WO2021037394A1

WO2021037394A1 - Securement arrangement to hold a hose to a fitting

Info

Publication number: WO2021037394A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/025384
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chris HILVERS; Rhett Duncan MILLER
Original assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
Priority date: 2019-08-30
Filing date: 2020-08-25
Publication date: 2021-03-04

Abstract

A securement arrangement attaches a hose (180) a fitting (150) (e.g., for an air conditioning unit). The securement arrangement includes a sleeve (130) and a collet (110) to clamp the hose to the fitting. The collet (110) includes one or more barbs (120), a shelf (118), and/or a flat edged protrusion (116). The sleeve (130) has a tapered end to squeeze the flat edge protrusion of the collet. Certain types of nipples include a groove to receive a shelf of the collet, grooves to hold gaskets, and/ or a conical tip with inward shoulder.

Description

SECUREMENT ARRANGEMENT TO HOLD A HOSE TO A FITTING

Cross-Reference to Related Application

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/894,357, filed on August 30, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Summary

Some aspects of the disclosure are directed to a securement arrangement for attaching a hose to a fitting. The securement arrangement includes a sleeve that is detachable from a collet. The sleeve radially compresses the collet to sandwich the hose between the collet and the fitting.

In certain implementations, the interior of the collet is matched to an exterior of a nipple of the fitting to better retain the hose therebetween. For example, the collet may include one or more barbs, a shelf, and/or a flat edged protrusion. The nipple may include a groove to receive a shelf of the collet, grooves to hold gaskets, and/or a conical tip with radially outward extending barb. The sleeve may have a tapered end to squeeze the flat edge protrusion of the collet.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a securement arrangement attaching a hose to a fitting; FIG. 2 is a first perspective view showing the securement arrangement and hose of FIG. 1 exploded from the fitting;

FIG. 3 is a second perspective view showing the securement arrangement and hose of FIG. 1 exploded from the fitting;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the fitting of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an axial cross-section of a collet of the securement arrangement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view of a sleeve of the securement arrangement of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view of the securement arrangement, fitting, and hose of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the securement arrangement of FIG. 1 including an alternative design for the first end of the collet;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the securement arrangement of FIG. 1 including an alternative design for the second end of the collet;

FIG. 11 is a first perspective view of an alternative collet suitable for use in a securement arrangement to axially retain a hose to a nipple of a fitting;

FIG. 12 is a second perspective view of the collet of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an axial cross-sectional view of the collet of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 14 is an axial cross-sectional view of the collet of FIG. 11 being radially compressed by an example sleeve to axially retain a hose to a nipple of a fitting.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The present disclosure is directed to a securement arrangement 100 for attaching a hose 180 to a fitting 150. The securement arrangement 100 includes a collet 110 and a sleeve 130. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the fitting 150 includes a body 152 having a first end 154 configured to attach to equipment (e.g., an air conditioning system) and a second end forming a nipple 156 over which the hose 180 can be mounted. The collet 110 and sleeve 130 mount over the hose 180 in radial alignment with the nipple 156 to axially retain the hose 180 at the nipple 156.

In certain implementations, the fitting 150 includes a radial flange 158 between the nipple 156 and a remainder of the fitting 150. The nipple 156 includes a body 162 that extends from the radial flange 158 to a conical tip 166. As shown in FIG. 4, the nipple 156 defines a series of grooves axially spaced along the body 162 between the radial flange 158 and the conical tip 166. In the example shown, the nipple body 162 includes a first groove 160 disposed adjacent the radial flange 158. The nipple body 162 also includes annular grooves 164 sized to hold o-rings or other gaskets G (e.g., see FIG. 8). The conical tip 166 defines a barb 168 facing radially outward. In certain examples, the barb 168 is angled at least partially towards the first end 154 of the fitting 150.

In certain implementations, the nipple 156 is roll formed (e.g., formed by rolling grooves and other contours into a tube). In certain implementations, the nipple 156 is machined. In certain examples, the nipple is formed of metal.

The collet 110 includes securement structures that cooperate with the structures of the nipple 156 to axially retain the hose 180 therebetween. The collet 110 extends between opposite first and second ends 112, 114. The collet 110 defines a first through-passage 116 extending between the first and second ends 112, 114. The collet 110 defines first axial slits 126 extending from the first end 112 of the collet 110. The first axial slits 126 allow the first end 112 of the collet 110 to be flexed radially inward. The collet 110 defines second axial slits 128 extending from the second end 114 of the collet 110. The second axial slits 128 allow the second end 114 of the collet 110 to be flexed radially inward. In certain examples, the first and second slits 126, 128 circumferentially overlap.

The collet 110 includes a shelf 118 that extends radially into the first through-passage 116. The shelf 118 being axially offset inwardly from the first end 112 of the collet 110. The collet 110 also includes a plurality of barbs 120 extending radially into the first through-passage 116. The barbs 120 are axially spaced between the shelf 118 and the second end 114 of the collet 110. The collet 110 also includes a flat edged protrusion 122 extending radially into the first through-passage 116 at the second end 114 of the collet 110. The flat edged protrusion 122 defines a shoulder 124 facing towards the first end 112 of the collet 110.

In certain implementations, the first slits 126 separate the shelf 118 into shelf segments capable of relative radial flexing. In certain implementations, the second slits 128 separate the barbs 120 into barb segments capable of relative radial flexing.

The sleeve 130 extends along a length L (FIG. 6) between opposite first and second ends 132, 134. The sleeve 130 defines a second through-passage 136 extending along the length L. The sleeve 130 tapers radially inwardly at the second end 134 thereby reducing a cross-dimension of the second through-passage 136 at the second end 134 compared to the first end 132. A cross-dimension CD1 of the second through- passage 136 at the first end 132 is sufficient to fit around the collet 110. A cross dimension CD2 of the second through-passage 136 at the second end 134 applies a compressive force on the second end 114 of the collet 110. In certain examples, the cross-dimension of the sleeve 130 is constant along a majority of the length L of the sleeve 130.

To mount the hose 180 to the fitting 150, the sleeve 130 is slid over the hose 180. Next, an end 182 of the hose 180 is slid in a first direction into the collet 110 from the second end 114 of the collet 110 until the end 182 of the hose 180 abuts the shelf 118. Engagement between the hose end 182 and the shelf 118 inhibits further axial movement of the hose 180 within the collet 110 in the first direction.

In certain implementations, the first through-passage 116 of the collet 110 has a first cross-dimension D1 at a location disposed between the first end 112 of the collet 110 and the shelf 118 and has a second cross-dimension D2 at a location disposed between the shelf 118 and an adjacent one of the barbs 120. The first cross-dimension D1 is smaller than the second cross-dimension D2. In an example, the thickness of the collet 110 at the first end 112 provides additional strength to the collet 110. In certain examples, the second cross-dimension D2 is sufficiently large to accommodate the hose 180 and the first cross-dimension D1 is not. In certain examples, the second cross dimension D2 when the collet 110 is collapsed (i.e., radially compressed) matches the outer cross-dimension of the hose 180. In certain examples, the first cross-dimension D1 is sufficiently large to accommodate the radial flange 158.

The collet 110 and hose 180 are then slid in the first direction onto the nipple 156 until the shelf 118 abuts the radial flange 158 of the fitting 150. Engagement between shelf 118 and the radial flange 158 inhibits further respective movement in the first direction between the collet 110/hose 180 and the fitting 150. In certain implementations, the shelf 118 (e.g., one or more of the shelf segments) snap-fit into the first groove 160 of the nipple 156. A shoulder 161 of the groove 160 may axially retain the collet 110 against relative movement with the nipple 156 in a second direction opposite the first direction.

When the collet 110 and hose 180 are properly fitted on the nipple 156, the barbs 120 of the collet 110 radially align with the gaskets G mounted on the nipple 156. For example, the barbs 120 may radially align with the grooves 164 defined in the nipple body 162. In certain implementations, the flat edge protrusion 122 of the collet 110 is radially aligned with a portion of the nipple body 162 extending between the gaskets G and the conical tip 166.

When the collet 110 and hose 180 are in position relative to the nipple 156, the sleeve 130 is slid over the collet 110 in the first direction so that the second end 114 of the collet 110 enters the first end 132 of the sleeve 130. As the sleeve 130 slides over the collet 110, the sleeve 130 applies a radial compression on the collet 110 to squeeze the hose 180 between the collet 110 and the nipple 156. In certain examples, a majority of the radial compressive force is applied at the barbs 120.

In certain examples, the sleeve 130 radially compresses the first end 112 of the collet 110 to secure the shelf 118 in the first groove 160. In certain examples, the sleeve 130 applies a radial compression pressure on the collet 110 at the barb 120 to squeeze the hose 180 between the barbs 120 and the gaskets G. The gaskets G seal the interior of the hose 180 to inhibit leaks between the hose 180 and the fitting 150.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a tapered portion 138 of the sleeve 130 aligns at least with the flat edge protrusion 122. Accordingly, the flat edge protrusion 122 is pushed radially into the hose 180 as the sleeve 130 is slid over the collet 110. When the sleeve 130 is properly mounted over the collet 110, the tapered portion 138 presses the flat edge protrusion 122 sufficiently tightly against the hose 180 to clamp the hose 180 to the nipple 156. In certain implementations, the flat edge protrusion 122 pushes the hose 180 over the barb 168 of the nipple 156. In certain examples, the hose 180 is pinched between an inner edge at the second end 114 of the collet 110 and the barb 168 defined by the conical tip 166.

In certain implementations, the sleeve 130 can be latched or otherwise releasably locked to the collet 110.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative design for the first end 112’ of the collet 110. In certain implementations, the first end 112’ of the collet 110 is configured to snap-fit over the radial flange 158 of the nipple 156. For example, the collet 110 may define an inwardly recessed groove 119 sized to receive the radial flange 158 of the nipple 156.

In certain implementations, the collet 110 defines a first interior surface 117 at the first end 112’. The recessed groove 119 is disposed between the first interior surface 117 and the shelf 118. The shelf 118 extends radially into the through-passage

116 more than the first interior surface 117. Accordingly, the first interior surface 117 can snap over the radial flange 118 while the shelf 118 cannot. Engagement between radial flange 158 and the side of the recessed groove leading to the first interior surface

117 inhibits axial movement of the collet 110 relative to the fitting 150 after the first end 112’ of the collet 110 snap-fits to the radial flange 158.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative design for the second end 114’ of the collet 110. This design for the second end 114’ can be used either with the first end 112 of the collet shown in FIG. 5 or with the alternative first end 112’ of the collet shown in FIG. 9.

In certain implementations, the collet 110 includes another barb 120’ (e.g., a third barb) instead of a flat edged protrusion 122 at the second end 114’. The another barb 120’ is located axially between the adjacent barb 120 on the collet 110 and the barb 168 on the nipple 156. Accordingly, a portion of the hose 180 is pinched radially and axially between the another barb 120’ on the collet 110 and the barb 168 on the nipple 156. In certain implementations, an exterior section 115 of the collet 110 at the second end 114’ tapers radially inwardly. In certain examples, the tapering exterior section 115 is axially offset from all of the barbs 120, 120’ of the collet 110. In certain examples, the tapering exterior section 115 is axially offset from the barb 168 of the nipple 156 so that the barb 168 is axially disposed between the another barb 120’ and the tapering exterior section 115. In certain examples, the tapering exterior section 115 facilitates sliding the sleeve over the second end of the collet 110.

In certain implementations, the second end 114’ of the collet 110 is configured for use with an alternative design for a sleeve that does not have a tapered portion 138. For example, the sleeve 130’ shown in FIG. 10 has a constant internal cross-dimension along an axial length of the sleeve 130’. In an example, the sleeve 130’ includes a tube (e.g., a metal tube). Accordingly, the sleeve 130’ does not compress the collet 110 at the tapering exterior section 115. In certain examples, the interior of the sleeve 130’ applies uniform radial compression at each of the barbs 120, 120’ of the collet 110.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate another example collet 210 extending between opposite first and second ends 212, 214. In certain examples, the first end 212 is substantially the same as the alternative first end 112’ of FIG. 9 except as described. In certain examples, the second end 214 is substantially the same as the alternative second end 114’ of FIG. 10 except as described. The collet 210 is suitable for use with an example sleeve 230 (FIG. 14) to form another example securement arrangement 200 (see FIG. 14) to axially retain the hose 180 at the nipple 156 of the fitting 150. In an example, the sleeve 230 has a constant internal cross-dimension (e.g., diameter).

The example collet 210 also includes wedge-shaped slits 216, 218 extending from the first and second ends 212, 214, respectively, instead of the rectangular-shaped slits 116, 118 of the collet 110. The wedge-shape of the slits 216, 218 allows the slits 216, 218 to fully close when the collet 210 is radially compressed. Accordingly, in certain examples, the ends 212, 214 of the collet 210 may define continuous end faces when radially compressed. Full closure of the slits 216, 218 promotes structural stability of the collet. Full closure of the slits 216, 218 also may facilitate better sealing between the collet 210 and the hose 180 and/or between the collet 210 and the fitting 150.

Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A securement arrangement for attaching a hose to a fitting, the fitting including a nipple extending between a radial flange and a conical tip, the fitting defining spaced- apart grooves, the securement arrangement comprising: a collet extending between opposite first and second ends, the collet defining a first through-passage extending between the first and second ends of the collet, the collet including a shelf that extends radially into the first through-passage, the shelf being axially offset inwardly from the first end of the collet, the collet also including a plurality of barbs extending radially into the first through-passage, the barbs being axially spaced between the shelf and the second end of the collet, the collet also including a flat edged protrusion extending radially into the first through-passage at the second end of the collet; and a sleeve extending along a length between opposite first and second ends, the sleeve defining a second through-passage extending along the length, the sleeve tapering radially inwardly at the second end thereby reducing a cross-dimension of the second through-passage at the second end compared to the first end, the cross-dimension of the second through-passage at the first end being sufficient to fit around the collet, the cross dimension of the second through-passage at the second end applying a compressive force on the second end of the collet.

2. The securement arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first through- passage of the collet has a first cross-dimension at a location disposed between the first end of the collet and the shelf and has a second cross-dimension at a location disposed between the shelf and an adjacent one of the barbs, the second cross-dimension being larger than the first cross-dimension.

3. The securement arrangement of claim 1, wherein the cross-dimension of the sleeve is constant along a majority of the length of the sleeve.

4. The securement arrangement of claim 1, wherein the flat edged protrusion of the collet defines a shoulder facing at least partially towards the first end of the collet.

5. The securement arrangement of claim 1, wherein the shoulder is oriented at a non- transverse angle to the first through-passage.

6. The securement arrangement of claim 1, further comprising the nipple of the fitting and a plurality of seals received at the spaced apart grooves, wherein the barbs of the collet are configured to align with the seals when the securement arrangement is attaching the hose to the fitting.

7. The securement arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first end of the collet is configured to snap-fit over the radial flange of the nipple.

8. The securement arrangement of claim 1, wherein the collet defines a plurality of first slits extending axially inwardly from the first end of the collet and a plurality of second slits extending axially inwardly from the second end of the collet.

9. The securement arrangement of claim 8, wherein the first and second slits are generally rectangular in shape.

10. The securement arrangement of claim 8, wherein the first and second slits are wedge-shaped.

11. A securement arrangement for attaching a hose to a fitting, the fitting including a nipple extending between a radial flange and a conical tip, the fitting defining spaced- apart grooves, the securement arrangement comprising: a collet extending between opposite first and second ends, the collet defining a first through-passage extending between the first and second ends of the collet, the through-passage having a first internal surface that extends axially inwardly from the first end, a shelf that extends radially into the first through-passage beyond the first internal surface, and a radial groove disposed between the shelf and the first internal surface, the collet also including a plurality of barbs extending radially into the first through-passage at an opposite side of the shelf from the radial groove, the barbs being axially spaced between the shelf and the second end of the collet, the second end of the collet having an exterior surface that tapers radially inwardly; and a sleeve extending along a length between opposite first and second ends, the sleeve defining a second through-passage extending along the length, the sleeve applying a radial compressive force to the collet at least in radial alignment with the barbs.

12. The securement arrangement of claim 11, wherein the collet defines a plurality of first slits extending axially inwardly from the first end of the collet and a plurality of second slits extending axially inwardly from the second end of the collet.

13. The securement arrangement of claim 12, wherein the first and second slits are generally rectangular in shape.

14. The securement arrangement of claim 12, wherein the first and second slits are wedge-shaped.

15. The securement arrangement of claim 11, wherein the sleeve has a constant internal cross-dimension along a length of the sleeve.