Flexible fluid conduit assembly

• US 5,096,231 A
• Filed: 11/28/1990
• Issued: 03/17/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems LLC
• Original Assignee: S&H Fabricating and Engineering Incorporated
• Inventors: MacWilliam, Edwin W., Chisnell, Jerry H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Arola, Dave W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHACKELFORD, HEATHER CHUN
• Application Number:
  US07/619,233
• Time in Patent Office: 475 Days
• Field of Search: 285/55, 285/256, 285/259, 285/149, 285/918
• US Class Current: 285/55
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 33/2076 by plastic deformation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 285/918 O-ring

Abstract

An improved hose fitting assembly is disclosed which is designed for use in automotive air conditioning systems and is particularly well suited for use in such systems employing recently developed composite type hose which incorporates an inner liner of a thermoplastic material such as nylon or the like. The assembly comprises a resilient sealing member provided on the outer periphery of the fitting which is designed to sealingly engage the hose member and fitting to provide a positive seal therebetween so as to prevent loss of pressurized fluid such as refrigerant gas.

Claims

1. An improved hose assembly for a motor vehicle air conditioning system comprising:

a flexible composite reinforced hose including an inner liner fabricated from a thermoplastic material characterized by a low memory and low resistence to compression setting;

an end fitting having a portion received within one end of said liner and an annular groove provided on the outer surface of said portion;

said liner having an inside diameter slightly less than the outside diameter of said fitting to thereby place said liner in tension when the fitting is received therewithin;

a resilient sealing member seated within said groove and engaging the inner surface of said liner, said sealing means being fabricated from a material having resistence to compression setting substantially greater than that of said liner;

a deformable sleeve member surrounding the outer surface of said hose, said sleeve being radially inwardly crimped at a plurality of axially spaced locations so as to exert a clamping force on said hose to thereby secure said fitting therein, said sealing means being axially located between said deformed locations and operative to create a fluid-tight seal between said fitting and said liner;

the width of said annular groove being greater than the cross-section of said sealing member to thereby provide a clearance between the sealing member and said groove as assembled after said crimping;

said sealing means providing a primary seal between said hose and said fitting; and

said fitting further including a plurality of axially spaced ribs located between said primary seal and the inward most end of said fitting within said liner, said axially spaced ribs being embedded within said liner, thereby forming a secondary seal between said hose and said fitting and cooperating with said sleeve to securely retain said fitting within said hose.

2. A hose assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said inner liner is polytetrafluoroethylene.

3. A fluid conduit assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sealing means is in the form of an O-ring.

4. A fluid conduit assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sealing means comprises an axially elongated ring shaped member.