U.S. patent application number 11/416015 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-31 for component to component sealing method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Entegris, Inc.. Invention is credited to James Donoho, Todd J. Edlund, Steven A. Fischer, Jeffrey C. Kubesh, Eric Soderstorm, Michael A. Stein, Michael Stoick.
Application Number | 20060192383 11/416015 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22634016 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060192383 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fischer; Steven A. ; et
al. |
August 31, 2006 |
Component to component sealing method
Abstract
A polymer fluid flow component configured to sealingly couple
with a second fluid flow component, the fluid flow component having
a protruding portion and a receiving portion configured to receive
the protruding portion. The fluid flow component can include a stop
surface disposed on the protruding portion and a cooperating stop
surface on the receiving portion to cooperate with the stop
surface. The fluid flow component can further include an annular
ring integrally formed with the valve, such that the annular ring
is subjected to a compressive force when the receiving portion
receives the protruding section sealingly coupling the valve and
second component. The stop surface can engage the cooperating stop
surface to inhibit overtightening of the valve.
Inventors: |
Fischer; Steven A.; (Savage,
MN) ; Stein; Michael A.; (Eden Prairie, MN) ;
Kubesh; Jeffrey C.; (Jordan, MN) ; Edlund; Todd
J.; (Savage, MN) ; Donoho; James; (Golden
Valley, MN) ; Soderstorm; Eric; (Lauderdale, MN)
; Stoick; Michael; (Prior Lake, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.;4800 IDS Center
80 South 8th Street
Minneapolis
MN
55402-2100
US
|
Assignee: |
Entegris, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
22634016 |
Appl. No.: |
11/416015 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10723313 |
Nov 25, 2003 |
7036204 |
|
|
11416015 |
May 2, 2006 |
|
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|
10169241 |
Nov 25, 2002 |
6652008 |
|
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PCT/US00/35537 |
Dec 29, 2000 |
|
|
|
10723313 |
Nov 25, 2003 |
|
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60173905 |
Dec 29, 1999 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
285/328 ;
285/423 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49909 20150115;
Y10T 29/49908 20150115; F16L 39/00 20130101; F16L 19/0225 20130101;
F16L 19/02 20130101; F16K 27/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/328 ;
285/423 |
International
Class: |
F16L 25/00 20060101
F16L025/00 |
Claims
1. A polymer valve configured to sealingly couple with a fluid flow
component, the valve comprising: a protruding portion comprising a
bore and an axis extending axially therethrough, the protruding
portion further comprising a first flange, a first end generally
opposed the first flange, and a frustum extending between the first
flange and the first end, the frustum having an exterior surface
disposed thereon; a receiving portion configured to operably
receive the protruding portion, the receiving portion comprising a
second flange and a recess extending from the second flange, the
recess having a periphery disposed thereon; a stop surface disposed
on the protruding portion and a cooperating stop surface disposed
on at least a portion of the receiving portion configured to
operably cooperate with the stop surface; and an annular ring
integrally formed with at least a portion of the valve, wherein the
annular ring is operably subjected to a compressive force obliquely
oriented with respect to the axis when the receiving portion
operably receives the protruding section sealingly coupling the
valve and fluid flow component at a position intermediate the first
flange and first end on the protruding portion, the valve having a
fully engaged position wherein the stop surface operably engages
the cooperating stop surface to inhibit overtightening of the valve
and damage to the valve.
2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the stop surface is generally
planar and the axis is orthogonal to the stop surface.
3. The valve of claim 1, wherein the ring is integrally formed with
the protruding portion.
4. The valve of claim 1, wherein the ring is integrally formed with
the receiving portion.
5. The valve of claim 1, further comprising a second protruding
portion and a second ring integrally formed with at least a portion
of the valve, such that when the valve is in the engaged position
the first and second rings are operably subjected to an oblique
compressive force sealingly coupling the valve and fluid flow
component.
6. The valve of claim 5, wherein the receiving portion comprises a
flow passage intermediate the rings.
7. The valve of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow component comprises
a manifold assembly.
8. The valve of claim 1, further comprising clamping means to
secure the protruding portion with respect to the receiving
portion.
9. A polymer manifold configured to sealingly couple with a fluid
flow component, the manifold comprising: a receiving portion
comprising a first flange and a recess extending from the first
flange, the recess having a periphery disposed thereon; a
protruding portion configured to operably couple the receiving
portion, the protruding portion comprising a bore and an axis
extending axially therethrough, the protruding portion further
comprising a second flange, a first end generally opposed the
second flange, and a frustum extending between the second flange
and the first end, the frustum having an exterior surface disposed
thereon; a stop surface disposed on the protruding portion and a
cooperating stop surface disposed on at least a portion of the
receiving portion configured to operably cooperate with the stop
surface; and an annular ring integrally formed with at least a
portion of the manifold, wherein the annular ring is operably
subjected to a compressive force obliquely oriented with respect to
the axis when the receiving portion operably receives the
protruding section sealingly coupling the manifold and fluid flow
component at a position intermediate the second flange and first
end on the protruding portion, the manifold having a fully engaged
position wherein the stop surface operably engages the cooperating
stop surface to inhibit overtightening of the manifold and damage
to the manifold.
10. The manifold of claim 9, wherein the stop surface is generally
planar and the axis is orthogonal to the stop surface.
11. The manifold of claim 9, wherein the ring is integrally formed
with the protruding portion.
12. The manifold of claim 9, wherein the ring is integrally formed
with the receiving portion.
13. The manifold of claim 9, further comprising a second protruding
portion and a second ring integrally formed with at least a portion
of the manifold, such that when the manifold is in the engaged
position the first and second rings are operably subjected to an
oblique compressive force sealingly coupling the manifold and fluid
flow component.
14. The manifold of claim 13, wherein the receiving portion
comprises a flow passage intermediate the rings.
15. The manifold of claim 9, wherein the fluid flow component
comprises a valve assembly.
16. The manifold of claim 9, further comprising clamping means to
secure the protruding portion with respect to the receiving
portion.
17. A polymer valve and manifold assembly for sealingly coupling a
valve and a manifold, the assembly comprising: a male protruding
portion disposed on the valve, the protruding portion comprising a
bore and an axis extending axially therethrough, the protruding
portion further comprising a first flange, a first end generally
opposed the first flange, and a frustum extending between the first
flange and the first end, the frustum having an exterior surface
disposed thereon; a receiving portion disposed on the manifold
configured to operably receive the protruding portion, the
receiving portion comprising a second flange and a recess extending
from the second flange, the recess having a periphery disposed
thereon; a stop surface disposed on the protruding portion and a
cooperating stop surface disposed on at least a portion of the
receiving portion configured to operably cooperate with the stop
surface; and an annular ring integrally formed with at least a
portion of the assembly, wherein the annular ring is operably
subjected to a compressive force obliquely oriented with respect to
the axis when the receiving portion operably receives the
protruding section sealingly coupling the valve and manifold at a
position intermediate the first flange and first end on the male
protruding portion, the assembly having a fully engaged position
wherein the stop surface operably engages the cooperating stop
surface to inhibit overtightening of the assembly and damage to the
assembly.
18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the stop surface is generally
planar and the axis is orthogonal to the stop surface.
19. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the ring is integrally formed
with the protruding portion.
20. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the ring is integrally formed
with the receiving portion.
21. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the assembly comprises a
second protruding portion and a second ring integrally formed with
at least a portion of the assembly, such that when the assembly is
in the engaged position the first and second rings are operably
subjected to an oblique compressive force sealingly coupling the
valve and manifold.
22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the receiving portion
comprises a flow passage intermediate the rings.
23. The assembly of claim 17, further comprising clamping means to
secure the protruding portion with respect to the receiving
portion.
24. A fluid flow component selected from the group consisting of a
valve, a manifold, and a tubing end portion, the fluid flow
component configured to couple with a second component, the fluid
flow component comprising: a protruding portion comprising a bore
and an axis extending axially therethrough, the protruding portion
further comprising a first flange, a first end generally opposed
the first flange, and a frustum extending between the first flange
and the first end, the frustum having an exterior surface disposed
thereon; a receiving portion configured to operably receive the
protruding portion, the receiving portion comprising a second
flange and a recess extending from the second flange, the recess
having a periphery disposed thereon; a stop surface disposed on the
protruding portion and a cooperating stop surface disposed on at
least a portion of the receiving portion configured to operably
cooperate with the stop surface; and an annular ring integrally
formed with at least a portion of the fluid flow component, wherein
the annular ring is operably subjected to a compressive force
obliquely oriented with respect to the axis when the receiving
portion operably receives the protruding section sealingly coupling
the fluid flow component and second component at a position
intermediate the first flange and first end on the protruding
portion, the fluid flow component having a fully engaged position
wherein the stop surface operably engages the cooperating stop
surface to inhibit overtightening of the fluid flow component and
damage to the fluid flow component.
25. The fluid flow component of claim 24, wherein the stop surface
is generally planar and the axis is orthogonal to the stop
surface.
26. The fluid flow component of claim 24, wherein the ring is
integrally formed with the protruding portion.
27. The fluid flow component of claim 24, wherein the ring is
integrally formed with the receiving portion.
28. The fluid flow component of claim 24, further comprising a
second protruding portion and a second ring integrally formed with
at least a portion of the fluid flow component, such that when the
fluid flow component is in the engaged position the first and
second rings are operably subjected to an oblique compressive force
sealingly coupling the fluid flow component and second
component.
29. The fluid flow component of claim 28, wherein the receiving
portion comprises a flow passage intermediate the rings.
30. The fluid flow component of claim 24, wherein the second
component is selected from the group consisting of a valve, a
manifold, and a tubing end portion.
31. The fluid flow component of claim 24, further comprising
clamping means to secure the protruding portion with respect to the
receiving portion.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
10/723,313 filed Nov. 25, 2003, which in turn is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 10/169,241 filed Nov. 25, 2002, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,652,008, which was filed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 371 based
upon PCT/US00/35537, filed Dec. 29, 2000, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/173,905, filed Dec. 29,
1999, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to fluid flow components. More
particularly, the invention relates to fluoropolymer couplings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Numerous industries and many applications utilize metallic
tubes, fittings, and various other "plumbing" components for
handling and controlling critical fluid flow. Such components may
be made of copper, stainless steel, and steel. Where the fluids
being handled are under significant pressure or where containment
integrity is critical, seals such as O-rings and flexible flat
gaskets are typically utilized.
[0004] In particular applications such as semiconductor processing,
the fluids involved react with and/or may be contaminated by the
use of metallic components and conventional gaskets and elastomeric
O-rings. Thus, in such industries, plumbing components are made of
highly inert materials such as fluoropolymers, i.e., PFA and PTFE,
for wetted components. In such applications, elastomeric O-rings
are typically formed of two materials with a first traditional
elastomeric material, such as silicon, encapsulated in a
fluoropolymer coating. These O-rings are expensive and are subject
to degradation and are typically considered to be single use.
[0005] Various fluoropolymer-based fittings and couplings have
evolved for making connections between fluoropolymer components
that do not utilize O-rings. Referring to Prior Art FIG. 1, one
typical type of fitting is known in the industry as a FLARETEK.RTM.
fitting. FLARETEK is a registered trademark of Fluoroware, Inc.,
the assignee of this patent application. In such a fitting 30 the
elongate tapered nose section 32 with a threaded neck 34 engages
within a tubular end portion 36 which is flared to fit over the
tapered nose section. The flared section 38 will have an inside
cylindrical surface 40 that has an inside diameter sized for the
outside diameter of an outside cylindrical surface 42 of the nose
section 32. The nose section thus "telescopes" into the flared
section 38. A nut 44 tightens the flared section onto the nose
creating a seal 46 between the fitting body and the flared portion
of the tubing portion. The flared end of the tubing is generally
formed by heating the tubing and shaping the heated malleable
tubing end into the desired flared configuration using steel
forms.
[0006] Various other types of fluoropolymer fittings are known in
the art. Some utilize separate gripper portions or internal
ferrules. See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,977,708 and 4,848,802.
For connections between fluoropolymer valves and components such as
fluoropolymer manifolds, sealing integrity between the components
is typically accomplished by gaskets or fluoropolymer covered
O-rings. In certain instances annular tongue-in-groove connections
without O-rings or gaskets have been successfully utilized. These
connections have the disadvantage that they must be precisely
machined, i.e., tolerances of 0.0005 inches, and it can be
difficult to properly align the mating pieces. Moreover, such
connections are vulnerable to nicks and scratches which can
compromise the integrity of the connection. Such a tongue-in-groove
fitting is illustrated by U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,301. U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,977,708, 4,848,802, and 5,645,301 are incorporated herein by
reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A fluid flow component, such as a valve, manifold, or tubing
end portion, configured to sealingly couple with a second fluid
flow component, such as a valve, manifold, or tubing end portion,
wherein a stop surface can operably engage a cooperating stop
surface to inhibit overtightening of the fluid flow components and
damage to the fluid flow components.
[0008] In an embodiment, the fluid flow component can include a
protruding portion comprising a bore and an axis extending axially
therethrough, the protruding portion further comprising a first
flange, a first end generally opposed the first flange, and a
frustum extending between the first flange and the first end, the
frustum having an exterior surface disposed thereon. The fluid flow
component can further include a receiving portion configured to
operably receive the protruding portion, the receiving portion
comprising a second flange and a recess extending from the second
flange, the recess having a periphery disposed thereon. In
addition, the fluid flow component can include a stop surface
disposed on the protruding portion and a cooperating stop surface
disposed on at least a portion of the receiving portion configured
to operably cooperate with the stop surface and an annular ring
integrally formed with at least a portion of the fluid flow
component.
[0009] An aspect of embodiments of the present invention is that
the annular ring can be operably subjected to a compressive force
obliquely oriented with respect to the axis when the receiving
portion operably receives the protruding section sealingly coupling
the fluid flow component and second fluid flow component at a
position intermediate the first flange and first end on the
protruding portion, the fluid flow component having a fully engaged
position wherein the stop surface operably engages the cooperating
stop surface to inhibit overtightening of the fluid flow component
and damage to the fluid flow component.
[0010] A further aspect of embodiments of the present invention is
that the stop surface can be generally planar and the axis is
orthogonal to the stop surface.
[0011] Another aspect of embodiments of the present invention is
that the ring can be integrally formed with the protruding or
receiving portion.
[0012] Yet another aspect of embodiments of the present invention
is that the fluid flow component can include a second protruding
portion and a second ring integrally formed with at least a portion
of the fluid flow component, such that when the fluid flow
component is in the engaged position the first and second rings are
operably subjected to an oblique compressive force sealingly
coupling the first and second fluid flow components. The receiving
portion can include a flow passage intermediate the rings.
[0013] Moreover, another aspect of the present invention is that
the fluid flow component can further include clamping means to
secure the protruding portion with respect to the receiving
portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts a prior art flared fitting coupling.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a valve manifold and valves
in accordance with the invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the valve manifold and
valves of FIG. 2 in accordance with the invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the valve manifold of FIG.
2.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a detail cross-sectional view of the male
protruding portion and the corresponding recessed female receiving
portion of the coupling in accordance with the invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a detail cross-sectional view of the male
protruding portion of FIG. 5 in partial engagement with the
recessed female receiving portion.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a detail cross-sectional view of the male
protruding portion of FIG. 5 in full engagement with the recessed
female receiving portion.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
invention for sealing two tubular portions.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling of FIG.
8.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a detail cross-sectional view of an embodiment of
the invention having two primary seals.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling of FIG.
10.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a clamping means in
accordance with the invention.
[0026] FIG. 13 is top view of a dual port coupling according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 13 taken
along line A-A.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a detail cross-sectional view of FIG. 14
[0029] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a dual port coupling according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a top view of a section of the dual port coupling
of FIG. 13.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 17 taken
along line B-B.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a section of the dual port
coupling of FIG. 13.
[0033] FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 19 taken
along line C-C.
[0034] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the recessed female
receiving portion of the coupling of FIG. 15.
[0035] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The plastic coupling according to the present invention can
be used in a variety of applications, such as for coupling two
tubular pipe portions for coupling tubular pipe portions to items
such as valves or manifolds, or for coupling a valve to a
manifold.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, valves 50 mounted on a
manifold 52, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,
are illustrated. The valves 50, in this embodiment are depicted as
diaphragm valves conventionally pneumatically operated and have two
flow ducts which for purposes of illustration are designated as a
fluid inlet 54 and a fluid outlet 56. Obviously, the fluid flow can
be in either direction. The manifold 52 may be configured
substantially as a block 51 with a fluid flow path 58 extending
therethrough. The block manifold 52 at the bore 58 may be connected
with a FLARETEK.RTM. type connection 60 known in the industry.
Similarly each valve inlet may be suitably attached to tubing by
way of FLARETEK.RTM. connections 60. The valves 50 of the manifold
52 are, in turn, coupled to the block 51 by a coupling 61 as
described hereinbelow and are secured by clamping means 59 such as
screws and nuts.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, 6, and 7, details of an embodiment
of the coupling are illustrated and comprise a male protruding
portion 62, configured as a nose and a recessed female receiving
portion 64. The nut has an inner threaded surface 90 for engaging a
correspondingly threaded portion 88 of the male protruding
portion.
[0039] The male protruding portion 62 has a flange portion 67, a
converging rounded conical frustum 65.1, an axis a1, an exterior
surface 68, a primary sealing portion 71, a primary sealing surface
69, a first stop surface 78, a second cooperating stop surface 82
and a fluid flow duct 70. The fluid flow duct in this embodiment is
concentrically positioned with respect to the frustum.
[0040] The female receiving portion 64 has a recess 65 with a
circular periphery 72 and an intermediate portion 69.1, an axis a2,
a primary sealing portion configured as a radially and inwardly
projecting integral annular ring 74 with a primary sealing surface
75, a first cooperating stop surface 80 configured as upper planar
surface, a second cooperating stop surface 76 configured as a lower
planar surface, and a fluid flow duct 70. In this embodiment, the
annular ring in the cross-section has a corner shape. The fluid
flow duct of the recessed portion cooperates with the fluid flow
duct of the protruding portion in order to form a fluid flow path
for the flow of fluid. Note that the first and second stop surfaces
also function as secondary sealing surfaces.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the components, such as a
valve and the manifold are engaged, the male protruding portion 62
confronts the recessed female receiving portion 64 at an interface
84 of the annular ring 74 and the exterior surface 68. As the male
protruding portion is inserted into the recessed female receiving
portion, as depicted in FIG. 6, the annular ring 74 contacts the
exterior surface 68. At this point, there is a slight gap 86
present between the second stop surface 76 and the first stop
surface 78 as well as between the first cooperating stop surface 80
and the second cooperating stop surface 82.
[0042] The seal is accomplished by sliding the clamping means 59
onto the threaded portion 88 of the male protruding portion 62 of
the coupling and tightening said clamping means by turning it. As
the clamping means is tightened, the gap 86 is narrowed and
increasing force is applied on the exterior surface 68 by the
annular ring 74 at the interface 84. The clamping means is
tightened until the gap 86 is eliminated and the second stop
surface 76 contacts the first stop surface 78 and the first
cooperating stop surface 80 contacts the second cooperating stop
surface 82. When the gap is eliminated, the annular ring 74
experiences a deflection as indicated in FIG. 7. The deflection is
due to the confronting force F produced by the exterior surface
acting on the annular ring 74. The deflection of the annular ring
74 is about 0.0075 inches and any deflection of the exterior
surface 68 is negligible.
[0043] In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 22, the
annular ring 74 may be present on, or integrally formed with, the
exterior surface 68 of the male protruding portion 62. In such
embodiment, the recessed female receiving portion 64 does not have
an annular ring, but rather it has a contacting surface 67 for
confronting the annular ring.
[0044] In another alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIGS.
10-12, a second annular ring 73 is formed on the recesses female
receiving portion 64. In such embodiment, no gap is formed between
the second cooperating stop surface 82 and the first cooperating
stop surface 80. Instead, the second annular ring 73 contacts the
second cooperating stop surface 82 at a second interface 85. As the
remaining gap between the first stop surface 78 and the second stop
surface 76 is eliminated, a primary seal is formed at both of the
first interface 83 and second interface 85.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5-12 and 22, the force F present at the
interface 84 forms a seal of high integrity. The contact between
the second stop surface 76 and the first stop surface 78, as well
as between the first cooperating stop surface 80 and the second
cooperating stop surface 82 forms an additional sealing means. The
contact of the respective surfaces 76, 78, 80, 82 provides a
positive stop that prevents or inhibits the user from over
tightening the clamping means 59 and impacting the coupling sealing
characteristics. Due to the presence of this positive stop, further
tightening of the nut will not produce additional force at the
interface 84.
[0046] The clamping means for coupling two tubular members,
depicted in FIGS. 8-12, can be a threaded nut. The nut 92 has an
aperture configured to be constrained with the flanged portion 96
of the female tubular portion 64 when engaged with that of the male
tubular portion 62. The nut 92 has an inner threaded surface 90 for
engaging the threaded portion 88 of the male tubular portion. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that various other clamping means
may be used to couple the tubular members, for example a plurality
of bolts for clamping a flanged portion of each member.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2-7, the clamping means used in the
manifold does not employ a nut, rather, the valve body 50 is
tightened to the manifold 52 with a fastener 65. The fastener can
be a cap screw that engages a threaded bore in the block 51.
However, other suitable clamping means may be used without
departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
[0048] As indicated above, the coupling described and claimed
herein is self-centering. The first engagement surface 78 of the
protruding portion 62 is of smaller diameter than the circular
perimeter 72 of the recessed portion 64. Due to the conical
exterior surface 68, the protruding portion will be guided into
centered alignment with the recessed portion as the two portions
are joined.
[0049] As depicted in FIG. 7, the direction of the force F applied
to the corner portion 74 at the interface 84 is offset from the
direction of engagement, indicated at E. The amount of offset is a
function of the slope of the exterior surface 68.
[0050] The seal formed at the interface 84 reduces the need to keep
dimensional tolerances very tight.
[0051] Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 13-21, providing a concentric double nose
coupling 100. The concentric double nose coupling is comprised of a
male protruding portion 102 and a recessed female receiving portion
104, a first fluid flow passage 106 and a second fluid flow passage
108. The male protruding portion 102, depicted in FIGS. 13, 17, 18,
19 and 20, has a first flow opening 107 and a second fluid flow
opening 110 for permitting the fluid carried by the tubing to enter
the first fluid flow passage 106 and the second fluid flow passage
108 respectively. The second fluid flow passage 108 connects with
the first fluid flow passage 106 by a common aperture 111.
[0052] In cross sectional views, FIGS. 18 and 20, the male
protruding portion 102 has a plurality of circular exterior
surfaces. These exterior surfaces are the first primary sealing
surface 112, the second primary sealing surface 114, the first stop
surface 116 and the second stop surface 118.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 21, the recessed female receiving portion
has a plurality of sealing features. These features are the first
annular ring 120, the second annular ring 122, the first
cooperating stop surface 126 and the second cooperating stop
surface 124.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the male protruding portion
102 confronts the recessed female receiving portion 104 to make a
completed concentric double nose coupling 100. As such confronting
occurs, the second annular ring 120 contacts the second primary
sealing surface 114 at second interface 130. Simultaneously, first
annular ring 122 contacts the first primary sealing surface 112 at
first interface 128. When the respective contact is initially made,
there is a small first gap 132 between the second cooperating stop
surface 124 and the second stop surface 118. A second gap 134 is
also present between the first cooperating stop surface 126 and the
first stop surface 116.
[0055] The male protruding portion 102 and recessed female
receiving portion 104 are further forcibly joined by tightening a
fastener 136. The fastener can be a threaded bolt. The bolt 136
tightens the male protruding portion to the recessed female
receiving portion by the engagement of a threaded bore 138 in the
recessed female receiving portion. Other suitable fasteners may be
used without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention
[0056] As the fastener 136 forcibly joins the top and bottom
portions of the concentric double nose coupling 100, the gaps 132
and 134 reduce until eliminated. At this point, the resting
surfaces 124 and 126 are in contact with their respective
contacting surfaces 116 and 118. The annular rings 120 and 122 form
a seal due to the force generated at the interfaces 128 and 130. As
described hereinabove, the annular rings experience a slight
deflection due to this forcible contact. The exterior surface of
the male protruding portions 102 only experiences a negligible
deflection. The direction of the sealing force is offset as a
function of the slope of the primary sealing surfaces 112, 114.
Additional sealing is provided by the contact between the
respective stop surfaces and cooperating stop surfaces.
[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the interfaces 128, 130 may be
formed sequentially rather than simultaneously. Additionally, the
deflections may be of differing amounts and/or the direction of the
force at the interfaces may be of different directions.
[0058] The couplings according to the various embodiments of the
present invention may be formed by injection molding or may be
machined. The sealing connection as described above may also be
used in other component-to-component connections. In an ideal
embodiment, the components to be connected are formed of
fluoropolymers such as PFA or PTFE.
[0059] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof. It is therefore desired that the present embodiment be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,
reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the
foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.
* * * * *