Two-step threaded connector with differential flank clearance

摘要

A threaded connector (1A) includes a pin member (12) having a large thread step (2A) and a small thread step (3). The pin member (12) has a first sealing surface between the steps. Threads on the steps of the pin member each have load flanks and stab flanks. The connector includes a box member (12) having a large thread step and a small thread step corresponding to the thread steps on the pin member. The box member has a second sealing surface corresponding to the first sealing surface. Threads on the steps of the box member have load flanks (19A,21A) and stab flanks (18A,20A) corresponding to the flanks (19,21;18,20) on the pin member. The threads on the large thread step have a first clearance (B) between corresponding stab flanks on the pin and box members when the pin and box members are assembled and the corresponding load flanks are engaged. The threads on the small step have a second clearance (A) between corresponding stab flanks when the pin (12) and box (10) members are assembled. The first clearance (B) in one embodiment is smaller than the second clearance (A). <IMAGE>