Connection device

Abstract

Connection device (100) for connecting at least two connection partners (1, 2) of a natural gas distribution system (110) for transporting a natural gas in a motor vehicle, of which at least a first connection partner (1) is designed in the form of a first pipe (101) made of stainless steel, comprising: a first connection element (10) for the first connection partner (1) and a second connection element (20) for a second connection partner (2), wherein the first connection element (10) is formed by flanging an end section (E1) of the first pipeline (101) in the form of an F-flanged section, characterized by that the first connection element (10) for the first connection partner (1) and the second connection element (20) for the second connection partner (2) are formed of the same material, monolithic and seamless at the end sections (E1, E2) of the connection partners (1, 2), whereby no further separate connecting element, which has to be welded on with a seam, no connecting pieces, supports and / or coatings are required to connect the connection partners (1, 2), and that at least the first connecting element (10) or the second connecting element (20) has a wall thickness (t) of 1 mm, an outer diameter (da) of 6 mm and an inner diameter (di) of 4 mm.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection device for connecting at least two connection partners of a natural gas distribution system for transporting a natural gas in a motor vehicle, of which at least a first connection partner is designed in the form of a first pipe made of stainless steel, according to the preamble of independent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding natural gas distribution system for transporting a natural gas in a motor vehicle according to the preamble of independent claim 9.

[0002] Connection devices for joining two pipelines or a pipeline and a connecting piece are generally well known. Depending on the area of application of the pipelines and the medium to be transmitted and its pressure, different materials are used for the pipelines and different methods are applied to connect them. For example, pipelines for transmitting brake fluid can be made from relatively soft alloys, such as copper, and with a relatively thin material. In order to strengthen the pipelines and to seal and / or even out the surface of such pipelines to prevent rust. For fuels such as natural gas, the pipelines have to withstand high pressures and are therefore made from strong, stainless steel with a CrNi content.To create a fluid-tight connection between the pipes, separate connecting parts, such as clamp rings or specially shaped spherical or conical pipes made of softer metals, are used between the connecting partners. However, this requires complex assembly, which also involves additional costs. Connection devices are known, for example, from DE 10 2014 016 975 A1, DE 199 63 206 A1, or JP 2002 - 195 467 A.

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one disadvantage known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a connection device for connecting at least two connection partners of a natural gas distribution system for transporting natural gas in a motor vehicle, of which at least a first connection partner is in the form of a first pipe made of stainless steel, which connection device is of simple construction, has few components, is easy to manufacture and assemble, enables a reliable, gas-tight connection of the connection partners under high pressure and reliably protects the natural gas to be transported from contamination. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding natural gas distribution system for transporting natural gas in a motor vehicle.

[0004] The above object is achieved by a connection device for connecting at least two connection partners of a natural gas distribution system for transporting natural gas in a motor vehicle, of which at least a first connection partner is designed in the form of a first pipeline made of stainless steel, with the features of independent claim 1, in particular from the characterizing part. Furthermore, the object according to the invention is achieved by a natural gas distribution system for transporting natural gas in a motor vehicle with the features of independent claim 9, in particular from the characterizing part.

[0005] The invention provides a connection device for connecting at least two connection partners of a natural gas distribution system for transporting natural gas in a motor vehicle, of which at least a first connection partner is designed in the form of a first pipe made of stainless steel, comprising: a first connection element for the first connection partner and a second connection element for a second connection partner. To this end, the invention provides that the first connection element is formed by flanging an end section of a first pipe in the form of an F-flanged section once, in particular twice.

[0006] The second connection partner can also be in the form of a pipeline made of stainless steel and have a connecting element in the form of an E-flare, whereby no further connecting element is required to connect the first pipeline to the second pipeline. The connecting elements of the first pipeline and the second pipeline can create a positive connection and, at least under the pressure of a natural gas flowing through, a frictional connection. Both pipelines can be made of stainless steel with a CrNi content and enable high strength, high surface precision and high gas tightness without separate coatings, whereby the natural gas to be transported remains free from contamination. Both pipes can be drawn seamlessly, which considerably simplifies their production. Nevertheless, the second connection partner can have a connecting nozzle orIt can be a system component of a natural gas distribution system, e.g., in the form of a pressure regulator, a cross distributor, a solenoid valve on a storage cylinder, or a filling connection for refueling at a gas station. An E-flare can be formed directly into the system component as a second connection element.

[0007] The idea behind the invention is that, to connect at least two connection partners of a natural gas distribution system for transporting natural gas in a motor vehicle, only connection partners made of stainless steel are used, which can guarantee that the natural gas can be transported through the pipelines under a high pressure of 260 bar to 520 bar without the pipelines becoming deformed or damaged. Stainless steel also guarantees the purity of the natural gas, and the pipelines have a smooth, rust-free surface and high strength even without a coating. Furthermore, pipelines can be manufactured easily and seamlessly, for example by deep drawing. Furthermore, the invention provides that at least the first pipeline is flanged twice to form a connection element in the form of an F-flanged flange.The second connection partner is provided with a complementary connection element in the form of an E-flare. If the second connection partner is also a pipe, it is also flared twice at one end section. The connection is then created solely by the first connection partner fitting against the second connection partner, without the need for any soft material in between. Pipes made of stainless steel have a greater material thickness than, for example, copper pipes and reduced elastic properties compared to relatively soft copper pipes, which makes it difficult for the connection elements to nestle against one another. However, such connection elements have a high level of surface precision and smoothness, so that the seamless fit of complementary E- and F-flares creates a reliable positive and / or non-positive connection, despite the rigid properties of the stainless steel, or precisely because of this.A pipe bolt is then connected to a union nut over the pipes to create a friction-locked connection. This eliminates the need for additional, costly connecting elements such as clamp rings or spherical or conical insert pipe sections. If the second connection partner is a system component, a corresponding second connection element in the form of an E-flare can simply be molded into the system component. Furthermore, the inlet opening on the second connection element can be provided with an internal thread to directly accommodate a pipe bolt with a positive and / or non-positive fit and to pull the first connection element non-positively onto the second connection element. This simplifies the assembly of connecting at least two connection partners in a natural gas distribution system for transporting natural gas in a motor vehicle. Costly connecting components are eliminated.The establishment of connection partners is also made considerably easier.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention provides for a connection device in which at least the first connection element or the second connection element has a wall thickness of approximately 1 mm, an outer diameter of approximately 6 mm, and an inner diameter of approximately 4 mm. This provides the advantage that a solid and stable pipeline made of stainless steel can be flanged directly or seamlessly at an end section of at least the first or the second pipeline to form a connection element, even if this relatively high material thickness limits the spring-elastic behavior of the connection elements. Furthermore, the gaps below the spring-loaded connection partners remain relatively small, which makes it difficult for the connection elements to dynamically expand from the inside to create a dynamic frictional connection due to the natural gas flowing through them.The combination with the high-quality surface of the connecting element not only overcomes the assumed difficulties, but also provides an improved positive and / or frictional connection between the connecting elements. This can result in significant advantages for a connecting device, such as simple assembly, ease of manufacture, and increased safety, tightness, and cleanliness during operation.

[0009] Furthermore, the invention can provide for a connection device in which the first connection element has a folding collar with dynamic elastic properties, which elastically rests against a complementary, essentially funnel-shaped support element of the second connection element, at least when natural gas flowing under high pressure of, for example, 260 bar, flows through it, in order to create a fluid-tight connection between the first connection element and the second connection element. This makes it possible to achieve the advantage that the connection elements can be designed with a simple geometry that is easy to manufacture. A folding collar can ensure a fluid-tight connection to the support element, at least when the natural gas flowing under high pressure reaches the fold spaces and supports the nestling of the folding collar against the support element.Thus, a sealed connection can be provided between the first connection partner and the second connection partner, which provides a high degree of safety during operation of the motor vehicle and enables a reliable, gas-tight natural gas distribution system.

[0010] Furthermore, the invention can provide for a connecting device in which the first connecting element has a curvature with a radius of curvature of approximately 0.45 mm to approximately 0.65 mm, preferably approximately 0.5 mm, on the outside at the insertion of a folding collar to the second connecting element. Thus, a stable first connecting element can be created that can withstand high dynamic loads, is low-maintenance, and has a long service life.

[0011] Furthermore, the invention can provide for a connecting device that the first connecting element has a closing angle of approximately 113°C to approximately 117°C on a contact surface with the second connecting element, at least before a connection to the second connecting element is established. After a connection to the second connecting element is established, the angle can widen because the first connecting element is elastically deformed. This way, a tapered tip can be provided at the end section of the first connecting element. By using an angle in the range between approximately 113°C and approximately 117°C, the Venturi effect can be advantageously utilized. A high-pressure area can thus be created in a simple manner in the fold on the first connecting element in order to seal the connecting elements in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.However, the transition point from the first connection element to the second connection element can be provided with a smaller diameter to reduce the pressure of the flowing natural gas at the immediate transition point between the connection elements. This protects the transition point and prevents gas leakage at the transition point.

[0012] Furthermore, the invention can provide for the second connection element to be designed in the form of an E-flare in a system component of the natural gas distribution system in the motor vehicle. Thus, the advantageous geometry of an F-flare and an E-flare can also be implemented when connecting a first pipeline to a connection piece in the corresponding system component.

[0013] Furthermore, the invention can provide that the second connection element is formed by flanging an end section of a second stainless steel pipeline once, in particular twice, as the second connection partner in the form of an E-flare. Thus, the advantageous geometry of an F-flare and an E-flare can also be implemented when connecting a first pipeline to a second pipeline. The elastic properties of the second connection element can additionally serve to increase the positive and / or frictional connection.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention can provide for a connecting device that the second connecting element has a curvature with a radius of curvature of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 0.9 mm, preferably approximately 0.7 mm, on the outside of the insert of a support element for the first connecting element. Thus, a stable second connecting element can be created that can withstand high dynamic loads, is low-maintenance, and has a long service life.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention can provide for a connection device in which the second connection element has an opening angle of approximately 136°C to approximately 140°C on a counter-contact surface to the first connection element, at least before a connection to the first connection element is established. This makes it possible to provide a widened seat on the second connection element in which the first connection element can be comfortably received. In addition, this makes it possible to achieve the advantage of providing an almost double-layered support element that strengthens the connection between the connection partners. In addition, this makes it possible to achieve the advantage that one end of the second connection element is folded inwards in such a way that the flow of natural gas from the first connection element to the second connection element is promoted in terms of flow, in the manner of an hourglass effect.

[0016] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a natural gas distribution system for transporting natural gas in a motor vehicle, comprising: a first connection partner in the form of a first pipeline made of stainless steel, a second connection partner in the form of a system component or a second pipeline made of stainless steel, and at least one connection device for connecting two connection partners. To this end, the invention provides that the connection device is designed as described above. With the aid of the natural gas distribution system according to the invention, the same advantages are achieved that were described above in connection with the connection device according to the invention, to which reference is made in full here.

[0017] Further measures improving the invention are presented in more detail below with the description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the figures. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. It should be noted that the figures are merely descriptive and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a connection device according to the invention with a first connection partner in the form of a first pipeline and a second connection partner in the form of a second pipeline, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a connection device according to the invention when connecting two connection partners, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a natural gas distribution system according to the invention, and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a connection device according to the invention with a first connection partner in the form of a first pipeline and a second connection partner in the form of a system component of a natural gas distribution system.

[0018] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a connection device 100 for connecting at least two connection partners 1, 2 of a natural gas distribution system 110 for transporting a natural gas in a motor vehicle, wherein the natural gas distribution system 110 is shown in detail in the Fig. 3. Of the two connection partners 1, 2, at least a first connection partner 1 is in the form of a first pipe 101 made of stainless steel. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, both connection partners 1, 2 are designed in the form of pipes 101, 102.

[0019] The connecting device 100 further provides a first connecting element 10 for the first connecting partner 1 and a second connecting element 20 for a second connecting partner 2, which are formed of a uniform material, monolithic, and seamless at the end sections E1 and E2 of the connecting partners 1, 2. This enables simplified, seamless production of the connecting partners 1, 2 and the connecting elements 10, 20 by simple deep drawing.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention provides that the first connection element 10 is formed by one, in particular two, flanging of an end section E1 at the end of the first pipeline 101 in the form of an F-flanged section.

[0021] Following the example of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the second connection element 20 can also be formed by one, in particular two, flanging of the end section E2 of the second pipeline 102, which is also made of a stainless steel, as the second connection partner 2 can be formed in the form of an E-flanging.

[0022] The advantage here is that no further separate connecting element, which must be welded to form a seam, is required to connect the first pipeline 101 to the second pipeline 102. The connecting elements 10, 20 of the first pipeline 101 and the second pipeline 102 can create a positive connection and, at least under the pressure of a flowing natural gas, a frictional connection. Both pipelines 101, 102 enable high strength, high surface accuracy, and high gas tightness of the connecting partners 1, 2, entirely without separate coatings. This advantageously allows the natural gas to be transported to remain free of contaminants. Both pipelines 101, 102 can be drawn seamlessly, which considerably simplifies their production.

[0023] Nevertheless, the second connection partner 2 can be a connection piece or a system component 104, 105, 106, 107 of the natural gas distribution system 110, for example in the form of a pressure regulator 104, a cross distributor 105, a solenoid valve 106 on a storage cylinder or a filling connection 106 at a filling station, as described in Fig. 3 below. As a second connecting element 20, an E-flare can be formed, for example milled, directly in the system component 104, 105, 106, 107, as shown in Fig. 4 below shows.

[0024] The inventive idea can be explained by the Fig. 1 to 4. The idea of the invention lies in the fact that to connect the two connection partners 1, 2 of the natural gas distribution system 110 for transporting natural gas in the motor vehicle, only connection partners 1, 2 made of stainless steel are used and no further connection pieces and / or supports and / or coatings. The pipelines 101, 102 made of stainless steel can transport the natural gas under a high pressure of up to 520 bar without the pipelines 101, 102 being deformed or damaged. In other words, the connection between the connection partners 1, 2 is made exclusively by the first connection partner 1 bearing against the second connection partner 2. The pipelines 101, 102 have a high surface accuracy and smoothness, so that a reliable positive and / or non-positive connection is formed by the connection elements 10, 20 bearing against one another without any gaps.When exposed to natural gas at 250 bar, pipelines 101 and 102 develop dynamic elastic properties that enhance the positive and / or frictional connection. A special geometry of the connecting partners 1 and 2 further improves the connection, as explained in detail below.

[0025] As the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a pipe screw 103 is then connected to a union nut 103a over the pipes 101, 102 to ensure that the connecting elements 10, 20 are held against each other under external mechanical pressure. Furthermore, the inlet opening on the second connecting element 20 can be provided with an internal thread 103b.

[0026] According to the invention, at least the first connecting element 10 or the second connecting element 20 has a relatively high wall thickness or material thickness t of approximately 1 mm, an outer diameter da of approximately 6 mm, and an inner diameter di of approximately 4 mm. The outer diameter db of the folding collar 11 or the support element 21 can be approximately 8.3 to approximately 8.8 mm. This provides the advantage that a solid and stable pipeline 101, 102 made of stainless steel can be flanged directly or seamlessly at an end section E1, E2 of at least the first pipeline 101 or the second pipeline 102 to form a connecting element 10, 20, without having to weld on separate connecting elements and without forming seams.Although the elastic properties are limited at such a material thickness and dynamic expansion of the connecting elements 10, 20 from the inside is difficult, the combination with the high-quality surface of the connecting elements 10, 20 creates an improved positive and / or frictional connection between the connecting elements 10, 20. This allows significant advantages to be achieved with a connecting device 100, such as simple assembly, simple manufacture, increased safety and tightness during operation, as well as permanent purity of the natural gas. This advantageously avoids separate interfaces or intermediate pieces, such as clamping rings.

[0027] As it is on the left in the Fig. 1, the first connection element 10 has a folding collar 11 with dynamic elastic properties, which elastically rests against a complementary, substantially funnel-shaped support element 21 of the second connection element 20, at least when a high-pressure natural gas flows through it, in order to create a fluid-tight connection between the first connection element 10 and the second connection element 20. The connection elements 10, 20 can thus be provided with a simple geometry. A folding collar 11 can ensure a fluid-tight connection to the support element 21, which becomes even more stable when the high-pressure natural gas flows into the fold spaces and supports the nestling of the folding collar 11 against the support element 21.In other words, the folding collar 11 and the support element 21 can have dynamic elastic properties under the flow of natural gas in order to enable a sealed connection between the first connection partner 1 and the second connection partner 2.

[0028] As it continues to be the case on the left in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the first connecting element 10 has a curvature with a radius of curvature RF of approximately 0.45 mm to approximately 0.65 mm, preferably approximately 0.5 mm, on the outside at the insertion of the folding collar 11 to the second connecting element 20. Thus, a stable first connecting element 10 can be created that can withstand high dynamic loads, is low-maintenance, and has a long service life.

[0029] As the Fig. 1 further shows on the left-hand side, the first connection element 10 has a closing angle α of approximately 113 °C to approximately 117 °C on a contact surface 12 to the second connection element 20, at least before a connection to the second connection element 20 is established. After a connection to the second connection element 20 is established, the closing angle α can widen because the first connection element 10 is elastically deformed. Thus, a tapered tip can be provided at the end section E1 of the first connection element 10, which advantageously utilizes a Venturi effect during the flow of natural gas. In the fold under the folding collar 11 on the first connection element 10, a high-pressure area can thus be created in a simple manner in order to support the connection elements 10, 20 nestling against one another. At the same time, the immediate transition point orThe transition seam from the first connection element 10 to the second connection element 20 can be provided with a smaller diameter in order to reduce the pressure of the flowing natural gas at the immediate transition point between the connection elements 10, 20 and thus protect the transition point.

[0030] Right in the Fig. 1 shows that the second connection element 20 has a curvature with a slightly larger radius of curvature RE of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 0.9 mm, preferably approximately 0.7 mm, on the outside of the insert of the support element 21 for the first connection element 10. Thus, a stable second connection element 20 can also be provided on the second connection partner 2, which withstands high dynamic loads, is low-maintenance, and has a long service life.

[0031] As it is also shown on the right in the Fig. 1, the second connecting element 20 has an opening angle β of approximately 136°C to approximately 140°C at a counter-contact surface 22 to the first connecting element 10, at least before establishing a connection to the first connecting element 10, which can become more acute once the connection is established. Thus, a widened seat can be provided at the end section E2 of the second connecting element 20, in which the first connecting element 10 can be conveniently positioned during assembly of the connecting device 100. In terms of fluid technology, the folded support element 21 also causes a faster flow at the transition point to the first connecting element 10.

[0032] The Fig. 3 finally shows a possible embodiment of a natural gas distribution system 110 for transporting natural gas in a motor vehicle, which has a first connection partner 1 in the form of a first pipeline 101 made of stainless steel, a second connection partner 2 in the form of a system component 104, 105, 106, 107 ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) or a second pipeline 102 ( Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) made of stainless steel and at least one connecting device 100 for connecting two connection partners 1, 2. According to the invention, the geometry of the connecting device 100 between the respective two connection partners 1, 2 is as described above with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described.

[0033] The Fig.Figure 4 schematically shows that a second connection element 20 with an E-flare geometry can be formed, for example, milled, directly into the system component 104, 105, 106, 107. In addition, an internal thread 103b can be provided in the receiving bore in the system component 104, 105, 106, 107 to establish the connection with a pipe screw 103 above the first pipeline 101.

[0034] The above description of the figures describes the present invention exclusively by way of example. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the invention. List of reference symbols 110 Natural gas distribution system 100 connection device 10 first connection element 11 Fold-over collar 12 contact surface 13 Connecting surface 20 second connecting element 21 Support element 22 Counter contact surface 1 first connection partner 2 second connection partner 101 first pipeline 102 second pipeline 103 Pipe screw 103a union nut 103b internal thread 104 System component, pressure regulator 105 System component, cross distributor 106 System component, solenoid valve 107 System component, filling connection E1 End section of the first pipeline E2 End section of the second pipeline because outer diameter the inner diameter db Outer diameter of the folding collar α closing angle β opening angle

Claims

[1] Connection device (100) for connecting at least two connection partners (1, 2) of a natural gas distribution system (110) for transporting a natural gas in a motor vehicle, of which at least a first connection partner (1) is designed in the form of a first pipe (101) made of a stainless steel, comprising: a first connection element (10) for the first connection partner (1) and a second connection element (20) for a second connection partner (2), wherein the first connection element (10) is formed by flanging an end section (E1) of the first pipeline (101) in the form of an F-flanged section, characterized by , that the first connection element (10) for the first connection partner (1) and the second connection element (20) for the second connection partner (2) are formed of the same material, monolithic and seamless at the end sections (E1, E2) of the connection partners (1, 2), whereby no further separate connecting element, which has to be welded on with a seam, no connecting pieces, supports and / or coatings are required to connect the connection partners (1, 2), and that at least the first connecting element (10) or the second connecting element (20) has a wall thickness (t) of 1 mm, an outer diameter (da) of 6 mm and an inner diameter (di) of 4 mm. [2] Connection device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by in that the first connection element (10) has a folding collar (11) with dynamic elastic properties, which elastically rests on a complementary, substantially funnel-shaped support element (21) of the second connection element (20), at least under the flow of a high-pressure natural gas, in order to establish a fluid-tight connection between the first connection element (10) and the second connection element (20). [3] Connecting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first connecting element (10) has a curvature with a radius of curvature (RF) of 0.45 mm to 0.65 mm, preferably 0.5 mm, on the outside at the insert of a folding collar (11) to the second connecting element (20). [4] Connecting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first connecting element (10) has a closing angle (α) of 113 °C to 117 °C on a contact surface (12) to the second connecting element (20), at least before establishing a connection with the second connecting element (20). [5] Connecting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second connection element (20) is designed in the form of an E-flare in a system component (104, 105, 106, 107) of the natural gas distribution system (110) in the motor vehicle. [6] Connection device (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the second connection element (20) is formed by single, in particular double, flanging of the end section (E2) of the second pipeline (102) made of a stainless steel as the second connection partner (2) in the form of an E-flanging. [7] Connecting device (100) according to claim 6, characterized by that the second connecting element (20) has a curvature with a radius of curvature (RE) of 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm, preferably 0.7 mm, on the outside of the insert of a support element (21) for the first connecting element (10). [8] Connecting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second connecting element (20) has an opening angle (β) of 136 °C to 140 °C on a counter-contact surface (22) to the first connecting element (10), at least before establishing a connection with the first connecting element (10). [9] Natural gas distribution system (110) for transporting a natural gas in a motor vehicle, comprising: a first connection partner (1) in the form of a first pipe (101) made of stainless steel, a second connection partner (2) in the form of a system component (104, 105, 106, 107) or a second pipeline (102) made of stainless steel, and at least one connection device (100) for connecting two connection partners (1, 2), characterized by , that the connecting device (100) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

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