EP1552205A2 - Ensemble raccord pour conduits fluidiques flexibles - Google Patents

Ensemble raccord pour conduits fluidiques flexibles

Info

Publication number
EP1552205A2
EP1552205A2 EP03764647A EP03764647A EP1552205A2 EP 1552205 A2 EP1552205 A2 EP 1552205A2 EP 03764647 A EP03764647 A EP 03764647A EP 03764647 A EP03764647 A EP 03764647A EP 1552205 A2 EP1552205 A2 EP 1552205A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tubing
connector assembly
fluid line
line connector
fitting
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03764647A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Jerome J. Segal
Evan J. Segal
Michael T. Angus
Michael Lyon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dormont Manufacturing Co
Original Assignee
Dormont Manufacturing Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dormont Manufacturing Co filed Critical Dormont Manufacturing Co
Publication of EP1552205A2 publication Critical patent/EP1552205A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L27/00—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement
    • F16L27/08—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement allowing adjustment or movement only about the axis of one pipe
    • F16L27/0804—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement allowing adjustment or movement only about the axis of one pipe the fluid passing axially from one joint element to another
    • F16L27/0808—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement allowing adjustment or movement only about the axis of one pipe the fluid passing axially from one joint element to another the joint elements extending coaxially for some distance from their point of separation
    • F16L27/0812—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement allowing adjustment or movement only about the axis of one pipe the fluid passing axially from one joint element to another the joint elements extending coaxially for some distance from their point of separation with slide bearings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L19/00—Joints in which sealing surfaces are pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on or into one of the joint parts
    • F16L19/02—Pipe ends provided with collars or flanges, integral with the pipe or not, pressed together by a screwed member
    • F16L19/0231—Pipe ends provided with collars or flanges, integral with the pipe or not, pressed together by a screwed member with specially adapted means for positioning the threaded member behind the collar

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the art of fluid line connector assemblies and, more particularly, to thin-walled, flexible fluid line connector assemblies for use in low- pressure applications.
  • Thin-walled, flexible fluid line connector assemblies have been provided heretofore and generally include a length of thin-walled, corrugated, flexible tubing having opposing non-corrugated tubing ends, a flare nut retained on each tubing end and a flare fitting cooperable with each flare nut to form a fluid-tight seal between the flare fitting, tubing end and flare nut.
  • the tubing ends commonly include a generally cylindrical journal portion and a radially outwardly extending flare portion.
  • the flare nuts are retained on the non-corrugated tubing ends by the flare portion, which is deformed radially outwardly after assembly with a flare nut to engage the flare nut and thereby prevent removal thereof from the length of tubing.
  • a flare fitting is threadably engaged into each of the flare nuts.
  • the flare fitting includes a frustoconical leading surface which compressively engages the flare portion of the tubing end.
  • the frustoconical leading surface of the flare fitting displaces the flare portion of the flexible tubing against an interior surface of the flare nut. This displacement causes the flare portion of the tubing to be compressively engaged between the flare fitting and flare nut, and causes a metal -to-metal seal to form between the tubing, the flare fitting and the flare nut such that the assembly becomes fluid tight.
  • a disadvantage of connector assemblies of the foregoing nature is that tightening the flare nut and flare fitting together to form the metal-to-metal seal with the flexible tubing causes the flare fitting, flare nut and flexible tubing to become rotatably fixed relative to one another. As such, the flare fitting and flare nut are not able to rotate relative to the thin-walled, flexible tubing. As a result, the flexible tubing can become torsionally stressed during the installation of the connector assembly, such as installation between a gas supply line and an appliance.
  • such connector assemblies undesirably include an additional threaded connection or joint which can be the source of leaks.
  • the flare fitting and flare nut are threadably connected together to forming a metal-to-metal seal with the flexible tubing.
  • the threaded portion of the flare fitting that engages the flare nut is a male or female pipe thread which then must threadably engage a corresponding thread, such as on a gas supply line or appliance, for example.
  • two threaded connections are necessary at each end of the gas line connector assembly to install the same in a typical manner.
  • three or more threaded connections may be necessary if additional connecting devices, such as quick-connect fittings or multiplane swivel fittings, are installed.
  • connections between end fittings are generally not seamless. Rather, the edges on the fittings and the axial gaps therebetween, which open radially outwardly from the fluid passages that extend through the fittings, create annular cavities that can disrupt the flow of fluid through the passage extending through the fittings. Furthermore, the gaps and edges cause resistance to fluid flow between the passages. Therefore, each additional fitting added to an end of the connector assembly causes an increase in the resistance to fluid flow through the completed assembly, due at least in part to the attendant gap and edges from the additional fitting or fittings. [0007] Furthermore, the flare fitting is an additional component that must be inventoried, shipped and installed. In most cases, two flare fittings are used for each assembly. As such, this undesirably adds significant manufacturing, inventory and shipping costs to the finished assembly.
  • a thin-walled, flexible fluid line connector assembly that avoids or minimizes the problems and difficulties encountered in connection with connector assemblies of the foregoing nature while promoting an increase in performance and reliability, and maintaining a desired simplicity of structure, economy of manufacture and ease of installation.
  • a fluid line connector assembly is provided that includes a length of flexible tubing having a tubing end. An end fitting is rotatably supported on the tubing end, and a sealing member is compressively positioned between the tubing end and the end fitting. A retainer extends from the tubing end and engages the end fitting preventing the axial removal of the same from the tubing end.
  • a fluid line connector assembly includes a length of flexible tubing having a generally cylindrical tubing end.
  • An end fitting is also provided that has an inside wall at least partially defining a passage through the end fitting. The passage is adapted to receive the tubing end such that the end fitting is rotatably supported on the tubing end.
  • a sealing member is sealingly disposed between the tubing end and the end fitting.
  • a retainer extends from the tubing end radially outwardly beyond the inside wall of the end fitting such that the end fitting is axially retained on the tubing end.
  • a method of assembling a fluid connector assembly includes the steps of providing a length of flexible tubing having a tubing end, providing an end fitting having an inside wall at least partially forming a passage through the end fitting, and providing a sealing member. Another step includes installing the sealing member on one of the tubing end and the end fitting. Still another step includes installing the end fitting on the tubing end such that the passage receives the tubing end and the sealing member is compressively positioned between the tubing end and the end fitting. Still another step includes forming a retainer on the tubing end to axially retain the end fitting thereon.
  • FIGURE 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional connector assembly shown partly assembled.
  • FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of the conventional assembly of FIGURE
  • FIGURE 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid line connector assembly in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 4 is an enlarged view, shown partially in section, of a portion of the fluid line connector assembly in FIGURE 3.
  • FIGURE 5 is a partial cross- sectional view of the fluid line connector assembly in FIGURE 3 shown with quick-connect end fittings.
  • FIGURE 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid line connector assembly in FIGURE 3 shown with multi-plane end fittings.
  • FIGURE 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a fluid line connector assembly in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 8 is an enlarged view, shown partially in section, of a portion of the fluid line connector assembly shown in FIGURE 7.
  • FIGURE 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of a fluid line connector assembly in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 10 is an enlarged view, shown partially in section, of a portion of the fluid line connector assembly shown in FIGURE 9.
  • FIGURE 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of still another alternate embodiment of a fluid line connector assembly in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 12 is an enlarged view, shown partially in section, of a portion of the fluid line connector assembly shown in FIGURE 11.
  • FIGURE 13 is a partial cross-section view of yet another alternate embodiment of a fluid line connector assembly in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 14 is an enlarged view, shown partially in section, of a portion of the fluid line connector assembly shown in FIGURE 13.
  • FIGURE 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a further alternate embodiment of a fluid line connector assembly in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 16 is an enlarged view, shown partially in section, of a portion of the fluid line connector assembly shown in FIGURE 15. Detailed Description of the Invention
  • FIGURES 1 and 2 respectively illustrate a conventional fluid line connector assembly for connection between a fluid transmission line and an appliance, such as a gas supply line and a gas stove, for example.
  • a fluid line connector assembly for connection between a fluid transmission line and an appliance, such as a gas supply line and a gas stove, for example.
  • Such fluid line connector assemblies are generally known by those skilled in the art, and the following discussion of FIGURES 1 and 2 is merely provided to establish background environment and terminology for further discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 1 illustrates a conventional fluid line connector assembly 10 that includes a length of thin- walled, flexible tubing 20, a flare nut 40 and a flare fitting 60.
  • Length of tubing 20 has two opposing tubing ends 22, only one of which is shown in FIGURES 1 and 2.
  • Tubing end 22 terminates at a tubing end edge 24 and includes a journal portion 26 and a flare portion 28.
  • Length of thin- walled, flexible tubing 20 has a plurality of helically extending tubing corrugations 30 and is formed from metal, typically stainless steel.
  • Flare nut 40 is retained on at tubing end 22 of tubing 20.
  • the flare nut has a threaded end 42 and a strain-relief end 44.
  • a journal passage 46 extends through flare nut 40 and is cooperable with journal portion 26 of tubing end 22 such that the flare nut is freely rotatable about a central axis CL of assembly 10 as shown by arrows A.
  • Extending toward threaded end 42 from journal passage 46 is flare seating surface 48, which extends radially outwardly from the journal passage in a frustoconical manner.
  • Female fitting threads 50 extend inwardly from threaded end 42 toward flare seating surface 48. The female fitting threads are generally coaxial with journal passage 46.
  • Opposite female fitting threads 50 at strain-relief end 44 is an axially-extending annular recess 54 that extends from the strain-relief end toward the threaded end and is adapted to receive at least a portion of one or more of corrugations 30.
  • Wrench flats 52 extend along at least a portion of the exterior of flare nut 40.
  • Flare portion 28 of tubing end 22 extends radially outwardly from journal portion 26 adjacent flare seating surface 48 of flare nut 40.
  • flexible tubing 20 and flare nut 40 are rotatable relative to one another.
  • Flare fitting 60 is shown in FIGURE 1 disassembled from tubing 20 and flare nut 40.
  • the flare fitting has a fitting end 62 and a connection end 68.
  • the fitting end has male fitting threads 64 adjacent a flare-engaging surface 66.
  • the connection end includes connection threads 70.
  • wrench flats 72 Positioned between the fitting end and the connection end of flare fitting 60 are wrench flats 72.
  • a fluid passage 74 extends centrally through flare fitting 60.
  • FIGURE 2 shows male fitting thread 64 of flare fitting 60 engaged with female fitting threads 50 of flare nut 40.
  • flare fitting 60 is threadably rotated into flare nut 40
  • flare-engaging surface 66 of the flare fitting advances toward flare portion 28 of flexible tubing 20.
  • flare-engaging surface 66 contacts flare portion 28, which is thereby forced against flare seating surface 48 effecting metal-to-metal contact between the three components.
  • further rotation of the flare fitting into the flare nut causes a metal-to-metal seal to form between flare-engaging surface 66 of the flare fitting, flare portion 28 of the flexible tubing and flare seating surface 48 of the flare nut.
  • This metal-to-metal seal is suitable for forming a fluid-tight passage through connector assembly 10.
  • FIGURES 3-16 illustrate a fluid line connector assembly 100 that includes a length of thin- walled, flexible tubing 120 with opposing ends 122, and an end fitting 140 retained on each of the tubing ends.
  • one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein include two opposing tubing ends and an end fitting supported on each end.
  • the use of an end fitting on both ends of the tubing is optional and that other embodiments are contemplated that have an end fitting on only one end.
  • Such embodiments of fluid line connector assemblies are fully intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.
  • one alternate embodiment could include a length of flexible tubing having an end fitting supported on one end of the tubing in accordance with the present invention. The other end of the tubing could be brazed onto an appliance or supply line adapter forming a generally fixed connection thereto.
  • length of thin-walled, flexible tubing 120 extends between tubing edges 124.
  • Tubing ends 122 adjacent edges 124 are non- corrugated and generally cylindrical, and the tubing ends include a journal portion 126 and a flare portion 128.
  • Tubing corrugations 130 extend helically along the length of flexible tubing between tubing ends 122.
  • end fittings 140 are supported and retained on tubing ends 122 such that the end fittings remain rotatable on the flexible tubing while still enabling the formation of a fluid-tight seal therewith.
  • end fittings 140 shown in FIGURES 3-6 are rotatable, as indicated by arrows RO, relative to tubing ends 122 about a central axis AX.
  • End fittings 140 have a threaded end 142 and a strain-relief end 144.
  • Wrench flats 152 are positioned along the exterior of the end fitting between the threaded and strain-relief ends.
  • journal passage 146 Extending centrally through the end fitting is a journal passage 146, which is cooperable with journal portion 126 of tubing end 122 of flexible tubing 120.
  • Two optional seal receiving grooves 156 are positioned along journal passage 146 and extend radially outwardly into end fitting 140. Seal members, such as o-rings 180, are compressively positioned between one or more walls of each groove 156 and journal portion 126 of tubing ends 122.
  • a flare-engaging surface 148 extends radially outwardly from journal passage 146 in a generally frustoconical manner. Flare- engaging surface 148 is cooperable with flare portion 128 of the tubing end such that end fitting 120 is axially retained on the tubing end.
  • An optional annular recess 154 extends into end fitting 140 from strain-relief end 144 such that at least a portion of one or more tubing corrugations 130 is received within the annular recess.
  • male connection threads 158 extend along end fitting 140 at threaded end 142. Threads 158 are shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 as tapered pipe threads. However, it will be appreciated that threads 158 may be of any suitable form or pitch.
  • the end fittings are shown with two seal grooves and assembled with a seal member in each groove. However, only one seal member or more than two seal members, each having a separate seal groove, may be used for each end fitting. Additionally, other configurations utilizing seal members without grooves can be used. As such, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not intended to be limited to arrangements having two seal members and two seal grooves.
  • a length of thin-walled, flexible tubing 120 is provided in assembling the components of fluid line connector assembly 100.
  • the flexible tubing extends between tubing edges 124 and has helical corrugations 130 along its length with non-corrugated and generally cylindrical tubing ends 122 adjacent the tubing edges.
  • tubing ends 122 preferably include only a generally cylindrical journal portion 126. That is, flare portion 128 is not initially formed on tubing end 122.
  • End fitting 140 and seal members, such as o-rings 180 are assembled onto journal portion 126 of the tubing ends.
  • each o-ring 180 is inserted and captured within a seal-receiving groove 156.
  • Journal passage 146 of the end fitting and o-rings 180 slidably engage journal portion 126 of tubing ends 122 and are axially advanced along the journal portion until annular recess 154 engages at least a portion of tubing corrugations 130.
  • Flare portion 128 is then formed adjacent tubing edge 124 such that the flare portion extends radially outwardly beyond the wall that forms passage 146.
  • flare portion 128 is cooperable with flare-engaging surface 148 of end fitting 140 to retain the end fitting on tubing end 122. Due to the positioning of the seal members between the end fitting and the journal portion of the tubing end, a fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween.
  • the end fitting is axially captured between the flare portion and the corrugations of the flexible tubing. However, the end fitting remains freely rotatable, substantially eliminating the possibility of torque-induced stress during installation.
  • the flare portion of the tubing end was necessary to form the metal-to-metal seal with the flare fitting and flare nut to form a fluid-tight connection.
  • the shape, form and dimensional tolerances of the flare portion were important to the formation of a fluid- tight seal.
  • the flare portion of the tubing end is primarily used to retard pullout of the flexible tubing from the end fitting.
  • fluid line connector assemblies are often designed and manufactured to withstand a specified amount of pullout force
  • the flare portion of the present invention may take any suitable form or shape to provide such desired amount of resistance to pullout.
  • the flare portion is shown as extending outwardly at approximately 45°.
  • the flare portion may be rolled or flared outwardly at a 90° from the central axis AX.
  • the flare portion can be formed in a circumferentially and/or radially discontinuous manner, for example.
  • FIGURES 5 and 6 illustrate fluid line connector assembly 100, as described hereinbefore, prior to assembly with known connecting devices.
  • FIGURE 5 shows fluid line connector assembly 100 having a length of thin-walled, flexible tubing 120 with end fittings 140 supported on opposing ends thereof, and two seal members, such as o-rings 180, positioned between each associated end fitting and tubing end.
  • Shown adjacent one end fitting 140 is a quick connect fitting QC having a female portion QF and a male portion QM.
  • Female portion QF is adapted to receive, retain and form a fluid-tight seal with male portion QM in the manner well known in the art.
  • Female portion QF includes an end surface ES from which female threads ' (not shown) extend axially into the female portion.
  • male portion QM likewise includes an end surface ES from which female threads (not shown) extend axially into the fitting portion. It will be appreciated that such threads in male portion QM are suitable for forming a fluid-tight connection with a fluid transmission line or appliance, such as a gas supply line or gas stove (not shown), for example.
  • a fluid transmission line or appliance such as a gas supply line or gas stove (not shown), for example.
  • FIGURE 6 illustrates a fluid line connector assembly 100 having flexible tubing 120, and end fitting 140 retained at each end of the flexible tubing, and two seal members, such as o-rings 180, positioned between the end fitting and the tubing ends.
  • the fluid line connector assembly is shown prior to assembly with a multi-plane swivel connector MP adjacent each end fitting.
  • Such multi-plane swivel connectors are generally known to those skilled in the art and include two fitting portions FA and FB which are pivotally connected in a fluid-tight manner to permit rotation about an axis AM.
  • Fitting portion FA includes an end surface ES' from which female threads (not shown) extend axially into the fitting portion.
  • the second fitting portion FB includes a rotatable threaded end RT suitable for forming a fluid-tight connection with a fluid transmission line or appliance, such as a gas supply line or gas water heater (not shown), for example.
  • a fluid transmission line or appliance such as a gas supply line or gas water heater (not shown), for example.
  • FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a fluid line connector assembly in accordance with the present invention.
  • fluid line connector assembly 200 includes a length of thin- walled, flexible tubing 220 extending between tubing edges 224 and having a non-corrugated and generally cylindrical tubing end 222 inwardly adjacent the each tubing edge.
  • Tubing ends 222 include a journal portion 226 and a flare portion 228 extending radially outwardly from the journal portion.
  • the length of flexible tubing 220 has helical corrugations 230 extending therealong between ends 222.
  • An end fitting 240 is rotatably supported on each tubing end 222 and has a threaded end 242 and a strain-relief end 244. Arrows RO indicate that each end fitting 240 is rotatable relative to an associated tubing end generally about central axis AX'.
  • An annular recess 254 suitable for receiving corrugations 230 extends axially into end fitting 240 from strain-relief end 244.
  • a journal passage 246 extends centrally through the end fitting and is cooperable with journal portion 226 of flexible tubing 220. Extending radially outwardly from journal passage 246 is a flare-engaging surface 248.
  • Flare portion 228 of tubing end 222 is positioned adjacent flare-engaging surface 248 and is cooperable therewith.
  • Seal receiving grooves 256 are optionally provided and are positioned along journal passage 246 and extend radially into end fitting 240.
  • a seal member, such as an o-ring 280, is captured within each of grooves 256 and is compressively positioned between one of the walls of groove 256 and journal portion 226 of tubing end 222.
  • Threaded end 242 Positioned between threaded end 242 and strain-relief end 244 are wrench flats 252.
  • Threaded end 242 includes male connection threads 258 and female connection threads 259 extending therealong. Both male connection threads 258 and female connection threads 259 are shown in FIGURES 7 and 8 as being tapered pipe threads. However, it will be appreciated that other thread forms and pitches may be used to form a fluid-tight connection between these threads and a fluid transmission line or appliance (not shown).
  • FIGURES 7 and 8 would be assembled in a manner substantially similar to that described for the connector assembly shown in FIGURES 3-6. As such, the steps setting out the method of assembly will not be further discussed. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that flaring of thin-walled tubing and the equipment therefore, such as flaring devices, are generally known by those skilled in the art.
  • FIGURES 9-12 illustrate another embodiment of a fluid line connector assembly in accordance with the present invention.
  • fluid line connector assembly 300 includes a length of thin- walled, flexible tubing 320 extending between tubing edges 324 and having a non-corrugated and generally cylindrical tubing end 322 inwardly adjacent each tubing edge.
  • the length of flexible tubing 320 has helical corrugations 330 extending therealong between tubing ends 322.
  • An end fitting 340 is rotatably supported on each tubing end 322 and has a threaded end 342 and a strain-relief end 344. Arrows RO indicate that each end fitting 340 is rotatable relative to an associated tubing end generally about central axis AX.
  • An annular recess 354 suitable for receiving at least a portion of one or more corrugations 330 extends axially into end fitting 340 from strain relief end 344.
  • a journal passage 346 extends centrally through the end fitting and is cooperable with tubing end 322.
  • a retaining groove 370 is provided in each tubing end 322.
  • a corresponding retaining groove 372 is provided in end fitting 340, which is received on tubing end 322 such that grooves 370 and 372 are axially adjacent and suitable for each at least partially receiving a portion of a retaining ring 374.
  • a tapered surface 376 is provided adjacent annular recess 354 to facilitate assembly of the end fitting and retaining ring onto the tubing end.
  • Seal receiving grooves 356 extend radially outwardly from journal passage 346 and are each suitable for receiving a seal member, such as an o-ring 380.
  • Threaded end 342 includes male connection threads 358 and female connection threads 359 extending therealong. Both male connection threads 358 and female connection threads 359 are shown in FIGURES 9 and 10 as being tapered pipe threads. However, it will be appreciated that other thread forms and pitches may be used to form a fluid- tight connection between these threads and a fluid transmission line or appliance (not shown).
  • FIGURES 11 and 12 illustrate a further embodiment of a fluid line connector assembly in accordance with the present invention.
  • fluid line connector assembly 300' includes end fittings 340' in FIGURES 11 and 12, which are shown with male connection threads 358' at threaded end 342', and which do not include female connection threads 359 as shown in FIGURES 9 and 10.
  • end fittings 340' remain rotatable relative to the length of flexible tubing as indicated by arrows RO.
  • Male connection threads 358' are shown in FIGURES 11 and 12 as being tapered pipe threads.
  • FIGURES 13 and 14 show a fluid line connector assembly 400 that includes a length of thin-walled, flexible tubing 420 extending between tubing edges 424 and having a non- corrugated and generally cylindrical tubing end 422 inwardly adjacent each tubing edge.
  • the length of flexible tubing 420 has helical corrugations 430 extending therealong between ends 422.
  • An end fitting 440 is rotatably supported on each tubing end 422 and has a threaded end 442 and a strain-relief end 444. Arrows RO indicate that each end fitting 440 is rotatable relative to an associated tubing end generally about central axis AX.
  • An annular recess 454 suitable for receiving corrugations 430 extends axially into end fitting 440 from strain-relief end 444.
  • a journal passage 446 extends centrally through the end fitting and is cooperable with tubing end 422.
  • a retaining groove 472 is provided in end fitting 440.
  • the end fitting is positioned on tubing end 422 such that a protrusion 478 extending radially outwardly from tubing end 422 engages retaining groove 472 and axially retains end fitting 440 on the tubing end.
  • Seal receiving grooves 456 are positioned along journal passage 446 and extend radially into fitting 440.
  • a seal member, such as an o-ring 480, is captured within each of grooves 456 and is compressively positioned between one of the walls of each groove 456 and tubing end 422.
  • Positioned between threaded end 442 and strain-relief end 444 are wrench flats 452.
  • Threaded end 442 includes male connection threads 458 and female connection threads 459 extending therealong. Both male connections threads 458 and female connection threads 459 are shown in FIGURES 13 and 14 as being tapered pipe threads. However, it will be appreciated that other thread forms and pitches may be used to form a fluid-tight connection between these threads and a fluid transmission line or appliance (not shown).
  • FIGURES 15 and 16 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 15 and 16 is substantially similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 13 and 14.
  • fluid line connector assembly 400' includes end fittings 440' in FIGURES 15 and 16, which are shown with male connection threads 458' at threaded end 442', and which do not include female connection threads 459 as shown in FIGURES 13 and 14.
  • end fittings 340' remain rotatable relative to the length of flexible tubing as indicated by arrows RO.
  • Male connection threads 458' are shown in FIGURES 15 and 16 as being tapered pipe threads. However, it will be appreciated that other thread forms and pitches may be used to form a fluid-tight connection between these threads and a fluid transmission line or appliance (not shown). Additionally, it will be appreciated that an end fitting having female threads and not including male threads is also envisioned.
  • Assembly of connector assemblies 400 and 400' generally includes steps substantially similar to those discussed hereinbefore with regard to connector assemblies 100 and 200 and, as such, will not be reiterated in detail.
  • projection 478 is preferably formed in place of flare portion 128 of connector assembly 100.
  • projection 478 can be formed in any suitable shape or configuration extending radially outwardly into groove 472 to axially retain the end fitting on the tubing end.

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un ensemble raccord pour conduits fluidiques qui comprend une longueur de tuyau flexible possédant une extrémité de tuyau et une garniture d'extrémité de tuyau soutenue rotative sur l'extrémité de tuyau. L'organe d'étanchéité est placé en compression entre l'extrémité de tuyau et la garniture d'extrémité. Une pièce de retenue s'étend depuis l'extrémité de tuyau et se solidarise avec la garniture d'extrémité, empêchant le retrait axial de cette dernière depuis l'extrémité de tuyau. L'invention se rapporte également à un procédé d'assemblage de l'ensemble raccord pour conduits fluidiques précité.
EP03764647A 2002-07-15 2003-07-15 Ensemble raccord pour conduits fluidiques flexibles Withdrawn EP1552205A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US39582302P 2002-07-15 2002-07-15
US395823P 2002-07-15
PCT/US2003/022025 WO2004008013A2 (fr) 2002-07-15 2003-07-15 Ensemble raccord pour conduits fluidiques flexibles

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1552205A2 true EP1552205A2 (fr) 2005-07-13

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03764647A Withdrawn EP1552205A2 (fr) 2002-07-15 2003-07-15 Ensemble raccord pour conduits fluidiques flexibles

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1552205A2 (fr)
AU (1) AU2003249243A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2491881A1 (fr)
MX (1) MXPA05000351A (fr)
WO (1) WO2004008013A2 (fr)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2004008013A2 (fr) 2004-01-22
CA2491881A1 (fr) 2004-01-22
WO2004008013A3 (fr) 2004-06-10
MXPA05000351A (es) 2005-08-19
AU2003249243A1 (en) 2004-02-02

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