Connecting sleeve with plug-in sleeve
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024720707
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-03-22
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing connecting sleeves for thin-walled containers to fluid lines are not cost-effective, flexible, or provide adequate anti-twist protection, limiting their adaptability to various applications and conditions.
A connecting sleeve design featuring a plug-in sleeve with anti-rotation elements and a locking device, allowing for easy assembly and anti-twist protection, which can be produced in a single piece and adapted to different boundary conditions without altering the sleeve's design, using materials like plastic or metallic sheet metal for enhanced rigidity and durability.
The solution enables simple, cost-effective production and flexible adaptation of connecting sleeves with improved anti-twist protection, ensuring reliable connections and easy assembly, suitable for various applications, including high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
Smart Images
Figure AT2024060102_26092024_PF_FP
Abstract
Description
[0001] CONNECTING SLEEVE WITH SOCKET
[0002] The invention relates to a connecting sleeve for connecting an opening in a wall of a thin-walled container to a fluid line, wherein the connecting sleeve comprises a preferably cylindrical tube section with a first axial tube end and an opposite second axial tube end, wherein an insertion section for inserting the tube section into the opening in the wall of the container is provided in the region of the first tube end, wherein the connecting sleeve comprises a sleeve section with a first axial sleeve end and an opposite second axial sleeve end, wherein the sleeve section encloses the tube section, wherein the insertion section of the tube section protrudes from the first axial sleeve end of the sleeve section, wherein a connecting section for connecting the connecting sleeve to a fluid line is provided on the sleeve section.
[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a thin-walled container and a use of a connecting sleeve.
[0004] Connecting sleeves are used to connect fluid-carrying components, e.g. containers or fluid lines (hoses, pipes, etc.) to one another. The fluids can be gaseous or liquid. For this purpose, connecting sleeves generally have a first connecting section for connecting to a first fluid-carrying component and a second connecting section for connecting to a second fluid-carrying component. Depending on the specific application, such connecting sleeves can be designed in one piece or in multiple pieces and made from different materials, e.g. plastic or metallic materials. Depending on the application, different connecting sections can be provided, although the first and second connecting sections can of course also be different.
[0005] For example, connecting sleeves can be connected directly to the fluid-carrying components, but can also be connected indirectly, e.g. via connectors, to the fluid-carrying components.
[0006] DE 10 2019 118 284 A1 discloses a thin-walled component with a connecting sleeve for connecting a hose line. In one embodiment, the connecting sleeve comprises an inner pipe section and an outer pipe section, between which a space is formed. The pipe sections are connected in a force-locking manner.
[0007] Further generic connecting sleeves in various embodiments are disclosed in DE 20120029 Ul, EP 1319451 Al, US 3984132 A, US 4,929,001, EP 0 584 763 Al, WO 2014 / 122051 Al, US 2003 / 209905 Al, FR 2186079 A5, DE 202 11 749 Ul, DE 102008 000 049 Al, DE 34 32 373 Al and DE 296 22 536 Ul.
[0008] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a connecting sleeve for connecting an opening of a wall of a thin-walled container to a fluid line, which can be produced as simply and inexpensively as possible, which can be flexibly adapted to different boundary conditions and which enables an anti-twist protection for the fluid line.
[0009] This object is achieved with the connecting sleeve mentioned at the outset in that the second axial sleeve end of the sleeve section is connected to the second axial pipe end of the pipe section to form a one-piece connecting sleeve, that an inner circumferential surface of a part of the sleeve section adjacent to the first axial sleeve end is spaced radially from an outer circumferential surface of the pipe section to form a receiving space, that a receiving opening is provided on the sleeve section, which extends from the first axial sleeve end over part of a length of the sleeve section in the direction of the second axial sleeve end and which connects an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve section to the inner circumferential surface, that a plug-in sleeve is provided which has a first axial plug-in sleeve end and an opposite second axial plug-in sleeve end,wherein in the region of the first axial plug-in sleeve end, a first circumferential collar is provided, which comprises a first axial end face facing the first axial plug-in sleeve end and an opposite second axial end face facing the second axial plug-in sleeve end, that the plug-in sleeve has a cylindrical portion which adjoins the first circumferential collar in the axial direction and on which the second axial plug-in sleeve end is located, that at least one anti-rotation element is provided which is integrally formed with the plug-in sleeve, wherein the anti-rotation element is connected in the axial direction to the second axial end face of the first circumferential collar and in the radial direction to an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, and that the plug-in sleeve is arranged so thatthat the cylindrical section of the plug-in sleeve is received in the receiving space of the connecting sleeve, and the second axial end face of the first circumferential collar of the plug-in sleeve rests against the first axial sleeve end of the sleeve section of the connecting sleeve, wherein the anti-rotation element of the plug-in sleeve is received in the receiving opening of the connecting sleeve and protrudes radially from the receiving opening. Due to the separate plug-in sleeve, the connecting sleeve is simple in design and inexpensive to manufacture. The plug-in sleeve can, for example, be made of a suitable plastic and is preferably formed in one piece. The plug-in sleeve can be easily combined with a suitable connecting sleeve to provide anti-rotation protection. The anti-rotation element of the plug-in sleeve can be used to prevent rotation. The plug-in sleeve can be easily and flexibly adapted to different boundary conditions.without the need to modify the design of the connecting sleeve.
[0010] It may be advantageous if at least two anti-rotation elements are provided on the plug-in sleeve, which are arranged circumferentially spaced from one another on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, preferably diametrically opposite one another, and if a separate receiving opening is provided for each anti-rotation element on the sleeve portion of the connecting sleeve. This enables improved anti-rotation protection.
[0011] Preferably, a height of the at least one anti-rotation element of the plug-in sleeve in the radial direction is less than a height of the first circumferential collar. This advantageously allows the use of a connecting sleeve which has a second circumferential collar with a closed outer circumferential surface. This increases the rigidity of the connecting sleeve and facilitates manufacture. Alternatively or additionally, a length of the at least one anti-rotation element of the plug-in sleeve in the axial direction can be greater than a length of the cylindrical section of the plug-in sleeve, such that a free end of the anti-rotation element projects beyond the second axial plug-in sleeve end. Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the free end of the at least one anti-rotation element of the plug-in sleeve is rounded. This enables improved centering of the fluid line or of a plug-in connector connected to the fluid line.
[0012] It is advantageous if the at least one anti-rotation element is essentially cuboid-shaped and is circumferentially bounded by two opposing parallel boundary surfaces and radially outwardly bounded by a flat cover surface. This provides an easily manufactured anti-rotation element that enables effective anti-rotation protection, similar to a feather key.
[0013] The plug-in sleeve preferably comprises a locking device designed to lock the plug-in sleeve in the assembled state on the connecting sleeve in the axial direction with a positive fit. This allows the plug-in sleeve to be fixed to the connecting sleeve, for example, during pre-assembly. Particularly preferably, a second circumferential collar is provided at the first sleeve end of the sleeve section of the connecting sleeve, which cooperates with the locking device of the plug-in sleeve to lock the plug-in sleeve.
[0014] The locking device can comprise at least one compressible locking projection, which can be arranged on an outer surface of the anti-rotation element or on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical section, wherein a free space for receiving a part, in particular the second circumferential collar, of the connecting sleeve is formed between the at least one compressible locking projection and the second axial end face of the first circumferential collar, and wherein the at least one compressible locking projection can be compressed by a section, in particular the second circumferential collar, of the connecting sleeve when the plug-in sleeve is plugged onto the connecting sleeve, so that the section, in particular the second circumferential collar, of the connecting sleeve can be received in the free space and locked by the compressible locking projection.
[0015] The locking device can alternatively or additionally have at least one flexible bending tab which has a first tab end which is connected to the anti-twist element and has an opposite free second tab end which faces the first circumferential collar in the axial direction, wherein a free space for receiving a part, in particular the second circumferential collar, of the connecting sleeve is formed between the free second tab end and the second axial end face of the first circumferential collar and wherein the bending tab is elastically deformable by a section, in particular the second circumferential collar, of the connecting sleeve when the plug-in sleeve is plugged onto the connecting sleeve, so that the section, in particular the second circumferential collar, of the connecting sleeve can be received in the free space and locked by the bending tab.For improved retention, a widened locking section can be provided at the free end of the bending tab. The plug-in sleeve can thus be easily connected to the connecting sleeve using a type of click connection, with the connecting sleeve part snapping into the free space and being held positively in the axial direction. Of course, multiple bending tabs can also be provided, e.g., one bending tab on each of the lateral boundary surfaces that circumferentially define the anti-rotation element. A bending tab could also, for example, be provided on an upper cover surface that defines the anti-rotation element radially outward.
[0016] The locking device can comprise a locking recess which extends from the first axial end face of the first circumferential collar in the direction of the second axial plug-in sleeve end, wherein the locking recess extends in the axial direction over part of a length of the anti-rotation element and intersects a boundary surface which bounds the anti-rotation element in the circumferential direction, and wherein the first tab end of the bending tab is connected to a recess end of the locking recess which bounds the locking recess in the axial direction. Of course, a plurality of locking recesses can again be provided, e.g. one for each boundary surface. This creates an embodiment which is easy to manufacture and in which the bending tabs can be formed integrally with the plug-in sleeve and (with the exception of the free tab end) run essentially flush with the lateral boundary surface.
[0017] It is advantageous if the second circumferential collar comprises a first axial end face facing the first axial sleeve end and an opposite second axial end face facing the second axial sleeve end. The second circumferential collar can be received in the free space formed between the second tab end and the second axial end face of the first circumferential collar of the plug-in sleeve. The first axial end face of the second circumferential collar rests against the second axial end face of the first circumferential collar, and the free tab end of the bending tab rests against the second axial end face of the second circumferential collar. Alternatively or additionally, the second circumferential collar can be received in the free space formed between the at least one compressible locking projection and the second axial end face of the first circumferential collar of the plug-in sleeve.This enables simple and reliable locking of the plug-in sleeve to the connecting sleeve. It is advantageous if the plug-in sleeve comprises a circumferential groove for receiving a sealing ring, wherein the circumferential groove is arranged in the region of the first axial plug-in sleeve end on an inner circumferential surface of the plug-in sleeve and is open in the direction of the first axial plug-in sleeve end. Alternatively, the circumferential groove could also be provided on the first axial end face of the first circumferential collar and be open in the direction of the first axial plug-in sleeve end. An elastic sealing ring, in particular an O-ring, is preferably arranged in the circumferential groove, wherein a width of the sealing ring, viewed in the axial direction, is preferably greater than a width of the circumferential groove in the axial direction. This is advantageous in order to create an automatic seal when the connecting sleeve including the plug-in sleeve is pressed into an opening in a wall of a thin-walled container.
[0018] The connecting sleeve can be made of a metallic material. Preferably, the connecting sleeve is formed from a sheet metal part. This ensures high dimensional stability and allows the connecting sleeve to be used at high temperatures and pressures.
[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the insertion section of the tube section comprises a crimping section designed to be plastically deformed by a crimping tool after the insertion section has been inserted into the opening in the wall of the thin-walled container, so that the wall can be clamped between the plastically deformed crimping section and the plug-in sleeve. This allows the connecting sleeve, including the plug-in sleeve arranged thereon, to be easily connected to the container.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, a thin-walled container is provided with a wall in which an opening is provided, wherein the insertion portion of the tubular portion of the connecting sleeve is arranged in the opening, and the crimping portion is plastically deformed such that the wall is clamped between the crimping portion and the plug-in sleeve. Preferably, a circumferential groove is provided on the plug-in sleeve, in which a sealing ring is arranged, wherein the sealing ring is squeezed between the wall and the plug-in sleeve to create a seal.
[0021] According to a preferred use of a connecting sleeve having a crimping section, the insertion section of the tube section of the connecting sleeve is inserted into an opening in a wall of a thin-walled container, wherein the crimping section of the insertion section is plastically deformed by means of a crimping tool, so that the wall of the thin-walled container is clamped between the plastically deformed crimping section and the plug-in sleeve, wherein the sealing ring arranged in the circumferential groove of the plug-in sleeve is squeezed between the wall and the plug-in sleeve in order to create a seal, wherein preferably the connecting section of the connecting sleeve is connected to a fluid line.
[0022] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.
[0023] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:
[0024] Fig. 1 shows a plug-in sleeve and a connecting sleeve in a first perspective exploded view;
[0025] Fig. 2 the plug-in sleeve, the connecting sleeve and a sealing ring in a second perspective exploded view;
[0026] Fig. 3 a longitudinal section through a connecting sleeve with a plug-in sleeve attached to it;
[0027] Fig.4a a connecting sleeve with a plug-in sleeve attached thereto in a first perspective view;
[0028] Fig.4b a connecting sleeve with a plug-in sleeve attached to it in a second perspective view;
[0029] Fig.5a-5d a connecting sleeve with attached plug-in sleeve at different times during attachment to a thin-walled container.
[0030] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals or identical component designations, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be transferred mutatis mutandis to identical parts with identical reference numerals or identical component designations. The position information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., also relates to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these position information must be transferred mutatis mutandis to the new position in the event of a position change. Fig. 1 shows a first perspective view of a plug-in sleeve 1 and a connecting sleeve 2, each in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 shows the plug-in sleeve 1 and the connecting sleeve 2 from Fig. 1 in a second perspective view. In Fig. 2, compared to Fig. 1, a sealing ring 19 is also shown, which will be explained in more detail later.First, the plug-in sleeve 1 is described in detail, followed by the connecting sleeve 2. The plug-in sleeve 1 is designed to be arranged on the connecting sleeve 2.
[0031] The connecting sleeve 2 is provided for connecting an opening O of a wall W of a thin-walled container B to a fluid line F, as will be described in more detail later with reference to Fig.5a-5d.
[0032] The plug-in sleeve 1 comprises an open first axial plug-in sleeve end 3 and an opposite open second axial plug-in sleeve end 4. The first axial plug-in sleeve end 3 is connected to the second axial plug-in sleeve end 4. In the region of the first axial plug-in sleeve end 3, a first circumferential collar 5 is provided, which comprises a first axial end face 6 (see Fig. 2) facing the first axial plug-in sleeve end 3 and an opposite second axial end face 7 facing the second axial plug-in sleeve end 4. The first circumferential collar 5 preferably runs around the entire circumference and delimits the plug-in sleeve 1 in the axial direction. The first axial end face 6 is preferably designed as a closed and flat surface. In the same way, the second axial end face 7 is also preferably designed as a closed and flat surface.
[0033] The plug-in sleeve 1 further comprises a cylindrical section 8, which adjoins the first circumferential collar 5 in the axial direction and on which the second axial plug-in sleeve end 4 is located. The cylindrical section 8 has an outer cylindrical circumferential surface 10. Furthermore, at least one anti-rotation element 9 is provided on the plug-in sleeve 1 and is formed integrally with the plug-in sleeve 1. The anti-rotation element 9 is connected in the axial direction to the second axial end face 7 of the first circumferential collar 5. In the radial direction, the anti-rotation element 9 is connected to the outer circumferential surface 10 of the cylindrical section 8.
[0034] The plug-in sleeve 1 is preferably made of plastic and formed in one piece. The plug-in sleeve 1 can be manufactured, for example, by an injection molding process or an additive manufacturing process. In the example shown, two anti-rotation elements 9, 9a are provided on the plug-in sleeve 1, which are arranged at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface 10 of the cylindrical section 8. For example, the two anti-rotation elements 9, 9a can be arranged diametrically opposite one another. The anti-rotation elements 9, 9a are designed differently here, but could of course also be of the same design. Of course, more than two anti-rotation elements 9, 9a, 9i could also be provided, which are preferably spaced equally apart from one another in the circumferential direction.
[0035] A height h of the at least one anti-rotation element 9 in the radial direction is preferably less than a height H of the first circumferential collar 5. As a result, a length l of the at least one anti-rotation element 9 in the axial direction can be greater than a length L of the cylindrical portion 8, so that a free end 11 of the anti-rotation element 9 projects beyond the second axial plug-in sleeve end 4. The free end 11 of the at least one anti-rotation element can be rounded.
[0036] The anti-rotation element 9 can be essentially cuboid-shaped and circumferentially bounded by two opposing parallel boundary surfaces 12a. In the radial direction, the anti-rotation element 9 can be bounded outwardly by a flat cover surface 12b. This creates a shape that is easy to manufacture and provides effective anti-rotation protection. The shape essentially corresponds to the shape of a feather key.
[0037] According to a further preferred embodiment, the plug-in sleeve 1 comprises a locking device 13, which is designed to lock the plug-in sleeve 1 in the assembled state on the connecting sleeve 2 in a form-fitting manner in the axial direction. The locking device 13 in an advantageous embodiment is shown enlarged in detail A in Fig. 1. In the example shown, two locking devices 13 are provided on the upper anti-rotation element 9, and two locking devices 13 are also provided on the lower anti-rotation element 9a. This achieves improved locking.
[0038] In principle, however, it would be sufficient if only one locking device 13 were provided on the plug-in sleeve 1. The position may also differ from the position shown. For example, the locking device 13 could also be provided on the upper cover surface 12b of the anti-rotation element 9. The locking device 13 does not necessarily have to be arranged on the anti-rotation element 9; rather, one or more locking devices 13 could also be provided on the outer circumferential surface 10 of the cylindrical section 8.
[0039] The locking device 13 shown has a locking recess 14 which extends from the first axial end face 6 of the first circumferential collar 5 (see also Fig. 2) in the direction of the second axial plug-in sleeve end 4. The locking recess 14 extends in the axial direction over part of the length 1 of the anti-rotation element 9. The locking recess 14 is also positioned in the circumferential direction such that it intersects a lateral boundary surface 12a which bounds the anti-rotation element 9 in the circumferential direction. The locking recess 14 thus connects the first axial end face 6 of the first circumferential collar 5 to the second axial end face 7 of the first circumferential collar 5 and to the lateral boundary surface 12a of the anti-rotation element 9, as can be seen in detail A.
[0040] The locking device 13 further comprises a flexible bending tab 15, which has a first tab end 16 connected to the anti-rotation element 9 and an opposite free second tab end 17 facing the first circumferential collar 5 in the axial direction. Between the free second tab end 17 and the second axial end face 7 of the first circumferential collar 5, a free space for receiving a part of the connecting sleeve 2 is formed. In the example shown, the first tab end 16 of the bending tab 15 is connected to a recess end of the locking recess 14, which delimits the locking recess 14 in the axial direction. As can be seen in detail A, a widened locking section can be provided on the free tab end 17 of the bending tab 15.
[0041] The bending tab 15 is thus essentially located (with the exception of the widened locking section) within the locking recess 13, so that only the widened locking section protrudes from the locking recess 13 in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, a distance is provided, viewed in the circumferential direction, between the bending tab 15 and an inner side wall of the locking recess 13, which faces the bending tab 15. As a result, when the plug-in sleeve 1 is plugged onto the connecting sleeve 2, the bending tab 15 can be elastically deformed by a section of the connecting sleeve 2 and bent inward towards the inner side wall, so that the section of the connecting sleeve 2 can be received in the free space and locked by the bending tab 15, in particular the locking section arranged thereon. Details will be explained later with reference to the connecting sleeve.
[0042] According to an alternative (not shown) embodiment of the locking device 13, the locking device 13 can comprise at least one compressible locking projection, which can be arranged on an outer surface of the anti-rotation element 9 (e.g., on a lateral boundary surface 12a or the cover surface 12b) or on the outer circumferential surface 10 of the cylindrical portion 8 of the plug-in sleeve 1. The locking projection is at least partially elastic, so that it can return to its original shape after being relieved of pressure.
[0043] A free space for receiving a part of the connecting sleeve 2 can be formed between the at least one compressible locking projection and the second axial end face 7 of the first circumferential collar 5. The at least one compressible locking projection can be compressed by a section of the connecting sleeve 2 perpendicular to the plug-on direction when the plug-in sleeve 1 is plugged onto the connecting sleeve 2, so that the section of the connecting sleeve 2 can be received in the free space. When the section of the connecting sleeve 2 is in the free space, the compressible locking projection can expand again to lock the section of the connecting sleeve 2. The compressible locking projection can, for example, be designed as a raised portion on the corresponding surface, so that a closed surface is formed.
[0044] The plug-in sleeve 1 of the illustrated embodiment further comprises a circumferential groove 18 for receiving a sealing ring 19. The circumferential groove 18 is arranged in the region of the first axial plug-in sleeve end 3 on an inner circumferential surface 20 of the plug-in sleeve 1 and is open in the direction of the first axial plug-in sleeve end 3. The circumferential groove 18 is visible in Fig. 2. According to an alternative (not illustrated) embodiment, the circumferential groove 18 could also be provided on the first axial end face 6 of the first circumferential collar 5 (provided the latter has a sufficiently large diameter). In this case, the circumferential groove would be delimited in the radial direction inwards by the plug-in sleeve 1.
[0045] An elastic sealing ring 19, in particular an O-ring, is preferably arranged or can be arranged in the circumferential groove 18, wherein a width b of the sealing ring 19 (e.g. a diameter of a cross section of the O-ring) seen in the axial direction is preferably greater than a width X of the circumferential groove 18. As a result, the sealing ring 19 can be squeezed during assembly of the connecting sleeve 2 on a wall W of a thin-walled container B, whereby a reliable seal is created, as will be explained in more detail below with reference to Fig.5a-5d.
[0046] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 also show a connecting sleeve 2. The connecting sleeve 2 serves to connect an opening O of a wall W of a thin-walled container B to a fluid line F, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 5a-5d. According to the invention, a plug-in sleeve 1 can be plugged onto the connecting sleeve 2. Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section of the connecting sleeve 2 with the plug-in sleeve 1 plugged in. Figs. 4a and 4b show the connecting sleeve 2 with the plug-in sleeve 1 plugged in two different perspective views.
[0047] The connecting sleeve 2 is preferably formed in one piece and has a preferably cylindrical tube section 21 with a first axial tube end 22 and an opposite second axial tube end 23. The axial tube ends 22, 23 are open and connected to one another via a flow channel. In the region of the first tube end 22 of the tube section 21, an insertion section 24 is provided for inserting the tube section 21 into the opening O of the wall W of the container B.
[0048] Furthermore, the connecting sleeve 2 comprises a sleeve section 25 with a first axial sleeve end 26 and an opposite second axial sleeve end 27. The sleeve section 25 encloses the pipe section 21 in the circumferential direction, wherein the insertion section 24 of the pipe section 21 protrudes from the first axial sleeve end 26 of the sleeve section 25, as can be seen in particular in Fig. 3. As a result, the insertion section 24 can be inserted into the opening O of the wall W, so that the insertion section 24 is located inside the container B, while the sleeve section 25 is located outside the container B. A preferred connection method will be described in detail later.
[0049] The second axial sleeve end 27 of the sleeve section 25 is connected to the second axial pipe end 23 of the pipe section 21. This forms a one-piece connecting sleeve 2. In an advantageous embodiment, the entire connecting sleeve 2 is made of a metallic material. Particularly advantageously, the connecting sleeve 2 is formed as a formed sheet metal part. The connecting sleeve 2 can be manufactured, for example, using a deep-drawing process.
[0050] Furthermore, the sleeve section 25 includes a connecting section V for connecting the connecting sleeve 2 to the fluid line F. The connecting section V extends from the second axial sleeve end 27 over part of the length of the sleeve section 25 toward the first axial sleeve end 26. The connecting section V can, for example, be designed to be detachably connected to the fluid line by means of a plug-in connector (not shown). A locking groove 39, for example, can be provided on the sleeve section 25 to lock the plug-in connector to the connecting sleeve 2.
[0051] In the example shown, the sleeve section 25 has a curved first sub-section TI at the second axial sleeve end 27, at which sub-section the sleeve section 25 is connected to the pipe section 21. A cylindrical second sub-section T2 adjoins the first sub-section TI. A conical third sub-section T3 adjoins the second sub-section T2, and a cylindrical fourth sub-section T4 adjoins the third sub-section T3. In the example shown, the four sub-sections T1-T4 together form the connecting section V. In the example shown, two diametrically opposed locking grooves 39 are formed on the cylindrical fourth sub-section T4, each of which penetrates the sleeve section 25 in the radial direction.
[0052] An inner circumferential surface 28 of a part of the sleeve section 25 adjacent to the first axial sleeve end 26 is spaced radially from an outer circumferential surface 29 of the tube section 21 in order to form a receiving space AR for the plug-in sleeve 1. The part adjacent to the first axial sleeve end 26 here comprises in particular the fourth sub-section T4 of the sleeve section 25. The first sub-section T1 and the second sub-section T2, on the other hand, essentially lie against the outer circumferential surface of the tube section 21 or are spaced radially from the tube section 21 by only a negligibly small distance.
[0053] Furthermore, at least one receiving opening 30 is provided on the sleeve section 25, which extends from the first axial sleeve end 26 over part of a length of the sleeve section 25 in the direction of the second axial sleeve end 27. In addition, the receiving opening 30 connects an outer circumferential surface 31 of the sleeve section 25 to the inner circumferential surface 28. The receiving opening 30 is visible in Fig. 1. The receiving opening 30 serves to receive the anti-rotation element 9 of the plug-in sleeve 1, as shown in Figs. 4a and 4b. If several anti-rotation elements 9, 9a are provided on the plug-in sleeve 1, then a separate receiving opening 30 is naturally provided on the sleeve section 25 of the connecting sleeve 2 for each anti-rotation element 9, 9a.
[0054] The plug-in sleeve 1 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be arranged on the connecting sleeve 2 such that the cylindrical section 8 of the plug-in sleeve 1 is received in the receiving space AR of the connecting sleeve 2 and the second axial end face 7 of the first circumferential collar 5 of the plug-in sleeve 1 bears against the first axial sleeve end 26 of the sleeve section 25 of the connecting sleeve 2. In particular, the plug-in sleeve 1 can be pushed onto the pipe section 21 from the first axial pipe end 22 in the axial direction until the first circumferential collar 5 of the plug-in sleeve 1 bears against the sleeve section 25 of the connecting sleeve 2. The assembled state is shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4a + 4b. The anti-rotation elements 9, 9a of the plug-in sleeve 1 are received in the corresponding receiving opening 30 of the connecting sleeve 2 and protrude radially from the respective receiving opening 30.
[0055] At the first sleeve end 26 of the sleeve section 25 of the connecting sleeve 2, a second circumferential collar 32 can be provided, which delimits the sleeve section 25 in the axial direction. The second circumferential collar 32 preferably runs around the entire circumference of the sleeve section 25. In addition, the second circumferential collar 32 preferably also has a closed outer circumferential surface, so that the receiving opening(s) 30 are delimited in the radially outward direction by the second circumferential collar 32. This facilitates production and increases the stability of the second circumferential collar 32. The second circumferential collar 32 can cooperate with the locking device 13 of the plug-in sleeve 1 to lock the plug-in sleeve 1.
[0056] The second circumferential collar 32 preferably has a first axial end face 33 (see Fig. 2) facing the first axial sleeve end 26 and an opposite second axial end face 34 (see Fig. 1) facing the second axial sleeve end 27. To lock the plug-in sleeve 1, the second circumferential collar 32 can be received in the previously described free space of the plug-in sleeve 1, which is formed between the second tab end 17 of the bending tab 15 and the second axial end face 7 of the first circumferential collar 5 of the plug-in sleeve 1. The first axial end face 33 of the second circumferential collar 32 can bear against the second axial end face 7 of the first circumferential collar 5. The free tab end 17 of the bending tab 15, in particular the widened locking section provided on the free tab end 17, can rest on the second axial end face 34 of the second circumferential collar 32, as can be seen in detail B in Fig.4a.
[0057] If the locking device 13 has a compressible locking projection, then the second circumferential collar 32 can be received in the free space formed between the compressible locking projection and the second axial end face 7 of the first circumferential collar 5 of the plug-in sleeve 1.
[0058] In the example shown, a bending tab 15 is provided on each of the lateral boundary surfaces 12a of both anti-rotation elements 9, 9a of the plug-in sleeve 1. This advantageously allows the plug-in sleeve 1 to be locked at four points, enabling reliable locking. As already mentioned, one or more bending tabs 15 could additionally or alternatively be provided on the outer circumferential surface 10 of the cylindrical section 8 of the plug-in sleeve 1 or on the flat cover surface 12b of the anti-rotation elements 9, 9a.
[0059] According to an advantageous embodiment, the insertion section 24 of the tube section 21 of the connecting sleeve 2 comprises a crimping section 35. The crimping section 35 is designed to be plastically deformed by means of a crimping tool WZ after the insertion section 24 has been inserted into the opening O of the wall W of the thin-walled container, such that the wall W can be clamped between the plastically deformed crimping section 35 and the plug-in sleeve 1. The crimping section 35 can optionally be designed such that a wall thickness of the tube section 21 in the region of the crimping section is reduced compared to the remaining tube section 21, or by another suitable material weakening. The crimping section 35 is indicated in Fig. 3.
[0060] An advantageous use of a connecting sleeve 2 having a crimping section 35 is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 5a - 5d. Fig. 5a shows a thin-walled container B with a wall W in which an opening O is provided. In the context of the invention, “thin-walled” is understood to mean a wall W with a thickness D of >0 mm to approximately 10 mm. The container B is shown in a sectional view. Furthermore, a connecting sleeve 2 with a plug-in sleeve 1 fixed thereto is also shown in a longitudinal section. The plug-in sleeve 1 comprises a circumferential groove 18 and a sealing ring 19 arranged therein. The opening O in the wall W of the container B is preferably circular and has a diameter that essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of the plug-in section 24 of the connecting sleeve 2 or is slightly larger.
[0061] In the first step (see Fig. 5a), the connecting sleeve 2, including the plug-in sleeve 1 fixed thereto and the sealing ring 19 with the insertion section 24, is inserted into the opening O of the wall W of the container B, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 5a. With a suitable diameter of the opening O, this step can be performed with relatively little force, so that the wall W is not deformed or is deformed only negligibly.
[0062] Now, the insertion section 24 of the connecting sleeve 2 is first inserted into the opening O until the sealing ring 19 rests against the wall W (see Fig. 5b). As already mentioned, the sealing ring 19 is preferably wider than the circumferential groove 18, so that the sealing ring 19 protrudes in the axial direction beyond the first axial end face 5 of the first circumferential collar 5 from the circumferential groove 18. The connecting sleeve 2 is held in this position; if necessary, holding means or preloading means (not shown) can be used to hold the connecting sleeve 2 in position. This eliminates the need to hold the connecting sleeve 2 manually.
[0063] A suitable crimping tool WZ can then be inserted from the second axial pipe end 23 through the flow channel of the pipe section 21 into the interior of the container B, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 5b. The crimping tool WZ is only indicated schematically. The illustrated crimping tool WZ has at least two, preferably at least four, parallel jaws 36 that are movable outward in the radial direction. An engagement projection 37 is provided at a free end of each jaw 36.
[0064] The crimping tool WZ can be moved in the axial direction through the pipe section 21 into the interior of the container B until the engagement projections 37 are located in the region of the first axial pipe end 22 of the pipe section 21. The jaws 36 are then initially moved sufficiently far outwards in the radial direction into an engagement position in which the engagement projections 37 engage the first axial pipe end 22 of the pipe section 21. The engagement position is indicated in Fig. 5c. When the crimping tool WZ is in the engagement position, a first crimping force Fel acting in the direction of the second axial pipe end 23 can be exerted on the crimping tool WZ, as indicated by the corresponding arrow in Fig. 5c. The first crimping force Fel can be transmitted via the engagement projections 37 to the first axial pipe end 22 of the pipe section 21.To prevent unwanted detachment of the connecting sleeve 2 from the wall W during the crimping process, it is advantageous if a holding force (not shown) is exerted on the connecting sleeve 2 that is opposite to the first crimping force Fel and exceeds the first crimping force Fel in magnitude. This can be done either manually by a user or, preferably, by a suitable holding means (not shown) with which the connecting sleeve is temporarily held to the wall W during the crimping process.
[0065] The first crimping force Fel is selected to be sufficiently large that the tube section 21 can be plastically deformed in the region of the crimping section 24. This allows a bead 38 to be formed that extends radially outward and extends over at least part of the circumference of the tube section 21, preferably completely. The bead 38 is shown in Fig. 5c and Fig. 5d. The formation of the bead 38 can be facilitated, for example, by a targeted material weakening of the tube section 21 in the region of the crimping section. In order to form a bead 28 that is as uniform as possible in the circumferential direction, it can be advantageous if the crimping tool WZ has more than two jaws 36, for example at least three, four, six or more jaws 36.
[0066] The bead 38 allows the wall W to be clamped between the bead 38 and the plug-in sleeve 1. In doing so, the sealing ring 19 is elastically deformed so that the first axial end face 6 of the first circumferential collar 5 of the plug-in sleeve 1 bears against the wall W. As a result, the connecting sleeve 2 is, on the one hand, positively secured to the wall W of the container B, and, on the other hand, a seal is created between the plug-in sleeve 1 and the wall W.
[0067] Finally, the jaws 36 of the crimping tool WZ can be moved radially inward again, and the crimping tool WZ can be moved axially outward through the tube section 21. After the crimping tool WZ has been removed, the free connection section V of the connecting sleeve 2 can be connected to a fluid line F, as schematically indicated in Fig. 5d. As already mentioned, the connecting sleeve 2 can be connected to a fluid line F, if necessary, by means of a connector (not shown).
[0068] According to an alternative embodiment of the connection method, a second crimping force Fc2 can be exerted from within the pipe section 21 in a radially outward direction onto the crimping section 35 by means of a second crimping tool (not shown). In this case, the bead 38 can be created directly in the area of the crimping tool WZ by the crimping tool WZ. For this purpose, the crimping tool WZ can, for example, again have several jaws, each of which has a suitably shaped pressing section for creating the bead 38.
[0069] The wall W can thus be clamped again between the bead 38 and the plug-in sleeve 1. The sealing ring 19 can again be elastically deformed so that the first axial end face 6 of the first circumferential collar 5 of the plug-in sleeve 1 rests against the wall W. The second variant of the method has the advantage over the first variant that no or only a lower holding force Fh is required during the crimping process to hold the connecting sleeve 2 in position.
[0070] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.
[0071] Reference symbol list
[0072] Plug-in sleeve 27 Second axial sleeve end
[0073] Connecting sleeve 28 inner circumferential surface of the sleeve first axial plug-in sleeve end section second axial plug-in sleeve end 29 outer circumferential surface of the tube first circumferential collar section first axial end face of the first 30 receiving opening
[0074] Circumferential collar 31 outer circumferential surface of the sleeve second axial end face of the first section
[0075] peripheral collar 32 second peripheral collar cylindrical section 33 first axial end face of the second
[0076] Anti-rotation element circumferential collar
[0077] Outer peripheral surface 34 second axial end face of the two-free end of the anti-twist peripheral collar 35 crimping section a parallel boundary surfaces 36 jaws b flat cover surface 37 engagement projection
[0078] Locking device 38 bead
[0079] Locking recess 39 Locking groove
[0080] Bending tab O opening
[0081] First tab end W wall
[0082] Second tab end B thin-walled container
[0083] Circumferential groove F fluid line
[0084] Sealing ring D Thickness of the wall inner peripheral surface of the plugT Crimping tool sleeve h Height of the anti-twist element
[0085] Pipe section ments
[0086] First axial pipe end H Height of the first circumferential collar
[0087] Second axial pipe end 1 Length of the anti-rotation element
[0088] Insert section ments
[0089] Sleeve section L Length of the cylindrical section
[0090] First axial sleeve end section of the socket Fcl first crimp force
[0091] Fc2 second crimp force b width of the sealing ring
[0092] X Width of the circumferential groove
Claims
P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. A connecting sleeve (2) for connecting an opening (O) of a wall (W) of a thin-walled container (B) to a fluid line (F), wherein the connecting sleeve (2) comprises a preferably cylindrical tube section (21) with a first axial tube end (22) and an opposite second axial tube end (23), wherein an insertion section (24) for inserting the tube section (21) into the opening (O) of the wall (W) of the container (B) is provided in the region of the first tube end (22), wherein the connecting sleeve (2) comprises a sleeve section (25) with a first axial sleeve end (26) and an opposite second axial sleeve end (27), wherein the sleeve section (25) encloses the tube section (21), wherein the insertion section (24) of the tube section (21) protrudes from the first axial sleeve end (26) of the sleeve section (25),wherein a connecting section (V) for connecting the connecting sleeve (2) to the fluid line (F) is provided on the sleeve section (25), characterized in that the second axial sleeve end (27) of the sleeve section (25) is connected to the second axial pipe end (23) of the pipe section (21) to form a one-piece connecting sleeve (2), that an inner circumferential surface (28) of a part of the sleeve section (25) adjacent to the first axial sleeve end (26) is spaced radially from an outer circumferential surface (29) of the pipe section (21) to form a receiving space (AR), that a receiving opening (30) is provided on the sleeve section (25), which extends from the first axial sleeve end (26) over part of a length of the sleeve section (25) in the direction of the second axial sleeve end (27) and which has an outer circumferential surface (31) of the sleeve portion (25) with the inner peripheral surface (28),that a plug-in sleeve (1) is provided which has a first axial plug-in sleeve end (3) and an opposite second axial plug-in sleeve end (4), wherein in the region of the first axial plug-in sleeve end (3) a first circumferential collar (5) is provided which comprises a first axial end face (6) facing the first axial plug-in sleeve end (3) and an opposite second axial end face (7) facing the second axial plug-in sleeve end (4), that the plug-in sleeve (1) has a cylindrical section (8) which adjoins the first circumferential collar (5) in the axial direction and on which the second axial plug-in sleeve end (4) is located, that at least one anti-rotation element (9) is provided which is formed integrally with the plug-in sleeve (1), wherein the anti-rotation element (9) is connected in the axial direction to the second axial end face (7) of the first circumferential collar (5) and in, radial direction with an outer circumferential surface (10) of the cylindrical section (8) and that the plug-in sleeve (1) is arranged such that the cylindrical section (8) of the plug-in sleeve (1) is received in the receiving space (AR) of the connecting sleeve (2) and the second axial end face (7) of the first circumferential collar (5) of the plug-in sleeve (1) bears against the first axial sleeve end (26) of the sleeve section (25) of the connecting sleeve (2), wherein the anti-twist element (9) of the plug-in sleeve (1) is received in the receiving opening (30) of the connecting sleeve (2) and protrudes in the radial direction from the receiving opening (30).
2. Connecting sleeve (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two anti-rotation elements (9, 9a) are provided on the plug-in sleeve (1), which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface (10) of the cylindrical section (8), preferably diametrically opposite one another, and in that a separate receiving opening (30) is provided on the sleeve section (25) of the connecting sleeve (2) for each anti-rotation element (9, 9a).
3. Connecting sleeve (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a height (h) of the at least one anti-rotation element (9) in the radial direction is less than a height (H) of the first circumferential collar (5) and / or that a length (l) of the at least one anti-rotation element (9) in the axial direction is greater than a length (L) of the cylindrical section (8), so that a free end (11) of the anti-rotation element (9) projects beyond the second axial plug-in sleeve end (4) and / or that the free end (11) of the at least one anti-rotation element (9) is rounded.
4. Connecting sleeve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one anti-rotation element (9) of the plug-in sleeve (1) is substantially cuboid-shaped and is delimited in the circumferential direction by two opposite parallel boundary surfaces (12a) and is delimited in the radial direction outwards by a flat cover surface (12b).
5. Connecting sleeve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the plug-in sleeve (1) comprises a locking device (13) which is designed is to lock the plug-in sleeve (1) in the assembled state on the connecting sleeve (2) in a form-fitting manner in the axial direction on the connecting sleeve (2).
6. Connecting sleeve (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that a second circumferential collar (32) is provided on the first sleeve end (26) of the sleeve portion (25) of the connecting sleeve (2) and that the second circumferential collar (32) cooperates with the locking device (13) of the plug-in sleeve (1) for locking the plug-in sleeve (1).
7. Connecting sleeve (2) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the locking device (13) comprises at least one compressible locking projection which is arranged on an outer surface of the anti-rotation element (9) or on the outer circumferential surface (10) of the cylindrical section (8), wherein between the at least one compressible locking projection and the second axial end face (7) of the first circumferential collar (5) a free space for receiving a part, in particular the second circumferential collar (32), of the connecting sleeve (2) is formed and wherein the at least one compressible locking projection is compressible by a section, in particular the second circumferential collar (32), of the connecting sleeve (2) when the plug-in sleeve (1) is plugged onto the connecting sleeve (2), so that the section, in particular the second circumferential collar (32),the connecting sleeve (2) can be received in the free space and locked by the compressible locking projection., 8. Connecting sleeve (2) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the locking device (13) comprises at least one flexible bending tab (15) which has a first tab end (16) which is connected to the anti-rotation element (9) and has an opposite free second tab end (17) which faces the first circumferential collar (5) in the axial direction, wherein a free space for receiving a part of the connecting sleeve (2) is formed between the free second tab end (17) and the second axial end face (7) of the first circumferential collar (5), and wherein the bending tab (15) is elastically deformable by a section, in particular the second circumferential collar (32), of the connecting sleeve (2) when the plug-in sleeve (1) is plugged onto the connecting sleeve (2), so that the section of the connecting sleeve (2) can be received in the free space and locked by the bending tab (15).
9. Connecting sleeve (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that on the free A widened locking section is provided on the tab end (17) of the bending tab (15).
10. Connecting sleeve (2) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the locking device (13) comprises a locking recess (14) which extends from the first axial end face (6) of the first circumferential collar (5) in the direction of the second axial plug-in sleeve end (4), wherein the locking recess (14) extends in the axial direction over part of a length (1) of the anti-rotation element (9) and intersects a boundary surface (12a) delimiting the anti-rotation element (9) in the circumferential direction, and in that the first tab end (16) of the bending tab (15) is connected to a recess end of the locking recess (14) delimiting the locking recess (14) in the axial direction.
11. Connecting sleeve (2) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the second circumferential collar (32) comprises a first axial end face (33) facing the first axial sleeve end (26) and an opposite second axial end face (34) facing the second axial sleeve end (27), and in that the second circumferential collar (32) is received in the free space formed between the second tab end (17) and the second axial end face (7) of the first circumferential collar (5) of the plug-in sleeve (1),wherein the first axial end face (33) of the second circumferential collar (32) abuts the second axial end face (7) of the first circumferential collar (5) and the free tab end (17) of the bending tab (15) abuts the second axial end face (34) of the second circumferential collar (32) or that the second circumferential collar (32) is received in the free space formed between the at least one compressible locking projection and the second axial end face (7) of the first circumferential collar (5) of the plug-in sleeve (1).
12. Connecting sleeve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the plug-in sleeve (1) is made of plastic and is preferably in one piece.
13. Connecting sleeve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the plug-in sleeve (1) has a circumferential groove (18) for receiving a sealing ring (19) wherein the circumferential groove (18) is arranged in the region of the first axial plug-in sleeve end (3) on an inner circumferential surface (20) of the plug-in sleeve (1) and is open in the direction of the first axial plug-in sleeve end (3) or wherein the circumferential groove (18) is provided on the first axial end face (6) of the first circumferential collar (5).
14. Connecting sleeve (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that an elastic sealing ring (19) is arranged in the circumferential groove (18), wherein a width (b) of the sealing ring (19) seen in the axial direction is greater than a width (X) of the circumferential groove (18).
15. Connecting sleeve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the connecting sleeve (2) is made of a metallic material and is preferably designed as a sheet metal formed part.
16. Connecting sleeve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the insertion section (24) of the tube section (21) comprises a crimping section (35) which is designed to be plastically deformed by means of a crimping tool (WZ) after the insertion of the insertion section (24) into the opening (O) of the wall (W) of the thin-walled container, so that the wall (W) can be clamped between the plastically deformed crimping section (35) and the plug-in sleeve (1).
17. Thin-walled container (B) with a wall (W) in which an opening (O) is provided and with a connecting sleeve (2) according to claim 16, characterized in that the plug-in section (24) of the tube section (21) of the connecting sleeve (2) is arranged in the opening (O) and the crimping section (35) is plastically deformed so that the wall (W) is clamped between the plastically deformed crimping section (35) and the plug-in sleeve (1).
18. Thin-walled container (B) according to claim 17, wherein the connecting sleeve (2) is designed according to claim 14, characterized in that the sealing ring (19) arranged in the circumferential groove (18) of the plug-in sleeve (1) is squeezed between the wall (W) and the plug-in sleeve (1) in order to create a seal.
19. Use of a connecting sleeve (2) according to claim 16, wherein the insertion section (24) of the tube section (21) of the connecting sleeve (2) is inserted into an opening (O) of a wall (W) of a thin-walled container (B), wherein the crimping section (35) of the insertion section (24) is plastically deformed by means of a crimping tool (WZ) so that the wall (W) of the thin-walled container (B) is clamped between the plastically deformed crimping section (35) and the plug-in sleeve (1), wherein the sealing ring (19) arranged in the circumferential groove (18) of the plug-in sleeve (1) is squeezed between the wall (W) and the plug-in sleeve (1) in order to create a seal, wherein preferably the connecting section (V) of the connecting sleeve (2) is connected to a fluid line (F).