plurality of openings is adapted to receive a fastener to couple a locking device of said at least on locking device to said coupling.
16 . The flexible joint according to claim 14 , wherein said outer surface of said ring further comprises a depression adapted to receive a portion of said locking device, wherein upon receiving said portion of said locking device, said sleeve is prevented from moving with respect to said ring.
17 . The flexible joint according to claim 16 , wherein said outer surface of said ring further comprises a stiffening ring projecting outwardly away from said longitudinal axis and extending circumferentially around said outer surface, wherein said stiffening ring is positioned adjacent said depression.
18 . The flexible joint according to claim 1 , wherein said coupling comprises a plurality of segments coupled end to end.
19 . The flexible joint according to claim 18 , wherein each segment of said plurality of segments comprises an attachment member extending from each end, wherein said plurality of segments are coupled end to end via at least one fastener extending through corresponding attachment members.
20 . The flexible joint according to claim 1 , wherein said partial spherical segment subtends a third angle.