U.S. patent application number 11/383651 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-31 for fitting for a flexible metal hose.
Invention is credited to Wolfgang F. Fullbeck, Mark A. Hess.
Application Number | 20060192380 11/383651 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34551844 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060192380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fullbeck; Wolfgang F. ; et
al. |
August 31, 2006 |
FITTING FOR A FLEXIBLE METAL HOSE
Abstract
A flexible hose formed from corrugated metal tube has a fitting
permanently crimped to the end of the hose. The fitting includes an
elongated stem having a first end adapted to be coupled to an
appropriate fitting surface and a second end configured to be
received within the hose. A sealing member disposed on the second
end of the stem seals the fitting between the corrugated metal tube
and the stem. A ferrule is placed over the hose and is crimped to
compress the hose and sealing member between the ferrule and
stem.
Inventors: |
Fullbeck; Wolfgang F.;
(Lawrenceburg, IN) ; Hess; Mark A.; (Cincinnati,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, HERRON & EVANS, LLP
2700 CAREW TOWER
441 VINE STREET
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
34551844 |
Appl. No.: |
11/383651 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10703232 |
Nov 7, 2003 |
7066497 |
|
|
11383651 |
May 16, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/256 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49428 20150115;
Y10S 285/903 20130101; Y10T 29/49913 20150115; F16L 33/2073
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/256 |
International
Class: |
F16L 33/00 20060101
F16L033/00 |
Claims
1. A method of securing a fitting to a flexible hose having a
corrugated metal tube, the fitting including a ferrule, a stem and
a sealing member having a contoured outer surface corresponding to
the interior surface of the corrugated metal tube, the method
comprising: inserting the sealing member into the corrugated metal
tube such that the contoured outer surface contacts substantially
all of the interior surface of the corrugated metal tube along the
length of the sealing member; placing the ferrule over the end of
the corrugated metal tube; inserting an end of the stem into the
sealing member disposed within the corrugated metal tube; and
crimping the ferrule to compress the corrugated metal tube and the
sealing member between the ferrule and the stem.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the contoured outer surface
contacts the interior surface of the corrugated metal tube along at
least part of the length of the sealing member.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein crimping the ferrule compresses
the sealing member up to approximately 15% to approximately 25% of
its wall thickness.
4. A hose assembly formed by a process comprising: inserting a
sealing member into a corrugated metal tube, the sealing member
having a contoured outer surface that matches the interior surface
of the corrugated metal tube, the sealing member contacting
substantially all of the interior surface of the corrugated metal
tube when inserted therein; placing a ferrule over an end of the
corrugated metal tube; inserting an end of a stem into the sealing
member disposed within the corrugated metal tube; and crimping the
ferrule to compress the corrugated metal tube and the sealing
member between the ferrule and the stem.
5. The hose assembly of claim 4, formed by a process further
comprising: threadably coupling the ferrule to the stem.
6. The hose assembly of claim 4, wherein the ferrule is crimped an
amount to compress the sealing member up to approximately 15% to
approximately 25% of its wall thickness.
7. A hose assembly formed by a process comprising: placing a
ferrule over an end of a hose having a corrugated metal tube, the
ferrule having a first end with a first outer diameter and a second
end with a second outer diameter, the second outer diameter sized
to be initially greater than the first outer diameter; inserting a
sealing member into the corrugated metal tube of the hose, the
sealing member having a pre-formed undulating outer surface that
corresponds to the interior surface of the corrugated metal tube;
inserting an end of a stem into the end of the hose to engage
sealing member; threadably coupling the ferrule to the stem; and
crimping the ferrule to compress the hose between the ferrule and
the stem.
8. A fitting for an end of a flexible hose, the hose including a
corrugated metal tube having an interior surface, the fitting
comprising: an elongated, tubular stem having a first end adapted
to engage a corresponding fitting surface, and a second end
configured to be received in the flexible hose; a ferrule having a
first end configured to receive said second end of said stem, and a
second end configured to receive the end of the flexible hose, said
ferrule configured to be crimped to the corrugated metal tube to
thereby secure the fitting to the hose; and a sealing member having
a preformed, undulating outer surface corresponding to corrugations
of the metal tube, said sealing member insertable within the
corrugated metal tube such that the undulating outer surface of
said sealing member mates with and fills corresponding corrugations
of the metal tube.
9. A fitting for an end of a flexible hose, the hose including a
corrugated metal tube having an interior surface, the fitting
comprising: an elongated, tubular stem having a first end adapted
to engage a corresponding fitting surface, and a second end
configured to be received in the flexible hose; a ferrule having a
first end configured to receive said second end of said stem, and a
second end configured to receive the end of the flexible hose, said
ferrule configured to be crimped to the corrugated metal tube to
thereby secure the fitting to the hose; and an independently
mountable sealing member sized to be received over said second end
of said stem and having a contoured outer surface corresponding to
the interior surface of the corrugated metal tube such that said
contoured outer surface contacts substantially all of the interior
surface of the corrugated metal tube along the length of said
sealing member when inserted therein.
10. The fitting of claim 9, wherein said contoured outer surface
contacts the interior surface of the corrugated metal tube along at
least part of the length of said sealing member.
11. The fitting of claim 9, wherein said ferrule is formed with a
substantially uniform outer diameter sized to initially receive the
end of the flexible hose.
12. The fitting of claim 9, wherein said first end of said ferrule
has a first outer diameter, and said second end of said ferrule has
a second outer diameter sized to be initially greater than said
first outer diameter, said ferrule configured such that said second
end may be subsequently deformed to be approximately equal to said
first outer diameter during attachment of the fitting to the
hose.
13. A flexible hose assembly, comprising: a corrugated metal tube
including a first end and an interior surface; and a fitting
permanently crimped to said first end of said tube, said fitting
comprising: a ferrule having first and second ends, said second end
of said ferrule circumscribing said first end of said corrugated
metal tube, an elongated, tubular stem comprising a first end
adapted to engage a corresponding fitting surface, and a second end
extending through said first end of said ferrule and into said
corrugated metal tube, and an independently mounted tubular sealing
member on said second end of said stem, between said stem and said
corrugated metal tube, said sealing member having an undulating
outer surface corresponding to said interior surface of said
corrugated metal tube such that said undulating outer surface
contacts substantially all of said interior surface of said
corrugated metal tube along the length of said sealing member.
14. The flexible hose assembly of claim 13, wherein said undulating
outer surface contacts said interior surface of said corrugated
metal tube along at least part of the length of said sealing
member.
15. The hose assembly of claim 13, further comprising a braided
sheath covering said corrugated metal tube and extending beneath
said ferrule so that said sheath is crimped between said ferrule
and said stem.
16. The hose assembly of claim 13, wherein said ferrule is formed
with a substantially uniform outer diameter sized to initially
receive said first end of said corrugated metal tube.
17. The hose assembly of claim 13, wherein said first end of said
ferrule has a first outer diameter, and said second end of said
ferrule has a second outer diameter sized to be initially greater
than said first outer diameter, said ferrule configured such that
said second end may be subsequently deformed to be approximately
equal to said first outer diameter during crimping of said fitting
to said corrugated metal tube.
18. A fitting for a hose formed from corrugated metal tube, the
fitting comprising: an elongated, tubular stem having a first end
adapted to engage a corresponding fitting surface, and a second end
configured to be received in the hose; a ferrule having a first end
configured to receive said second end of said stem, and a second
end configured to receive the end of the hose, said ferrule
configured to be crimped to the end of the corrugated metal tube to
thereby secure the fitting to the hose; and an independently
mountable sealing member sized to be received over said second end
of said stem, and having a contoured outer surface corresponding to
the interior surface of the corrugated metal tube such that said
contoured outer surface contacts substantially all of the interior
surface of the corrugated metal tube along the length of the
sealing member; wherein said first end of said ferrule has a first
outer diameter, and said second end of said ferrule has a second
outer diameter sized to be initially greater than said first outer
diameter, said ferrule configured such that said second end may be
subsequently deformed to be approximately equal to said first outer
diameter during attachment of the fitting to the hose.
19. The fitting of claim 18, wherein said contoured outer surface
contacts the interior surface of the corrugated metal tube along at
least part of the length of said sealing member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/703,232, filed Nov. 7, 2003 (now pending),
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains generally to fittings for
hose, pipe and other conduits, and more particularly to a fitting
for a flexible hose or pipe formed from corrugated metal tube.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Flexible hoses formed from corrugated metal tube are used in
many applications where the hose is exposed to severe conditions or
where the nature of the material conveyed through the hose requires
the use of metal tubing. Advantageously, the corrugations lend some
degree of flexibility to the metal tube. Typical uses of these
hoses include applications where the hose is exposed to extreme hot
and cold temperature conditions, where high pressure gas or liquid
is transported through the hose, or when fluid permeability is a
concern, such as in gas piping systems, refrigeration systems or
the transport of chemical materials. These hoses also provide
flexibility to fixed piping systems, for example, where adjacent
fixed pipes must be joined together, and help to reduce vibrations
in dynamic environments, such as various heavy machinery or
automotive environments, all while maintaining integrity in these
rigorous applications.
[0004] With flexible hoses formed from corrugated metal tube, it is
of utmost importance to ensure that the hoses are constructed in a
fluid tight manner, particularly at locations where fittings are
joined to the hose for coupling the hose to a fluid conveying
structure or to another hose. In the past, various fittings have
been secured to the corrugated metal tube of flexible hoses by
welding, brazing, or other fusion-type processes, or by deforming
the corrugated metal tube to create a flange which may be
mechanically clamped to a fitting, such as by a screwed compression
assembly. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,728 is directed to a
fitting for use with corrugated tubing wherein the tubing is
deformed when it is secured to the fitting. U.S. Patent No.
5,638,869 is directed to a hose connection that is both crimped and
welded to secure a corrugated metal hose to the fitting. These
prior fittings are generally costly and time consuming to install
and are prone to inconsistencies stemming from the varied levels of
skill of persons installing the fittings. These variations result
in inconsistent quality of the resulting hose assemblies.
Accordingly, there is a need for a fitting that can be used with
flexible hoses formed from corrugated metal tubes which overcomes
these and other drawbacks of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a fitting configured to be
permanently crimped to the end of a flexible hose formed from
corrugated metal tube. The corrugated metal tube has an interior
surface which is contoured by the corrugations, and the fitting
includes an elongated, tubular stem with one end configured to be
inserted within the hose. The other end of the stem is adapted to
mate with a corresponding fitting surface. A sealing member is
sized to be received within the hose, between the corrugated tube
and the stem, and has an outer surface that is contoured to match
the inner surface of the corrugated tube. The fitting further
comprises a ferrule configured to be received over the end of the
hose and to be crimped to the hose to thereby secure the fitting to
the end of the hose.
[0006] In one embodiment, the ferrule and stem have corresponding
threaded portions for threadably securing the ferrule to the stem
prior to crimping. Advantageously, the threaded connection helps to
maintain the relative positions of the ferrule and stem during
crimping of the fitting and couples the stem and ferrule together
as a single, integrated unit that resists separation in severe
service applications. In another embodiment, one end of the ferrule
has an outer diameter that is initially greater than the outer
diameter of the other end of the fitting. The ferrule is configured
to be deformed to reduce the larger diameter end to be
approximately equal in diameter to the initially smaller end.
[0007] In another aspect of the invention, a flexible hose assembly
includes a corrugated metal tube with a braided metal sheath. A
fitting, as described above, is permanently crimped to an end of
the hose, over the tube and sheath.
[0008] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of securing
a fitting to the end of a flexible hose formed from corrugated
metal tube includes inserting a sealing member within the
corrugated metal tube, placing a ferrule over the end of the hose,
inserting the end of a stem through the ferrule and into the
sealing member disposed in the hose, and crimping the ferrule to
compress the corrugated metal tube and sealing member between the
ferrule and the stem.
[0009] These and other features, objects and advantages of the
invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the
art in view of the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a flexible hose and fitting according to the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the hose and fitting of
FIG. 1, prior to assembly and crimping.
[0012] FIG. 2B is a cross sectional view of the hose and fitting of
FIGS. 1 and 2, after assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary flexible hose assembly 10
including an exemplary fitting 12 according to the present
invention. The flexible hose assembly 10 includes a flexible hose
14 formed from corrugated metal tube 16 having a first end 18
configured to receive the fitting 12. In the embodiment shown, the
metal tube 16 has annular corrugations, however it will be
recognized that the corrugations may alternatively be formed in a
spiral fashion, as known in the art. The hose 14 further includes a
covering 20 that surrounds an outer surface 22 of the tube 16 and
extends the length of the hose 14. In the embodiment shown, the
covering 22 is a braided metal sheath, as known in the art. Due to
the corrugations formed in the metal tube 16, the outer and inner
surfaces 22, 24 of the tube 16 have undulating, contoured
surfaces.
[0014] The fitting 12 is configured to be crimped to the first end
18 of the hose 14 and includes an elongated tubular stem 30, a
sealing member 40, and a ferrule 50. A first end 34 of the stem 30
is configured to mate with a corresponding fitting surface, such as
the mounting flange of a machine or a coupling for joining the
flexible hose 14 to another hose or conduit. In this regard, it
will be recognized that the first end 34 of the stem 30 may be
adapted to mate with any configuration of corresponding fitting
surface as may be desired. The second end 36 of the stem 30 is
sized and shaped to be received within the interior of the
corrugated metal tube 16. The fitting 12 further comprises a
tubular-shaped sealing member 40 sized to be received over the
second end 36 of the stem 30 and having an outer surface 42 shaped
to correspond to the inner surface 24 of the corrugated metal tube
16. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer surface 42 of the
sealing member 40 has undulations which mate with the interior
surface 24 of the corrugated tube 16. Advantageously, the interior
surface 44 of the sealing member 40 seals against the outer surface
46 of the stem 30 and the outer surface 42 of the sealing member 40
seals against the inner surface 24 of the corrugated metal tube 16.
The second end 36 of the stem 30 may further include one or more
annular barbs 48 formed into the outer surface 46 to increase the
holding ability of the assembled fitting 12 on the end 18 of the
flexible hose 14.
[0015] The fitting 12 further includes a ferrule 50 having a first
end 52 configured to receive the second end 36 of the stem 30
therethrough, and a second end 54 configured to receive the first
end 18 of the flexible hose 14 so that the ferrule 50 may be
crimped to secure the fitting 12 to the flexible hose 14. As used
herein, "crimping" means the deformation of a workpiece, such as a
ferrule, in a radially inward direction by application of radial
compressive forces. This is distinguished from "swaging," which is
the deformation of a workpiece accomplished by forcing the
workpiece through a constriction die. It has been determined that,
due to the properties of softer materials typically used in swaging
operations, crimped ferrules exhibit better hose retaining
characteristics than corresponding swaged fittings. Moreover,
crimping the ferrule to the hose requires fewer steps to achieve
the same reduction, compared to swaging, and is therefore a more
efficient process.
[0016] In the embodiment shown, the stem 30 further includes
external threads 60 formed on the outer surface 46 of the stem 30
between the first and second ends 34, 36. The first end 52 of the
ferrule 50 is formed with internal threads 62 which mate with the
external threads 60 on the stem 30 to thereby permit threadably
coupling the stem 30 to the ferrule 50. Advantageously, the stem 30
may be threadably secured to the ferrule 50 to maintain the
relative positions of the stem 30 and ferrule 50 while the fitting
12 is crimped to the end 18 of the hose 14. The threadably coupled
stem 30 and ferrule 50 form an integrated unit that resists
separation during use in severe service conditions.
[0017] The stem 30 includes an annular flange 66 proximate the
threads 60 and extending radially outward from the outer surface 46
of the stem 30. In this configuration, flange 66 on the stem 30
serves as a positive stop when the stem 30 is threadably coupled to
the ferrule 50. To provide a sufficient mating surface on the
ferrule 50, the first end 52 of the ferrule 50 is radiused. The
ferrule 50 may further comprise raised circumferential ribs 70
formed on an inner surface 72 of the ferrule 50 to improve the
holding integrity of the ferrule 50 while not unduly hindering the
ability to crimp the ferrule 50 to the flexible hose 14.
[0018] As shown most clearly in FIG. 2A, the first end 52 of the
ferrule 50 has a first outer diameter D1 and the second end 54 of
the ferrule 50 has a second outer diameter D2 which is which is
initially greater than the first diameter D1. The larger, second
diameter D2 facilitates installation of the first end 18 of the
flexible hose 14 within the second end 54 of the ferrule 50
whereafter the ferrule 50 may be deformed by crimping the ferrule
50 such that the second diameter D2 is approximately equal to the
first diameter D1, thereby compressing the first end 18 of the
flexible hose 14 and the sealing member 40 between the ferrule 50
and the second end 36 of the stem 30, as depicted in FIG. 2B. While
the ferrule 50 has been shown and described herein as having a
second outer diameter D2 that is initially greater than the first
outer diameter D1, it will be recognized that the ferrule may
alternatively be formed with a uniform outer diameter sized to be
received over the hose 14, whereafter the entire length of the
ferrule is crimped to secure the fitting 12 to the hose 14.
[0019] In general, the ferrule 50 should be crimped an amount
sufficient to compress the hose 14 such that the hose 14 is
retained by the fitting 12 while avoiding puncturing of the hose
14, particularly the corrugated metal tube 16. In an exemplary
embodiment, the ferrule 50 is crimped an amount which is sufficient
to compress the sealing member 40 up to approximately 15% to 25% of
its wall thickness. In order to obtain a sufficient crimp, the
ferrule 50 should be made from a metal material which is not too
soft. In an exemplary embodiment, the material of the ferrule 50
has a hardness of at least 150, as measured by a Brinell hardness
test.
[0020] While the geometry of the stem 30 may be varied to
accommodate different size hoses 14, the wall thickness of the
second end 36 of the stem 30 should be sufficient to withstand the
crimping pressure. In the exemplary embodiment, the wall thickness
of the second end 36 of the stem 30 is not less than approximately
one-eighth inch. Likewise, the wall thickness of the ferrule 50
should not be excessively large to thereby avoid excessive crimp
forces necessary to crimp the ferrule 50. In an exemplary
embodiment, the wall thickness of the ferrule 50 is not greater
than approximately 0.06 to 0.10 inch.
[0021] Advantageously, the fitting 12 of the present invention may
be crimped to the end 18 of a flexible hose 14 formed from
corrugated metal tube 16 to provide a fluid tight joint between the
fitting 12 and the flexible hose 14. Moreover, the fitting 12 may
be crimped directly to the first end 18 of the hose 14 without
requiring modification of the hose 14, such as stripping away
covering materials including the braided metal sheath 20.
[0022] Exemplary flexible hose assemblies, having crimped fittings
according to the present invention, were manufactured and tested.
Each flexible hose was a 2-inch wire braided, metal hose with wide,
annular corrugations manufactured by Witzenmann USA LLC, Warren
Mich. The hose was rated for 370 psi at 70.degree. F. Both the
ferrule and stem portions of each fitting were formed from ASTM 316
stainless steel. In one test, fittings were crimped to both ends of
a hose, one end crimped with a silicone sealing member, the other
end having a sealing member formed from Buna rubber. The hose
assembly was subjected to a helium leak test using an MD-490-S
helium leak detector. The hose assembly was charged using 100%
helium at 100 psig for 28 minutes. No leaks were detected. The hose
assembly was subsequently hydrostatically tested to evaluate the
integrity of the crimped fittings. At 1800 psi, the hose failed at
a location intermediate the fittings (i.e. the hose failed before
the fittings).
[0023] A second exemplary hose assembly was subjected to a vacuum
leak test. The crimped hose assembly was charged to 25 mtorr with
helium and then exposed to vacuum up to 1.times.10-8 atm/cc/sec
while monitoring the hose with an NIST traceable gas leak detector.
No leak was detected.
[0024] In another aspect of the invention, a method for securing a
fitting 12 to a flexible hose 14 having a corrugated metal tube 16
comprises inserting a tubular sealing member 40 into the corrugated
metal tube 16, placing a ferrule 50 over the end 18 of the
corrugated metal tube 16, inserting the end 36 of a stem 30 into
the sealing member 40 within the corrugated metal tube 16, and
crimping the ferrule 50 to compress the corrugated metal tube 16
and the sealing member 40 between the ferrule 50 and the stem
30.
[0025] In another embodiment, a method of securing a fitting 12 to
a flexible hose 14 further comprises threadably coupling the
ferrule 50 and the stem 30. The ferrule 50 and stem 30 may be
threadably coupled prior to inserting the end 36 of the stem 30
into the sealing member 40 located within the corrugated metal tube
16, while simultaneously placing the ferrule 50 over the end 18 of
the corrugated metal tube 16, or the ferrule 50 and stem 30 may be
threadably coupled after the end 36 of the stem 30 has been
inserted into the sealing member 40.
[0026] In yet another aspect of the invention, a hose assembly
according to the present invention is formed by the methods
described above.
[0027] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of exemplary embodiments thereof, and while the
embodiments have been described in considerable detail, they are
not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The
invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the
specific details, representative apparatus and method and
illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures
may be made from such details without departing from the scope or
spirit of the general inventive concept.
* * * * *