Metal sealing thread connection

Abstract

Flow control device (12) for conveying a fluid through it, comprising: an opening (16) having an engagement end (38) designed to engage with a pipe connection (18) and an inner surface defining a passage (17) designed to provide a fluid connection through the flow control device (12); a shoulder (36) formed on the inner surface of the opening (16) next to the end of the intervention (38), wherein the shoulder (36) defines a first seat (40) and a second seat (42); and a projection (52, 54) formed on the first seat surface (40) or the second seat surface (42), wherein the second seat surface (42) is spaced apart from the engagement end (38) of the opening (16) and the first seat surface (40) extends from the second seat surface (42) to the engagement end (38), wherein the first seat surface (40) is tapered, with a diameter of the passage (17) increasing from the second seat surface (42) to the engagement end (38) of the opening (16).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a flow control device and a connection arrangement, and in particular to a flow control device and a connection arrangement comprising a metal seal. Background of the invention

[0002] As is generally known, fluid transfer systems incorporate valves to prevent the flow of fluid through them. For example, vehicle refrigeration systems include valves such as shut-off valves, thermostatic expansion valves (TXV), and electric expansion valves (EXV) to control the flow of refrigerant. Certain refrigerant systems use beaded tubes with a swivel fitting and an O-ring seal, commonly referred to as a "tube-o," to connect to the valves. Specifically, the tube is a male connection designed to engage with a female inlet or outlet fitting on the valve. The swivel fitting engages with an external thread formed on the female fitting to connect the tube to the fitting.However, refrigerant leakage can occur between the valve connections and the pipes flowing through the cooling system. This leakage is usually a result of contamination and foreign matter introduced during the assembly of the pipes and valves, surface imperfections, faulty assembly of the pipe and valve components, and inadequate sealing.

[0003] One solution to the leakage problem is to use multiple O-ring seals to maximize the radial seal between the pipe and the fitting. However, using multiple O-ring seals increases component cost and assembly complexity while only slightly reducing leakage. Another solution is to use axial seals, which provide maximum sealing. However, these seals typically have a larger diameter compared to O-ring seals, which can be disadvantageous for applications requiring minimized package sizes. For example, cooling systems in electric and hybrid vehicles typically require smaller package sizes, where the use of these seals may be undesirable.

[0004] The publications US 2011 / 0 214 755 A1, US 2005 / 0 023 827 A1 and US 2007 / 0 236 008 A1 represent further state of the art.

[0005] It would therefore be desirable to provide a flow control device and a connection arrangement that has a design which minimizes the effects of contamination within it, maximizing sealing, durability and efficient operation, and minimizing packing sizes and faulty assembly. Description of the invention

[0006] The present invention is defined by the flow control device according to independent claim 1 and the flow control system according to dependent claim 6. The dependent claims define preferred embodiments.

[0007] According to the present invention, a flow control device and connection arrangement with a design that minimizes the effects of contamination therein, maximizing sealing, durability and efficient operation, and minimizing packing sizes and faulty assembly, was surprisingly discovered.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a seal is disclosed. The seal serves to seal between a flow control device and a tube fitting of a flow control system. The seal has an annular body. The annular body is a deformable material with a tin coating applied to one of its outer surfaces. The annular body is compressed and deformable between the flow control device and the tube fitting.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a flow control device for conveying a fluid is disclosed. The flow control device has an opening (port) with an engagement end configured for engaging a pipe connection and an inner surface defining a passage configured for a fluid connection through the flow control device. A shoulder is formed on the inner surface of the opening adjacent to the engagement end. The shoulder defines a first seating surface and a second seating surface. A protrusion is formed on one of the first seating surfaces and the other on the second seating surface.

[0010] According to a further embodiment of the disclosure, a flow control system for a fluid flow system for conveying a fluid through it is disclosed. The flow control system comprises a flow control device configured to control the flow of the fluid through the fluid flow system. The flow control device has an opening with an inner surface that defines a passage configured to provide a fluid connection through the flow control device. A pipe connection engages with the flow control device. The pipe connection comprises a pipe with a flared end formed thereon, spaced apart from a first end. The passage of the opening accommodates at least a portion of the pipe between the first end of the pipe and the flared end. An annular metal seal is mounted on the pipe and engages with the flared end of the pipe.The metal seal is positioned between the pipe and the inner surface of the connection. Brief description of the drawings

[0011] The above, as well as further tasks and advantages of the invention, will be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention with the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a fragmentary partial explosion front view of a flow control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a fragmentary partial explosion cross-section front view of a flow control device, a metal seal, and a pipe connection assembly of the flow control system of Fig. 1. Fig. 3A is a fragmentary partial explosion cross-section front view of the flow control device, the metal seal, and the pipe connection assembly of Fig. 2, which represents a first stage of assembly, wherein the metal seal is arranged around the pipe connection. Fig. 3B is a partially assembled fragmentary cross-sectional front view of the flow control device, the metal seal, and the pipe connection assembly of Fig. 2, which represents a second stage of assembly, with the female connector partially engaging with the pipe connection. Fig. 3C is an assembled fragmentary cross-sectional front view of the flow control device, the metal seal, and the pipe connection assembly of Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional front view of the flow control device, the metal seal, and the pipe connection assembly shown in Fig. 3C is highlighted by circle 4. Fig. Figures 5A to 5F are enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional views of a seat surface similar to a seat surface found in Fig. 4 is highlighted by circle 5, and show alternative embodiments of a cross-sectional area profile of the seating surface of an opening of the flow control device. Fig. 6A-6C are enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional views of a seat surface similar to a seat surface found in Fig. 4 is highlighted by circle 6, and shows alternative embodiments of a cross-sectional area profile of the seating surface of an opening of the flow control device. Fig. 7A-7E are cross-sectional front views of the metal seal of the Fig. 1 to 4, and show alternative embodiments of cross-sectional area profiles of the metal gasket. Detailed description of the invention

[0012] The following detailed description and the attached drawings describe and illustrate various embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings are intended to enable a person skilled in the art to carry out and use the invention and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way. With regard to the disclosed methods, the steps shown are exemplary, and therefore the order of the steps is neither necessary nor critical unless expressly stated. For the sake of clarity, the terms "upper," "lower," "above," and "below," and similar derivatives are used only in relation to an orientation of a charging valve arrangement, as in Fig. 1 shown, used.

[0013] The Fig. Figures 1-3C show a flow control system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flow control system 10 is designed to convey a fluid and form part of a fluid flow system. For example, the fluid flow system can be a cooling system of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle, such as an electric motor vehicle, an internal combustion engine vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle. However, it is understood that the fluid flow system can be any HVAC system used in other applications or a fluid flow system that conveys any known fluid, such as refrigerant, water, air, oil, or any other fluid.Although not shown, it is understood that the fluid flow system can include any number of components upstream or downstream of the flow control system 10, such as heat exchangers, flow control devices, pipes, measuring instruments, pumps, compressors, or other components typically used with fluid flow systems. The flow control system 10 comprises: a flow control device 12, pipe connections 18 connected to the flow control device 12, and a metal seal 30 arranged between the flow control device 12 and each of the pipe connections 18.

[0014] In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control device 12 is designed to control the flow of fluid through the flow control system 10, and consequently through the fluid flow system. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the flow control device 12 is a valve, such as a shut-off valve. However, it is understood that the flow control device 12 can be any other valve commonly used in fluid flow systems, such as a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) or an electric expansion valve (EXV). The flow control device 12 can be a check valve, a flow meter, a pump, a mixer, a sighting device, or a flow meter.sight) or any other device that is commonly used to enable the control of a flow property of the fluid flowing through the flow control system 10 and consequently through the fluid flow system.

[0015] The flow control device 12 has an inlet opening 14 and an outlet opening 16 for conveying the fluid to and from the flow control device 12, respectively. Fig. Figures 2-3C show at least sections of components of the outlet side of the flow control system 10, such as the outlet opening 16, the metal seal 30, and the pipe connection 18, which extends to the outlet side of the flow control device 12. It is understood, however, that the features, description, structure, and procedures relating to the components of the outlet side of the flow control device 12 are essentially the same as those relating to the components of the inlet side of the flow control device 12, such as the inlet opening 14, the metal seal 30, and the pipe connection 18. The following description refers to both the inlet and outlet sides of the flow control device 12. The outlet opening 16 has an internal passage 17 for creating a fluid connection between the pipe connection 18 and the flow control device 12.The outlet opening 15 also has an external thread 15 for engaging with the internal thread 34 of the pipe connection 18. The outlet opening 16 is designed as a "female" connector, with a section of the pipe connection 18 being received in the passage 17 of the connection 16. It should be noted that the flow control device can consist of only the inlet opening 14 or the outlet opening 16.

[0016] The pipe connection 18 comprises a pipe 20 and a connector 22. The pipe 20 has a first end 24 configured as a male connector, the first end 24 being designed to be received in the passage 17 of the outlet. An annular flare 26 extending radially outward is formed on an outer surface of the pipe 20 and spaced apart from the first end 24. A first section of the pipe 20 extending from the first end 24 to the flare 26 is received within the passage 17 of the outlet opening 16.

[0017] The connector 22 is tubular or ring-shaped and is received on a second section of the tube 20, which extends from the flare 26 to a second end of the tube 20 and is freely axially movable along a length of the second section of the tube. A receiving section of an inner surface 28 of the connector 22 is designed to receive the first section of the tube 20. A seating surface 32 formed on the inner surface 28 of the connector 22 is designed to engage with the flare 26 of the tube 20 to counteract axial movement of the connector. Accordingly, only the receiving section of the connector 22 extends axially beyond the flare 26 toward the first end 24. The internal thread 34 is formed on the inner surface 28 of the connector 22 and is designed to engage with the external thread 15, which is formed on the outlet opening 16.It is understood that other forms of engagement of the connector 22 with the outlet opening 16 without the respective threads 15, 34 can be considered without deviating from the scope of the invention. For example, the connector 22 can engage with the opening 16, as desired, by a friction-fit connection, a cam-type connection, or another connection, such as a peanut-style block fitting with a leveraged stud and nut arrangement, in order to exert an axial clamping pressure on the metal seal 30.

[0018] A shoulder 36 is formed on the inner surface, defining the passage 17 of the outlet opening 16 adjacent to a distal intervention end 38 of the outlet opening 16. The shoulder 36 defines a first seat 40 and a second seat 42. The first seat 40 extends axially from the intervention end 38 of the outlet opening 16 to the second seat 42, which extends substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the outlet opening 16. The first seat 40 is tapered, with the diameter of the passage 17 increasing from the second seat 42 to the intervention end 38 of the outlet opening 16. In a non-restrictive example, the first seat 40 tapers at an angle of five degrees with respect to the axial direction of the outlet opening. However, the first seat 40 can taper at any desired angle, for example, greater than five degrees or less than five degrees.

[0019] The metal seal 30 is an annular, essentially cylindrical seal formed from a soft, malleable metal. As used herein, "soft" malleable metal refers to a material that can be compressed and deformed to flow and fill gaps and surface deformations between the outlet opening 16 and the pipe fitting 18. For example, a list of "soft" metals according to the Mohs hardness scale can be found. In one example, the metal seal 30 is formed from a copper material. In another example, the metal seal 30 is formed from an aluminum material. However, other soft materials, such as silver, tin, lead, gold, zinc, brass, or bronze, can also be used to form the metal seal 30, if desired.The metal gasket 30 typically has a tin coating applied to its outer surface by any known tin plating process, such as plating or dipping. The tin coating acts as a dry lubricant while also facilitating the flow of the metal gasket 30 to fill the gaps and surface deformations between the outlet opening 16 and the pipe connection 18. In certain embodiments, the tin coating has a thickness of approximately 0.0002 inches. However, it is understood that the thickness of the tin coating may be greater or less than 0.0002 inches if required. It is also understood that, if desired, a non-metallic gasket, such as nylon or other polymers, may be used.

[0020] Fig. Figures 3A-3C illustrate the steps for assembling the flow control device 12, the metal seal 30, and the pipe connector 18 together. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3A, the metal seal 30 is received on the first section of the tube 20 and engages with the flare 26. When the seat 32 of the connector 22 engages with the flare 26 of the tube 20, the first section of the connector 22 extends beyond the metal seal 30. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the outlet opening 16 receives the first section of the pipe 20 and is accommodated in and engaged with the connector 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the external thread 15 of the outlet opening 16 engages with the internal thread 34 of the connector 22 to connect the outlet opening 16 to the pipe connection 18. In other embodiments, however, the outlet opening 16 can engage with the connector 22 by other means, such as a friction connection, a cam-type connection, or other connecting means, if desired, such as a peanut-style block fitting with a leveraged stud and nut arrangement to exert axial clamping pressure on the metal seal 30.When the connector 22 receives and engages with the outlet opening 16, the tube 20 moves axially within the passage 17 of the opening 16, and the engagement end 38 of the outlet opening 16 is moved axially towards the flare 26 of the tube 20. As the tube 20 moves axially within the passage 17, the metal seal 30, which is adjacent to and engaged with the flare, is forced towards the second seating surface 42 of the outlet opening 42, so that it rests in the shoulder 36.

[0021] Fig. Figure 3C shows a third step in which the pipe connector 18, the metal seal 30, and the outlet opening 16 are connected. As the metal seal 30 moves toward the second seat 42 of the outlet opening 16, it is compressed between the outlet opening 16 and the pipe 20. A torque or pressure exerted by the connector 22 engaging with the outlet opening 16 causes the metal seal 30 to deform. As a result, the metal seal 30 deforms and fills a space formed between the shoulder 36 and the pipe 20. Advantageously, due to the softness of the metal and the tin plating, the metal seal 30 readily conforms to the shape of the space formed between the shoulder 36 and the pipe 20, providing maximum sealing between them.When compressed, the metal seal 30 also flows to and fills surface irregularities such as scratches formed in the inner surface of the outlet opening 16 and the outer surface of the tube 20.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, according to one embodiment of the invention, a first section 46 of the metal seal 30 is designed for extrusion into a gap 44 between the engagement end 38 of the outlet opening 16 and the flange 26 when the metal seal 30 is compressed between the tube 20 and the outlet opening 16. The gap 44 prevents the tube 20 from contacting the outlet opening 16. The first section 46 of the metal seal 30 acts as a stop to further prevent the engagement end 38 of the outlet opening 16 from directly contacting the tube 20 during assembly or operation of the flow control system 10. To maximize the seal, the metal seal 30 has a volume that is substantially equal to or greater than the volume of the space defined by the shoulder 36 of the outlet opening 16 and the tube 20, including the gap 44.It is also understood that a second section 50 of the metal seal 30 can also be flow-pressed into a slot 48 which is formed between the first section of the tube 20 and the inner surface of the outlet 16 adjacent to the second seat surface.

[0023] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the metal seal 30 engages with the outlet opening 16 and the pipe 20 and is compressed between them to form a seal. The second seating surface 42 has a substantially linear cross-sectional profile. However, the seal can be realized with a first projection 52 extending outwards from the second seating surface 42. The first projection 52 has a substantially triangular cross-sectional profile. The first projection 52 advantageously penetrates unwanted foreign bodies, foreign materials, or surface imperfections that arise during the manufacture of the components (the outlet opening 16, the pipe connection 18, and the metal seal 30), the assembly of the components, and the introduction of external or environmental particles when the components are fully assembled.The first projection 52 enables the radial sealing of the metal seal 30 at the outlet opening 16 by maximizing the engagement of the metal 30 with the opening 16.

[0024] In other embodiments, the seal can be realized with different cross-sectional profiles of the first projection 52, as shown in the exemplary alternative embodiments described in the Fig. 5A-5F are shown. For example, the first projection 52 can be an essentially trapezoidal shape (5A), an essentially symmetrical arcuate cross-sectional profile with varying degrees of arc ( Fig. 5B-5C), an essentially arc-shaped cross-sectional profile with varying asymmetries ( Fig. 5D-5E) and an essentially sawtooth-shaped cross-sectional profile ( Fig. 5F). The first projection 52, however, can have any desired cross-sectional shape, such as substantially rectangular, substantially polygonal, substantially sinusoidal, or any symmetrical or irregular shape, as desired. Furthermore, it is understood that the first seat surface 40 can have more than one projection formed thereon.

[0025] The first seating surface 40 has a substantially linear cross-sectional profile. However, the seal can be achieved with a second projection 54 extending outwards from the first seating surface 40. The second projection 54 has a substantially wedge-shaped cross-sectional profile. The second projection 54 advantageously penetrates unwanted foreign bodies, foreign materials, or surface imperfections that arise during the manufacturing of the components (the outlet opening 16, the pipe connection 18, and the metal seal 30), the assembly of the components, and the introduction of external or environmental particles when the components are fully assembled. The second projection 54 enables the axial sealing of the metal seal 30 at the outlet opening 16 and, in particular, at the first seating surface 40, by maximizing the engagement of the metal seal 30 with the opening 16.

[0026] In other embodiments, the seal can be realized with different cross-sectional profiles of the second projection 54, as shown in the exemplary alternative embodiments described in the Fig. Figures 6A-6C illustrate this. For example, the second projection 54 can have an essentially sawtooth shape (6A), an essentially arcuate cross-sectional profile with a varying number of arcs (6B-6C), or any other desired cross-sectional shape, such as essentially rectangular, essentially polygonal, or any symmetrical or irregular shape, as desired. Furthermore, it is understood that the second seat surface 42 can have more than one separate projection formed thereon.

[0027] It should be understood that the cross-sectional area profile of the annular metal seal 30 can have varying cross-sectional geometries in order to improve the retention of the metal seal 30 on the pipe 20. Examples of the different cross-sectional area profiles are shown in the Fig. Figures 7A-7E are shown, but these are not limited. In the non-restrictive embodiments shown, the inner annular surface of the metal seal 30 can have: a corrugated cross-sectional profile (7A), a sawtooth cross-sectional profile (7B), a tapered cross-sectional profile ( Fig. 7C), a triangular cross-sectional profile ( Fig. 7D) or an arc-shaped cross-sectional profile ( Fig. 7E).

[0028] The flow control system 10 has many advantages, as discussed above. Primarily, the design of the flow control system 10 provides improved sealing, especially between the connections 14, 16 and the respective pipe connections 18. The flow control system 10 counteracts foreign matter that would impair the effective seal between the connections 14, 16 and the pipe connections 18. The soft composition of the metal gasket 30 and the tin coating allows the metal gasket 30 to deform when compressed between the connections 14, 16 and the pipe connection parts 18, and to flow into surface imperfections, cracks, and crevices on or between the connections 14.The tapered first seating surface 40 allows the metal seal 30 to be positioned in the shoulder 36 of each of the openings 14, 16 and enables more effective and gradual compression of the metal seal 30 between the openings 14, 16 and the pipe connections 18 to maximize the seating of the metal seal 30 when imperfections and foreign matter are present in the flow control system 10. The design of the openings 14, 16, the metal seal 30, and the connections 18 not only maximizes the seal but also maximizes contamination permeation, while minimizing incorrect assembly of the components and meeting the packing size requirements.

[0029] From the foregoing description, a person skilled in the art can easily identify the essential features of this invention and, without departing from its spirit and scope, make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to different uses and conditions.

Claims

[1] Flow control device (12) for conveying a fluid through it, comprising: an opening (16) having an engagement end (38) designed to engage with a pipe connection (18) and an inner surface defining a passage (17) designed to provide a fluid connection through the flow control device (12); a shoulder (36) formed on the inner surface of the opening (16) next to the end of the intervention (38), wherein the shoulder (36) defines a first seat (40) and a second seat (42); and a projection (52, 54) formed on the first seat surface (40) or the second seat surface (42), wherein the second seat surface (42) is spaced apart from the engagement end (38) of the opening (16) and the first seat surface (40) extends from the second seat surface (42) to the engagement end (38), wherein the first seat surface (40) is tapered, with a diameter of the passage (17) increasing from the second seat surface (42) to the engagement end (38) of the opening (16). [2] Flow control device (12) according to claim 1, wherein the first seat surface (40) has the projection (54) formed thereon. [3] Flow control device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the projection (54) has a triangular cross-sectional profile, an arc-shaped cross-sectional profile and a sawtooth-shaped cross-sectional profile. [4] Flow control device (12) according to claim 1, wherein the second seat surface (42) has the projection (52) formed thereon. [5] Flow control device (12) according to claim 4, wherein the projection (52) has a sawtooth cross-sectional profile, an arc-shaped cross-sectional profile and a triangular cross-sectional profile. [6] Flow control system (10) of a fluid flow system for conveying a fluid through it, comprising: a flow control device (12) configured to control a flow of the fluid through the fluid flow system, wherein the flow control device (12) has an opening (16) with an inner surface defining a passage (17) configured to provide a fluid connection through the flow control device (12); a pipe connection (18) which engages with the flow control device (12), wherein the pipe connection (18) has a pipe (20) on which a flare (26) is formed, the flare being spaced apart from a first end (24) thereof, wherein the passage (17) of the opening (16) accommodates at least a section of the pipe (20) between the first end (24) of the pipe (20) and the flare (26); and an annular metal seal (30) which is received on the tube (20) and engages with the flange (26) of the tube (20), wherein the metal seal (30) is arranged between the tube (20) and the inner surface of the opening (16), wherein the inner surface of the opening (16) has a shoulder (36) formed therein adjacent to an engagement end (38) of the opening (16), wherein the metal seal (30) is arranged in the shoulder (36), wherein a first seat surface (40) and a second seat surface (42) are defined by the shoulder (36), wherein the second seat surface (42) is spaced apart from the engagement end (38) of the opening (16) and the first seat surface (40) extends from the second seat surface (42) to the engagement end (38) of the opening (16), wherein the first seat surface (40) is tapered, wherein a diameter of the passage (17) increases from the second seat surface (42) to the engagement end (38) of the opening (16), wherein a projection (52, 54) is formed on the first seat surface (40) or the second seat surface (42). [7] Flow control system (10) according to claim 6, wherein the metal seal (30) is formed from a soft, deformable metal and has a tin coating applied thereto. [8] Flow control system (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the metal seal (30) is of a copper material or an aluminum material. [9] Flow control system (10) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the metal seal (30) is compressed between the opening (16) and the tube (20). [10] Flow control system (10) according to claim 6, wherein the first seat surface (40) tapers radially outwards from the second seat surface (42) to the engagement end (38) of the opening (16). [11] Flow control system (10) according to claim 6 or 10, wherein the first seat surface (40) has a projection (54) extending outwards from it. [12] Flow control system (10) according to claim 6 or 10, wherein the second seat surface (42) has a projection (52) extending outwards from it. [13] Flow control system (10) according to claim 6, wherein the pipe connection (18) has a connector (22) which is received on the pipe (20), wherein the connector (22) engages with the opening (16) and connects the pipe connection (18) to the opening (16). [14] Flow control system (10) according to claim 6, wherein a gap (44) is formed between the engagement end (38) of the opening (16) and the flange (26) of the tube (20) and wherein a section of the metal seal (30) fills a part of the gap (44).

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