GB2488372A

GB2488372A - Improved tri-clamp device for connecting tubing

Info

Publication number: GB2488372A
Application number: GB1103381.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John E Morton; Daniel B Gentle
Original assignee: HITCO Inc
Current assignee: HITCO Inc
Priority date: 2010-11-19
Filing date: 2011-02-28
Publication date: 2012-08-29
Also published as: GB201103381D0

Abstract

A coupling device for rapid and efficient connection and disconnection of sections of fluid tubing comprising an upper clamp ring 204 and lower clamp ring 210 with a range of opening limited to that which is necessary to insert the tubing section flanged ends. The device further comprises a spring loaded catch mechanism to provide a first, loosely latched condition of the clamp and a winding mechanism to retract the catch to a fully secured latched condition.

Description

IMPROVED TRI-CLAMP DEVICE FOR CONNECTING TUBING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

110001] The invention relates to couplings for connecting fluid systems, and more particularly to sanitary hygienic fittings for connecting sanitary tubing and systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Sanitary couplings are used in applications such as the food processing, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, where fluid lines and couplings must be configured so as to prevent fluid entrapment and minimize opportunities for bacteria to lodge and multiply. This requirement limits the materials, surface finishes, and physical configurations that can be used.

Typically, sanitary tubes and fittings are made from rigid metals such as brass and stainless steel, and are polished to a highly smooth finish. Coupling gaskets can be made from metal, or from certain polymers such as Nylon or Teflon.

[0003] Common sanitary fluid couplers rely on manual clamps to secure components together, as is illustrated in prior art Figure 1, commonly referred to as a Tn-Clamp. Conventional Tn-Clamps have an upper and a lower ring section that are connected on a hinged joint so that the clamp assembly can open and close. Two sections of tubing, which are to be joined, need to be held together along with an intervening gasket while thc clamp is closed over them such that the flanged ends of the tubing are received within slotted groves on the inner diameter of the clamp rings. The clamp is then secured by turning a tightening bolt through many revolutions until the necessary clamping pressure is achieved.

[0004] There are a number of drawbacks to the conventional Tn-Clamp device.

First, the clamp tends to easily fall into a wide open position, making it awkward and time consuming to close the clamp around the tubing sections using just one hand while holding the tubing section together with the other hand. Second, after closing the clamp around the tubing sections, the clamp has to be firmly held in the closed position with one hand while the tightening bolt is maneuvered into position with the other hand and then rotated through many turns to secure the clamp. This process can be time consuming, inefficient and error prone. In typical industrial and commercial settings there can be very large numbers of tubing sections that need to be connected, disconnected and re-arranged on a frequent basis.

[00051 What is needed, therefore, is a sanitary fluid system connector which allows for rapid and efficient connection and disconnection of tubing sections.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One general aspect of the present invention is a sanitary fluid system coupling or connector which allows for rapid and efficient connection and disconnection of tubing sections.

[0007] In an embodiment of the invention, two tubes may be coupled together by joining them at their flanged ends with an intervening gasket and inserting the flanged ends into the grooved slots in the clamp rings which are opened to a maximum open position. The maximum open position is the minimum amount necessary to insert the flanged tube ends. Upper and lower sections of a clamp ring may then be loosely closed around the flanges, requiring a minimal pivot of the upper clamp ring towards the lower ring clamp. A catch mechanism is then pivoted within the lower ring clamp such that a hooked paw at the end of the catch rotates away from a latch on the upper ring clamp while being pushed upwards so that the hooked paw clears the latch. After clearing the latch, the catch mechanism is then pivoted back towards the latch so that the hooked paw engages the latch with the aid of spring mechanisms to provide a first, loosely latched condition. A winding mechanism which is attached to the catch mechanism is then rotated one revolution, or less, clockwise by means of the winding handle to retract the catch mechanism and fully secure the latch.

[00081 To disconnect the tubes, the winding mechanism is rotated one revolution, or less, counter-clockwise to advance the catch mechanism back into the loosely latched condition. The catch mechanism is then pushed further upwards and pivoted away from the latch to disengage. The ring clamps can then be opened and the tube sections removed.

[0009] The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims.

Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art clamp-and-gasket sanitary fitting commonly called a Tn-Clamp.

[0011] Figure 2 is a side view of an improved Tn-Clamp device in the closed position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an improved Tn-Clamp device in the closed position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0013] Figure 4 is a side view of an improved Tn-Clamp device in the open position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an improved Tn-Clamp device in the open position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the catch mechanism and winding mechanism of an improved Tn-Clamp device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The invention is susceptible of many embodiments. What follows is illustrative, but not exhaustive of the scope of the invention.

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention comprises a sanitary fluid system coupling or connector which allows for rapid and efficient connection and disconnection of tubing sections.

[0018] With reference to Figure 1, sanitary fittings are typically made from rigid metals such as brass and stainless steel, which are polished to a highly smooth interior finish so as to prevent fluid entrapment and attachment of bacteria to surface roughness. Figure 1 illustrates a typical sanitary clamp-and-gasket fitting of the prior art commonly known as a Tn-Clamp. The fitting comprises two sections 100, 102, each of which includes a straight length of tubing 104, 106 terminating in a flange 108, 110 at a proximal end of the fitting 100, 102. The sections 100, 102 are joinable by trapping a gasket 112 between the flanges 108, and coupling the flanges 108, 110 to each other with a clamp 114. The clamp 114 includes a split hollow ring 116 and a tightening bolt 118 which can be engaged with the open ends of the split ring 116 and manually tightened so as to press the flanges 108, 110 toward each other and against the gasket 114. The two sections 100, 102 are typically made of metal, such as stainless steel, and the coupling gasket can be made from metal or from certain polymers such as plastic, Nylon or Teflon.

[0019] With reference to Figure 2, a side view of an improved Tn-Clamp device in the closed position is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the invention. The device comprises an upper clamp ring 204 and a lower clamp ring 210 connected at a hinge joint 206 enabling the clamp ring sections 204, 210 to rotate from open to closed positions about the hinge joint 206. A clamp ring pivot stop 208 limits the rotational range of motion of the clamp ring sections about the hinge joint 206. A catch mechanism 212 extends through the lower ring clamp 210 into the upper ring clamp 204. A winding mechanism 216 is attached to the lower end of the catch mechanism 212. A winding mechanism handle 202 is attached to the lower end of the winding mechanism 216. The combination winding mechanism and catch mechanism assembly 216, 212 may rotate about a pivot point 214 as part of the clamp closure engagement process to be described in greater detail below. The combination winding mechanism and catch mechanism assembly 216, 212 may also move over a limited range in the up and down direction as part of the engagement process.

[00201 With reference to Figure 3, a perspective view of an improved Tn-Clamp device in the closed position is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the invention. Some additional details are shown over those in Figure 2. A slotted groove 324 in the lower clamp ring 210 securely holds the flanged ends of the tubing sections to be coupled. A similar groove, not shown in this view, exists in the upper clamp ring.

[00211 A receiver 326 in the upper clamp ring 204 receives the upper end of the catch mechanism 212. A spring 322 in the receiver 326 encourages engagement of a hooked paw on the end of the catch mechanism (not shown in this view, but see 430 below) onto a latch (not shown in this view, but see 432 below). Another spring 320 in the lower clamp ring 210 encourages rotation of the combination winding mechanism and catch mechanism assembly 216, 212 about pivot point 214 in the direction of engagement of the hooked paw 430 onto the latch 432. The combination winding mechanism and catch mechanism assembly 216, 212 may also move over a limited range in the up and down direction and spring 320 tends to resist such motion. Movement of the assembly 216, 212 in the up direction, against the resistance of spring 320 allows for release of the hooked paw 430 from the latch 432.

[00221 With reference to Figure 4, a side view of an improved Tn-Clamp device in the open position is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the invention. Additional details are shown over those in previous figures. Hooked paw 430 on the end of the catch mechanism 212 engages with latch 432 on the end of upper clamp ring 204.

[0023] With reference to Figure 5, a perspective view of an improved Tn-Clamp device in the open position is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the invention. Additional details are shown over those in previous figures. This figure illustrates slotted groove 540 in the upper clamp ring 204 which, along with slotted groove 324 in the lower clamp ring 210, securely holds the flanged ends of the tubing sections to be coupled.

[0024] With reference to Figure 6, a perspective view of the catch mechanism and winding mechanism of an improved Tn-Clamp device is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the invention. Winding mechanism 216 ends in a threaded rod 650 comprising ACME threads which are coarse and square to provide for smooth and rapid advancement of the winding mechanism 216 with each rotation.

Catch mechanism 212 has a threaded receiver 652 with matching ACME threads to permit attachment of winding mechanism 216 and catch mechanism 212 and to provide up and down advancement/retraction motion of catch mechanism 212 in response to rotation of winding mechanism 216.

[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, two tubes may be coupled together by joining them at their flanged ends with an intervening gasket and inserting the flanged ends into the grooved slots 324, 540 in the clamp rings 204, 210 which are opened to a maximum open position. The clamp rings are then loosely closed around the flanges, requiring a minimal pivot of the upper clamp ring 204 towards the lower clamp ring 210. The catch mechanism 212 is then pivoted such that the hooked paw 430 rotates away from the latch 432 while being pushed upwards so that the hooked paw 430 clears the latch 432. After clearing the latch 432, the catch mechanism 212 is then pivoted back towards the latch 432 so that the hooked paw 430 engages the latch 432 with the aid of the spring mechanisms 320, 322 to provide a first, loosely latched condition. The winding mechanism 216 is then rotated one revolution, or less, clockwise by means of the winding handle 202 to retract the catch mechanism 212 and fully secure the latch 430.

[00261 To disconnect the tubes, the winding mechanism 216 is rotated one revolution, or less, counter-clockwise to advance the catch mechanism 212 back into the loosely latched condition. The catch mechanism 212 is then pushed further upwards and pivoted away from the latch 432 to disengage. The clamp rings 204, 210 can then be opened and the tube sections removed.

[0027] As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the essence of the invention. For instance, the invention may be practiced as an apparatus and/or process, and can be scaled. There is within the scope of the invention, a coupling device for connecting sections of fluid tubing comprising an upper clamp ring, a lower clamp ring attached to the upper clamp ring at a hinge joint, allowing the upper clamp ring and the lower clamp ring to rotate about the hinge joint between an open position and a closed position, a catch mechanism having a lower end fitted through an opening in the lower clamp ring, and the catch mechanism having an upper end extending into a receiver in the upper clamp ring, a hooked paw on the upper end of the catch mechanism to engage with a latch in the receiver during an initial closure, providing a first, loosely latched condition, a spring in the receiver to encourage the engagement of the hooked paw to the latch during the initial closure into the loosely latched condition, a winding mechanism attached to the lower end of the catch mechanism and rotatable over a limited range in an up and down direction along the axis of

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the catch mechanism, to retract the catch mechanism to fully secure the latch by rotating in the down direction and to release the catch mechanism to the loosely latched condition by rotating in the up direction, and a spring loaded pivot point in the lower clamp ring about which the winding mechanism and catch mechanism rotate to engage and disengage from the loosely latched condition, wherein the spring loading encourages the engagement into the loosely latched condition.

[00281 The coupling device may further comprise a clamp ring pivot stop to limit the range of rotation about the hinge joint in the open position. The winding mechanism may require no more than one full turn clockwise to fully secure the latch and no more than one full turn counter-clockwise to release the catch mechanism. In some embodiments the winding mechanism may need no more than one quarter turn counter-clockwise to release the catch mechanism.

There may be a restraint mechanism to prevent unintentional rotation of the winding mechanism causing unintentional release of the coupling device.

[0029] The attachment of the winding mechanism and the catch mechanism may be accomplished with a threaded rod on the winding mechanism and a threaded receiver on the catch mechanism, and the threading may be an ACME thread to provide smooth and rapid motion of the catch mechanism in response to rotation of the winding mechanism.

[00301 In some embodiments, the latching mechanism operates as a two-step process. The first step provides a quick, loose initial joining of the tube sections which holds the clamp loosely in place around the joint and keeps the joint and gasket from falling apart or out of alignment. The second step provides for tightening and securing the latch around the joint so that the gasket is properly and uniformly compressed and the butt joint is fully operational for passing fluid between the tube sections.

[0031] In some embodiments the device may be fabricated from stainless steel.

In other embodiments, which may be suited to one-time use, the device may be fabricated from plastic, Teflon, Nylon or any other suitable material. The coupling device may be suitable for use in a sanitary system.

[0032] There is further within the scope of the invention, a method for coupling connecting sections of fluid tubing comprising attaching a lower clamp ring to an upper clamp ring at a hinge joint, allowing the upper clamp ring and the lower clamp ring to rotate about the hinge joint between an open position and a closed position, providing a catch mechanism having a lower end fitted through an opening in the lower clamp ring, and the catch mechanism having an upper end extending into a receiver in the upper clamp ring, engaging a hooked paw on the upper end of the catch mechanism with a latch in the receiver during an initial closure, providing a first, loosely latched condition, providing a spring in the receiver to encourage the engagement of the hooked paw to the latch during the initial closure into the loosely latched condition, attaching a winding mechanism to the lower end of the catch mechanism and rotatable over a limited range in an up and down direction along the axis of the catch mechanism, to retract the catch mechanism to fully secure the latch by rotating in the down direction and to release the catch mechanism to the loosely latched condition by rotating in the up direction, and providing a spring loaded pivot point in the lower clamp ring about which the winding mechanism and catch mechanism rotate to engage and disengage from the loosely latched condition, wherein the spring loading encourages the engagement into the loosely latched condition.

[0033] In some embodiments the method may limit the range of rotation about the hinge joint in the open position through the use of a clamp ring pivot stop. In some embodiments the method may require no more than one full turn clockwise of the winding mechanism to fully secure the latch and no more than one full turn counter-clockwise to release the catch mechanism. Some further embodiments may require no more than one quarter turn counter-clockwise to release the catch mechanism.

[00341 In some embodiments the method may provide a restraint mechanism to prevent unintentional rotation of the winding mechanism causing unintentional release of the coupling device. The upper clamp ring and the lower clamp ring may have a slotted grove on the surface of the inner diameter to receive and secure a gasket and a flanged end of tubing to be connected by the coupling device. The method may be used in a sanitary fluid system.

[0035] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A coupling device for connecting sections of fluid tubing comprising: an upper clamp ring; a lower clamp ring attached to the upper clamp ring at a hinge joint, allowing the upper clamp ring and the lower clamp ring to rotate about the hinge joint between an open position and a closed position; a catch mechanism having a lower end fitted through an opening in the lower clamp ring, and the catch mechanism having an upper end extending into a receiver in the upper clamp ring; a hooked paw on the upper end of the catch mechanism to engage with a latch in the receiver during an initial closure, providing a first, loosely latched condition; a spring in the receiver to encourage the engagement of the hooked paw to the latch during the initial closure into the loosely latched condition; a winding mechanism attached to the lower end of the catch mechanism and rotatable over a limited range in an up and down direction along the axis of the catch mechanism, to retract the catch mechanism to fully secure the latch by rotating in the down direction and to release the catch mechanism to the loosely latched condition by rotating in the up direction; and a spring loaded pivot point in the lower clamp ring about which the winding mechanism and catch mechanism rotate to engage and disengage from the loosely latched condition, wherein the spring loading encourages the engagement into the loosely latched condition.
2. A coupling device according to Claim 1, further comprising a clamp ring pivot stop to limit the range of rotation about the hinge joint in the open position.
3. A coupling dcvice according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the winding mechanism requires no more than one full turn clockwise to fully secure the latch.
4. A coupling device according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the winding mechanism requires no more than one full turn counter-clockwise to release the catch mechanism.
5. A coupling device according to Claim 4, wherein the winding mechanism requires no more than one quarter turn counter-clockwise to release the catch mechanism.
6. A coupling device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a restraint mechanism to prevent unintentional rotation of the winding mechanism causing unintentional release of the coupling device.
7. A coupling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment of the winding mechanism and the catch mechanism is accomplished with a threaded rod on the winding mechanism and a threaded receiver on the catch mechanism, and wherein the threading is an ACME thread to provide smooth and rapid motion of the catch mechanism in response to rotation of the winding mechanism.
8. A coupling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper clamp ring and the lower clamp ring have a slotted grove on the surface of the inner diameter to receive and secure a gasket and a flanged end of tubing to be connected by the coupling device.
9. A coupling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling device is suitable for use in a sanitary fluid system
10. A coupling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling device is formed from stainless steel, plastic or nylon.
11. A method for coupling connecting sections of fluid tubing comprising: attaching a lower clamp ring to an upper clamp ring at a hinge joint, allowing the upper clamp ring and the lower clamp ring to rotate about the hinge joint between an open position and a closed position; providing a catch mechanism having a lower end fitted through an opening in the lower clamp ring, and the catch mechanism having an upper end extending into a receiver in the upper clamp ring; engaging a hooked paw on the upper end of the catch mechanism with a latch in the receiver during an initial closure, providing a first, loosely latched condition; providing a spring in the receiver to encourage the engagement of the hooked paw to the latch during the initial closure into the loosely latched condition; attaching a winding mechanism to the lower end of the catch mechanism and rotatable over a limited range in an up and down direction along the axis of the catch mechanism, to retract the catch mechanism to fully secure the latch by rotating in the down direction and to release the catch mechanism to the loosely latched condition by rotating in the up direction; and providing a spring loaded pivot point in the lower clamp ring about which the winding mechanism and catch mechanism rotate to engage and disengage from the loosely latched condition, wherein the spring loading encourages the engagement into the loosely latched condition.
12. A method according to Claim 11, further comprising providing a clamp ring pivot stop to limit the range of rotation about the hinge joint in the open position.
13. A method according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein the winding mechanism requires no more than one full turn clockwise to fully secure the latch.
14. A method according to Claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the winding mechanism requires no more than one full turn counter-clockwise to release the catch mechanism.
15. A method according to Claim 14, wherein the winding mechanism requires no more than one quarter turn counter-clockwise to release the catch mechanism.
16. A method according to any of Claims 11 to 15, further comprising providing a restraint mechanism to prevent unintentional rotation of the winding mechanism causing unintentional release of the coupling device.
17. A method according to any of Claims 11 to 16, wherein the attachment of the winding mechanism and the catch mechanism is accomplished with a threaded rod on the winding mechanism and a threaded receiver on the catch mechanism, and wherein the threading is an ACME thread to provide smooth and rapid motion of the catch mechanism in response to rotation of the winding mechanism.
18. A method according to any of Claims 11 to 17, wherein the upper clamp ring and the lower clamp ring have a slotted grove on the surface of the inner diameter to receive and secure a gasket and a flanged end of tubing to be connected by the coupling device.
19. A method according to any of Claims 11 to 18, wherein the coupling device is suitable for use in a sanitary fluid system
20. A method according to any of Claims 11 to 19, wherein the coupling device is formed from stainless steel, plastic or nylon.
21. A coupling device for connecting sections of fluid tubing, substantially as described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, the drawings.