U.S. patent application number 11/059239 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-14 for lockwireless anti-rotation fitting.
Invention is credited to Stroempl, Peter J., Vyse, Gerrard N..
Application Number | 20050151370 11/059239 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30771221 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050151370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vyse, Gerrard N. ; et
al. |
July 14, 2005 |
Lockwireless anti-rotation fitting
Abstract
A lockwireless, anti-rotation fitting for connection to a
connector. The fitting includes a coupler having a series of
circumferential engagement portions disposed about an outer
peripheral surface, and a nut receivable coaxially over the outer
peripheral surface of the coupler, and which is threadably
engageable with the connector. The nut also has a series of
complementary circumferential engagement portions disposed about at
an inner peripheral surface. With the nut being received coaxially
over the first outer peripheral surface of the coupler, the nut is
threadably engageable with the connector urging the coupler into a
sealing engagement with a sealing surface of the connector, and
with the coupler being engaged with the connector sealing surface,
the first and second engagement portions are interengaged to
delimit the rotation of the nut relative to the connector.
Inventors: |
Vyse, Gerrard N.; (Azle,
TX) ; Stroempl, Peter J.; (Fort Worth, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN A MOLNAR JR
PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION
6035 PARKLAND BOULEVARD
CLEVELAND
OH
44124-4141
US
|
Family ID: |
30771221 |
Appl. No.: |
11/059239 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11059239 |
Feb 16, 2005 |
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10444005 |
May 22, 2003 |
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6857665 |
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60398532 |
Jul 24, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
285/92 ;
285/354 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 19/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/092 ;
285/354 |
International
Class: |
F16L 055/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fitting assembly for connection to a connector having a
rearward sealing surface, the assembly comprising: a generally
annular coupler extending intermediate a first forward end and a
first rearward end, and having a first inner peripheral surface and
a first outer peripheral surface, and a series of first engagement
portions disposed circumferentially about at least a section of the
first outer peripheral surface; and a generally annular nut
receivable coaxially over the first outer peripheral surface of the
coupler, the nut extending intermediate a second forward end
rotatably threadably engageable with the connector and a second
rearward end, and having a second inner peripheral surface and a
second outer peripheral surface, and a series of second engagement
portions disposed circumferentially about at least a section of the
second inner peripheral surface, whereby with the nut second
rearward end being received coaxially over the first outer
peripheral surface of the coupler, the nut second forward end is
threadably engageable with the connector urging the coupler first
forward end into a sealing engagement with the connector sealing
surface, and whereby with the coupler first forward end being
engaged with the connector sealing surface, the first and second
engagement portions are interengaged delimiting the rotation of the
nut relative to the connector.
2. The fitting assembly of claim 1 wherein: the coupler first outer
peripheral surface has a circumferential first groove formed
therein intermediate the first rearward end and the first
engagement portions, and having a rearward end wall and a forward
end wall; and the nut has a thrust surface extending radially
inwardly from the second inner peripheral surface, whereby with the
nut second rearward end being received coaxially over the first
outer peripheral surface of the coupler, the thrust surface is
receivable within the groove in a first axial position of the nut
intermediate the rearward and forward end walls thereof with the
first and second engagement portions being interferingly engaged
such that the coupler first forward end is drawn towards the
connector sealing surface as the nut second forward end is
threadably engaged with the connector, and in a second axial
position of the nut in abutting contact with the groove forward end
wall as the nut second forward end is further threadably engaged
with the connector urging the coupler first forward end into said
sealing engagement with the connector sealing surface.
3. The fitting assembly of claim 1 wherein: the first engagement
portions are provided as recesses formed in the coupler first outer
peripheral surface; the nut second inner peripheral surface has a
circumferential second groove formed therein intermediate the
second forward and rearward ends thereof; and the assembly further
comprises a spring clip received within the second groove, the clip
having lobes which extend radially inwardly to define the second
engagement portions and which are configured to interferingly
engage the coupler recesses.
4. The fitting assembly of claim 3 wherein the clip is resiliently
expandable radially within the second groove to be receivable over
the first engagement portions as the nut second forward end is
threadably engaged with the connector, and being resiliently
contractible within the second groove for the lobes to be
interferingly engaged with the coupler recesses for the
interengagement of the first and second engagement portions.
5. The fitting assembly of claim 4 wherein the clip is further
resiliently expandable radially within the second groove to be
receivable over the first engagement portions as the nut second
forward end is threadably disengaged from the connector.
6. The fitting assembly of claim 3 wherein: the nut has a pair of
radial slots formed therein, each of the slots opening into the
second groove through the nut second inner peripheral surface; and
the clip ring is configured as a split ring extending
circumferential from a first ring end to a second ring end, each of
the ring ends having a extension extending radially outwardly
therefrom, the clip ring being received within the second groove
with each extension being received in a corresponding one of the
slots.
7. The fitting assembly of claim 3 wherein: the nut has a pair of
radial formed therein opening into the second groove through the
nut second inner peripheral surface; and the clip ring is
configured as a split ring extending circumferential from a first
ring end to a second ring end, each of the ring ends having a
extension extending radially outwardly therefrom, the clip ring
being received within the second groove with each extension being
received in the slot.
8. The fitting assembly of claim 1 wherein the coupler has an
indicia marked intermediate the first rearward end and the first
engagement portions, the indicia being hidden by the nut as the nut
second forward end is threadably engaged with the connector urging
the coupler first forward end into a sealing engagement with the
connector sealing surface, and the indicia being revealed by the
nut when the coupler first forward end is sealingly engaged with
the connector sealing surface.
9. A connection comprising: a connector having a rearward sealing
surface; a generally annular coupler extending intermediate a first
forward end and a first rearward end, and having a first inner
peripheral surface and a first outer peripheral surface, and a
series of first engagement portions disposed circumferentially
about at least a section of the first outer peripheral surface; and
a generally annular nut receivable coaxially over the first outer
peripheral surface of the coupler, the nut extending intermediate a
second forward end rotatably threadably engageable with the
connector and a second rearward end, and having a second inner
peripheral surface and a second outer peripheral surface, and a
series of second engagement portions disposed circumferentially
about at least a section of the second inner peripheral surface,
whereby with the nut second rearward end being received coaxially
over the first outer peripheral surface of the coupler, the nut
second forward end is threadably engageable with the connector
urging the coupler first forward end into a sealing engagement with
the connector sealing surface, and whereby with the coupler first
forward end being engaged with the connector sealing surface, the
first and second engagement portions are interengaged delimiting
the rotation of the nut relative to the connector.
10. The connection of claim 9 wherein: the coupler first outer
peripheral surface has a circumferential first groove formed
therein intermediate the first rearward end and the first
engagement portions, and having a rearward end wall and a forward
end wall; and the nut has a thrust surface extending radially
inwardly from the second inner peripheral surface, whereby with the
nut second rearward end being received coaxially over the first
outer peripheral surface of the coupler, the thrust surface is
receivable within the groove in a first axial position of the nut
intermediate the rearward and forward end walls thereof with the
first and second engagement portions being interferingly engaged
such that the coupler first forward end is drawn towards the
connector sealing surface as the nut second forward end is
threadably engaged with the connector, and in a second axial
position of the nut in abutting contact with the groove forward end
wall as the nut second forward end is further threadably engaged
with the connector urging the coupler first forward end into said
sealing engagement with the connector sealing surface.
11. The connection of claim 9 wherein: the first engagement
portions are provided as recesses formed in the coupler first outer
peripheral surface; the nut second inner peripheral surface has a
circumferential second groove formed therein intermediate the
second forward and rearward ends thereof; and the assembly further
comprises a spring clip received within the second groove, the clip
having lobes which extend radially inwardly to define the second
engagement portions and which are configured to interferingly
engage the coupler recesses.
12. The connection of claim 11 wherein the clip is resiliently
expandable radially within the second groove to be receivable over
the first engagement portions as the nut second forward end is
threadably engaged with the connector, and being resiliently
contractible within the second groove for the lobes to be
interferingly engaged with the coupler recesses for the
interengagement of the first and second engagement portions.
13. The connection of claim 12 wherein the clip is further
resiliently expandable radially within the second groove to be
receivable over the first engagement portions as the nut second
forward end is threadably disengaged from the connector.
14. The connection of claim 11 wherein: the nut has a pair of
radial slots formed therein, each of the slots opening into the
second groove through the nut second inner peripheral surface; and
the clip ring is configured as a split ring extending
circumferential from a first ring end to a second ring end, each of
the ring ends having a extension extending radially outwardly
therefrom, the clip ring being received within the second groove
with each extension being received in a corresponding one of the
slots.
15. The connection of claim 11 wherein: the nut has a pair of
radial formed therein opening into the second groove through the
nut second inner peripheral surface; and the clip ring is
configured as a split ring extending circumferential from a first
ring end to a second ring end, each of the ring ends having a
extension extending radially outwardly therefrom, the clip ring
being received within the second groove with each extension being
received in the slot.
16. The connection of claim 9 wherein the coupler has an indicia
marked intermediate the first rearward end and the first engagement
portions, the indicia being hidden by the nut as the nut second
forward end is threadably engaged with the connector urging the
coupler first forward end into a sealing engagement with the
connector sealing surface, and the indicia being revealed by the
nut when the coupler first forward end is sealingly engaged with
the connector sealing surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/444,005, filed May 22, 2003, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,857,665 and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/398,532, filed Jul. 24, 2002, the
disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to compression-type
fittings such as for coupling the end of a length of tubing to
another member, and more particularly to such a fitting which is of
an anti-rotation type and which may used as a replacement for
conventional lock or safety wire fittings.
[0003] Compression fittings are widely used in a variety of
instrumentation, pneumatic, hydraulic, process, power,
refrigeration, industrial, mobile, transportation, aerospace,
military, and other fluid power or control applications utilizing
plastic or metal tubing. Typically employing an internally or
externally threaded nut and an associated ferrule, flare, or other
tube end which is formed or provided to seal between the tubing and
a complementary-threaded, relative to the nut, nipple, adapter,
body, or other connector, these fittings have been adapted for use
with many different tubing types including metals such as copper,
brass, steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, and alloys such
as nickel-copper, Hastelloy.RTM., Alloy 600, 6Mo, Inconel.RTM.,
Incoloy.RTM., and the like, and many plastics.
[0004] Particularly for commercial or military aerospace
applications, it may be specified, such as in accordance with
Aerospace Standard AS1043 and Military Standard MS33540, that the
fitting connection be safety or "lock" wired after assembly to
prevent the accidental loosening of the fitting due to vibration or
other forces which may be developed in the service environment.
Representative lock wire fittings are shown, for example, in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 3,807,774; 2,642,108; and 2,051,899.
[0005] In practice, the safety wiring of the connection can be
difficult. Accordingly, special fittings have been designed which
eliminate the need for safety wiring. Generally, these fittings
employ a modified adapter having a collar or other arrangement of
tangs which engage a series of grooves provided on the nut (or vice
versa) so as to provide a ratcheting effect which in service
delimits the rotation of the nut relative to the adapter, but which
still allows for the connection to be disassembled using a wrench
or other tool. Representative fittings of this type are shown, for
example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,309,154; 6,302,447; 6,293,595;
5,823,702; 5,586,790; 5,388,866; 5,362,110; 5,083,819; 5,058,930;
and 2,731,058.
[0006] It is believed, however, that further improvements in the
design of "lockwireless" fittings, i.e., anti-rotation fittings
which do not employ a lock wire, would be well-received for
commercial and military aerospace use, as well as for other
applications. In this regard, the fittings which heretofore have
constituted the state of the art typically must employ specially
designed adapters and other components which may involve added
expense, require special tools or steps for make-up, and/or may not
be as robust as conventional componentry if dropped or otherwise
subjected to rough handling. Accordingly, it is believed that
particularly desired would be a "lockwireless" fitting which
employs more standard componentry, which is robust, and which may
be made or disassembled in a more conventional fashion so as to
have a familiarity to technicians and other involved in the
installation or maintenance thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed, broadly, to lockwireless
fittings. More particularly, the invention is directed to a
lockwireless fitting construction, such as for tubing, which
eliminates the need for a special adapter, and which is robust and
economical to manufacture.
[0008] In an illustrated embodiment, the fitting is provided in
accordance with the precepts of the present invention as including
a coupler and an associated nut. The coupler may be configured at
one end for a welded or other connection to an end of a length of
tubing or other conduit, and at an opposite end for sealing against
an adapter or other connector. The nut is receivable over the
coupler, and is threadably engageable with the adapter for urging
the one end of the coupler into a compressive, sealing engagement
with the adapter. The coupler is formed or otherwise provided as
having a series of recesses disposed circumferentially about an
outer peripheral surface thereof. The nut, in turn, is provided,
such as via an inserted spring clip, as having series of lobes
disposed circumferentially about an inner surface thereof. Upon
make-up, the lobes of the nut inner surface are ratchetably
engageable with the recesses of the coupler outer surface. In
service, such engagement delimits the rotation of the nut relative
to the adapter, such as may be induced by vibratory or other
external forces or loadings, so as to provide a self-locking
feature. For disassembly, however, the lobes and recesses may be
disengaged responsive to a torque which exceeds a certain
threshold, such as may be developed by a wrench or other tool used
to loosen the nut.
[0009] The present invention, accordingly, comprises the article
possessing the construction, combination of elements, and
arrangement of parts which are exemplified in the detailed
disclosure to follow. Advantages of the invention include a fitting
construction which uses conventional componentry to allow for
assembly and disassembly in a familiar fashion, but which is
self-locking for aerospace and other applications wherein the
fitting will be exposed to vibration or other forces, or otherwise
for applications requiring a locking fitting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view showing a standard
adapter/connector and a lockwireless fitting configured in
accordance with the present invention for connection to the
connector, the fitting including a coupler and an associated nut
within which is mounted a lobed spring clip;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a radial cross-sectional view of the coupler of
FIG. 1 taken in the direction of line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and showing a
series of recesses formed circumferentially into a section of the
outer surface the coupler;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front view of the spring clip of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the assembly of the
spring clip of FIGS. 1 and 3 to the nut of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a radial cross-sectional view of the nut assembly
of FIG. 4 taken in the direction of line 5-5 of that figure;
[0016] FIG. 5B is a radial cross-sectional view as in FIG. 5
showing an alternative arrangement for the assembly of the spring
clip of FIGS. 1 and 3 to the nut of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the
fitting of FIG. 1 as assembled for connection to the connector of
that figure;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view as in FIG. 6
showing the initial, hand-tight connection of the fitting to the
connector;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view as in FIG. 7
showing the final connection of the fitting to the connector;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a radial cross-sectional view of the connection of
FIG. 8 taken through line 9-9 of that figure and showing the lobes
of the spring clip as ratchetably engaged with the coupler
recesses;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the
initial, hand-tight connection of the fitting to the connector in
an alternative style of the connection of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view as in FIG. 10
showing the final connection of the fitting to the connector;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the
initial, hand-tight connection of the fitting to the connector in
another alternative style of the connection of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view as in FIG. 12
showing the final connection of the fitting to the connector;
[0025] FIG. 13A is a magnified of an area of FIG. 13;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the
initial, hand-tight connection of the fitting to the connector in
yet another alternative style of the connection of the present
invention; and
[0027] FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view as in FIG. 14
showing the final connection of the fitting to the connector.
[0028] The drawings will be described further in connection with
the following Detailed Description of the Invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Certain terminology may be employed in the following
description for convenience rather than for any limiting purpose.
For example, the terms "forward" and "rearward," "front" and
"rear," "right" and "left," "upper" and "lower," "top" and
"bottom," and "right" and "left" designate directions in the
drawings to which reference is made, with the terms "inward,"
"inner," "interior," or "inboard" and "outward," "outer,"
"exterior," or "outboard" referring, respectively, to directions
toward and away from the center of the referenced element, the
terms "radial" or "vertical" and "axial" or "horizontal" referring,
respectively, to directions or planes perpendicular and parallel to
the longitudinal central axis of the referenced element.
Terminology of similar import other than the words specifically
mentioned above likewise is to be considered as being used for
purposes of convenience rather than in any limiting sense.
[0030] In the figures, elements having an alphanumeric designation
may be referenced herein collectively or in the alternative, as
will be apparent from context, by the numeric portion of the
designation only. Further, the constituent parts of various
elements in the figures may be designated with separate reference
numerals which shall be understood to refer to that constituent
part of the element and not the element as a whole. General
references, along with references to spaces, surfaces, dimensions,
and extents, may be designated with arrows. Angles may be
designated as "included" as measured relative to surfaces or axes
of an element and as defining a space bounded internally within
such element therebetween, or otherwise without such designation as
being measured relative to surfaces or axes of an element and as
defining a space bounded externally by or outside of such element
therebetween. Generally, the measures of the angles stated are as
determined relative to a common axis, which axis may be transposed
in the figures for purposes of convenience in projecting the vertex
of an angle defined between the axis and a surface which otherwise
does not extend to the axis. The term "axis" may refer to a line or
to a transverse plane through such line as will be apparent from
context.
[0031] For the illustrative purposes of the discourse to follow,
the precepts of the fitting construction of the present invention
are described in connection with a generalized adapter
configuration such as a nipple. It is to be appreciated, however,
that the present invention will find application in many connector
configurations, such as unions, straights, tees, elbows, and
crosses, and as port connections for valves, cylinders, manifolds,
sensors, and other fluid components. Use within these and other
configurations and components therefore should be considered to be
expressly within the scope of the invention herein involved.
[0032] Referring then to the figures wherein corresponding
reference characters are used to designate corresponding elements
throughout the several views with equivalent elements being
referenced with prime or sequential alphanumeric designations, a
fitting connection in accordance with the present invention is
shown generally at 10 in the exploded view of FIG. 1. As may be
seen, connection 10 includes a fitting assembly, referenced
generally at 12, which is configured in accordance with the present
invention, and a connector, referenced generally at 14.
[0033] Connector 14 extends coaxially with a central longitudinal
axis, 16, intermediate a forward end, 18, and a rearward end, 20.
By way of convention, axial directions along axis 16, which for
purposes of convenience will be used as a common reference axis for
each of the components as arranged for the assembly of connection
10, will be referred to as "forward," "forwardly," or "front" if in
the direction of or towards or adjacent the connector forward end
18, and as "rearward," "rearwardly," or "rear" if in the opposite
direction of or towards or near the connector rearward end 20. The
connector 14 has an outer surface, 22, which is configured adjacent
the rearward end 20 to define a generally conical, tapered sealing
surface, 24, and which is configured intermediate the sealing
surface 24 and the forward end 18 to define an externally threaded
portion, 26.
[0034] The fitting assembly 12 includes a generally annular
coupler, 30, and associated nut, 32, each which extends along axis
16 intermediate a forward end, 34 and 36, respectively, and a
rearward end, 38 and 40, respectively. Each of the coupler 30 and
nut 32 also has an inner peripheral surface, 42 and 44,
respectively, and a outer peripheral surface, 46 and 48,
respectively. The coupler rearward end 38 may be configured for a
welded or other connection to the distal end of a length of tubing
(not shown) so as to allow for the fluid tight connection of the
tubing end to the coupler 30 and, in turn, to the connector 14. For
many applications the tubing will be metal, but alternatively may
be plastic or a composite material. The coupler forward end 34, in
turn, may be configured as at 49 to define a generally conical,
tapered sealing surface which is the complement of the connector
sealing surface 24 so as to be seatable thereagainst for the
fluid-tight connection of the coupler 30 to the connector 14.
[0035] Coupler 30 is configured as having a series of first
engagement portions, referenced generally at 50, disposed
circumferentially about at least a section of the outer peripheral
surface 46. As may be seen with additional reference to the radial
cross-sectional view of coupler 30 shown in FIG. 2, first
engagement portions 50 may be provided as a series of radially
spaced-apart recesses, one of which is referenced at 52, which may
be machined, molded, stamped, or otherwise formed into the outer
peripheral surface 46. Although the recesses 52 are shown to be
generally concave "scallops" separated by ridges, one of which is
referenced at 54, it will be appreciated that other shapes or
configurations may be substituted, such as wherein the ridges 54
are replaced by convex scallops or other smoother junctures, or
wherein the recesses 52 are configured as inclined ramps separated
by steeply angled or even vertical walls to provide a more
ratchet-like effect. The coupler outer peripheral surface 46 also
may be provided as having a circumferential ridge indicia or other
visual and/or tactile indicator, 55, formed intermediate the
rearward end 38 and the first engagement portions 50, and as having
a circumferential groove, referenced at 56, formed therein
intermediate the indicator 55 and the first engagement portions 50.
As may be seen, the groove 56 terminates in one axial direction
along axis 16 at a forward end wall, 58, and in the other axial
direction at a rearward end wall, 59.
[0036] Nut 32 is configured, in turn, to be receivable coaxially
over the coupler outer peripheral surface 46, with the inner
peripheral surface 44 of the nut forward end 36 being internally
threaded, as shown at 60, such that the nut is rotatably threadably
engageable with the externally threaded portion 26 of the connector
14. In this regard, the nut outer peripheral surface 46 may be
configured as having hexagonal or other flats, such as at 61, for
engagement with a wrench or other make-up tool.
[0037] Similar to the coupler outer peripheral surface 46, and as
may be seen best with momentary reference to the nut assembly view
shown in FIG. 4, the nut inner peripheral surface 44 has a series
of second engagement portions, referenced generally at 62, disposed
circumferentially about at least a section thereof such as
intermediate the threaded portion 60 and the rearward end 40. The
surface 44 also may be provided as having a circumferential groove,
64, which may be seen best with additional reference to the
cross-sectional assembly view of FIG. 6, formed therein for the
second engagement portions 62, and as having a thrust surface, 66,
which also may be seen in the assembly view of FIG. 6 to extend
radially inwardly therefrom the surface 44 such as intermediate the
groove 64 and the rearward end 40. Thrust surface 66 may be formed
as an internal shoulder of the nut 32 or, as shown, as a thrust
wire, 67, which wire, with the nut 32 having been received over the
coupler outer peripheral surface 46, may be inserted through a
hole, referenced at 68 in FIG. 1, and received within a
circumferential groove, referenced at 69 in FIG. 6, formed into the
nut inner peripheral surface, such as intermediate the nut rearward
end 40 and the other groove 64. As also received within the coupler
groove 56, thrust wire 67 thereby locks nut 32 together with
coupler 30.
[0038] Returning again to FIG. 1, it may be seen that the second
engagement portions 62 may be defined by a generally annular spring
clip, 70, which may be insertably mounted, or otherwise retained in
the groove 64 of the nut inner peripheral surface 44. With
additional reference to the front view of the clip 70 shown in FIG.
3, clip 70, may be shaped from a length of a flat, round, or other
profile metal or other wire or strip to form a resilient,
split-type ring. In such configuration, clip 70 may extend
circumferentially from a first end, 72, to a second end, 74,
circumferentially spaced-apart from the first end 72 by a gap or
clearance, referenced at 75, and with each of the ends 72 and 74
being further shaped to have an extension, 76 and 78, respectively,
extending radially outwardly therefrom. The circumferential
portion, 80, of the clip 70 extending between the ends 72 and 74
may be alternatingly, i.e., undulatingly, wave-shaped whereby the
wave troughs define a series of lobes, one of which is referenced
at 82, which are separated by the wave crests, one of which is
referenced at 84. The shape and number of the lobes 82 and the
coupler recesses 52 are complementary in the manner to be further
described hereinafter. In general, however, the lobes 82 are
configured to be received in the recesses 52, with one of the
number of lobes or recesses being even and the other being odd.
However, it should be understood that the arrangement of lobes and
recesses may be reversed on the coupler and nut, with the coupler
30 being configured as defining or otherwise having lobes and the
nut 32 being configured as defining or otherwise having the
recesses.
[0039] The exact number of lobes and recesses is not critical, and
generally will depend upon the tube size or other size of the
fitting assembly 12, with the number of recesses 52 typically be
more than the number of lobes 82. Also, the inner diametric extent,
referenced at d.sub.1 in FIG. 3, of the clip circumferential
portion 80 preferably is marginally less, in a normal or contracted
orientation of the clip 70, than the outer diametric extent,
referenced at d.sub.2 in FIG. 2, of the coupler forward end 34, but
is resiliently expandable in an energized orientation to an outer
diameter allowing the outer diametric extent d.sub.2 the coupler
forward end 34 to be received therethrough.
[0040] Returning once again to FIG. 1, nut 32 further is configured
as having a pair of radial slots, 85a-b, formed therein, such as by
electric discharge machining (EDM) or other forming operation, for
the retention of clip 70 within groove 64. Referring additionally
to the nut assembly views of FIGS. 4 and 5, it may be seen that
clip 70 is retained within groove 64 with each of the clip
extensions 76 and 78 being insertably received within a
corresponding one of the slots 85. In this regard, and as is shown
best in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, each of the slots 85,
which are spaced-apart radially about the circumference of nut 32,
extend radially inwardly to open into the groove 64 through the nut
inner peripheral surface 44, and radially outwardly to either
terminate intermediate the inner and outer peripheral surfaces 44
and 48 so as to be internal, or to extend through the outer
peripheral surface 48, with the length of the extensions 76 and 78
being adjusted accordingly. Also, each of the slots 85 may have a
circumferential extent or width, so as to allow for the clip
extensions 76 and 78 to be movable therein for accommodating the
opening and closing of the clip circumferential portion 80 as the
inner diametric extent d.sub.1 thereof is expanded and contracted.
It will be appreciated that clip 70 alternatively may be fabricated
in two or more sections, such as in a pair of half sections with
each section being formed as having a set of extensions 76 and 78
disposed at about 180.degree. apart.
[0041] Looking momentarily to FIG. 5A, as is shown at 32a, nut 32
alternatively may be configured as having a single radial slot, 86,
formed therein for the retention of clip 70, now represent at 70a.
Further in this regard, the ends of the extensions 76 and 78 each
may be bent or otherwise configured so as to form an additional
extension portion, 77 and 79, respectively. As is shown, the
portions 77 and 79 each may extend radially outwardly from a
corresponding one of the extensions 76 and 78 to effect the further
retention of the clip 70a by hooking into the slot 86, or, more
particularly, a recessed portion, 87, thereof. Such retention also
may delimit any tendency for the clip 70a to rotate within the
groove 64 with the effect of being displaced therefrom such as
being forced out through the slot 86.
[0042] With reference now to FIG. 6, in the fitting 12 as assembled
for connection to the connector 14. As assembled, clip 70 is
retained within nut 32, with the nut rearward end 40 being received
coaxially over the coupler outer surface 46, and with the thrust
wire 67 being received for axial, i.e., translational, movement
within the coupler groove 56. That is, the nut 32 is moveable
axially relative to coupler 30 from a rearward position generally
adjacent the groove rearward end wall 59 wherein the nut 32 is
freely rotatable on the coupler 30, to a first forward axial
position. In such first axial positioning, designated at 90, of the
nut 32 relative to coupler 30, wire 67, along with the thrust
surface 66 thereof, is disposed intermediate the groove forward and
rearward end walls 58 and 59, with the first and second engagement
portions 50 and 62 being just interferingly engaged.
[0043] Looking now to FIG. 7, the make-up of the 10 connection
continues with nut forward end 36 being partially threaded onto
connector rearward end 20, such as by the hand-tight rotation of
the nut 32 effecting the engagement of the external threads 26 of
the nut with the internal threads 60 of the connector. As the hand
or other tightening of the nut 32 proceeds, the sealing surface 49
at the coupler forward end 34 is drawn towards the connector
sealing surface 24 by the interfering engagement of the first and
second engagement portions 50 and 62 in the axial positioning 90 of
the nut 32.
[0044] Continuing to FIG. 8, the make-up of connection 10 is
completed with the nut forward end 36 being further threaded, such
as by the rotation of nut 32 with a wrench or other tool engaging
the flats 61, onto the connector rearward end 20. Such rotation
causes the forward axial advancement of the nut thrust surface 66
within the coupler groove 56 into an abutting contact with the
coupler groove forward end wall 58 which functions as a bearing
surface. Such contact, in a second forward axial positioning
designated at 92 of the nut 32, urges the sealing surface 49 at the
coupler forward end 34 into a compressive, fluid-tight sealing
engagement against the connector sealing surface 24. When the
connection 10 is fully tightened or torqued, the indicia 55 on the
coupler outer peripheral surface 46 may be revealed from under nut
32 so as to provide a visual and/or tactile indication that the nut
32 is disposed in position 92 securing the connection 10.
Advantageously, the described construction of fitting 12 allows for
the fitting to be initially hand-tightened onto the connector 14
and thereby speeds the make-up of the connection 10. Such
construction in its fully torqued orientation substantially seals
the connection 10 against the ingress of dirt, dust, or other
contaminants insofar as the forward side thereof is sealed by the
engagement of threads 26 and 60, with the rearward side being
sealed by the abutting, metal-to-metal of other sealing engagement
of the nut thrust surface 66, such as on the thrust wire 67 or nut
shoulder as the case my be, against the groove forward end wall
58.
[0045] Further in the axial position 92 of the nut 32, the first
and second engagement portions 50 and 62 are fully or more fully
interengaged for delimiting the rotation of the nut 32 relative to
the connector 14. In such engagement, and as may be seen with
reference now to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9, with the clip
circumferential portion 80 having been resiliently expanded, such
as by the flexing of lobes 82 upon contact with the ridges 54, to
pass forwardly over the coupler forward end, each of the clip lobes
82 generally may be received within a corresponding one of the
coupler recesses 52 as the clip circumferential portion 80
thereafter compresses or otherwise contracts radially about the
coupler forward end. As the frictional, spring, and/or other forces
developed by the ratchet-like engagement between the first and
second engagement portions 50 and 62 must be overcome for the nut
32 to rotate relative to the connector 14, such engagement thereby
is effective in service to resist vibration and other external
forces which otherwise could have the tendency to loosen the
connection 10. However, with sufficient torque being applied, such
as with a wrench or other tool, the nut 32 may be loosened to break
the connection 10, with the clip circumferential portion 80 again
being expandable, but as now to pass rearwardly over the coupler
forward end to allow for the nut 32 to be unthreaded from the
connector 14.
[0046] Turning now to FIGS. 10-15, three alternative styles of
connection 10 are shown for illustrative purposes in FIGS. 10-11,
12-13, and 14-15, respectively, in both hand-tight (FIGS. 10, 12,
and 14) and full torque (FIGS. 11, 13, and 15) orientations. With
reference first to FIGS. 10 and 11, connection 10 reappears at 10'
with fitting 12' being styled for a "flareless," swivel connection.
In this regard, coupler 30, now reappearing at 30', is configured
as per NAS-1760 as having an outer sealing surface 49', with
connector 14, now reappearing at 14', being complementarily
configured as per MS21902 as having an inner sealing surface 24'
which is a mate to the coupler outer sealing surface 49'.
[0047] Referring next to FIGS. 12-13, connection 10, reappearing
now at 10", is provided with fitting 12" being configured for
connection to connector 14 which may be as per SAE AS4325. In this
regard, fitting 12" has a nut 32" which includes thrust surface
66", as formed on a shoulder, 94, extending radially inwardly from
the nut rearward end 38", which thrust surface is abuttingly
engageable with a rearwardly-facing bearing surface, 96, formed
about the coupler 30" intermediate the forward and rearward ends
34" and 38" thereof. Also, with reference to FIG. 13A which is a
magnified view of the area referenced at 98 in FIG. 13, it may be
better seen how the connection 10" is sealed against contaminants
with the aforementioned forward thread seal of the connection being
noted at 100 and the aforementioned rearward seal of the connection
between the nut thrust surface 66" and the corresponding coupler
bearing surface, such as surface 96, being noted at 102.
[0048] Referring lastly to FIGS. 14-15, connection 10 now again
reappears at 10'" as provided with fitting 12'" being configured
for a beam swivel-style connection, such as per AS4209 or AS4227,
to connector 14'" which may be as per AS4207. In this regard,
fitting 12'" has a nut 32'" which includes thrust surface 66'"
formed on shoulder 94'" thereof, which thrust surface is abuttingly
engageable with coupler bearing surface 96'". Further, coupler 30'"
has a rearwardly-tapered sealing surface 49'" which mates with the
forwardly-tapered sealing surface 24'" of connector 14'". In view
of FIGS. 10-15, it will be appreciated that the fitting of the
present invention may be readily adapted for use in a variety of
connection styles in accordance with commercial, military, or other
specifications, but without substantial change to the basics of the
componentry of the fitting and/or to the connector.
[0049] The materials of construction for the componentry of the
connection 10 may be considered conventional for the application
involved, and as generally may be selected for strength, corrosion
or temperature resistance, or other physical or mechanical
property, or otherwise for compatibility with the tubing being
used, the service environment, and/or the fluid being handled. Such
fluid may be a liquid such as water, hydraulic oil, a hydrocarbon
fuel or other petrochemical, or a process stream. Alternatively,
the fluid may be air, such as in a pneumatic application, or
another gas.
[0050] Although plastics, composites, and other materials may be
used where the application permits, the connection componentry in
general may be machined, stamped, cast, molded, or otherwise
constructed of a metal, which may be same or different for each of
the components, such as copper, brass, steel, stainless steel,
titanium, or aluminum, or an alloy such as nickel-copper,
Hastelloy.RTM., Alloy 600, 6Mo, Inconel.RTM., or Incoloy.RTM.. If
necessary or desired, the components may be case hardened by a
chemical process such as nitriding, carburizing, or Kolsterizing,
or by heat treatment or other treatment method such as
precipitation hardening, work hardening, or a surface coating or
plating. Additionally, the work surfaces may be coated, such as by
a chemical solution plating or another means such as a physical or
chemical vapor deposition, with molybdenum disulfide, silver or
other lubricious material to reduce the required assembly torque
and/or any potential for galling.
[0051] Thus, a unique "lockwireless" fitting construction is
described herein which eliminates the need for a special adapter,
and which is robust and economical to manufacture. Such
construction, moreover, employs componentry which is standard in
the field, and the use of which will be readily familiar to most
installation or maintenance technicians and other personnel.
[0052] As it is anticipated that certain changes may be made in the
present invention without departing from the precepts herein
involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing
description shall be interpreted in as illustrative rather than in
a limiting sense. All references including any priority documents
cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference.
* * * * *