Connection arrangement and method for fluid lines

Abstract

A connection arrangement for forming a secure connection with at least one pipe in a fluid line, comprising at least one adapter body having a passage bore forming at least one fluid passage, the adapter body having at least one outlet and a receiving portion, and a mating block, the mating block is formed with at least one longitudinal channel receiving the at least one adapter body, the at least one adapter body including a retention feature formed in the receiving portion and coupled to the mating block such that the at least one adapter body is securely retained in the mating block. In particular, the retention feature of the adapter body is formed with an annular lip at the end of the receiving portion to couple with the mating block.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connection arrangement in a fluid line assembly. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a connection arrangement having an adapter and a mating block for forming a secure connection in a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] The connection arrangement is commonly used in fluid line assemblies of motor vehicles including electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid vehicles. In particular, the connection arrangement is used in air conditioning systems, cooling systems (e.g., coolant circuits), valve units, and pump units. The design must be particularly compact and lightweight in a limited space, and the pipe connector or pipe connector in the air conditioning system can be composed of metal materials, rubber materials, and plastic materials. In addition, the pipe or pipe is attached via an adapter, and the adapter is provided with a sealing element. Therefore, it is necessary to connect the adapter securely and in a durable sealing manner to the pipe, and to be detachably connected to other pipes or another component in the air conditioning system. However, in addition to high pressure and high temperature, vibrations also occur and are transmitted within the components of the air conditioning system. Therefore, the connection arrangement used in the air conditioning system must be constructed in the following manner, that is, a durable connection is provided despite the presence of vibrations, high pressure, high temperature, and corrosive media, and no fluid leakage occurs.

[0004] Generally, it is important that fluid line systems, such as air conditioning systems in vehicles, are constructed to be lightweight and also durable in a limited space. However, we have found that the number of fastening devices that secure components of a fluid line system together is limited, and it is also difficult to configure adapters to provide a durable seal of a connection arrangement that is used to form a secure connection in a fluid line system. In order to effectively seal and secure fluid line arrangements in vehicles, many devices and methods for connection arrangements are continually being developed and used in various fluid line systems. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a connection arrangement device, which is used to form a secure connection (i.e., a fluid-tight connection) with at least one tube in a fluid pipeline. The connection arrangement device of the present disclosure makes it possible to produce a lightweight, stable and durable connection in a fluid pipeline system, such as an air conditioning system in a vehicle. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connection arrangement device includes at least one adapter body and a mating block, the adapter body having a passage hole forming at least one fluid channel, the adapter body having at least one outlet and a receiving portion, and the mating block having at least one longitudinal channel for receiving at least one adapter body. In addition, the receiving portion of the adapter body is formed with a retaining feature connected to the mating block, so that the at least one adapter body is securely retained in the mating block.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining feature of the adapter body is formed with an annular lip at the end of the receiving portion, so that the annular lip is connected to the second surface of the mating block. The annular lip is formed with a cutout to provide radial flexibility to the end of the receiving portion so as to be firmly retained in the mating block. The annular lip can be operated between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the annular lip has a first diameter, the size of which is designed to pass through the longitudinal passage of the mating block, and in the locked position, the annular lip has a second diameter, which is larger than the diameter of the longitudinal passage of the mating block. In addition, the annular lip has a tip extending radially from the outer surface of the receiving portion, so that the tip is formed into an L shape and is configured to be connected to the mating block. The annular lip of the receiving portion is formed with a recess, which surrounds the tube when the tube is inserted into the receiving portion of the adapter body and is used to combine between the tube and the adapter body.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the adapter body includes an adapter flange formed outwardly and radially around the first end of the outlet so that the adapter flange is coupled with the first surface of the mating block. The adapter body includes an outlet and a receiving portion formed in a straight flow direction in the fluid line.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the longitudinal passage of the mating block has a first dimension, and the adapter flange of the adapter body has a second dimension, the second dimension being greater than the first dimension, so that the adapter body is securely retained in the mating block. In addition, a sealing ring is placed around the outlet of the adapter body, and the sealing ring is configured to be used for sealing in the fluid line when the outlet is connected to a tube or attached to a fluid line system component.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one tube or hose is inserted into the receiving portion of the adapter body and connected to the adapter body in a firmly bonded manner.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the adapter body is formed of a plastic material, and the mating block is formed of a metal material or a polymer material.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of a connection arrangement, which forms a secure connection in a fluid pipeline through at least one tube, includes the steps of providing at least one adapter body having a receiving portion, inserting one end of the tube into the receiving portion and connecting the inserted tube to the adapter body in a securely bonded manner, providing a mating block having at least one longitudinal channel, and coupling the adapter body with the inserted tube to the at least one longitudinal channel of the mating block so that the adapter body is securely engaged with the mating block.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises the following steps: installing a sealing ring at an outlet formed in the adapter body by interference fit to connect with another pipe. In addition, the method comprises the following steps: installing a fitting block engaged with the adapter body in a fluid pipeline via a through hole of the fitting block by a fastening element.

[0013] Further details and benefits will become apparent from the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings.The drawings provided herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In order that the present disclosure may be better understood, various forms of the present disclosure given by way of example will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of a connection arrangement including an adapter body and a mating block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1A Shows Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of a connection arrangement;

[0016] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A top perspective view of the adapter body of the connection arrangement, Figure 2A Shows Figure 2 A bottom perspective view of an adapter body;

[0017] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a mating block of a connection arrangement, Figure 3A Shows Figure 3 a top view of the mating block; and

[0018] Figure 4 Shown along Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the connection arrangement device taken along line AA in FIG.

[0019] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure or its application or uses.It should be understood that throughout the drawings, like reference numerals represent like or similar components and features.

[0021] The connection arrangement device of the present disclosure is described in conjunction with a fluid pipeline system in a motor vehicle including an electric vehicle (EV) and a hybrid vehicle, such as an air conditioning system or a cooling system, etc. As an example, the connection arrangement device of the present disclosure is used in an air conditioning system having a compressor, a condenser, a heat exchanger, an evaporator, and a neutral line connection. In particular, the connection arrangement device is provided for an air conditioning system in a vehicle, which has a low weight and has a durable and tight connection of the components of the air conditioning system (i.e., suppressing leakage in the connection of the components). However, the connection arrangement device of the present disclosure is not limited and is also used in other fluid pipeline systems, such as a cooling system (e.g., a coolant circuit), a valve unit, a pump unit, etc.

[0022] Figure 1 and Figure 1A An embodiment of a connection arrangement 10 is shown, which has at least one adapter body 100 and a mating block 200 coupled to the adapter body 100. Typically, the connection arrangement 10 is fixed to a fluid pipeline system, such as an air conditioning system (not shown), by means of a fastening element for a fluid pipeline, such as a refrigerant pipeline, in a motor vehicle. Figure 1 and Figure 1A As shown, the adapter body 100 has a passage hole 102 as a fluid passage, and the passage hole 102 is formed in a straight line shape along the longitudinal axis X of the adapter body 100 (see Figure 4 ). In addition, the adapter body 100 includes an outlet 104 formed at one end of the adapter body 100 along the longitudinal axis X and a receiving portion 106 formed at the other end of the adapter body 100, so that the outlet 104 is connected to the receiving portion 106 through the fluid passage. The outlet 104 and the receiving portion 106 are each connected to the tube or hose 12 for forming a secure connection in the fluid pipeline system. For example, the receiving portion is connected to the tube or hose 12 by a secure bonding method such as laser welding or spin welding, and the outlet 104 is generally connected to one of the system components and fixed by a fastening member (e.g., a screw) in the through hole 208.

[0023] Figure 2 and Figure 2A An adapter body 100 is shown having an outlet 104 and a receiving portion 106. Figure 2 and Figure 2AIn the embodiment, the receiving portion 106 of the adapter body 100 extends along the passage hole 102 to receive the tube 12, so that the tube 12 is inserted into the receiving portion 106 and is securely connected to the adapter body 100. Figure 2 and Figure 2A As shown, the receiving portion 106 is formed with an annular lip 110 having a retaining feature, and the annular lip 110 is used to retain the adapter body 100 in the mating block 200. The annular lip 110 is formed with a plurality of cutouts 112 around the circumference of the annular lip at the end 108 of the receiving portion 106 to provide radial flexibility, and the annular lip 110 also has a tip 109 extending radially from the outer surface of the receiving portion 106, so that the tip 109 is formed in an L shape and is configured to be coupled with the mating block 200. Therefore, due to the retaining feature of the annular lip 110, the adapter body 100 is firmly engaged with the mating block 200.

[0024] exist Figure 2 and Figure 2A , the outlet 104 has a first end 103 and a second end 105 extending from the first end 103 along the longitudinal axis X. In addition, the adapter body 100 includes an adapter flange 114 formed radially around the first end 103 of the outlet 104. The adapter flange 114 includes a protrusion 116 that protrudes from a second surface 115 of the adapter flange 114 in the direction of the receiving portion 106 along the longitudinal axis X and is laterally spaced from the passage hole 102. Figure 1 As shown, the second surface 115 of the adapter flange 114 is coupled to the first surface 204 of the mating block 200 , so that the adapter body 100 and the mating block 200 are firmly held together.

[0025] Although one of the holes 104 has been labeled as an "outlet", those skilled in the art will recognize that the hole can be considered an "inlet". That is, a tube connected to the outlet 104 can deliver fluid to the connection arrangement 10, whereby the fluid flows through the access hole 102 to the receiving portion 106 and any tubes connected to the receiving portion 106. Likewise, a tube connected to the receiving portion 106 can deliver fluid to the connection arrangement 10, whereby the fluid flows through the access hole 102 to the outlet 104 and any tubes connected to the outlet 104. Because the arrangement 10 is flexible and adaptable in this manner, the hole 104 will be referred to as an outlet herein for simplicity, but may also be considered an inlet based on the selected arrangement.

[0026] The adapter body 100 is formed of a polymer material, such as polyamide (PA) (e.g., polyamide 612 (PA612), PA6, PA12, etc.), PPA, and PPS. In addition, in order to increase strength and / or mechanical stability, the plastic material can be provided with fiber reinforcement, such as glass fiber, so that the adapter body 100 is formed of a pressure-resistant plastic material. In addition, it is also possible to have a resin-based plastic material. Resin-based plastic materials produce hard, glass-like components that are firmly three-dimensionally cross-linked via chemical bonds. This type of material has high thermomechanical strength and low density.

[0027] In addition, if Figure 1A As shown, the tube 12 combined with the adapter body 100 in the connection arrangement 10 is also made of a plastic material, which is selected from similar materials of the adapter body 100, such as polyamide (PA). In addition, the adapter body 100 of the connection arrangement 10 is usually combined with a multilayer tube having an outer (or inner) material layer, which is compatible with welding (e.g., laser welding or spin welding). However, even if polyamide (PA) is used for the adapter body 100 and the tube, each polyamide (PA) material used in these two parts may be different. In a fluid pipeline system, the tube can be a single-layer tube or a multilayer tube, which is usually made of polyamide (PA6, PA12, PA612, semi-aromatic polyamide (PA9T), HDPE, PP, etc.), which can be welded with the adapter body. However, the adapter body is usually made of PA12 (with up to 30% glass fiber reinforcement), PPA (polyphthalamide) or PP (polypropylene). This produces comparable mechanical and chemical properties.

[0028] Figure 3 and Figure 3A A mating block 200 is shown having at least one hole formed as a longitudinal passage 202 along the longitudinal axis X to receive and couple with the adapter body 100. For example, Figure 3 and Figure 3A The mating block 200 is shown as having one longitudinal channel 202 formed into a circular shape, but in another approach, the mating block 200 may have more than one longitudinal channel. The longitudinal channel 202 is preferably formed as Figure 3A A through hole or bore is shown and extends from the first surface 204 to the second surface 206 of the mating block 200 .

[0029] exist Figure 3 and Figure 3AIn the embodiment, the mating block 200 further includes at least one through hole 208 for mounting and fixing to the fluid pipeline system by a fastening element (not shown) such as a screw. In addition, the mating block 200 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or a polymer material (e.g., a glass fiber reinforced material). In particular, the material of the mating block 200 is rigid and has a high stress capacity, so that the material of the mating block 200 inhibits plastic deformation by limiting creep caused by the joint assembly torque. The through hole 208 is connected to the longitudinal channel 202 and the adapter body 100 (see Figure 1 ) are spaced apart laterally, that is, spaced apart laterally relative to the longitudinal axis X. In addition, the mating block 200 comprises at least one blind hole 210. Figure 3 and Figure 3A For example, the mating block 200 has a first blind hole 209 and a second blind hole 211 formed on the first surface 204. The first blind hole 209 is located next to the longitudinal channel 202 to receive the protrusion 116 of the adapter body 100, and the second blind hole 211 is located next to the through hole 208 to receive the positioning pin 16 (see Figure 1 ).

[0030] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a connection arrangement 10 having an adapter body 100 and a mating block 200 is shown. The adapter body 100 includes an outlet 104 and a receiving portion 106, which are formed along a straight flow direction. According to other forms of the present disclosure, the outlet 104 and the receiving portion 106 can be angled to produce a desired flow direction (i.e., an angled direction), such as 45 degrees or 90 degrees. In addition, as Figure 4 As shown, the adapter body 100 is securely engaged with the mating block 200 due to the retention feature of the annular lip 102 formed in the receiving portion 106. The annular lip 110 can be in the locked position ( Figure 4 ) and an unlocked position, the annular lip 110 is such as a collet-type design. In the unlocked position, the annular lip 110 has a first diameter, which is sized to pass through the longitudinal passage 202 of the mating block 200, and in the locked position, the annular lip 110 has a second diameter D 2nd, the second diameter is greater than the diameter d of the longitudinal passage 202 of the mating block. In addition, the retention feature of the annular lip 110 allows the mating block 200 to have a simple hole (i.e., the longitudinal passage 202) to receive the adapter body 100, so that the mating block 200 does not need to be formed with additional features or cutouts to be securely coupled with the adapter body 100. In addition, since the adapter body 100 has the annular lip retention feature, the mating block 200 having a simple hole coupled with the adapter body 100 is suitable for fully supporting the seal of the adapter body 100 when the connection arrangement 10 is installed to the fluid pipeline system, so that it also reduces the creep of the adapter body 100 caused by the assembly torque.

[0031] In addition, Figure 4 , the adapter flange 112 has a diameter D that is larger than the diameter d of the longitudinal passage 202 of the mating block 200, so that the adapter body 100 is firmly coupled to the mating block 200. In addition, the annular lip 110 of the adapter body 100 is formed with a recess 118, which is used for bonding between the adapter body 100 and the tube 12, such as laser welding, spin welding, etc., when the tube 12 is inserted into the receiving portion 106. For example, in Figure 4 In the embodiment, the recess 118 formed in the interior of the annular lip 110 around the inserted tube 12 has a space for welding, so that the annular lip 110 formed with the recess 118 can save the packaging space of the connection arrangement 10. Figure 4 As shown, due to the retention features of the adapter flange 114 and the annular lip 110, the adapter body 100 is vertically and / or longitudinally constrained so that the adapter body 100 cannot move longitudinally (ie, along the longitudinal axis X) relative to the mating block 200. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A and Figure 3A As shown, the first surface 204 of the mating block 200 has a first blind hole 210, which receives the protrusion 116 protruding from the second surface 115 of the adapter flange 100 along the longitudinal axis X, so that when the adapter body 100 is firmly coupled to the mating block 200, the adapter body 100 is also rotationally constrained relative to the mating block 200.

[0032] like Figure 4As shown, the tube 12 is inserted into the receiving portion 106 of the adapter body 100 to be connected by a secure bonding method, in particular by laser welding, spin welding and other adhesive materials. The adapter body 100 with the inserted tube 12 is coupled to the longitudinal channel 202 of the mating block 200 so that the two are as a whole due to the retaining feature of the annular lip 110, and they do not separate or rotate relative to each other. In addition, the coupled adapter body 100 and the mating block 200, when installed in a fluid pipeline system operating in a vehicle, improve the mechanical stability of the connection arrangement device 10 and reduce weight.

[0033] In addition, if Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the sealing ring 14 retained around the first end 103 of the outlet 104 is placed on the first surface 113 of the adapter flange 114. When the connection arrangement 10 is securely mounted to one of the fluid line system components (not shown), the sealing ring 14 is compressed and configured to seal the leakage of the connection. When the mating block 200 is tightly screwed together with the fluid line system component, the pressure on the sealing ring 14 is sufficient to seal. That is, when the axial force (e.g., Figure 4 When the seal ring 14 is applied with the seal material (page downward in the figure), the seal ring 14 will be compressed vertically and expanded radially (due to the elastic properties of the material of the seal ring), thereby forming a seal with the pipe or component pressed on the seal ring 14 and the outlet 104. In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the locating pin 16 is placed in the second blind hole 212 of the mating block 200, allowing the connection arrangement 10 to be easily and correctly connected to other components when it is installed in a fluid line system or assembled to other mating blocks.

[0034] The connection arrangement 10 of the present disclosure is applicable to various fluid pipeline systems, such as air conditioning systems or cooling systems in motor vehicles. For example, the connection arrangement 10 is applicable to cooling systems and air conditioning systems of hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles with cooling / warming electronic components (such as batteries). In addition, the fluid pipeline system used in the vehicle should be as light as possible, but due to the vibration and impact of the vehicle during operation, the fluid pipeline system is also provided with a stable connection between the components. Therefore, the connection arrangement 10 of the present disclosure makes it possible to produce a connection that is light, stable and durable.

[0035] The foregoing description of various forms of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed. In light of the above teachings, many modifications or variations are possible. The forms discussed are selected and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that one of ordinary skill in the art can utilize the present invention in various forms and with various modifications to suit the specific purpose contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth fairly, legally and equitably conferred upon them.

Claims

1. A connection arrangement device, the connection arrangement device is used to form a firm connection with at least one pipe in a fluid pipeline, the connection arrangement device comprising: at least one adapter body having a passage hole forming at least one fluid passage, the adapter body having at least one outlet and a receiving portion; a mating block formed with at least one longitudinal passage for receiving the at least one adapter body; Wherein, the at least one adapter body includes a retaining feature formed in the receiving portion and coupled to the mating block such that the at least one adapter body is securely retained in the mating block.

2. The connection arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: The retaining feature of the adapter body is formed with an annular lip at an end of the receiving portion such that the annular lip couples with the second surface of the mating block.

3. The connection arrangement according to claim 2, wherein: The annular lip is formed with cutouts to provide radial flexibility to the end of the receiving portion so as to be securely retained in the mating block.

4. The connection arrangement according to claim 3, wherein: The annular lip is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the annular lip has a first diameter sized to pass through the longitudinal passage of the mating block, and the locked position wherein the annular lip has a second diameter greater than the diameter of the longitudinal passage of the mating block.

5. The connection arrangement according to claim 2, wherein: The annular lip has a tip radially extending from an outer surface of the receiving portion such that the tip is formed into an L-shape and is configured to couple with the mating block.

6. The connection arrangement according to claim 2, wherein: The annular lip of the receiving portion is formed with a recess that surrounds the tube when the tube is inserted into the receiving portion of the adapter body for engagement between the tube and the adapter body.

7. The connection arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter body includes an adapter flange formed outwardly and radially around a first end of the outlet such that the adapter flange couples with a first surface of the mating block.

8. The connection arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter body includes the outlet and the receiving portion formed in a linear flow direction.

9. The connection arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: The longitudinal passage of the mating block has a first dimension, and the adapter flange of the adapter body has a second dimension, the second dimension being greater than the first dimension so that the adapter body is securely retained in the mating block.

10. The connection arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: A sealing ring is placed around the outlet of the adapter body and is configured for sealing in a fluid line when the outlet is connected to the tube or attached to a fluid line system component.

11. The connection arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: At least one tube or hose is inserted into the receiving portion of the adapter body and connected to the adapter body in a firmly bonded manner.

12. The connection arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: The matching block is formed of a metal material or a polymer material.

13. The connection arrangement according to claim 12, wherein: The adapter body is formed from a plastic material.

14. A method of connecting an arrangement, the method forming a secure connection in a fluid pipeline through at least one pipe, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one adapter body having a receiving portion; inserting one end of the tube into the receiving portion and connecting the inserted tube to the adapter body in a firmly bonded manner; providing a mating block having at least one longitudinal channel; as well as The adapter body with the inserted tube is coupled to the at least one longitudinal passage of the mating block such that the adapter body is securely engaged with the mating block.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The adapter body includes a retention feature formed in an end of the receiving portion such that the retention feature of the adapter body is securely coupled to the second surface of the mating block.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The retaining feature of the adapter body is formed with an annular lip at an end of the receiving portion such that the annular lip is coupled to the second surface of the mating block.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The annular lip is formed with cutouts to provide radial flexibility to the end of the receiving portion so as to be securely retained in the mating block.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The annular lip is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the annular lip has a first diameter sized to pass through the longitudinal passage of the mating block, and the locked position wherein the annular lip has a second diameter greater than the diameter of the longitudinal passage of the mating block.

19. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: A sealing ring is installed at an outlet formed in the adapter body by interference fitting to be connected with another pipe.

20. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: The fitting block engaged with the adapter body is installed in the fluid line by a fastening element via the through hole of the fitting block.

21. A vehicle having a fluid pipeline system, characterized in that A connection arrangement according to claim 1.

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