Connecting method

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for connecting a connecting sleeve (1) to an opening (O) in a wall (W) of a thin-walled container (B), wherein the connecting sleeve (1) has an open first sleeve end (2) and an opposing open second sleeve end (3), wherein an insertion section (4) for insertion into the opening (O) in the wall (W) of the container (B) is provided in the region of the first sleeve end (2), wherein the connecting sleeve (1) comprises a circumferential shoulder (5) that borders the insertion section (4) in the direction of the second sleeve end (3), wherein the connecting sleeve (1) is inserted with the insertion section (4) into the opening (O) in the wall (W) of the thin-walled container (B) until the circumferential shoulder (5) comes into contact with an outer surface of the wall (W) and a crimp section (6) provided on the insertion section (4) is located at least partially inside the container (B), and wherein the crimp section (6) is plastically deformed by means of a crimping tool (WZ1, WZ2), so that the wall (W) of the thin-walled container (B) is clamped between the plastically deformed crimp section (6) and the circumferential shoulder (5).

Description

[0001] CONNECTION PROCEDURE

[0002] The invention relates to a method for connecting a connecting sleeve to an opening of a wall of a thin-walled container, wherein the connecting sleeve has an open first sleeve end and an opposite open second sleeve end.

[0003] 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, whereby the first and second connecting sections can of course also be different. Connecting sleeves can, for example, be connected directly to the fluid-carrying components, but can also be connected indirectly, e.g.via connectors, to the fluid-carrying components.

[0004] A generic connecting sleeve for connecting to a connector is disclosed, for example, in WO 2022 / 155694 A1 under the designation "mating connector." The disclosed connecting sleeve is made of a metallic material and designed as a sheet metal formed part.

[0005] The object of the present invention was to provide a method for connecting a connecting sleeve to an opening of a thin-walled container, which is easy to use and which enables a stable connection.

[0006] This object is achieved with the method mentioned at the outset in that an insertion section for insertion into the opening of the wall of the container is provided in the region of the first sleeve end, and wherein the connecting sleeve comprises a circumferential shoulder which delimits the insertion section in the direction of the second sleeve end, wherein the connecting sleeve is inserted with the insertion section into the opening of the wall of the thin-walled container until the circumferential shoulder rests against an outer surface of the wall and a crimping section provided on the insertion section is located at least partially within the container, and wherein the crimping 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 circumferential shoulder.This creates a simple, form-fitting process that enables a stable, positive connection between the connecting sleeve and the container. Apart from the crimping tool, no additional tools are required.

[0007] Preferably, a seal is placed between the wall and the peripheral shoulder prior to insertion. This seal is clamped between the wall and the peripheral shoulder during plastic deformation of the crimped portion, creating a seal between the wall and the peripheral shoulder. A flat gasket or a sealing compound, for example, can be used as the seal. This creates a tight connection, preventing any unwanted leakage of a fluid contained in the container into the environment.

[0008] Preferably, a circumferential groove is provided on an annular end face of the circumferential shoulder facing the first sleeve end, and an O-ring is used as a seal, which is arranged in the circumferential groove. The diameter of the O-ring is larger than the depth of the circumferential groove in the axial direction, and the O-ring is squeezed during plastic deformation of the crimping section until the annular end face rests against the outer surface of the wall. This achieves improved sealing.

[0009] The circumferential shoulder can be formed integrally with the connecting sleeve, which can be made of a metallic material or plastic, for example. This allows for the use of a connecting sleeve that is very easy to manufacture and therefore cost-effective.

[0010] Alternatively, the connecting sleeve can comprise a pipe section encompassing at least the first sleeve end, and a clamping sleeve encompassing the circumferential shoulder that surrounds the pipe section. This allows, for example, different materials to be used for the pipe section and the clamping sleeve.

[0011] The pipe section and / or the clamping sleeve can be made of a metallic material or a plastic, for example. If the clamping sleeve is made of plastic, for example, a very flexible shape can be achieved. This allows, for example, the easy creation of an anti-twist device or a locking recess for the fluid line to be connected. A pipe section made of a metallic material, for example, is very temperature- and pressure-resistant and exhibits high dimensional stability.

[0012] The second sleeve end can be provided on the pipe section or on the clamping sleeve. This allows the fluid line to be connected either to a connecting section of the clamping sleeve or to a connecting section of the pipe section.

[0013] The clamping sleeve can be connected to the pipe section with a form-fitting, frictional, or material fit. For example, the clamping sleeve can be pressed onto the pipe section for a frictional connection. For a form-fitting connection, the clamping sleeve can be pushed onto the pipe section and held in place at least toward the second sleeve end by a locking device, preferably comprising a circumferential groove and a retaining ring. A material fit can be achieved, for example, by welding, soldering, or gluing the clamping sleeve to the pipe section. This allows a suitable connection to be selected depending on the requirements.

[0014] It can be advantageous if a sealing material is applied to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion section, in particular between the crimping section and the circumferential shoulder, before insertion into the opening. Alternatively or additionally, it can be advantageous if the insertion section is formed from a sealing material at least in the region of the outer circumferential surface, in particular between the crimping section and the circumferential shoulder. This can achieve improved sealing. The sealing material can, for example, comprise a liquid sealing material that hardens after connection. It would also be conceivable for the insertion section to have a type of rubberized outer circumferential surface or to generally be made from a preferably relatively soft material with good sealing action, e.g. from a suitable plastic such as silicone or from a relatively soft metal such as copper or a copper alloy.

[0015] Preferably, a first crimping tool is used as the crimping tool, which has a plurality of jaws movable in the radial direction, on each of which an engagement projection directed outwards in the radial direction is provided, wherein the first crimping tool is moved from the second sleeve end through the connecting sleeve into the interior of the container, then the jaws are moved outwards in the radial direction and the engagement projections are brought into engagement with a sleeve end face delimiting the connecting sleeve at the first sleeve end, and then a first crimping force acting in the direction of the second sleeve end is exerted on the first crimping tool, by means of which the crimping section is compressed in the axial direction such that the crimping section is plastically deformed into a circumferential bead. In order to facilitate the creation of the circumferential bead, a material weakening can be provided in the region of the crimping section. The material weakening can, for example,This can be achieved by a reduced wall thickness of the insertion section or by one or more deliberately provided weakening recesses. The weakening recesses can, for example, comprise several bores distributed around the circumference that completely or partially penetrate the insertion section in a radial direction.

[0016] In order to prevent the connecting sleeve from becoming detached from the container during the crimping process, it may be advantageous if a holding force opposite to the first crimping force and exceeding the first crimping force in terms of amount is exerted on the connecting sleeve.

[0017] According to an alternative embodiment, a second crimping tool can be used as the crimping tool, which has a plurality of jaws which are movable in the radial direction and on each of which a pressing section which is directed outwards in the radial direction is provided, wherein the second crimping tool is moved from the second sleeve end through the connecting sleeve in the direction of the first sleeve end until the pressing sections are located in the region of the crimping section, wherein the jaws are moved outwards in the radial direction until the pressing sections bear against an inner circumferential surface of the crimping section, and that by means of the pressing sections in each case a second crimping force which is directed outwards in the radial direction is exerted on the inner circumferential surface of the crimping section, by means of which second crimping force the crimping section is plastically deformed into a circumferential bead.This allows the shape and size of the circumferential bead to be specifically influenced by the shape of the crimp sections and the magnitude of the second crimping force. Furthermore, due to the radially outward-acting second crimping force, no or only a relatively low holding force is required to hold the connecting sleeve to the container during the crimping process.

[0018] Preferably, the pressing sections each have a rounded pressing surface. This enables a material-friendly crimping process without damaging the inner circumferential surface of the plug-in section. Preferably, the pressing surface extends in the circumferential direction over a pressing angle of at least 20°, preferably at least 30°, wherein the pressing angle is preferably determined depending on the number of jaws. If the crimping tool has, for example, n jaws, the pressing angle can be, for example, at least 300 / n, preferably at least 340 / n, in particular 360 / n. With n=4, this results in a pressing angle of, for example, 75°, 85° or 90°. This makes it possible to produce a very uniform circumferential bead.

[0019] Preferably, the plurality of jaws comprise at least four jaws, preferably at least six jaws. This allows a lower second crimping force to be generated per jaw.

[0020] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0021] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a thin-walled container and a connecting sleeve of a first embodiment at a first time during the method according to the invention;

[0023] Fig. 2 shows the thin-walled container and the connecting sleeve of the first embodiment at a second time during the method according to the invention;

[0024] Fig. 3 shows the thin-walled container and the connecting sleeve of the first embodiment at a third time during the method according to the invention;

[0025] Fig. 4 shows the thin-walled container and the connecting sleeve of the first embodiment at a fourth point in time during the method according to the invention;

[0026] Fig. 5 shows a thin-walled container and a connecting sleeve of a second embodiment at a first time during the method according to the invention;

[0027] Fig. 6 shows the thin-walled container and the connecting sleeve of the second embodiment at a second time during the method according to the invention; Fig. 7 shows the thin-walled container and the connecting sleeve of the second embodiment at a third time during the method according to the invention;

[0028] Fig. 8 shows the thin-walled container and the connecting sleeve of the second embodiment at a fourth time point during the method according to the invention;

[0029] Fig. 9 a crimping tool of an advantageous embodiment in a perspective view.

[0030] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a thin-walled container B with a band W in which an opening O is provided. A thickness D of the wall W can, for example, range from >0 mm to 10 mm. Furthermore, a connecting sleeve 1 of a first exemplary embodiment is shown. The connecting sleeve 1 comprises an open first sleeve end 2 and an opposite open second sleeve end 3. The first sleeve end 2 is connected to the second sleeve end 3 via a flow channel.

[0032] In the region of the first sleeve end 2, the connecting sleeve 1 has an insertion section 4 for inserting the connecting sleeve 1 into the opening O of the wall W. A shape and size of the opening O essentially correspond to the shape and size of the insertion section 4 of the connecting sleeve 1. For example, the opening O can be circular and have a diameter that corresponds to the outer diameter of the insertion section 4 or is slightly larger.

[0033] In addition, the connecting sleeve 1 comprises a circumferential shoulder 5 that delimits the insertion section 4 in the direction of the second sleeve end 3. In the region of the insertion section 4, the connecting sleeve 1 comprises a crimping section 6. The crimping section 6 is designed to be plastically deformed by means of a suitable crimping tool WZ in order to form a circumferential bead 15, as will be described in more detail below.

[0034] In the example shown in Fig.l-Fig.4, the connecting sleeve 1 is formed in one piece.

[0035] This means that the circumferential shoulder 5 is formed integrally with the insertion section 4. The connecting sleeve 1 can be made, for example, of a metallic material or of a suitable plastic. Since the connecting sleeve 1 is a single piece, the circumferential shoulder 5 and the insertion section 4 are thus made of the same material.

[0036] The crimping section 6 is only indicated schematically. The crimping section 6 can be created, for example, by a suitable material weakening of the insertion section 4. The material weakening can be achieved, for example, by reducing the wall thickness in the area of ​​the crimping section 6 compared to the remaining area of ​​the insertion section 4. Alternatively or additionally, the material weakening could also be achieved by providing a number of openings that completely or partially penetrate the insertion section 4 in the area of ​​the crimping section 6 in the radial direction. For example, several such openings could be distributed around the circumference in order to achieve the most uniform formation of a circumferential bead 15 possible.

[0037] In the example shown, a seal 7 is also provided. The seal 7 is designed here as a flat seal, in particular as a sealing ring. The flat seal surrounds the insertion section 4 and bears against a preferably flat end face 8 of the circumferential shoulder 5, which faces the first sleeve end 2. Alternatively, however, a suitable sealing compound could also be used instead of a flat seal.

[0038] Furthermore, a suitable sealing material could be applied to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion section 4, in particular in the area between the crimping section 6 and the circumferential shoulder 5, before insertion into the opening O. The sealing material can, in the assembled state, directly create a seal with the wall W. Alternatively or additionally, the insertion section 4 could also be formed from a sealing material, at least in the area of ​​the outer circumferential surface, in particular in the area between the crimping section 6 and the circumferential shoulder 5. For example, the outer circumferential surface could be rubberized, or the entire insertion section 4 could be formed from a suitable sealing material. In order to connect the connecting sleeve 1 to the opening O of the container B, the connecting sleeve 1 can first be moved in the direction of the opening O of the wall W of the thin-walled container B, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1.The insertion section 4 can then be inserted into the opening O until the circumferential shoulder 5, or here the seal 7, rests against an outer surface of the wall W, as can be seen in Fig.2. The crimping section 6 provided on the insertion section 4 is located at least partially, preferably completely, within the container B. The crimping section 6 can, for example, be located in the region of the wall W or essentially directly adjacent to the inside of the wall W.

[0039] In the next step, a suitable first crimping tool WZ1 can be provided. The first crimping tool WZ1 is shown only schematically and in simplified form in Fig. 2. In the example shown, the first crimping tool WZ1 has several jaws 12 that are movable in the radial direction. An engagement projection 13 directed radially outward is provided on each jaw 12.

[0040] The first crimping tool WZ1 can now be moved from the second sleeve end 3 through the connecting sleeve 1 into the interior of the container B, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 2. The dimensions of the first crimping tool WZ1 (length, radial extension, etc.) are of course preferably matched to the size of the connecting sleeve 1. Once the first crimping tool WZ1 has been moved sufficiently far through the connecting sleeve 1, the jaws 12 can be moved radially outwards and the engaging projections 13 can be brought into engagement with a sleeve end face 14 delimiting the connecting sleeve 1 at the first sleeve end 2, as indicated in Fig. 3.

[0041] As soon as the engagement projections 13 are engaged with the sleeve end face 14, a first crimping force Fel acting in the direction of the second sleeve end 3 can be exerted on the first crimping tool WZ1, as shown in Fig. 4. The first crimping force Fel can compress the crimping section 6 in the axial direction such that the crimping section 6 plastically deforms into a circumferential bead 15, as also symbolized in Fig. 4.

[0042] The wall W of the thin-walled container B can thus be clamped between the plastically deformed crimping section 6, in particular the circumferential bead 15, and the circumferential shoulder 5 or the seal 7 located therebetween. In order to achieve the most uniform clamping effect possible, the circumferential bead 15 preferably extends in the circumferential direction around the entire circumference of the insertion section 4. The connection process is thus completed, and the connecting sleeve 1 is connected to the container B in a form-fitting and sealing manner.

[0043] The magnitude of the first crimping force Fel is preferably selected such that the crimping section 6 can be sufficiently plastically deformed to form the circumferential bead 15. However, the first crimping force Fel is preferably sufficiently low so that no damage to the connecting sleeve 1 or the container B can occur. The magnitude of the first crimping force Fel can, for example, be adapted to the dimensions and material of the connecting sleeve 1.

[0044] To prevent unwanted detachment of the connecting sleeve 1 from the container B during the connection process, it may be advantageous if a holding force Fh is exerted on the connecting sleeve 1 that is opposite to the first crimping force Fel and exceeds the first crimping force Fel in magnitude, as indicated in Fig. 4. The holding force Fh can either be applied manually by a user. Preferably, however, the holding force Fh can also be applied to the connecting sleeve 1 by a suitable (not shown) holding means. After the connection process is completed, the holding means can, of course, be removed again.

[0045] The second sleeve end 3 can now be connected to a suitable fluid line F, as indicated in Fig. 4. The fluid line F can, for example, be a suitable hose or a suitable pipe. The fluid line F could also be connected indirectly to the connecting sleeve 1 by means of a suitable plug-in connector (not shown). A suitable connecting section can be provided for this purpose in the region of the second sleeve end 3 of the connecting sleeve 1. The connecting section can, for example, also comprise a suitable anti-twist device (not shown) for securing the plug-in connector or the fluid line F against twisting. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting section can comprise a suitable locking recess (not shown) for the positive connection of the plug-in sleeve or the fluid line F.

[0046] A further embodiment of the method according to the invention is described below with reference to Figs. 5-8, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding Figs. 1-4. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding Figs. 1-4.

[0047] Again, a thin-walled container B is provided with a wall W in which an opening O is arranged. The connecting sleeve 1 again has an open first sleeve end 2 and an opposite open second sleeve end 3, which are connected via a flow channel. In contrast to the first embodiment according to Figs. 1-4, the connecting sleeve 1 of the illustrated second embodiment is formed in several parts.

[0048] The connecting sleeve 1 here comprises a substantially cylindrical pipe section 10 and a clamping sleeve 11 that surrounds the pipe section 10. The clamping sleeve 10 is also substantially cylindrical and has an inner diameter that essentially corresponds to an outer diameter of the pipe section 10. Of course, this is only an example, and both the pipe section 10 and the clamping sleeve 11 could, in principle, also have a non-circular cross-section.

[0049] The connecting sleeve 1 again comprises an insertion section 4 for inserting the connecting sleeve 1 into the opening O of the band W of the thin-walled container B. The insertion section 4 is provided in the region of the first sleeve end 2 on the pipe section 10. The first sleeve end 2 and the second sleeve end 3 are arranged on the pipe section 10. The pipe section 10 thus protrudes from the clamping sleeve 11 on both sides in the axial direction. In the example shown, the fluid line F (not shown) can thus be connected to a connecting section of the pipe section 10 located at the second sleeve end 3.

[0050] In general, the pipe section 10 comprises at least the first sleeve end 2. However, the second sleeve end 3 does not necessarily have to be arranged on the pipe section 10, but according to an alternative embodiment, it could also be located on the clamping sleeve 11, for example. In this case, the fluid line F could be connected to a connecting section located on the clamping sleeve 11.

[0051] A circumferential shoulder 5 is provided on the clamping sleeve 11, which delimits the insertion section 4 in the direction of the second sleeve end 3. A circumferential groove 9 can be provided on a preferably flat end face 8 of the clamping sleeve 11 facing the first sleeve end 2. A seal 7 can be arranged in the circumferential groove 9. The seal 7 is designed here as an O-ring. A diameter of a cross-section of the O-ring is preferably greater than a depth of the circumferential groove 9 in the axial direction, so that the O-ring projects beyond the end face 8 in the axial direction when the connecting sleeve 1 is not in the assembled state. As a result, the O-ring can be squeezed during the plastic deformation of the crimping section 6 until the end face 8 rests against the outer surface of the wall W.

[0052] In general, the clamping sleeve 11 can be connected to the pipe section 10 in a form-fitting, friction-fitting, or material-fitting manner. In the example shown, the clamping sleeve 11 is pushed onto the pipe section 10 and is held in a form-fitting manner in the direction of the second sleeve end 3 by means of a securing device. The securing device here comprises a circumferential groove 18 and a retaining ring 19, which holds the clamping sleeve 11 in the axial direction. Alternatively, the clamping sleeve 11 could also be pressed onto the pipe section 10 in order to establish a friction-fitting connection. The clamping sleeve 11 could also be connected to the pipe section

[0053] 10 welded, soldered, or glued. Depending on the application, the specialist can select a suitable connection.

[0054] The pipe section 10 and / or the clamping sleeve 11 can be made of a metallic material or a plastic. The second embodiment of the connecting sleeve 1 has the advantage over the first embodiment (Figs. 1-4) that the clamping sleeve 11 and the pipe section 10 can be made of different materials. If the clamping sleeve 11 is made of plastic, for example, more flexibility is available in the shape of the clamping sleeve 11.

[0055] For example, an anti-twist device could be integrated into the clamping sleeve in a simple manner

[0056] 11, which can interact with the fluid line F (not shown) or with a connector connected to the fluid line F to prevent rotation. Alternatively or additionally, a number of locking recesses could also be formed on the clamping sleeve 11, which can interact with the fluid line F or with a connector connected to the fluid line F for positive locking.

[0057] In order to connect the connecting sleeve 1 to the opening O of the container B, the connecting sleeve 1 can first be moved in the direction of the opening O of the wall W of the thin-walled container B, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 5. The insertion section 4 can then be inserted into the opening O until the circumferential shoulder 5, or here the O-ring, rests against an outer surface of the wall W, as can be seen in Fig. 6. The crimping section 6 provided on the insertion section 4 is located at least partially, preferably completely, inside the container B. The crimping section 6 can, for example, be located in the region of the wall W or essentially directly border on the inside of the wall W.

[0058] In the next step, a second crimping tool WZ2 is provided. The second crimping tool WZ2 is again shown only schematically and in a simplified manner in Fig. 6. The second crimping tool WZ2 differs from the first crimping tool WZ1 (Figs. 1-4). The second crimping tool WZ2 again has a plurality of jaws 16 which are movable in the radial direction. The crimping tool WZ preferably comprises more than two jaws 16, for example at least four, preferably at least six jaws 16. On each of the jaws 16, a pressing section 17 is provided which is directed outwards in the radial direction. The pressing sections 17 are preferably provided at the free ends of the jaws 16. An advantageous embodiment of the second crimping tool WZ2 is shown in Fig. 9.

[0059] As can be seen in Fig. 9, the pressing sections 17 can each have a rounded pressing surface. The pressing surface of the pressing sections 17 preferably extends in the circumferential direction over a pressing angle α of at least 20°, preferably at least 30°. Particularly preferably, the pressing angle α is preferably determined as a function of the number of jaws. If the crimping tool has, for example, a number of n jaws, then the pressing angle α can be, for example, at least 300 / n, preferably at least 340 / n, in particular 360 / n. With n=4, this results in a pressing angle of, for example, 75°, 85° or 90°. As a result, the pressing surfaces extend over a large part of the circumference, whereby a very uniform circumferential bead 15 can be produced.

[0060] In the next step, the second crimping tool WZ2 can be moved from the second sleeve end 3 through the connecting sleeve 1 toward the first sleeve end 2, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 6. The second crimping tool WZ2 is preferably moved until the pressing sections 17 of the jaws 16 are located in the region of the crimping section 6, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0061] The jaws 16 can then be moved radially outward until the pressing sections 17 rest against an inner circumferential surface of the crimping section 6. The radial movement of the jaws 16 is symbolized by the arrows in Fig. 7 and Fig. 9. In the next step, a second crimping force Fc2 directed radially outward can be exerted on the inner circumferential surface of the crimping section 6 via the pressing sections 17, by which the crimping section 6 can be plastically deformed into a circumferential bead 15.

[0062] Due to the second crimping force Fc2, the crimping portion 6 can be plastically deformed directly in the radial direction by the pressing portions 17 to form a circumferential bead 15, as indicated in Fig. 8. As a result, the wall W of the thin-walled container B (as in the first embodiment - see Fig. 4) can be clamped between the plastically deformed crimping portion 6, in particular the circumferential bead 15, and the circumferential shoulder 5.

[0063] In order to achieve the most uniform clamping effect possible, the circumferential bead 15 preferably extends in the circumferential direction around the entire circumference of the insertion section 4. This can be achieved in particular by distributing the pressing sections 17 as evenly as possible around the entire circumference, as can be seen in Fig. 9. The connection process is thus completed, and the connecting sleeve 1 is connected to the container B in a form-fitting and sealing manner.

[0064] The magnitude of the second crimping force Fc2 is again preferably selected such that the crimping section 6 is sufficiently plastically deformed to form the circumferential bead 15. However, the second crimping force Fc2 is again preferably sufficiently low so that no damage to the connecting sleeve 1 or the container B can occur. The magnitude of the second crimping force Fc2 can, for example, be adapted to the dimensions and material of the connecting sleeve 1.

[0065] To generate the second crimping force Fc2, a suitable force generating device (not shown) can be provided, for example. The force generating device can be hydraulic or electric, for example. The same naturally applies to the generation of the first crimping force Fel, described in Figs. 1-4.

[0066] To prevent unwanted detachment of the connecting sleeve 1 from the container B during the connection process, it may again be advantageous if a holding force Fh is exerted on the connecting sleeve 1, as indicated in Fig. 8. The holding force Fh can be applied either manually by a user. Preferably, however, the holding force Fh can also be applied to the connecting sleeve 1 by a suitable (not shown) holding means. After the connection process is completed, the holding means can, of course, be removed again.

[0067] The second sleeve end 3 of the connecting sleeve 1, which here is located on the pipe section 10, can now be connected to a suitable fluid line F, as indicated in Fig. 8. Reference is made to the explanations for Fig. 4 to avoid repetition.

[0068] The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with each other are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action by means of the objective invention.

[0069] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0070] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0071] For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

[0072] 1 connecting sleeve

[0073] 2 first sleeve end

[0074] 3 second sleeve end

[0075] 4 Insert section

[0076] 5 circumferential shoulder

[0077] 6 Crimp section

[0078] 7 Seal

[0079] 8 annular end face

[0080] 9 circumferential groove

[0081] 10 pipe sections

[0082] 11 clamping sleeve

[0083] 12 movable jaws

[0084] 13 engagement projection

[0085] 14 Sleeve end face

[0086] 15 circumferential bead

[0087] 16 movable jaws

[0088] 17 Pressing section

[0089] 18 circumferential groove

[0090] 19 Retaining ring

[0091] B thin-walled container

[0092] W Wall

[0093] O Opening

[0094] WZ1 first crimping tool

[0095] WZ2 second crimping tool

[0096] Fcl first crimping force

[0097] Fc2 second crimp force

[0098] Fh holding force a pressing angle

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for connecting a connecting sleeve (1) to an opening (O) of a wall (W) of a thin-walled container (B), wherein the connecting sleeve (1) has an open first sleeve end (2) and an opposite open second sleeve end (3), characterized in that in the region of the first sleeve end (2) an insertion section (4) is provided for insertion into the opening (O) of the wall (W) of the container (B), wherein the connecting sleeve (1) comprises a circumferential shoulder (5) which delimits the insertion section (4) in the direction of the second sleeve end (3), and wherein the following steps are carried out: - Inserting the connecting sleeve (1) with the insertion section (4) into the opening (O) of the wall (W) of the thin-walled container (B) until the peripheral shoulder (5) rests against an outer surface of the wall (W) and a crimping section (6) provided on the insertion section (4) is at least partially located within the container (B), - Plastically deforming the crimping section (6) by means of a crimping tool (WZ1, WZ2) so that the wall (W) of the thin-walled container (B) is clamped between the plastically deformed crimping section (6) and the circumferential shoulder (5).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a seal (7) is arranged between the wall (W) and the circumferential shoulder (5), which seal is clamped between the wall (W) and the circumferential shoulder (5) during the plastic deformation of the crimping section (6) in order to create a seal between the wall (W) and the circumferential shoulder (5).

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that a flat seal or a sealing compound is used as the seal (7).

4. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that a circumferential groove (9) is provided on a preferably flat end face (8) of the circumferential shoulder (5) facing the first sleeve end (2) and that an O-ring is used as a seal (7), which is arranged in the circumferential groove (9), wherein a diameter of the O-ring is preferably greater than a depth of the circumferential groove (9) in the axial direction and wherein the O-ring during plastic deformation of the crimping section (6) until the end face (8) rests against the outer surface of the wall (W).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the circumferential shoulder (5) is formed integrally with the connecting sleeve (1), wherein the connecting sleeve (1) is preferably made of a metallic material or of plastic.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting sleeve (1) is designed in several parts and has a pipe section (10) comprising at least the first sleeve end (2) and a clamping sleeve (11) comprising the circumferential shoulder (5) and surrounding the pipe section (10).

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the second sleeve end (3) is provided on the pipe section (10) or on the clamping sleeve (11).

8. Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the clamping sleeve (11) is connected to the pipe section (10) in a form-fitting, friction-fitting or material-fitting manner.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the clamping sleeve (11) is pressed onto the pipe section (10) or that the clamping sleeve (11) is pushed onto the pipe section (10) and is held in a form-fitting manner at least in the direction of the second sleeve end (3) by means of a securing device, preferably comprising a circumferential groove (18) and a securing ring (19), or that the clamping sleeve (11) is welded, soldered or glued to the pipe section (10).

10. Method according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the pipe section (10) and / or the clamping sleeve (11) are formed from a metallic material or from a plastic.

11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion section (4), in particular between the crimping Section (6) and the circumferential shoulder (5), a sealing material is applied before insertion into the opening (O) or that the insertion section (4) is formed from a sealing material at least in the region of the outer circumferential surface, in particular between the crimping section (6) and the circumferential shoulder (5).

12. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a first crimping tool (WZ1) is used as the crimping tool (WZ), which has a plurality of jaws (12) movable in the radial direction, on each of which an engagement projection (13) directed outwards in the radial direction is provided, wherein the first crimping tool (WZ1) is moved from the second sleeve end (3) through the connecting sleeve (1) into the interior of the container (B), that the jaws (12) are moved outwards in the radial direction and the engagement projections (13) are brought into engagement with a sleeve end face (14) delimiting the connecting sleeve (1) at the first sleeve end (2), that a first crimping force (Fel) acting in the direction of the second sleeve end (3) is exerted on the first crimping tool (WZ1), by means of which the crimping section (6) is compressed in the axial direction such that the crimping section (6) plastically deformed into a circumferential bead (15).

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that a holding force (Fh) opposite to the first crimping force (Fel) and exceeding the first crimping force (Fel) in magnitude is exerted on the connecting sleeve (1).

14. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a second crimping tool (WZ2) is used as the crimping tool (WZ), which has a plurality of jaws (16) movable in the radial direction, on each of which a pressing section (17) directed radially outwards is provided, wherein the second crimping tool (WZ2) is moved from the second sleeve end (3) through the connecting sleeve (1) in the direction of the first sleeve end (2) until the pressing sections (17) are located in the region of the crimping section (6), that the jaws (12) are moved radially outwards until the pressing sections (17) bear against an inner circumferential surface of the crimping section (6), and that by means of the pressing sections (17) in each case a second crimping force (Fc2) directed radially outwards is exerted on the inner circumferential surface of the crimping section (6). is exerted, by which the crimping section (6) is plastically deformed into a circumferential bead (15).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the pressing sections (17) each have a rounded pressing surface.

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the pressing surface of the pressing sections (17) extends in the circumferential direction in each case over a pressing angle (a) of at least 20°, preferably at least 30°, wherein the pressing angle (a) is preferably determined as a function of a number of jaws (12).

17. Method according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the plurality of jaws (12, 16) have at least four jaws, preferably at least six jaws.

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