Connecting system and pressing tool for a connecting system

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting system for connecting a first fluid line (2) to a second fluid line, wherein the connecting system has a connecting sleeve (1) with an open first connecting-sleeve end (3) and an open second connecting-sleeve end (4), wherein a first connecting portion (V1) is provided on the connecting sleeve (1), onto which connecting portion the first fluid line (2) can be pushed in order to connect the first fluid line (2) to the first connecting-sleeve end (3), and wherein the second connecting-sleeve end (4) comprises a second connecting portion (V2) for connecting to the second fluid line. The first connecting portion (V1) comprises a cylindrical receiving portion (5), wherein a plurality of retaining protrusions (6) that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction and each extend at least along a part of a length of the receiving portion (5) are provided on an outer circumferential surface of the receiving portion (5). The connecting system also comprises a ferrule (13) which can be arranged on the connecting sleeve (1) such that it surrounds the receiving portion (5) and such that, in a radial direction between the receiving portion (5) and an inner circumferential surface of the ferrule (13), a receiving space (AR) for receiving an end portion of the first fluid line (2) is formed. In the circumferential direction, in each case in the region between two retaining protrusions (6), the ferrule (13) can be plastically deformed in the radial direction by a pressing tool (16).

Description

[0001] CONNECTION SYSTEM AND PRESSING TOOL FOR A CONNECTION SYSTEM

[0002] The invention relates to a connection system for connecting a first fluid line to a second fluid line, wherein the connection system has a connection sleeve with an open first connection sleeve end and an open second connection sleeve end connected to the first connection sleeve end, wherein a first connection section is provided on the connection sleeve, onto which the first fluid line can be pushed in order to connect the first fluid line to the first connection sleeve end of the connection sleeve, and wherein the second connection sleeve end comprises a second connection section for connecting to the second fluid line. Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of the connection system and to a pressing tool for carrying out a connection process with the connection system.

[0003] Generic connection systems are used in a wide variety of industrial applications to connect fluid-carrying components. For this purpose, a connecting sleeve is usually provided, which can be connected at one end to a first fluid line, preferably a plastic pipe. At the opposite end, the connecting sleeve can be connected, for example by means of a suitable connector or a suitable coupling, to a second fluid line, e.g., again a plastic pipe. The connection to the first fluid line is usually permanent, i.e., once the connection has been established, it cannot be removed as intended. The connection to the other fluid line can be permanent or removable, depending on the specific application.

[0004] Various designs are known for connecting the first fluid line to the connecting sleeve. For example, WO 2013 / 189740 A2 shows a generic connection system in which the connection to the first fluid line is made by means of a clamping sleeve that is elastically deformable in sections.

[0005] It was an object of the present invention to provide a connection system that is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture, and enables a reliable connection even with relatively low-quality pipelines. Furthermore, it was an object to provide a suitable tool for performing a connection process with the connection system.

[0006] The object is achieved with the connection system mentioned at the outset in that the first connecting section of the connecting sleeve comprises a cylindrical receiving section, wherein on an outer circumferential surface of the receiving section there are provided a plurality of retaining projections spaced apart in the circumferential direction, each of which extends at least over part of a length of the receiving section, and in that the connection system comprises a compression sleeve, wherein the compression sleeve can be arranged on the connecting sleeve in such a way that it surrounds the receiving section and that a receiving space for receiving an end section of the first fluid line is formed in the radial direction between the receiving section and an inner circumferential surface of the compression sleeve, wherein the compression sleeve is designed to be plastically deformed in the circumferential direction in the region between two retaining projections in the radial direction with a pressing tool,To fix the first fluid line to the first connecting section in a rotationally secure manner. Because the compression sleeve can be plastically deformed in sections in the circumferential direction, rotational security can be achieved by the plastically deformed deformation areas of the compression sleeve interacting with the retaining projections of the connecting sleeve in a substantially positive-locking manner.

[0007] Preferably, at least one of the retaining projections of the connecting sleeve is elongated and extends at least over half the length of the receiving section. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the plurality of retaining projections comprise at least two, preferably at least four, particularly preferably at least six, and in particular at least eight retaining projections. Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the retaining projections are distributed evenly in the circumferential direction on the receiving section. This achieves improved anti-twist protection because the compression sleeve can interact with the retaining projections over a greater length.

[0008] A circumferential groove is preferably provided between the receiving portion and the first connecting sleeve end of the connecting sleeve, in which a seal, preferably an O-ring or a molded seal, can be arranged or is arranged. This allows for improved sealing between the connecting sleeve and the first fluid line. A centering portion for centering the first fluid line can be provided at the first connecting sleeve end of the connecting sleeve. This can simplify the sliding on of the first fluid line.

[0009] Between the receiving portion and the first connecting sleeve end of the connecting sleeve, an extension portion, preferably conical or curved, can be provided that tapers toward the first connecting sleeve end. The extension portion is preferably arranged between the centering portion and the circumferential groove. This allows the first fluid line to expand upon sliding on, allowing the first fluid line to fit tightly against the receiving portion.

[0010] Preferably, the connecting sleeve is made of a plastic material, with the retaining projections being formed integrally with the connecting sleeve. This allows for simple and cost-effective production.

[0011] A limiting portion, which forms a stop for the first fluid line, can be provided between the receiving portion and the second connecting sleeve end of the connecting sleeve. Preferably, the limiting portion comprises a circumferential shoulder with a first end face facing the first connecting sleeve end and an opposite second end face facing the second connecting sleeve end, wherein the retaining projections are preferably connected to the circumferential shoulder. This prevents the first fluid line from being pushed on too far and ensures correct positioning of the first fluid line.

[0012] The circumferential shoulder can comprise at least one fastening recess which extends in the circumferential direction over part of the circumferential shoulder, connects the first end face to the second end face and is preferably open outwards in the radial direction. The compression sleeve can have at least one fastening tab on a compression sleeve end facing the second connecting sleeve end, which tab, in the assembled state, extends through the at least one fastening recess of the circumferential shoulder in the direction of the second connecting sleeve end and bears against the second end face of the circumferential shoulder. This enables simple, positive-locking fastening of the compression sleeve, such that the compression sleeve is held captive on the connecting sleeve. A holding groove for receiving a holding tool can be provided between the limiting section, in particular the circumferential shoulder, and the second connecting sleeve end of the connecting sleeve.This allows the connecting sleeve to be held in position while the first fluid line is being pushed on. This can be particularly advantageous during the sliding over of the extension section.

[0013] It may be advantageous if the retaining groove includes at least one web for securing the retaining tool against rotation. This prevents the connecting sleeve from rotating relative to the retaining tool during the sliding-on of the first fluid line.

[0014] The compression sleeve is preferably made of a metallic material, preferably aluminum. Suitable metals exhibit good plastic formability and high strength. To further improve plastic formability, the compression sleeve may have material weakenings in the deformation areas intended for deformation.

[0015] The connection system according to the invention is preferably used in that a pipe, preferably made of plastic, is pushed onto the first connection section of the connection sleeve until an end section of the first fluid line is located in the receiving space and in that the press sleeve is plastically deformed in the circumferential direction in the region between two holding projections in the radial direction with a pressing tool in order to fix the first fluid line in a rotationally secured manner on the first connection section.

[0016] The object is further achieved with the pressing tool mentioned at the outset in that the pressing tool comprises an arrangement space for arranging the connection system, that the pressing tool has a plurality of pressing fingers which are arranged distributed in a circumferential direction around the arrangement space, and that the pressing fingers are each designed to be moved in the direction of the arrangement space and to exert a pressing force in the radial direction on the pressing sleeve of the connection system arranged in the arrangement space, by means of which the pressing sleeve is plastically deformable in sections in the circumferential direction.

[0017] It is advantageous if the pressing tool comprises a guide sleeve which surrounds the arrangement space in the circumferential direction, wherein the guide sleeve is arranged such that the guide sleeve surrounds the pressing sleeve of a connection system arranged in the arrangement space, wherein a guide recess for each pressing finger is provided on the guide sleeve to guide the respective pressing finger. This enables reliable guidance of the pressing fingers and undesired deformation of the pressing sleeve can be prevented. It is advantageous if the distance between an inner circumferential surface of the guide sleeve and an outer circumferential surface of the pressing sleeve is as small as possible. For example, the guide sleeve could rest directly on the pressing sleeve. The guide sleeve could also be replaceable if necessary, so that a suitable guide sleeve can be arranged in the pressing tool depending on the diameter of the pressing sleeve.

[0018] The pressing tool preferably comprises a force-generating device for generating the pressing force and a control unit for controlling the force-generating device. This allows the joining process to be carried out at least partially automatically.

[0019] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0020] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a connection system of an advantageous embodiment in an exploded view;

[0022] Fig. 2 the connection system with mounted press sleeve in a perspective view;

[0023] Fig. 3 the connection system with a connected first fluid line in a perspective view;

[0024] Fig. 4 shows the connection system before pushing on the first fluid line in a longitudinal section;

[0025] Fig. 5 the connection system after pushing on the first fluid line in a longitudinal section;

[0026] Fig. 6 shows the connection system with the first fluid line connected in a longitudinal section; Fig. 7 shows a pressing tool for performing a connection process with the connection system in a perspective view;

[0027] Fig. 8 the pressing tool in a sectional view.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a connection system of an advantageous embodiment of the invention. The connection system is designed to connect a first fluid line 2 to a second fluid line. The first fluid line 2 is shown in Fig. 3. The second fluid line is not shown in the figures for the sake of simplicity.

[0030] The connection system comprises a connecting sleeve 1 with an open first connecting sleeve end 3 and an open second connecting sleeve end 4. The first connecting sleeve end 3 is connected to the second connecting sleeve end 4 via a flow channel. A first connecting section VI is provided on the connecting sleeve 1, onto which the first fluid line 2 can be pushed in order to connect the first fluid line 2 to the first connecting sleeve end 3 of the connecting sleeve 1. The implementation of the connection process will be described in more detail later with reference to Fig. 4-Fig. 6.

[0031] The second connecting sleeve end 4 comprises a second connecting section V2 for connection to the second fluid line (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the second connecting section V2 is designed to be connected to a known standardized insert sleeve according to the VDA standard (VDA = Association of the Automotive Industry). In this case, the insert sleeve forms the second fluid line. The insert sleeve can be detachably connected to the connecting sleeve 1. The insert sleeve can in turn be connected, for example permanently, to another fluid line. The structural design of the second connecting section V2 is of course only to be understood as an example. The specific design of the second connection from section V2 can vary depending on the second fluid line to be connected.

[0032] In the example shown, the connecting sleeve 1 is straight, with the first connecting sleeve end 3 and the second connecting sleeve end 4 being connected by a straight flow channel. In principle, however, the connecting sleeve 1 could also be curved, with the first connecting sleeve end 3 and the second connecting sleeve end 4 being arranged at a certain opening angle to one another and connected via a curved flow channel. The connecting sleeve 1 can also be angled, with the first connecting sleeve end 3 and the second connecting sleeve end 4 being arranged at a certain opening angle to one another. The flow channel can here comprise two straight channel sections that are at an opening angle to one another.

[0033] The first connecting section VI of the connecting sleeve 1 comprises a cylindrical receiving section 5. A plurality of retaining projections 6 are provided on an outer circumferential surface of the receiving section 5, which are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. The retaining projections 6 each extend at least over part of a length of the receiving section 5. The retaining projections 6 each protrude outward in the radial direction from the outer circumferential surface of the receiving section 5.

[0034] The retaining projections 6 can, for example, be elongated and preferably extend at least over half the length of the receiving section 5, preferably over the entire length. The retaining projections 6 can each have a contact surface 6a facing outward in the radial direction. When the first fluid line 2 is pushed on, the contact surfaces 6a of the retaining projections 6 can contact an inner circumferential surface of the first fluid line 2. The contact surfaces 6a can be flat or, if necessary, they can also be rounded in the circumferential direction in order to better conform to the first fluid line 2.

[0035] Within the scope of the invention, the plurality of retaining projections 6 comprise at least two retaining projections 6. However, it may be advantageous if at least four, preferably at least six, in particular at least eight retaining projections 6 are provided. The illustrated embodiment of the connecting sleeve 1 comprises, by way of example, four retaining projections 6. The retaining projections 6 are preferably arranged uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction on the receiving section 5. Of course, an uneven distribution would also be conceivable in principle. If the connecting sleeve 1 is formed from a suitable plastic, the retaining projections 6 can advantageously be formed integrally with the connecting sleeve 1.

[0036] The connection system further comprises a compression sleeve 13, which can be arranged, preferably fastened, on the connecting sleeve 1. The compression sleeve 13 is shown in Fig. 1 in the unassembled state and in Fig. 2 in the assembled state on the connecting sleeve 1. The compression sleeve 13 can be arranged on the connecting sleeve 1 such that it surrounds the receiving section 5 and such that a receiving space AR for receiving an end section of the first fluid line 2 is formed in the radial direction between the receiving section 5 of the connecting sleeve 1 and an inner circumferential surface of the compression sleeve 13, as can be seen in Fig. 4. The compression sleeve 13 is essentially cylindrical. A length of the compression sleeve 13 is preferably at least the length of the receiving section 5.

[0037] The compression sleeve 13 is designed to be plastically deformed in the circumferential direction in the region between two retaining projections 6 using a suitable (not shown) compression tool in the radial direction in order to fix the first fluid line 2 to the first connecting section VI in a rotationally secured manner. A compression tool of an advantageous embodiment will be described in more detail later with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 3 shows the connection system with a connected first fluid line 2. The deformation regions 25, at which the compression sleeve 13 was plastically deformed by the compression tool, are shown in Fig. 3.

[0038] The compression sleeve 13 is preferably made of a sufficiently deformable metallic material with sufficiently high strength, for example, aluminum. If necessary, the compression sleeve 13 could also have a material weakening in the area of ​​the deformation regions 25 to improve plastic deformability.

[0039] An advantageous use of the connection system for connecting the first fluid line 2 is described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. First, the first fluid line 2, preferably a plastic pipe, can be pushed over the first connecting sleeve end 3 onto the first connecting section VI of the connecting sleeve 1, as indicated in Fig. 4 by the corresponding arrow. To facilitate pushing on, a centering section 8 for centering the first fluid line 2 can be provided on the first connecting sleeve end 3 of the connecting sleeve 1. The centering section 8 can also be seen in Fig. 1. The first fluid line 2 can be pushed on until an end section of the first fluid line 2 is received in the receiving space AR formed between the compression sleeve 13 and the receiving section 5 and the compression sleeve 13 surrounds the end section of the first fluid line 2, as can be seen in Fig. 5.

[0040] To facilitate correct positioning of the first fluid line 2, a limiting section can be provided between the receiving section 5 and the second connecting sleeve end 4 of the connecting sleeve 1, which forms a stop for the first fluid line 2. The limiting section can, for example, comprise a circumferential shoulder 10 with a first end face 10a facing the first connecting sleeve end 3 (see Fig. 1) and an opposite second end face 10b facing the second connecting sleeve end 4 (see Fig. 2 + Fig. 4 + Fig. 5). In this case, the first fluid line 2 can be pushed onto the first connecting section VI until an end face of the first fluid line 2 facing the second connecting sleeve end 4 rests against the first end face 10a of the circumferential shoulder 10.For greater stability, the retaining projections 6 can be connected to the circumferential shoulder 10 in the direction of the second connecting sleeve end 4, as can also be seen in Fig.l.

[0041] One or more fastening recesses 11 for fastening the compression sleeve 13 can also be provided on the circumferential shoulder 10. The fastening recesses 11 each extend in the circumferential direction over a part of the circumferential shoulder 10 and each connect the first end face 10a of the circumferential shoulder 10 to the second end face 10b. The fastening recesses 11 can also be open to the outside in the radial direction, as can be seen in Fig. 1. This can be advantageous to facilitate assembly. In principle, however, the fastening recesses 11 could also have a closed circumference and thus be delimited to the outside in the radial direction by the circumferential shoulder 10.

[0042] The compression sleeve 13 can have one or more deformable fastening tabs 14 on a compression sleeve end 13a facing the second connecting sleeve end 4, as shown in Fig. 1. The compression sleeve 13 can be fastened to the connecting sleeve 1 in that the fastening tabs 14 each extend through a fastening recess 11 of the circumferential shoulder 10 in the direction of the second connecting sleeve end 4 and bear against the second end face 10b of the circumferential shoulder 10. This can be seen in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The number of fastening tabs 14 can, for example, be at least two, preferably at least four. The fastening tabs 14 can, for example, be arranged evenly distributed in the circumferential direction on the compression sleeve 13. The number of fastening tabs 14 can, for example, correspond to the number of fastening recesses 11 of the circumferential shoulder 10.

[0043] The compression sleeve 13 can, for example, be pre-assembled on the connecting sleeve 1. For this purpose, the compression sleeve 13 can be pushed onto the first connecting section VI with undeformed fastening tabs 14, i.e. fastening tabs 14 running parallel to an axis of the compression sleeve 13 (see Fig. 1), until the compression sleeve end 13a of the compression sleeve 13 facing the second connecting sleeve end 4 rests on the first end face 10a of the circumferential shoulder 10. The undeformed fastening tabs 14 each extend parallel to a central axis of the connecting sleeve 1 through the fastening recesses 11. Finally, the fastening tabs 14 can be bent inwards until end sections of the fastening tabs 14 rest on the second end face 10b of the circumferential shoulder 10, as can be seen in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. In this way, the compression sleeve 13 can be fixed to the connecting sleeve 1 in a form-fitting and essentially captive manner. To deform the fastening tabs 14, for example,B. a suitable tool (not shown) can be used.

[0044] Between the receiving section 5 and the first connecting sleeve end 3 of the connecting sleeve 1, an extension section 9, preferably conical or curved, tapering in the direction of the first connecting sleeve end 3 can be provided (see Fig. 1 + Fig. 4). The first fluid line 2 can be pushed over the extension section 9 onto the receiving section 5. As a result, the first fluid line 2 is widened and lies very closely against the receiving section 5, in particular against the contact surfaces 6a of the holding projections 6. The first fluid line 2 should, of course, have sufficiently great plastic or elastic deformability for this purpose. "Curved" can mean that the outer circumferential surface of the extension has an arcuate shape from section 9, with the arc running either radially outwards (convex) or inwards (concave).

[0045] In order to be able to exert a sufficiently high holding force on the connecting sleeve 1 during the sliding on of the first fluid line 2 (in particular during the expansion of the first fluid line 2 by the extension section 9), it can be advantageous if at least one holding groove 12 for receiving a suitable (not shown) holding tool is provided between the limiting section, in particular the circumferential shoulder 10, and the second connecting sleeve end 4, as shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 & Fig. 4. The holding groove 12 can extend in the circumferential direction over part of the circumference of the connecting sleeve 1, preferably around the entire circumference.

[0046] It may also be advantageous if the retaining groove 12 includes at least one web 26 for securing the holding tool against rotation. In the example shown, the retaining groove 12 is divided into two retaining grooves, for example, by two diametrically opposed webs 26. One of the two webs 26 is shown in Fig. 3. The webs 26 prevent the connecting sleeve 1 from twisting while the first fluid line 2 is being pushed on. Furthermore, the webs 26 can be advantageous for imparting greater rigidity to the connecting sleeve 1.

[0047] It is furthermore advantageous if a circumferential groove 7 is provided between the receiving section 5 and the first connecting sleeve end 3, in which groove a suitable seal 15, preferably an O-ring or a shaped seal, can be arranged or is arranged. In Fig. 1, the circumferential groove 7 is shown without seal 15. The seal 15 can be seen in Figs. 4 to 6. The widened section 9 is preferably located between the centering section 8 and the circumferential groove 7. The seal 15 can form a seal between the first fluid line 2 and the connecting sleeve 1. While an O-ring has a substantially circular cross-section, a shaped seal can also have a different cross-section, e.g. oval or square. A shaped seal can also have one or more sealing lips on its circumferential surface, if necessary.

[0048] Preferably, the length of the compression sleeve 13 is determined such that the compression sleeve 13 not only surrounds the receiving section 5, but also surrounds the circumferential groove 7 or, in particular, the seal 15 arranged therein. This allows the seal 15 to be protected from damage and contamination before the first fluid line 2 is installed.

[0049] When the first fluid line 2 is in the correct position (as shown in Fig. 5), the compression sleeve 13 can be plastically deformed in the radial direction, viewed in the circumferential direction, using a suitable compression tool (not shown in Fig. 5) in the area between two retaining projections 6. For this purpose, a sufficiently large compression force FP can be exerted on the compression sleeve 13 using the compression tool, as indicated by the two arrows in Fig. 5. This allows the first fluid line 2 to be fixed to the first connection section VI in a rotationally secured manner.

[0050] Fig. 6 shows the connection system with the connected first fluid line 2. The compression sleeve 13 is shown in the deformed state, wherein the deformation regions 25 created by the compression tool are shown. As can be seen in Fig. 4 to Fig. 6, it can be advantageous if a diameter of the cylindrical receiving section 5 (i.e. the regions between the holding projections 6) is smaller than a maximum diameter of the extension from section 9 and / or a sealing section on which the circumferential groove 7 is located. As a result, the first fluid line 2 can be held in an essentially form-fitting manner in the axial direction by the sections that were compressed by the compression sleeve 13 in the region of the deformation regions 25. This naturally requires sufficient deformability of the first fluid line 2, which is generally the case with a plastic pipe.

[0051] A pressing tool 16 of an advantageous embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. The pressing tool 16 is designed to perform the described connection process with the connection system according to the invention. Fig. 7 shows the pressing tool 16 in a perspective view, and Fig. 8 shows the pressing tool 16 in a sectional view.

[0052] The pressing tool 16 comprises a central arrangement space 17 for arranging the connection system, i.e. the connecting sleeve 1 including the pressing sleeve 13, as can be seen in Fig. 7. Furthermore, the pressing tool 16 comprises a plurality of pressing fingers 18, which are arranged distributed in a circumferential direction around the arrangement space 17. The pressing fingers 18 are movable and can be moved in the direction of the arrangement space 17 (and in the opposite direction). The pressing fingers 18 are each designed to exert a pressing force FP in the radial direction on the pressing sleeve 13 of the connecting sleeve 1 arranged in the arrangement space 17, as indicated in Fig. 8. As already mentioned, the pressing sleeve 13 can be plastically deformed in sections by the pressing force FP in order to form the deformation regions 25 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 6).

[0053] The number of pressing fingers 18 preferably corresponds to the number of holding projections 6 of the connecting sleeve 1. This allows a simultaneous application of force between all holding projections 6, as a result of which the pressing sleeve 13 can be stressed relatively evenly in the circumferential direction. In the embodiment shown, the number of pressing fingers 18 comprises only four pressing fingers 18, by way of example. The pressing fingers 18 can be arranged at constant intervals around the circumference of the arrangement space 17. In principle, however, a smaller number of pressing fingers 18 could also be provided. In this case, the application of force could occur sequentially. The connecting sleeve 1 could, for example, be rotated after each application of force by the number of pressing fingers 18 in order to bring the number of pressing fingers 18 into line with a section of the pressing sleeve 13 that has not yet been deformed.

[0054] According to an advantageous embodiment, the pressing tool 16 has a guide sleeve 19 that surrounds the arrangement space 17 in the circumferential direction. As can be seen in Fig. 8, the connecting system can be arranged in the arrangement space 17 such that the guide sleeve 19 surrounds the pressing sleeve 13, which in turn surrounds the receiving section 5 of the connecting sleeve 1. For each pressing finger 18, a guide recess 20 is arranged on the guide sleeve 19, which connects an outer circumferential surface of the guide sleeve 19 with an inner circumferential surface of the guide sleeve 19. The guide sleeve 19 is preferably dimensioned such that a distance between an inner circumferential surface of the guide sleeve 19 and an outer circumferential surface of the pressing sleeve 13 is as small as possible. For example, the guide sleeve 19 can bear against the pressing sleeve 13.

[0055] The guide recesses 20 are designed to guide the pressing fingers 18 in the radial direction. The guide sleeve 19 prevents undesired deformation of the pressing sleeve 13 during the connection process, as the pressing sleeve 13 is limited in the radial direction by the guide sleeve 19. This ensures that the material of the pressing sleeve 13 does not yield under the action of force, preventing the formation of wrinkles in the pressing sleeve 13. Furthermore, the pressing fingers 18 can be stabilized by the guide sleeve 19 during movement.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 7, the pressing tool 16 can, for example, have a base body 23, which is essentially cylindrical in this case. On a (here upper) end face 23a of the base body 23, a number of radially extending guide recesses can be provided, in each of which a guide carriage 24 is movably arranged. The pressing fingers 18 can be arranged at the radially inner ends of the guide carriage 24. The pressing fingers 18 can, for example, be designed as separate components which can be fastened to the guide carriage 24 in a suitable manner, e.g. screwed. Of course, the pressing fingers 18 could, for example, also be designed integrally with the guide carriage 24.

[0057] To carry out the connection process, the connecting sleeve 1 (preferably including the pre-assembled press sleeve 13 and, if applicable, with the first fluid line 2 already attached - e.g., as shown in Fig. 5) can first be inserted with the second connecting sleeve end 4 leading in an axial direction into the arrangement space 17 of the pressing tool 16. In the embodiment shown, the movement can occur in the direction of the end face 23a of the base body 23. During insertion, the free ends of the press fingers 18 are preferably in a release position in the radial direction outside the arrangement space 17, for example, in the region of the guide recesses 20 of the guide sleeve 19.

[0058] However, it would also be possible first to arrange only the connecting sleeve 1 (preferably including the pre-assembled press sleeve 13) in the arrangement space 17 of the pressing tool 16, and only then could the first fluid line 2 be plugged onto the first connection section VI of the connecting sleeve 1. In order to exert a sufficiently large plug-on force on the first fluid line 2, a suitable tool (not shown) may be provided if necessary.

[0059] The connecting sleeve 1 can be positioned in the axial direction relative to the pressing tool 16 such that the pressing sleeve 13 is located in the area of ​​the pressing fingers 18. Correct positioning in the axial direction can be ensured, for example, by a suitable, preferably adjustable, stop (not shown).

[0060] Furthermore, the connecting sleeve 1 can be aligned in the circumferential direction relative to the pressing tool 16 such that the available pressing fingers 18 are each located between two retaining projections 6 of the connecting sleeve 1. The correct alignment can be achieved, for example, by a suitable positioning device (not shown). The positioning device can, for example, have an optical marking on the pressing tool 16, which can be aligned with a marking or feature of the connecting sleeve 1. However, the positioning device could also be designed mechanically, for example by a positioning projection of the connecting sleeve 1 engaging with a positioning recess of the pressing tool 16. The positioning device could, however, also have, for example, a suitable sensor system.The pressing tool 16 can further comprise a suitable force-generating device 21 for generating the pressing force FP and a control unit 22 for controlling the force-generating device 21. The force-generating device 21 and the control unit 22 are only symbolically indicated in Fig. 7 and can be designed in a suitable manner. The force-generating device 21 can, for example, comprise a number of suitable electrically controllable actuators, e.g., hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, or the like. The control unit 22 can comprise suitable hardware and / or software.

[0061] Furthermore, one or more suitable sensors could be provided for detecting a measured variable of the connecting process, which can communicate with the control unit 22. It would be conceivable, for example, that a position or displacement sensor for detecting a radial movement is provided for one or more pressing fingers 18. Alternatively or additionally, a suitable force sensor for detecting the pressing force FP could also be provided. The control unit 22 can use the detected measured values ​​to control the connecting process. For example, the connecting process can be terminated when a predetermined pressing force FP or a predetermined position of the pressing fingers 18 is reached. Suitable sensors, e.g. for angle measurement, can also be provided to ensure a correct position of the connecting sleeve 1 in the circumferential direction relative to the pressing tool 16.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions in themselves. The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description. All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof. For example, the reference 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. This means that all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Reference symbol list

[0066] Connecting sleeve 26 Web First fluid line V 1 First connecting section

[0067] First connecting sleeve end V2 Second connecting section Second connecting sleeve end FP Press force Receiving section AR Receiving space

[0068] Retaining projection a contact surface

[0069] circumferential groove

[0070] Centering section

[0071] Extension section 0 Circumference s Shoulder 0a First end face 0b Second end face 1 Fastening recess 2 Retaining groove 3 Press sleeve 4 Fastening tab 5 Seal 6 Press tool 7 Arrangement space 8 Press finger 9 Guide sleeve 0 Guide recess 1 Force generating device 2 Control unit 3 Base body 3a End face 4 Guide carriage 5 Deformation area

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. A connection system for connecting a first fluid line (2) to a second fluid line, wherein the connection system comprises a connection sleeve (1) with an open first connection sleeve end (3) and an open second connection sleeve end (4) connected to the first connection sleeve end (3), wherein a first connection section (VI) is provided on the connection sleeve (1), onto which the first fluid line (2) can be pushed in order to connect the first fluid line (2) to the first connection sleeve end (3) of the connection sleeve (1), and wherein the second connection sleeve end (4) comprises a second connection section (V2) for connection to the second fluid line, characterized in that the first connection section (VI) of the connection sleeve (1) comprises a cylindrical receiving section (5), wherein a plurality of retaining projections (6) spaced apart in the circumferential direction are provided on an outer circumferential surface of the receiving section (5),which each extend at least over part of a length of the receiving section (5), and in that the connection system comprises a compression sleeve (13), wherein the compression sleeve (13) can be arranged on the connecting sleeve (1) in such a way that the compression sleeve (13) surrounds the receiving section (5), and in that a receiving space (AR) for receiving an end section of the first fluid line (2) is formed in the radial direction between the receiving section (5) and an inner circumferential surface of the compression sleeve (13), wherein the compression sleeve (13) is designed to be plastically deformed in the circumferential direction in the region between two holding projections (6) with a pressing tool (16) in the radial direction in order to fix the first fluid line (2) in a rotationally secured manner on the first connecting section (VI).

2. Connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the holding projections (6) of the connecting sleeve (1) is elongated and extends at least over half the length of the receiving section (5).

3. Connection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plurality of holding projections (6) comprise at least two, preferably at least four, particularly preferably at least six holding projections (6).

4. Connection system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the holding projections (6) are arranged distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction on the receiving section (5).

5. Connection system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that between the receiving section (5) and the first connecting sleeve end (3) of the connecting sleeve (1) a circumferential groove (7) is provided, in which a seal (15), preferably an O-ring or a shaped seal, can be arranged or is arranged.

6. Connection system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a centering section (8) for centering the first fluid line (2) is provided at the first connection sleeve end (3) of the connection sleeve (1).

7. Connection system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that between the receiving section (5) and the first connecting sleeve end (3) of the connecting sleeve (1) there is provided an extension section (9) which tapers in the direction of the first connecting sleeve end (3), preferably conical or curved, wherein the extension section (9) is preferably arranged between the centering section (8) and the circumferential groove (7).

8. Connection system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connecting sleeve (1) is made of a plastic and that the holding projections (6) are formed integrally with the connecting sleeve (1).

9. Connection system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a limiting section is provided between the receiving section (5) and the second connecting sleeve end (4) of the connecting sleeve (1), which forms a stop for the first fluid line (2).

10. Connection system according to claim 9, characterized in that the boundary section has a circumferential shoulder (10) with a first end face (10a) facing the first connecting sleeve end (3) and an opposite end face (10b) facing the second Connecting sleeve end (4) facing second end face (10b), wherein the retaining projections (6) are preferably connected to the circumferential shoulder (10).

11. Connection system according to claim 10, characterized in that the circumferential shoulder (10) comprises at least one fastening recess (11) which extends in the circumferential direction over a part of the circumferential shoulder (10), connects the first end face (10a) to the second end face (10b) and is preferably open outwards in the radial direction and in that the compression sleeve (13) has at least one fastening tab (14) on a compression sleeve end (13a) facing the second connection sleeve end (4), which in the assembled state extends through the at least one fastening recess (11) of the circumferential shoulder (10) in the direction of the second connection sleeve end (4) and rests against the second end face (10b) of the circumferential shoulder (10).

12. Connection system according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that a holding groove (12) for receiving a holding tool is provided between the limiting section, in particular the circumferential shoulder (10), and the second connecting sleeve end (4).

13. Connection system according to claim 12, characterized in that the holding groove (12) comprises at least one web (26) for a rotationally secured reception of the holding tool.

14. Connection system according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the press sleeve (13) is made of a metallic material, preferably aluminum.

15. Use of a connection system according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a first fluid line (2), preferably a plastic pipe, is pushed onto the first connection section (VI) of the connection sleeve (1) until an end section of the first fluid line (2) is located in the receiving space (AR) and that the press sleeve (13) is plastically deformed in the circumferential direction in the area between two holding projections (6) with a pressing tool (16) in the radial direction in order to press the first The fluid line (2) is to be fixed to the first connecting section (VI) of the connecting sleeve (1) in a rotationally secured manner.

16. Pressing tool (16) for carrying out a connection process with a connection system according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the pressing tool (16) comprises an arrangement space (17) for arranging the connection system, that the pressing tool (16) has a plurality of pressing fingers (18) which are arranged distributed in a circumferential direction around the arrangement space (17), and that the pressing fingers (18) are each designed to be moved in the direction of the arrangement space (17) and to exert a pressing force (FP) in the radial direction on the pressing sleeve (13) of the connection system arranged in the arrangement space (AR), by means of which pressing force the pressing sleeve (13) is plastically deformable in sections in the circumferential direction.

17. Pressing tool (16) according to claim 16, characterized in that the pressing tool (16) comprises a guide sleeve (19) which surrounds the arrangement space (17) in the circumferential direction, wherein the guide sleeve (19) is arranged such that the guide sleeve (19) surrounds the pressing sleeve (13) of a connecting sleeve (1) arranged in the arrangement space (17), wherein a guide recess (20) for guiding the respective pressing finger (18) is provided on the guide sleeve (19).

18. Pressing tool (16) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the pressing tool (16) comprises a force generating device (21) for generating the pressing force (FP) and a control unit (22) for controlling the force generating device (21).

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