Fitting for connecting to a tubular element, tubing connection and a method for connecting a fitting to a tubular element

A system comprising:

• at least one fitting having a first end comprising at least one first connection element, the diameter of at least a part of the first connection element configured to be reduced in a radial direction, the first connection element comprising a radially inwardly extending first hook element being pre-formed in the fitting prior to a pressing of the fitting and being formed as an element that runs circumferentially around the fitting, the at least one first connection element having a first curved surface, the fitting having further at least one radially outwardly extending portion forming at least one annular recess;
• and
• at least one tubular element connected to the fitting, the tubular element comprising securing means formed on an outer surface of the tubular element for securing the at least one tubular element to the at least one fitting in response to the diameter of at least a part of the first connection element being reduced, the securing means having a second curved surface which is complementary to the first curved surface;
• wherein:
• the at least one radially outwardly extending portion additionally forms, at a terminus of the at least one annular recess at a turning point from the annular portion to a parallel to the tubular element running straight portion of the fitting, a gripping element for engaging the outer surface of the at least one tubular element;
• and
• the gripping element is axially spaced apart from the first hook element.

An apparatus comprising:

• at least one fitting having an end comprising at least one connection element, a diameter of at least a part of the at least one connection element configured to be reduced in a radial direction, the at least one connection element comprising (i) at least one radially inwardly extending hook element being pre-formed in the fitting prior to a pressing of the fitting and being formed as an element that runs circumferentially around the fitting, and (ii) at least one radially outwardly extending portion forming at least one annular recess;
• at least one tubular element connected to the fitting and comprising at least one crimp formed on an outer surface of the tubular element;
• and
• at least one sealing element arranged at least partly in the at least one annular recess and configured to seal the at least one fitting relative to the at least one tubular element,
• wherein:
• the at least one radially inwardly extending hook element is configured to be connected in a force-fit or a form-fit manner to the at least one crimp formed in response to the diameter of at least a part of the at least one connection element being reduced;
• the diameter of an area between the hook element and the annular recess is reduced to connect the hook element to the crimp;
• and
• the at least one radially outwardly extending portion additionally forms, at a terminus of the at least one annular recess, a gripping element comprising a sharp edge for engaging the outer surface of the tubular element.

A method comprising:

• providing a fitting having a first end comprising a connection element, the diameter of at least a part of the connection element configured to be reduced in a radial direction, the connection element comprising a radially inwardly extending hook element being pre-formed in the fitting prior to a pressing of the fitting and being formed as an element that runs circumferentially around the fitting and at least one radially outwardly extending circular portion, the fitting having at least one radially outwardly extending portion forming at least one annular recess;
• providing a tubular element having a crimp formed on an outer surface of the tubular element;
• and
• inserting the tubular element into the at least one fitting prior to a reduction in a diameter of at least one section of the connection element in a radial direction, wherein by the reduction of the diameter, the hook element and the at least one radially outwardly extending circular portion are deformed to engage at least one crimp formed on the surface of the tubular element so as to provide a force-fit or form-fit connection of the fitting to the at least one tubular element;
• wherein:
• the at least one radially outwardly extending portion additionally forms, at a terminus of the at least one annular recess at a turning point from the annular portion to a parallel to the tubular element running straight portion of the fitting, a gripping element for engaging the outer surface of the tubular element;
• and
• the gripping element is axially spaced apart from the first hook element.