Fluid connection with ring

Description

TITLE: “Fluid connection with ring” *** DESCRIPTION Technical sector 5 The present invention relates to a connection for fluids, especially for the automotive sector. The connection is used to create a fluid line, for example example for liquids, such as a coolant. Technological background 10 It is known in the automotive industry to make a tube, in which a fluid is intended to flow, comprising: a outer layer made of polymeric material, an inner layer made of polymeric material, and an intermediate layer, interposed between the outer and inner layers, made of 15 fabric. The inner layer is designed to be in contact with a fluid, such as a coolant. The layer intermediate serves to prevent excessive dilation of the polymeric material that is deformable; this expansion is exacerbated by the high temperature that the fluid can reach 20 and which makes the polymer material of the tube less rigid. tube is mounted around a male portion of a connector, but, due to the deformability of the polymer of the tube, to ensure the connection between tube and connector, the end of the tube is wrapped with a metal ring 25 so as to fix it around the male portion and avoid the slipping out. However, this type of system suffers from some drawbacks. One drawback is that the ring metal is heavy and involves production time and costs 30 quite high. Also, the metal ring is very rigid. and risks damaging the pipe underneath when closing of the ring itself or during the life of the tube. A6304 US2016040806A1 shows a tube with two polymer layers and an intermediate one consisting of a textile reinforcement, in which the fixing to the connector is done via a screw system or clip that looks metallic. Furthermore, the assembly 5 of the ring occurs after mounting the tube on the connector, thus lengthening the times. Summary of the invention An object of the present invention is to to create a connection and a production method in 10 degree of solving this and other inconveniences of the known technique, and which at the same time can be performed in simple and economical way. According to the present invention, this and other objects are achieved through a connection and a method of 15 productions made according to the attached claims independent. It is to be understood that the attached claims are an integral part of the technical teachings provided here in the detailed description that follows regarding 20 to the present invention. In particular, in the attached dependent claims are defined as some forms of preferred embodiments of the present invention which include optional technical features. Brief description of the drawings 25 Additional features and benefits of this invention will appear clear from the detailed description which follows, given purely as an example and not limiting, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: - figure 1 is a perspective view of a connection, 30 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, - figure 2 corresponds to the connection in figure 1 in A6304 of which some internal parts are exposed, - figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the connection of figure 1, - Figure 4 is a perspective view of a connector 5 having a male portion of the “fir-tree” type, - figure 5 is a perspective view of a different connector having a male portion of type A “rubber holder”. Detailed description of the invention 10 With reference to the attached figures, a connection 1 for fluid comprising: - a tube 2, in which a fluid is intended to flow, comprising: an outer layer 21 of polymeric material, an internal layer 22 made of polymeric material, and at least one 15 intermediate layer 23, placed between the outer and interior 21, 22, made of mesh, mesh, braid, spiral, textile fibers, fabric, or non-woven fabric, - a connector 4 in which the fluid is intended to flow and which is in fluid communication with tube 2; in which the 20 tube 2 is mounted around a male portion 8 of the connector 4, - a ring 6 made of polymeric material mounted around the tube 2 at the male portion 8 of the connector 4. 25 The ring 6, when mounted around the tube 2 in correspondence of the male portion 8, is deformed and exerts a compression on the tube 2 due to this deformation, especially only due to such deformation. 30 The ring 6, when mounted around the tube 2 in correspondence of the male portion 8, it is useful for improve the assembly between tube 2 and connector 4. A6304 In particular, ring 6, when mounted around the tube 2 at the male portion 8, undergoes a deformation that is at least partly elastic. This deformation elastic generates compression on tube 2. 5 Preferably, the ring 6 has a circular profile continuous. Alternatively, ring 6 has a C-shape. In the preferred example, ring 6 has a cylindrical shape. In other words, ring 6 has a bushing shape. So, ring 6 is essentially a band. For example, the 10 length of the ring 6 is at least three times its thickness, preferably the length of the ring 6 is at least ten times its thickness. Preferably, tube 2 has a circular shape in cross-section, in particular the internal surface and 15 external portion of tube 2 are circular. In the example, the portion male 8 has a circular shape in cross-section, in particular the internal and external surface of the portion male 8 are circular. In particular, ring 6 is devoid of any other means for 20 compress the tube 2 on the male portion 8 of the connector 4. So, there is only the deformation of the ring 6 which exerts a compressive force on the tube and the portion male 8 below. For example, ring 6 is missing a collar that can be tightened with screws or bolts, such as 25 occurs in US2016040806A1. Preferably, the outer and inner layers 21, 22 are made of a thermoplastic elastomer or “TPE” (preferably TPV, TPO, or TPC), or in a thermoset elastomer (e.g. EPDM). 30 Preferably, the intermediate layer 23 is made of fiber aramid (eg Kevlar or aramid), in PA, or in PET. Preferably, connector 4 is made of material A6304 polymeric or made of polymeric material loaded with fibre glass. Preferably, the material of the ring 6 is more rigidity of the tube material 2. In particular, the material 5 of ring 6 is stiffer than the inner layer material 22 or the outer layer material 21. According to possible embodiments, the material of the ring 6 is more rigid of at least one of the materials used for the construction of tube 2. 10 Preferably, an external surface of the portion male 8 of connector 4 includes one or more corrugations to prevent the tube from slipping out 2. In the example, there is a plurality of projections 10 on the male portion 8. Preferably, such projections 10 are continuous and have a 15 circumferential and continuous trend on the surface external part of the male portion 8. In the example not limiting shown in figures 1-4, the protrusions 10 are configured to create a “fir-tree” type connection with the tube 2. Alternatively, the male portion 8 has the 20 conformation of the so-called "rubber holder", as in the example of fig. 5. The male portion 8 has a cavity 12 in which the fluid It is intended to flow. Cavity 12 is in communication fluidics with tube 2. 25 Preferably, in an undeformed condition (e.g. example, when elements 2, 4, 6 are separated from each other), the inner diameter of the ring 6 is greater than the diameter outside of the tube 2. For example, the internal diameter of ring 6 is 0.5 – 2 mm larger than the diameter 30 outside of the tube 2. This allows an operator to Easily insert tube 2 into ring 6. The middle layer 23 can be a network, which can A6304 be a network of textile fibers, or alternatively a net metallic. The textile fibres of the intermediate layer can be natural fibers, artificial fibers, synthetic fibers, or a combination thereof; preferably they are fibers 5 synthetic. The intermediate layer 23, according to possible variants, may include, or consist of, fibers textiles, and such textile fibres can be joined to form yarn, a knit, a fabric, a braid, or a woven fabric non-woven “TNT”. According to a possible variant, the layer 10 intermediate 23 (eg a mesh, a net, a braid, a spiral, a fabric, or a TNT) is arranged in a spiral along the tube 2. According to other possible variants, a second layer intermediate can be superimposed on the intermediate layer 23, 15 in order to further increase its reinforcing effect mechanical. The two intermediate layers 23 can differ between them for the nature and arrangement of the textile fibres that they constitute them. Alternatively, the two intermediate layers 23 they are the same. 20 The intermediate layer 23 is a reinforcing layer that is opposes the expansion of pipe 2 due to the increase of pressure and temperature of the fluid flowing in it. Preferably, ring 6 is made by extrusion or injection molding. 25 Ring 6 has the advantage of being light, fast and economical to produce, and cause no damage to the structure of tube 2. The inner layer 22 is designed to chemically resist the fluid, especially liquid, that flows inside it. 30 The connection 1 of the invention can be advantageously used in the automotive sector, for example example for the transport of the coolant of a A6304 internal combustion engine, or to transport the liquid cooling for the electric batteries of a vehicle hybrid or electric. The polymeric materials of connection 1 can 5 optionally include recycled polymer material. Such polymer parts can be entirely or partially produced with recycled polymer material. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a connection according to the invention. The invention concerns 10 also a cooling system for a vehicle, such system comprising a connection according to the invention. The process for producing a 1 second connection the invention, comprises the steps of: - prepare tube 2, connector 4, and the ring 15 6, - insert one end of tube 2 into ring 6, - insert the male portion 8 of the connector 4 at the end of tube 2, causing a deformation of the end of the tube 2 and of the ring 6. 20 According to a possible embodiment, the step of insert one end of the tube 2 into the ring 6, it is done manually by an operator. Alternatively, this step is performed automatically. In particular, before the step of inserting the portion 25 male 8 of the connector 4 in the end of the tube 2, you can be the step of widening the end of the tube 2 for facilitate the insertion of the male portion 8. Optionally, you can keep the end of the tube 2 enlarged before insertion of the male portion 8. 30 Preferably, the steps of widening the end of the tube 2, and possibly keep this end widened, occur automatically. These steps can be A6304 performed using a suitable machine that dilates the end of the tube 2. Preferably, to obtain ring 6 you use a extrusion or injection molding process. 5 Preferably, the step of inserting the portion male 8 of connector 4 in the end of tube 2, occurs in an automated manner, in particular through the use of a appropriate machinery. For example, a machine moves the connector 4 towards tube 2 which is held still; in 10 alternative, a machine moves the tube 2 towards the connector 4 which is held still; alternatively, a machine moves tube 2 and connector 4 towards each other. During the mutual approach of tube 2 and connector 4, ring 6 remains or is kept in proximity 15 of the end of the tube 2. This mutual approach ends when the end of tube 2 is correctly fitted above the male portion 8. During insertion of the male portion 8 in the end of the tube 2, this portion male 8 simultaneously expands the end of tube 2 and 20 the ring 6. Thanks to this deformation, the ring 6 exerts a compressive force on the portion of the tube 2 that it 6 wraps around the male portion 8, thus improving the hydraulic seal between pipe 2 and connector 4, and preventing them from sliding apart. Any play 25 between ring 6 and tube 2 are zeroed after assembly. Even after assembly, ring 6 compresses the end of the tube 2 on the male portion 8. Optionally, the process includes the steps of: - recycle polymeric material, 30 - use at least part of such recycled material for make at least one of the inner layer 22, the layer outer 21, the middle layer 23, the ring 6. A6304 The intermediate layer 23 may include, or be consisting of synthetic fibers. Such synthetic fibers can be made of polymeric material throughout or partly recycled. 5 According to the invention, the recycled polymeric material it is the only material that the tube 2 or a is made of its part (21, 22, 23), or ring 6. Alternatively, one or more of these elements 2, 6, 21, 22, 23, are made up of material comprising a virgin polymer fraction and 10 a fraction of recycled polymer. In particular, the phase of recycling material polymeric includes the step of obtaining granules or at least a thread made of polymeric material, where at least part of such polymeric material is recycled. For example, granules are used. 15 or a polymer thread made of at least partially recycled, and with these granules or wire the parts are made polymeric connection 1. Optionally, the outer and inner layers 21, 22 are made by extrusion. According to possible 20 variants, the tube is made by extrusion. The invention also concerns the use of connection 1 in a cooling circuit of a motor vehicle, in particular in an internal combustion vehicle, in a hybrid vehicle, or in an electric vehicle. 25 The method of the invention is rapid and economical, in as it does not require assembling the ring in one step separate, since this assembly takes place simultaneously when inserting the male portion 8 into tube 2. Naturally, without prejudice to the principle 30 of the invention, the embodiments and the details of realization may be widely varied with respect to what is described and illustrated purely by way of example does not A6304 limiting, without however going beyond the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 5 / LT A6304

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Connection (1) for fluid comprising: a tube (2), in which a fluid is intended to flow, comprising: an outer layer (21) made of polymeric material, an inner layer (22) made of polymeric material, and at least one intermediate layer (23), interposed between the outer and inner layers (21, 22), made of mesh, mesh, braid, spiral, textile fibres, fabric, or non-woven fabric, a connector (4) in which the fluid is intended to flow and which is in fluid communication with the tube (2); in which the tube (2) is mounted around a male portion (8) of the connector (4), a ring (6) made of polymeric material mounted around the tube (2) in correspondence with the male portion (8) of the connector (4); in which the ring (6), when mounted around the tube (2) in correspondence with the male portion (8), is deformed and exerts a compression on the tube (2) due to such deformation.

2. Connection according to claim 1, wherein the ring (6) has a continuous circular profile.

3. Connection according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ring (6) is free from other means for compressing the tube (2) onto the male portion (8) of the connector (4).

4. Connection according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer and inner layers (21, 22) are made of a thermoplastic elastomer, or a thermosetting elastomer.

5. Connection according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate layer (23) is made of aramid fibre, PA, or PET. A6304 Barzanò & Zanardo Milano SpA 6. Connection according to any preceding claim, wherein the ring material (6) is stiffer than the inner layer material (22) or the outer layer material (21).

7. Connection according to any preceding claim, wherein the ring (6) has a cylindrical shape.

8. Vehicle comprising a connection (1) according to any preceding claim.

9. A method for producing a connection (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of: arranging the tube (2), the connector (4), and the ring (6), inserting one end of the tube (2) into the ring (6), inserting the male portion (8) of the connector (4) into the end of the tube (2), causing a deformation of the end of the tube (2) and the ring (6).

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein, prior to the step of inserting the male portion (8) of the connector (4) into the end of the tube (2), there is the step of widening the end of the tube (2) to facilitate the insertion of the male portion (8).

11. Process according to claim 9 or 10, wherein an extrusion or injection moulding process is used to obtain the ring (6).

12. Method according to claim 9, 10, or 11, wherein the step of inserting the male portion (8) of the connector (4) into the end of the tube (2), occurs in an automated manner.

13. Process according to claim 10, wherein the step of widening the end of the tube (2) occurs in an automated manner. A6304 Barzanò & Zanardo Milano SpA 14. Process according to any of claims 9 to 13, comprising the steps of: recycling polymeric material, using at least part of such recycled material to make at least one of the inner layer (22), the outer layer (21), the intermediate layer (23), the ring (6).

15. A process according to claim 14, wherein the step of recycling polymeric material comprises the step of obtaining granules or yarn consisting at least in part of recycled polymeric material.

16. Use of a connection (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7 in a cooling circuit of a motor vehicle.