Self-locating heat and flame protection sleeve and related methods

Abstract

A heat and flame protective sleeve for protecting a member therein, and a method of construction thereof, includes a tubular member having a circumferentially continuous wall with a straight cylindrical inner surface that defines an interior cavity extending along a central longitudinal axis between opposite open ends. At least one end cap is secured to at least one of the ends. The at least one end cap has at least one resilient tooth extending radially inward from its outer surface sufficient to engage an elongated member extending into the interior cavity of the tubular member. The at least one end cap is silicone.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 422,078, filed November 3, 2022, and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 386,453, filed November 2, 2023, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0002] Background of the Invention 1.Technical Field The present invention relates generally to a tubular sleeve assembly that provides thermal and flame protection to a member housed therein, and more particularly to a tubular sleeve assembly that includes at least one self-locating member for maintaining the tubular sleeve assembly in a selectively releasable fixed position about the member housed and protected therein. [Background technology]

[0003] 2. Related technologies Electric vehicle battery pack components and components located near the battery pack, such as electrical components and fluid conduits, require a high degree of heat and flame protection when located within or near the battery pack. This is because battery packs, such as lithium-ion batteries, can enter a thermal runaway state, which, if unchecked, can produce flames and hot gases exceeding 800°C. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] What is desired is an economical, flexible, and easy to assemble heat insulating tubular sleeve that will withstand the heat and flame conditions described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a heat and flame protective sleeve for protecting a member therein from exposure to heat and flame is provided. The heat sleeve has a tubular member including a circumferentially continuous wall with an inner surface that bounds an interior cavity extending along a central longitudinal axis between opposite open ends. At least one end cap is attached to at least one of the ends. The end cap has at least one resilient tooth extending radially inward from an outer surface of the end cap for engaging an elongated member extending into the interior cavity of the tubular member. The end cap is silicone.

[0006] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one end cap includes a pair of end caps, a separate one of the end caps attached to a separate one of the ends of the tubular member.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, the circumferentially continuous wall has an outer surface and further includes an outermost silicone coating bonded to the entire outer surface.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the circumferentially continuous wall is a woven wall. According to another aspect of the invention, the fabric wall is woven, knitted, or braided.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the circumferentially continuous wall is a non-woven flexible wall. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the non-woven flexible wall is formed from a flexible resin material, allowing the wall to bend and circumvent freely.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the non-woven flexible wall is formed from silicone as a single, integrally molded piece of material having at least one end cap.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing a sleeve for protecting a component housed within an internal cavity of the sleeve, the method including forming a tubular member having a circumferentially continuous wall with an inner surface bounding an internal cavity extending along a central longitudinal axis between opposite ends, and attaching at least one end cap constructed of silicone to at least one of the opposite ends.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may include attaching a separate silicone end cap to each of the ends.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may include forming a continuous circumferential wall having an outer surface and bonding a silicone coating to the outer surface.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may include adhering and molding at least one end cap to the continuous circumferential wall.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may include molding at least one end cap and the circumferential continuous wall as a unitary piece of material.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may include forming the circumferentially continuous wall as a woven wall.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may include forming a fabric wall in which monofilaments and / or multifilaments are woven, knitted or braided together.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may include molding at least one end cap including a pair of end caps, with a separate end cap molded on each end.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may include molding the circumferential continuous wall and at least one end cap of silicone.

[0020] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the method may include molding a continuous circumferential wall and a pair of end caps located on opposite ends of the continuous circumferential wall of silicone.

[0021] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the following presently preferred and best modes of implementation, the accompanying claims and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a thermal sleeve constructed in accordance with one aspect of the present invention for protecting components therein; [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing a thermal sleeve constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention for protecting components therein. [Figure 2] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the thermal sleeve of FIG. 1 or FIG. 1A; [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of the thermal sleeve of FIG. 2, shown with the end caps removed for clarity only. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an end view of an end cap of a thermal sleeve constructed in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the end cap of FIG. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a thermal sleeve constructed in accordance with one aspect of the present invention for protecting components therein; [Figure 4B] 4B is a view similar to FIG. 4A showing a thermal sleeve constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention for protecting components therein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments 1 and 1A show thermal sleeves 10, 10A, respectively, constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention and including a tubular member 12 with at least one self-retaining locating member, hereinafter referred to as an end cap 14 (the thermal sleeve 10 of FIG. 1 includes one end cap 14, and the thermal sleeve 10A of FIG. 2 includes two end caps 14), for protecting a member 16 at least partially contained within an internal cavity 18 bounded by the inner surface 20 of the tubular member 12 therein, which may be an electrical sensor, fluid conduit, electrical connector, or the like, against the effects of extreme heat, including radiant heat and flame, and further protecting against contamination and vibration. The thermal sleeves 10, 10A are configured to flex and slidably move along a longitudinal axis 22 of an elongated member 24, such as a fluid conduit or wiring harness, to bring the thermal sleeve 10, 10A to its desired protective position around the member 16. The thermal sleeve 10, 10A is highly flexible so that it can navigate over and around non-linear, arcuate bends and corners of the elongated member 24 as needed. The thermal sleeve 10, 10A is configured to remain releasably secured in a protective position via engagement between the end cap 14 and the outer surface of the elongated member 24 until it is desired to selectively slide the thermal sleeve 10, 10A away from its protective position. While the thermal sleeve 10, 10A is slid axially along the longitudinal axis 22, one or more flanges, also referred to as teeth 26, of the end cap 14 are free to flex in a generally opposite axial direction as needed, allowing the thermal sleeve 10, 10A to be moved axially along the longitudinal axis 22, such as may be desired to repair the member 16. During use, the sleeve 12 remains in its protective position via frictional engagement between the free ends of the teeth 26 and the outer surface of the elongated member 24, without the need for secondary fasteners such as tape or adhesives, thus making assembly of the thermal sleeve 10, 10A simple and aesthetically appealing, while being economical to manufacture and use.

[0024] The tubular member 12 may be configured to have any desired length. The tubular member 12 includes a circumferentially continuous inner wall 28, including an inner surface 20 and an outer surface 30. The tubular member 12 further includes an outermost silicone coating 32 bonded to the entire outer surface 30. The inner wall 28, according to one embodiment of the present invention, may be constructed from a woven fabric layer, which may be any desired monofilament and / or multifilament woven, knit, or braided material. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the circumferentially continuous wall 28 may be configured as a non-woven flexible wall (free to bend and circumvent the longitudinal axis 22). The non-woven flexible wall 28 may be formed from a flexible resin material. According to another embodiment, the non-woven flexible wall 28 of the sleeve 10′, 10A′ may be formed entirely from silicone as a single, integrally molded piece of material with the end caps 14 (FIG. 4A includes one end cap 14, and FIG. 4B includes two opposing end caps 14). The circumferential continuous wall 28 may be configured to have any desired wall thickness depending on the nature and severity of thermal exposure in the intended environment, and may be provided to define an insulating air gap G extending between the member 16 and the inner surface 18 of the tubular member 12, thereby providing enhanced thermal protection to the member 16.

[0025] The end cap 14 may be constructed from a separate piece of material from the tubular member 12 or as a unitary piece of material with the tubular member 12. The end cap 14 constructed as a separate piece of material from the tubular member 12 is shown, by way of example and not limitation, as a tubular portion 34 and having at least one, by way of example and not limitation, a plurality of resilient flanges, also referred to as fingers or teeth 26, extending radially inward from the outer surface of the end cap 14, such as the tubular portion 34, for abutting the elongated member 24. Whether formed separately from the tubular member 12 or as a single piece, the inner diameter d1 extending between the free ends of the teeth 26 may be formed for a line-to-line or slight interference fit with the outer diameter d2 of the elongated member 24. Thus, d1 may be equal to or slightly less than d2, thereby providing a self-locating feature to the thermal sleeve 10, 10A, 10A', 10B' relative to the elongated member 24. Tubular portion 34 is shown sized to be received within one or both of open ends 36 a, 36 b of tubular member 12. Tubular portion 34 is considered herein to be sized to be received on outer surface 30 of tubular member 12.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of constructing a sleeve 10, 10A, 10A', 10B' for protecting a member 16 housed in an interior cavity 18 of the sleeve is provided. The method includes forming a tubular member 12 having a circumferentially continuous wall 28 with an interior surface 20 that bounds an interior cavity extending along a central longitudinal axis 22 between opposite ends 36a, 36b. The method further includes attaching at least one end cap 36a, 36b constructed of silicone to at least one end cap 14 of the opposite ends.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, the method may include attaching a separate silicone end cap 14 to each of the ends 36a, 36b.

[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method may include forming a continuous circumferential wall 28 having an outer surface 30 and bonding a silicone coating 32 to the outer surface 30 .

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may include adhesively molding at least one end cap 14 to the continuous circumferential wall 28 .

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may include molding at least one end cap 14 and the continuous circumferential wall 28 as a unitary piece of material.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may include forming the continuous circumferential wall 28 as a woven wall.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may include forming a fabric wall 28 in which monofilaments and / or multifilaments are woven, knitted, or braided together.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, the method may include molding at least one end cap 14 including a pair of end caps 14, with a separate end cap 14 molded on each of opposite ends 36a, 36b.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may include molding the circumferential continuous wall 28 and at least one end cap 14 entirely of silicone.

[0035] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method may include molding a continuous circumferential wall 28 and a pair of end caps 14 located at opposite ends 36a, 36b of the continuous circumferential wall 28 of silicone.

[0036] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A heat and flame protective sleeve for protecting components therein, a tubular member including a circumferentially continuous wall with an inner surface bounding an interior cavity extending along a central longitudinal axis between opposite ends; at least one end cap attached to at least one of the ends, the end cap having at least one resilient tooth extending radially inward from an outer surface of the end cap for engaging an elongated member extending into the inner cavity of the tubular member, the end cap being silicone.

2. 2. The heat and flame protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the at least one end cap comprises a pair of end caps, a separate one of the pair of end caps attached to a separate one of the opposite ends.

3. The heat and flame protective sleeve of claim 2 , wherein said circumferentially continuous wall has an outer surface and further includes an outermost silicone coating bonded to the entire outer surface.

4. The heat and flame protective sleeve of claim 2 , wherein said circumferentially continuous wall is a woven wall.

5. The heat and flame protective sleeve of claim 4 , wherein the fabric wall is woven, knitted, or braided.

6. The heat and flame protective sleeve of claim 2 , wherein said circumferentially continuous wall is a non-woven flexible wall.

7. The heat and flame protective sleeve of claim 6 , wherein said non-woven flexible wall is formed of a flexible resin material.

8. The heat and flame protective sleeve of claim 1 , wherein said non-woven flexible wall is formed from silicone.

9. The heat and flame protective sleeve of claim 8 , wherein said non-woven flexible wall is formed as a single, integrally molded piece of material having at least one end cap.

10. The heat and flame protective sleeve of claim 9 , wherein the at least one end cap comprises a pair of end caps, a separate one of the pair of end caps at a separate one of the opposite ends.

11. 1. A method of constructing a sleeve for protecting a component contained within an interior cavity of the sleeve, comprising: forming a tubular member having a circumferentially continuous wall with an inner surface bounding said internal cavity extending along a central longitudinal axis between opposite ends; and attaching at least one end cap constructed of silicone to at least one of said ends.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising attaching a separate silicone end cap to each of the ends.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising bonding a silicone coating to an outer surface of the circumferential continuous wall.

14. The method of claim 11 , further comprising adhering and molding said at least one end cap to said continuous circumferential wall.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising molding the at least one end cap and the circumferentially continuous wall as a unitary piece of material.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising molding at least one end cap comprising a pair of end caps, with a separate end cap molded on each of said opposite ends.

17. The method of claim 12 further comprising forming the circumferentially continuous wall as a woven wall.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, comprising forming the fabric wall from monofilaments and / or multifilaments that are woven, knitted, or braided together.

19. The method of claim 12 further comprising forming the circumferentially continuous wall as a non-woven wall.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising forming the circumferential continuous wall of silicone.

Images