WO2008149391A1 - Improved flexible conduit for a low pressure circuit of a power steering system - Google Patents
Improved flexible conduit for a low pressure circuit of a power steering system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2008149391A1 WO2008149391A1 PCT/IT2007/000396 IT2007000396W WO2008149391A1 WO 2008149391 A1 WO2008149391 A1 WO 2008149391A1 IT 2007000396 W IT2007000396 W IT 2007000396W WO 2008149391 A1 WO2008149391 A1 WO 2008149391A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- flexible tube
- bell
- collar
- conduit
- flexible
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L33/00—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses
- F16L33/20—Undivided rings, sleeves or like members contracted on the hose or expanded in the hose by means of tools; Arrangements using such members
- F16L33/207—Undivided rings, sleeves or like members contracted on the hose or expanded in the hose by means of tools; Arrangements using such members only a sleeve being contracted on the hose
- F16L33/2071—Undivided rings, sleeves or like members contracted on the hose or expanded in the hose by means of tools; Arrangements using such members only a sleeve being contracted on the hose the sleeve being a separate connecting member
- F16L33/2073—Undivided rings, sleeves or like members contracted on the hose or expanded in the hose by means of tools; Arrangements using such members only a sleeve being contracted on the hose the sleeve being a separate connecting member directly connected to the rigid member
- F16L33/2076—Undivided rings, sleeves or like members contracted on the hose or expanded in the hose by means of tools; Arrangements using such members only a sleeve being contracted on the hose the sleeve being a separate connecting member directly connected to the rigid member by plastic deformation
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a flexible conduit for a low pressure circuit of a power steering system for a motor vehicle.
- a flexible conduit generally comprises a flexible tube formed by multilayer material and a pair of metallic fittings for allowing the connection of the flexible tube to a fluidic circuit.
- a fitting generally comprises a tubular element having a portion inserted within an end portion of the flexible tube, a reinforcement bushing press fitted into the calibrated internal diameter of the portion inserted in the flexible conduit and a bell crimped onto the end portion of the flexible tube to fluid-tightly lock the tubular element onto the flexible tube .
- the reinforcement bushing allows to prevent the high loads needed for crimping the bell from deforming and damaging the tubular element.
- numeral 1 indicates a conduit comprising a flexible tube 2 presenting at least one elastomeric material layer and an axial end portion 3, and a fitting 4 fluid-tightly connected to end portion 3.
- Fitting 4 comprises a tubular aluminium element 5 partially inserted within end portion 3 and a bell 6 fitted on an external radial surface 7 of flexible tube 2.
- Tubular element 5 is axially symmetrical with respect to an axis A and integrally comprises a cylindrical wall 8 having a thickness Sl, a coupling portion 9 having a thickness S2 greater than Sl and inserted in flexible tube 2.
- coupling portion 9 presents a cylindrical portion 11 having an external diameter smaller than the diameter of cylindrical wall 8, and a tapered end portion 12 converging towards axis A to facilitate the assembly of coupling portion 9 in flexible tube 2.
- Bell 6 is mounted concentrically to coupling portion 9 on end portion 3 of flexible tube 2 and integrally comprises a side wall 13, a head wall 14 essentially perpendicular to axis A and a collar 20 exiting from head wall 14 coaxially to axis A and adhering to a side surface of cylindrical wall 8.
- the manufacturing method of conduit 1 comprises the step of:
- the difference between the corresponding external diameters of cylindrical wall 8 and coupling portion 9 is defined during the step of calibrating.
- collar 20 is led into coupling portion 9 and is press fitted onto the diameter of cylindrical wall 8.
- the steps of calibrating and thickening may be performed on the same machinery and in a single operation.
- the step of press fitting of bell 6 may be performed on the same machinery which performs the calibration and the thickening.
- the semifinished part obtained by driving bell 6 onto tubular element 5 may be easily handled because the rubber tube is manually mounted by an operator.
- the step of driving accurately refers the position of bell 6 and the latter may define the reference for positioning the part in the machine which performs the crimping.
- the crimping fluid-tightly connects bell 6 to flexible tube 2 by means of a plurality of annular grooves 15 which compress end portion 3 against cylindrical portion 11. Such a connection allows to withstand the design pressure required for the application of a power steering system low pressure circuit .
- the crimping allows to further tighten collar 20 on cylindrical wall 8 so as to also radially deform a portion 21 of cylindrical wall 8 itself towards axis A.
- tubular element 5 may be obtained with a thickened wall by means of a single plastic machining directly from a tube segment. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the step of calibrating the internal diameter and the step of assembling, which are needed in case the tubular element is reinforced by means of a specifically made reinforcement bushing.
- the thickening machining may be performed at the same time as the calibration machining and the manufacturing times are reduced.
- Collar 20 of bell 6 is press fitted by radial interference and such connection simply and safely refers the position of bell 6 before the step of crimping and allows a simple handling when the operator proceeds by assembling flexible conduit 2 onto fitting element 5 before crimping.
- both the step of driving bell 6 and the step of thickening by plastic deformation may be performed on the same machine which performs the calibration of the external diameter and this further reduces the manufacturing times with respect to the solution which provides for the driving of the bushing.
- the step of thickening does not require the manufacturing and the assembly of a reinforcement bushing and thus the overall number of the components of conduit 1 is reduced.
- portion 21 allows to obtain high loads during the pull test and may be performed concurrently to the crimping of bell 6.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
Abstract
A flexible conduit (1) for a low pressure circuit of a power steering system comprises a flexible tube (2) presenting at least one layer made of polymeric material, a tubular metallic element (5) having an axis (A) and presenting a coupling portion (9) inserted within an end portion (3) of the flexible tube (2) and an external portion (8) axially protruding from the flexible tube (2), a bell (6) plastically deformed on the end portion (3) to define a rigid connection between the metallic tubular element (5) and the flexible tube (2). In particular, the tubular element (5) is an integral part made by plastic deformation and the coupling portion (9) presents a thickness (S2) greater than a thickness (Sl) of the external portion (8).
Description
IMPROVED FLEXIBLE CONDUIT FOR A LOW PRESSURE CIRCUIT OF A POWER STEERING SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a flexible conduit for a low pressure circuit of a power steering system for a motor vehicle. BACKGROUND ART
A flexible conduit generally comprises a flexible tube formed by multilayer material and a pair of metallic fittings for allowing the connection of the flexible tube to a fluidic circuit.
Specifically, a fitting generally comprises a tubular element having a portion inserted within an end portion of the flexible tube, a reinforcement bushing press fitted into the calibrated internal diameter of the portion inserted in the flexible conduit and a bell crimped onto the end portion of the flexible tube to fluid-tightly lock the tubular element onto the flexible tube .
Specifically, the reinforcement bushing allows to prevent the high loads needed for crimping the bell from deforming and damaging the tubular element.
However, the manufacturing costs and times of the known conduits are relatively high if considered in relation to the low loads normally found in a low pressure power steering circuit. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is the object of the present invention to make a flexible conduit the manufacturing costs and times of which are further reduced.
The object of the present invention is achieved by an improved flexible conduit as defined in claim 1.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
For a better understanding of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will now be described by way of mere non-limitative example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is an axial section of an end portion of a flexible conduit according to the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
In the figure, numeral 1 indicates a conduit comprising a flexible tube 2 presenting at least one elastomeric material layer and an axial end portion 3, and a fitting 4 fluid-tightly connected to end portion 3.
Fitting 4 comprises a tubular aluminium element 5 partially inserted within end portion 3 and a bell 6 fitted on an external radial surface 7 of flexible tube 2.
Tubular element 5 is axially symmetrical with respect to an axis A and integrally comprises a cylindrical wall 8 having a thickness Sl, a coupling portion 9 having a thickness S2 greater than Sl and inserted in flexible tube 2.
Specifically, coupling portion 9 presents a
cylindrical portion 11 having an external diameter smaller than the diameter of cylindrical wall 8, and a tapered end portion 12 converging towards axis A to facilitate the assembly of coupling portion 9 in flexible tube 2.
Bell 6 is mounted concentrically to coupling portion 9 on end portion 3 of flexible tube 2 and integrally comprises a side wall 13, a head wall 14 essentially perpendicular to axis A and a collar 20 exiting from head wall 14 coaxially to axis A and adhering to a side surface of cylindrical wall 8.
The manufacturing method of conduit 1 comprises the step of:
- calibrating the external diameter of tubular element 5;
- thickening coupling portion 9 by means of an appropriate cold plastic deformation procedure;
- fixing bell 6 by driving collar 20 onto tubular element 5 in a predetermined axial position; - mounting flexible tube 2 onto coupling portion
9;
- crimping bell 6 and collar 20 onto end portion 3 and onto cylindrical wall 8, respectively.
Preferably, the difference between the corresponding external diameters of cylindrical wall 8 and coupling portion 9 is defined during the step of calibrating. During the step of press fitting, collar 20 is led into coupling portion 9 and is press fitted onto
the diameter of cylindrical wall 8.
Advantageously, the steps of calibrating and thickening may be performed on the same machinery and in a single operation. Furthermore, also the step of press fitting of bell 6 may be performed on the same machinery which performs the calibration and the thickening.
Furthermore, the semifinished part obtained by driving bell 6 onto tubular element 5 may be easily handled because the rubber tube is manually mounted by an operator.
Furthermore, the step of driving accurately refers the position of bell 6 and the latter may define the reference for positioning the part in the machine which performs the crimping. Subsequently, the crimping fluid-tightly connects bell 6 to flexible tube 2 by means of a plurality of annular grooves 15 which compress end portion 3 against cylindrical portion 11. Such a connection allows to withstand the design pressure required for the application of a power steering system low pressure circuit .
Furthermore, the crimping allows to further tighten collar 20 on cylindrical wall 8 so as to also radially deform a portion 21 of cylindrical wall 8 itself towards axis A.
The advantages that above-described conduit 1 allows to obtain are the following.
In particular, tubular element 5 may be obtained
with a thickened wall by means of a single plastic machining directly from a tube segment. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the step of calibrating the internal diameter and the step of assembling, which are needed in case the tubular element is reinforced by means of a specifically made reinforcement bushing.
The thickening machining may be performed at the same time as the calibration machining and the manufacturing times are reduced. Collar 20 of bell 6 is press fitted by radial interference and such connection simply and safely refers the position of bell 6 before the step of crimping and allows a simple handling when the operator proceeds by assembling flexible conduit 2 onto fitting element 5 before crimping.
Furthermore, both the step of driving bell 6 and the step of thickening by plastic deformation may be performed on the same machine which performs the calibration of the external diameter and this further reduces the manufacturing times with respect to the solution which provides for the driving of the bushing.
The step of thickening does not require the manufacturing and the assembly of a reinforcement bushing and thus the overall number of the components of conduit 1 is reduced.
The interference defined between collar 20 and tubular fitting element 5 by the crimping operations defines a reliable and durable keyed connection. In this
manner, the weakening of the connection between bell 6 and tubular fitting element 5 is avoided, e.g. when the elastomeric material becomes stiffer due to aging.
The radial deformation of portion 21 allows to obtain high loads during the pull test and may be performed concurrently to the crimping of bell 6.
Therefore, the manufacturing times and the costs are further reduced.
It is finally apparent that modifications and variations may be made to the flexible conduit herein described and illustrated without because of this departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, as defined in the accompanying claims.
Claims
1. A flexible conduit (1) for a low pressure circuit of a power steering system, comprising a flexible tube (2) presenting at least one layer formed by elastomeric material, a tubular metallic element (5) having an axis (A) and presenting a coupling portion (9) inserted within an end portion (3) of said flexible tube (2) and an external portion (8) axially protruding from said flexible tube (2), a bell (6) plastically deformed onto said end portion (3) to define a rigid connection between said tubular metallic element (5) and said flexible tube (2), said flexible conduit (1) being characterised in that said tubular element (5) is integrally made by plastic deformation and in that said coupling portion (9) presents a first thickness (S2) greater than a second thickness (Sl) of said external portion (8) .
2. A conduit according to claim 1, characterised in that said bell (6) comprises a collar (20) adhering to a side surface of said tubular element (5) .
3. A conduit according to claim 2, characterised in that said collar (20) is locked onto said tubular element (5) by plastic deformation machining.
4. A conduit according to claim 3, characterised in that said external portion (8) presents a larger external diameter with respect to that of said coupling portion (9) and in that said collar (20) is clamped onto said external portion (8) . !
- 8 -
5. A method for manufacturing a flexible conduit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the step of thickening said coupling portion (9) by plastic deformation.
6. A method according to claim 5 for manufacturing a flexible conduit according to claims 2 to 4, characterised by further comprising the steps of driving said collar (20) onto said metallic tubular element (5) .
7. A method according to claim 6, characterised in that said step of crimping said bell (6) comprises the step of crimping said collar (20) .
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IT2007/000396 WO2008149391A1 (en) | 2007-06-05 | 2007-06-05 | Improved flexible conduit for a low pressure circuit of a power steering system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IT2007/000396 WO2008149391A1 (en) | 2007-06-05 | 2007-06-05 | Improved flexible conduit for a low pressure circuit of a power steering system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2008149391A1 true WO2008149391A1 (en) | 2008-12-11 |
Family
ID=38953063
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IT2007/000396 WO2008149391A1 (en) | 2007-06-05 | 2007-06-05 | Improved flexible conduit for a low pressure circuit of a power steering system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2008149391A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2013000452A1 (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2013-01-03 | Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG | Hose coupling, in particular for hydraulic high-pressure lines of a disengaging system |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3838592A (en) * | 1972-02-02 | 1974-10-01 | Btr Industries Ltd | Hose end fittings and inserts therefor |
| FR2332476A1 (en) * | 1975-11-21 | 1977-06-17 | Chausson Usines Sa | Flexible pipe connection for rigid component - has pipe fitted in sleeve over grooved connector with screwed end recess for attachment |
| FR2759763A1 (en) * | 1997-02-14 | 1998-08-21 | Freudenberg Sa | METHOD FOR CONNECTING A FLEXIBLE PIPING TO A RIGID TUBE, FREIGHT FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD AND CONNECTION OBTAINED |
| WO1999032822A1 (en) * | 1997-12-19 | 1999-07-01 | Kühner GmbH & Cie | Fitting for coupling a flexible tube |
| EP1162399A2 (en) * | 2000-05-31 | 2001-12-12 | Dana Corporation | Automotive hose coupling |
-
2007
- 2007-06-05 WO PCT/IT2007/000396 patent/WO2008149391A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3838592A (en) * | 1972-02-02 | 1974-10-01 | Btr Industries Ltd | Hose end fittings and inserts therefor |
| FR2332476A1 (en) * | 1975-11-21 | 1977-06-17 | Chausson Usines Sa | Flexible pipe connection for rigid component - has pipe fitted in sleeve over grooved connector with screwed end recess for attachment |
| FR2759763A1 (en) * | 1997-02-14 | 1998-08-21 | Freudenberg Sa | METHOD FOR CONNECTING A FLEXIBLE PIPING TO A RIGID TUBE, FREIGHT FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD AND CONNECTION OBTAINED |
| WO1999032822A1 (en) * | 1997-12-19 | 1999-07-01 | Kühner GmbH & Cie | Fitting for coupling a flexible tube |
| EP1162399A2 (en) * | 2000-05-31 | 2001-12-12 | Dana Corporation | Automotive hose coupling |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2013000452A1 (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2013-01-03 | Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG | Hose coupling, in particular for hydraulic high-pressure lines of a disengaging system |
| CN103635734A (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2014-03-12 | 舍弗勒技术股份两合公司 | Hose coupling, in particular for a hydraulic high-pressure line of a separation system |
| DE112012002695B4 (en) | 2011-06-30 | 2024-03-28 | Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG | Hose coupling, especially for hydraulic high-pressure lines of a release system |
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