Patent Application
20230084846
The invention is in the general field of connector couplings for connecting two ends a conduit such as a hose-to-hose or hose-to-pipe together and is specifically directed to compression-type connectors for industrial hoses.
It is well known to use a compression fitting to connect two pipes or a pipe to a fixture or valve. It typically consists of three parts: the compression nut, the ferrule or compression ring, and the compression seat.
In small sizes, the compression fitting is composed of an outer compression nut and an inner compression ring or ferrule typically made of brass or copper. Ferrules vary in shape and material but are most commonly in the shape of a ring with beveled edges. To work properly, the ferrule must be oriented correctly. Usually, the ferrule is fitted such that the longest sloping face of the ferrule faces away from the nut.
When the nut is tightened, the ferrule is compressed between the nut and the receiving fitting. The ends of the ferrule are clamped around the pipe, and the middle of the ferrule bows away from the pipe, making the ferrule effectively thicker. The result is that the ferrule seals the space between the pipe, nut, and receiving fitting, thereby forming a tight joint.
Larger sizes of compression fittings do not have a single nut to compress the ferrule but a flange with a ring of bolts that performs this task. The bolts have to be tightened evenly to assure a seal.
Thread sealants such as joint compounds are unnecessary on compression fitting threads, as it is not the thread that seals the joint but rather the compression of the ferrule between the nut and pipe.
While widely used, compression fittings have not been employed regularly in heavy duty couplings. It would be desirable to provide a compression-type system primarily applicable to heavy commercial applications such as media blast systems where the media is delivered under pressures up to 150 psi and higher. The subject invention fills that void.
The subject invention is a compression-type fitting for quick connection and disconnection of two hoses or hose and pipe sections primarily used for industrial applications. Typically, such applications include heavy duty hoses typically in one to two inches in diameter, although not so limited. A commercial application for which the connector system has shown to be particularly useful is in the media blasting industry where ends to be end-to-end connected are subjected to extreme conditions and break or leak after a relatively short period of use, requiring frequent shut down and repair or replacement.
The subject invention is particularly suited for use in this and similar applications. It is easy to use, does not require any tools and decreases the change time to less than fifty percent of known connection systems. The system includes a compression body which is adapted to be placed on one end of a hose. A compression lock nut is placed on the opposite end of the hose. The compression body includes a compression assembly which extends beyond compression body and is adapted to receive the hose end carrying the compression lock nut. When the lock nut is tightened on the compression body, the compression assembly tightens around engages the hose to form a tight durable connection between the two hose ends.
A plurality of leaves or plates are utilized rather than a ferrule or compression ring. This replaces the ferrule and permits compression between the nut and the receiving fitting without having to compress or deform the compression component. The leaves are clamped around the pipe. The result is that the leaves tighten to form a seal in the space between the nut and the receiving fitting, forming a tight joint. An important feature of this design is the system can be use in repeated operations without any of the key components being deformed during each application.
The sharp internal ribs of each leaf function to grip the outside surface of the hose. The sealing is done by two internally raised continuous rings which contact the outside surface of the hose to create two airtight seals. Generally two rings are used to create redundant seals
A stowable compression handle system is carried on and stowed in the compression lock nut once the compression fitting is mounted on and secured to the hose assembly. In the preferred embodiment the handle system comprises a pair of dye pins or handles, each stowed in a nesting slot on the outer perimeter of the compression lock nut and extending parallel to the center line of the system. When in use to disconnect or connect the system to a pair of hose ends, the handles or dye pins swing out so that they are perpendicular to the system center line for providing leverage for turning the compression lock nut.
In the preferred embodiment, the compression assembly is defined by a plurality of arcuate plates or leaves hinge mounted on the compression body and extending outward therefrom for surrounding the outer perimeter of the hose portion. A compression lock is mounted on the other end of the hose and receives the compression body. The leaves are mounted in a channel provided on the compression body and a snap ring secures the leaves in place during assembly and disassembly.
In practice, one hose end in inserted in the compression body end opposite the leaves. The compression nut is mounted on the other hose end and is engaged by the body. The nut is tightened and the leaves are compressed to seal the two hose ends together. In addition, air pressure will exert natural force to pull or separate the hose away from the body. As the hose moves away from the body, the leaves which have a grip on the hose will also move. The outside tapered surface of the shifting leaves will press against the inside taper of the nut causing the leaves to further tighten their grip on the hose.
The compression-type quick connect/disconnect system includes three main components, a compression body, a compression lock and a compression system. It is ideally suited for connecting two hose ends together in a substantially leak-proof coupling.
The compression body has outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines a receptacle for a first hose. A compression lock is adapted to be secured to the outer surface of the compression body. The compression system is positioned between the compression body and the compression lock.
The compression system includes lock end secured to the compression body and adapted to receive a first hose end, and a second lock end extending outwardly from the compression body and adapted to engage a compression lock nut on the second hose end. The compression system of the preferred embodiment is a plurality of plates or leaves free to move relative to one another, each element having one end attached to the compression body and another end adapted to be placed on the outer perimeter of the second hose and the inner wall of a compression lock, whereby movement of the compression lock compresses the each element toward the outer perimeter of the second hose lock to seal the two hose ends together.
A limiting element wherein each plate is restricted in the ability to move toward and away from the center axis of the compression body. The compression body includes a receptor for holding the ring and limiting the movement of each plate. A tool system is stowed in the compression body comprising a movable handle adapted to be stowed in the compression lock and movable between a stowed position and an operating position for facilitating tightening and loosening of the compression lock relative to the compression body.
For purposes of clarity, the reference numerals used in this application are as follows.
With reference to
An exploded view of the system is shown in
Each leaf 12 includes a plurality of raised ribs 22 which engage the hose perimeter when the lock nut 15 is tightened onto the compression body 11. The compression body has a cylindrical portion 24 which is threaded for receiving mated threads 25 (see
A plurality of projecting circular rings 23 and 24 are can be located on the ends of each leaf and adapted to engage and even penetrate the hose section, see
While certain embodiments and features of the invention have been shown and described, it should be understood the invention encompasses all modifications and enhancement within the scope and spirit of the following claims.
