Enhanced end design for tubular press connections

A connection socket for a tubular press connection including a socket cup having a metal alloy composition and comprising: an O-ring portion defining an O-ring recess; a plurality of gripper arrays positioned equidistant along an internal surface of the socket cup; and a plurality of raised ridges positioned equidistant on an exterior surface of the socket cup. The raised ridges may extend over the gripper arrays.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to connection sockets for tubular press connections, and more particularly, for piping components made from a wide range of alloys including ferrous alloys, copper-based alloys and nickel-based alloys.

BACKGROUND

NIBCO® Press System® components largely include a cylindrical socket that is inserted over and then crimped onto a pipe end. In this configuration, a pressing jaw, powered by a pressing tool, can be driven into the cylindrical socket to form a press connection. The outer joinery socket of the pressing jaw grips and deforms the cylindrical socket over the pipe end. The design of the pressing jaw typically includes a two-piece ‘clam shell’ die with a hexagonal or circular-shaped joinery socket. For both jaw designs, an O-ring positioned on an inner surface of the socket is also compressed to seal off the joint by the pressing jaw.

A hexagonal jaw pattern is typically used in a pressing jaw configured for copper tube joinery. Since copper tubing is relatively thin-walled and soft, a press connection for copper tubing can be characterized by six indentations of the tube on both inboard and outboard sides of an O-ring. These points can affix the socket to the tube, by action of the pressing jaw, with or without the aid of machined gripping features (e.g., such as barbs), gripper rings and/or gripper sleeves.

The cylindrical jaw pattern is typically used in a pressing jaw configured to mechanically join together carbon steel or stainless steel to black iron pipe (e.g., a cast form of steel pipe that is widely used for gas service because of its high durability and relatively low cost). Since black iron piping presents a harder and stronger piping (e.g., as compared to copper tubing), the hexagonal jaw approach is less favorable due to high demand for tool power to achieve a six-point deformation of the pipe. As such, the cylindrical ‘clam-shell’ jaw is utilized in a pressing jaw to press a carbon or stainless steel socket over a black iron pipe, and the socket often will have some additional means (e.g., barbs, gripper rings and/or gripper sleeves) of concentrating stress from the pressing jaw in deforming the socket over the pipe.

While these socket designs can be effective at creating seals with hexagonal and circular-shaped pressing jaws, the dimensional tolerances between the pipe and the socket must be carefully controlled to avoid point contacts during the pressing action by the jaw. Even with carefully controlled dimensional tolerances between the pipe and socket, point contacts are prevalent from the nature of the hexagonal or circular-shaped joinery sockets pressing against the socket to form the seal with the pipe. A consequence of point contacts in the press connection is asymmetric regions of the seal between the socket and the pipe with relatively strong and relatively weak regions of the seal formed by the socket. Similarly, the point contacts can lead to an asymmetry in the regions of the seal between the O-ring and the pipe, leading to strong and relatively weak regions of the seal formed by the O-ring. Consequently, the strength of the seal can be reduced by these point contacts as the integrity of the seal depends strongly on its weakest portion(s).

Accordingly, there is a need for strong and economical connection sockets for tubular press connections, and more particularly, for piping components made from a wide range of alloys including ferrous alloys, copper-based alloys and nickel-based alloys

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a connection socket for a tubular press connection is provided. The socket includes a socket cup having a metal alloy composition. The socket cup includes an O-ring portion defining an O-ring recess, a plurality of gripper arrays positioned equidistant along an internal surface of the socket cup, and a plurality of raised ridges positioned equidistant on an exterior surface of the socket cup.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a connection socket for a tubular press connection is provided. The socket includes a socket cup having a metal alloy composition. The socket cup includes an O-ring portion defining an O-ring recess, and a plurality of gripper arrays positioned equidistant along an internal surface of the socket cup, or a plurality of raised ridges positioned equidistant on an exterior surface of the socket cup.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a tubular press connection is provided that includes a socket cup having a metal alloy composition. The socket cup includes an O-ring portion defining an O-ring recess, a plurality of gripper arrays positioned equidistant along an internal surface of the socket cup, and a plurality of raised ridges positioned equidistant on an exterior surface of the socket cup. The press connection also includes an O-ring positioned in the O-ring recess; and a tube having a metal alloy composition and comprising a pipe end in contact with the plurality of gripper arrays and the O-ring, the plurality of gripper arrays, O-ring and the pipe end defining a seal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the disclosure, and depicted in exemplary form inFIGS. 1-5, the connection socket configurations for tubular press connections, and tubular press connection configurations, provide improvements in the sealing capability, mechanical performance, and manufacturing of mechanical press connections for metal alloy tubing and piping, such as employed in NIBCO® Press System® components. These configurations include design features that more evenly distribute and control the applied force delivered to the connection socket by a standard pressing jaw and pressing tool. The design of the connection socket can incorporate a series of circumferentially equidistant gripper arrays on its inner surface and/or circumferentially equidistant raised ridges on its outer circumference, including both pipe grip and O-ring compression areas.

Referring toFIG. 1, a tubular press connection100is depicted that includes a connection socket10. The connection socket10includes a socket cup14, in some embodiments, fabricated from a metal alloy composition. The socket cup14can include an O-ring portion18that defines an O-ring recess18a; a plurality of gripper arrays30positioned equidistant along an internal surface14aof the socket cup14; and a plurality of raised ridges40positioned equidistant on an exterior surface14bof the socket cup14(see alsoFIG. 2). As also shown inFIG. 1, the tubular press connection100includes one or more O-rings50positioned in the O-ring recess18a; and a pipe22(e.g., a tube, a pipe or other cylindrical conveyance structure) having a metal alloy composition. Preferably, the O-rings50are fabricated from a polymeric material, preferably an elastomeric material, suitable for use in the application as understood by those with ordinary skill in the field of the disclosure. Further, the pipe22includes a pipe end22ain contact with the plurality of gripper arrays30and the one or more O-rings50. Further, the gripper arrays30, the one or more O-rings50and the pipe end22adefine a seal between the pipe22and the socket cup14.

As noted earlier, reference numerals100and10are generally directed to a tubular press connection and connection socket, respectively, as shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A. The connection socket10, as employed by the tubular press connection100, may be configured to facilitate the joining of one or more pipes22to enable the transfer of a fluid (e.g., gas and/or liquids) between the pipes22without leakage. In other words, the tubular press connection100may be a press connection for piping configured to convey a gaseous medium. Further, the connection socket10may be sealed and used to terminate or otherwise cap a pipe22. Still further, those with ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that the connection socket10may be configured as a valve with the features outlined earlier with regard to the socket10(e.g., with an O-ring recess18a, O-rings50, etc.).

Referring again toFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A, the O-ring portion18may define one or more O-ring recesses18a. According to various examples, the O-ring portion18defines two O-ring recesses18a. The O-ring recesses18aare configured to hold, or seat, one or more O-rings50. Use of the O-ring recesses18aallows for the connection socket10to resist migration of the O-rings50during and after the connection socket10is joined to a pipe22.

The connection socket10may be configured to accept the insertion of the pipe22into the socket cup14. As shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A, the socket cup14can define a plurality of gripper arrays30. The gripper arrays30are defined on an interior surface of the socket cup14. The gripper arrays30may be integrally formed or otherwise defined by the socket cup14. It will be understood that the gripper arrays30may be a coupled or joined to the socket cup14after manufacturing of the connection socket10without departing from the teachings provided herein.

According to some embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A, each of the gripper arrays30provides one or more independent rows of teeth34. Each of the gripper arrays30may define the same number of rows of teeth34, or each gripper array30may define a different number of rows of teeth34. It should also be understood that embodiments of the connection socket10and tubular press connection100can also employ gripper arrays30with shapes other than ‘teeth’, such as rounded edges (seeFIG. 3), facets, rough edges, etc., to grip a pipe22.

In the depicted example shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A, the socket cup14defines six gripper arrays30, but it will be understood that the socket cup14may define more or less than six gripper arrays30. For example, the socket cup14may define one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or greater than eight gripper arrays30. According to some implementations, the socket cup14can include 4 to 12 gripper arrays30.

The gripper arrays30may be located at a variety of locations around the socket cup14, particularly on its inner surfaces. According to various preferred examples, the gripper arrays30may be spaced equidistantly along an internal surface14aof the socket cup14. In other implementations, sets of the gripper arrays30may be clustered or otherwise dispersed around the socket cup14, whereas each of the sets is positioned equidistantly along an internal surface14aof the socket cup14.

Referring again toFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A, implementations of the connection socket10and tubular press connection100employing a socket cup14with a plurality of gripper arrays30, with or without rows of teeth34, are configured to grip the pipe22inserted in the socket cup14. As such, examples where the gripper arrays30are equidistantly spaced around the circumference of the socket cup14can advantageously provide for even distribution of the biting force applied by a pressing jaw and pressing tool (not shown). Further, the set-off or height of the gripper arrays30relative to the inner surface of the socket cup can allow for looser dimensional tolerances between the diameter of the pipe22and the inner surface of socket cup14, which can reduce manufacturing costs for the socket10and/or the tubular press connection100.

As also shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A, the connection socket10and the tubular press connection100can be configured such that an outer surface of the socket cup14defines a plurality of raised ridges40. According to various examples, the socket cup14defines a plurality of raised ridges40. The raised ridges40on the outer surface of the socket cup14are in line with, or positioned proximate to, the plurality of gripper arrays30located on the inner surface of the socket cup14. The raised ridges40may extend over a portion, a majority or an entirety of a length of the gripper arrays30. In other examples (seeFIG. 5), the raised ridges (e.g., raised ridges40d) may extend past the gripper arrays30and in contact with the O-ring portion18over the O-ring recesses18a.

According to some embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A, each of the raised ridges40has at least one outermost surface for direct contact with a pressing jaw applied by a pressing tool (not shown). As shown in these figures, the plurality of raised ridges40can be configured such that each ridge40defines a rounded outer surface for direct contact with a pressing jaw driven by a pressing tool. In other implementations, the connection socket10and tubular press connection100can also employ a plurality of raised ridges40with shapes other than rounded outer surfaces, such as facets, rough edges, etc., to facilitate contact and grip by a pressing jaw.

In the depicted example shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A, the socket cup14defines six raised ridges40, but it will be understood that the socket cup14may define more or less than six raised ridges40. For example, the socket cup14may define one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or greater than eight raised ridges40. According to some implementations, the socket cup14can include 4 to 12 raised ridges40.

The raised ridges40may be located at a variety of locations around the socket cup14, particularly on its outer surfaces. According to various preferred examples, the plurality of raised ridges40may be spaced equidistantly along the outer surface of the socket cup14. In other implementations, sets of the raised ridges40may be clustered or otherwise dispersed around the socket cup14, whereas each of the sets is positioned equidistantly along an outer surface of the socket cup14.

Referring again toFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A, implementations of the connection socket10and tubular press connection100employing a socket cup14with a plurality of raised ridges40are configured to facilitate the gripping of the raised ridges40by a pressing jaw to press fit a socket cup14over an end22aof a pipe22that is inserted in the socket cup14. As such, examples where the raised ridges40are equidistantly spaced around the circumference of the socket cup14can advantageously provide for even distribution of the biting force applied by a pressing jaw and pressing tool (not shown). Further, the set-off or height of the raised ridges40relative to the outer surface of the socket cup14can allow for looser control over dimensional tolerances and fit between the inner surfaces of the pressing jaw and the raised ridges40. As a result, the socket cup14with a plurality of raised ridges40, as employed by the connection sockets10, can reduce installation costs associated with forming a tubular press connection100with these sockets10.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a connection socket10awith a plurality of raised ridges40and a plurality of gripper arrays30is depicted that can be employed in a tubular press connection100(seeFIG. 1), according to an embodiment. Connection socket10ashown inFIG. 3is similar to connection socket10(seeFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A), and like-numbered elements have the same or substantially similar functions and structures. The primary difference between the sockets is that socket10aemploys a plurality of gripper arrays30in the form of rounded bumps34a(seeFIG. 3), as opposed to the rows of teeth34employed by the socket10(seeFIGS. 2, 2A). While the gripper arrays30in the form of rounded bumps34aemployed by the socket10ahave a bit less ability to deform and press into a pipe end22aas compared to the rows of teeth34of the socket10, they are advantageously simple in design and significantly less costly to manufacture. In some embodiments, for example, connection socket10acan be formed as-is (e.g., from a die) without substantial machining after formation of the part.

Referring now toFIG. 4A, a connection socket10bwith a plurality of raised ridges40is depicted that can be employed in a tubular press connection100(seeFIG. 1), according to an embodiment. Connection socket10bshown inFIG. 4Ais similar to connection socket10(seeFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A), and like-numbered elements have the same or substantially similar functions and structures. The primary difference between the sockets is that socket10bdoes not employ a plurality of gripper arrays30(seeFIG. 4A). While the plurality of gripper arrays30in the form of rows of teeth34of the socket10(seeFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A) offers a bit more ability to deform and press a pipe end22aas compared to the socket10bofFIG. 4Athat lacks gripper arrays30, it can be more expensive to manufacture in view of the presence of its gripper arrays30than the socket10b.

Referring now toFIG. 4B, a connection socket10cwith a plurality of gripper arrays30in the form of rounded bumps34ais depicted that can be employed in a tubular press connection100(seeFIG. 1), according to an embodiment. Connection socket10cshown inFIG. 4Bis similar to connection socket10(seeFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A), and like-numbered elements have the same or substantially similar functions and structures. The primary difference between the sockets is that socket10cdoes not employ a plurality of raised ridges40(seeFIG. 4A). The plurality of raised ridges40of the socket10(seeFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A) offers a bit more ability to spread and distribute forces applied from a pressing jaw to the socket cup14and the pipe end22a(seeFIGS. 1, 2, and 2A) as compared to the socket10c, which lacks a plurality of raised ridges40. On the other hand, the connection socket10cis advantageous in that it can perform the same function as the connection socket10, but is less expensive to manufacture in view of its lack of raised ridges40.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a connection socket10dwith a plurality of raised ridges40dand a plurality of gripper arrays30with rows of teeth34is depicted that can be employed in a tubular press connection100(seeFIG. 1), according to an embodiment. Connection socket10dshown inFIG. 5is similar to connection socket10(seeFIGS. 1, 2 and 2A), and like-numbered elements have the same or substantially similar functions and structures. The primary difference between the sockets is that socket10demploys a plurality of raised ridges40dthat extend over the gripper arrays30and contact the O-ring portion18. More particularly, the extension of the raised ridges40dto the O-ring portion18ensures that forces from a pressing jaw (not shown) are distributed evenly around the O-ring recess18aand the O-rings50(seeFIG. 1), thus preventing kinking and minimizing asymmetries in the seal form by the connection socket10d.

The connection sockets10-10d, as depicted in exemplary form inFIGS. 1-5, achieve one or more functions that can be realized independently or together in the formation of a tubular press connection, such as tubular press connection100(seeFIG. 1). One function involves improving the grip between the connection sockets10-10dand the pipe22. This improvement can be achieved by providing a plurality of the gripper arrays30on an inner or internal surface14aof the socket cup14(e.g., as in connection sockets10,10a,10cand10d). As explained above, the gripper arrays30provide a biting force from the connection sockets10-10dto the pipe22. In a joining operation between the connection sockets10-10dand the pipe22, the pipe end22aof the pipe22is slid into the socket cup14. Next, pressing jaws and/or a clamp (not shown) apply force to the plurality of raised ridges40(e.g., as in connection sockets10,10a,10b, and10d) or directly to the outer surface of the socket cup14(e.g., in connection socket10c), which transfers and distributes the force into the gripper arrays30(e.g., as in connection sockets10,10a,10cand10d) or the inner surface of the socket cup14(e.g., as in connection socket10b) to clamp the socket cup14over the pipe end22a, thus forming a seal.

In connection sockets with a plurality of gripper arrays30(e.g., as in connection sockets10,10a,10cand10d), the arrays30advantageously can be machined or otherwise formed with rows of teeth34(see, e.g.,FIG. 2) or other protrusions that can be tailored in terms of shape and/or size for pipes22fabricated from alloys and materials with particular material properties (e.g., elastic modulus). Further, the size of the socket cup14employed in connection sockets10-10dcan be easily made so as to accommodate both metric and English pipe dimensions of pipes22. Even further, connection sockets10,10a,10d(seeFIGS. 1, 2, 2A, 3 and 5) with coinciding pluralities of gripper arrays30and raised ridges40can be configured to allow the overall gripping force of the connection socket10to be increased (e.g., by adding additional gripper arrays30) to keep up with increasing pipe diameters.

Another beneficial function of the connection sockets10-10d(seeFIGS. 1-5) relates to the improved compression of the O-rings50afforded by these designs. As noted earlier, it has been observed that conventional press fittings formed with pressing jaws are susceptible to an uneven compression and distribution of the material of the O-rings50throughout the O-ring recess or recesses18a. By utilizing connection sockets with a plurality of raised ridges40on an outer surface of the socket cup14(e.g., connection sockets10,10a,10b, and10d), an even distribution of force may be applied to the plurality of gripper arrays30(if present) and/or the inner surface of the socket cup14to form a seal to the pipe end22a(seeFIG. 1). Further, an even more uniform distribution of force may be applied to the O-rings50in examples where the raised ridges40extend in contact with the O-ring portion18over the O-ring recess18a.

Referring again to the connection sockets10-10dand the tubular press connection100, as depicted in exemplary form inFIGS. 1-5, the metal alloy compositions associated with the features (e.g., the socket cup14, the plurality of gripper arrays30, the plurality of raised ridges40, pipe22, etc.) of these elements can be fabricated from a wide range of alloys, unless otherwise noted. In some embodiments, these features can be made from a metal alloy of a group consisting of ferrous alloys, copper-based alloys and/or nickel-based alloys.

According to a first aspect, a connection socket for a tubular press connection comprises a socket cup having a metal alloy composition. The socket cup comprises an O-ring portion defining an O-ring recess, a plurality of gripper arrays positioned equidistant along an internal surface of the socket cup, and a plurality of raised ridges positioned equidistant on an exterior surface of the socket cup.

According to a second aspect, the connection socket of the first aspect is provided, wherein each of the raised ridges extends over the gripper arrays.

According to a third aspect, the connection socket of the first or second aspect is provided, wherein each of the raised ridges extends over the gripper arrays and contacts the O-ring portion.

According to a fourth aspect, the connection socket of the first, second, or third aspect is provided, wherein each of the gripper arrays defines a plurality of rows of teeth.

According to a fifth aspect, the connection socket of the first, second, third, or fourth aspect is provided, wherein the plurality of gripper arrays ranges from 4 to 12 gripper arrays and the plurality of raised ridges ranges from 4 to 12 raised ridges.

According to a sixth aspect, the connection socket of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth aspect is provided, wherein the metal alloy composition is selected from a group consisting of ferrous alloys, copper-based alloys and nickel-based alloys, and further wherein the tubular press connection is a press connection for piping configured to convey a gaseous medium.

According to a seventh aspect, a connection socket for a tubular press connection comprises a socket cup having a metal alloy composition. The socket cup comprises an O-ring portion defining an O-ring recess, and a plurality of gripper arrays positioned equidistant along an internal surface of the socket cup or a plurality of raised ridges positioned equidistant on an exterior surface of the socket cup.

According to an eighth aspect, the connection socket of the seventh aspect is provided, wherein the socket cup comprises the O-ring portion and the plurality of gripper arrays positioned equidistant along the internal surface of the socket cup.

According to a ninth aspect, the connection socket of the seventh aspect is provided, wherein the socket cup comprises the O-ring portion and the plurality of raised ridges positioned equidistant on the exterior surface of the socket cup.

According to a tenth aspect, the connection socket of the seventh, eighth, or ninth aspect is provided, wherein each of the raised ridges extends over the gripper arrays.

According to an eleventh aspect, the connection socket of the seventh, eighth, ninth, or tenth aspect is provided, wherein each of the raised ridges extends over the gripper arrays and contacts the O-ring portion.

According to a twelfth aspect, the connection socket of the seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, or eleventh aspect is provided, wherein each of the gripper arrays defines a plurality of rows of teeth.

According to a thirteenth aspect, the connection socket of the seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, or twelfth aspect is provided, wherein the plurality of gripper arrays ranges from 4 to 12 gripper arrays.

According to a fourteenth aspect, the connection socket of the seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, or thirteenth aspect is provided, wherein the plurality of raised ridges ranges from 4 to 12 raised ridges.

According to a fifteenth aspect, the connection socket of seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, or fourteenth aspect is provided, wherein the metal alloy composition is selected from a group consisting of ferrous alloys, copper-based alloys and nickel-based alloys, and further wherein the tubular press connection is a press connection for piping configured to convey a gaseous medium.

According to a sixteenth aspect, a tubular press connection comprises a socket cup having a metal alloy composition. The socket cup comprises an O-ring portion defining an O-ring recess, a plurality of gripper arrays positioned equidistant along an internal surface of the socket cup, and a plurality of raised ridges positioned equidistant on an exterior surface of the socket cup. The tubular press connection further comprises an O-ring positioned in the O-ring recess and a tube having a metal alloy composition and comprising a pipe end in contact with the plurality of gripper arrays and the O-ring, the plurality of gripper arrays, O-ring and the pipe end defining a seal.

According to a seventeenth aspect, the press connection of the sixteenth aspect is provided, wherein each of the raised ridges extends over the gripper arrays.

According to an eighteenth aspect, the press connection of the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect is provided, wherein each of the raised ridges extends over the gripper arrays and contact the O-ring portion.

According to a nineteenth aspect, the press connection of the sixteenth, seventeenth, or eighteenth aspect is provided, wherein each of the gripper arrays defines a plurality of rows of teeth.

According to a twentieth aspect, the press connection of the sixteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth, or nineteenth aspect is provided, wherein the plurality of gripper arrays ranges from 4 to 12 gripper arrays and the plurality of raised ridges ranges from 4 to 12 raised ridges.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.