Device, method and kit of parts for forming a press-fit connection with a tube

A method of forming a press-fit connection with a tube comprising the steps of:

• providing a socket for insertion of an end section of the tube, the socket being defined by a wall, wherein the wall comprises at least one first section extending in an axial direction, the first section including at least one annular bead and two second sections, the bead providing a housing for at least partially accommodating a sealing element within the socket,
• wherein each second section is located immediately adjacent to a bead and commences at a position along an axis of the socket at which a magnitude of a derivative of an outside radius of the wall with respect to the axial position has a local minimum,
• wherein each second section has, for every azimuthal position, an inside radius with a minimum at an axial position where the first and second sections terminate, and
• wherein the minimum radius of each second section is smaller than the inside radius at the axial position where the second section commences;
• providing an annular sealing element in the housing formed by the bead;
• inserting an end of the tube into the socket;
• and
• compressing the device and the annular sealing element onto the end of the tube.

A method of enabling an increased compression of an annular sealing element in a press-fit connection comprising the steps of:

• providing a device having a socket defined by a wall, wherein the wall comprises:
• an annular bead forming a housing therein;
• and
• at least one section on either side of the bead, the section having an interior radius that increases towards the bead in an axial direction for every azimuthal position so that the height in a pre-pressed condition of an opening of the housing above a tube to be received by the socket is higher than the adjacent portions of the wall;
• and
• providing an annular sealing element to be at least partially accommodated in the housing.