Seal ring and hose connector assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealing ring (1) having a central axis (X) and comprising an elastic ring member (2) made of an elastic material and comprising an annular body portion (3) and a flange (4) surrounding the annular body portion (3), wherein the thickness (t1) of the flange (4) is smaller than the thickness (t2) of the annular body portion (3) when measured in axial direction of the sealing ring (1). The invention further relates to a hose connector assembly implementing the above-mentioned sealing ring (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing ring and in particular to a solution designed to be used as a static compression seal in a coupling, in particular a hose coupling, which provides compression via a threaded connection. The invention also relates to a hose connector assembly comprising a sealing ring. BACKGROUND

[0002] When connecting a hose coupling, the connection must typically be sealed to prevent the medium flowing through the coupling from leaking out into the environment. Such couplings are also often disconnected when not in use and connected again when in use. This puts stress on the sealing member and exposes the sealing member to different conditions. In practice, the sealing member must form a watertight seal in the coupling when the coupling is connected and the sealing member must remain in the female coupling member when the coupling is disconnected.

[0003] In known solutions, the above-mentioned features are achieved by means of a flat washer or a conventional O-ring arranged in the female coupling member, or by means of a fixed seal installed in the coupling by the manufacturer.

[0004] The problem with the above-mentioned solutions is that conventional sealing rings do not have very good retention qualities, so that the sealing ring easily falls out of the female coupling member when the coupling is disconnected, or that the seal is retained in such a way that the consumer cannot remove and replace the seal. SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to introduce an improved sealing ring and an improved hose connector assembly which are improved in terms of retention quality and sealing quality. One object in particular is to introduce a solution by means of which one or more of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and / or problems discussed or suggested elsewhere in the specification can be solved.

[0006] A new type of sealing ring is presented, which has a central axis and which comprises an elastic ring member made of an elastic material and which comprises: an annular body portion; and a flange surrounding the annular body portion, wherein the thickness of the flange is less than the thickness of the annular body portion when measured in the axial direction of the sealing ring.

[0007] By means of this solution, one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be achieved. In particular, the retention and sealing properties of the sealing ring can thus be improved.

[0008] Preferred further details of the sealing ring are presented in the following, which can be combined with the sealing ring, either individually or in any combination.

[0009] In preferred embodiments, the flange comprises a plurality of flange portions distributed along the circumference of the annular body portion, each flange portion extending radially outwardly from the annular body portion.

[0010] In preferred embodiments, the resilient ring member comprises at least 4 said flange portions.

[0011] In preferred embodiments, the resilient ring member comprises at least 6 said flange portions.

[0012] In preferred embodiments, the resilient ring member comprises less than 10 said flange portions.

[0013] In preferred embodiments, the flange portions cover more than 50% of the circumference of the annular body portion, preferably the flange portions cover at least 70% of the circumference of the annular body portion, and more preferably the flange portions cover even more of the circumference of the annular body portion.

[0014] In preferred embodiments, the resilient ring member comprises a rounded re-entrant between each said flange portion and the annular body portion on a first axial side and / or a second axial side of each said flange portion.

[0015] In preferred embodiments, each said flange portion comprises two opposing axial sides, and one or more of the flange portions comprises a plurality of protrusions on at least one of said two axial sides.

[0016] In preferred embodiments, each said flange portion comprises 3 to 20 said protrusions on one of its axial sides.

[0017] In preferred embodiments, each said flange portion comprises the same number of protrusions.

[0018] In preferred embodiments, said protrusions are elongated ribs.

[0019] In preferred embodiments, said elongated ribs are oriented pointing outwardly from a central axis of the resilient ring member.

[0020] In preferred embodiments, each said elongated rib has a semi-circular cross-section.

[0021] In preferred embodiments, a width / thickness ratio of a cross-section of the resilient ring member at a point of each said flange portion is greater than 1, preferably a width / thickness ratio of a cross-section of the resilient ring member at a point of each said flange portion is greater than 1.10.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic ring member extends along a circular path having a constant or non-constant cross-section about the axis, wherein the cross-section is in particular a cross-section on one radial side of the axis as seen along a tangent of the circle.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the elastic ring member tapers towards the circumference of the elastic ring member at the point of each said flange portion.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing ring comprises a second ring member coaxial with the annular body portion, the second ring member being made of a material harder than said elastic material.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing ring comprises a tubular opening extending through the sealing ring along said central axis.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the annular body portion and the second ring member 6 together define the tubular opening.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the second ring member is at least partially embedded in the annular body portion of the elastic ring member.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the annular body portion is rotationally symmetric about said axis.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the sealing ring is symmetric about a plane orthogonal to said axis.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, in said cross-section, the width of the annular body portion is greater than the width of the flange portion.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, in said cross-section, the width of the flange portion is at least 2 mm.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, in said cross-section, the thickness of the flange portion is less than half the thickness of the annular body portion.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, in said cross-section, the thickness of the flange portion is less than the thickness of the second ring member.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic ring member has been injection molded on the second ring member.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, said elastic material comprises an elastomer, such as a silicone.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the Shore A hardness of said elastic material is between 30 and 75, preferably the Shore A hardness of said elastic material is between 50 and 75.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the second ring member has a higher Shore A hardness than the Shore A hardness of the elastic material.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the entire elastic ring member is made of the same material.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the axial side of the ring body portion is flat.

[0040] A new hose connector assembly is proposed, comprising a female coupling member having a cylindrical space, and a sealing ring according to the invention mounted in the cylindrical space.

[0041] With this solution, one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be achieved. In particular, a hose connector assembly with improved retention and sealing properties can be achieved thereby.

[0042] Preferred further details of the hose connector assembly and the sealing ring have been introduced above and will be introduced below, which can be combined with the hose connector assembly, alone or in any combination.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the female coupling member comprises an internally threaded portion, in particular delimiting the cylindrical space.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the flange is larger than the inner diameter of the threaded portion.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the female coupling member comprises a bottom opening.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the female coupling member comprises a circular abutment portion against which the sealing ring is placed.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the hose connector assembly comprises a male coupling member placed in the cylindrical space and screwed against the sealing ring, such that the sealing ring is compressed between the edge of the male coupling member and the abutment portion of the female coupling member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0048] In the following, the application is further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1 A top view of an embodiment of the sealing ring is shown.

[0050] Figure 2 A cross-section A-A of the sealing ring of Figure 1 is shown.

[0051] Figure 3 A cross-section B-B of the sealing ring ofFigure 1 exploded perspective view of the sealing ring.

[0052] Figure 4 a cross section of the sealing ring is shown. Figure 1 exploded perspective view of the sealing ring.

[0053] Figure 5 a cross section of a second embodiment of the sealing ring is shown.

[0054] Figure 6 a cross section of the hose connector assembly is shown, wherein Figure 1 the sealing ring is arranged inside the female coupling member.

[0055] Figure 7 a cross section of the hose connector assembly is shown, wherein Figure 5 the sealing ring is arranged inside the female coupling member.

[0056] The foregoing aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings as well as the detailed description related thereto. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figure 1 An embodiment of a sealing ring 1 is shown, the sealing ring 1 having a central axis X and comprising an elastic ring member 2 made of an elastic material. The elastic ring member 2 comprises an annular body portion 3 and a flange 4 surrounding the annular body portion 3, wherein a thickness ti of the flange 4 is smaller than a thickness t2 of the annular body portion 3 when measured in an axial direction of the sealing ring 1. Such a flange contributes to a better quality of retention of the sealing ring when installing the sealing ring. In particular, the flange is adapted to the shape of a cylindrical space, such as a cylindrical space of a female coupling member having an internally threaded portion.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the flange 4 comprises a plurality of flange portions 4a distributed along a circumference of the annular body portion 3, each flange portion 4a extending radially outwardly from the annular body portion 3. Due to the elasticity of the material of the elastic ring member 2, said flange portions 4a are individually conformable, thereby increasing the adaptability of the sealing ring 1 when engaged with the female coupling member. For example, the sealing ring well adapts in case of inconsistencies or damages of the internally threaded portion of the female coupling member. The flange 4 comprises cutouts 8 between adjacent flange portions 4a.

[0059] Preferably, the flange portion 4a covers more than 50% of the circumference of the annular body portion 3, preferably the flange portion 4a covers at least 70% of the annular body portion 3, and more preferably the flange portion 4a covers even more of the annular body portion 3. Preferably, the elastic ring member 2 comprises at least 4 of said flange portions 4a, more preferably the elastic ring member 2 comprises at least 6 of said flange portions 4a, such as Figure 1 The more flange portions 4a, the better the adaptability of the sealing ring 1. However, each added flange portion 4a also weakens the structure of the sealing ring 1. For this reason, it is preferred that the elastic ring member 2 only comprises less than 10 of said flange portions 4a. Advantageously, as described, the flange 4 has multiple portions. However, this is not a requirement, as the flange 4 can alternatively be manufactured to comprise a single continuous flange portion 4a around the annular body portion 3, or more than 10 flange portions 4a.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the elastic ring member 2 comprises a rounded corner between each of said flange portions 4a and the annular body portion 3, on the first axial side and / or the second axial side of each of said flange portions 4a. This improves the adaptability of the sealing ring, as it allows the flange portions 4a to be shaped more consistently, making it easier for the flange portions 4a to conform.

[0061] Each of said flange portions 4a comprises two opposite axial sides, and one or more of the flange portions 4a can comprise a plurality of protrusions 5 on at least one of said two axial sides. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , all of the flange portions 4a comprise said plurality of protrusions 5 on both sides. The protrusions 5 increase the surface area of the sealing ring 1, thereby further facilitating retention, especially when the sealing ring 1 is engaged with an inconsistent internal thread portion that, for example, deforms or breaks apart. This is highly advantageous when the sealing ring is used in an aged coupling.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , each flange portion 4a comprises 7 protrusions 5 on each of its axial sides. Preferably, each of said flange portions 4a comprises between 3 and 20 of said protrusions 5 on each of its axial sides, and preferably each of said flange portions 4a comprises the same number of protrusions 5.

[0063] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 5 is an elongated rib. The elongated rib is oriented outward from the central axis X of the elastic ring member 2. In the illustrated embodiment, each elongated rib has a semi-circular cross-section when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the elongated rib. However, the shape presented in the embodiment is not mandatory, and the protrusion 5 may have an alternative shape, such as a rectangular or circular shape, instead of a rib.

[0064] The elastic ring member 2 extends about axis X along a circular path having a constant or non-constant cross-section, wherein the cross-section is specifically the cross-section on one radial side of axis X when viewed along the tangent of the circle. The cross-section referred to is... Figure 2 It is visible to the left of the x-axis and is marked with a shading.

[0065] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the width w1 / thickness t1 ratio of the aforementioned cross-section of the elastic ring member 2 at each point of the flange portion 4a is greater than 1. Preferably, the width w1 / thickness t1 ratio of the aforementioned cross-section of the elastic ring member 2 at each point of the flange portion 4a is greater than 1.10. Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the large width results in a larger potential sealing surface area, which helps to accommodate a range of coupling diameters and asymmetrical male coupling ends that may be caused by deformation due to wear or compressive forces. Furthermore, the aforementioned cross-sectional profile allows the sealing ring 1 to further resist rolling, a common problem in sealing components.

[0066] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the aforementioned cross-section of the elastic ring member 2 tapers towards the periphery of each of the flange portions 4a. This further contributes to the retention quality of the sealing ring 1, as the periphery of the flange portion 4a can extend further into the internal thread of the female connecting member, thereby increasing the engagement surface area.

[0067] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the sealing ring includes a second ring member 6 coaxial with the annular body portion 3. The second ring member 6 is made of a material harder than the elastic material. This harder second ring member allows the sealing ring to better maintain its initial geometry and resists radial deformation that may result from overtightening the connector. The second ring member 6 also helps prevent the seal from being completely cut through, even if the elastic ring member 2 is cut through. Together, the elastic ring member 2 and the second ring member 6 simultaneously promote better seal retention, better sealing quality, and longer lifespan. The second ring member 6 also helps prevent rollover of the seal when the flange engages with the internal thread of the female connector.

[0068] The sealing ring 1 comprises a tubular opening extending through the sealing ring 1 along the central axis X. In Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in

[0069] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in

[0070] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in

[0071] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in

[0072] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5 In the embodiment shown in

[0073] Figure 5 A cross section of a second embodiment of a sealing ring is shown. In Figures 1 to 4 In the second embodiment of the sealing ring 1'shown in Figure 6 is similar to the sealing ring shown and described with reference to

[0074] The elastic ring member 2 can be injection molded on the second ring member 6. This forms a water-tight bond between the two components and bonds the two components together.

[0075] The elastic material comprises an elastomer, which is preferably silicone. Other materials can also be used, such as rubber, NBR, EPDM, TPU, TPR, TPE or vinyl.

[0076] The Shore A hardness of the elastic material is between 30 and 75, preferably between 50 and 75. This allows the flange portion 4a to be fitted individually.

[0077] The material of the second ring component preferably includes a polymer.

[0078] The material of the second ring component has a higher Shore A hardness than that of the elastic material. This provides the sealing ring 1 with structure and helps to better resist radial deformation.

[0079] The entire elastic ring component 2 is preferably made of the same material.

[0080] Figure 1 A hose connector assembly 100 is shown, which includes a female coupling member 10 having a cylindrical space and a coupling member mounted in the cylindrical space. Figure 6 The sealing ring of the embodiment. The female connecting member 10 includes an internal thread portion 11, which in particular defines the cylindrical space.

[0081] exist Figure 6 In the hose connector assembly 100, the outer diameter of the flange 4 of the sealing ring 1 is larger than the inner diameter of the threaded portion 11. The flange 4 allows the sealing ring 1 to be installed by rotating it through the threaded portion of the female connector 10. This allows for the installation of a sealing ring of this size, ensuring that the geometry will interact with the thread root of the female connector and will help lock the sealing system into place.

[0082] exist Figure 6 In the hose connector assembly 100, the female connecting member 10 includes a bottom opening 12 and a circular abutment portion 13, and the sealing ring 1 is positioned to abut against the abutment portion 13.

[0083] Figure 7 The hose connector assembly 100 also includes a male coupling member 20, which is placed in a cylindrical space and screwed against a sealing ring 1, or at least can be screwed against a sealing ring 1, such that the sealing ring is compressed between the edge 23 of the male coupling member 20 and the abutment portion 13 of the female coupling member 10. Figure 5 In the figure, when the male connecting member 20 is screwed downwards, the sealing ring 1 is compressed as described.

[0084] Figure 7 A hose connector assembly 100' is shown, which includes a female coupling member 10 having a cylindrical space and a coupling member mounted in the cylindrical space. Figure 7 The sealing ring of the embodiment. The female connecting member 10 includes an internal thread portion 11, which in particular defines the cylindrical space.

[0085] In Figure 7 the hose connector assembly 100' of the type described above, the outer diameter of the flange 4' of the sealing ring 1' is greater than the inner diameter of the threaded portion 11. The flange 4' allows the installation of the sealing ring 1' by rotating it through the threaded portion of the female coupling member 10. This allows the installation of a sealing ring of this size, ensuring that the geometry will interact with the root of the threads of the female coupling and will help to lock the sealing system in place.

[0086] In Figure 7 the hose connector assembly 100' of the type described above, the female coupling member 10 comprises a bottom opening 12 and a circular abutment 13 against which the sealing ring 1' is placed.

[0087] ​ The hose connector assembly 100' of the type described above further comprises a male coupling member 20 placed in the cylindrical space and screwed against or at least able to be screwed against the sealing ring 1', so that the sealing ring is compressed between the edge 23 of the male coupling member 20 and the abutment 13 of the female coupling member 10. In ​ the type described above, the sealing ring 1' becomes compressed as described when the male coupling member 20 is screwed down in the figure.

[0088] The sealing ring 1 is preferably installed between a male garden hose coupling member and a cooperating male coupling member.

[0089] It should be understood that the above description and the accompanying drawings are only intended to teach the best way known to the inventors to make and use the application. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the concept of the application can be implemented in various ways. Therefore, modifications or changes can be made to the above-described embodiments of the application as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood that the present application and embodiments thereof are not limited to the above examples, but can vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A seal ring having a central axis and comprising: an elastomeric ring member made of an elastomeric material and comprising: an annular body portion; and a flange surrounding the annular body portion, wherein the flange has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the annular body portion when measured in an axial direction of the seal ring, wherein the flange comprises a plurality of flange portions distributed along a circumference of the annular body portion, each flange portion extending radially outward from the annular body portion; and, wherein each of the flange portions comprises opposite axial sides, and one or more of the flange portions comprises a plurality of protrusions on at least one of the axial sides.

2. The seal ring of claim 1, wherein, The elastomeric ring member comprises at least 4 flange portions.

3. The seal ring of claim 1, wherein, The flange portions cover more than 50% of the circumference of the annular body portion.

4. The seal ring of claim 1, wherein, The elastomeric ring member comprises a rounded re-entrant corner between the annular body portion and a first axial side and / or a second axial side of each of the flange portions.

5. The seal ring of claim 1, wherein, Each of the flange portions comprises 3 to 20 protrusions on one of its axial sides.

6. The seal ring of claim 1, wherein, A cross-section of the elastomeric ring member has a width / thickness ratio greater than 1 at a point of each of the flange portions.

7. The seal ring of claim 1, wherein, A cross-section of the elastomeric ring member tapers towards a circumference of the elastomeric ring member at a point of each of the flange portions.

8. The seal ring of claim 1, wherein, The seal ring comprises a second ring member coaxial with the annular body portion, the second ring member being made of a material that is harder than the elastomeric material.

9. The seal ring of claim 8, wherein, The second ring member is at least partially embedded in the annular body portion of the elastomeric ring member.

10. The seal ring of claim 8, wherein, The elastomeric ring member has been injection molded on the second ring member.

11. The seal ring of claim 1, wherein, The elastomeric material comprises an elastomer.

12. The seal ring of claim 1, wherein, The elastomeric material has a Shore A hardness of between 30 and 75.

13. The seal ring of claim 8, wherein, The second ring member has a Shore A hardness of the material that is higher than a Shore A hardness of the elastomeric material.

14. A hose connector assembly comprising: a female coupling member having a cylindrical space; and a seal ring according to any one of claims 1 to 13 mounted in the cylindrical space.

15. The hose connector assembly of claim 14, wherein, The female coupling member comprises an internally threaded portion.

16. The hose connector assembly of claim 15, wherein, An outer diameter of the flange is greater than an inner diameter of the threaded portion.

17. The hose connector assembly of claim 16, wherein, The female coupling member comprises a circular abutment portion against which the seal ring is placed.

18. The hose connector assembly of claim 17, wherein, The hose connector assembly comprises a male coupling member placed in the cylindrical space and screwed against the seal ring such that the seal ring is compressed between an edge of the male coupling member and the abutment portion of the female coupling member.

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