Connecting assembly

Abstract

A connecting assembly (1) for connecting a line element (2) to a component (3) of a temperature-control device, comprising a line element (2) with a tubular portion (4) and a thickening (5), formed at one end of the line element (2), comprising a component (3) with at least one channel (6) and also comprising a connecting element (7), wherein the connecting element has a recess (8) and the line element (2) is arranged in the recess (8) in such a way that the connecting element (7) is held in a form-fitting and captive manner on the line element (2) by means of the thickening (5), wherein the connecting element (7) and the component (3) each have a thread (9, 10), wherein the threads (9, 10) are in engagement and form a threaded connection (11), wherein the thickening (5) forms a contact portion (12) and wherein the channel (6) is adjoined on the side facing the line element (2) by an abutment portion (13), wherein the cross section of the abutment portion (13) widens in the direction of the line element (2), wherein the contact portion (12) abuts the abutment portion (13) in a sealing manner and wherein the line element (2) is connected to the channel (6) in a flow-conducting manner, wherein the threaded connection (11) presses the contact portion (12) against the abutment portion (13) by means of the form-fitting connection of the connecting element (7) and the line element (2).

Description

[0001] Connection arrangement

[0002] The invention relates to a connecting arrangement for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device.

[0003] Such connection arrangements are particularly necessary for use in temperature control circuits in the field of electromobility. To achieve a long range in electric vehicles, for example, it is necessary to control the temperature of electrical components. Components of electric vehicles that require temperature control include, in particular, electrical energy storage devices, but also power electronics or plug connections for rapid charging devices. An electrical energy storage device only achieves its optimum capacity within a very narrow temperature range. Another key aspect concerns the climate control of a vehicle interior, which is controlled by a temperature control device in the form of an air conditioning system.

[0004] For this purpose, it is known to provide a temperature control circuit through which a temperature control medium flows. If the temperature control circuit is a refrigerant circuit, the temperature control medium can be a refrigerant, for example CO2 or a halogenated hydrocarbon. Depending on requirements, the temperature control medium can either be heated in a heating device or cooled in a cooling device. The temperature control medium is transported via lines to various components of the temperature control circuit. In CC air conditioning systems in particular, the pressure on the high-pressure side can be approximately 170 bar and on the low-pressure side approximately 100 bar. The burst pressure is approximately 340 bar. The temperature of the temperature control medium can range between -30 °C and 100 °C.

[0005] This results in the requirement that the lines be permanently and tightly connected to the components, even at high operating pressures. The invention is based on the object of providing a connection arrangement for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device that is easy to install and highly reliable.

[0006] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. The subclaims refer to advantageous embodiments.

[0007] The connecting arrangement according to the invention for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device comprises a line element with a tubular section and a thickened portion formed at one end of the line element, a component with at least one channel and a connecting element, wherein the connecting element has a recess and the line element is arranged in the recess such that the thickened portion holds the connecting element positively and securely on the line element, wherein the connecting element and the component each have a thread, wherein the threads engage and form a threaded connection, wherein the thickened portion forms a contact section and wherein a contact section adjoins the channel on the side facing the line element, wherein the cross section of the contact section widens in the direction of the line element,wherein the contact section lies sealingly against the contact section and wherein the line element is connected to the channel in a flow-conducting manner, wherein the threaded connection presses the contact section against the contact section by means of the positive connection of the connecting element and the line element.

[0008] Through the recess in the connecting element, the connecting element forms a collar that projects inwards, i.e. towards the longitudinal axis of the connecting element, and which rests against the thickened portion on a side of the thickened portion facing the tubular section of the line element. The connecting element is thus held captively along the longitudinal axis of the line element in the direction of the thickened portion. The connecting element is arranged so as to be rotatable around the line element. The thread of the connecting element is formed on the side of the connecting element facing away from the recess and engages with the thread of the component. By screwing the thread of the connecting element into the thread of the component, the connecting element is moved relative to the component in the direction of the component. By means of the collar of the connecting element formed by the recess, a force can be transmitted to the thickened portion of the line element.In addition, the line element and component are arranged in such a way that the contact section and the contact section come into contact, and the force is transferred from the line element to the component. Thus, by screwing the connecting element into the component, the line element is pressed against the component by means of the force transfer from the connecting element to the line element and from the line element to the component, thereby further increasing operational reliability while being easy to install. The threaded connection creates a detachable connection. This allows for re-screwing, particularly during maintenance.

[0009] Thickening in the sense of the present invention refers to an external widening of the outer contour of the conduit element. The inner contour of the conduit element is initially independent of the thickening. In particular, the inner diameter can be constant in the area of ​​the thickening. It is also conceivable that the inner contour correlates with the outer contour in the area of ​​the thickening. Such a contour with an external thickening can be created, for example, by compression.

[0010] The connecting element can be made of metallic material. Preferably, the connecting element is made of steel or aluminum. As a result, the connecting element has the mechanical properties necessary for use in temperature control devices, such as high strength. This can further increase operational reliability. The thickened portion of the line element can have a curved outer contour facing away from a longitudinal axis of the line element. The outer contour of the thickened portion can be substantially convex with respect to the longitudinal axis of the line element. The connecting element is supported on the side of the thickened portion facing the tubular section of the line element. The side of the thickened portion facing away from the tubular section of the line element partially rests against the component and forms a sealed connection with the component.In particular, the outer contour of the thickening can be spherical.

[0011] The radius of the sphere is preferably in a range of 1 mm to 8 mm. Spherical can be understood as spherical cap-shaped or spherical disk-shaped. A substantially spherical design of the outer contour of the thickened portion can compensate for an angular misalignment of the duct element relative to the longitudinal axis of the channel. In particular, an angular misalignment in a range of up to 3° can be compensated, thereby increasing the tolerance during assembly and improving assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the outer contour of the thickened portion is formed by other geometric shapes suitable for supporting the connecting element and forming a sealed connection. For example, the cross-sectionally increasing transition from the tubular section to the thickened portion can be defined by a wider radius. The radius of the transition is preferably in a range of 0.2 mm to 5 mm.

[0013] The contact section can have a conical cross-section. The conical cross-section allows a moderate lateral offset of the line element relative to the component to be compensated for during assembly. With a moderate lateral offset during assembly, the contact section of the line element contacts the contact section of the component laterally offset from the desired central position with the longitudinal axes of the line element and duct essentially parallel. In the desired installation position, the longitudinal axes of the line element and duct essentially coincide and the contact section rests entirely on the contact section. With a moderate lateral offset, the contact section rests only partially or point-like on the contact section.Due to the conical shape of the contact section, when force is applied from the contact section to the contact section arranged at an angle to it, the line element moves until the longitudinal axes of the line element and the channel coincide. This allows the line element to self-center during assembly, further improving assembly.

[0014] The conical cross-section can form a conical surface, with the conical surface having an opening angle to the longitudinal axis of the channel in a range of 10° to 70°. Particularly preferably, the opening angle is in a range of 20° to 50°. This achieves good self-centering of the line element while maintaining a compact design of the component. This enables simplified assembly processes.

[0015] It is also conceivable that the contact section, instead of a conical cross-section, forms a different shape with a widening cross-section. The widening of the cross-section is directed in the direction of the line element.

[0016] In particular, the contact section can form a spherical or parabolic cross-section.

[0017] The force introduced into the guide element during assembly acts primarily along its longitudinal axis. Due to the conical cross-section of the contact section, force components act perpendicularly and transversely to the conical surface. This allows for improved force introduction for the annular contact section, resulting in high tightness and thus improved operational reliability.

[0018] The conducting element can be made from a first material with a first hardness and the contact section of the component can be made from a second material with a second hardness, wherein the first hardness and the second hardness are different. Due to the different hardnesses, the component with the lower hardness is deformed when the contact section is pressed onto the contact section. The deformation is plastic deformation, so that the component with the lower hardness retains the deformation permanently. This deformation ensures that the component with the lower hardness is formed onto the other component in such a way that surface pressure is created and both components come into contact with one another in a sealing manner. The seal therefore does not require a costly separate gasket, which also further improves assembly.Preferably, the first hardness is lower than the second hardness, so that the contact section of the conducting element deforms during assembly to form a seal, while the contact section remains dimensionally stable. Preferably, the first material comprises a first aluminum alloy and the second material comprises a second aluminum alloy, with the hardnesses of the two aluminum alloys differing.

[0019] Depending on the application, it may be advantageous to provide the contact section and / or the contact section with a coating. The coating can be made of a material with a lower hardness than the material of the contact section or the contact section. In particular, the coating can be made of copper. The coating can further improve the seal.

[0020] The pipe element can have a wall thickness ranging from 0.7 mm to 3 mm. In particular, the wall thickness can be 1.5 mm. This wall thickness creates a mechanically stable thickening in the pipe element, which is well suited for creating a sealed connection. At the same time, desired deformations of the material can be achieved with moderate force. This creates a sealed connection while simultaneously allowing for easy assembly.

[0021] The line element can be rotationally symmetrical, wherein the thickened portion has a first outer diameter, wherein the first outer diameter corresponds to the largest outer diameter of the thickened portion, wherein the tubular section has a second outer diameter, wherein the ratio of the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter is in a range from 1.2 to 1.4. The outer diameters are each measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the line element. The ratio of the outer diameters to one another ensures a sufficiently large contact surface for the connecting element on the thickened portion in order to be able to transfer the applied forces from the connecting element to the line element. Good force transmission is advantageous in order to press the contact section against the contact section. At the same time, a compact design of the connecting element is enabled.This achieves a good balance between power transmission and compact design, improving both operational reliability and ease of assembly. In particular, the first outer diameter can range from 11 mm to 16 mm, and the second outer diameter from 8 mm to 13 mm.

[0022] The thread of the connecting element can be designed as an internal thread, while the thread of the component can be designed as an external thread. This creates a union nut. The union nut forms a sleeve-like section that covers the thickened portion during assembly and protects it from external influences.

[0023] The thread of the connecting element can be designed as an external thread, while the thread of the component can be designed as an internal thread. This creates a union screw. The connecting element can be screwed into the component, leaving only parts of the connecting element protruding from the component. This allows for space-saving assembly.

[0024] The threaded connection can have a coating. The coating can have friction-optimizing properties, so that screwing the connecting element into the component is simplified and thus assembly is increased. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the coating to be designed as a corrosion protection coating. Preferably, the coating has friction-optimizing and corrosion-protective properties. The invention further relates to a temperature control circuit, comprising at least one connection arrangement according to the invention for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device. The connection arrangement has a high level of operational reliability for temperature control circuits.

[0025] The temperature control circuit can comprise a temperature control medium, with the temperature control medium flowing through the temperature control circuit. Depending on requirements, the temperature control medium can be either heated in a heating device or cooled in a cooling device. The temperature control medium can be transported via lines to various components of the temperature control circuit. A refrigerant, such as R744 (CO2) or a halogenated hydrocarbon, can be used as the temperature control medium.

[0026] The invention further relates to an air conditioning circuit with a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side, wherein at least one of the sides has a connection arrangement according to the invention for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device. The ratio of the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter is in a range from 1.3 to 1.4 in a connection arrangement on the high-pressure side. In particular, the first outer diameter can be in a range from 11 mm to 13 mm and the second outer diameter can be in a range from 8 mm to 10 mm. In a connection arrangement on the low-pressure side, the ratio of the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter is in a range from 1.2 to 1.3. In particular, the first outer diameter can be in a range from 14 mm to 16 mm and the second outer diameter can be in a range from 11 mm to 13 mm.This means that the relationship between power transmission and compact design is tailored to the corresponding pressure ratios of the high-pressure side and the low-pressure side.

[0027] An embodiment of the connecting arrangement according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show, schematically: Fig. 1 shows a connecting arrangement with a union screw;

[0028] Fig. 2 the connecting arrangement in a disassembled state;

[0029] Fig. 3 a connection arrangement with union nut;

[0030] Fig. 4 shows a line element of the connecting arrangements shown in Figures 1 to 3;

[0031] Fig. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a line element for one of the connection arrangements shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0032] The figures show a sectional view of a connecting arrangement 1 for connecting a line element 2 to a component 3 of a temperature control device. The connecting arrangement 1 comprises a line element 2 with a tubular section 4 and a thickened portion 5 formed at one end of the line element 2, a component 3 with at least one channel 6, and a connecting element 7. The line element 2 is fluidly connected to the channel 6.

[0033] The connecting element 7 has a recess 8. The line element 2 is arranged in the recess 8 and rests against the thickened portion 5, so that the connecting element 7 is held positively and securely on the line element 2 by means of the thickened portion 5. The connecting element 7 is arranged so as to be rotatable around the line element 2.

[0034] A contact section 13 adjoins the channel 6 of component 3 on the side facing the line element 2. The cross-section of the contact section 13 widens toward the line element 2. The thickened portion 5 forms a contact section 12. The contact section 12 rests sealingly against the contact section 13.

[0035] The connecting element 7 and the component 3 each have a thread 9, 10. The thread of the connecting element 9 is formed on the side of the connecting element 7 facing away from the recess 8 and engages with the thread of the component 9. The threads 9, 10 form a threaded connection 11. The threaded connection 11 includes a coating. The coating has friction-optimizing and corrosion-protective properties.

[0036] By screwing the thread of the connecting element 9 into or onto the thread of the component 10, the connecting element 7 moves relative to the component 3 in the direction of the component 3. By arranging the line element 2 in the recess 8 of the connecting element 7, a force can be transmitted to the thickened portion 5 of the line element 2. In addition, the line element 2 and component 3 are arranged such that the contact section 12 and the contact section 13 come into contact and the force can be transmitted from the line element 2 to the component 3. Thus, by screwing the connecting element 7 into or onto the component 3, the line element 2 is pressed against the component 3.

[0037] The thickened portion 5 of the line element 2 has an outer contour 15 curved away from a longitudinal axis of the line element 14. The outer contour 15 of the thickened portion 5 is essentially convex with respect to the longitudinal axis of the line element 14. The connecting element 7 is supported on the side of the thickened portion 5 facing the tubular section 4 of the line element 2. The side of the thickened portion 5 facing away from the tubular section 4 of the line element 2 partially bears against the component 3 and forms a sealed connection. The outer contour 15 of the thickened portion 5 is essentially spherical. The radius of the sphere is 6 mm. The cross-sectionally enlarging transition from the tubular section 4 to the thickened portion 5 is defined by a further radius. The radius of the transition is 1 mm.

[0038] The contact section 13 forms a conical cross-section, which allows for a moderate lateral offset of the line element 2 relative to the component 3 during assembly. The longitudinal axis of the line element 14 and the longitudinal axis of the channel 17 coincide, and the contact section 12 rests completely on the contact section 13. The conical cross-section forms a conical surface 16, with the conical surface 16 having an opening angle of 35° to the longitudinal axis of the channel 17.

[0039] The conducting element 2 is made of a first material with a first hardness, and the contact section 13 of the component 3 is made of a second material with a second hardness. The first hardness is lower than the second hardness, so that the contact section 12 of the conducting element 2 deforms during assembly to form a seal, while the contact section 13 remains dimensionally stable. The first material comprises a first aluminum alloy, and the second material comprises a second aluminum alloy.

[0040] The line element 2 is rotationally symmetrical and has a wall thickness of 2 mm. The thickened portion 5 has a first outer diameter D1 (shown in Figure 4), wherein the first outer diameter D1 corresponds to the largest outer diameter of the thickened portion 5. The tubular section 4 has a second outer diameter D2 (shown in Figure 4). The outer diameters D1, D2 are each measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the line element 14. The ratio of the first outer diameter D1 to the second outer diameter D2 is 1.3. The first outer diameter D1 is 13 mm and the second outer diameter D2 is 10 mm.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a configuration of the connecting assembly 1, wherein the thread of the connecting element 9 is configured as an external thread and the thread of the component 10 is configured as an internal thread. The connecting element 7 is configured as a cap screw and is screwed into the component 3.

[0042] Figure 2 shows the connection arrangement 1 for connecting a line element 2 to a component 3 of a temperature control device according to Figure 1 in a sectional view, wherein the connecting element 7 is not shown in section. In addition, the connecting element 7 is shown in a state prior to assembly. The connecting element 7 is spaced from the thickened portion 5 along the longitudinal axis of the line element 14 in a direction facing away from the component 3 along the tubular section 4 of the line element 2. By screwing the thread of the connecting element 9 into the thread of the component 10, the contact section 12 can be pressed against the contact section 13 in order to deform the contact section 12 and thus create a sealed connection, as shown in Figure 1.

[0043] The connecting element 7 has a device for engaging a tool at its end facing away from the component 3. The tool engagement is designed as an external hexagon.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the connecting assembly 1 in a sectional view. In this embodiment of the connecting assembly 1, the thread of the connecting element 9 is designed as an internal thread, and the thread of the component 10 is designed as an external thread. The connecting element 7 is designed as a union nut and is screwed onto the component 3.

[0045] Figure 4 shows a detailed sectional view of the line element 2 of the connecting assembly 1 according to Figures 1 to 3. Accordingly, Figure 4 shows the line element 2 without the component 3 and the connecting element 7. The outer diameters D1 and D2 are particularly clearly visible in Figure 4.

[0046] Figure 5 shows in detail an alternative embodiment of the line element 2 of the connecting arrangement 1 according to Figures 1 to 3 in a sectional view. In this alternative embodiment, the inner diameter of the line element 2 is constant, and the thickened portion 5 is formed only on the outside of the line element 2. In particular, the inner diameter remains constant in the area of ​​the thickened portion 5.

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Connecting arrangement (1) for connecting a line element (2) to a component (3) of a temperature control device, comprising a line element (2) with a tubular section (4) and a thickened portion (5) formed at one end of the line element (2), a component (3) with at least one channel (6) and a connecting element (7), wherein the connecting element (7) has a recess (8) and the line element (2) is arranged in the recess (8) in such a way that the connecting element (7) is held on the line element (2) in a form-fitting and captively manner by means of the thickened portion (5), wherein the connecting element (7) and the component (3) each have a thread (9, 10), wherein the threads (9, 10) are in engagement and form a threaded connection (11), wherein the thickened portion (5) forms a contact section (12) and wherein the channel (6) on the side facing the line element (2) facing side a system section (13) adjoins,wherein the cross-section of the contact section (13) widens in the direction of the line element (2), wherein the contact section (12) lies sealingly against the contact section (13) and wherein the line element (2) is connected to the channel (6) in a flow-conducting manner, wherein the threaded connection (11) presses the contact section (12) against the contact section (13) by means of the positive connection of the connecting element (7) and the line element (2).

2. Connection arrangement for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickening (5) of the line element (2) has an outer contour (15) curved away from a longitudinal axis of the line element (14).

3. Connection arrangement for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact section (13) forms a conical cross-section.

4. Connection arrangement for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the conical cross section forms a conical surface (16), wherein the conical surface (16) has an opening angle in a range of 10° to 70° to the longitudinal axis of the channel (17).

5. Connection arrangement for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact section (13) forms a spherical or parabolic cross-section.

6. Connection arrangement for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the line element (2) is made of a first material with a first hardness and the contact section (13) of the component (3) is made of a second material with a second hardness, wherein the first hardness and the second hardness are different.

7. Connection arrangement for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the line element (2) has a wall thickness in a range of 0.7 mm to 3 mm.

8. Connecting arrangement for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the line element (2) is rotationally symmetrical, wherein the thickened portion (5) has a first outer diameter (D1), wherein the first outer diameter (D1) corresponds to the largest outer diameter of the thickened portion (5), wherein the tubular section (4) has a second outer diameter (D2), wherein the ratio of the first outer diameter (D1) to the second outer diameter (D2) is in a range from 1.2 to 1.

4. Connecting arrangement for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the thread of the connecting element (9) is designed as an internal thread and the thread of the component (10) is designed as an external thread. Connecting arrangement for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the thread of the connecting element (9) is designed as an external thread and the thread of the component (10) is designed as an internal thread. Connecting arrangement for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the threaded connection (11) has a coating.Connecting arrangement for connecting a line element to a component of a temperature control device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the connecting element is made of metallic material. Temperature control circuit, comprising at least one connecting arrangement (1) for connecting a line element (2) to a component (3) of a temperature control device according to one of claims 1 to 12. Temperature control circuit according to claim 12, characterized in that the temperature control circuit comprises a temperature control medium, wherein the temperature control medium comprises CO2 or halogenated hydrocarbon. Air conditioning circuit with a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side, wherein at least one of the sides has a connecting arrangement (1) for connecting. a line element (2) to a component (3) of a temperature control device according to one of claims 1 to 12.

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