Pipe connector system

Abstract

A connector system includes a nipple body (104) and a union nut (106). A cutting ring (102) is disposed within and proximate to the nipple body and the union nut. The cutting ring includes a first end portion (136) engaged with the nipple body and having at least one cutting edge, a second end portion engaged with the union nut, and a radially extending collar (140) disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The collar has an annular radial surface facing the first end portion, and an annular groove (144) is defined within the radial surface. A cylindrical outer surface having a first diameter is disposed between the radial surface and the first end portion, and a transition region is defined from the outer surface toward the radial surface. The transition region is angled radially inwardly such that the transition region has a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. An elastomeric seal (146) is disposed within the annular groove.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to pipe connectors, and more specifically, to cut-ring pipe connectors.

[0002] Pipe connector systems are used for pipe connections in pressurized applications, such as, but not limited to, hydraulic systems. In this example, the pipe connector system includes a body, a cutting ring, and a connecting nut. During assembly, the pipe end is received within the body, and the connecting nut is tightened to the body. When the nut is tightened, the cutting edge of the cutting ring carves into the outer surface of the pipe to create a high-strength connection for high-pressure operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure relates to a connector system comprising: a connector body including a first end defining a longitudinal axis and an opposite second end configured to receive at least a portion of a tube; a tube nut threadedly engaged to the second end of the connector body and rotatable about the longitudinal axis; and a cutting ring disposed near the second end of the connector body and within the tube nut, the cutting ring comprising: a first end engaging the second end of the connector body and having at least one cutting edge; a second end engaging the tube nut; a radially extending collar disposed between the first end and the second end, the collar having an annular radial surface facing the first end and an annular groove defined within the radial surface; a cylindrical outer surface having a first diameter disposed between the radial surface and the first end, wherein a transition region is defined from the outer surface toward the radial surface, the transition region being radially angled inward such that the transition region has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; and a resilient seal at least partially disposed within the annular groove.

[0004] In one example, the angle of the transition region is between 5° and 15°. In another example, the angle of the transition region is approximately 10°. In yet another example, the annular groove includes an inner sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis, which is coplanar with the transition region, such that at least a portion of the annular groove is radially undercut relative to the outer surface. In yet another example, the annular groove includes an outer sidewall radially spaced from the inner sidewall, which is substantially parallel to the inner sidewall. In one example, the annular groove includes an inner sidewall radially spaced from the outer sidewall and a bottom wall, the axial length of which is approximately equal to the axial length of the transition region.

[0005] In another example, the transition between the inner or outer sidewall and the bottom wall is curved. In yet another example, the radial length of the bottom wall is greater than the axial length of the sidewall.

[0006] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a connector system comprising: a pipe fitting body adapted to receive an end of a pipe; a pipe nut rotatably coupled to one end of the pipe fitting body; and a cutting ring engaging with both the pipe fitting body and the pipe nut, the cutting ring comprising: an inner surface configured to abut against the pipe for positioning; an outer surface facing the pipe fitting body and / or the pipe nut, the outer surface including a projecting collar having a radial surface having an annular groove defined therein, wherein the annular groove has an inner sidewall angled radially inward from a radial plane defined by the radial surface; and a resilient seal at least partially disposed within the annular groove.

[0007] In one example, the angle of the inner sidewall is between 5° and 15°. In another example, the angle of the inner sidewall is approximately 10°. In yet another example, the inner sidewall is coplanar with the transition region, which is defined on the outer surface near the radial plane of the radial surface. In yet another example, the axial length of the inner sidewall is approximately equal to the axial length of the transition region. In one example, the annular groove has an outer sidewall that is offset inward from the radially outer edge of the radial surface. In another example, the inner and outer sidewalls are substantially parallel.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a pipe connector system comprising: a pipe connector body having an end having an external thread and a first internal truncated conical bore, the end including a radial stop surface, wherein the end is configured to receive the end of a pipe; a pipe nut threadedly engaging the external thread and having a second internal truncated conical bore; and a cutting ring comprising: a first end having a radially outwardly tapered outer surface engaging the first internal truncated conical bore, and at least one cutting edge; a second end having a radially inwardly tapered outer surface engaging the second truncated conical bore; and an intermediate section. The intermediate section is disposed between the first end and the second end, an axial annular groove is defined in the intermediate section and faces the radial stop surface of the pipe fitting body, the axial annular groove includes an inner sidewall, the outer surface of the intermediate section adjacent to the annular groove defines a transition region, the transition region is coplanar with the inner sidewall and each is radially tapered inward in the direction toward the second end; and an elastic seal is at least partially disposed in the annular groove, wherein, when the pipe nut is tightened on the pipe fitting body, the pipe nut engages with the second end of the cutting ring to drive axial movement toward the pipe fitting body, such that the first end of the cutting ring is radially compressed about the pipe, and the elastic seal engages with the radial stop surface.

[0009] In one example, the radially inward taper of the transition region and the inner sidewall is between 5° and 15°. In another example, the radially inward taper of the transition region and the inner sidewall is approximately 10°. In yet another example, the axial length of the inner sidewall is approximately equal to the axial length of the transition region. In yet another example, the annular groove further includes an outer sidewall that is substantially parallel to the inner sidewall.

[0010] Various additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the following description. These inventive aspects may involve individual features as well as combinations of features. It will be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and do not limit the broad inventive concepts on which the examples disclosed herein are based. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Several aspects of this disclosure are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification. A brief description of the drawings is given below.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary pipe connector system.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the cut ring of the pipe connector system shown.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a pipe connector system in a tightened configuration.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the cut ring.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of the cutting ring shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The pipe connector system described herein features improved performance and manufacturing efficiency. These features increase the strength of the cut ring system to reduce or prevent stress cracking while still being able to compress radially around the pipe, ensure the sealing element remains properly positioned on the cut ring, reduce wear on the sealing element during assembly and reassembly of the pipe connector system, improve the manufacturing efficiency of the outer groove on the cut ring for the sealing element, and facilitate complete tightening and sealing around the pipe. In the example described herein, the cut ring has an outer radial surface in which an axially extending annular groove is formed. The shape and size of the groove are designed to at least partially receive the resilient seal.

[0018] An elastic seal is used to create an external leakage path seal between the fitting body and the outer surface of the cut ring. Wear on the seal is reduced by axial compression of the seal by the fitting body. A stop member is also formed on the radial surface to limit the compression limit for the cut edge region of the cut ring. By positioning the seal on the radial stop surface of the cut ring, it is ensured that the cut ring is fully tightened around the pipe to achieve a sealing function. Otherwise, leakage may occur from the fitting system when it is not fully tightened. Additionally, because the groove is recessed into the cut ring in the axial direction, the machine tool used to form the groove can be more robust and primarily loaded in the axial direction, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0019] The axial groove of the cut ring has a radial undercut, which helps to retain the sealing element within the groove. The radial undercut also allows for the formation of a transition region between the cut edge region of the cut ring and the radial surface that holds the seal. This transition region is radially inwardly angled and reduces the high-stress connection between the more flexible cut edge region and the more rigid radial surface, thereby reducing cracking in the cut ring when compressed around the tube. In view of the above, this paper provides a more efficient and higher-performance tube connector system.

[0020] Many components of a pipe connector system may be described as having generally cylindrical, circular, annular, truncated conical, or conical features, and as having cylindrical or circular holes, cavities, and openings. Such features may refer to circumference, radius, outer surface, inner surface, and / or other terms suitable for defining such features, or be defined by such terms. It should be noted that such features may alternatively be elliptical, polygonal, etc. As used herein, the terms “axial” and “longitudinal” refer to a direction and orientation extending substantially parallel to the centerline of the pipe connector system. Furthermore, the terms “radial” and “radially” refer to a direction and orientation extending substantially perpendicular to the centerline of the pipe connector system. Additionally, as used herein, the terms “circumferential” and “circumferentially” refer to a direction and orientation extending arcuately around the centerline of the pipe connector system.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary pipe connector system 100. Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the cut ring 102 of the pipe connector system 100. Also refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2The pipe connector system 100 includes a pipe connector body 104, a pipe nut 106, and a cutting ring 102, and is configured to connect to the end of a pipe / fitting 108. In one aspect, the pipe 108 may be a metal pipe configured to carry a medium, such as, but not limited to, hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic system. Other pipe configurations are also considered herein. The pipe connector body 104 has a first end 110 defining a longitudinal axis 114 and an opposite second end 112. The first end 110 may have different connection ports, such as, but not limited to, an outer surface having a plurality of external threads 116. The second end 112 is configured to receive the end of the pipe 108. The second end 112 has an outer surface with a plurality of external threads 118, and an inner surface with a pipe stop shoulder 120 and an inner truncated conical bore 122.

[0022] The tube stop shoulder 120 has a radial surface facing the second end 112 and adapted to receive the end of the tube 108. The shoulder 120 defines the insertion distance of the tube 108 within the tube fitting body 104 and positions the tube 108 coaxially with the fitting body 104 along the longitudinal axis 114. An inner truncated conical bore 122 extends axially from the second end 112 toward the stop shoulder 120 and tapers radially inward in this direction. Thus, the inner truncated conical bore 122 has a larger inner diameter at the second end 112 than at other locations of the bore 122. The inner truncated conical bore 122 does not extend axially to the tube stop shoulder 120. The second end 112 of the tube fitting body 104 has a radial stop surface 124 that extends radially between the inner and outer surfaces of the fitting body 104.

[0023] A pipe nut 106 is rotatably connected to a second end 112 of a fitting body 104, and a pipe 108 extends through the pipe nut. The pipe nut 106 has a first end 126 extending along a longitudinal axis 114 and a second end 128 opposite thereto. The first end 126 has an inner surface with a plurality of internal threads 130, such that the pipe nut 106 is threadedly engaged with the fitting body 104 and can be tightened to the fitting body 104 by rotation about the longitudinal axis 114. The second end 128 has an inner surface with an internally frustoconical bore 131. In this example, the bore 131 is offset from and positioned between the internal threads 130 and the second end 128. The internally frustoconical bore 131 extends axially from near the second end 128 toward the internal threads 130 and tapers radially outward in this direction. Thus, the internally frustoconical bore 131 has a smaller inner diameter near the second end 128 than at other locations of the bore 131.

[0024] A cutting ring 102 is disposed near the second end 112 of the pipe connector body 104 and within the pipe nut 106. The cutting ring 102 engages with both the pipe connector body 104 and the pipe nut 106, and when the pipe nut 106 is tightened, the cutting ring 102 moves axially along the longitudinal axis 114 and is at least partially radially compressed around the pipe 108 to form a secure connection between the pipe connector system 100 and the pipe 108.

[0025] In the example, the cutting ring 102 includes a first end 132 and a opposite second end 134. The first end 132 includes one or more cut edges 136 on its inner surface and engages through its outer surface with an inner truncated conical bore 122 of the second end 112 of the fitting body 104. The second end 134 includes a radially inclined surface 138 that engages with an inner truncated conical bore 131 of the second end 128 of the connecting nut 106. A radially projecting collar 140 is disposed between the first end 132 and the second end 134. An annular radial surface 142 facing the first end 132 is defined on the collar 140, and an annular axial groove 144 is defined in the annular radial surface. A resilient seal 146 is at least partially disposed in the axial groove 144. The annular radial groove 148 is defined in the inner surface of the cutting ring 102 and between the radial surface 142 and the second end 134. A resilient seal 150 is at least partially disposed in the radial groove 148. On the one hand, the resilient seals 146 and 150 can be in the form of O-rings.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the pipe connector system 100 in its tightened configuration. In operation, to attach the pipe connector system 100 to the end of the pipe 108, the pipe nut 106 is tightened onto the pipe connector body 104 by rotating it about the longitudinal axis 114. This rotation of the pipe nut 106 along the longitudinal axis 114 drives the second end 128 of the pipe nut 106 linearly toward the second end 112 of the pipe connector body 104, thereby engaging the cutting ring 102 and compressing the cutting ring 102 around the pipe 108. The engagement of the cutting ring 102 with the pipe nut 106 causes the inner truncated conical bore 131 of the pipe nut 106 to directly contact the inclined surface 138 of the cutting ring 102, such that the linear movement of the pipe nut 106 causes a corresponding axial movement of the cutting ring 102 toward the pipe connector body 104.

[0027] Additionally, because the inclined surface 138 is angled (e.g., approximately 45°), the connecting nut 106 also radially compresses at least partially the second end 134 of the cutting ring 102 around the pipe 108. This compression of the second end 134 of the cutting ring 102 secures the cutting ring 102 to the pipe 108 and helps to seal the internal leakage path between the inner surface of the cutting ring 102 and the outer surface of the pipe 108 using the resilient seal 150.

[0028] When the cutting ring 102 is at least partially driven into the fitting body 104, the first end 132 of the cutting ring 102 engages with the inner truncated conical bore 122 of the fitting body 104, thereby radially compressing the cutting edge 136 around the outer surface of the pipe 108 and securing the first end 132 of the cutting ring 102 to the pipe 108. The cutting edge 136 also provides a leak-resistant connection between the outer surface of the pipe 108 and the inner surface of the cutting ring 102, in addition to the resilient seal 150. Thus, the boundary of the internal leakage path between the cutting ring 102 and the pipe 108 can be sealed by both the cutting edge 136 and the resilient seal 150.

[0029] This axial movement of the cutting ring 102 will also affect the radial surface 142 of the collar 140 (both of which are on the surface). Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram) It is positioned directly adjacent to the fitting body 104 and facilitates the formation of an external leakage path boundary seal between the outer surface of the cutting ring 102 and the fitting body 104 using the resilient seal 146. To detach the pipe 108 from the pipe connector system 100, the connecting nut 106 is rotatably released from the fitting body 104 and the connection process is reversed. In this example, the pipe connector system 100 can be repeatedly connected to and disconnected from the pipe 108 as needed or desired.

[0030] To reduce or prevent overtightening of the cut ring 102, a stop surface 124 at the second end 112 of the fitting body 104 defines the axial movement boundary of the cut ring 102 as it moves into the second end 112. The stop surface 124 engages with the radial surface 142 of the collar 140 to prevent further axial movement of the cut ring 102 into the fitting body 104 when the connecting nut 106 is tightened and the cut edge 136 is overcompressed. Furthermore, by forming a seal at the stop surface 124, the fitting system 100 ensures that the cut ring 102 is properly compressed around the pipe 108 before a seal is formed in the external leakage path using the seal 146. Thus, if the cut ring 102 is not sufficiently tightened, leakage may occur from the fitting system 100, indicating to the user that an inadequate connection has been formed.

[0031] The cut ring 102, fastened to the tube 108, generates a retaining force between the tube connector system 100 and the tube 108, which resists dynamic loads applied to the connection. By fastening the two axial ends of the cut ring 102 to the tube 108, the tube connector's resistance to vibrational loads is increased. (See below for reference.) Figure 4 and Figure 5 The shape and structure of the cutting ring 102 are further described.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the cutting ring 102. Figure 5 This is a magnified view of a portion of the cutting ring 102. Also refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The cutting ring 102 has a first end 132 and a second end 134 extending along the longitudinal axis 114, such that the cutting ring 102 is connected to both the pipe fitting body 104 and the pipe nut 106 (both are within...). Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram) Coaxial. The cutting ring 102 includes an inner surface 152 and an outer surface 154, the inner surface being configured to abut against the tube 108 (in... Figure 3 (As shown in the figure) Positioning, the outer surface faces the pipe fitting body 104 and / or the connecting nut 106.

[0033] An annular radial groove 148 is formed in the inner surface 152 and is located near the second end 134. The shape and size of the radial groove 148 are designed to receive the resilient seal 150 (in Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram), and recessed radially from the longitudinal axis 114. Also provided at the second end 134 is an annular inclined surface 138 configured to engage with the connecting nut 106. The inclined surface 138 is formed in the outer surface 154 of the cutting ring 102 and extends radially outward from the second end 134 such that its diameter is minimized at the second end 134. The inclined surface 138 defines an end region 155 of the cutting ring 102. The inclined surface 138 is configured to engage with the connecting nut 106 to drive axial movement of the cutting ring 102 and at least some radial compression of the cutting ring 102 at the second end 134.

[0034] One or more cutting edges 136 are formed in the inner surface 152 and disposed near the first end 132. In the example, the cutting ring 102 includes a pair of axially spaced cutting edges 136 formed on the inner surface 152. One cutting edge 136a is located at the first end 132, while the other cutting edge 136b is axially spaced inward from the first end 132. The cutting ring 102 may have fewer or more cutting edges as needed or desired. The pair of cutting edges 136 defines a cutting region 156 of the cutting ring 102. In the example, the cutting region 156 extends axially inward from the first end 132 toward at least the cutting edge 136b. The outer surface 158 of the cutting region 156 tapers radially outward from the first end 132 (e.g., the diameter is smallest at the first end 132) and is configured to engage with the fitting body 104. The cutting region 156 is configured to engage with the fitting body 104 and be radially compressed around the fitting 108. On the one hand, the radial compression of the cutting region 156 is greater than that of the end region 155.

[0035] Between the cutting region 156 and the end region 155, the cutting ring 102 includes an intermediate section 160. The intermediate section 160 includes a collar 140 having a radial surface 142. The collar 140 has an outer surface 162 that is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter that is largest on the cutting ring 102. In operation, the cutting ring 102 must be at least partially radially deflectable to be compressed around the pipe and via engagement with the pipe fitting body 104 and the connecting nut 106. Additionally, the cutting ring 102 must have sufficient axial strength to allow the connecting nut 106 to drive the movement and compression of the cutting ring. In this example, the thickness of the cutting region 156 is less than the thickness of the remainder of the cutting ring 102, such that the cutting region 156 can be compressed around the pipe 108. In contrast, the thickness of the collar 140 is greater than that of the rest of the cutting ring 102 to provide stiffness to the cutting ring 102 and to allow the connecting nut 106 to be tightened to move the cutting ring 102 axially. The cutting area 156 is generally skewed and compressed more around the tube 108 than the collar 140 of the cutting ring 102.

[0036] Radial surface 142 is substantially planar in the radial direction and is parallel to the stop surface 124 of the pipe connector body 104 when the pipe connector system 100 is assembled. Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). An annular groove 144 is defined in a radial surface 142 and extends substantially in the axial direction (e.g., substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 114). The shape and size of the annular axial groove 144 are designed to at least partially receive the resilient seal 146 (in... Figure 3 (as shown in the image).

[0037] Opposite to collar 140 and at the other end of intermediate section 160, cutting ring 102 includes a cylindrical portion 164. The cylindrical portion 164 is adjacent to the cutting region 156 and extends axially inward on cutting ring 102. The diameter of the outer surface 166 of the cylindrical portion 164 is larger than the diameter of the outer surface 154 of cutting ring 102 at the first end 132 and the second end 134. The diameter of the outer surface 166 is also constant along its axial length. However, the diameter of the outer surface 166 is smaller than the diameter of the outer surface 162 of collar 140. A transition region 168 is defined between the cylindrical portion 164 and a radial plane defined by the radial surface 142 on cutting ring 102. The transition region 168 has an outer surface 170 that is radially inwardly angled in the direction toward radial surface 142. Thus, the diameter of the outer surface 170 of transition region 168 is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 164.

[0038] The axial groove 144 is formed by an inner wall 172, opposing radially spaced outer walls 174, and a bottom wall 176. Both the inner wall 172 and the outer walls 174 extend axially along the longitudinal axis 114, while the bottom wall 176 extends radially. The inner wall 172 is coplanar with the outer surface 170 of the transition region 168, and thus, the inner wall 172 is also radially angled inward toward the second end 134 of the cutting ring 102. In one aspect, the angle 178 between the transition region 168 and the inner wall 172 is between 2° and 25° relative to the horizontal (e.g., the longitudinal axis 114). In another aspect, the angle 178 between the transition region 168 and the inner wall 172 is between 5° and 15°. In yet another aspect, the angle 178 between the transition region 168 and the inner wall 172 is approximately 10°. The outer surface and inner sidewall 172 of the transition region 168 form a radial undercut 180 in the groove 144 at an angle relative to the cylindrical portion 164. This radial undercut 180 allows the resilient seal 146 to be held in place more effectively during use of the pipe connector system 100.

[0039] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the intermediate segment 160 includes both the transition region 168 and the cylindrical portion 164. However, it should be understood that in other examples, the transition region 168 may extend to the cutting region 156, and the cutting ring 102 may not include the transition region 168.

[0040] In the example, the outer sidewall 174 is substantially parallel to the inner sidewall 172, such that the outer sidewall is also radially inwardly angled. The outer sidewall 174 is radially inwardly offset from the radial outer edge 182 of the radial surface 142, such that the radial surface 142 can engage with the stop surface 124 of the fitting body 104. The transition between the inner sidewall 172 or the outer sidewall 174 and the bottom wall 176 can be curved. On one hand, the axial length 184 of the inner sidewall 172 is approximately equal to the axial length of the transition region 168. On the other hand, the radial length of the bottom wall 176 is greater than the axial length 184 of the sidewall 172. In yet another aspect, the thickness of the cutting ring at the transition region 168 is greater than the thickness at the cutting region 156, but less than the thickness at the collar 140.

[0041] By forming a groove 144 on the radial surface 142 and angled the transition region 168 in the axial direction, the cutting ring 102 offers several performance improvements compared to cutting rings with external flow path seals located within radially extending circumferential grooves formed in the circumferential outer surface of the cutting ring. The total axial length of the inner wall 172 and the transition region 168 allows the more flexible cutting region 156 to separate from the more rigid collar 140, thereby reducing stress at the connection between the cutting region 156 and the collar 140 due to tightening the pipe connector system 100. By reducing stress in the cutting ring 102, crack formation in the cutting ring 102 is reduced or prevented, and the connection strength of the cutting region 156 is increased. In contrast, when the seal for the external leakage path is located on the circumferential surface, the material thickness of the cutting ring near the seal is thinner, thus reducing the strength of the cut edge and the axial stiffness.

[0042] Additionally, by forming an external leakage path seal on the radial surface 142, the fitting body 104 compresses the seal 146 only in the axial direction. This configuration reduces wear on the seal 146 compared to setting the seal on a circumferential surface, where the fitting body slides axially over the seal and increases wear. Furthermore, the external leakage path seal is formed only when the cut ring 102 engages with the stop surface 124 of the fitting body 104, such that the cut area 156 is fully compressed around the pipe 108. If the cut area 156 is not fully compressed around the pipe 108, no external leakage path seal is formed and leakage may occur, thus providing the user with an indication that the fitting system 100 is not securely fastened around the pipe 108. In contrast, if the seal is axially positioned in front of the radial stop surface, an external leakage path seal can be formed without fully compressing the cut area around the pipe 108, and no leakage indication is generated or provided.

[0043] The shape and construction of the axial groove 144 in the cutting ring 102 also increase manufacturing efficiency because the axial groove is cut using an axial tool. Compared to forming a groove on a radial surface using axial infeed and a second radial feed, the tool used to form the axial groove 144 can be loaded primarily in the axial direction without significant bending moment. Furthermore, the tool itself can be more robust because the shaft can have the same dimensions and constant cross-section as the infeed width.

[0044] In further examples, the pipe connector system can be configured differently from those described in the examples above. The described grooves, lips, threads, anti-rotation features, displacement stops, etc., can be replaced with other suitable mating features that allow the corresponding components to be properly connected, such as, but not limited to, threaded connections, removable connections, clampable connections, slidable connections, or combinations thereof. Typically, the pipe connector system, including the pipe connector body, pipe nut, cutting ring, and resilient seal, can be made of materials such as, but not limited to, metals, plastics, rubber, ceramics, nylon, silicone, or combinations thereof.

[0045] In the examples disclosed herein, the pipe connector system with the described cut ring is more efficient and has improved performance due to the geometry of the cut ring and the sealing of the external leakage path. The above concept can be further improved by adding the following features. It should be noted that the following features can be added individually and independently of each other.

[0046] The external leakage path seal is formed between two radial surfaces between the fitting body and the cutter ring. These two radial surfaces also form an axial stop for the cutter ring relative to the fitting body. This position ensures that the cutter ring is fully compressed around the pipe before forming a seal. If the cutter ring is not properly tightened, leakage may occur from the fitting system, indicating to the user that an inadequate connection has been formed. Additionally, this reduces wear on the seal from the fitting body.

[0047] The seal is formed of a resilient seal located within an axially extending groove on the radial surface of the cutting ring. This groove orientation and construction improve the manufacturing efficiency of the cutting ring. The tool can be loaded primarily in the axial direction without significant bending moment and is more robust because the shaft can have the same dimensions as the cut width and a constant cross-section.

[0048] A portion of the axial groove is radially undercut relative to the cut edge section, allowing the sealing element to be held more securely in place.

[0049] Additionally, a transition region is defined between the cut edge of the cutting ring and the axial groove. This transition region is angled radially inward in a direction toward the end of the cutting ring opposite to the cut edge. In the example, this angle is between 5° and 15°. The transition region allows the more flexible cut edge region to separate from the more rigid collar, thereby reducing stress at the connection between the cut area and the collar due to the tightening of the tube connection system, and reducing or preventing stress cracking in the cutting ring.

[0050] This disclosure describes some examples of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only a few possible examples are shown. However, other aspects may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey to those skilled in the art the range of possible examples. Any number of features of the different examples described herein may be combined into a single example, and alternative examples with fewer or more features than all those described herein are possible. It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0051] Although specific examples are described herein, the scope of this technology is not limited to these specific examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize other examples or modifications within the scope of this technology. Therefore, specific structures, actions, or media are disclosed only as illustrative examples. Unless otherwise stated herein, those elements or components generally disclosed but not explicitly combined can also be combined according to examples of this technology. The scope of this technology is defined by the appended claims and any equivalents therein.

Claims

1. A connector system, comprising: A connector body comprising a first end defining a longitudinal axis and an opposite second end configured to receive at least a portion of a tube; A connecting nut, which is threadedly connected to the second end of the connector body and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis; as well as A cutting ring, disposed near the second end of the connector body and within the connecting nut, comprises: The first end engages with the second end of the connector body and has at least one cut edge; The second end is engaged with the connecting nut; A radially extending collar is disposed between the first end and the second end of the cutting ring, the collar having an annular radial surface facing the first end of the cutting ring, and an annular groove is defined within the radial surface; A cylindrical outer surface having a first diameter is disposed between the radial surface and the first end of the cutting ring, wherein a transition region is defined between the outer surface and the radial surface, and the transition region is coplanar with the inner sidewall of the annular groove, the transition region being radially inwardly angled in the direction toward the second end of the cutting ring, such that the transition region has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; and An elastic seal is provided at least partially within the annular groove.

2. The connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The angle of this transition zone is between 5° and 15°.

3. The connector system as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The angle of this transition zone is approximately 10°.

4. The connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The annular groove includes an inner wall extending along the longitudinal axis, the inner wall being coplanar with the transition region, such that at least a portion of the annular groove is radially undercut relative to the outer surface.

5. The connector system of claim 4, wherein, The annular groove includes an outer wall that is radially spaced from the inner wall and is substantially parallel to the inner wall.

6. The connector system of claim 1, wherein, The annular groove includes an inner sidewall that is radially spaced from the outer sidewall and a bottom wall, wherein the axial length of the inner sidewall is approximately equal to the axial length of the transition region.

7. The connector system of claim 6, wherein, The transition between the inner or outer wall and the bottom wall is curved.

8. The connector system of claim 6, wherein, The radial length of the bottom wall is greater than the axial length of these side walls.

9. A connector system, comprising: A pipe fitting body defining a longitudinal axis, the pipe fitting body being adapted to receive the end of a pipe; A pipe nut, which is rotatably connected to one end of the pipe fitting body; as well as A cutting ring, which engages with both the pipe fitting body and the pipe nut, comprises: The inner surface is configured to abut against the tube for positioning; An outer surface facing the fitting body and / or the connecting nut, the outer surface including a protruding collar having a radial surface facing the fitting body, the cut ring including a circumferential transition region directly adjacent to an annular groove, wherein the annular groove is defined within the radial surface and has an inner sidewall coplanar with the transition region, the inner sidewall and the transition region being radially inwardly angled relative to the longitudinal axis such that the transition region is positioned radially outwardly relative to the inner sidewall; and An elastic seal is provided at least partially within the annular groove.

10. The connector system of claim 9, wherein, The angle of the inner wall is between 5° and 15°.

11. The connector system of claim 10, wherein, The angle of the inner wall is approximately 10°.

12. The connector system of claim 9, wherein, The transition region is near the radial surface and faces the pipe fitting body when the fitting body engages with the resilient seal.

13. The connector system of claim 12, wherein, The axial length of the inner sidewall is approximately equal to the axial length of the transition region.

14. The connector system of claim 9, wherein, The annular groove has an outer wall that is offset inward from the radial outer edge of the radial surface.

15. The connector system of claim 14, wherein, The inner wall and the outer wall are substantially parallel.

16. A pipe connector system, comprising: A pipe fitting body having an end having an external thread and a first internal truncated conical bore, the end including a radial stop surface, wherein the end is configured to receive the end of a pipe; A pipe nut that threadedly engages with the external thread and has a second internal truncated conical bore; and A cutting ring, comprising: The first end has an outer surface that tapers radially outward and engages with the first inner truncated conical hole, and at least one cut edge; The second end portion has an outer surface that tapers radially inward and engages with the second truncated conical hole; and An intermediate section, disposed between the first end and the second end, includes an axial annular groove defined within the intermediate section and facing a radial stop surface of the pipe fitting body. The axial annular groove includes an inner sidewall. The intermediate section defines a transition region adjacent to the outer surface of the annular groove. This transition region is coplanar with the inner sidewall, and both the inner sidewall and the transition region are radially tapered inwards toward the second end. An elastic seal, which is at least partially disposed within the annular groove, When the pipe nut is tightened on the pipe fitting body, the pipe nut engages with the second end of the cutting ring to drive axial movement toward the pipe fitting body, causing the first end of the cutting ring to be radially compressed around the pipe, and the elastic seal engages with the radial stop surface.

17. The pipe connector system of claim 16, wherein, The radially inward taper of the transition area and the inner sidewall is between 5° and 15°.

18. The connector system of claim 17, wherein, The radially inward taper of the transition area and the inner sidewall is approximately 10°.

19. The connector system of claim 16, wherein, The axial length of the inner sidewall is approximately equal to the axial length of the transition region.

20. The connector system of claim 16, wherein, The annular groove further includes an outer wall that is substantially parallel to the inner wall.

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