U.S. patent application number 17/507234 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-05 for fluid connection arrangement.
The applicant listed for this patent is Veritas AG. Invention is credited to Berthold Geiger, Sergio Pascuzzi, Andreas Walter.
Application Number | 20220136625 17/507234 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005983826 |
Filed Date | 2022-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220136625 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Geiger; Berthold ; et
al. |
May 5, 2022 |
FLUID CONNECTION ARRANGEMENT
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a fluid connection arrangement
for establishing a fluid connection, including a receiving part
having a receiving wall that has a receiving wall inner side that
delimits an interior of the receiving part, a tubular connecting
part that is at least partially received in the interior of the
receiving part and has a tube wall having a plurality of
comb-shaped support points that extend along a longitudinal
direction of the tubular connecting part, the comb-shaped support
points contacting the receiving wall inner side. The tube wall may
have at least one curved wall area that extends between two
adjacent comb-shaped support points. Between the at least one
curved wall area of the tubular connecting part and the receiving
wall inner side of the receiving part at least one gap is arranged
where a solder is received to establish a materially bonded and
fluid-tight connection.
Inventors: |
Geiger; Berthold;
(Linsengericht, DE) ; Pascuzzi; Sergio;
(Linsengericht, DE) ; Walter; Andreas; (Gruendau,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Veritas AG |
Gelnhausen |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005983826 |
Appl. No.: |
17/507234 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/289.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23K 1/0008 20130101;
F16L 13/08 20130101; B23K 2101/06 20180801 |
International
Class: |
F16L 13/08 20060101
F16L013/08; B23K 1/00 20060101 B23K001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 29, 2020 |
DE |
10 2020 128 531.0 |
Claims
1. A fluid connection arrangement for establishing a fluid
connection, comprising: a receiving part comprising a receiving
wall that has a receiving wall inner side that delimits an interior
of the receiving part; and a tubular connecting part that is
received at least partially in the interior of the receiving part
and comprises a tube wall having: a plurality of comb-shaped
support points that extends along a longitudinal direction of the
tubular connecting part and the receiving wall inner side, at least
one curved wall area that extends between two adjacent comb-shaped
support points of the plurality of comb-shaped support points,
wherein between the at least one curved wall area of the tubular
connecting part and the receiving wall inner side, at least one gap
is arranged, and wherein a solder is received in the at least one
gap to provide a materially bonded and fluid-tight connection
between the receiving wall inner side and the at least one curved
wall area.
2. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein, when
inserting the tubular connecting part into the receiving part, the
plurality of comb-shaped support points are at least partially
inwardly deformable to receive the tubular connecting part in the
receiving part.
3. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the
plurality of comb-shaped support points received in the receiving
part are configured to apply a force to the receiving wall inner
side.
4. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the
plurality of comb-shaped support points are arranged rotationally
symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the tubular
connecting part.
5. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein a plurality
of curved wall areas are arranged rotationally symmetrically with
respect to a central axis of the tubular connecting part.
6. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein: the
plurality of comb-shaped support points lie on a first
circumferential circle of the tubular connecting part with respect
to a central axis of the tubular connecting part, respective
central areas of a plurality of curved wall areas lie on a second
circumferential circle of the tubular connecting part with respect
to the central axis of the tubular connecting part, and the first
circumferential circle has a first circular diameter that is
greater than a second circular diameter of the second
circumferential circle.
7. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein a length of
the plurality of comb-shaped support points along the longitudinal
direction of the tubular connecting part is less than a length of
the at least one gap along the longitudinal direction of the
tubular connecting part.
8. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein: the
tubular connecting part has an insertion section that is completely
received in the interior of the receiving part, the insertion
section being connected to an outer section of the tubular
connecting part that extends from the insertion section, the
plurality of comb-shaped support points and the at least one curved
wall area of the tube wall are arranged in the insertion section,
and the tube wall of the outer section has a concentric cross
section.
9. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein: the
receiving wall that delimits the interior of the receiving part has
a wall end side that closes the interior transversely to an
insertion direction of the tubular connecting part, and a cavity
for receiving the solder is formed between the wall end side and an
end face of the inserted tubular connecting part.
10. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein each
comb-shaped support point of the plurality of comb-shaped support
points comprises a rounded comb top that bears against the
receiving wall inner side.
11. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the at
least one curved wall area is shaped as a convexly curved wall
area.
12. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the at
least one gap has a crescent shape.
13. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein a radial
depth of the at least one gap transverse to the longitudinal
direction of the tubular connecting part is between 0.02 mm and 0.2
mm.
14. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein a wall
thickness of the tube wall is between 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm.
15. A method for producing a fluid connection arrangement,
comprising: providing a receiving part comprising a receiving wall
that has a receiving wall inner side that delimits an interior of
the receiving part; providing a tubular connecting part that
comprises a tube wall having a plurality of comb-shaped support
points that extends along a longitudinal direction of the tubular
connecting part and having at least one curved wall area that
extends between two adjacent comb-shaped support points of the
plurality of comb-shaped support points; at least partially
inserting the tubular connecting part into the interior of the
receiving part, wherein the plurality of comb-shaped support points
contacts the receiving wall inner side and at least one gap is
arranged between the at least one curved wall area and the
receiving wall inner side based at least in part on the inserting;
and soldering the tube wall to the receiving wall, wherein a solder
formed during the soldering is received in the at least one gap,
and wherein a materially bonded and fluid-tight connection is
provided between the receiving wall inner side and the at least one
curved wall area based at least in part on the solder.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein providing the tubular
connecting part comprises: press forming a tubular precursor with a
concentric cross-section to obtain the tube wall with a
rotationally symmetrical cross-section comprising the plurality of
comb-shaped support points and the at least one curved wall area,
wherein the press forming comprises a circumferential action of a
plurality of jaws of a forming tool on the tubular precursor.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the soldering comprises:
heating the tubular connecting part to melt the solder, molten
solder being received in the at least one gap during the soldering,
wherein a resulting soldered connection connects the tube wall to
the receiving wall in a fluid-tight manner after the solder has
hardened.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the soldering comprises:
heating the receiving part to melt the solder, molten solder being
received in the at least one gap during the soldering, wherein a
resulting soldered connection connects the tube wall to the
receiving wall in a fluid-tight manner after the solder has
hardened.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: arranging the
solder between the tubular connecting part and the receiving
part.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the soldering comprises:
melting the solder arranged between the tubular connecting part and
the receiving part, wherein molten solder is received in the at
least one gap based at least in part on the melting.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of German Patent
Application No. 10 2020 128 531.0 by Geiger et al., entitled
"FLUIDVERBINDUNGSANORDNUNG," filed Oct. 29, 2020, which is assigned
to the assignee hereof, and which is expressly incorporated by
reference in its entirety herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a fluid connection
arrangement for establishing a fluid connection.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A variety of fluid conduits, such as fluid tubes, are
required in a vehicle to convey different types of fluid. In order
to connect fluid lines to one another in a spatially limited
installation space of a vehicle, fluid connection arrangements are
used, through which fluid connections can be established. In
conventional fluid connection arrangements consisting of metallic
components, the fluidical interfaces are often soldered in order to
achieve a stable attachment of the components to one another.
[0004] In order to ensure the gap width during soldering, in
particular pipe ends of a conventional fluid connection arrangement
that are soldered into a connection geometry often have to be
calibrated in a complex manner. A corresponding conventional
calibration is carried out in particular by means of a flanging
machine by reducing the outer diameter of the pipe end to a defined
dimension, wherein high deformation forces occur and a relative
movement between the workpieces and an oiling of the workpieces
being necessary, wherein the further risk of metal particles
becoming detached is present, and wherein furthermore the
workpieces are to be cleaned and degreased prior to soldering.
[0005] Document DE 10 2016 206 471 A1 discloses a connection
arrangement between a shaft and a bore, the connection being able
to be established by means of a pressing process and a subsequent
soldering process.
SUMMARY
[0006] The object on which the disclosure is based is to provide a
fluid connection arrangement for a fluid connection which has
advantageous properties and is easy to manufacture.
[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter with the
features according to the independent claims. Examples of the
disclosure are the subject matter of the figures, the description,
and the dependent claims.
[0008] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, the object is
achieved by a fluid connection arrangement for establishing a fluid
connection, comprising a receiving part, which has a receiving
wall, the receiving wall having an receiving wall inner side, which
delimits an interior of the receiving part, a tubular connecting
part, which is received at least partially in the interior of the
receiving part, and which comprises a tube wall, the tube wall
having a plurality of comb-shaped support points, which extend
along a longitudinal direction of the tubular connecting part, the
comb-shaped support points contacting the receiving wall inner
side, the tube wall having at least one curved wall area, which
extends between two adjacent comb-shaped support points, wherein
between at least one curved wall area of the tubular connecting
part and the receiving wall inner side of the receiving part, at
least one gap is arranged, wherein a solder is received in the gap
in order to provide a materially bonded and fluid-tight connection
between the receiving wall inner side and the curved wall area.
[0009] In this way, for example, the technical advantage is
achieved that a stable and, in particular, fluidically tight
connection is ensured between the receiving part and the tubular
connecting part, which connection is easy to manufacture and can
advantageously withstand high pressure loads.
[0010] In particular, the receiving part, in particular the
receiving wall of the receiving part, has an insertion opening,
which connects the interior of the receiving part with an exterior
of the receiving part. In particular, the tubular connecting part,
which is received at least partially in the interior of the
receiving part, extends from the interior of the receiving part
through the insertion opening to the exterior of the receiving
part.
[0011] In particular, the receiving wall of the receiving part has
a concentric cross section, in particular a circular cross section.
Thus, the receiving wall inner side of the receiving part delimits
in particular a cylindrical cavity in which the tubular connecting
part is received at least partially and in which the solder for the
materially bonded and fluid-tight connection between the receiving
wall inner side and the tube wall of the tubular connecting part is
received.
[0012] In particular, the receiving part is shaped as a hollow
cylindrical component, the receiving wall having an receiving wall
outer side, which is formed on a side of the receiving wall facing
away from the receiving wall inner side and delimits the receiving
wall from an exterior of the receiving part. Here, the receiving
wall outer side runs around the receiving wall inner side, in
particular in a circular manner, i.e. concentrically, so that in
particular the distance between the receiving wall inner side and
the receiving wall outer side is constant along the circumference
of the receiving part.
[0013] In particular, the receiving part is shaped as a metallic
receiving part and the tubular connecting part is shaped as a
metallic tubular connecting part. Thus, the solder received in the
gap can provide an effective materially bonded connection, in
particular a soldered connection, between the metallic receiving
part and the metallic tubular connecting part.
[0014] For the solder to be able to penetrate into the gap, a
solder, in particular copper solder, which is arranged in
particular between the receiving part and the tubular connecting
part, in particular between an end face of the tubular connecting
part and a receiving wall end face of the receiving wall of the
receiving part, which us opposite the end face of the tubular
connecting part, is melted, in particular by the action of
temperature on the fluid connection arrangement, in order to
establish the soldered connection. Alternatively, the solder can
also be arranged on an outside of the receiving part and/or the
tubular connecting part, in particular as a piece of solder or as a
solder paste.
[0015] The melted solder due to the acting capillary force
penetrates into the at least one gap between the tube wall of the
tubular connecting part and the receiving wall inner side of the
receiving part and hardens when the fluid connection arrangement is
subsequently cooled, so that the solder received and cured in the
gap provides a materially bonded and fluid-tight connection between
the receiving wall inner side and the tube wall.
[0016] The tube wall of the tubular connecting part has, in
particular, a rotationally symmetrical cross section. The
rotationally symmetrical cross section of the tube wall is defined
in particular in that a cross-sectional contour of the tube wall is
mirrored back onto itself by a rotation along a specific rotation
angle, in particular of 120.degree.. In particular, the
rotationally symmetrical cross section of the tube wall of the
tubular connecting part is not concentric, i.e. not circular.
[0017] The tube wall has a plurality of comb-shaped support points,
in particular three comb-shaped support points, which are in
particular arranged on the tube wall at a distance from the
circumference and extend along the longitudinal direction of the
tubular connecting part.
[0018] In particular, the comb-shaped support points are arranged
rotationally symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the
tubular connecting part, e.g. for example with three comb-shaped
support points, each adjacent comb-shaped support points enclose a
rotation angle of 120.degree. with the central axis of the tubular
connecting part.
[0019] The fact that the comb-shaped support points extend along
the longitudinal direction of the tubular connecting part not only
ensures punctual contact of the comb-shaped support points on
receiving wall inner side of the receiving part, but the respective
comb top of the comb-shaped support points bears against an
elongated contact section of the receiving wall inner side of the
receiving part.
[0020] In particular, the comb-shaped support points contact the
receiving wall inner side of the receiving part in a force-fitting
manner.
[0021] In particular, the comb-shaped support points each have a
rounded comb top, which bears against the receiving wall inner side
of the receiving part.
[0022] In particular, the tube wall has a plurality of, in
particular three, curved wall areas, wherein one wall area of the
plurality of wall areas extends between two adjacent comb-shaped
support points, respectively. In particular, the curved wall areas
are arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to a central
axis of the tubular connecting part, i.e. for example with three
curved wall areas, two adjacent curved wall areas each enclose a
rotation angle of 120.degree. with the central axis of the tubular
connecting part, respectively.
[0023] The plurality of comb-shaped support points and the curved
wall areas, which are arranged between respectively adjacent
comb-shaped support points, thus form, in particular, the
circumferential tube wall of the tubular connecting part.
[0024] If the tube wall has a plurality of curved wall areas, a
respective gap is arranged between each curved wall area of the
plurality of curved wall areas and the receiving wall inner side of
the receiving part, so that a plurality of gaps are available
provided in the fluid connection arrangement for receiving the
solder.
[0025] In particular, the majority of the gaps are arranged
rotationally symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the
tubular connecting part, i.e. for example with three gaps, two
adjacent gaps each limit with the central axis of the tubular
connecting part a rotation angle of 120.degree..
[0026] In particular, the at least one curved wall area is shaped
as a convexly curved wall area, i.e. the convexly curved wall area
is curved outwardly with respect to a tube interior of the tubular
connecting part.
[0027] The tube wall of the tubular connecting part has a certain
elasticity, so that when the tubular connecting part is inserted
into the receiving part, the comb-shaped support points are
deflected inwardly at least partially upon contact with the
receiving wall inner side of the receiving part, so that effective
insertion of the tubular connecting part into the receiving part is
ensured.
[0028] If the tubular connecting part is inserted into the
receiving part, the inwardly deflected comb-shaped support points
apply a force to the receiving wall inner side of the receiving
part. As a result, the tubular connecting part is fixed in the
correct position after being inserted into the receiving part and
both a detachment of the tubular connecting part from the receiving
part and a twisting of the tubular connecting part with respect to
the receiving part are prevented.
[0029] If the tubular connecting part is then soldered to the
receiving part, the solder is received in the at least one gap
between the tubular connecting part and the receiving part and the
materially bonded and fluid-tight connection between the tubular
connecting part and the receiving part is ensured.
[0030] In particular, the at least one gap has a crescent
shape.
[0031] In particular, the radial depth of the gap transversely to
the longitudinal direction of the tubular connecting part is
between 0.02 mm and 0.2 mm.
[0032] In particular, the wall thickness of the tube wall of the
tubular connecting part is between 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm, in particular
1.0 mm or 0.7 mm.
[0033] In particular, the solder is formed from copper.
[0034] The tube wall comprising the comb-shaped support points and
the at least one curved wall area is represented by a selective
pressing of the tube wall radially inward, wherein the comb-shaped
support points, since they are larger in diameter, are displaced
inward, so that the at least one curved wall area follows is formed
into the outside.
[0035] The advantages of the soldered connection according to the
disclosure between the tubular connecting part and the receiving
part are distinguished by the fact that, compared to conventional
soldered connections, lower deformation forces occur compared to a
conventional calibration of the outer diameter, since there is no
change in the wall thickness of the tube wall of the tubular
connecting part, so that the manufacturing effort can be
significantly reduced, since no flanging machine has to be used. In
addition, when the tubular connecting part is produced, there is no
relative movement between the tubular connecting part and the
forming die, the forming die in particular being passed through the
tubular connecting part for calibrating the outer diameter during
the crimping process. In addition, lubrication and the subsequent
washing of the tubular connecting part can be dispensed with during
the manufacture of the tubular connecting part.
[0036] In an example, when the tubular connecting part is inserted
into the receiving part, the comb-shaped support points are at
least partially inwardly deformable in order to receive the tubular
connecting part in the receiving part, and/or the comb-shaped
support points of the tubular connecting part received in the
receiving part are adapted to apply a force to the receiving wall
inner side to the receiving part.
[0037] This achieves the technical advantage that positioning of
the tubular connecting part within the interior of the receiving
part is ensured. In particular, an advantageous positionally
correct positioning is ensured, which prevents the tubular
connecting part from to be loosened from the receiving part or
prevents a twisting of the tubular connecting part with respect to
the receiving part before the tubular connecting part is soldered
to the receiving part.
[0038] In an example, the comb-shaped support points are arranged
rotationally symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the
tubular connecting part, and/or a plurality of curved wall areas
are arranged rotationally symmetrical with respect to a central
axis of the tubular connecting part.
[0039] This achieves the technical advantage that, due to the
rotationally symmetrical arrangement of the comb-shaped support
points and/or the plurality of curved wall areas, the
circumferential distance between the comb-shaped support points, or
the circumferential distance between the gaps, which are limited by
the curved wall areas, is constant, so that in relation to the
central axis symmetrical contact points or solder points with the
receiving wall inner side of the receiving part are ensured.
[0040] In an example, the comb-shaped support points lie on a first
circumferential circle of the tubular connecting part with respect
to the central axis of the tubular connecting part, wherein
respective central areas of a plurality of curved wall areas lying
on a second circumferential circle of the tubular connecting part
with respect to the central axis of the tubular connecting part,
wherein the first circumferential circle has a first circle
diameter which is larger than a second circle diameter of the
second circumferential circle.
[0041] This achieves the technical advantage that, due to the
difference between the first and second circular diameter, the
comb-shaped support points are arranged further out in relation to
the central axis of the tubular connecting part than the curved
wall areas. In the case of a concentric or circular cross section
of the receiving wall of the receiving part, this ensures that a
respective gap is formed between the curved wall areas and the
receiving wall, whereas the comb-shaped support points bear against
the receiving wall.
[0042] In an example, a length of the comb-shaped support points
along the longitudinal direction of the tubular connecting part is
less than a length of the at least one gap along the longitudinal
direction of the tubular connecting part.
[0043] This has the technical advantage that the solder, which is
drawn up through the cavities between the gaps by the capillary
force, converges above the gap and fills the remaining gap with
solder.
[0044] In an example, the tubular connecting part has an insertion
section which is completely received in the interior of the
receiving part, the insertion section being connected to an outer
section of the tubular connecting part, which extends from the
insertion section, wherein the comb-shaped support points and the
at least one curved wall area of the tube wall are arranged in the
insertion section, and wherein the tube wall of the outer section
in particular has a concentric cross section.
[0045] This achieves the technical advantage that the tubular
connecting part does not have to be machined over its entire
length, but rather only the insertion section of the tubular
connecting part, which is completely received in the interior of
the receiving part, has to be machined.
[0046] In an example, the tube wall comprising the comb-shaped
support points and the at least one curved wall area, in particular
in the area of the insertion section, has a constant wall
thickness.
[0047] This achieves the technical advantage that the constant wall
thickness of the tube wall avoids weak points in the tube wall,
which could impair the connection between the tubular connecting
part and the receiving part.
[0048] In an example, the receiving wall, which delimits the
interior of the receiving part, has a wall end side which closes
the interior transversely to an insertion direction of the tubular
connecting part, wherein a cavity for receiving a solder is formed
between the wall end side and an end face of the inserted tubular
connecting part.
[0049] This achieves the technical advantage that the cavity
between the end face of the inserted tubular connecting part and
the wall end side of the receiving wall of the receiving part
provides a space for receiving solder, which connects the tubular
connecting part to the receiving part at the end face.
[0050] In particular, the wall end side of the receiving part is
connected to the receiving wall inner side of the receiving part,
so that the wall end side and the receiving wall inner side
completely enclose the tube wall of the tubular connecting
part.
[0051] The cavity between the end face of the inserted tubular
connecting part and the wall end face enables the solder to be
received before the solder is melted. If the solder introduced into
the cavity is melted, in particular by heating the fluid connection
arrangement, in particular by furnace soldering or induction
soldering, the melted solder penetrates into the gaps between the
tube wall of the tubular connecting part and the receiving wall
inner side of the receiving part due to the acting capillary
forces. When the solder subsequently hardens in the gaps, in
particular through cooling of the fluid connection arrangement, the
solder thus provides the materially bonded and fluid-tight
connection between the receiving wall inner side and the tube
wall.
[0052] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, the object
is solved by a method for producing a fluid connection arrangement,
comprising the following method steps; providing a receiving part,
which has a receiving wall, the receiving wall having an receiving
wall inner side, which delimits an interior of the receiving part;
providing a tubular connecting part, which has a tube wall, the
tube wall having a plurality of comb-shaped support points, which
extend along a longitudinal direction of the tubular connecting
part, the tube wall having at least one curved wall area, which
extends between two adjacent comb-shaped support points; at least
partially inserting the tubular connecting part into the interior
of the receiving part, the comb-shaped supporting points of the
tubular connecting part contacting the receiving wall inner side
after insertion, and wherein, after insertion, at least one gap is
arranged between the at least one curved wall area and the
receiving wall inner side; and soldering the tube wall of the
tubular connecting part to the receiving wall of the receiving
part, a solder formed during the soldering being received in the
gap in order to ensure a materially bonded and fluid-tight
connection between the receiving wall inner side and the curved
wall area.
[0053] This achieves the technical advantage that a stable and
fluid-tight connection that is easy to produce, can be ensured
between the tubular connecting part and the receiving part.
[0054] In an example, the provision of the tubular connecting part
comprises a press forming of a tubular precursor with a concentric
cross section, in order to obtain a tube wall with a rotationally
symmetrical cross section comprising the comb-shaped support points
and the at least one curved wall area, wherein the press forming in
particular comprises the circumferential action of a plurality of
jaws of a forming tool onto the tubular precursor.
[0055] This achieves the technical advantage that the press forming
of the tubular precursor ensures that an uniform forming is ensured
and, in particular, a constant wall thickness can be ensured in the
tubular precursor, so that the use of a flanging machine to remove
any unevenness or to compensate for manufacturing deviations is not
necessary.
[0056] Here, the jaws of the forming tool in particular press the
tube wall of the tubular precursor at least partially radially
inwards, so that the at least one curved wall area of the tubular
connecting part is obtained, and the constant volume of the
comb-shaped support points is formed in that the areas next to the
curved wall area are displaced radially outward.
[0057] In an example, during the insertion of the tubular
connecting part into the interior of the receiving part, the
comb-shaped support points of the tube wall are at least partially
deformable inwards.
[0058] This achieves the technical advantage that effective
introduction of the tubular connecting part into the interior of
the receiving part is ensured.
[0059] In an example, the soldering comprises heating the tubular
connecting part and/or the receiving part in order to melt a solder
arranged between the tubular connecting part and the receiving
part, the molten solder being received in the gap during the
soldering and being formed to connect the tube wall of the tubular
connecting part to the receiving wall of the receiving part in a
fluid-tight manner by the resulting soldered connection after the
solder has hardened.
[0060] This has the technical advantage that effective soldering of
the tubular connecting part to the receiving part is ensured.
[0061] In particular, before the soldering, the solder is
introduced into a cavity between the end face of the inserted
tubular connecting part and the wall end face of the receiving
part. If the solder introduced into the cavity is subsequently
melted during soldering, in particular by heating the fluid
connection arrangement, the melted solder penetrates into the gaps
between the tube wall of the tubular connecting part and the
receiving wall inner side due to the acting capillary forces. When
the solder subsequently hardens in the gaps, in particular through
cooling of the fluid connection arrangement, the solder thus
provides the materially bonded and fluid-tight connection between
the receiving wall inner side and the tube wall.
[0062] The example cited in relation to the fluid connection
arrangement according to the first aspect are also considered to be
examples of the method according to the second aspect.
[0063] The examples of the method according to the second aspect
are also considered to be examples for the fluid connection
arrangement according to the first aspect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0064] Examples of the disclosure are shown in the drawings and are
described in more detail below.
[0065] FIGS. 1A, 1B show views with different perspectives of a
tubular connection part of a fluid connection arrangement according
to an example;
[0066] FIGS. 2A, 2B show views with different perspectives of a
fluid connection arrangement with a tubular connection part and a
receiving part according to an example; and
[0067] FIG. 3 shows a method for producing a fluid connection
arrangement according to an example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0068] FIGS. 1A and 1B show views with different perspectives of a
tubular connection part of a fluid connection arrangement according
to an example. FIG. 1A shows a side view of the tubular connection
part 101 of the fluid connection arrangement 100. FIG. 1B shows a
cross-sectional illustration of the tubular connection part 101 of
the fluid connection arrangement 100.
[0069] The tubular connecting part 101 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is
arranged at least partially in an interior of a receiving part, not
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, of the fluid connection arrangement 100,
wherein the tubular connecting part 101 is soldered to the
receiving part, e.g. the tubular connecting part 101 is connected
to the receiving part by a materially bonded connection, in
particular a soldered connection.
[0070] The fluid connection arrangement 100 according to the
present disclosure is used to establish a fluid connection in a
multiplicity of fluid-carrying systems of a vehicle. The fluid
connection arrangement 100 can be used for the fluidical connection
of fuel, coolant, charge air, brake fluid, water, SCR and/or
transmission oil lines in vehicles. The fluid connection
arrangement 100 can alternatively also be used, for example, in
coolant-carrying fluid lines, which are used for cooling battery
cells in an electrically driven vehicle.
[0071] In the fluid-carrying systems of a vehicle, different
fluids, such as gases or liquids, are sometimes conducted under
high pressure and at high temperatures. Due to the restricted
installation space in a vehicle, different lines of the
corresponding fluid-carrying systems often have to be connected to
one another by fluidical interfaces, in order to ensure an
effective fluid line. Here, high demands are made in respect to the
fluidical interfaces between a corresponding fluid-carrying line
and a corresponding connecting piece with regard to stability and
fluid-tightness.
[0072] In particular when metallic components are used in
corresponding fluid connection arrangements 100, the fluidical
interfaces between the metallic components are often soldered in
order to achieve a stable attachment of the metallic components to
one another. In corresponding soldered connections between metallic
components known from the prior art, it is often not possible to
provide sufficient fluid tightness between the metallic
components.
[0073] In the fluid connection arrangement 100 according to the
present disclosure, however, the materially bonded connection, in
particular a soldered connection, between the tubular connecting
part 101 and the receiving part is fluid-tight, so that the exit of
liquid at the connection point between the two components is
prevented.
[0074] As can be seen in particular from FIG. 1B, the tubular
connecting part 101 has a tubular wall 103 with a rotationally
symmetrical cross section. The rotationally symmetrical cross
section of the tube wall 103 is distinguished in particular by the
fact that the contour of the tube wall is mirrored back onto itself
when it is rotated along a defined rotation angle, in particular
120.degree.. As can be seen from FIG. 1B, the rotationally
symmetrical cross section of the tube wall 103 of the tubular
connecting part 101, however, in particular does not have a
circular shape, but rather is not concentric. The tube wall 103 of
the tubular connecting part 101 has a plurality of comb-shaped
support points 105 which, as can be seen from FIG. 1A, extend along
a longitudinal direction 107 of the tubular connecting part
101.
[0075] The comb-shaped support points 105 of the tubular connecting
part 101 contact a receiving wall inner side 109, shown only
schematically in FIG. 1B, of a receiving wall of a receiving part,
in order to connect the tubular connecting part 101 to the
receiving part. In particular,
[0076] the comb-shaped support points 105 bear against the
receiving wall inner side 109 of the tube wall in a force-fitting
manner. FIG. 1B shows that the tube wall 103 of the tubular
connecting part 101 has a plurality of, in particular three,
comb-shaped support points 105, which are arranged in a
rotationally symmetrical manner with respect to the central axis
111 of the tubular connecting part 101, in particular with a
rotation angle of 120.degree.. As a result of the rotationally
symmetrical arrangement of the comb-shaped support points 105, an
effective circumferential fixing in the correct position of the
tubular connecting part 101 can be ensured in the receiving
part.
[0077] As can also be seen from FIG. 1B, the tube wall 103 of the
tubular connecting part 101 has a plurality of, in particular
three, curved wall areas 113, one curved wall area 113 each
extending between two adjacent comb-shaped support points 105.
[0078] As can also be seen from FIG. 1B, a respective gap 115 is
arranged between the curved wall areas 113 of the tubular
connecting part 101 and the receiving wall inner side 109 of a
receiving wall of a receiving part. The gaps 115 are each designed
to receive a solder, not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in order to
ensure a materially bonded and fluid-tight connection between the
receiving wall inner side 109 of the respective curved wall area
113. The gaps 115 in particular have a crescent shape.
[0079] FIG. 1B shows that the tube wall 103 of the tubular
connecting part 101 has a plurality of, in particular three, curved
wall areas 113, which are arranged rotationally symmetrically with
respect to the central axis 111 of the tubular connecting part 101,
in particular with a rotation angle of 120.degree.. The
rotationally symmetrical arrangement of the curved wall areas 113
or the gaps 115 can ensure an effective circumferential materially
bonded and fluid-tight seal between the tubular connecting part 101
and the receiving part.
[0080] FIG. 1B shows that the comb-shaped support points 105 lie on
a first circumferential circle 117-1 of the tubular connecting part
101 in relation to the central axis 111 of the tubular connecting
part 101, and that respective central regions 119 of the curved
wall areas 113 lie on a second circumferential circle 117-2 of the
tubular connecting part 101 in relation to the central axis 111 of
the tubular connecting part 101, the first circumferential circle
117-1 having a first circle diameter 121-1 which is greater than a
second circle diameter 121-2 of the second circumferential circle
117-2.
[0081] FIG. 1B also shows that the first circular diameter 121-1 is
somewhat larger than an inner diameter 123 of the receiving wall of
a receiving part. This means that when the tubular connecting part
101 is inserted into the receiving part, the comb-shaped support
points 105 can deflect inward and, after insertion, press against
the receiving wall inner side 109 of the receiving part, thereby
fixing the tubular connecting part 101 in the correct position
until soldering and thus prevent a loosening of both connection
partners and a twisting of the tubular connecting part 101.
[0082] Thus, the tube wall 103 of the tubular connecting part 101
can be at least partially deformed inwards, in order to receive the
tubular connecting part 101 in the receiving part.
[0083] From FIG. 1A it can be seen that the tubular connecting part
101 has an insertion section 125, which is completely received in
the interior of the receiving part, not shown in FIG. 1A, and
wherein an outer section 127 extends from the insertion section
125, which is received in the receiving part not shown in FIG.
1A.
[0084] From FIG. 1A it can be seen that the rotationally
symmetrical cross section of the tubular connecting part 101
comprising the comb-shaped support points 105 and the curved wall
areas 113 is formed in the insertion section 125 and not in the
outer section 127. The outer section 127 of the tubular connecting
part 101 has a concentric cross section.
[0085] Furthermore, the tube wall 103 comprising the comb-shaped
support points 105 and the curved wall areas 113, in particular the
tube wall 103 of the insertion section 125, has a constant wall
thickness.
[0086] During the production of the tube wall 103 comprising the
comb-shaped support points 105 and the curved wall areas 113, in
particular in the insertion section 125, the outer diameter of the
tube wall 103 is not reduced rotationally symmetrically in an axial
movement over part of the solder surface, but the tube wall 103, in
particular in the insertion section 125, is partially deformed
inwards and is transferred into the polygonal shape shown in FIGS.
1A and 1B. The polygonal shape is applied from the outside by means
of partial pressure without a relative movement between tools, so
that a partial flattening of the tube wall 103 is achieved in the
area of the curved wall areas 113.
[0087] In this case, lower deformation forces occur, since there is
no change in the wall thickness of the tube wall 103. A
conventionally required calibration of the insertion section 125 of
the tube wall 103 with a flanging machine is thus dispensed with,
so that there is little manufacturing effort.
[0088] Furthermore, there is no relative movement between the tube
and the forming die, so that the risk of contamination is reduced.
In addition, there is no need for the components to be lubricated
and there is no need for a corresponding washing process.
[0089] FIGS. 2A and 2B show views with different perspectives of a
fluid connection arrangement with a tubular connection part and a
receiving part according to an example.
[0090] The fluid connection arrangement 100 shown in FIGS. 2A and
2B comprises the tubular connection part 101 shown in FIG. 1, which
is received at least partially in the interior of a receiving part
129.
[0091] The tube wall 103 of the tubular connecting part 101 has a
plurality of, in particular three, comb-shaped support points 105,
which extend along the longitudinal direction 107 of the tubular
connecting part 101. The comb-shaped support points 105 contact the
receiving wall inner side 109 of the receiving part 129.
[0092] The tube wall 103 of the tubular connecting part 101 also
has a plurality of, in particular three, curved wall areas 113
which each extend between two adjacent comb-shaped support points
105.
[0093] Between the respective curved wall area 113 and the
receiving wall inner side 109 of the receiving part 129, a
respective gap 115 is arranged, which is adapted to receive a
solder, not shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in order to provide a
materially bonded connection between the receiving wall inner side
109 of the receiving part 129 and the curved wall areas 113 of the
tubular connecting part 101.
[0094] As it is only shown schematically in FIG. 2A, in particular
a length 131 of the comb-shaped support points 105 along the
longitudinal direction 107 of the tubular connecting part 101 is
less than a length 133 of the gaps 115 along the longitudinal
direction 107 of the tubular connecting part 101.
[0095] This ensures that the solder, which is drawn up through the
gap 115 by the capillary force, converges above the gaps 115 and
fills the remaining gap 115 and thus ensures a pressure-resistant,
materially bonded, and fluid-tight connection between the tubular
connecting part 101 and the receiving part 129.
[0096] FIG. 2A further shows that a wall end side 136 of the
receiving wall 135 of the receiving part 129 delimits the interior
of the receiving part 129, the wall end side 136 closing off the
interior of the receiving part 129 transversely to an insertion
direction 137 of the tubular connecting part 101 into the receiving
part 129. The wall end side 136 is connected to the receiving wall
inner side 109. The wall end side 136 and the receiving wall inner
side 109 thus enclose the received tubular connecting part 101.
[0097] A cavity 141 for receiving solder is formed between the
receiving wall 135, in particular a wall end side 136 of the
receiving wall 135, and an end face 139 of the tubular connecting
part 101 introduced into the receiving part 129.
[0098] After the solder received in the cavity 141 has been heated,
the solder melted thereby penetrates into the gaps 115 as a result
of the capillary forces that occur. After the fluid connection
arrangement 100 has cooled and the solder has hardened, a
materially bonded and fluid-tight connection between the receiving
wall inner side 109 of the receiving part 129 and the tube wall 103
of the tubular connecting part 101 is ensured.
[0099] The receiving part 129, in particular the receiving wall 135
of the receiving part 129, has an insertion opening 143 through
which the tubular connecting part 101 is inserted into the interior
of the receiving part 129.
[0100] FIG. 3 shows a method for producing a fluid connection
arrangement according to an example.
[0101] The method 200 comprises as a first step, the provision 201
of a receiving part 129, which has a receiving wall 135, the
receiving wall 135 having a receiving wall inner side 109 which
delimits an interior of the receiving part 129.
[0102] The method 200 comprises, as a second step, the provision
203 of a tubular connecting part 101, which has a tube wall 103,
the tube wall 103 having a plurality of comb-shaped support points
105, which extend along a longitudinal direction 107 of the tubular
connecting part 101, the tube wall 103 having at least one curved
wall area 113 which extends between two adjacent comb-shaped
support points 105.
[0103] The method 200 comprises, as a third step, at least
partially inserting 205 the tubular connecting part 101 into the
interior of the receiving part 129, the comb-shaped support points
105 of the tubular connecting part 101 contacting the receiving
wall inner side 109 after the insertion 205, and wherein after the
insertion 205 between the at least a curved wall area 113 and the
receiving wall inner side 109 at least one gap 115 is arranged.
[0104] The method 200 comprises, as a fourth step, the soldering
207 of the tube wall 103 of the tubular connecting part 101 to the
receiving wall 135 of the receiving part 129, a solder formed
during the soldering 207 being received in the gap 115 in order to
provide a materially bonded and fluid-tight connection between the
receiving wall inner side 109 and the curved wall portion 113.
[0105] All the features explained and shown in connection with
individual examples of the disclosure can be provided in different
combinations in the subject matter according to the disclosure in
order to realize their advantageous effects at the same time.
[0106] The scope of protection of the present disclosure is given
by the claims and is not restricted by the features explained in
the description or shown in the figures.
REFERENCE LIST
[0107] 100 Fluid connection arrangement [0108] 101 Tubular
connecting part [0109] 103 Tube wall [0110] 105 Comb-shaped support
points [0111] 107 Longitudinal direction of the tubular connecting
part [0112] 109 Receiving wall inner side [0113] 111 Central axis
of the tubular connecting part [0114] 113 Curved wall area [0115]
115 Gap [0116] 117-1 First circumferential circle [0117] 117-2
Second circumferential circle [0118] 119 Central region of the
curved wall area [0119] 121-1 First circle diameter [0120] 121-2
Second circle diameter [0121] 123 Inner diameter of the outer part
[0122] 125 Insertion section of the tubular connecting part [0123]
127 Outer section of the tubular connecting part [0124] 129
Receiving part [0125] 131 Length of a comb-shaped support point
[0126] 133 Length of a gap [0127] 135 Receiving wall of the
receiving part [0128] 136 Wall end side [0129] 137 Insertion
direction of the tubular connecting part into the receiving part
[0130] 139 End face of the tubular connecting part [0131] 141
Cavity [0132] 143 Slot [0133] 200 Method for producing a fluid
connection assembly [0134] 201 Providing a receiving part [0135]
203 Providing a tubular connecting part [0136] 205 At least
partially, inserting the tubular connecting part into the receiving
part [0137] 207 Soldering the tube wall to the receiving wall
* * * * *