Anti-rotation fluid connection

Abstract

A connector is disclosed for connecting one fluid treatment device (52) (such as a conduit) to another fluid treatment device (70) (such as another conduit), in which faces of a fitting (54) attached to a gland (50) in the connector are of predetermined complementary mating configurations (58, 60, 82) such that they can interlock without circular symmetry such that the faces do not rotate relative to one another when torque is applied to the faces when the connection is made. [Selected Figure] Figure 3A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 732,810, filed Sep. 18, 2018, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] This disclosure relates to connections for conveying fluids in gas or liquid form from one location to another (such as from one conduit to another conduit) using compression couplings to maintain a seal. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] It is commonly necessary to connect a length of conduit (such as a tube or pipe) to another conduit or to the inlet or outlet of a fluid-handling or fluid-containing device. It is particularly desirable for the connection to be extremely strong, durable, and able to maintain its tightness when the fluid to be conveyed is under high or low pressure (e.g., vacuum) or is hazardous. It is also desirable for such connections to be able to be made or disconnected multiple times without damaging the connection.

[0004]

[0004] One common type of connector adapted to meet these needs is shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, a coupling assembly 10 includes a first gland 12 and a second gland 14. The first gland 12 has a fitting 28 and a sealing face 16, and the second gland 14 has a fitting 30 and a sealing face 18. The glands 12, 14 are coupled by engaging the sealing faces with a mating face of a sealing member 20. Each sealing face 16, 18 typically includes a circumferential bead for engaging the sealing member 20. The arrangement also includes a first threaded member 24 (e.g., a female nut) and a second threaded member 26 (e.g., a male nut or body). When the threaded members 24, 26 are engaged and rotated relative to the other, they contact radial shoulders 31, 32 on the ends of the glands 12, 14, applying a compressive force to the glands 12, 14 and urging them together. In some implementations, the sealing member 20 is a metal gasket.

[0005] As can be appreciated, completing a connection using a configuration such as that just described can easily result in uneven rotational forces (torque) being applied to the sealing faces 16, 18, which can easily result in relative rotation of the sealing faces 16, 18 and / or sealing member 20 unless steps are taken to prevent it. If steps are not taken, that rotation can result in scoring or galling of the sealing end faces 16, 18, thereby limiting the quality and life of the seal produced by the coupled assembly 10. Galling is a form of wear caused by adhesion between sliding surfaces. When material galls, portions of it are pulled away from the contacting surfaces, especially when there is a large amount of force compressing the surfaces together.

[0006]

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a coupling arrangement where the end faces do not rotate relative to one another, thereby preventing undesirable effects such as galling. Summary of the Invention

[0007]

[0007] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of the embodiments. This summary is not an extensive summary of all contemplated embodiments, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of all embodiments or to limit the scope of any or all of the embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a coupling arrangement is disclosed in which one coupling has a first arrangement at its axial end and the other coupling has a second complementary mating arrangement at its axial end, such that when the two ends are axially engaged, the couplings interlock axially. The first arrangement and the second arrangement do not have circular symmetry. Throughout this specification, circular symmetry refers to an arrangement having continuous symmetry, which can be rotated at any angle and mapped onto itself (i.e., looks the same). This is in contrast to rotational symmetry, which maps onto itself only at a set number of degrees of rotation. The lack of circular symmetry is specified herein such that when the first and second couplings are axially engaged, rotation of the first coupling relative to the second coupling is constrained (e.g., prevented from rotating), regardless of the application of unequal rotational forces to the couplings.

[0009]

[0009] According to another aspect of the embodiment, an anti-rotation joint is disclosed that uses a joint having a keyed opening on the female connection side and a flat on the male side, the flat on the joint engages the opening and prevents any rotation between the two parts.

[0010] Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure, as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A]1 is a perspective view of a conduit with a gland having a fitting according to an aspect of the embodiment; [Figure 1B]

[0012] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a conduit with a gland having the fitting shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C]

[0013] FIG. 1B is an end view of a conduit with a gland having the fitting shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A]

[0014] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a gland having a fitting for connecting to the fitting of FIG. 1A in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 2B]

[0015] 2B is a perspective view of the gland with the fitting of FIG. 2A from a different angle. [Figure 2C]

[0016] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a gland having the joint shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2D]

[0017] FIG. 2B is an end view of the gland having the fitting shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A]

[0018] 2C is a perspective view of the fitting of FIG. 1A disconnected from the fitting of FIG. 2B in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 3B]

[0019] 2C is a perspective view of the fitting of FIG. 1A from a different angle in a disconnected state from the fitting of FIG. 2B in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 3C]

[0020] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the male fitting of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3D]

[0021] FIG. 3B is an end view of the configuration of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A]

[0022] 2C is a perspective view of the fitting of FIG. 1A mated with the fitting of FIG. 2B in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 4B]

[0023] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C]

[0024] FIG. 4B is an end view of the configuration of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A]

[0025] FIG. 13 is a side view of a body having an orifice including a fitting and a sleeve in accordance with aspects of an embodiment; [Figure 5B]

[0026] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A]

[0027] 13 is an end view of a fitting configuration in accordance with aspects of an embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6B] FIG. 13 is an end view of a joint configuration according to an aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 13 is an end view of a joint configuration according to an aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 6D] FIG. 13 is an end view of a joint configuration according to an aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 6E] FIG. 13 is an end view of a joint configuration according to an aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 6F] FIG. 13 is an end view of a joint configuration according to an aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 6G] FIG. 13 is an end view of a joint configuration according to an aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 6H] FIG. 13 is an end view of a joint configuration according to an aspect of an embodiment. [Figure 7]

[0028] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional coupling configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012]

[0029] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art based on the teachings contained herein.

[0013]

[0030] Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings. Like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to facilitate a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. However, it may be apparent that in some or all instances, any of the embodiments described below can be practiced without incorporating the specific design details described below. In the following description and claims, the terms "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal" and similar terms may be employed. These terms are intended to indicate only a relative orientation and not any orientation relative to gravity, unless otherwise indicated.

[0014]

[0031] 1A-C, there is shown a conduit 50 with a first coupling subassembly 52. ​​The first coupling subassembly 52 includes a fitting 54 with a shoulder 56. In the example shown, the shoulder 56 is in the form of a double truncated circle having two flat areas 58, 60. The fitting 54 also includes a sealing surface 62. Also shown is a sealing member 64.

[0015]

[0032] 2A-D show a second coupling subassembly 70 including a fitting body 72 having structure defining a pocket 74 in which a female fitting 76 having a sealing surface 78 is configured. The female fitting 76 has structure defining an opening having a configuration complementary to that of the fitting 54 such that the fitting 54 can be axially inserted into the female fitting 76 but once inserted is constrained from rotation relative to the female fitting 76. In the example where the fitting 54 is configured as a double truncated circle, the opening of the female fitting 76 is also configured as a double truncated circle having a slightly larger diameter. Thus, the female fitting 76 has internal stops 80 and 82.

[0016]

[0033] In other words, the fitting 54, having the flat areas 58, 60, has a first configuration. The opening of the female fitting 76, defined by the stops 80 and 82, has a second configuration. The first and second configurations are designed to be complementary so that the fitting 54 can be axially inserted into the fitting 76. The first and second configurations are also selected to not have continuous circular symmetry. Thus, for example, when the fitting 54 is inserted into the female fitting 76, the flat areas 58 and 60 engage the stops 80 and 82, preventing any relative rotation between the two parts. The components described above are then used in the mating configuration described above in connection with FIG. 7.

[0017]

[0034] In one contemplated configuration, the second coupling subassembly 70 also includes an internal thread 84, and the first coupling subassembly 52 is provided with a sleeve 86 that is rotatable about the first coupling subassembly 52 and has an external thread. This is shown in Figures 3A-D. The sealing member 64 is placed in the fitting 54, and the combination is then axially inserted into the second coupling subassembly 70, with the externally threaded sleeve 86 engaging the internal threads of the second coupling subassembly 70. The externally threaded sleeve 86 is then rotated, as shown in Figures 4A-C, to apply an axial compression force to the fittings, facilitating their tightening together. However, due to the interlocking configuration, the fittings do not rotate while connected.

[0018]

[0035] In the above examples, the joint configurations are arbitrary as long as one joint configuration rotationally engages with the other joint configuration. It will therefore be understood that configurations other than the flat area and stopper configurations described above can be used. Also, while the configurations described above have mirror symmetry, this is not required. One flat surface on the male joint and one stopper on the female joint can also be used. The advantage of the configuration shown is that the mirror symmetry provides two possible orientations for the interlocking connection, and the presence of two shoulders provides additional mechanical resistance to rotation.

[0019]

[0036] The above description is from the perspective of connecting a first coupling subassembly to a second coupling subassembly. It will be appreciated that the disclosed subject matter can also be used in applications where a conduit is connected to an orifice (i.e., an inlet or outlet) of a body such as a valve, pump, fluid source, or vacuum chamber. This is illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B. Figure 5A shows a body 90 having an orifice 92. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 5A. As can be seen, the orifice 92 is dimensioned to receive the first coupling subassembly 52. ​​The orifice 92 also includes structure that defines an orifice female fitting 94 having a configuration complementary to the configuration of the fitting 54 of the first coupling subassembly 52. ​​This configuration can be created directly in the orifice 92 or can be introduced by providing and securing an insert to the orifice 92 that provides the required structure. The orifice 92 may also include female threads (not shown) that engage with male threads (not shown) on the sleeve 86 of the first coupling subassembly 52 to secure the first coupling subassembly 52 to the orifice 92. To make the connection, the sealing member 64 is placed on the first coupling subassembly 52 and then the first coupling subassembly 52 is inserted into the orifice 92 having the female fitting 94. The sleeve 86 is then rotated to secure the first coupling subassembly 52 to the orifice 92 and apply an axial compression force to the combination of the sealing faces and the sealing member therebetween. This creates a compression force on the fittings, but they do not rotate due to their mating connection configuration.

[0020]

[0037] The mating interlocking configurations can be any shape that does not have circular symmetry. Some non-exhaustive and non-limiting examples of such shapes are shown in Figures 6A-6H. Figure 6A shows the double truncated circle described in connection with the above example. Figure 6B shows the single truncated circle mentioned above. Figure 6C shows a rectangular configuration. Figure 6D shows a triangular configuration. Figure 6E shows a hexagonal configuration. Figure 6F shows an octagonal configuration. Figure 6G shows a configuration with two pins 88. Figure 6H shows a six-pointed star configuration. It should be noted that these configurations exhibit rotational symmetry in that they can be reoriented into a matching configuration when rotated a specified number of degrees. For example, the hexagon in Figure 6E can be rotated 60 degrees into a matching orientation. However, none of the configurations can be rotated by any arbitrary angle to look the same. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that there are other suitable configurations that do not have circular symmetry.

[0021]

[0038] Also, although the above description is in terms of threaded rotary coupling elements, the principles described above may also be applied to other types of rotary coupling elements where rotation is used to make a connection, such as a bayonet-type connection.

[0022]

[0039] Connections such as those described above offer several benefits, including preventing galling while making the connection, which not only ensures a better seal but also increases the number of times the connection can be made, disconnected, and reconnected, and allows the connection to maintain a particular relative position or orientation of the two mating parts.

[0023]

[0040] The components of this system may be made of high melting point metals with joints welded in place. For example, the conduit 50 may be made of TaW2.5 (2.5% tungsten) and the components of the bonding subassembly 52 may be made of TaW10 (10% tungsten). Using such materials for the bonding subassembly provides joints with a higher hardness level that extends the life of the sealing surfaces.

[0024]

[0041] The above describes a configuration that includes a first rotating coupling element (in the example, a male nut with a threaded outer periphery). The threaded first rotating element is configured to apply a compressive force to a first coupling of the first coupling subassembly when the rotating coupling element is engaged with a rotating coupling element of a second coupling subassembly having a second coupling. The second coupling is configured (shaped and dimensioned) to receive the first coupling such that the first and second couplings are at least partially rotatably engaged to constrain axial rotation of the first coupling relative to the second coupling.

[0025]

[0042] The above description includes examples of one or more embodiments. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methods for purposes of describing the foregoing embodiments, but one skilled in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodiments are intended to incorporate all modifications, changes, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Moreover, to the extent the term "include" is used in the detailed description or claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a similar manner to the term "comprising," such that "comprising" is interpreted as a transitional term in the claims when employed. Moreover, although elements of the described aspects and / or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is also contemplated unless expressly limited to the singular. In addition, all or a portion of any aspect and / or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and / or embodiment, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0026]

[0043] Other aspects of the invention are described in the following numbered clauses. 1. A first coupling subassembly extending in an axial direction, the first coupling subassembly including a coupling disposed at an axial end of the first coupling subassembly; a rotary coupling element rotatable about the first coupling subassembly, the rotary coupling element adapted to engage the coupling such that the rotary coupling element can rotate relative to the coupling but can axially engage the coupling to apply an axial compressive force to the coupling; An apparatus comprising: The apparatus, wherein the fitting has a surface with a first configuration such that the fitting and the second fitting at least partially rotatably engage when the fitting is received in the second fitting to inhibit axial rotation of the fitting relative to the second fitting upon axial engagement of the fitting and the second fitting by rotation of a rotational coupling element. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first configuration does not have circular symmetry. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first rotary coupling element includes a sleeve having a threaded outer periphery. 4. The apparatus described in clause 1, wherein the first configuration has an outer contour of a circle having at least one truncated apex. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fitting comprises a high melting point metal. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the refractory metal comprises a tantalum tungsten alloy. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the tantalum tungsten alloy comprises TaW10. 8. A first rotary coupling element; a first coupling adapted to axially engage the first rotational coupling element; a second rotary coupling element; and a second coupling adapted to axially engage the second rotational coupling element and the first coupling; An apparatus comprising: 1. An apparatus, wherein a first fitting has a first configuration and a second fitting has a second configuration, the first configuration and the second configuration being received in the second fitting upon relative rotation of the first and second rotational coupling elements to axially engage the first fitting and the second fitting, wherein the first fitting and the second fitting are at least partially rotatably engaged to prevent axial rotation of the first fitting relative to the second fitting. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first configuration and the second configuration do not have circular symmetry. 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first configuration is complementary to the second configuration. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first configuration and the second configuration do not have circular symmetry. 12. The apparatus of clause 8, wherein the first rotary coupling element includes a sleeve threaded on an outer periphery and the second rotary coupling element includes a sleeve threaded on an inner periphery. 13. The apparatus of clause 8, wherein the first configuration has an outer contour of a circle having at least one truncated apex and the second configuration includes a pocket having an inner contour of a circle having at least one truncated apex. 14. The apparatus of clause 8, wherein the first configuration has an outer contour of a circle having at least two truncated apexes and the second configuration includes a pocket having an inner contour of a circle having at least two truncated apexes. 15. The apparatus of clause 8, wherein the first fitting is connected to a first gland and the second fitting is disposed in a structure defining an orifice of the device. 16. The apparatus according to clause 15, wherein the device is a valve. 17. The apparatus according to clause 15, wherein the device is a pump. 18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the device is a vacuum chamber. 19. An apparatus including a first fitting having a sealing element having a male configuration, the sealing element having a sealing surface and dimensioned for insertion into an opening in a second fitting, the opening having a second configuration complementary to the first configuration, and the first and second configurations are such that the sealing element cannot rotate relative to the opening when the sealing member is inserted into the opening. 20. The device of clause 19, wherein the male configuration does not have circular symmetry. 21. The device described in clause 19, wherein the male feature has an outer contour of a circle having at least one truncated apex. 22. The apparatus of clause 19, further comprising a first rotary coupling element adapted to rotate about the sealing element and engage a second rotary coupling element disposed about the second fitting, and to apply a compressive sealing force to the sealing element when engaged with the second rotary coupling element. 23. The apparatus of clause 22, wherein the first rotary coupling element has an external thread and the second rotary coupling element has an internal thread, and the first rotary coupling element is adapted to engage with the second rotary coupling element by engaging the external thread with the internal thread.

Claims

1. a first coupling subassembly extending in an axial direction, the first coupling subassembly including a coupling disposed at an axial end of the first coupling subassembly; a rotation element rotatable about the first coupling subassembly, the rotation element adapted to engage the joint such that the rotation element can rotate relative to the joint but can axially engage the joint to apply an axial compressive force to the joint; Sealing material An apparatus comprising: the coupling has a surface with a first configuration such that the coupling and the second coupling at least partially rotatably engage when the coupling is received in the second coupling to inhibit axial rotation of the coupling relative to the second coupling upon axial engagement of the coupling and the second coupling by rotation of the rotating element; the sealing member having a first surface that mates with a first sealing surface of the fitting and a second surface that mates with a second sealing surface of the second fitting; The apparatus, wherein the rotating element comprises a sleeve having a threaded periphery.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first configuration has an outer contour of a circle having at least one truncated apex.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the joint comprises a tantalum tungsten alloy.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tantalum tungsten alloy comprises TaW10.

5. a first rotary coupling element; a first coupling adapted to axially engage the first rotational coupling element; a second rotary coupling element; and a second coupling in which the second rotational coupling element is disposed and adapted to axially engage the first coupling; Sealing material An apparatus comprising: the first fitting has a first configuration and the second fitting has a second configuration, the first configuration and the second configuration being received in the second fitting upon axial engagement of the first fitting and the second fitting by relative rotation of the first and second rotational coupling elements, the first fitting and the second fitting at least partially rotatably engaging to prevent axial rotation of the first fitting relative to the second fitting, the sealing member having a first surface that mates with a first sealing surface of the first fitting and a second surface that mates with a second sealing surface of the second fitting, An apparatus, wherein a first rotary coupling element is adapted to engage the second rotary coupling element and includes a sleeve having a threaded periphery.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the first configuration is complementary to the second configuration, and the first configuration and the second configuration do not have circular symmetry.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the second rotational coupling element comprises an internally threaded sleeve.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the first formation has an outer contour of a circle having at least one truncated apex, and the second formation includes a pocket having an inner contour of a circle having at least one truncated apex.

9. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the first fitting is connected to a first ground and the second fitting is disposed in a structure that defines an orifice of a device.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the device is a valve, a pump, or a vacuum chamber.

11. 1. An apparatus comprising: a first fitting having a sealing element having a male configuration, the first fitting comprising a tantalum tungsten alloy and having a first configuration, the sealing element having a first sealing surface and dimensioned for insertion into an opening of a second fitting, the opening having a second configuration complementary to the first configuration, the first and second configurations being such that the sealing element cannot rotate relative to the opening when the sealing element is inserted into the opening, and the sealing element having a first surface that mates with the first sealing surface and a second surface that mates with a second sealing surface of the second fitting.

12. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the male features do not have circular symmetry.

13. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the male feature has an outer contour of a circle with at least one truncated apex.

14. 1. An apparatus including a first fitting having a sealing element having a male configuration, the first fitting having a first configuration, the sealing element having a first sealing surface and dimensioned for insertion into an opening of a second fitting, the opening having a second configuration complementary to the first configuration, the first and second configurations being such that the sealing element cannot rotate relative to the opening when the sealing element is inserted into the opening, the sealing element having a first surface that mates with the first sealing surface and a second surface that mates with a second sealing surface of the second fitting; the apparatus further comprising a first rotary coupling element adapted to rotate about the sealing element, engage a second rotary coupling element disposed about the second fitting, and apply a compressive sealing force to the sealing element upon engagement with the second rotary coupling element, the first rotary coupling element having an external thread and the second rotary coupling element having an internal thread, the first rotary coupling element adapted to engage with the second rotary coupling element by engaging the external thread with the internal thread.

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