BLOWER/VACUUM CHIP COLLECTOR

Background

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of US Serial Nos.61/737,421 , filed December 14, 2012 and 61/755,674, filed January 23, 2013, the disclosures of which are each expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The use of first and second ferrules in connection with a nut that is threaded onto a fitting body to connect stainless steel tubing (a.k.a., a double ferrule fitting assembly) has been commercially used for many years. Installation requires the installer to assemble a tube fitting which includes a fitting body, a first or front ferrule, a second or rear ferrule, and a nut, on to a tube or tubing such as stainless steel tubing.

[0003] Failure to properly tighten the nut and ferrules the correct number of turns on to the fitting body could result in leakage of the tube connection. In addition, the process of making fittings, especially in a production OEM environment, can be time- consuming and fatiguing.

[0004] On the other hand, when properly made, an advantage of this type of connection is the ease of installation that assures a reliable, leak free gripping of the tube, an effective gas seal, and resistance against vibration. The present arrangement is intended for use with the preparation of tubing and pre-swaging of fittings up to ¾" tubing.

[0005] US Patent Nos. US 2,484,815; US 3,075,793; and US 3,103,373 are representative of the basic double ferrule fitting tube fitting technology, and the disclosures are expressly incorporated herein by reference for purposes of brevity.

Summary

[0006] A cartridge includes a body having first and second spaced walls that form an internal cavity dimensioned to receive an associated nut and hold the nut from rotation relative to the body. An advancement surface on the body is configured for engagement to move the body. At least one retention finger holds the associated nut within the internal cavity of the body. A keying feature on the body is adapted for engagement by an associated locking mechanism that term is whether the associated nut is separated from the body.

[0007] At least one retention finger further includes a deflectable holding member that extends into engagement with the associated nut and deforms in response to a predetermined force to allow the associated nut to be removed from the body.

[0008] The at least one retention finger includes at least one frangible finger that separates from the body in response to a predetermined force that allows the associated nut to be removed from the body.

[0009] The body is preferably formed from plastic and is joined to at least one contiguous like body.

[0010] Contiguous bodies are joined by frangible connections.

[0011] A mechanism loading station is dimensioned to receive the cartridge in a cartridge feed system for a tube fitting assembly that includes first and second annular ferrules received on a tube and swaged in place between a nut and a body.

[0012] The nut includes first and second ferrules received therein, and an advancing mechanism that engages the advancing surface on the cartridge to advance the cartridge to a loading station.

[0013] The cartridge feed system further includes a locking mechanism that engages the keying feature on the body, and if the locking mechanism engages the body, a plunger is freed for advancement to move toward the cartridge and breaks the cartridge from a contiguous cartridge.

[0014] The cartridge feed system further includes a movable plug mounted for advancement into one end of the nut, and first and second ferrules, for holding the nut and ferrules in aligned position as the advancing mechanism separates the cartridge from the contiguous cartridge.

[0015] The plug moves with the advancing mechanism during the separation of the cartridge from the contiguous cartridge.

[0016] The cartridge feed system further includes an opening dimensioned to receive one end of a tube therein for axial advancement relative to the nut and ferrules after the nut and ferrules have been removed from the cartridge. [0017] The cartridge feed system further includes a plug housing that receives the plug as the tube is axially inserted into the nut and ferrules.

[0018] In the cartridge feed system, the plug moves away from the tube end with the nut and ferrules received thereon.

[0019] The contiguous, next cartridge is advanced into the loading position, and any additional joined cartridges are advanced seriatim toward the loading position.

[0020] Cartridge feed system further includes a pre-swaging device that includes a generally U-shaped die barrel configured to receive the nut and first and second ferrules therein, and a force applying mechanism that pre-swages the ferrules on the tube.

[0021] A cartridge feed system for a tube fitting assembly that includes first and second annular ferrules received on a tube and swaged in place between a nut and body includes a loading station dimensioned to receive a nut having first and second ferrules received in the nut. The advancing mechanism that advances the nut with ferrules into the loading station.

[0022] The advancing system of the feed system separates a cartridge containing a nut with the first and second ferrules received therein from like cartridges that each include a nut containing first and second ferrules therein.

[0023] A tube bender includes a mandrel having at least one recess dimensioned to receive an associated tube. A base is operatively secured to the mandrel, and the base is configured to alternatively allow the mandrel to be mounted in one of different, first and second positions relative to the base.

[0024] The base includes a plate mounted to an associated work surface.

[0025] A first slot is dimensioned to receive the base in the first position, and a second slot is substantially perpendicular to the first slot and dimensioned to receive the base in the second position.

[0026] A swaging tool includes a body having a recess. A removable die is received in the recess, and a switch is also received in the recess for detecting the receipt of a ferrule assembly and a tube in the recess. A force applying mechanism pre-swages the ferrule assembly on the tube. [0027] A cartridge receiving cavity of the swaging tool is dimensioned to align a ferrule assembly in the recess and whereby the force applying mechanism urges the ferrule assembly into the die for swaging on the tube.

[0028] A base of the swaging tool is configured for pivoting on an associated work surface, and the base receives a handle of the tool.

[0029] A deburring tool assembly includes a base configured for mounting on an associated work surface. A chuck is mounted on the base and receives an associated tube. A motor rotates the chuck and associated tube relative to the base. A deburring tool is configured for deburring one of an inner or outer diameter of a tube end selectively rotated in the chuck.

[0030] A swaging kit includes a housing that receives a motor and compressor. A tube bender and rotatable chuck are selectively connected to the motor, and the kit also includes a swaging tool.

[0031] The swaging kit further includes one or more of a vacuum/air pressure tool, a deburring tool, at least first and second removable dies selectively received in the swaging tool, a cutting tool, and a cartridge receiving plural ferrule sets for selectively supplying a dual ferrule assembly to the swaging tool.

[0032] The system is advantageously a self-contained unit.

[0033] Another benefit is a cartridge and cartridge loading system that eliminates errors in pre-swaging first and second ferrules on a tube.

[0034] Another advantage resides in the self-contained power supply (motor and compressor) required to operate the various components of the kit.

[0035] Still other benefits and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading and understanding the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a bench top that includes various items of the swaging system of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figures 2A-2C show a portable kit that is self-contained, and many of the individual components illustrated in the swaging system of Figure 1 are included in the kit. [0038] Figures 3A-3C are perspective views of a swaging tool in either a mobile (Figure 3A) or mounting arrangement (Figures 3B-3C).

[0039] Figures 4A - 4C are perspective views of the swaging tool capable of receiving various sized dies, and a nut/ferrule assembly (including from a cartridge).

[0040] Figures 5-8 show a second embodiment of a cartridge.

[0041] Figures 9-20 illustrate a second embodiment of a cartridge feed system.

[0042] Figure 21 shows a slightly modified cartridge feed system that includes a telescoping plunger to align the nut/ferrule assemblies.

[0043] Figures 22 and 23 show alternate mounting arrangements of a tube bender.

[0044] Figures 24 and 25 show a cutter of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 26 illustrates deburring of the cut tube.

[0046] Figure 27 shows the use of a pressurized air blower or a vacuum arrangement for collecting chips.

Detailed Description

[0047] Turning first to Figure 1 and Figures 2A-2C, there is shown a swaging system 100 having a variety of components used for different stages of a swaging (or pre- swaging) operation, or used in conjunction with other ones of the illustrated components. For example, some of the components of the swaging system 100 include a swaging tool ST, a tube bender TB, a cutting station CS, deburring tool(s) DT, a support stand SS, an air blower/vacuum with chip collector AB/VCC, and nut/ferrule cartridges FC, although some or all of these components can be individually provided and/or used with alternative components. In addition, the following description may refer to swaging or pre-swaging of components. It is generally understood that pre- swaging refers to swaging or securing first and second ferrules with an associated nut onto a tube, which subassembly may subsequently be secured to a final fitting assembly where the nut is threaded onto a thread portion of an associated fitting body. For example, since the first and second ferrules are already swaged on the tube, rotation of the nut relative to the fitting body, e.g. one-quarter turn, will complete makeup or assembly. Thus, the term swaging can more generically refer to and include pre- swaging. [0048] A kit K (Figures 2A-2C) can be used for storage and/or transport of the swaging system 100. For example, the kit K conveniently stores all of the components noted above (except for the support stand SS) and the kit also includes a self-contained motor M, such as an electric powered motor, that operates selected ones of the components or tools, and/or is used in conjunction with a compressor (driven by the motor M) to provide desired vacuum or air pressure via lines L1 , L2 (Figure 2B). As also illustrated in Figure 2C, the kit K may be closed for storage and transport if so desired.

[0049] With continued reference to Figure 1 , Figures 2A-2C, and additional reference to Figures 3A - 3C, there is shown the swaging or pre-swaging tool ST that includes a handle 110 dimensioned to be easily gripped by an installer/user (not shown) when used as a portable tool. The handle 110 is connected at a first or upper end 112 with a swaging carriage or barrel 114 and a second or lower end 116 of the handle is dimensioned for receipt in a base 118, for example, that may be secured via fasteners 120 to a bench B, floor (not shown), or similar support surface. Alternatively, the swaging tool ST, namely the handle 110 and swaging carriage or barrel 1 14, may be separated from the support surface/base 118 for portable operation where a user grips the handle 110 and an open recess 130 is provided in a top of the carriage 114. Still further, and as will be appreciated from the following description (e.g. Figure 21), the tool ST may be incorporated into a cartridge feed system where (i) a nut, and first and second ferrules are dispensed from an individual cartridge, (ii) the nut and ferrules properly aligned and assembled on a tube, and (iii) the tube with the aligned nut and ferrules loaded into the swaging tool ST where a piston or ram performs the ferrule swaging operation that secures the nut and ferrules to the tube.

[0050] The user selectively installs a desired die 140, i.e., a die of a predetermined size (see Figure 2B and Figure 4A) in the recess 130 of the swage carriage 114. For example, it is preferable that each die 140 has similar outer dimensions and similar conformation to permit easy interchange and receipt in the carriage recess 130 of the tool ST, while the inner cavities of each die are dimensioned for different size tubing and nuts for different sized fittings (e.g., ½", and ¾" tubing/fittings, or still other tubing/fitting sizes). The die 140 is loaded into the recess 130 of the swaging carriage 114 and the U-shaped cross-sectional conformation allows the die to be easily inserted and removed from the recess. The recess 130 of the tool ST has spaced shoulders 142, 144 that limit axial movement of the die 140 relative to the carriage recess 114 during the pre-swaging operation. Similarly, the swage carriage 1 14 includes a U- shaped recess 146 in one end that aligns with the U-shape of the die 140 and allows a tube end TE (e.g., Figure 4B) to be axially inserted through the recess 146, or radially inserted from the top of the carriage, into the recess 130 toward the bight of the U- shape.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, one form of a cartridge assembly 150 is inserted into the recess 130 of the swaging carriage 1 14. The cartridge assembly 150 carries a preselected number of nut and ferrule combinations 152 (specifically an internally threaded nut that captures a first or front ferrule and also captures a second or rear ferrule). One of the nut/ferrule combinations 152 of the cartridge assembly 150 is axially aligned with the tube end TE at one end of the die 140. By actuating (e.g. depressing) a switch 154 in the handle 1 10, a movable member such as a piston or ram 160 (Figure 4C) in the swaging carriage 1 14 is advanced by the motor/compressor (fluid pressure) so that the nut and ferrules 152 are advanced over the tube end TE into the U-shaped recess of the die 140 where the one of the ferrules abuttingly engages a shoulder in the die and a predetermined swaging (or pre-swage) of the ferrules on to the tube end is completed. Once the pre-swaging operation is complete, the ram 160 is retracted, and the tube end TE with the nut and ferrules assembly 152 pre-swaged thereon is removed from the swaging carriage 114. In addition, the next adjacent nut/ferrule combination 152 in the cartridge assembly 150 is advanced (e.g. by gravity, spring force, etc.) for use in the next pre-swage operation. Various features are provided by this new disclosure. For example, trigger, floor-mount, or base-mounted actuation of a swaging operation is provided. A pivoting base for 2-axis adjustment of swaging orientation for optimal tube loading is provided.

[0052] A handle 110 of the swaging tool is removable from the base/cradle 118 to allow for remote pre-swaging (involves setting or swaging of ferrules on to the tube in a die prior to installation on a fitting). The handle 1 10 can hold a hydraulic ram used to pre-swage the ferrules. The hydraulic pressure may come from either electric or fluid (e.g., air, hydraulic) power. A cartridge or cassette system is thus provided for automatically dispensing nut and ferrule sets into a swaging station or swaging tool ST.

[0053] In one arrangement, the handle 110 of the swaging tool ST is perpendicular to the swaging ram action (in swaging carriage 114). Further, it is contemplated that the system is advantageously adaptable to use fitting components of other manufacturers. For example, the cassette system could be a single magazine, cartridge, or cassette (preferred with the nut and ferrul combinations loaded therein), or a system with different cassettes that join together or individual feed channels that individually feed different nut and ferrule components required for make-up that either converge to introduce the components or are individually, separately loadable on to the swaging tool. Likewise, different size or types of dies can be provided.

[0054] A sensor 148 may be provided in the recess of the swaging carriage which triggers swaging action of the ram. For example, the sensor is activated when a tube comes into full circumferential contact with a bottom of die. This prevents inadequate insertion of tubing which can potentially cause functional failure of the tubing assembly under pressure. Swaging is performed by a linear action which brings the components together to a preset distance by use of a fixed hard stop for each fitting size. This method reduces errors that may be caused by mis-judging 'finger-tight" or by miscounting turn(s) in the conventional turn method.

[0055] An alternate embodiment of a cartridge assembly 200 is shown in Figures 5 - 8. Particularly, as seen in Figure 5, ten cartridges 210 are shown joined together in side-by-side fashion. Each cartridge 210 is identical to the other unless noted otherwise. In this arrangement, the cartridge assembly 200 orients the individual cartridges 210 in horizontal fashion (rather than the vertical relation shown in Figure 4). Each cartridge 210 includes a body 212 that has a cavity that is formed at least in part by first and second sidewalls 214, 216 disposed in spaced, generally parallel relation (and one sidewall may be shared between adjacent cartridges). The sidewalls 214, 216 are designed to be spaced apart by a dimension that closely approximates that of parallel tool flats 218 provided on the external surface of the nut 220 in the nut/ferrule assembly 222. Although not particularly evident in Figures 6 - 8, a front wall 222 of the cartridge includes an extension or protruberance 224 (Figs. 10 - 12) that is received in one end of the nut 220, and a tab 226 (Figure 10) extends between the sidewalls 214, 216 and the tab abuts the opposite end of the nut. As a result, the nut 220 is held against axial movement within the cartridge, for example, via the protruberance 224 at one end and a tab 226 at the other end. In addition, and as evident in Figure 6, each cartridge 210 includes at least one finger 230 that holds the nut 220. It is contemplated that the finger 230 is configured to break away, while other fingers of the cartridge 210 may simply deform or deflect in response to a predetermined force. Therefore, for example, the sidewalls 214, 216 prevent rotation of the nut 220 relative to the cartridge 210, bottom fingers 230 and the top finger 230 hold the nut against vertical movement relative to the cartridge, and the protuberance 224 and tab 226 prevent axial movement of the nut relative to the cartridge. The first and second ferrules 232, 234 of the nut/ferrule assembly are received within the interior of the nut 220 and thus also advantageously held in place by the cartridge 210. In this way, the front and rear ferrules 232, 234 can be properly oriented relative to the nut 220 to limit the potential for improper installation.

[0056] The sidewalls 214, 216 of one cartridge 210 can be designed to break relative to a contiguous sidewall of an adjacent cartridge in response to a predetermined force, i.e., adjacent cartridges 210 separate along contiguous sidewalls. Alternatively, the adjacent cartridges 210 may remain essentially intact and instead portions of the cartridges, for example tab 226 and top finger 230, designed to deflect or break away in response to forces imposed by a cartridge feed system 250 such as shown and more particularly described in connection with Figures 9 - 20.

[0057] The cartridge assembly 200 (Fig. 5) is loaded into a cartridge feed system and more particularly a hollow sleeve 252 (Figure 9). The cartridge assembly 200 is selectively advanced in the sleeve 252, such as in the illustrated horizontal direction, under the biasing force of a spring (not shown), for example, although other advancing mechanisms may be used for urging the cartridges toward a loading station without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure.

[0058] The cartridge feed system 250 includes a loading station 260 along the path of the hollow sleeve 252, and is particularly shown in the exemplary embodiment as being adjacent one end of the sleeve. The loading station 260 includes a plunger 262 that is normally biased by spring 264 into an upper, retracted position. An actuating force such as downward pressure imposed by a user on actuating surface 266 overcomes the spring force 264 to selectively remove the nut and ferrule assembly from the cartridge 210 situated or located in the loading station. The unnumbered arrow represents a downward force imposed on the actuating surface 266 to advance plunger 262 against the nut and ferrule assembly held in a cartridge in the loading station, and with sufficient force separating the nut and ferrule assembly from the individual cartridge.

[0059] More particularly, when the actuating surface 266 is initially depressed, a cam arrangement 268 pivots a plug 280 from a storage position (generally vertical orientation of Figure 10) so that the nose end 282 of the plug is pivoted and advanced into the central openings in the nut 220 and first and second ferrules 232, 234. As a part of the downward movement of the plunger 262, the cam arrangement 268 breaks away the tab 226 of the cartridge (compare Figures 10 and 1 1 ) to allow access by the plunger into the central openings of the ferrules 232, 234 and nut 220. This provides the desired access to one end of the nut 220 so that the nose end 282 of the plug 280 advances into the end of the nut and ultimately into the first and second ferrules 232, 234 and maintains the desired orientation alignment of these components.

[0060] With the plug 280 positioned in place within the nut 220 and ferrules 232, 234 (Figure 12), further axial advancement of the plunger 262 breaks the upper finger 230, for example, and deforms the lower fingers so that the nut and ferrule assembly 222 (maintained in desired alignment on the plug) can be removed from the remainder of the cartridge body 212 (Figure 13). As illustrated in Figure 14, the actuating surface 262 and thus the plunger 262 have been fully depressed and positioned so that a tube end TE can be inserted into the opposite end of the nut 220 while the plunger is fully depressed. Insertion of the tube end TE (through the central openings of the nut 220 and ferrules 232, 234) engages the plug 262 and pushes the plug rearwardly and overcomes the biasing force of spring 290 (Figure 14). As further illustrated in Figure 15, as the tube end TE is inserted, the plug is pushed back into plug housing 292 and the plug 280 rides along a release lever 294 (Figure 15). The plug 280 then releases and returns to the top of the stroke of the plunger mechanism, and the next cartridge 210 is advanced to the loading station and readied for assembly of the next nut/ferrule assembly on a tube end. Thus, the plug 280 is positioned in the aligned openings and moves downwardly with the plunger 262 for the bottom portion of its stroke as the nut 220 and ferrules 232, 234 break through the bottom of the cartridge 210.

[0061] Figures 16 - 20, as well as Figure 8, show the particular details of the cartridge structure that provides for functional aspects associated with the feed system. For example, the joined cartridges 210 are advanced toward the loading station 260. When an individual cartridge is received in the loading station, a stop 300 on the cartridge body engages an associated stop 302 in the loading station. This ensures proper advancement of the cartridge 210 in the loading station 260. In addition, a key assembly such as a protrusion or pair of protrusions 310 having a space 312 therebetween (Figure 8) cooperate with a locking mechanism 314 (Figure 19). For example, the locking mechanism 314 includes first and second members 316, 318 that are respectively engaged by the protrusions 310 on an acceptable cartridge. If the cartridge does not include the protrusions 310, then the locking member 316 and/or 318 are not engaged and thus movable lock 320 will not move from a locked position (Figure 19) to an unlocked position (Figure 20). The movable lock 320 is operatively associated with the plunger, and if the lock does not move to the unlocked position of Figure 20, the plunger 262 is unable to freely move as a user tries to depress the actuating surface 266. Thus, the protrusions 310 on a cartridge can be spaced or dimensioned for cooperative action with the locking mechanism 314 and to prevent inadvertent loading of a nut and ferrule combination of an unauthorized cartridge if desired. Of course still other key and locking arrangements can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 21 illustrates receipt of a swaging tool ST into a lower portion of the cartridge feed mechanism. That is, in connection with installment of the nut 220 and ferrules 232, 234 on to the tube end TE as shown and described with respect to Figures 9 - 15, the cartridge feed mechanism can also be configured to receive the swaging tool ST. Specifically, once the nut 220 and ferrules 232, 234 are separated from the cartridge 210, the loading station in advance these components directly into the recess of the swage tool ST. This embodiment of an alignment head 320 is only telescoping type and no longer requires pivoting action of a plug as described in connection with the embodiment of Figures 9 - 15. Instead, the telescoping alignment head 320 uses a telescoping plunger to align the nut/ferrule assemblies in the swaging carriage of the swage tool ST to minimize chances for jamming. A tube end TE is thus inserted into you-shaped recess 146 in one end of the swaging carriage 114, i.e., and in the end of the swaging carriage opposite that of the telescoping alignment head 320. Once inserted in the tube end, and the telescoping alignment head 320 properly positioning the nut and ferrules over the tube end TE, the piston of the swaging tool can be advanced to complete the swaging/pre-swaging operation and deform the ferrules 232, 234 into the external surface of the tube end.

[0063] With regard to Figures 22 and 23, some of the noted features of a bending assembly include a rail-mounted bending die mandrel 350 for re-orientation of a bending operation, for example, in connection with a 2-axis bending operation. Thus as seen in Figure 22, the mandrel 350 is disposed in a horizontal position for example on a table surface or bench while in Figure 23, the mandrel is reoriented in the rail mounting to be about 90° from that shown in Figure 22 (i.e., vertical). A ratchet-style bender 352 (generally known in the art) allows an installer to effect full radius bends without drawing the bending arm 354 around the full bend radius. This minimizes operator fatigue by incrementally achieving the desired bend radius at a point of maximum leverage for the operator. The bender 350 includes different size mandrels that allow for standard bend radii based on tubing size.

[0064] Some of the advantageous features illustrated in Figures 24 and 25 include a cutting wheel 360 that centers on tubes T of various diameters. Further, a spring preloaded cutter 360 advances cutting pressure evenly as a spindle 362 rotates the tube T, although other cutter styles can be used,, e.g., hacksaw-type cutter, plasma arc torch type cutter, etc. The cutter 360 uses standard style cutting wheels that are of displacment type and are replacable. For long tubing T, the use of an outboard support S will be provided in the kit. The revolutions per minute (RPM) of the cutting head will be optimized for cutter wear and safety. Power for the spindle 362 will be provided by a small electric motor, e.g., provided by the kit K (wiring not shown). Use of a powered spindle 362 also allows the user to manually debur the inner diameter (ID) and outer diameter (OD) of the recently cut tube end while it is still mounted in the spindle (Figure 26).

[0065] Figure 27 represents the use of pressurized air or negative pressure (vacuum) or a combination of pressurzied air and vacuum (remove large chips with vacumm and then apply pressurized air, or vice versa, or pressurized air creates a venturi) for chip removal associated with clearing chips from the deburing process.

[0066] The kit K offers all the tools needed for standard tubing preparation and pre- swaging. It is designed to be available in pieces and parts for someone only requiring specific features, or as an all-inclusive workstation. The features that the kit K will be capable of are as follows: tube cutting; tube end deburring (both ID and OD); chip extraction; pre-Swaging (manual and auto insertion of nut/ferrules); and tube bending.

[0067] A fully-contained production center with unique anchoring system will permit selective detachment of work pieces from a base (optionally) and/or quickly mounting to a work station in whatever configuration suits the operator. For example, a cutting station with spindle on one base plate; a 2-axis bending station on one base plate; and/or a swaging station on one base plate can be used. The kit offers storage options for components needed for a particular project.

[0068] This written description uses examples to describe the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. Moreover, this disclosure is intended to seek protection for a combination of components and/or steps and a combination of claims as originally presented for examination, as well as seek potential protection for other combinations of components and/or steps and combinations of claims during prosecution.