GB2518205A

GB2518205A - Sealing apparatus for sealing a fluid joint

Info

Publication number: GB2518205A
Application number: GB1316326.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Vincenzo Cognetta; Gaetano Esposito
Original assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Current assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Priority date: 2013-09-13
Filing date: 2013-09-13
Publication date: 2015-03-18
Also published as: GB2518205A8; GB201316326D0

Abstract

A sealing apparatus 1 for sealing a fluid joint 3, in particular a Banjo union comprises a gasket arrangement 5, 6, 7 comprising at least one gasket 5, 7 and a retention element 8, 10 for arranging the gasket arrangement 5, 6, 7 in a predetermined position relative to the fluid joint 3. The gasket arrangement 5, 6, 7 can in particularly comprise a plurality of gaskets 5, 7, in particular two gaskets, which are spaced from each other. The two gaskets 5, 7 may be connected in a C-shaped arrangement. The retention element 8, 10 may be a clip or a clamp such as a Terry clip attached to a fluid line 2 and may further include a fixation means such as a barb 11 to prevent detachment. The sealing apparatus 1 may be formed in a stamping and bending process from carbon steel coated with elastomer and fibers compound.

Description

I

Sealing Apparatus for Sealing a Fluid Joint

DESCRIPTION

The present invention refers to a sealing apparatus for sealing a fluid joint.

In particular in narrow spaces, as for example in an engine compartment of a car, it may be difficult to mount and connect a fluid line. From the state-of-the-art it is known that fluid lines can be mounted to other components by the use of special fluid S. ** * * 15 joints such as so-called Banjo fittings. A banjo fitting comprises a perforated hollow bolt, which is inserted in a Banjo union. A fluid line can be connected to the Banjo union in fluid connection with the inner passage of the hollow bolt. The Banjo union is sealed with one S...

or more gaskets to avoid any exit of the fluid to the environment.

*. **ss * When using Banjo fittings, the assembly in particular of the gaskets may *:"E 20 still be difficult, in particular where only small space is available. Another problem in this context is the risk of loosening gaskets in pre-assembled fluid joint assemblies before or * . during the installation procedure, since the gaskets are held in position by a bolt which is attached during the last step of the installation procedure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sealing apparatus for sealing a fluid joint.

This object is achieved by a sealing apparatus for sealing a fluid joint comprising the features of claim 1. Claim 12 is directed to a fluid joint assembly comprising a sealing apparatus of the invention, and claim 13 is directed to a method for sealing a fluid joint by means of a sealing apparatus of the invention. Preferred configurations and further developments of the invention are defined in dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a sealing apparatus for sealing a fluid joint. The sealing apparatus of the invention comprises a gasket arrangement comprising one or more gaskets. The gaskets are adapted for sealing the fluid joint and impeding leakage of fluid to the environment of the fluid joint. Further, the sealing apparatus of the invention comprises a retention element for arranging the gasket arrangement in a predetermined position relative to the fluid joint.

An advantage of this solution is that the gasket arrangement, and as a result the at least one gasket thereof, can be arranged in a predetermined position relative to the fluid joint without any further measures or components in a reliable manner during the pre-assembly and the installation of the fluid joint. As a result, the risk of losing a gasket before or during the installation of the fluid joint can be reduced or minimized. In addition, the sealing apparatus of the invention allows to reduce the space required for installing the fluid joint In this context, a gasket is a mechanical sealing means which fills the space between two or more mating surfaces to prevent leakage of a fluid out of or into the * * *. joined components, in particular while under compression.

* *.*** * * In this context, a fluid joint is a mechanical connection means for *.** establishing a fluid connection between two components, for example between two fluid lines or between a fluid line and a fluid tank. The fluid may be a liquid, a gas or a * * liquid/gas mixture. The fluid joint can preferably be a Banjo union being part of a so-called Banjo fitting. A Banjo fitting (also called an internally relieved bolt) comprises a perforated hollow bolt and a spherical union, the Banjo union, for fluid transfer. Banjo fittings are * . commonly used in automotive fuel, oil and hydraulic systems.

In a preferred configuration, the gasket arrangement of the sealing apparatus comprises a plurality of gaskets. Preferably, two gaskets are provided which are spaced from each other. In this way, two surfaces of the fluid joint can be sealed against the environment with only one gasket arrangement. Preferably, at least one of the gaskets is connected to the retention element. In case a Banjo union is used as the fluid joint1 a first gasket can seal the upper surface of the Banjo union relative to the head of the hollow bolt inserted into the Banjo union, and a second gasket can seal the lower surface of the Banjo union relative to another component the Banjo union is connected to.

Similar configurations are possible for other kinds of fluid joints.

In a preferred configuration, the gasket arrangement further comprises a connection for connecting the at least two gaskets to one another. The connection can be realized in particular by C-shaped connections, wherein one C-shaped connection connects two gaskets to one another. For example, a gasket arrangement can comprise two gaskets which are connected by one C-shaped connection. Preferably, the retention element of the sealing apparatus is connected to only one of the gaskets.

In a further preferred configuration, one or more sections or pads of the gasket arrangement are deformable relative to the rest of the gasket arrangement and(or to the retention element. Preferably, one gasket of the gasket arrangement is flexibly connected to the rest of the gasket arrangement, in particular to the other gasket thereof.

As a result, the gasket arrangement can be deformed to facilitate or simplify the assembly or pre-assembly procedure, for example when attaching the sealing apparatus to the fluid joint and/or a component connected thereto. Additionally or alternatively, one or more, in particular all sections or parts of the gasket arrangement, in particular the whole gasket arrangement, can be deformable relative to the retention element. This enables the deformation of the gasket arrangement relative to the retention element or vice versa and thereby facilitates or simplifies the assembly or pre-assembly procedure, while the gasket arrangement is assembled to the fluid conductor and/or while the retention element is assembled to the environment of the fluid conductor, in particular the fluid line. * S

In a further preferred configuration, the retention element of the sealing apparatus is adapted to be attachable to a fluid line being connected to the fluid joint. The fluid line can preferably be a pipe, a tube or a hose. As a result, the sealing apparatus can be applied to a fluid joint assembly comprising or consisting of the fluid line and the fluid * . joint, and thereby the sealing apparatus facilitates or simplifies a pre-assembly of a fluid joint assembly or system whose installation, e.g. in an engine, is finalized in later steps.

Preferably, the retention element of the sealing apparatus comprises a clip or a clamp. In this way, the sealing apparatus can be attached to the fluid joint, the fluid line or other components in a detachable manner. A clip can enable a quick assembly procedure, for example by just pressing it on a fluid line. A clamp can provide the advantage of a safe and reliable attachment, in particular to a fluid line, without the risk of sudden loosening. In addition, bolts can be used to fasten the clamp.

In a preferred configuration, the sealing apparatus is formed, in principle, symmetrically. For example, in a gasket arrangement comprising two gaskets, the gaskets are formed by circle-or ellipsoid-shapes and are attached symmetrically to each other by a first symmetric connection. Furthermore, the retention element is connected to one of the two gaskets by a second symmetric connection, which is collinear, i.e. in line with the first symmetric connection between the gaskets such that the whole sealing apparatus is symmetric relative to its midline. This facilitates and(or simplifies the assembly procedure, since the number of different ways to mount the sealing apparatus to the fluid joint is reduced. Additionally or alternatively, the retention element is formed, in principle, symmetrically, in particular symmetrical to the midline. This also facilitates and/or simplifies the assembly procedure, since the number of ways to attach the retention element can be reduced.

In a further preferred configuration, the retention element comprises at least one fixation means adapted for impeding unintentional detachment of the retention element. This fixation means can preferably be a barb or a fluke. In one preferred configuration, the retention element comprises a clip and this clip comprises a barb. When the clip is pressed, for example, onto a pipe the barb impedes detachment of the clip so ** that the retention element can only be detached from the pipe when releasing the barb of the clip thereby deactivating its retroserrating function.

* S* * * . In a still further preferred configuration, an operative axis of the retention element is, in principle, parallel to a rotational axis of the gasket(s) of the gasket * arrangement. In this way, the operative axis of the retention element can be the shortest axis between the grippers of a clamp or of a clip of the retention element. The operative axis can also be the axis of the force applied by the retention element to keep the sealing apparatus in its predetermined position. By designing the sealing apparatus in this way, * I the sealing apparatus can be advantageously mounted to the fluid joint and the fluid line from the side.

In a still further configuration, the gasket arrangement is formed as a single piece. Preferably, also the gasket arrangement and the retention element are formed as a single piece. As a result, the manufacturing process of the sealing apparatus may be simplified. Preferably, the gasket arrangement and the retention element of the sealing apparatus are formed in a stamping and bending process or in a 3-D printing process.

The gasket arrangement and the retention element may be formed from the same or different materials. Preferably, the sealing apparatus can be formed of metal (e.g. carbon steel), plastic (e.g. polytetrafluoroethylene), rubber, andlor compressed fiber.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a fluid joint assembly, comprising a fluid joint, in particular a Banjo union, a fluid line connected to the fluid joint, and a sealing apparatus of the invention for sealing the fluid joint, wherein the retention element of the sealing apparatus is attached to the fluid line so that the gasket arrangement of the sealing apparatus is arranged in a predetermined position relative to the fluid joint.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for sealing a fluid joint, in particular a Banjo union, which is connected to a fluid line, comprising the steps of providing a sealing apparatus according to the invention, and attaching the retention element of the sealing apparatus to the fluid line to arrange the gasket arrangement of the sealing apparatus in a predetermined position relative to the fluid joint.

The above as well as further aspects, features and advantages of the 0 *t * * present invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of a sealing apparatus with reference to the attached drawings, in which *..

Fig. 1 schematically shows a top view of a fluid joint assembly comprising a Banjo union and a sealing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; * . Fig. 2 schematically shows a side view of the fluid joint assembly of Figure * 1; Fig. 3 shows various perspective views of a sealing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 4 shows various perspective views of a sealing apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a top view and Figure 2 a side view of a sealing apparatus 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, used in a fluid joint assembly comprising a Banjo fitting.

The sealing apparatus I is mounted to a Banjo union 3 of a so-called Banjo fitting and to a fluid line 2 being connected to the Banjo union 3. The Banjo filling also comprises a hollow bolt 4 that is inserted into the banjo union 3 and screwed e.g. into a component of an engine (not shown). The flow direction of fluid is indicated by arrows 9.

The sealing apparatus I comprises a gasket arrangement with two gaskets and 7 being formed as rings which are spaced from each other and connected to each other by a C-shaped connection 6. The connection 6 is made in a flexible manner. Thus, the upper gasket 7 can be bent back in order to install the gasket arrangement on the Banjo union (indicated by the dashed lines in Figure 2).

Connected to the lower gasket 5 is retention element 8. In this embodiment, the retention element 8 comprises a clip, such as a Terry clip, to provide quick installation and dc-installation to and from the fluid pipe 2. For safety reasons, the clip 8 may also comprise a barb (not shown) that impedes an unintentional de-installation of the retention element 8 from the fluid pipe 2. Thus, the retention element 8 can only be de-instaijed ****. when the barb is released to de-activate its retroserrating function.

The retention element 8 may be composed of the same material as the gasket arrangement 5-7. Especially, the gasket arrangement 5-7 and the retention * element 8 may be formed as a single piece in a stamping and bending process or in a 3-D *....: printing process, for example. In one embodiment, the seating apparatus 1 is made from a * sheet of carbon steel, coated with etastomer and fibers compound. * *

In Figure 3, a first embodiment of a sealing apparatus and its attachment to a fluid joint assembly are shown.

The left subfigure of Figure 3 shows the sealing apparatus 1 with two gaskets 5 and 7, a C-shaped connection 6 between the two gaskets 5, 7 and a symmetric retention element 8, which functions as a Terry clip. The subfigure in the middle of Figure 3 shows the attachment of this sealing apparatus 1 to a fluid joint assembly comprising a Banjo union as a fluid joint 3, and a fluid pipe 2 connected to the Banjo union 3. The gasket arrangement 5-7 of the sealing apparatus I is placed around at the Banjo union 3, and the retention element 8 of the sealing apparatus I is attached to the fluid pipe 2. The right subfigure of Figure 3 shows the same assembly from a different viewing angle.

For mounting the sealing apparatus 1, first the upper gasket 7 is lifted (depicted by the dashed lines in Figure 2). This is possible due to the flexible connection 6 between the two gaskets 5 and 7. While the upper gasket 7 is lifted the sealing apparatus 1 is moved onto the Banjo union 3 and the retention element 8 is pressed onto the fluid pipe 2. Then, the upper gasket 7 is bent back such that it mates the upper surface of the Banjo union 3.

Referring to Figure 4, a second embodiment of a sealing apparatus and its attachment to a fluid joint assembly are explained.

The main difference of the embodiment depicted in Figure 4 in comparison to that of Figure 3 is the retention element. While in Figure 3 the retention element 8 is formed as a symmetrical clip, in this embodiment, the retention element 10 comprises an asymmetrical clip, which can be best seen in the left subfigure of Figure 4. Due to this configuration of the retention element 10. the operative axis 12 of the retention element 10 is parallel to the rotational axis 13 of the gaskets 5, 7. * . .

As a result, this construction allows advantageously for an attachment of the sealing apparatus to the Banjo union 3 and the fluid line 2 without deforming the sealing apparatus 1, as depicted in the right subfigure of Figure 4. Especially, the sealing apparatus 1 can be mounted to the fluid joint system from the side. The sealing apparatus ***..* * I is moved onto the fluid joint system such that the clip 10 embraces the fluid pipe 2 with its open side until the barb 11 holds the fluid pipe 2 from the other side impeding an unintentional detachment. At the same time, the gasket arrangement 5-7 is shifted over * * the Banjo union 3 until both gaskets 5, 7 are arranged concentrically with the Banjo union 3.

While exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing description, it should be apparent that a vast number of variants and modifications exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

List of Reference Numerals 1 sealing apparatus 2 luide line 3 luid joint (Banjo union) hollow bolt irst (lower) gasket 3 connection 7 second (upper) gasket 8 retention element (symmetrical clip) 9 low direction of fluid retention element (asymmetrical clip) * 11 ixation means (barb) ****.* 12 perative axis of retention element 13 rotational axis of gasket(s) 4*.* * 4 44**4 * 4 * ****..

Claims

CLAIMS1. A sealing apparatus (1.) for sealing a fluid joint (3), in particular a Banjo union, comprising: a gasket arrangement (5, 6, 7) comprising at least one gasket (5, 7); and a retention element (8, 10) for arranging the gasket arrangement (5, 6, 7) in a predetermined position relative to the fluid joint (3).
2. The sealing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gasket arrangement (5, 6, 7) comprises a plurality of gaskets (5, 7), in particular two gaskets, which are spaced from each other.
3. The sealing apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the gasket arrangement (5, 6, 7) comprises a connection (6), in particular a C-shaped * * * 15 connection, for connecting the at least two gaskets (5, 7) to one another.

0
4. The seating apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least * S.t** * one section of the gasket arrangement (5, 6, 7), in particular a gasket, is deformabte relative to the rest of the gasket arrangement and/or relative to the **...

* 20 retention element (8, 10).

St. St S * *
5. The sealing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retention element (8, 10) is adapted to be attachable to a fluid line (2) being connected to the fluid joint (3).
6. The sealing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retention element (8, 10) comprises a clip or a clamp.
7, The sealing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing apparatus is formed, in principle, symmetrically.
8. The sealing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an operative axis (12) of the retention element (10) is, in principle, parallel to a rotational axis (13) of the gasket(s) (5, 7).
9. The sealing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retention element (8, 10) comprises at least one fixation means (11) adapted for impeding unintentional detachment of the retention element.
10. The sealing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gasket arrangement (5, 8, 7) and the retention element (8, 10) are formed as a single piece.
11. The sealing apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the gasket arrangement (5, 6, 7) and the retention element (8, 10) are formed in a stamping and bending process.:.".
12. A fluid joint assembly, comprising: * * * a fluid Joint (3), in particular a Banjo union; * ***.* * 15 a fluid line (2) connected to the fluid joint (3); and a sealing apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, 0** wherein the retention element (8, 10) of the sealing apparatus (i)is attached to * the fluid line (2) so that the gasket arrangement (5, 6, 7) of the sealing apparatus (1) is arranged in a predetermined position relative to the fluid joint (3). * * * 20

S..... * *
13. A method for sealing a fluid joint (3), in particular a Banjo union, which is connected to a fluid line (2), comprising the steps of: providing a sealing apparatus (1) according to one of claims ito 11; and attaching the retention element (8, 10) of the sealing apparatus (1) to the fluid line (2) to arrange the gasket arrangement (5, 6, 7) of the sealing apparatus (1) in a predetermined position relative to the fluid joint (3).