Cable connection arrangement

Abstract

A cable connection arrangement between a plastic connector (7) and a plastic cable (5), the cable end (21) of which can be pressed onto a hollow cylindrical connection section (17) of the plastic connector (7) to form a plug connection, thereby creating a mechanical tension between the radially outer cable end (21) and the radially inner connection section (17) of the connector (7), which has a support element (25) to increase its radial stiffness compared to the rest of the connector (7), wherein the support element (25) is injection-molded as a plastic injection-molded compound onto a connector base body (24) in an injection molding step, and wherein the support element (25) is embedded in the material of the connector base body (24), i.e., is completely enclosed as an inner core by the material of the connector base body (24), characterized in thatthat the hollow cylindrical connection section (17) of the connection nozzle (7) is at least three-layered, namely with a radially inner soft plastic component, a middle hard plastic component which forms the support element (25), and a radially outer soft plastic component.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor connection arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Using such a pipe connection arrangement, a fuel tank of a motor vehicle can, for example, be connected to a fuel line.

[0003] In the prior art, the fuel tank is typically made of a thermoplastic polyethylene (PE), for example, by extrusion blow molding or by welding PE half-shells. In the assembled position, a connecting piece is attached to the fuel tank via a circumferential welding flange, for example, by vibration welding or butt welding, such that one end of the connecting piece protrudes into an opening in the fuel tank. The connecting piece has a hollow cylindrical section onto which the end of a plastic pipe can be pushed or pressed. In the resulting connection, mechanical stress is established between the radially outer pipe end and the radially inner section of the plastic connecting piece.

[0004] To ensure a permanently reliable, material-bonded weld connection with the fuel tank, the plastic connector is usually made of the same material as the fuel tank, i.e., also of PE. However, PE is malleable under stress. When using a PE plastic connector, there is a risk that the holding force of the plastic pipe on the connector will decrease, leading to leaks at that point in the tank. To ensure a reliable pipe connection between the connector and the plastic pipe, it is known to insert a metal support element radially inside the hollow cylindrical PE section of the connector. This increases the radial stiffness of the PE section and creates a permanently leak-proof connection between the connector and the plastic pipe.

[0005] In the state of the art described above, the support element is to be provided as a metal component and inserted into the connection section of the connecting stub using a complex joining technique.

[0006] From IL 127466 A, a pipe connection arrangement between a plastic connector of a fuel tank and a plastic pipe is known. The plastic connector has a continuous, i.e., completely three-layer construction, consisting of an inner core made of a rigid plastic component (i.e., PA) and a weldable soft plastic component (i.e., PE) that completely encloses the rigid plastic component on both the inside and outside. The rigid plastic component acts as a barrier against fuel emissions. The outer soft plastic component allows the plastic connector to be welded to the plastic fuel tank.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a largely emission-free line connection arrangement that can be manufactured in a simple manner with reduced material expenditure.

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the characterizing part of claim 1, the use of a separate metal support element is omitted, and instead, according to the characterizing part of claim 1, a support element is injection-molded as a plastic injection-molded compound onto a connector body in a single injection molding step. In this way, the radial stiffness of the hollow cylindrical connection section of the plastic connector can be increased with a reduced number of process steps compared to the prior art, thereby providing a permanently low-emission and stable plug connection between the connector and the plastic pipe.

[0010] In a technical implementation, the connector body and the overmolded support element can be formed together in a single injection molding step, particularly using two-component (2K) injection molding or co-injection technology. Two-component injection molding (2K injection molding) encompasses processes in which two different types or modifications of plastic are joined together in a single injection molding process. Co-injection technology enables the production of three-layer plastic parts. The two components are injected together in such a way that the core component is completely enclosed by a skin component.

[0011] In one embodiment, the support element can be injection-molded radially on the inside of the hollow cylindrical connection section of the fitting. In this case, the injection-molded plastic support element comes into direct contact with the medium flowing through the pipe assembly. Therefore, it is necessary to design the injection-molded plastic support element to be resistant to the medium. Alternatively, the support element can be embedded in the material of the fitting body, meaning it can be completely enclosed as an inner core by the material of the fitting body to prevent direct contact with the medium flowing through the pipe assembly.

[0012] In a technical application, the connector can be welded to a vehicle's plastic fuel tank made of the same material, for example by vibration welding or butt welding. The fuel tank is typically made of a thermoplastic PE (polyethylene) plastic, for example by extrusion blow molding. The connector can also be made of PE plastic to ensure a reliable, material-bonded weld with the fuel tank. The PE can form the connector body as a soft plastic component. In contrast, the material of the support element injection-molded onto the connector body is not a soft component, but a hard plastic component, preferably PA (polyamide).

[0013] In a first simple embodiment, the hollow cylindrical connection section of the connecting piece can have a two-layer material structure, consisting of a radially inner rigid plastic component that forms the support element and a radially outer soft plastic component, from which the entire connecting piece body is preferably constructed. In this case, the connecting piece is only constructed in two layers in the hollow cylindrical connection section, while the rest of the connecting piece is formed in a single layer from the material of the connecting piece body alone.

[0014] Alternatively, the hollow cylindrical connection section of the connecting piece can have a three-layer structure, consisting of a radially inner soft component, a central hard component forming the support element, and a radially outer soft component. In this case, the hard support element component is sandwiched between the two soft components. Outside its connection section, the connecting piece body can again be manufactured as a single layer, using a uniform material in a single-layer structure, specifically entirely from the aforementioned plastic soft component, for example, PE.

[0015] As mentioned above, the plastic cable is shot or pressed onto the hollow cylindrical connection section of the connector without any additional clamp or similar fastening device. For a permanently stable connection, the hollow cylindrical connection section can have a radial connection contour with an axially variable outer diameter (for example, a fir-tree profile), onto which the cable end can be slid with elastic expansion.

[0016] The connecting section of the connector can also have a radially outwardly projecting annular ridge, up to which the pipe end can be slid in the axial direction. The support element preferably terminates in the area of ​​the annular ridge of the connecting section of the connector.

[0017] The advantageous embodiments and / or further developments of the invention described above and / or set out in the dependent claims can be used individually or in any combination with each other – except, for example, in cases of clear dependencies or incompatible alternatives.

[0018] The invention and its advantageous developments and refinements, as well as their advantages, are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0019] They show:

[0020] Fig. 1 in a side-sectional view a pipe connection arrangement between a plastic connection fitting connected to a fuel tank and a plastic pipe according to the first embodiment; and

[0021] Fig. 2 in a view according to the Fig. 1 a second embodiment.

[0022] In the Fig. 1 is a line connection arrangement 1 shown, using an exemplary connecting piece 7 a fuel tank 3 with a fuel line 5 is connected. The fuel tank 3 In common practice, it can be manufactured from a thermoplastic soft component, preferably PE, for example by extrusion blow molding. As can be seen from the Fig. As can be seen further in section 1, the connecting piece protrudes. 7 the line connection arrangement 1 with an end 9 through a fuel tank opening 11 The connecting piece 7 features a circumferential welding flange on the outside 13 on, which with its welding surface 15 on the outside of the fuel tank 3 It is welded with plastic.

[0023] At the other end, the connecting piece 7 a hollow cylindrical connecting section 17on which a fir tree profile is located on the outer circumference 19 It is molded onto the Christmas tree profile. 19 of the hollow cylindrical connecting section 17 is a line end 21 the one made of plastic pipe 5 pressed or shot on, until flush with a radially outwardly projecting ring bead 23 of the hollow cylindrical connecting section 17 of the connecting piece 7 The plastic pipe 5 It is made of a rigid plastic component, preferably PA. Its conductor end 21 is in the Fig. 1 under elastic expansion onto the hollow cylindrical connection section 17 of the connecting piece 7 pushed up, creating a mechanical tension between the radially outer end of the line. 21 and the radially inner connection section 17 of the connecting piece 7builds up. To ensure a permanent, dimensionally stable plug connection between the connecting piece. 7 and the end of the line 21 the plastic pipe 5 to ensure this is in the hollow cylindrical connecting section 17 a support element 25 integrated. The support element 25 is in the Fig. 1 in one injection molding step as a plastic injection compound onto a connecting nozzle base body 24 injection-molded. The connecting piece base body 24 is together with the support element 25 moldable in the injection molding step, for example using a 2K injection molding technique. The connecting nozzle base body 24 It is made of a PE plastic, which ensures a perfect material bond with the fuel container. 3 is available. In contrast, the injection-molded material of the support element is 25a hard plastic component, that is, PA, which is attached to the hollow cylindrical connection section 17 provides lasting dimensional stability and ensures a flawless plug connection.

[0024] As from the Fig. As further shown in section 1, the supporting element forms 25 the inner circumference of the hollow cylindrical connection section 17 , which is in direct contact with the fuel flowing through it. Furthermore, the support element extends 25 in the axial direction to approximately the same height as the circumferential ring ridge 23 Accordingly, the entire hollow cylindrical connection section 17 constructed as a double-wall structure, with the inner PA support element 25 and a radially outer PE plastic layer in which the fir tree profile 19 is formed. The remaining connecting piece body 24In contrast, it is manufactured in a single-layer construction, meaning it is made entirely from the PE soft component and is of uniform material.

[0025] In the Fig. 2 is a line connection arrangement 1 shown according to a second embodiment, which is largely identical in construction to the one in the Fig. 1 shown line connection arrangement 1 is structured. Unlike the Fig. 1 is in the Fig. 2 the PA injection molding compound of the support element 25 not directly on the inner circumference of the hollow cylindrical connection section 17 of the connecting piece 7 not injection-molded, but rather as an inner core completely made of the PE material of the connection nozzle body 24 enclosed.

[0026] In this way, the hollow cylindrical connecting section 17 in contrast to Fig.1. Not two-layered, but rather three-layered, with a radial inner PE soft component, a middle PA hard component, which forms the support element 25 forms, and a radially outer PE soft component, to which the fir tree profile is attached. 19 is molded in place. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0027] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0028] IL 127466 A

[0006]

Claims

[1] Cable connection arrangement between a plastic connector ( 7 ) and a plastic pipe ( 5 ), whose line end ( 21 ) onto a hollow cylindrical connecting section ( 17 ) of the plastic connector ( 7 ) can be crimped on to form a plug connection, thereby creating a mechanical tension between the radially outer end of the conductor ( 21 ) and the radially inner connection section ( 17 ) of the connecting piece ( 7 ), which increases the radial stiffness compared to the rest of the connecting piece ( 7 ) a support element ( 25 ) shows, characterized by that the support element ( 25 ) in one injection molding step as plastic injection molding compound onto a connecting nozzle base body ( 24 ) is sprayed. [2] Cable connection arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the connection stub body ( 24) together with the support element ( 25 ) are formable in the injection molding step, in particular by means of a 2K injection molding technique or by means of a co-injection technique. [3] Cable connection arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the support element ( 25 ) radially inside on the hollow cylindrical connection section ( 17 ) of the connecting piece ( 7 ) is injection-molded, or that the support element ( 25 ) into the material of the connection stub body ( 24 ) is embedded, that is, as an inner core completely separated from the material of the connection nozzle body ( 24 ) is enclosed. [4] Cable connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the material of the connection nozzle base body ( 24 ) is a soft plastic component, in particular a PE, and that the material of the support element ( 25) a hard plastic component, especially a PA. [5] Cable connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connection stub body ( 24 ) with a fuel tank made of the same material ( 3 ) of a vehicle is welded, in particular by vibration welding or by mirror welding. [6] Cable connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the hollow cylindrical connecting section ( 17 ) of the connecting piece ( 7 ) is at least two-layered, with a radially inner hard plastic component that forms the support element ( 25 ) forms, and a radially outer soft plastic component. [7] Cable connection arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the hollow cylindrical connecting section ( 17 ) of the connecting piece ( 7) is at least three-layered, namely with a radially inner soft plastic component, a middle hard plastic component which forms the support element ( 25 ) forms, and a radially outer soft plastic component. [8] Cable connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting piece ( 7 ) in axial extension of the hollow cylindrical connecting section ( 17 ) is manufactured in a single layer and with a uniform material, in particular from the soft component. [9] Cable connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the hollow cylindrical connecting section ( 17 ) radially outside a connection contour ( 19 ) with an axially variable outer diameter, in particular a fir tree profile, onto which the power end ( 21 ) can be postponed under elastic expansion. [10] Cable connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting section ( 17 ) of the connecting piece ( 7 ) a radially outward projecting ring ridge ( 23 ) has, up to which the end of the line ( 21 ) is axially slidable, and that the support element ( 25 ) in the area of ​​the ring bulge ( 23 ) of the connecting section ( 17 ) of the connecting piece ( 7 ) ends.

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