U.S. patent application number 10/591907 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-20 for container and tool for fixing a connection.
This patent application is currently assigned to BEHR GmbH & CO.KG. Invention is credited to Klaus Abt, Thomas Bensel, Jeffrey Kass, Winfried Preibisch, Stefan Zwick.
Application Number | 20070289133 10/591907 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34917094 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070289133 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abt; Klaus ; et al. |
December 20, 2007 |
Container and Tool for Fixing a Connection
Abstract
The invention relates to a container, in particular a collection
chamber of a heat exchanger, comprising an opening (2), in which a
connection (5) is mounted. To simplify the installation of the
connection, the latter (5) has a deformable connection edge region
(10) on the edge facing the container (1), said edge region
protruding into the container (1) prior to the deformation process
and after the deformation lying at least partially against the
interior of the container opening (2).
Inventors: |
Abt; Klaus; (Stuttgart,
DE) ; Kass; Jeffrey; (Sterling Heights, MI) ;
Preibisch; Winfried; (Korntal-Mucheningen, DE) ;
Zwick; Stefan; (Illingen, DE) ; Bensel; Thomas;
(Ditzingen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY AND LARDNER LLP;SUITE 500
3000 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Assignee: |
BEHR GmbH & CO.KG
|
Family ID: |
34917094 |
Appl. No.: |
10/591907 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
March 8, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP05/02412 |
371 Date: |
July 27, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/890.031 ;
165/173; 29/890.03; 29/890.043 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B21D 39/06 20130101;
B21D 53/02 20130101; Y10T 29/49373 20150115; F28F 9/0246 20130101;
Y10T 29/4935 20150115; Y10T 29/49352 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
029/890.031 ;
165/173; 029/890.03; 029/890.043 |
International
Class: |
F28F 9/04 20060101
F28F009/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 8, 2004 |
DE |
10 2004 011 547.8 |
Claims
1. A container, in particular a header of a heat exchanger, with an
orifice in which a connection piece is mounted, wherein the
connection piece has, at its end facing the container, a deformable
connection piece edge region which, before deformation, projects
into the container and, after deformation, bears at least partially
against the container orifice on the inside.
2. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deformable
connection piece edge region is connected with a form fit to that
edge region of the container which has the container orifice.
3. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deformable
connection piece edge region has a projection which, before
deformation, projects radially inward and, during deformation, is
deformed radially outward.
4. The container as claimed in claim 3, wherein the projection is
delimited by a continuous slope.
5. The container as claimed in claim 4, wherein the continuous
slope runs at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the
connection piece longitudinal axis.
6. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the edge region
of the container orifice, at least one deformed region is formed,
into which a complementarily deformed region of the deformable
connection piece edge region engages.
7. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein a collar is formed
at that end of the connection piece which has the deformable
connection piece edge region.
8. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein a continuous
depression is formed radially on the outside between the collar and
the deformable connection piece edge region.
9. A tool for fixing a connection piece as claimed in claim 1 in a
container orifice, wherein the tool has at least one deformation
element which can be moved out of an introduction position into a
deformation end position.
10. The container as claimed in claim 9, wherein the deformation
element is guided in the tool.
11. The tool as claimed in claim 10, wherein the guide path of the
deformation element runs essentially transversely with respect to
the connection piece longitudinal axis.
12. The tool as claimed in claim 10, wherein the guide path of the
deformation element runs from the inner space of the container
obliquely outward.
13. The tool as claimed in claim 9, wherein the deformation element
cooperates with a ramp which can be moved in relation to the tool
in the direction of the connection piece longitudinal axis.
14. The tool as claimed in claim 13, wherein the ramp is formed on
a frustoconical region which tapers outward.
15. The tool as claimed in claim 14, wherein the frustoconical
region can be actuated from outside.
16. The container as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that
wherein a connecting element extends outward from the frustoconical
region.
17. The tool as claimed in claim 9, wherein the deformation element
has an essentially convex region toward the container orifice.
18. The tool as claimed in claim 17, wherein, during deformation,
the convex region comes to bear with its outwardly facing half
against the deformable connection piece edge region.
19. The tool as claimed in claim 9, wherein the deformation element
is formed by a sphere.
20. The tool as claimed in 9, wherein the tool has a plurality of
deformation elements which are distributed, uniformly spaced apart,
over the circumference of the tool.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a container, in particular a header
of a heat exchanger, with an orifice in which a connection piece is
mounted. The invention also relates to a tool for fixing a
connection piece in a container orifice.
[0002] In series manufacture, the installation of connection pieces
in containers, such as headers of heat exchangers, takes place at
separate workstations, not at the location where the containers are
produced, since parts of the tools required for installing the
connection pieces have to be introduced into the inner space of the
container.
[0003] The object of the invention is to simplify the installation
of a connection piece in a container orifice.
[0004] In a container, in particular a header of a heat exchanger,
with an orifice in which a connection piece can be mounted or is
mounted, the object is achieved in that the connection piece has,
at its end facing the container, a deformable connection piece edge
region which, before deformation, projects into the container and,
after deformation, bears at least partially against the container
orifice on the inside. According to one aspect of the present
invention, it is not the complete connection piece edge region
which is bent round or deformed, but only at least one portion of
the connection piece edge region. According to another aspect of
the present invention, however, the complete connection piece edge
region may also be bent round or deformed.
[0005] A preferred exemplary embodiment of the container is
characterized in that the deformable connection piece edge region
is connected with a form fit to the container orifice. The form fit
is achieved preferably in that at least one portion of the
connection piece edge region is deformed together with the
associated portion of the container material having the container
orifice. As a result of the form fit, the connection piece is fixed
in the container orifice captively and securely in terms of
rotation. The fixed connection piece may be connected to the
container in a material integral manner in a subsequent soldering
operation. The deformation of the connection piece edge region
takes place preferably in the axial and radial direction with
respect to the container orifice. However, the deformation may also
take place only in the axial or in the radial direction.
[0006] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the container is
characterized in that the deformable connection piece edge region
has a projection which, before deformation, projects radially
inward and which, during deformation, is deformed radially outward.
This exemplary embodiment affords the advantage that the
deformation of the connection piece edge region can be brought
about with the aid of a simple tool, for example a mandrel.
[0007] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the container is
characterized in that the projection is delimited by a continuous
slope. The continuous slope forms an engagement surface for a tool
for deforming the connection piece edge region. After deformation,
the slope is preferably arranged in the direction of the connection
piece longitudinal axis.
[0008] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the container is
characterized in that the continuous slope runs at an angle of
about 45 degrees with respect to the connection piece longitudinal
axis. This angle has proved to be particularly advantageous within
the scope of the present invention.
[0009] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the container is
characterized in that, in the edge region of the container orifice,
at least one deformed region is formed, into which a
complementarily deformed region of the deformable connection piece
edge region engages. The type of deformation depends on the tool
used. The deformed region preferably has the configuration of a
spherical segment.
[0010] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the container is
characterized in that a collar is formed at that end of the
connection piece which has the deformable connection piece edge
region. The collar separates the deformable connection piece edge
region from the rest of the connection piece. The collar forms an
abutment when the connection piece is introduced into the container
orifice. During the deformation of the connection piece edge
region, the edge region of the container orifice is clamped between
the collar and the deformable connection piece edge region, in
order to fix the connection piece to or in the container
orifice.
[0011] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the container is
characterized in that a continuous depression is formed radially on
the outside between the collar and the deformable connection piece
edge region. The depression forms a reception space for burrs which
may be produced at the container orifice as a consequence of
manufacture.
[0012] In the case of a tool for fixing an above-described
connection piece in a container orifice, the object specified above
is achieved in that the tool has at least one deformation element
which can be moved out of an introduction position into a
deformation end position. In the introduction position, the
deformation element is arranged in or on the tool such that the
tool can be introduced from outside through the connection piece
into the inner space of the container. When the deformation element
is moved out of the introduction position into the deformation end
position, the deformation element comes to bear against a portion
of the connection piece edge region and deforms this portion until
the latter comes to bear against the edge region of the container
orifice. During the further movement of the deformation element
into the deformation end position, that portion of the connection
piece edge region against which the deformation element bears is
deformed, together with the edge region of the container orifice,
in order to bring about the form fit. The tool is preferably
equipped with at least two deformation elements.
[0013] A preferred exemplary embodiment of the tool is
characterized in that the deformation element is guided in the
tool. Guidance ensures that the deformation element moves in a
reproducible manner along a defined path of movement between the
introduction position and the deformation end position.
[0014] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the tool is
characterized in that the guide path of the deformation element
runs essentially transversely with respect to the connection piece
longitudinal axis. The state when the tool is introduced through
the connection piece into the container inner space is considered.
The guide path of the deformation element may run perpendicularly
with respect to the connection piece longitudinal axis. The guide
path of the deformation element then runs parallel with respect to
the plane which is defined by the container orifice. It is also
possible, however, that the guide path of the deformation element
runs obliquely with respect to the plane which is defined by the
container orifice.
[0015] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the tool is
characterized in that the guide path of the deformation element
runs from the inner space of the container obliquely outward. The
state when the tool is introduced through the connection piece into
the container inner space is considered again. The oblique run of
the guide path has the advantage that the deformation element moves
out of the deformation end position into the introduction position
more simply when the tool is extracted after the deformation of the
connection piece edge region. This makes it easier for the tool to
be extracted after the deformation of the connection piece edge
region. When the tool is extracted, the deformation element is
preferably located in the introduction position again.
[0016] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the tool is
characterized in that the deformation element cooperates with a
ramp which can be moved in relation to the tool in the direction of
the connection piece longitudinal axis. The state when the tool is
introduced through the connection piece into the container inner
space is considered. As a result of a movement of the ramp, the
deformation element is moved out of the introduction position into
the deformation end position.
[0017] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the tool is
characterized in that the ramp is formed on a frustoconical region
which tapers outward. A plurality of deformation elements may bear
against the frustoconical region and, in the event of a movement of
the frustoconical region, move synchronously along their guide
paths out of the respective introduction position into the
deformation end position.
[0018] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the tool is
characterized in that the frustoconical region can be actuated from
outside. The actuation may take place, for example, hydraulically
or pneumatically.
[0019] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the tool is
characterized in that a connecting element, which is also
designated as an actuating element, extends outward from the
frustoconical region. The state when the tool is introduced through
the connection piece into the container inner space is considered.
The actuating element may be, for example, a threaded spindle. The
connecting element may also be designated as a tie rod by means of
which the frustoconical region is moved outward from the container
inner space.
[0020] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the tool is
characterized in that the deformation element has an essentially
convex region toward the container orifice. The state when the tool
is introduced through the connection piece into the container inner
space is considered. The convex region ensures a nondestructive
deformation of the connection piece edge region in the radial
and/or axial direction.
[0021] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the tool is
characterized in that the convex region comes to bear with its
outwardly facing half against the deformable connection piece edge
region. The state when the tool is introduced through the
connection piece into the container inner space is considered. By
means of the convex region of the deformation element, the
connection piece edge region inside the container is deformed
toward the edge of the container orifice.
[0022] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the tool is
characterized in that the deformation element is formed by a
sphere. The sphere is preferably guided in a bore which extends
from outside into the frustoconical region.
[0023] A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the tool is
characterized in that the tool has a plurality of deformation
elements which are distributed, uniformly spaced apart, over the
circumference of the tool. The tool is preferably equipped with six
deformation elements.
[0024] Further advantages, features and particulars of the
invention may be gathered from the following description in which
various exemplary embodiments are described in detail with
reference to the drawing. In this case, the features mentioned in
the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention
in each case individually in themselves or in any desired
combination. In the drawing:
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a container with
an inserted connection piece and with a tool arranged therein;
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through part of the tool
from FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a connection piece inserted into
a container orifice;
[0028] FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section through a connection
piece according to a further exemplary embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged detail V from FIG. 4, and
[0030] FIG. 6 shows the detail from FIG. 5 after deformation.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates part of a container 1 in section. A
circular orifice 2 is cut out in the container 1. The container 1
is the header of a heat exchanger. A connection piece 5, which
serves, for example, for connecting a coolant line, is inserted
into the orifice 2 of the container 1.
[0032] The connection piece 5 comprises a basic body 6 essentially
in the form of an envelope of a circular cylinder, with a
connection piece longitudinal axis 8. A collar 7, which projects
radially outward, is formed at that end of the basic body 6 which
faces the container 1. On that side of the collar 7 which faces
away from the basic body 6, the connection piece has a connection
piece edge region 10 essentially in the form of an envelope of a
circular cylinder. The connection piece edge region 10 projects
into the inner space of the container 1, said inner space being
designated in FIG. 1 by 12.
[0033] In FIG. 1, the connection piece 5 is inserted with the
connection piece edge region 10 into the container orifice 2. The
collar 7 is in bearing contact against the circumferential edge of
the container 1, said circumferential edge delimiting the container
orifice 2. A tool 15 is introduced through the connection piece 5
partially into the inner space 12 of the container 1, in order to
fix the connection piece 5 in the container orifice 2. The
connection piece 5 is fixed in the container orifice 2 in order to
prevent a loosening of the connection piece 5 or a rotation of the
connection piece 5 in the container orifice 2 before the connection
piece 5 is connected to the container 1 in a materially integral
manner by means of a subsequent soldering operation.
[0034] The tool 15 has, at its end projecting into the inner space
12 of the container 1, a tool head 16 which comprises a portion 17
tapering frustoconically outward. An extension 18, in which guide
bores 21 and 22 are cut out, extends radially outward from the
frustoconical portion 17. The guide bores 21, 22 run in the radial
direction with respect to the connection piece longitudinal axis 8.
A sphere 25, 26 is received in each of the guide bores 21, 22 so as
to be movable back and forth.
[0035] The tool head 16 having the frustoconical portion 17 can be
moved in relation to the extension 18 in the direction of the
connection piece longitudinal axis 8. For this purpose, the tool
head 16 has fastened to it a spindle 30 which extends outward from
the tool head. An actuating element 32 is screwed to the free end
of the spindle 30 which has an external thread. When the actuating
element 32 is rotated in the appropriate direction, the tool head
16 having the frustoconical portion 17 is then pressed against the
spheres 25 and 26. The spheres 25 and 26 are thereby moved radially
outward in their guide bores 21 and 22 in order to deform the
connection piece edge region 12. In this case, the dimensions of
the frustoconical portion 17, of the guide bores 21 and 22 and of
the spheres 25, 26 are selected such that those halves of the
spheres 25, 26 which face the actuating element 32 bear against the
connection piece edge region 10. What is achieved thereby is that
those portions of the connection piece edge region 10 against which
the spheres 25, 26 bear and the connection piece edge region 10 are
bent round toward the circumferential edge of the container orifice
2 when the spheres 25, 26 are moved radially outward in their guide
bores 21, 22.
[0036] When the tool head 16 is moved somewhat further into the
inner space 12 of the container 1 in FIG. 1, the spheres 25, 26 can
move radially inward until they have reached their introduction
position. In this introduction position, the spheres 25, 26 are
received completely in the guide bores 21, 22, so that no part of
the spheres 25, 26 projects radially from the guide bores 21, 22 on
the outside. In this state, the tool 15 can be introduced through
the connection piece into the container inner space 12 and be led
out of the container inner space 12.
[0037] In FIG. 2, the extension 18, which may also be designated as
a tool head guide element, is illustrated alone in longitudinal
section. A recess 40 is cut out at one end of the tool head guide
element 18. The recess 40 is formed complementarily to the
frustoconical portion (17 in FIG. 1). Two guide bores 41, 42 extend
outward from the recess 40. However, the guide bores 41, 42 do not,
as in FIG. 1, run perpendicularly with respect to the connection
piece longitudinal axis 8 which corresponds to the longitudinal
axis of the tool 15, but are inclined obliquely with respect to the
connection piece longitudinal axis 8. Moreover, a central through
bore 44 for receiving the spindle (30 in FIG. 1) is provided in the
tool head guide element 18.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a connection piece 5 which
is fixed in an orifice 2 of a container 1. Circles 51 to 56
indicate six spheres of a tool (otherwise not illustrated). The
spheres 51 to 56 are in what is known as their introduction
position. The deformation end position of the sphere 54 is
indicated by dashes at 58. When the spheres 51 to 56 are moved out
of their introduction positions into their deformation end
positions, form-fit connections 61 to 66 are made between the
connection piece edge region 10 and that edge of the container
orifice 2 against which the connection piece edge region 10 of the
connection piece 5 bears. The form-fit regions 61 to 66 have the
configuration of spherical segments, the inner radii of which
correspond to the outer radii of the spheres 51 to 56.
[0039] The hardened spheres 51 to 56 are pressed outward in the
tool along the guide bores by the frustoconical region of the tool
head. The embossing of the connection piece edge region takes place
below the maximum diameter of the spheres. The connection piece 5
is thereby drawn against the container in the axial direction. The
spheres emboss the connection piece edge region outward and lead to
a form-fit connection between the container and connection piece.
The mounting of the connection piece may take place from only one
side, to be precise from outside, for example by means of a simple
hand tool.
[0040] FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the
invention in which preferably the complete connection piece edge
region is deformed. It is also possible, however, that the
deformable connection piece edge region is deformed only partially.
The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 has the
advantage that a simple mandrel can be used in order to deform the
deformable connection piece edge region.
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a connection piece 85 which comprises a
basic body 86 essentially in the form of an envelope of a circular
cylinder, with a connection piece longitudinal axis 88. A collar 87
which projects radially outward is formed at one end of the basic
body 86. Between the basic body 86 and the collar 87, the
connection piece 85 has a region 89 widening conically toward the
collar 87. On that side of the collar 87 which faces away from the
basic body 86, the connection piece 85 has a connection piece edge
region 90. In the installed state, the connection piece edge region
90 projects into the inner space of a container (not illustrated in
FIG. 4).
[0042] The connection piece edge region 90 has a portion 92
essentially in the form of a sleeve or in the form of an envelope
of a circular cylinder, which extends from the inner circumference
of the collar 87 in the direction of the connection piece
longitudinal axis 88. A continuous depression 94 is formed radially
on the inside between the sleeve-shaped portion 92 and the collar
87. As seen in section, the connection piece edge region has at its
free end a projection 96 which projects radially inward. Between
the sleeve-shaped portion 92 and the projection 96, a continuous
slope 98 is formed on the connection piece edge region 90. The
continuous slope 98 runs at an angle 100 of 45 degrees with respect
to the connection piece longitudinal axis 88. The projection 96 has
radially outward an outer surface 99 which extends parallel with
respect to the connection piece longitudinal axis 88. FIG. 5 shows
the connection piece edge region 90 as it appears before
deformation.
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates the connection piece edge region 90 after
deformation. In FIG. 6, a part of a container which has an orifice
105 is indicated by 104. As a consequence of production, burrs 106
are formed at the orifice 105 and, in the mounted state of the
connection piece 85, is arranged in the depression 94. It can be
seen in FIG. 6 that, as seen in section, after deformation, the
slope 98 on the connection piece edge region 90 is arranged in a
line with the inner surface of the sleeve-shaped portion 92. After
deformation, the outer surface 99 of the projection 96 extends
outward. What is achieved thereby is that the connection piece edge
region 90 surrounds the orifice 105 of the container 104.
* * * * *