MXPA06004952A - Fitting for metal pipe and tubing - Google Patents

Abstract

A tube fitting (400) for connection with an end portion of a tube (410) includes a fitting body (420) having a tube socket (424) for receiving the end portion of the tube. The fitting body (420) includes a tapered surface (430) that is centered on an axis of the fitting body (420), the tapered surface extending at a first angle to the axis. The fitting also includes a ferrule (302)having a front portion and a rear portion, an adaptor ring (450), and a driver (440) for applying axial force to the ferrule rear portion to move the ferrule front portion into engagement with the adaptor ring (450). The adaptor ring (450) has a camming surface (464) extending at a second angle to the axis for engagement by the ferrule front portion. At pull up the adaptor ring is in sealing engagement with the fitting body and has a negative rake angle with respect to the tube surface.

Description

ADJUSTMENT FOR METALY PIPE TUBING This application claims the benefit of the filing date of US Provisional Application No. 60/481, 593 filed on November 3, 2003, the full disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed generally to the technique of adjustments for pipe and pipe. More particularly, the invention is directed to dull adjustments that include an adjustment body with a conical surface at a small angle relative to the horizontal and a tube holding device, such as a splint or a tube clamping ring . This application incorporates by way of reference the full disclosure of International Patent Application No. PCT / US02 / 03430 filed on February 6, 2002 for ADJUSTMENT FOR PIPES FOR STAINLESS STEEL PIPES.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Some adjustments for known tubes employ parts that are at least partially standardized in dimension or configuration, thus being commonly used. For example, many adjustment cams have a camshaft that is slightly inclined relative to the horizontal or a conical surface, eg twelve degrees (12 °) or twenty degrees (20 °), for coupling by a splint when the splint is forced by the nut. Many nuts have an angle of forty-five degrees (45 °) or their drive faces that make contact with the splint to drive the splint against the camshaft of the body. The gradual nature of the angle of cams of 12 ° on the body is propitious to put the splint inside the surface of the tubes to provide support. This angle of 12 ° is not, however, conducive to establishing a good seal between the splint and the body. In this way, the sealing and clamping functions are often uneven with each other in a setting that uses such parts. The sealing function is often increased by adding an elastomeric sealing element to the fit. While adjustments using elastomeric sealing elements generally seal effectively, they may have some drawbacks. For example, temperature limitations can be placed on the adjustment due to the presence of the elastomeric element (non-metallic). There may be incompatibilities between the elastomeric sealing element and certain system fluids. Additionally, shearing or damage may occur during the splicing of the fit, or the sealing element may fall or be less before the fitting splice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to improving the sealing ability of a fitting using a fitting body and nut of certain dimensions commonly used as described above, while retaining capacity is retained. This is achieved by providing a metallic adapter ring that effectively seals in a metal-to-metal manner against the body, while a camshaft is provided which is slightly inclined relative to the smaller horizontal for coupling by a splint. This combination of parts allows the clamping of tubes, the sealing of fluids, and effective protection against vibration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments in view of the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an embodiment of the invention for a Simple splint tube fitting that includes an adapter ring.

Figure 2 is another embodiment similar to Figure 1 that includes an adapter ring. Figure 3 is another embodiment similar to Figure 1 that includes an adapter ring. Figure 4 is another embodiment similar to Figure 1 that includes an adapter ring. Figure 5 is another modality similar to Figure 1 which includes an adapter ring. Figure 6 is another embodiment similar to Figure 1 that includes an adapter ring. Figures 7-9 are schematic illustrations of portions of adapter rings that are other embodiments of the invention. Figure 10 illustrates another adapter ring used with a simple ferrule tube fit. Figure 11 illustrates an adapter ring used with a two ferrule tube fit. Figure 12 illustrates a self-energizing effect of a tube fitting of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In many tube fittings, the flange of a ferrule is arranged with cams in and inside the tube by a cam surface that is slightly inclined relative to the horizontal or a conical surface (eg, 12 ° or 20 °) on the body. of the adjustment. This angle is suitable for holding the tube by the splint, but it is not optimal for making a seal on the body by the splint, on the other hand, a very steep angle of the cams (for example 45 °) can be better to effect a seal by the splint but may be less effective in producing the fastener needed.The present invention as described below with reference to the exemplary (but not limiting) modalities addresses this question.Figures 1-4 illustrate different adjustments of tube 400, 400a, 400b, and 400c according to the invention. The different 400-400c settings include characteristics that differ and combinations of characteristics. A tube fitting in accordance with the present invention may include one or more of these features in different combinations. Showing a representative embodiment, Figure 1 illustrates a tube fitting 400 in accordance with the invention, for use in coupling a tube 410 with a body 420. The fit 400 includes a drive impeller or nut 440, an adapter ring 450 , and a splint 302. The body 420 and the drive nut 440 may have some "standard" features or dimensions, i.e. features or aspects that are commonly found in some settings, as described below.

The tube 410 as illustrated has a cylindrical side wall 412 centered on an axis 414. The side wall 412 defines a fluid flow passage 416 in the tube 410. The side wall of the tube 412 has a cylindrical outer surface 418 centered on the shaft 414. (As used herein, the term "pipe" is intended to cover hollow cylindrical pipes of different diameters and variants, including those commonly known as pipe, pipe, and conduit). The body 420 has a cylindrical internal surface 422 centered on the shaft. The surface 422 defines an inner diameter or tube socket 424 in which the end of the tube 410 is received. The body 420 has an external threaded sinuate 426 for engaging the nut 440, as described below. The fitting 400 is adapted to seal between the body 420 and the tube 410, and to secure them together so that the tube does not leave the inner diameter 424 in the body. The body 420 has an annular end face or rear face 428 that extends radially inwardly from the threaded sinuate 426. The body 420 also has a frustoconical cam surface or conical surface 430 extending between the inner surface 422 and the surface 428. The end surface 428. The cam surface 430 extends at an angle to the axis 414. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, the cam surface 430 extends at approximately an angle of 12 ° to the 414 axis. cams 430 are radially inwardly towards the shaft 414 and axially in a direction towards the drive nut 440. The cam surface 430 is located adjacent the surface 422 and defines a cam mouth 432 of the body 420 which is located adjacent to the tube socket 424. The body 420 has a edge 434 at the intersection of the cam surface 430 and the end surface 428. The impeller or ca 440 includes a first cylindrical surface or inner surface 442 centered on shaft 414. Surface 442 defines an inner diameter 444 through which tube 410 extends. At a location radially outward and axially spaced from inner surface 442, the nut 440 has an internal threaded sinus 446 for engagement with the external threaded sinus 426 on the body 420. The nut 440 has a frusto-conical drive surface or drive face 448 that extends radially and axially between the inner surface 442 and the internal threaded sinuosity 446. The driving face 448 extends at an angle towards the axis 414 and is presented - radially towards the axis and axially towards the body 420. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the drive face 448 extends at approximately an angle of 45 ° to the shaft 414. The angle of the drive nut may be other than that of 45 °. The adapter ring 450 and the splint 302 are located in the space between the drive face 448 of the nut 440 and the body 420. The adapter ring 450 may be, but need not be, made from the same material as the adapter. of splint 302.

The adapter ring 450 in the embodiment of Figure 1 has a radially outer portion 452 and a radially internal portion 454 that are joined by a throat portion 456. The outer portion 452 of the adapter ring 450 has a cylindrical outer surface 458 that extends parallel to the shaft 414. The outer portion 452 of the ring 450 has an annular rear face 460 extending radially inwardly from the rear end of the outer surface 458, in a normal direction toward the outer surface and towards the shaft 414. Rear face 460 is presented axially in the direction of nut 440. External portion 452 of ring 450 also has an annular front face 462 extending radially inward from the front end of outer surface 458, in one direction normal to the outer surface and to the shaft 414. The front face 462 is presented axially in a direction towards the end surface 428 of the body 420. In the particular adapter ring 450 shown in Figure 1, the front face 462 has an extension greater than that of the rear face 460, for example, twice the radial extent of the rear face . The adapter ring 450 has a cam surface 464 that is radially inward toward the shaft 414 and also presents axially towards the rear of the fit, in a direction toward the drive face 448 of the nut 440. The cam surface 464 extends at an angle to the axis 414, which, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, is an angle of approximately 45 °.

The inner portion 454 of the adapter ring 450 has a cylindrical internal surface 466 extending parallel to the shaft 414. The inner surface 466 defines an inside diameter 468 in which the tube 410 is slidably received. The inner surface 466 coats and is spaced from the outer surface 418 of the tube 410, before the fit 400 is joined. The adapter ring 450 has a edge 470 at the intersection of the inner surface 466 and the cam surface 464. inner portion 454 of the ring 450 has an annular front face 472 extending radially outwardly from the inner surface 466, in a normal direction towards the inner surface and towards the shaft 414. The front face 472 is presented axially in a direction towards the camshaft 432 of the body 420. The front face 472 of the inner portion 454 of the ring is farther forward in the fit 400, ie, it is located closer to the body 420 and further away from the nut 440, than what there is the front face 462 of the outer portion 452 of the ring. A bevel breaks the edge defined by the surface 462 and the surface 472. The inner portion of the adapter ring 450 also has a mating surface 474 extending between and connects the front face 472 of the inner portion 454 of the ring, and the front face 462 of the outer portion 452 of the ring. The coupling surface 474 can be a simple flat or concave surface, or it can be a series of concave or flat surfaces, or a combination of several types of surfaces. The coupling surface 474 passes through the throat portion 456 of the adapter ring 450, which extends between the front face 472 of the inner portion 454 and the front face 462 of the outer portion 452. The coupling surface 474 is presented to the body 420 and, specifically, to shore 434 on the body. On the opposite side of the adapter ring 450, the cam surface 464 of the adapter ring 450 passes through the throat portion 456 of the adapter ring, extending between the inner surface 466 and the rear face 460 of the outer portion 452. The dimensions of the adapter ring 450 are selected so that their radially internal portion 454 can move within the camshaft 432 of the body 420, while the radially external portion 452 can not. Specifically, the movement of the adapter ring 450 in a direction axially towards the camshaft 430 of the body 420 is blocked, as described below, by means of coupling the coupling surface of the adapter ring 474 (or the front face 462) with the body 420. When the fit 400 is spliced, the nut 440 is tightened on the body 420, and moves axially towards the body (in a counterclockwise direction as seen in Figure 1). The drive face 448 to 45 ° of the nut engages the rear wall 324 of the splint 302. The splint 302 is urged forward until it engages the adapter ring 450. The protrusion 310 of the splint 302 engages the rear face 464 to 45 ° of the 450 adapter ring.

The adapter ring 450 is moved forwardly by means of the splint 302 until it engages the body 420. The coupling surface 474 of the adapter ring 450 engages the edge 434 on the body 420 to act as a stop for the adapter ring. This coupling blocks any further substantial movement of the adapter ring 450 towards the body 420, and can be detected by detecting a torque on the nut 400 to determine a sufficient height. The adapter ring 450 is captured between the splint 302 and the body 420, and the splint is captured between the adapter ring and the nut 440. The inner portion 454 of the adapter ring 450 is located in the camshaft 432 of the body 420, radially inward of the cam surface 430 but not in engagement with the cam surface. Alternatively, the adapter ring 450 can couple the cam surface 430. The outer portion 452 of the adapter ring 450 is located radially outwardly of the cam surface 430 of the body 420, and axially between the end face 428 of the body and the driving face 448 of the nut 440. As the nut 440 is tightened further, the ferrule 302 is compressed and plastically deformed, and is urged into the clamping and sealing coupling with the adapter ring 450 and the tube 410. The splint 302 - can be hinged and / or tightened, and can be hardened to make it more suitable for use with the relatively steep 45 ° cam angle of adapter ring 450.

The protrusion 310 of the ferrule engages the cam surface at 45 ° on the adapter ring, instead of the cam surface at 12 ° on the body 420. In this way, the protrusion 310 of the ferrule 302 is radially arranged with cams inwards into and into tube 410 by means of a 45 ° cam surface, instead of a 12 ° cam surface. A seal is established between the coupling surface 474 of the adapter ring 450 and the edge 434 of the body 420. The seal prevents the fluid from the tube 410 from passing radially outwardly of the adapter ring 450. This seal is not a sliding seal, i.e. It is not of the established type when a splint is arranged with cams and slides against a cam surface of an adjusting body. In contrast, the adapter ring 450 is positively stopped from moving relative to the body 420, and the engagement surface 474 thus seals in a fixed manner against the edge 434 of the body. The adapter ring 450 does not have to establish a seal against the tube 410. Another seal is established between the projection 310 of the splint 302 and the cam surface 464 of the adapter ring 450. A third seal is established between the projection 310 of the splint 302 and tube 410. These seals together provide the desired sealing function of the fit 400, preventing the fluid from passing radially inward of the adapter ring. At the same time, the protrusion 310 of the splint 302 is urged into the material of the tube 310 to form a generally radial flange 476, which blocks the removal of the inner diameter tube 424 in the body 420 and thus provides the holding function of the fit 400. The lower face of the adapter ring can be configured to allow a space for the pipe chip which is crimped by the mouth of the ferrule. In this way, with the use of the adapter ring 450, the adjustment 400 can provide the increased clamping benefit of the cam surface at 12 °, because excellent clamping of the splint 302 is provided, this is arranged with cams inside. of the tube by a cam surface at 45 ° from the adapter ring. Figure 2 illustrates a tube fitting 400a that is similar to tube fitting 400 but which includes a different adapter ring. The fit 400a, for use in the coupling of the tube 410 to the body 420, includes the same drive nut 440 and the same splint 302. The fit 400a also includes an adapter ring 450a which is slightly different from the adapter 450 shown in FIG. Figure 1. Specifically, in the adapter ring 450a, the radially internal portion 454a is different from the radially internal portion 454 in the adapter ring 450. Also, the coupling surface 474a in the adapter ring 450a is different than the coupling surface 474 in the adapter ring 400. The radially inner portion 454a of the adapter ring 450a has a convex configuration including a convex external surface 478 presented to the cam surface 430 of the body 420. The convex external surface 478 is incorporated within a concave engaging surface 474a that is incorporated within the front face 462a of the radially outer portion 452a of the adapter ring 450a. The resulting configuration of the adapter ring 450a includes an inner portion configured as a "round corner" 454a that still fits inside the camshaft 432 of the body 420, but also projects radially outwardly enough to engage the cam surface 430 body when the 400a fit is spliced. When the drive nut 440 pushes the splint 302 into the adapter ring 450a, the adapter ring is pushed into the coupling with the body 420, as shown in Figure 2. The outer surface 478 of the inner portion 454a of the adapter ring is tightens in strong engagement with the cam surface 430 of the body 420. The radially extending front face 462a of the outer portion 452a of the adapter ring 450 preferably engages the end face 428 of the body to provide a stop. The concave coupling surface 474a of the adapter ring 450a may or may not engage the edge 434 of the body 420. ~ In the embodiment of Figure 2, the adapter ring 450a is interposed between the ferrule 302 and the body 420, so that the protrusion 310 of the splint couples the cam surface 464a to 45 ° on the adapter ring, instead of the cam surface 430 to 12 ° on the body 420. A seal is established between the concave external surface 478 on the radially internal portion 454a of the adapter ring 450a and the cam surface 430 of the body 420. Another seal is established between the projection 310 of the ferrule 302 and the cam surface 464a of the adapter ring 450a. A third seal is established between the projection 310 of splint 302 and the tube 410. These seals together provide the desired sealing function of the fit 400a. At the same time, the protrusion 310 of the splint 302 is urged into the material of the tube 310 to form a generally radial flange 476, which blocks the removal of the body tube 420 and thus provides the desired fastening function of the adjustment 400a. Figure 3 illustrates a tube fit 400b that is similar to settings 400 and 400a, but includes a different adapter ring. The fitment 400b, for use in the coupling of the tube 410 to the body 420, includes the same drive nut 440 and the same splint 302 (with a shortened rear wall 324). The fitment 400b also includes an adapter ring 450b which is different from the adapter ring 450 shown in Figure 1 and the adapter ring 450a shown in Figure 2. The adapter ring 450b has an outer portion 452b that is axially longer than the portion external of any of the rings 450 and 450a. The outer portion 452b of the adapter ring 450b includes a projection portion 480 that projects forward (in a direction toward the body 420), overlying the inner portion 454b of the ring and extending in front of the surface 474b. The outer portion 452b also includes a tail portion 482 projecting backward (in a direction toward the nut 440), covering a significantly larger portion of the splint (in the illustrated embodiment, over the majority of the splint) than what the outer portion 454 of the adapter ring 450 (Figure 1).

When the fit 400b is spliced, as shown in Figure 3, the projection portion 480 of the adapter ring engages the end face 428 of the body 420 to act as a stop for the movement of the adapter ring. This coupling limits the additional movement of the adapter ring 450b in a direction towards the body 420 and provides a seal between the adapter ring and the body. The protrusion 310 of the splint 302 couples the cam surface 464b of the adapter ring 450b to provide a seal, and is provided with cams inside the tube 410, as described above, to hold and provide an additional seal. When the fit 400b is spliced, the tail portion 482 engages the drive face 448 of the nut 440 as a stop to limit the movement of the nut 440 in a direction toward the body 420. This can provide torque detection to ensure a sufficient height of the 400b setting. Figure 4 illustrates a tube fitting 400c that is similar to settings 400, 400a and 400b, and includes a different adapter and ferrule. The fit 400c, for use in the coupling of the tube 410 to the body 420, includes the same drive nut 440. The fit 400c also includes an adapter ring 450c which is different from the adapter rings 450, 450a, and 450b. The fit 400c also includes a splint 302c which is different from the splint 302. The rear wall 324c of the splint 302c extends radially outwardly further than the rear wall 324 of the splint 302 (Figure 1). A high surface 480 on the rear wall 324c of the ferrule is presented to the body 420. The outer portion 452c of the adapter ring 450c includes a tail portion 482c projecting backward (in a direction toward the nut 440), covering a significantly larger portion of the splint 302 than the outer portion 452 of the adapter ring 450 (Figure 1). The tail portion 482c of the adapter ring 450c includes a stop surface 486 that faces the nut 440 and the rear wall 324c of the splint 302c. The inner portion 454c of the adapter ring 450c is axially elongated in a forward direction, compared to the inner portion 454 of the adapter ring 450 (Figure 1). The inner portion 454c of the adapter ring 450c, similar to the round corner on the adapter ring 454a (Figure 2), moves inside the camshaft 432 of the body 420 and engages the cam surface 430 of the body. The inner portion 454c of the adapter ring 450c seals against the tapered surface 430 of the body 420. The concave coupling surface 474c of the adapter ring 450c, and the radially extending front face 462c of the outer portion 452c of the ring, may or may not mate the edge 434 of the body 420 and / or the end face 428 of the body. When the fit 400c is spliced, the high surface 486 on the tail portion 482c of the adapter ring 450c couples the high surface 480 on the rear wall 324c of the splint 302c. At the same time, the front face 462c of the adapter ring 450c engages the end surface 428 of the body 420. As a result, the outer portion 452c of the adapter ring 450c and the rear wall 324c of the ferrule 302, together, act as a stopper for limiting the movement of the nut 440 in a direction towards the body 420. This can provide a detection of a torque to ensure a sufficient height of the adjustment 400c. Figure 5 illustrates a tube fit 400d for use in coupling a tube 410 to an adjusting body 420. The adjusting body 420 has a cam surface 430 to 12 ° which defines a cam mouth 432. The fit 400d includes a drive nut 440. The fit 400d also includes an adapter ring 450d and a ferrule 302d. The adapter ring 450d has an extended projection 490 that fits inside the camshaft 432. The projection 490 has a sharp edge 492 that excavates within the cam surface 430, upon splicing, to provide a seal between the adapter ring 450d and the adjustment body 420. The splint 302d has a relatively small projection 496 which fits under the camshaft 494 relatively small at 45 ° of the adapter ring 450d. The ferrule 302d seals against the camshaft 494 or rear end at 45 ° of the adapter ring 450d and is clamped on the tube 410. The fit 400d does not have a positive height built into it.

Instead, the adjustment 400d is designed to be pushed to a given number of turns of the nut, thereby ensuring a sufficient thrust of the adjustment.

Figure 6 illustrates a tube fitting 400e for use in coupling a tube 410 to an adjustment body 420. The fit 400e includes a drive nut 440. The fit 400e also includes one of the three different adapter rings 500, 502, and 504 that are illustrated, and one of the three different splints 510, 512 and 514 that are illustrated. As a result, there are nine possible combinations of the illustrated parts. The adapter ring 500 has a long thin projection 520 that fits inside the camshaft 432. The projection 520 has a sharp edge 522 that digs into the cam surface to provide a seal between the adapter ring 500 and the body of adjustment 420. Because the projection 520 is long and thin, this produces less tendency to tighten the adjustment body 420 when the fit 400d is engaged. The adapter ring 504, in contrast, has a shorter and thinner projection sealing between the adapter ring and the adjustment body 420. Because the projection 524 of the adapter ring 504 is shorter and thinner in cross section, this It has a higher resistance to axial compression under load. The quality of the intermediate adapter ring 502 illustrated falls between the quality of the rings 500 and 504. The three protrusion designs are illustrated to show that the length and thickness of the protrusion are variable and that the designer can select from them or select a outgoing with a different length and thickness. The 400e setting has a positive high built into it. This can provide a detection of a torque to ensure a sufficient height of the adjustment. Specifically, the nut 440 is designed to rest on the adapter ring 500-504. The three different splints 510-514 illustrated in Figure 6 have different lengths and heights and thus allow amounts that differ from the pitch of the nut before the nut 440 rests on the rear of the adapter ring 500-504. The three splint designs 510-514 are illustrated to show that the size of the splint is a variable and that the designer can select from them or select a splint with different dimensions. The choice of adapter ring depends on which one effectively makes a seal against the camshaft without tightening the body while resisting axial compression under load. The choice of splint is based on the extent to which the splint holder is to be held within the tube by the time the nut stops against the back side of the adapter ring. As noted above, the splint holds the tube to prevent the tube from coming out of the tube socket in the adjustment body. Under high pressure, a significant amount of tension may occur in the tube, it may be noted as a force directed axially outwardly on the tube and on any component that is attached to or attached to the tube. Sufficient tension on the tube, if transmitted to the adapter ring, can break or reduce the seal between the adapter ring and the body. It is preferable to prevent this from happening. As illustrated schematically in Figure 7, the projection 530 of the adapter ring 532, ie, the portion that is located radially inward of the cam surface 534, may have a rounded tip 536. This helps to prevent transmission of the Tension of the tube under high pressure to the adapter ring. In a second manner, the projection of the adapter ring, ie, the radially inward portion of the cam surface, can be configured as a ramp or bevelled radially outward, away from the outer surface of the tube, as schematically illustrated in FIG. Figure 8. The adapter ring 540 shown in Figure 8 is illustrated as having an internal ramp surface or bevel 542 that ends in a radially outward tip when measured in a direction from the back of the ring to the tip of the ring. Third, the protrusion of the adapter ring can be both rounded and ramped, as schematically illustrated by the adapter ring 544 shown in Figure 9. In this form, or in another form, with an adapter ring thus configured, then under high pressure the tube can move freely and press outwards. As other examples, an elliptical end portion may be provided, or the projection portion may be broken by broaching, for example, to provide the desired non-acute configuration for the projection portion or the end portion of the adapter ring. The combinations of surfaces c. { unique and curved are also possible. The characteristics of the adapter rings shown in Figures 7-9 and as described herein may equally apply to all polished adapter rings. During the stop, if the inner forward portion of the adapter ring contacts the tube, it touches at a negative angle of inclination with respect to the tube surface, i.e., an acute angle between the tube surface and the surface of the tube. the inner forward portion of the adapter ring. Figures 10 and 11 show two additional embodiments of the invention. Figure 10 illustrates a tube fitting 590 that includes an adjustment body 592 having a tube socket 594 that receives an end portion of a tube 596, a ferrule 598, and an adapter ring 600. The adapter ring 600 illustrated as having a tapered and rounded tip 602. Figure 11 illustrates a two-ferrule tube fitting 560 that includes an adjustment body 562 having a tube socket 564 that receives an end portion 566 of a tube 568. impeller 570 in the form of a nut is coupled to the adjusting body 562 for driving a rear ferrule 572, a front ferrule 574, and an adapter ring 576. The adapter ring 576 has a protruding portion 578 that seals against a conical surface from twelve degrees to twenty degrees, relatively small relative to the horizontal 582 on the adjustment body 562. The adapter ring576 has a rear face 584 which forms a cam surface relatively smaller relative to the horizontal, on the scale of about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees which is engaged by the protrusion portion of the front ferrule 574. The rear ferrule 572 is captured between the front splint 574 and the nut 570. When the splice (not shown) of the 560 fit occurs with the front splint 574 and the rear splint 572 is clamped and sealed onto the tube 568. In this embodiment, as well as in the embodiment of Figure 10, a sufficient stop of the adjustment can be ensured by detecting a torque or otherwise, such as by ensuring sufficient axial impact of the nut as determined by the number of turns of the nut. Figure 12 illustrates a self-energizing effect under high pressure of an adapter ring according to the invention. The illustrated ring is the adapter ring 450c discussed above with reference to Figure 4. Under very high pressure, the tube 410 can begin to uncouple from the socket of the tube in the adjustment body 420. As this occurs, the splint 302c is It holds very deep inside the material of the tube 410 to resist the uncoupling of the tube and better sealing. The fluid under pressure flows into the annular cavity which is located radially outwardly of the tube 410 and radially inwardly of the adapter ring 450c. The fluid pressure acts to force the adapter ring 450c away from the tube 410. The protrusion portion 454c of the adapter ring 450c is pressed more tightly against the ferrule 302c. As a result, the sealing capacity of the adapter ring 450c is increased due to the increased pressure in the tube 410. From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes, and modifications in the invention. Such improvements, changes, and modifications within the skilled in the art are proposed to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (48)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1. - A tube fitting for connection to an end portion of a tube, said tube fitting being characterized in that it comprises: an adjustment body having a tube socket for receiving the end portion of the tube, said adjustment body including a conical surface that is centered on an axis of the adjustment body, the conical surface extends at a first angle towards the axis; a splint having a front portion and a posterior portion; an adapter ring; and an impeller for applying axial force to the rear portion of the splint to move the front portion of the splint in engagement with said adapter ring; said adapter ring having a cam surface extending at a second angle towards the shaft for engagement by the front portion of the ferrule; said adapter ring being in sealing engagement with said adjustment body when said adjustment is spliced; said adapter ring having an inner forward portion having a negative inclination angle with respect to the tube.
2. 2. The tube fitting according to claim 1, further characterized in that the sealing coupling of said adapter ring with said adjustment body is a metal-metal coupling. 3. - A tube fitting for connection to an end portion of a tube, said tube fitting being characterized in that it comprises: an adjustment body having a tube socket for receiving the end portion of the tube, said adjustment body including a conical surface that is centered on an axis of the adjustment body, the conical surface extends at a first angle towards the axis; a splint having a front portion and a posterior portion; an adapter ring; and an impeller for applying axial force to the rear portion of the splint to move the front portion of the splint in engagement with said adapter ring; said adapter ring having a cam surface extending at a second angle towards the axis, the second angle being different from the first angle; said adapter ring having a sealing surface for engagement with the adjustment body at a sealing location spaced from said conical surface of said adjustment body. 4. The tube fitting according to claim 3, further characterized in that said sealing location of said adjustment body is an end face of said adjustment body. 5. An adjustment for tight connection of fluids with an end portion of a tube, said adjustment being characterized in that it comprises: an adjustment body that receives the end portion of the tube along a central axis; an adapter in sealing coupling with the adjusting body when the fit is spliced; the adapter having a tapered forward end portion internally radially spaced from the tube before the fit is spliced and a rear portion defining a cam surface; a splint which couples the cam surface in such a way that the cam surface forces a front portion of the ferrule into the clamping coupling with the tube when the fit is spliced; wherein the adapter remains in sealing engagement with the adjustment body while allowing the tube to move axially relative to the adapter. 6. The adjustment according to claim 5, further characterized in that the conically forward end portion internally is radially spaced from said tube when said fit is spliced. 7. The adjustment according to claim 5, further characterized in that the conically forward end portion internally is in contact with said tube when the fit is spliced. 8.-. The adjustment according to claim 5, further characterized in that said internally tapered forward end portion includes a bevel. 9. The adjustment according to claim 8, further characterized in that said forward end portion includes a rounded tip. 10. The adjustment according to claim 5, further characterized in that said conically forward end portion internally tapers radially away from an outer surface of the tube in a direction from the rear portion toward the forward portion. 11. The adjustment according to claim 5, further characterized in that the forward end portion includes a radius. 12. The adjustment according to claim 5, further characterized in that the conically forward end portion internally includes a radius and tapers radially away from an outer surface of the tube in a direction from the rear portion toward the forward portion. 13. The adjustment according to claim 5, further characterized in that the adjustment body defines a conical socket that forms an angle of approximately 12 degrees to approximately 20 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the adjustment. ~ 14.- An adjustment for connection to an end portion of a tube having an outer tube surface, said adjustment being characterized in that it comprises: an adjustment body having a tube socket for receiving the end portion of the tube, said adjusting body including a conical surface that is centered on an axis of the adjustment body, the conical surface extends at a first angle towards the axis; a splint having a front portion and a posterior portion; an adapter ring; and an impeller for applying axial force to the rear portion of the splint to move the front portion of the splint in engagement with said adapter ring; said adapter ring having a cam surface extending at a second angle towards the shaft for engagement by the front portion of the ferrule; said adapter ring being in sealing engagement with said adjustment body when said adjustment is spliced; said adapter ring having a conical forward end portion internally spaced from the tube before the fit is joined, and contacting the tube when the fit is spliced; wherein the adapter remains in sealing engagement with the adjustment body while allowing the tube to move axially relative to the adapter. 15. The adjustment according to claim 14, further characterized in that the sealing coupling of said adapter ring with said adjustment body is a metal-metal coupling. 16. The adjustment according to claim 14, further characterized in that said adapter ring includes a rounded tip. 17. An adapter for use in a fitting for a tube having an external surface, characterized in that it comprises: a forward end portion with a rounded tip and an internal surface tapering radially away from an outer surface of the tube in an address from a rear portion of the adapter to a forward portion of the adapter. 18. - The adapter according to claim 17, further characterized in that the adapter is configured to allow relative axial movement of the tube with respect to the adapter. 19. The adapter according to claim 17, further characterized in that the adapter is configured in such a way that the internal conical surface is separated from the outer surface of the tube when the tube is spliced. 20. The adapter according to claim 17, further characterized in that the adapter is configured in such a way that the conical internal surface makes contact with the external surface of the tube when the tube is connected. 21. An adjustment for connection to an end portion of a tube, said adjustment being characterized in that it comprises: a first coupling member having a tube socket for receiving the end portion of the tube, said first adjustment body including a conical surface which is centered on an axis of the first coupling member, the conical surface extends at a first angle towards the axis; a splint having a front portion and a posterior portion; an adapter; and a second coupling member for applying axial force to the first posterior portion of the ferrule to move the first frontal portion of the ferrule in engagement with said adapter; said adapter having a cam surface extending at a second angle towards the axis, the second angle being greater than the first angle; said adapter being in sealing engagement with said first coupling member when said fit is spliced; said adapter having an internal forward portion that forms an acute angle with respect to the tube before the fit is joined such that a radial space between the adapter and the tube increases in a direction from the rear portion toward the forward portion. before the fit is joined, 22. The adjustment according to claim 21, further characterized in that the sealing coupling of said adapter with said adjustment body is a metal-to-metal coupling. 23. The adjustment according to claim 21, further characterized in that the first angle is about thirty degrees or less. 24. The adjustment according to claim 21, further characterized in that the first angle is in the range of about 10 degrees to about fourteen degrees. 25. The adjustment according to claim 24, further characterized in that the first angle is twelve degrees. 26. The adjustment according to claim 23, further characterized in that the first angle is on the scale of about eighteen degrees to about twenty-two degrees. 27. The adjustment according to claim 26, further characterized in that the first angle is twenty degrees. 28. - The adjustment according to claim 21, further characterized in that the second angle is on the scale of about forty degrees to about forty-seven degrees. 29. The adjustment according to claim 28, further characterized in that the second angle is forty-five degrees. 30. The adjustment according to claim 21, further characterized in that the first angle is twelve degrees or twenty degrees and the second angle is forty-five degrees. 31. The adjustment according to claim 21, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a third splint between the first splint and said second coupling member. 32. The adjustment according to claim 21, further characterized in that said conical surface is adjacent to said tube socket. 33. The adjustment according to claim 21, further characterized in that said inner portion forward of said adapter includes a radius. 34. The adjustment according to claim 21, further characterized in that said forward inner portion of said adapter includes a bevel. 35. - The adjustment according to claim 21, further characterized in that said forward inner portion of said adapter includes a radius and a bevel. 36.- A tube fitting for connection to an end portion of a tube, said tube fitting being characterized in that it comprises: an adjustment body having a tube socket for receiving the end portion of the tube, said adjustment body including a conical surface; a splint having a front portion and a posterior portion; an adapter ring; and an impeller for applying axial force to the rear portion of the splint to move the front portion of the splint in engagement with said adapter ring; said adapter ring having a cam surface for collection by the front portion of the ferrule; said adapter ring having a sealing surface for engagement with the adjustment body at a sealing location spaced from said conical surface of said adjustment body. 37. The tube fitting according to claim 36, further characterized in that said sealing location of said adjustment body is an end face of said adjustment body. 38.- The tube fitting according to claim 37, further characterized in that said end face of said adjusting body extends substantially normal towards the axis and is presented towards said impeller. 39. - The tube fitting according to claim 36, further characterized in that said sealing location of said adjustment body is a edge of said adjustment body. 40.- The tube fitting according to claim 36, further characterized in that said adapter ring has an inner forward portion having a cone extending away from the tube in a direction from a rear portion of the adapter ring toward a front portion of the adapter ring. 41. The tube fitting according to claim 40, further characterized in that said forward inner portion of said adapter ring includes a radius and a bevel. 42. The tube fitting according to claim 36, further characterized in that said adjustment body has a corner that is coupled by said adapter ring in sealing engagement. 43. The tube fitting according to claim 36, further characterized in that said adapter ring has a protruding portion extending radially inwardly of said conical surface and engaging said conical surface in sealing engagement. 44.- The tube fitting according to claim 36, further characterized in that said adjustment body has a radially extending rear face and said adapter ring has a radially extending front face sealing against said rear face of said body of adjustment. 45. - A method for connecting a tube end portion with an adjustment that includes a coupling member, an adapter, and a splint, said method being characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) forcing the splint into engagement with the adapter; b) holding the end portion of the tube with the splint; c) allowing relative axial movement of the tube end portion with respect to the adapter by providing a space that increases radially gradually between the adapter and the tube end portion before splicing; d) maintaining sealing engagement between the adapter and the coupling member during said relative axial movement. 46. The method according to claim 45, further characterized in that at least a portion of the radially increasing space remains between the adapter and the tube after splicing of the fit. "47. The method according to claim 45, further characterized in that a portion of the space that increases radially is removed after splicing the adjustment 48. The method according to claim 45, further characterized by the space that increases Radially it is eliminated during the fitting splice.