NL2015946A - Connector assembly for a double tube arrangement. - Google Patents
Connector assembly for a double tube arrangement. Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL2015946A NL2015946A NL2015946A NL2015946A NL2015946A NL 2015946 A NL2015946 A NL 2015946A NL 2015946 A NL2015946 A NL 2015946A NL 2015946 A NL2015946 A NL 2015946A NL 2015946 A NL2015946 A NL 2015946A
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- Prior art keywords
- compression member
- tube
- connector assembly
- engagement
- assembly according
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- 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
- F16L25/00—Constructive types of pipe joints not provided for in groups F16L13/00 - F16L23/00 ; Details of pipe joints not otherwise provided for, e.g. electrically conducting or insulating means
- F16L25/0036—Joints for corrugated pipes
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- 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
- F16L33/00—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses
- F16L33/01—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses adapted for hoses having a multi-layer wall
Abstract
Connector assembly for a double tube arrangement, comprising a tubular sleeve member (6) having a tube insertion end (8) and a connection end (10), a primary annular sealing member (12) for providing sealing engagement between the tubular sleeve member (6) and an inner tube (2), and a secondary annular sealing member (14) for providing sealing engagement between the tubular sleeve member (6) and an outer tube (3). The connector assembly (1) further comprises an inner compression member (20) enclosing the tube insertion end (8) for clamping engagement therewith and an outer compression member (22) enclosing, at least in part, the inner compression member (20), the outer compression member (22) being movable with respect to the inner compression member (20) in axial direction of the tubular sleeve member (6), and wherein the inner compression member (20) is arranged for wedging engagement with the outer compression member (22).
Description
Connector assembly for a double tube arrangement Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a connector assembly for a double tube arrangement, in particular a connector assembly for a sealed connecting to a flexible outer tube and a flexible inner tube extending there through.
Prior art US patent application US 2014/0306448 discloses a fitting for use with a double containment tubing system. The fitting comprises an adaptor, wherein the adaptor has a longitudinal passage having a longitudinal axis for fluid flow; a body for receiving the tubing, wherein the body is positioned opposite the adaptor and aligned with the longitudinal axis; a metal sealing member positioned between the adaptor and the body; a nut positioned opposite the body; and a jacket lock ring positioned radially inwardly of a portion of the nut, wherein the jacket lock ring is configured for making a mechanical connection with an outer jacket of the tubing. The fitting further comprises and at least one fastener coupling the nut, body and adapter. In an embodiment the tubing comprises a flexible corrugated stainless steel tube and the outer jacket may be made of nylon.
International patent application WO 2004/088087 A2 discloses a piping system comprising a fluid impenetrable sleeve having a plurality of longitudinal spaced ribs formed on an interior surface of said sleeve; a fluid carrying tubing positioned internal to said sleeve; a coupling having a first end and a second end, said first end having interior thread engaging an outer surface of said sleeve; wherein the coupling has a vent opening in fluid communication with said interior of said sleeve. In an embodiment the tubing may comprise corrugated stainless steel tubing and the sleeve may comprise a polymer.
Summary of the invention
The present invention seeks to provide an improved connector assembly for making a sealed connecting to a double tube arrangement, in particular a double tube arrangement comprising an outer tube and an inner tube extending there through. The connector assembly provides a secure and safe underground connection to a double tube arrangement for transporting, e.g., natural gas. The connector assembly is conveniently connected to the double tube arrangement in a single manual assembly step.
According to the present invention, a connector assembly of the type defined in the preamble is provided, comprising a tubular sleeve member having a tube insertion end and a connection end; a primary annular sealing member for providing sealing engagement between the tubular sleeve member and an inner tube and a secondary annular sealing member for providing sealing engagement between the tubular sleeve member and an outer tube, wherein the primary and secondary annular sealing member are arranged within the tube insertion end of the tubular sleeve member; the connector assembly further comprising an inner compression member enclosing the tube insertion end for clamping engagement therewith and an outer compression member enclosing, at least in part, the inner compression member, the outer compression member being movable with respect to the inner compression member in axial direction of the tubular sleeve member, and wherein the inner compression member is arranged for wedging engagement with the outer compression member. In particular, the outer compression member is movable with respect to the inner compression member in axial direction of the tubular sleeve member for providing wedging engagement between the inner and outer compression member.
The connector assembly of the present invention provides a simple yet reliable gas tight connection suitable for, e.g., natural gas applications where the connector assembly can be manually applied to a double tube arrangement carrying natural gas. The double tube arrangement need not comprise a connector of its own and can be taken from, e.g., a reel and cut to a desired length. When the inner and outer compression member are in wedging engagement, the tubular sleeve member, in particular the tube insertion end, is radially contracted and as a result the primary and secondary annular sealing member are radially contracted, thereby providing sealing engagement with the inner and outer tube, respectively. The connector assembly of the present invention thus allows for simultaneous sealing of the inner and outer tube through single wedging engagement between the inner and outer compression member.
In most embodiments the primary annular sealing member is positioned proximal to the connection end and the secondary annular sealing member is positioned distal to the connection end, allowing the inner tube to be inserted into the primary annular sealing member and allowing the outer tube to be inserted into the secondary annular sealing member.
In an embodiment, the inner compression member comprises a tapered outer surface in interference fit engagement with a tapered inner surface of the outer compression member. The tapered outer surface and tapered inner surface allow for axial displacement of the outer compression member with respect to the inner compression member and provides self-locking wedging engagement when the outer compression member is arranged over the inner compression member. The wedging engagement induces friction forces substantial parallel to the tapered outer surface and tapered inner surface, so that spontaneous separation of the outer and inner compression member is prevented.
In an embodiment, the inner compression member comprises a frustoconical outer surface in interference fit engagement with a frustoconical inner surface of the outer compression member. The frustoconical outer surface and frustoconical inner surface cooperatively provide a circumferentially distributed wedging engagement imposing radially inward contraction of the tubular sleeve member, in particular the tube insertion end thereof. As a result both the primary and secondary annular sealing member contract inwardly in radial direction, thereby providing a gas tight sealing engagement with the inner and outer tube, respectively.
In a further aspect the present invention relates to a method of making a gas tight connection to a double tube arrangement using a connector assembly according to the type defined above, comprising the steps of a) providing a double tube arrangement comprising an outer tube and a corrugated inner tube extending there through; b) moving the connector assembly over the double tube arrangement for positioning the secondary annular sealing member over the outer tube and positioning the primary annular sealing member over the corrugated inner tube; and c) moving the outer compression member over the inner compression member from a proximal position to a distal position with respect to the connection end.
The method of the present invention enables convenient connection of the connector assembly to a double tube arrangement comprising a corrugated inner tube extending through an outer tube. In an embodiment, the outer tube may be loosely fitted around the corrugated inner tube. The method provides a gas tight sealed connection in a single movement when the outer compression member is moved over the inner compression member for wedging engagement there between. The wedging engagement imposes a radial contraction of the inner compression member and subsequently a radial contraction of the primary and secondary annular sealing member.
Short description of drawings
The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, using a number of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, in which
Figure 1 shows a three dimensional view of an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the present invention;
Figure 3 shows a three dimensional view of an embodiment of an inner compression member as used in the present invention; and
Figure 4 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the present invention.
Detailed description of exemplary embodiments
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show a three dimensional view and a cross sectional view, respectively, of an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the present invention. In the embodiments shown, the connector assembly 1 comprises a tubular sleeve member 6 having a tube insertion end 8 and a connection end 10. The connection end 10 is arranged to connect to a further tube and the tube insertion end 8 is arranged to connect to a double tube arrangement comprising an outer tube 3 and an inner tube 2 extending there through.
In an embodiment the outer tube 3 and/or the inner tube 2 may each be a flexible tube, e.g. hand-bendable tube. In particular, in an embodiment the inner tube 2 may be a corrugated tube and in a further embodiment the inner tube 2 may be a corrugated stainless steel tube.
The connector assembly 1 further comprises a primary annular sealing member 12 for providing sealing engagement between the tubular sleeve member 6, e.g. the tube insertion end 8,and the inner tube 2, and a secondary annular sealing member 14 for providing sealing engagement between the tubular sleeve member , e.g. the tube insertion end 8, and the outer tube 3. As mentioned above, the inner tube 2 may be a corrugated tube optionally made of stainless steel.
The primary and secondary annular sealing member 12, 14 are arranged within the tube insertion end 8 of the tubular sleeve member 6, where the primary annular sealing member 12 is positioned proximal to the connection end 10 and the secondary annular sealing member 14 is positioned distal to the connection end 10.
There is further provided an inner compression member 20 enclosing or surrounding the tube insertion end 8 for clamping engagement therewith, and an outer compression member 22 enclosing or surrounding, at least in part, the inner compression member 20. The outer compression member 22 is movably arranged with respect to the inner compression member 20 in axial or lengthwise direction of the tubular sleeve member 6. In a typical embodiment the outer compression member 22 is slidably arranged with respect to the inner compression member 20.
In order to achieve sealing engagement between the primary and secondary annular sealing member 12,14 and the inner and outer tube 2, 3, respectively, the inner and outer compression member 20, 22 are in wedging engagement when the connector assembly 1 is correctly applied to the double tube arrangement 2, 3 and whereby the tube insertion end 8 is radially contractible under said wedging engagement between the inner and outer compression member 20, 22.
According to the present invention, the connector assembly 1 provides a simple yet reliable gas tight connection suitable for e.g. natural gas applications where the connector assembly 1 can be manually applied to a double tube arrangement 2, 3 carrying natural gas. The double tube arrangement 2, 3 need not comprise a connector of its own and can be taken from, for example, a reel and cut to a desired length. The connector assembly 1 is therefore easily applied to the double tube arrangement 2, 3 having the desired length.
When the inner and outer compression member 20, 22 are in wedging engagement, the tube insertion end 8 is radially contracted and as a result the primary and secondary annular sealing member 12, 14 are radially contracted and in sealing engagement with the inner and outer tube 2, 3 respectively. The connector assembly 1 thus allows for simultaneous sealing of the inner and outer tube 2, 3 through a single wedging engagement between the inner and outer compression member 20, 22.
In an embodiment, the tubular sleeve member 6 and inner compression member 20 are made of a plastic material, and the outer compression member 22 is made of a plastic material or stainless steel. This embodiment is advantageous in view of underground applications where the connector assembly 1 may be subjected to corrosive conditions. The plastic material and/or stainless steel ensure that not only structural integrity of the connector assembly 1 is preserved in corrosive environments but that the intensity and strength of wedging engagement between the inner and outer compression member 20, 22 is maintained, so that a safe and reliable sealed connection can be guaranteed. In a further embodiment, the tubular sleeve member 6, inner compression member 20 and/or outer compression member 22 are made of polyethylene (PE), or any other suitable material.
As depicted in the embodiment of Figure 2, the primary annular sealing member 12 may comprise a radially inward facing primary sealing surface 16 for sealing engagement with the inner tube 2 and the secondary annular sealing member 14 may comprise a radially inward facing secondary sealing surface 18 for sealing engagement with the outer tube 3. In a further embodiment, as depicted, the radially inward facing primary sealing surface 16 and/or the radially inward facing secondary sealing surface 18 may each comprise a substantially flat surface in axial direction of the tubular sleeve member 6. Such a substantially flat surface for the primary sealing surface 16 and/or secondary sealing surface 18 may provide a more reliable sealing engagement compared to, for example, standard O-rings, as the actual sealing engagement is accomplished through a larger contact area along the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 3. Furthermore, having a primary sealing surface 16 provided with a substantially flat surface allows for reliable sealing of a corrugated inner tube 2, where the substantially flat surface of the primary sealing surface 16 may extend over one or more ridges of the corrugated inner tube 2.
In an embodiment the primary sealing surface 16 may comprise a primary inner diameter di (see Figure 4) equal to or larger than an outer diameter Di of the inner tube 2, so that the inner tube 2 can be easily inserted through the primary annular sealing member 12, facilitating manual insertion on site. Likewise, in an embodiment the secondary sealing surface 18 may comprise a secondary inner diameter d2 (see Figure 4) equal to or larger than an outer diameter D2 of the outer tube 3, so that the outer tube 3 can be easily inserted through the secondary annular sealing member 14, facilitating manual insertion on site.
In an advantageous embodiment, the inner compression member 20 comprises a tapered outer surface 21 for interference fit engagement with a tapered inner surface 23 of the outer compression member 22. This embodiment provides a self-locking wedging engagement between the inner and outer compression member 20, 22. For example, axially sliding the outer compression member 22 over the inner compression member 20 wedges the inner compression member 20 into the outer compression member 22. This wedging engagement induces friction forces substantially parallel to the tapered outer surface 21 and tapered inner surface 23, thereby preventing (spontaneous) separation of the outer and inner compression member 20, 22.
In an embodiment, a tapered angle of the tapered outer surface 21 and/or the tapered inner surface 23 is between 2° to 20 0 degrees, so that reliable self-locking wedging engagement can be obtained but wherein outer dimensions of the connector assembly 1 are minimized. More precisely, the tapered angle of the tapered outer surface 21 and/or the tapered inner surface 23 is at least in part dependent on materials used (e.g. PE and/or stainless steel) and an associated coefficient of friction of the inner and outer compression member 20, 22. However, in particular applications it may be desired to keep the tapered angle as small as possible for keeping outer dimensions of the connector assembly 1 within desired limits yet allow reliable self-locking wedging engagement between the inner and outer compression member 20, 22.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the inner compression member 20 comprises a frustoconical outer surface 21a in interference fit engagement with a frustoconical inner surface 23 a of the outer compression member 22. The frustoconical outer and frustoconical inner surface 21a, 23 a provide a circumferentially distributed wedging engagement yielding radially inward contraction of the tube insertion end 8, e.g. shrinking in diameter. As a result, both the primary and secondary annular sealing member 12, 14 contract inwardly in radial direction, thereby providing gas tight sealing of the inner and outer tube 2,3.
As mentioned earlier, an important advantage of the present invention is that the wedging engagement between the inner and outer compression member 20, 22, in particular between the tapered outer surface 21 and tapered inner surface 23, and more in particular between the ffustoconical outer surface 21a and frustoconical inner surface 23a, allows the tube insertion end 8 to contract inwardly in radial direction. Consequently, simultaneous clamping of both the primary and secondary annular sealing member 12, 14 is achieved onto the inner and outer tube 2, 3, respectively.
Simultaneous clamping of both the inner and outer tube 2, 3 through a single wedging engagement between the inner and outer compression member 20, 22 as described above is extremely convenient with regard to personnel applying the connector assembly 1 of the present invention to a double tube arrangement.
In an embodiment the primary annular sealing member 12 and/or secondary annular sealing member 14 are made of an elastomeric material, e.g. Nitril/NBR, e.g. NBR 70. This elastomeric material, in particular Nitrile/NBR, provides good resiliency and excellent resistance to petroleum products, but also excellent resistance to compression set, abrasion, tear and the like.
Figure 3 shows a three dimensional view of an embodiment of an inner compression member 20 as used in the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the inner compression member 20 comprises a tapered outer surface 21 which is arranged for wedging engagement with a tapered inner surface 23 of the outer compression member 22 as shown in Figure 2. In a more specific embodiment the inner compression member 20 comprises a frustoconical outer surface 21a, which is depicted in Figure 3, providing a circumferentially distributed wedging engagement with, e.g., a frustoconical inner surface 23 a of the outer compression member 22.
In an embodiment, the inner compression member 20 comprises one or more circumferentially arranged radial slots 24 axially extending through the inner compression member 20. The circumferentially arranged radial slots 24 facilitate circumferential and radial inward contraction of the inner compression member 20 for enhancing clamping engagement with the tube insertion end 8. In a further embodiment the inner compression member 20 may be provided with one or more radial through slots 25 fully extending through the inner compression member 20 from one end to another end thereof. The one or more radial through slots 25 provide further improved circumferential and radial contraction of the inner compression member 20, so that reliability of the gas tight connection of the connector assembly 1 to the double tube arrangement 2,3 is further improved.
Clamping engagement between the inner compression member 20 and the outer tube 3 may be further improved to provide a rigid and reliable connection of the connector assembly 1 to the double tube arrangement 2,3. For that purpose an embodiment is provided wherein the inner compression member 20 comprises a tube insertion part 26 having a radial inward projecting clamping ring portion 28. In a typical embodiment the clamping ring portion 28 is positioned adjacent to the secondary annular sealing member 14, see e.g. Figure 2. The clamping ring portion 28 may also comprise one or more circumferentially arranged radial slots 24 axially extending through the clamping ring portion 28, thereby improving circumferential and radial contraction thereof when the inner and outer compression member 20, 22 are in wedging engagement. In an embodiment an inner diameter of the clamping ring portion 28 equals or is larger than an outer diameter D2 of the outer tube 3, simplifying insertion of the double tube arrangement 2, 3 into the connected assembly 1.
Even though the clamping ring portion 28 of the inner compression member 20 enables sufficient clamping force for axially affixing the connecter assembly 1 to the double tube arrangement 2,3, in an advantageous embodiment the clamping ring portion 28 comprises a serrated clamping surface 29. The serrated clamping surface 29 further increases grip of the clamping ring portion 28 on the outer tube 3, so that the connector assembly 1 is axially secured to the outer tube 3 through wedging engagement between the inner and outer compression member 20, 22.
Another advantage of the clamping ring portion 28 is that when the connector assembly 1 is connected to the inner and outer tube 2, 3, and the outer and inner compression member 20, 22 are in wedging engagement, the clamping ring portion 28 may radially compress the outer tube 3 toward the inner tube 2. The inner tube 2 may then provide radial support to the outer tube 3, preventing further radial compression thereof. As a result, the clamping ring portion 28 provides a press fit between the outer tube 3 and the inner tube 2 so that the connector assembly 1 is firmly secured thereto.
Figure 4 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the connector assembly 1 may further comprise an annular spacer member 30 interposed between the primary annular sealing member 12 and the secondary annular sealing member 14 within the tubular sleeve member 6, e.g. the tube insertion end 8. The annular spacer member 30 is arranged for abutting engagement with the primary annular sealing member 12 and the secondary annular sealing member 14 during operation of the connector assembly 1, e.g. when fixedly connected to the double tube arrangement 2, 3. The annular spacer member 30 imposes a desired distance between the primary annular sealing member 12 and the secondary annular sealing member 14 and ensures that, for example, the secondary annular sealing member 14 is fully arranged over the outer tube 3. When the connector assembly 1 is connected to the inner and outer tube 2, 3, a separation distance Sd between the primary and secondary annular sealing member 12, 14 equals a spacer width ws of the annular spacer member 30.
In an advantageous embodiment, the annular spacer member 30 comprises a primary flat side faces 30a for abutting engagement with the primary annular sealing member 12 and a secondary flat side face 30b for abutting engagement with the secondary annular sealing member 14. The primary and secondary flat side face 30a, 30b each provide a sufficiently large surface area for accurate positioning of the primary and secondary annular sealing member 12, 14.
In light of the above, Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the annular spacer member 30 when the connector assembly 1 is connected to the double tube arrangement 2, 3 in clamping engagement therewith. In the depicted embodiment the primary and secondary annular sealing member 12, 14 are in abutting engagement with the annular spacer member 30. As a result, the secondary annular sealing member 14 is fully arranged over the outer tube 3 so that reliable sealing engagement between the tubular sleeve member 6 and the outer tube 3 is obtained.
In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the annular spacer member 30 may comprise an inner diameter ds substantially equal to a secondary inner diameter d.2 of the secondary annular sealing member 14, so that the annular spacer member 30 can be readily arranged, at least in part, over the outer tube 3. In an alternative embodiment the annular spacer member 30 may comprise an inner diameter ds equal to or larger than the outer diameter D2 of the outer tube 3, also to allow the annular spacer member 30 to be arranged, at least in part, over the outer tube 3. These embodiments ensure that, as the annular spacer member 30 is arranged over the outer tube 3, the secondary annular sealing member 14 is fully arranged over the outer tube 3 when the double tube arrangement 2, 3 is connected to the connector assembly 1.
In an embodiment, the annular spacer member 30 may comprise a relatively stiff plastic material so that, for example, the rigid primary flat side face 30a and the rigid secondary flat side face 30b remain flat for providing stable support when in abutting engagement with the primary and secondary annular sealing member 12, 14 respectively.
To allow radial contraction of the tube insertion end 8, there is provided an embodiment wherein the annular spacer member 30 comprises an outer diameter Ds which is smaller than an inner diameter di of the tube insertion end 8. The outer diameter Ds can be chosen to provide sufficient radial clearance between the annular spacer member 30 and the tube insertion end 8, thereby allowing for sufficient radial contraction thereof when the inner and outer compression member 20, 22 are in wedging engagement. The radial contraction of the tube insertion end 8 then ensures adequate compression of the primary and secondary annular sealing member 12, 14 for gas tight sealing of the double tube arrangement 2, 3 when the connector assembly 1 is firmly affixed thereto.
In an embodiment, the connector assembly 1 of the present invention may further comprise an inner tube retainer member 32, which is coaxially arranged within the tubular sleeve member 6, e.g. in the tube insertion end 8, adjacent to the primary annular sealing member 12. In addition to clamping engagement of the primary annular sealing member 12 with the inner tube 2, the inner tube retainer member 32 allows the inner tube 2 to be further immovably connected to the connector assembly 1, thus providing additional protection against accidental extraction of the inner tube 2 from the connector assembly 1. The inner tube retainer member 32 is arranged in the tubular sleeve member 6 adjacent or next to the primary annular sealing member 12 proximal to the connection end 10. In conjunction with the inner compression member 20, in particular with regard to the radially inward projecting clamping ring portion 28 thereof, the inner tube retainer member 32 may further provide longitudinal fixation of the primary and secondary annular sealing member 12, 14 as well as the spacer member 30 arranged there between.
In an embodiment, the inner tube retainer member 32 may be of a plastic material, e.g. polyethylene (PE), providing sufficient flexibility to the inner tube retainer member 32 for radial contraction thereof and providing clamping engagement with the inner tube 2 when the connecter assembly 1 is affixed to the double tube arrangement 2, 3.
As mentioned earlier, the connector assembly 1 of the present invention can be used for the double tube arrangement 2, 3 comprising the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 3. The inner tube and/or outer tube 2, 3 may each be relatively ridged or flexible, e.g. hand bendable, and where the inner tube 2 and/or the outer tube 3 may be of any material suitable for the application in question.
Furthermore, in addition to various allowable levels of flexibility and various materials used for the inner tube 2 and/or the outer tube 3, the connector assembly 1 of the present invention can be used for virtually any outer surface roughness of the inner tube 2 and/or the outer tube 3. For example, according to the present invention the inner and outer compression member 20, 22 are cooperatively arranged and adapted to impose considerable radial contraction and compression on the tube insertion end 8 to achieve simultaneous radial contraction of the primary and secondary annular sealing member 12, 14. Then in order to ensure gas tight sealing of the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 3 for a particular level of outer surface roughness thereof, a primary width wi of the primary annular sealing member 12 and a secondary width W2 of the secondary annular sealing member 14 can be chosen sufficiently large to yield adequate clamping and sealing engagement with the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 3 so as to achieve a reliable and save gas tight connection of the connector assembly 1 to the double tube arrangement 2, 3.
In the exemplary embodiments as depicted in Figure 2 and 4, the connector assembly 1 may be arranged for sealed engagement with a corrugated inner tube 2.
Such a corrugated inner tube 2 may be envisaged as having a relatively high outer surface roughness. The primary width wi may be adapted and chosen so as to overcome the surface roughness of the corrugated inner tube 2 and to ensure gas tight clamping engagement with the primary annular sealing member 12.
In a typical application the corrugated inner tube 2 is flexible, e.g. hand bendable, which is advantageous during on-site handling and installation of the connector assembly 1. As depicted in the Figures 2 to 4, for example, in an embodiment the outer tube 3 may be loosely fitted around the corrugated inner tube 2 to provide an annular passageway between the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 3. Should the inner tube 2 have a leak, then the passageway allows leaked gas to be transported safely to one of either ends of the double tube arrangement 2, 3, without expelling gas to the outside environment. The connector assemble 1 of the present invention is readily adapted to provide a safe and reliable gas tight connection to the outer tube 3 loosely fitted around the inner tube 2, where the secondary inner diameter d2 of the secondary annular sealing member 14 is suitably chosen to allow the outer tube 3 to extend there through.
In a further embodiment the corrugated inner tube 2 may be of stainless steel, which allows for safe applications in corrosive conditions, such as corrosive underground conditions. For example, utilizing a double tube arrangement 2, 3 with a stainless steel corrugated inner tube 2 is particular advantageous for natural gas supply purposes, wherein the double tube arrangement 2, 3 comprises a gas supply line from a main gas line to a building. The connector assembly 1 of the present invention then provides a safe and reliable connection from the main gas line to the double tube arrangement 2, 3.
Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the clamping ring portion 28 of the inner compression member 20 may radially compress the outer tube 3 toward the inner tube 2. In the above embodiment the corrugated inner tube 2 of stainless steel then provides sufficient radial support to the outer tube 3 and as such allows for a firm press fit between the outer tube 3 and the inner tube 2 to firmly secure the connector assembly 1 to the double tube arrangement 2, 3.
In order affix a corrugated inner tube 2 to the connector assembly 1, the inner tube retainer member 32 may comprise one or more radially inward projecting ribs 33 for cooperative engagement with one or more circumferential grooves 2a of a corrugated inner tube 2. This embodiment allows the inner tube retainer member 32 to lock onto an inserted inner tube 2 when the tubular sleeve member 6, e.g. the tube insertion end 8, is in clamping engagement with the inner tube retainer member 32. Due to the aforementioned clamping engagement a radial contraction of the inner tube retainer member 32 occurs and forces the one or more radially inward projecting ribs 33 into the one or more circumferential grooves 2a of the corrugated inner tube 2.
Returning to the inner and outer compression member 20, 22 of the present invention, and with reference to the figures, in an embodiment the outer compression member 22 comprises one or more circumferentially arranged reinforcement ribs 25.
The one or more reinforcement ribs 25 provide further rigidity to the outer compression member 25 during wedging engagement between the inner and outer compression member 20, 22. This prevents excessive radial expansion of the outer compression member 22 to ensure adequate radial contraction of the inner compression member 20 and therefore clamping engagement with the tubular sleeve member 6, i.e. the tube insertion end 8.
In light of the present invention, the outer compression member 22 is movably arranged with respect to the inner compression member 20 in axial or lengthwise direction of the tubular sleeve member 6. In order to prevent excessive longitudinal separation of the inner and outer compression member 20, 22, the inner compression member 20 further comprises an axially extending groove 34 of a predetermined length provided with a sliding retainer member 35 in locking engagement with the outer compression member 22. The sliding retainer member 35 ensures that the inner and outer compression member 20, 22 remain a single unit and that the outer compression member 22 does not separate from the inner compression member 20. More precisely, the sliding retainer member 25 is slidably arranged within the axially extending groove 34 and in locking engagement with the outer compression member 22. When the outer compression member 22 moves in proximal direction toward to connection end 10, the sliding retainer member 35 prevents, at some point, further longitudinal movement as the axially extending groove 34 has a finite predetermined length. As a result the connector assembly 1 remains a single unit which is easily connected to a double tube arrangement 2, 3 as no separate components have to be handled.
In a further aspect the present invention relates to a method of making a gas tight connection to a double tube arrangement 2, 3 using a connector assembly 1 as disclosed above, particularly with respect to a corrugated inner tube 2. The method comprises the steps of a) providing a double tube arrangement 2, 3 comprising an outer tube 3 and a corrugated inner tube 2 extending there through; b) moving the connector assembly 1 over the double tube arrangement 2, 3 for positioning the secondary annular sealing member 14 over the outer tube 3 and positioning the primary annular sealing member 12 over the corrugated inner tube 2; and c) moving the outer compression member 22 over the inner compression member 20 from a proximal position to a distal position with respect to the connection end 10.
The method of the present invention enables a convenient connection of the connector assembly 1 to a double tube arrangement 2, 3 comprising a corrugated inner tube 2 extending through an outer tube 3, which may be loosely fitted around the corrugated inner tube 2. The method provides a gas tight sealed connection in a single movement as the outer compression member 22 is moved or slided over the inner compression member 20 for wedging engagement therewith, thereby imposing a radial contraction of the inner compression member 20 and subsequently a simultaneous radial contraction of the primary and secondary annular sealing member 12, 14. So a safe, reliable and gas tight sealed connection is achieved through a single movement.
In an embodiment, the method step c) of moving the outer compression member 22 over the inner compression member 20 may comprise manually moving the outer compression member 22 over the inner compression member 20. This particular embodiment allows for manually connecting the connector assembly 1 to the double tube arrangement 2, 3. This greatly simplifies a fast application of the connector assembly 1 to the double tube arrangement 2,3 in the field.
The present invention can now be summarized by the following embodiments: Embodiment 1. Connector assembly for a double tube arrangement, comprising a tubular sleeve member (6) having a tube insertion end (8) and a connection end (10); a primary annular sealing member (12) for providing sealing engagement between the tubular sleeve member (6) and an inner tube (2) and a secondary annular sealing member (14) for providing sealing engagement between the tubular sleeve member (6) and an outer tube (3), wherein the primary and secondary annular sealing member (12,14) are arranged within the tube insertion end (8) of the tubular sleeve member (6), and wherein the primary annular sealing member (12) is positioned proximal to the connection end (10) and the secondary annular sealing member (14) is positioned distal to the connection end (10); the connector assembly (1) further comprising an inner compression member (20) enclosing the tube insertion end (8) for clamping engagement therewith and an outer compression member (22) enclosing, at least in part, the inner compression member (20), the outer compression member (22) being movable with respect to the inner compression member (20) in axial direction of the tubular sleeve member (6), and wherein the inner compression member (20) is arranged for wedging engagement with the outer compression member (22). Embodiment 2. Connector assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the inner compression member (20) comprises a tapered outer surface (21) in interference fit engagement with a tapered inner surface (23) of the outer compression member (22). Embodiment 3 Connector assembly according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the inner compression member (20) comprises a frustoconical outer surface (21a) in interference fit engagement with a frustoconical inner surface (23a) of the outer compression member (22).
Embodiment 4. Connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the inner compression member (20) comprises one or more circumferentially arranged radial slits (24) axially extending through the inner compression member (20). Embodiment 5. Connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the inner compression member (20) comprises a tube insertion part (26) having a radial inward projecting clamping ring portion (28).
Embodiment 6. Connector assembly according to embodiment 5, wherein the clamping ring portion (28) comprises a serrated clamping surface (29).
Embodiment 7. Connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, further comprising an annular spacer member (30) interposed between the primary annular sealing member (12) and the secondary annular sealing member (14) within the tube insertion end (8), the annular spacer member (30) being arranged for abutting engagement with the primary annular sealing member (12) and the secondary annular sealing member (14). Embodiment 8. Connector assembly according to embodiment 7, wherein the annular spacer member (30) comprises an inner diameter (ds) substantially equal to a secondary inner diameter (d2) of the secondary annular sealing member (14). Embodiment 9. Connector assembly according to anyone of embodiments 7-8, wherein the annular spacer member (30) comprises an outer diameter (Ds) smaller than an inner diameter (d,) of the tube insertion end (8).
Embodiment 10. Connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 1-9, further comprising an inner tube retainer member (32) coaxially arranged within the tubular sleeve member (6) adjacent the primary annular sealing member (12). Embodiment 11. Connector assembly according to embodiment 10, wherein the inner tube retainer member (32) comprises one or more radially inward projecting ribs (33) for cooperative engagement with one or more circumferential grooves (2a) of a corrugated inner tube (2).
Embodiment 12. Connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 1-11, wherein the outer compression member (22) comprises one or more circumferentially arranged reinforcement ribs (25).
Embodiment 13. Connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein the inner compression member (20) further comprises an axially extending groove (34) of a predetermined length provided with a sliding retainer member (35) in cooperative engagement with the outer compression member (22).
Embodiment 14. Connector assembly according to embodiments 2 or 3, wherein a tapered angle of the tapered outer surface (21) and/or the tapered inner surface (23) is between 2° to 20° degrees.
Embodiment 15. Connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the tubular sleeve member (6) and inner compression member (20) are made of a plastic material, and the outer compression member (22) is made of a plastic material or stainless steel.
Embodiment 16. Method of making a gas tight connection to a double tube arrangement using a connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 1-15, comprising the steps of a) providing a double tube arrangement (2, 3) comprising an outer tube (3) and a corrugated inner tube (2) extending there through; b) moving the connector assembly (1) over the double tube arrangement (2, 3) for positioning the secondary annular sealing member (14) over the outer tube (3) and positioning the primary annular sealing member (12) over the corrugated inner tube (2); and c) moving the outer compression member (22) over the inner compression member (20) from a proximal position to a distal position with respect to the connection end (10).
Embodiment 17. Method according to embodiment 16, wherein the method step c) of moving the outer compression member (22) over the inner compression member (20) may further comprise manually moving the outer compression member (22) over the inner compression member (20) from a proximal position to a distal position with respect to the connection end (10).
The present invention embodiments have been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments as shown in the drawings. Modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible, and are included in the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (17)
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2015946A NL2015946B1 (en) | 2015-12-11 | 2015-12-11 | Connector assembly for a double tube arrangement. |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2015946A NL2015946B1 (en) | 2015-12-11 | 2015-12-11 | Connector assembly for a double tube arrangement. |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NL2015946A true NL2015946A (en) | 2017-06-22 |
| NL2015946B1 NL2015946B1 (en) | 2017-07-03 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2015946A NL2015946B1 (en) | 2015-12-11 | 2015-12-11 | Connector assembly for a double tube arrangement. |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| NL (1) | NL2015946B1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11204114B2 (en) | 2019-11-22 | 2021-12-21 | Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC | Reusable pipe fitting systems and methods |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH07103379A (en) * | 1993-10-01 | 1995-04-18 | Tokyo Gas Co Ltd | Flexible pipe joint |
| EP1058042A2 (en) * | 1999-05-26 | 2000-12-06 | Osaka Gas Company Limited | One-touch joint for flexible tube |
| GB2396061A (en) * | 2002-11-13 | 2004-06-09 | Flexa Gmbh & Co Kg | Shielded conduit connector |
| JP2009019666A (en) * | 2007-07-11 | 2009-01-29 | Hitachi Metals Ltd | Pipe joint |
| JP2014013082A (en) * | 2013-08-23 | 2014-01-23 | Sanko:Kk | Insert joint for corrugated pipe |
| US20140306448A1 (en) * | 2013-04-11 | 2014-10-16 | Omega Flex, Inc. | Fitting For Tubing Containment System |
-
2015
- 2015-12-11 NL NL2015946A patent/NL2015946B1/en active
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH07103379A (en) * | 1993-10-01 | 1995-04-18 | Tokyo Gas Co Ltd | Flexible pipe joint |
| EP1058042A2 (en) * | 1999-05-26 | 2000-12-06 | Osaka Gas Company Limited | One-touch joint for flexible tube |
| GB2396061A (en) * | 2002-11-13 | 2004-06-09 | Flexa Gmbh & Co Kg | Shielded conduit connector |
| JP2009019666A (en) * | 2007-07-11 | 2009-01-29 | Hitachi Metals Ltd | Pipe joint |
| US20140306448A1 (en) * | 2013-04-11 | 2014-10-16 | Omega Flex, Inc. | Fitting For Tubing Containment System |
| JP2014013082A (en) * | 2013-08-23 | 2014-01-23 | Sanko:Kk | Insert joint for corrugated pipe |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11204114B2 (en) | 2019-11-22 | 2021-12-21 | Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC | Reusable pipe fitting systems and methods |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NL2015946B1 (en) | 2017-07-03 |
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