Manifold for heating / cooling system

Abstract

A manifold (1) of a heating / cooling system is shown, which manifold (1) comprises a sleeve (2) having at least one opening in a circumferential wall and a fixing device (5) having a connection geometry for fixing a functional part (9) of the system to the sleeve (2) and arranged around the opening. The installation of the manifold is intended to be facilitated. To this end, the sleeve (2) is made of a heat-resistant material and the fixing device (5) comprises at least two parts (6, 7) made of a plastic material which are connected by a weld seam (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a manifold for a heating / cooling system, the manifold comprising a sleeve and a fixing device, the sleeve having at least one opening in its circumferential wall, and the fixing device having a connection geometry for securing functional parts of the system to the sleeve and arranged around the opening. Background Technology

[0002] Such manifolds are known, for example, from EP 1 426 695 A1. The fixing device comprises two parts in the form of tubular metal elements, which are inserted into opposing openings in the tube and connected to each other by threaded fasteners. The sleeve is made of plastic material. When the parts of the fixing device are connected, they must be rotated, which is detrimental to the O-rings used to form a seal between the parts of the fixing device and the sleeve. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to facilitate the installation of manifolds for heating / cooling systems.

[0004] This is achieved through a manifold of a heating / cooling system as described at the beginning, wherein the sleeve is made of a heat-resistant material and the fixing device comprises at least two parts made of plastic material connected by a weld.

[0005] The two parts of the fastener are made of a weldable plastic material. For a welded connection, it is only necessary to heat the plastic parts, at least in the areas where they contact each other, for example, by ultrasonic heating. When the parts of the fastener are pressed together, they are welded together to form a weld. This connection does not require rotational movement. Simply pressing the two parts together is sufficient. Heating the plastic parts is possible because the sleeve is made of a heat-resistant material (preferably a metal). The plastic material of the fastener parts can be a polymer or a composite material including, for example, glass fiber or carbon fiber.

[0006] In embodiments of the invention, the weld seam is located outside the sleeve. This has two advantages. First, it allows external access to the area to be joined, facilitating heating of that area. Second, the weld seam can be inspected after the parts have been joined. Heating of the weld seam area can be performed, for example, by ultrasonic heating.

[0007] In embodiments of the invention, a portion of the fixing device surrounds the circumference of the sleeve by more than 200°, particularly completely surrounding the sleeve. Therefore, the portion of the fixing device is held in place by a shape fit or positive fit around the sleeve.

[0008] In embodiments of the invention, the area surrounding at least one opening is completely covered by a first part of the fixing device. This results in any functional part of the system (e.g., a valve, sensor, etc.) being fixed in only a single part. Furthermore, sealing the opening is not very complex, as only two parts (i.e., the first part and the sleeve) must be sealed to each other.

[0009] In an embodiment of the invention, the first portion includes a shoulder surrounding at least one opening, wherein the shoulder includes a groove in which an O-ring is disposed. The shoulder has two functions. One function is to retain the O-ring. The other function is to form a stop when the portions of the fastening device are pressed together to form a weld. The shoulder defines the final position of the first portion relative to the sleeve. The sleeve has a small tolerance on the order of one-tenth of a millimeter. Furthermore, the sleeve may be slightly irregular, i.e., deviating from the desired shape (e.g., a circular cross-section). The portions of the fastening device can be used to compensate for the tolerance. When they are pressed together to form a weld, the length of the portions of the fastening device in the pressing direction can be varied by the size of the tolerance.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one opening is a first opening, and the sleeve includes at least one second opening opposite the first opening, wherein the fixing device includes a second portion and the area surrounding the second opening is completely covered by the second portion. Here, the same advantages as the first portion and the first opening can be achieved.

[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, the second portion includes a shoulder surrounding the second opening, wherein the shoulder includes a groove in which an O-ring is disposed. Similarly, the shoulder has two functions. The first function is to retain the O-ring to establish a seal between the second portion and the sleeve. The second function is to form a stop when the portions of the fixing device are pressed together to prevent movement of the fixing device portions.

[0012] In embodiments of the invention, at least one functional portion of the manifold is mounted in a fixing device and held therein by a U-shaped fixing element inserted into the fixing device and engaging a recess in the functional portion. Therefore, functional portions (e.g., valve portions, sensors, exhaust elements, preset portions, etc.) can be simply inserted into the fixing device and installed there without any rotational movement. The fixing element is simply pressed into the fixing device such that multiple portions of the fixing element engage with the functional portions.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one O-ring is arranged between the functional portion and the fixing device. This forms a seal between the functional portion and the fixing device.

[0014] In embodiments of the invention, the fixing element includes legs parallel to the tangent of the circumference of the sleeve. Therefore, the fixing element does not move parallel to the longitudinal extension of the sleeve, but rather perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to that direction. This facilitates the installation of the fixing element.

[0015] In embodiments of the invention, in the weld region, the fixing device has an extension section smaller than the opening region in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension section of the sleeve. Therefore, the fixing device requires very little material. This structure can be manufactured with low weight and mass.

[0016] In one embodiment, at least one end of the sleeve forms an end opening, and the end portion is inserted into the end opening and secured to the sleeve. When both ends of the sleeve are open, each end can form an end opening to receive the end portion. The end portions at the two ends can be different. This is a simple method for producing sleeves at low cost. Sleeves can be made by cutting the tube to the desired length.

[0017] In embodiments of the invention, the end portion includes an O-ring and is secured to the sleeve by a U-shaped retaining member with two legs, the legs being guided through holes in the sleeve and engaging the end portion on the side of the O-ring opposite to the internal space of the sleeve. Therefore, despite the holes in the sleeve, there is no risk of leakage because these holes are located in areas of the sleeve's internal space that are not in contact with the fluid.

[0018] In embodiments of the invention, the fixing device includes a protrusion extending into the sleeve. This protrusion can be used to receive a functional portion of the manifold. It can also function as a functional portion of the manifold. The protrusion facilitates the positioning of portions of the fixing device.

[0019] In embodiments of the invention, another counterpart of the valve seat or functional portion is formed at one of the portions of the fixing device. The fixing device may have a portion protruding into the internal space of the sleeve, such that a portion of the fixing device can be used to perform functions beyond just fixing, such as having the function of a valve. This simplifies the assembly of the manifold. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 A portion of a manifold with a fixing device is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The sectional view shown.

[0023] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A sleeve with an end portion is shown as a first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4a and Figure 4b A second embodiment of the sleeve with an end portion is shown, and

[0025] Figure 5a and Figure 5b A sleeve with a third end portion is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 The manifold 1 of the heating / cooling system is shown externally. The manifold 1 includes a sleeve 2 made of a metallic material. The sleeve 2 has a circular cross-section and includes a first opening 3 located in its circumferential wall. A second opening 4 is provided opposite to the first opening 3, i.e., the first opening 3 and the second opening 4 have the same central axis. Preferably, but not absolutely necessary, that the first opening 3 and the second opening 4 have the same dimensions. Furthermore, the second opening 4 can be omitted.

[0027] The manifold 1 includes a fixing device 5. The fixing device 5 includes a first part 6 and a second part 7. These two parts 6 and 7 are made of a plastic material (e.g., a polymer or a composite material having glass fiber or carbon fiber) and are welded together, i.e., they are connected by a weld 8. Specifically in… Figure 1 As can be seen, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the sleeve 2, the fixing device 5 has an extension in the region of the weld 8 that is smaller than the area of ​​the two openings 3 and 4.

[0028] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, weld 8 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of sleeve 2 (referred to as the "horizontal direction"). However, weld 8 can also be formed in another direction (e.g., in a direction parallel to the diameter of sleeve 2 (referred to as the "vertical direction"). In this case, portions 6 and 7 of the fixing device 5 overlap each other in the circumferential direction of sleeve 2 and press together in the axial direction of sleeve 2. In this case, the length of weld 8 can be slightly larger. Weld 8 can also be arranged at an angle between "horizontal" and "vertical".

[0029] The functional part 9 of the manifold 1 is fixed to the first part 6 of the fixing device 5. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, functional part 9 is part of a valve that controls the flow of fluid from the internal space 10 of the sleeve 2 to the outlet 11, which is formed in the second part 7 of the fixing device 5. However, other functional parts may also be used. Functional parts may be, for example, sensors, air outlets, liquid outlets, liquid inlets, plugs for closing the opening, etc.

[0030] The first part 6 includes a protrusion 11 that inserts into the first opening 3. Furthermore, the first part 6 includes a shoulder 12. The shoulder 12 forms a groove 13 in which an O-ring 14 is disposed. Similarly, the second part 7 includes a shoulder 15 having a groove 16 in which an O-ring 17 is disposed.

[0031] The first O-ring 14 surrounds the first opening 3, and the second O-ring 17 surrounds the second opening 4.

[0032] The sleeve 2 can have tolerances on the order of one-tenth of a millimeter. Furthermore, the shape of the sleeve 2 may deviate from the desired shape. When the desired shape is a circular cross-section, the sleeve 2 can have a slightly elliptical cross-section. These tolerances can be compensated for by parts 6 and 7 of the fixing device 5.

[0033] When the parts 6 and 7 of the fixing device are installed into the sleeve, the first part 6 is installed at the first opening 3, that is, the protrusion 11 is inserted into the first opening 3. The second part 7 also has a protrusion 18 that is inserted into the second opening 4. The facing ends of the first part 6 and the second part 7 are heated (e.g., by ultrasonic heating), and the parts 6 and 7 are pressed together. During this pressing process, the parts 6 and 7 are welded together, and a small amount of material of the parts 6 and 7 can move until the shoulders 12 and 15 rest against the sleeve 2. This precisely defines the position of the two parts 6 and 7 of the fixing device 5 installed into the sleeve 2. In addition, the shoulders 12 and 15 prevent excessive compression of the O-rings 14 and 17.

[0034] The protrusion can support a valve seat 36 that mates with a portion of the valve in functional section 9. The protrusion can also provide another counterpart to functional section 9.

[0035] Functional part 9 is connected via a base 20 ( Figure 1 The functional part 9 and the two legs 21 are held in the first part 6. The first part 6 includes two holes 22, 23 through which the legs 21 of the fixing element can be inserted. The functional part 9 has corresponding recesses 24, 25 in which the legs 21 of the fixing element 19 engage, thereby reliably holding the functional part 9 in the first part 6. An O-ring 35 is arranged between the functional part 9 and the first part 6.

[0036] The corresponding fixing element 26 is provided in the second part 7 of the fixing device 5.

[0037] Each opening 3, 4 has only a single part; that is, the first opening 3 has a first part 6, and the second opening 4 has a second part 7. Therefore, the O-rings 14, 17 form a seal only between the two parts.

[0038] It should be noted that the side of the shoulders 12 and 15 facing the sleeve 2 can be rounded to correspond to the shape of the sleeve 2.

[0039] Since the fixing elements 19 and 26 can be installed from the side of the sleeve 2, that is, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the sleeve 2, the sleeve 2 is not an obstruction when the fixing elements 19 and 26 are pushed into the openings 22 and 23.

[0040] Figures 3a to 5b The sleeve 2 is shown with different end portions.

[0041] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A sleeve 2 with a first opening 3 and a second opening 4 is shown. It can be seen that there are multiple first openings 3 (on the upper side of the sleeve 2) and a corresponding number of second openings 4 (on the lower side of the sleeve 2).

[0042] The sleeve 2 is in the form of a tube with openings at both ends. Alternatively, the tube may have an opening at only one end and be closed at the other end. Figure 3a The sleeve 2 is shown, wherein the left end opening is provided with an end portion 27 in the form of a straight connector. Figure 3b The sleeve 2, which is separated from the end portion 27, is shown.

[0043] Sleeve 2 includes the end portion ( Figure 3b Two sets of holes 28 are provided at the left end of the structure. Only one set of holes 28 is visible. Additionally, a fixing member 29 with two legs 30 is provided. The legs 30 can be inserted into the holes 28.

[0044] The end portion 27 includes a groove 31. Furthermore, an O-ring 32 is provided, which can be arranged on the end portion 27 on the side of the groove facing the interior space of the sleeve 2. The end portion 27 is then inserted into the end opening of the sleeve 2, and the O-ring 32 seals the interior space of the sleeve 2 with the groove 31. A retaining member 29 can be inserted into the hole 28, and a leg 30 engages with the groove 31. Therefore, the end portion 27 is reliably held in the sleeve 2, and the O-ring 32 ensures the necessary seal.

[0045] Figure 4a and Figure 4b The end portion 33, in the form of an angled connector, is shown, and Figure 5a and Figure 5b End portion 34 in the form of a manifold extender or connector is shown. Another end portion in the form of an end plate is not shown.

Claims

1. A manifold (1) for a heating / cooling system, the manifold (1) comprising a sleeve (2) and a fixing device (5), the sleeve (2) having at least one opening (3, 4) in its circumferential wall, and the fixing device (5) having a connection geometry (23, 24) for fixing a functional part (9) of the system to the sleeve (2) and arranged around the opening (3, 4). Its features are, The sleeve (2) is made of heat-resistant material, and the fixing device (5) includes at least two parts (6, 7) made of plastic material connected by a weld (8).

2. The manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weld (8) is located on the outside of the sleeve (2).

3. The manifold according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The portions (6, 7) of the fixing device (5) extend more than 200° around the circumference of the sleeve (2).

4. The manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The area surrounding the at least one opening (3) is completely covered by the first part (6) of the fixing device (5).

5. The manifold according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first portion (6) includes a shoulder (12) surrounding the at least one opening (3), wherein the shoulder (12) includes a groove (13) in which an O-ring (14) is arranged.

6. The manifold according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The at least one opening is a first opening (3), and the sleeve includes at least one second opening (4) opposite to the first opening (3), wherein the fixing device (5) includes a second part (7), and the area surrounding the second opening (4) is completely covered by the second part (7).

7. The manifold according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second part (7) includes a shoulder (15) surrounding the second opening (4), wherein the shoulder (15) includes a groove (16) in which an O-ring (17) is arranged.

8. The manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one functional part (9) of the manifold (1) is installed in the fixing device (5), and The at least one functional part (9) is held in the fixing device (5) by inserting a U-shaped fixing element (19, 26) into the fixing device (5) and engaging the U-shaped fixing element (19, 26) with the recess (24, 25) in the functional part (9).

9. The manifold according to claim 8, characterized in that, At least one O-ring (35) is arranged between the functional part (9) and the fixing device (5).

10. The manifold according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The fixing elements (19, 26) include legs (21) that are parallel to the tangent of the circumference of the sleeve (2).

11. The manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the region of the weld (8), in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the sleeve (2), the fixing device (5) has an extension smaller than the region of the opening (3, 4).

12. The manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one end of the sleeve (2) forms an end opening, and the end portions (27, 33, 34) are inserted into the end opening and fixed to the sleeve (2).

13. The manifold according to claim 12, characterized in that, The end portion includes an O-ring (32) and is secured to the sleeve by a U-shaped fixing member (29) having two legs (30), the two legs (30) being guided through a hole (28) in the sleeve (2) and engaging the end portion on the side of the O-ring (32) opposite to the interior space of the sleeve (2).

14. The manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing device (5) includes protrusions (11, 18) that protrude into the sleeve (2).

15. The manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve seat (36) or another counterpart of the functional part (9) is formed at one of the parts (6, 7) of the fixing device (5).

16. The manifold according to claim 3, characterized in that, The portion (6, 7) of the fixing device (5) completely surrounds the sleeve (2).

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