Connection for fluid and vehicle

Abstract

A connection (1) for a fluid, comprising: a hose (2) in which the fluid is intended to flow, the hose (2) comprising: an outer layer (21) of polymeric material, an inner layer (22) of polymeric material and at least one intermediate layer (23) between the outer and inner layers (21, 22), the intermediate layer being made of a net, a mesh fabric, a braid, a helically wound wire, a textile fibre, a fabric or a non-woven fabric; a connector (4) in which the fluid is intended to flow and which is in fluid communication with the hose (2); wherein the hose (2) is mounted around a male end portion (8) of the connector (4); a ring (6) made of polymeric material which is mounted around the hose (2) at the male end portion (8) of the connector (4); when the ring (6) is mounted around the hose (2) at the male end portion (8), the ring (6) is deformed and exerts a compressive force on the hose (2) as a result of this deformation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector for fluid applications, particularly suitable for the automotive industry. The connector can be used to create fluid pipelines, such as those for liquids like coolants. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive industry, it is known to manufacture hoses for fluid flow, comprising: an outer layer of polymer material, an inner layer of polymer material, and an intermediate layer made of fabric between the outer and inner layers. The inner layer is designed to maintain contact with the fluid (e.g., coolant). The intermediate layer serves to prevent excessive expansion of the deformable polymer material; this expansion would further increase due to the potentially high temperatures the fluid could reach, reducing the rigidity of the hose's polymer material. The hose is mounted around the male end of a connector. Due to the deformability of the hose's polymer, the connection between the hose and the connector is secured by fitting a metal ring to the end of the hose, thereby locking the hose at the male end and preventing it from slipping off.

[0003] However, this type of system has several drawbacks. One drawback is the weight of the metal rings, which translates to considerably long production cycles and high production costs. Furthermore, the high rigidity of the metal rings can damage the underlying hoses during tightening or throughout the hose's lifespan.

[0004] US2016040806A1 discloses a hose with two polymer layers and an intermediate reinforcing textile layer, wherein the hose is locked to a connector by a threaded or snap-fit ​​system that appears to be metal. Furthermore, the ring is installed after the hose is attached to the connector, resulting in a longer installation time. Utility Model Content

[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a connector that overcomes this and other disadvantages of the prior art, while being simple and economical.

[0006] According to this invention, this and other objectives are achieved by a connector for fluid flow. The connector comprises:

[0007] - A hose in which fluid is intended to flow, the hose comprising: an outer layer of polymeric material, an inner layer of polymeric material, and at least one intermediate layer between the outer and inner layers, said at least one intermediate layer being made of a mesh, mesh fabric, braid, spirally wound thread, textile fiber, woven fabric, or nonwoven fabric.

[0008] - A connector in which fluid is intended to flow, and the connector is in fluid communication with the hose; wherein the hose is mounted around the male portion of the connector.

[0009] - A ring, made of polymer material, is mounted around the hose at the male end of the connector;

[0010] When the ring is installed around the hose at the male end portion, the ring deforms and applies a clamping force to the hose due to this deformation. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which is provided only as a non-limiting embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0012] - Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] - Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The connector shown exposes part of its internal components.

[0014] - Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The longitudinal section of the connector shown is as follows:

[0015] - Figure 4 This is a 3D view of a connector with a "cedar tree" shaped male end.

[0016] - Figure 5 It is a perspective view of different connectors with a "hose connector" type male end portion. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a fluid connector 1 includes:

[0018] - Hose 2, in which fluid is intended to flow, comprises: an outer layer 21 of polymer material, an inner layer 22 of polymer material, and at least one intermediate layer 23 between the outer layer 21 and the inner layer 22, wherein the at least one intermediate layer 23 is made of a mesh, mesh fabric, braid, spirally wound thread, textile fiber, fabric, or nonwoven fabric.

[0019] - Connector 4, in which fluid is intended to flow, and in which the connector is in fluid communication with hose 2; wherein the hose 2 is mounted around the male portion 8 of connector 4.

[0020] - Ring 6, made of polymer material, is mounted around the hose 2 at the male end portion 8 of connector 4.

[0021] When the ring 6 is installed around the hose 2 at the male end portion 8, the ring 6 deforms and applies a clamping force to the hose 2 due to this deformation, in particular, the clamping force is generated solely because of this deformation.

[0022] When the ring 6 is installed around the hose 2 at the male end portion 8, the ring 6 helps to improve the connection between the hose 2 and the connector 4.

[0023] Specifically, when the ring 6 is installed around the hose 2 at the male end portion 8, it undergoes at least partially elastic deformation. This deformation generates a clamping force on the hose 2.

[0024] Preferably, ring 6 has a continuous circular profile. Alternatively, ring 6 can be C-shaped. In a preferred embodiment, ring 6 has a cylindrical shape. That is, ring 6 has a sleeve-like shape. Therefore, ring 6 is essentially a strip. For example, the length of ring 6 is at least 3 times its thickness; preferably, the length of ring 6 is at least 10 times its thickness.

[0025] Preferably, the hose 2 has a circular cross-section; in particular, the inner and outer surfaces of the hose 2 are circular. In an embodiment, the male end portion 8 has a circular cross-section; in particular, the inner and outer surfaces of the male end portion 8 are circular.

[0026] Specifically, ring 6 lacks any other means for pressing the hose 2 onto the male portion 8 of connector 4. Therefore, only the deformation of ring 6 generates a clamping force on the hose and the underlying male portion 8. For example, ring 6 does not have a ring that can be tightened by screws or bolts, as in the case of US2016040806A1.

[0027] Preferably, the outer layer 21 and the inner layer 22 are made of thermoplastic elastomers, i.e., “TPE” (preferably TPV, TPO or TPC) or thermosetting elastomers (e.g. EPDM).

[0028] Preferably, the intermediate layer 23 is made of aramid fibers (e.g., Kevlar or aramid), PA or PET.

[0029] Preferably, connector 4 is made of polymer material or glass fiber reinforced polymer material.

[0030] Preferably, the material of ring 6 is harder than the material of hose 2. In particular, the material of ring 6 is harder than the material of inner layer 22 or outer layer 21. According to some possible embodiments, the material of ring 6 is harder than at least one material used to manufacture hose 2.

[0031] Preferably, the outer surface of the male portion 8 of the connector 4 includes one or more corrugations to prevent the hose 2 from slipping off. In the embodiment, there are a plurality of protrusions 10 on the male portion 8. Preferably, the protrusions 10 are continuous and circumferential around the outer surface of the male portion 8. Figures 1 to 4In the non-limiting example shown, protrusion 10 is configured to create a fir-tree type connection with hose 2. Alternatively, the male end portion 8 is shaped similarly to a so-called "hose fitting," such as... Figure 5 As shown in the embodiments.

[0032] The male end portion 8 has a cavity 12 in which fluid is intended to flow. The cavity 12 is in fluid communication with the hose 2.

[0033] Preferably, in its undeformed state (e.g., when components 2, 4, and 6 are separated from each other), the inner diameter of ring 6 is larger than the outer diameter of hose 2. For example, the inner diameter of ring 6 is 0.5-2 mm larger than the outer diameter of hose 2. This allows the operator to easily insert hose 2 into ring 6.

[0034] The intermediate layer 23 may be a mesh fabric, which may be a textile web or, alternatively, a metal mesh. The textile fibers of the intermediate layer may be natural fibers, man-made fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof; preferably, the textile fibers are synthetic fibers. According to some possible variations, the intermediate layer 23 may include or be composed of textile fibers, and these textile fibers may be joined to form yarn, mesh fabric, woven fabric, braided fabric, or nonwoven fabric (NWF). According to one possible variation, the intermediate layer 23 (e.g., mesh fabric, web, braided fabric, spirally wound yarn, woven fabric, or NWF) is arranged in a spiral manner along the hose 2.

[0035] Depending on other possible variations, a second intermediate layer may be superimposed on intermediate layer 23 to further enhance the mechanical reinforcement effect. The properties of the two intermediate layers 23 and the arrangement of the textile fibers may differ. Alternatively, the two intermediate layers may be identical.

[0036] The intermediate layer 23 is a reinforcing layer used to resist hose expansion caused by increased fluid pressure and temperature flowing through the hose 2.

[0037] Preferably, the ring 6 is made by extrusion molding or injection molding.

[0038] The advantages of the ring 6 are that it is lightweight, can be produced quickly and economically, and will not damage the structure of the hose 2.

[0039] The inner layer 22 is chemically resistant to fluids, particularly liquids, flowing therein.

[0040] The connector 1 of this invention can be advantageously applied in the automotive industry, for example, for conveying coolant in internal combustion engines, or for conveying coolant in hybrid or electric vehicle batteries.

[0041] Optionally, the polymer material of connector 1 may include recycled polymer material. The polymer component may be made wholly or partially from recycled polymer material.

[0042] This utility model also relates to a vehicle including the connector according to this utility model. This utility model further relates to a cooling system for a vehicle, the system including the connector according to this utility model.

[0043] A method for producing a connector 1 according to the present invention includes the following steps:

[0044] - Provides hose 2, connector 4, and ring 6.

[0045] Insert one end of the hose 2 into the ring 6.

[0046] - Insert the male end portion 8 of the connector 4 into the end of the hose 2, thereby causing deformation of the end of the hose 2 and the ring 6.

[0047] In one possible embodiment, the step of inserting one end of the hose 2 into the ring 6 is performed manually by an operator. Alternatively, this step can be performed automatically.

[0048] Specifically, before inserting the male end portion 8 of the connector 4 into the end of the hose 2, the end of the hose 2 can be widened to facilitate the insertion of the male end portion 8. Optionally, the end of the hose 2 can remain in the widened state before inserting the male end portion 8.

[0049] Preferably, the steps of widening the end of the hose 2 and optionally maintaining the widened end are performed automatically. These steps can be performed by appropriately mechanically unfolding the end of the hose 2.

[0050] Preferably, the ring 6 is obtained by extrusion molding or injection molding.

[0051] Preferably, the step of inserting the male end portion 8 of the connector 4 into the end of the hose 2 is performed automatically, in particular, by using suitable machinery. For example, the machine moves the connector 4 toward the hose 2 while the hose 2 remains stationary; or, the machine moves the hose 2 toward the connector 4 while the connector 4 remains stationary; or, the machine moves the hose 2 and the connector 4 toward each other.

[0052] During the approach of the hose 2 and the connector 4, the ring 6 remains or is held near the end of the hose 2. The approach ends when the end of the hose 2 has been properly fitted onto the male portion 8. During the insertion of the male portion 8 into the end of the hose 2, the male portion 8 causes the end of the hose 2 and the ring 6 to expand. Due to this deformation, the ring 6 applies pressure to the portion of the hose 2 surrounding the male portion 8, thereby enhancing the hydraulic seal between the hose 2 and the connector 4 and preventing them from separating. After assembly, any gaps between the ring 6 and the hose 2 are eliminated. Even after assembly, the ring 6 continues to press the end of the hose 2 firmly against the male portion 8.

[0053] Optionally, the method includes the following steps:

[0054] -Recycled polymer materials,

[0055] - At least one of the inner layer 22, outer layer 21, intermediate layer 23, and ring 6 is manufactured using the recycled material in at least part.

[0056] The intermediate layer 23 may include or be made of synthetic fibers. The synthetic fibers may be composed entirely or partially of recycled polymer materials.

[0057] According to this invention, the recycled polymer material is the sole material constituting the hose 2 or parts thereof (21, 22, 23) or ring 6. Alternatively, one or more of such elements 2, 6, 21, 22, 23 are made of a material containing a portion of virgin polymer and a portion of recycled polymer.

[0058] Specifically, the step of recycling polymer materials includes obtaining polymer material granules or at least one filament, wherein at least a portion of the polymer material has been recycled. For example, granules or polymer filaments containing at least partially recycled material are used to manufacture the polymer component of connector 1.

[0059] Optionally, the outer layer 21 and the inner layer 22 are manufactured by extrusion molding. According to some possible variations, the hose is manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0060] This utility model also relates to the use of connector 1 in the cooling circuit of a motor vehicle, particularly in internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles.

[0061] The method described in this invention is quick and economical, as it eliminates the need for assembling the ring in a separate step, since this assembly operation occurs simultaneously with inserting the male end portion 8 into the hose 2.

[0062] Of course, without prejudice to the principles of this invention, the form and implementation details of the embodiments may be varied extensively from the content described and illustrated herein through non-limiting embodiments without departing from the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A fluid connector (1), comprising: - A flexible hose (2) in which fluid is intended to flow, the hose (2) comprising: an outer layer (21) of polymer material, an inner layer (22) of polymer material, and at least one intermediate layer (23) between the outer layer and the inner layer (21, 22), the at least one intermediate layer (23) being made of a mesh, mesh fabric, braid, spirally wound thread, textile fiber, fabric, or nonwoven fabric. - Connector (4), in which fluid is intended to flow, and the connector (4) is in fluid communication with the hose (2); wherein the hose (2) is mounted around the male end portion (8) of the connector (4), - A ring (6), made of polymer material, is mounted around the hose (2) at the male end portion (8) of the connector (4); When the ring (6) is installed around the hose (2) at the male end portion (8), the ring (6) deforms and applies a clamping force to the hose (2) due to this deformation.

2. The connection of claim 1, wherein, The ring (6) has a continuous circular outline.

3. The connection of claim 1 or 2, wherein The ring (6) has no other means for pressing the hose (2) onto the male end portion (8) of the connector (4).

4. The connection of claim 1 or 2, wherein The outer and inner layers (21, 22) are made of thermoplastic elastomers or thermosetting elastomers.

5. The connection of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The intermediate layer (23) is made of aramid fiber, PA or PET.

6. The connection of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The material of the ring (6) is harder than the material of the inner layer (22) or the material of the outer layer (21).

7. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ring (6) has a cylindrical shape.

8. A vehicle characterized by comprising: The vehicle includes a connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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