Importance

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Abstract

A vibration decoupling device for use in exhaust systems of internal combustion engines, comprises a pair of axially spaced conduit connecting members connected with each other by a bellows-type connecting element, and a force transmitting means having at least axial elasticity for transferring forces between said conduit connecting members. The force transmitting means comprises a housing surrounding said bellows-type connecting element, said housing being connected near at least one axial end thereof to an adjacent conduit connecting member by an articulated spring assembly comprising one or more independent spring means. Each spring means comprises at least one leaf spring element and has three force transmitting portions. An intermediate portion of each spring means is connected without clearance to the conduit connecting member and each spring means is connected at one of its two end portions, likewise without clearance, to the housing, whilst the other end portion may be supported by the housing such that there is freeplay in the circumferential direction of the decoupling device. The spring means may overlap one another at their end portions, and together, they form a ring-like space-saving configuration around the corresponding conduit connecting member. The connections are preferably produced without rivets, pins or welding and they present practically no hindrance to the bending of the spring means. Due to the freedom from play, the transfer of torsional forces from the conduit connecting member to the housing can occur without involving the bellows-type connecting element. The housing may be of tubular construction with no projecting parts.

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First Claim