Bonded Assembly

Abstract

A coupling assembly (1) for connecting a conduit element (2) to a member (3) of a temperature control device, the coupling assembly (1) comprising: a conduit element (2) having a tubular section (4) and a thickened portion (5) formed at one end of the conduit element (2); a member (3) having at least one passage (6); and a coupling element (7), the coupling element (7) having a recess (8), the conduit element (2) being positioned within the recess (8) such that the coupling element (7) is held to the conduit element (2) in a form-fitting and loss-proof manner by the thickened portion (5), the coupling element (7) and the member (3) each having a screw thread (9, 10), a connecting element (7) for connecting the connecting element (7) to the conduit element (2) in a form-fitting manner, the connecting element (7) being connected ...

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a member of a temperature control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Such coupling assemblies are particularly needed for use in temperature control circuits in the electric vehicle industry. To achieve a long driving range in electric vehicles, it is necessary to temperature-control, for example, electrical components. Components that need to be temperature-controlled in electric vehicles include, in particular, electrical energy storage devices, but also plug-in devices for power electrical appliances or fast charging devices. Electrical energy storage devices only reach their full capacity within a very narrow temperature range. Another important aspect is the air conditioning of the vehicle interior, which is temperature-controlled by a temperature control device in the form of an air conditioning system.

[0003] For this purpose, it is known to provide a temperature control circuit through which a temperature control medium flows. When the temperature control circuit is a refrigerant circuit, the temperature control medium can be a refrigerant, such as CO₂ or a halogenated hydrocarbon. The temperature control medium can be heated by a heating device or cooled by a cooling device, as needed. The temperature control medium is delivered to the various components of the temperature control circuit via conduits. In particular, in CO₂ air conditioning systems, the pressure on the high-pressure side can be approximately 170 bar, and the pressure on the low-pressure side can be approximately 100 bar. The burst pressure of such air conditioning systems is approximately 340 bar. The temperature of the temperature control medium can range from -30°C to 100°C. In such an environment, the conduits must be permanently tightly coupled to the components, even at high operating pressures. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem underlying the invention is to provide a coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a component of a temperature control device, which has simple installation possibilities and high operational reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. For advantageous configurations, reference is made to the dependent claims.

[0006] The coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a component of a temperature control device according to the present invention comprises a conduit element having a tubular section and a thickened portion formed at one end of the conduit element, a component having at least one passage, and a coupling element, the coupling element having a recess, the conduit element being arranged in the recess so that the coupling element is held to the conduit element by the thickened portion in a form-fitting manner and in a loss-proof manner, the coupling element and the component each having a thread, the threads engaging with each other to form a threaded connection, the thickened portion forming a contact section, the passage being followed by a stop section on the side facing the conduit element, the cross section of the stop section expanding in the direction of the conduit element, the contact section being in close contact with the stop section, the conduit element being connected to direct a flow into the passage, and the threaded connection crimping the contact section onto the stop section using a form-fitting connection between the coupling element and the conduit element.

[0007] The recess in the coupling element allows the coupling element to form a collar that projects inward, i.e., toward the longitudinal axis of the coupling element, and this collar is supported by the thickened portion on the side of the thickened portion facing the tubular section of the conduit element. This prevents the coupling element from being lost along the longitudinal axis of the conduit element in the direction of the thickened portion. The coupling element is rotatably arranged around the conduit element. The coupling element's thread is formed on the side of the coupling element opposite the recess and engages with the thread of the member. By screwing the thread of the coupling element into the thread of the member, the coupling element is moved relative to the member in the direction of the member. The collar formed by the recess in the coupling element can be used to transmit forces to the thickened portion of the conduit element. Furthermore, the conduit element and the member are arranged such that the contact section and the abutment section are in contact and transmit forces from the conduit element to the member. As a result, the conduit element is crimped to the element by screwing the coupling element into the element, with force transmission from the coupling element to the conduit element and from the conduit element to the element. This allows for easy assembly and also further operational reliability. The threaded connection provides a separable connection form. This allows for re-threading, especially during maintenance.

[0008] In the context of the present invention, a thickened wall is understood to mean an outward expansion of the outer contour of the duct element. In this case, the inner contour of the duct element is primarily independent of the thickened wall. In particular, the inner diameter in the region of the thickened wall may be constant. It is also conceivable that the inner contour is correlated to the outer contour in the region of the thickened wall. Such a contour with an outer thickened wall can be formed, for example, by swaging.

[0009] The connecting element may be made of a metal material. Preferably, the connecting element is made of steel or aluminum. This allows the connecting element to have the necessary mechanical properties, such as high strength, for use in the field of temperature control devices. This further increases operational reliability.

[0010] The thickened portion of the conduit element may have a curved outer contour on the side opposite to the longitudinal axis of the conduit element. In this configuration, the outer contour of the thickened portion may be substantially convex with respect to the longitudinal axis of the conduit element. The connecting element is supported on the side of the thickened portion facing the tubular section of the conduit element. The side of the thickened portion facing away from the tubular section of the conduit element is in partial contact with the element and forms a tight connection with the element. In particular, the outer contour of the thickened portion may be spherical.

[0011] The radius of the sphere is preferably in the range of 1 mm to 8 mm. A spherical shape can be understood as a spherical crown shape or a spherical disk shape. The substantially spherical configuration of the outer contour of the thickened wall allows for compensation of angular deviations of the conduit element relative to the longitudinal axis of the passage. In particular, angular deviations in the range of up to 3° can be compensated, which increases the tolerances during assembly and improves the assemblability.

[0012] It is further conceivable that the outer contour of the thickened section may be formed by other geometries suitable for supporting the connecting element and for forming a tight joint. For example, the transition from the tubular section to the thickened section, where the cross section increases, may be defined by other radii, preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 5 mm.

[0013] The abutment section may have a conical cross section. This conical cross section allows for compensation of moderate lateral displacement of the conduit element relative to the component during assembly. If a moderate lateral displacement exists during assembly, the contact section of the conduit element will contact the abutment section of the component at a position laterally displaced from the desired central position, even if the longitudinal axis of the conduit element and the longitudinal axis of the passage are substantially parallel. In the desired installation position, the longitudinal axis of the conduit element and the longitudinal axis of the passage substantially coincide, and the contact section rests on the abutment section over its entire circumference. If a moderate lateral displacement exists, the contact section only rests on the abutment section partially or at a point. Due to the conical shape of the abutment section, when a force is applied from the contact section to the abutment section arranged obliquely relative to the contact section, the conduit element is displaced until the longitudinal axis of the conduit element and the longitudinal axis of the passage coincide. Thus, self-centering of the conduit element occurs during assembly, which further improves the mountability.

[0014] The conical cross section can form a conical surface, which has an opening angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the passage in the range of 10° to 70°. Particularly preferably, the opening angle is in the range of 20° to 50°. This simultaneously ensures good self-centering of the conduit element and a compact structural form of the component. This allows for a simplified assembly process.

[0015] It is also conceivable that the contact section has, instead of a conical cross section, another shape of expanding cross section, the expansion of the cross section being in the direction of the duct element, In particular, the contact section may have a spherical or parabolic cross section.

[0016] The force applied to the conduit element during assembly acts substantially along the longitudinal axis of the conduit element. Due to the conical cross section of the application section, a force component acts perpendicular to the conical surface and transverse to it. Due to the ring-shaped contact section, an improved force introduction can be achieved, which results in a high sealing performance and thus improved operational reliability.

[0017] The conduit element may be made of a first material having a first hardness, and the abutment section of the member may be made of a second material having a second hardness, the first and second hardnesses being different from each other. Due to the difference in hardness, the component with the lower hardness is deformed when the contact section is pressed against the abutment section. Because the deformation is plastic, the component with the lower hardness maintains its deformation. This deformation results in the component with the lower hardness being molded tightly against the other component, creating a surface press where the two components are in intimate contact with each other. As a result, the sealing section does not require a costly separate seal, further improving assembly. Preferably, the first hardness is lower than the second hardness, so that the contact section of the conduit element deforms to provide a seal during assembly, while the abutment section remains shape-stable. Preferably, the first material comprises a first aluminum alloy, the second material comprises a second aluminum alloy, and the hardnesses of the two aluminum alloys are different from each other.

[0018] Depending on the application, it may be advantageous to provide a coating layer on the application section and / or the contact section. The coating layer may comprise a material that has a lower hardness than the material of the application section or the contact section. In particular, the coating layer may comprise copper. Such a coating layer can further improve the sealing.

[0019] The conduit element may have a wall thickness in the range of 0.7 mm to 3 mm. In particular, the wall thickness may be 1.5 mm. With such a wall thickness, the conduit element forms a mechanically stable thick-walled section that is well suited to forming a tight joint. At the same time, the desired deformation of the material can be achieved with moderate force application. This simultaneously provides a tight joint and easy assembly.

[0020] The conduit element may be rotationally symmetrical, with the thickened portion having a first outer diameter corresponding to the maximum outer diameter of the thickened portion and the tubular section having a second outer diameter, the ratio of the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter being in the range of 1.2 to 1.4. In this case, the outer diameters are each measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit element. This ratio of the outer diameters provides a sufficiently large contact surface for the connecting element at the thickened portion, thereby allowing for the transmission of the application force from the connecting element to the conduit element. Good force transmission is advantageous for crimping the contact section onto the application section. At the same time, a compact design of the connecting element is possible. This provides a good relationship between force transmission and compact design, thereby improving operational reliability and ease of assembly. In particular, the first outer diameter may be in the range of 11 mm to 16 mm, and the second outer diameter may be in the range of 8 mm to 13 mm.

[0021] The thread of the connecting element can be configured as an internal thread and the thread of the component as an external thread, whereby the connecting element is configured as a union nut, which forms a sleeve-like section that covers the thickened part during assembly and protects it from external influences.

[0022] The thread of the coupling element may be configured as an external thread, and the thread of the member may be configured as an internal thread. This allows the coupling element to be configured as a union screw. Since the coupling element can be screwed into the member, a part of the coupling element still protrudes from the member. This allows for a space-saving assembly.

[0023] The threaded connection may have a coating layer. The coating layer may have friction-optimizing properties, which facilitates screwing of the connection element into the component and increases the possibility of assembly. It is further conceivable that the coating layer is formed as a corrosion protection layer. Preferably, the coating layer has friction-optimizing and corrosion-protecting properties.

[0024] The invention further relates to a temperature control circuit comprising at least one coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a component of a temperature control device according to the invention, the coupling assembly having high operational reliability for the temperature control circuit.

[0025] The temperature control circuit may include a temperature control medium that flows through the temperature control circuit. The temperature control medium may be heated by a heating device or cooled by a cooling device as needed. The temperature control medium may be delivered to various components of the temperature control circuit via conduits. Refrigerants such as R744 (CO2) or halogenated hydrocarbons may be used as the temperature control medium.

[0026] The present invention also relates to an air conditioning circuit having a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side, at least one of which has a coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a component of a temperature control device according to the present invention. The ratio of the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter of the coupling assembly on the high-pressure side is in the range of 1.3 to 1.4. In particular, the first outer diameter can be in the range of 11 mm to 13 mm, and the second outer diameter can be in the range of 8 mm to 10 mm. In the coupling assembly on the low-pressure side, the ratio of the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter is in the range of 1.2 to 1.3. In particular, the first outer diameter can be in the range of 14 mm to 16 mm, and the second outer diameter can be in the range of 11 mm to 13 mm. This allows the relationship between force transmission and a compact design to be designed for the corresponding pressure conditions on the high-pressure side and the low-pressure side.

[0027] One configuration of the coupling assembly according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, each of which is shown diagrammatically. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a coupling assembly with a union screw. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 shows the coupling assembly in a detached state. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 shows a coupling assembly with a union nut. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a conduit element of the coupling assembly shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. [Figure 5] 4 shows an alternative configuration of conduit elements for one of the coupling assemblies shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The drawing shows in cross section a coupling assembly 1 for connecting a conduit element 2 to a member 3 of a temperature control device. The coupling assembly 1 includes a conduit element 2 having a tubular section 4 and a thickened wall 5 formed at one end of the conduit element 2, a member 3 having at least one passageway 6, and a coupling element 7. The conduit element 2 is coupled to the passageway 6 in a manner that directs flow therethrough.

[0030] The connecting element 7 has a recess 8. The conduit element 2 is arranged in the recess 8 and is supported by the thickened portion 5, so that the connecting element 7 is held in a form-fitting manner and loss-proof to the conduit element 2 by the thickened portion 5. The connecting element 7 is arranged rotatably around the conduit element 2.

[0031] The passage 6 of the element 3 is joined on the side facing the duct element 2 by a contact section 13. The cross section of the contact section 13 widens in the direction of the duct element 2. The thickened portion 5 forms a contact section 12. The contact section 12 is in intimate contact with the contact section 13.

[0032] The connecting element 7 and the member 3 each have threads 9, 10. The threads 9 of the connecting element are formed on the side of the connecting element 7 opposite the recess 8 and engage with the threads 10 of the member. The threads 9, 10 form a threaded connection 11. The threaded connection 11 has a coating layer which has properties that optimize friction and prevent corrosion.

[0033] By screwing the threads 9 of the coupling element into the threads 10 of the member or tightening the threads 9 of the coupling element 7 onto the threads 10 of the member, the coupling element 7 moves relative to the member 3 towards the member 3. The conduit element 2 is arranged in the recess 8 of the coupling element 7, so that forces can be transmitted to the thickened portion 5 of the conduit element 2. Furthermore, the conduit element 2 and the member 3 are arranged so that the contact section 12 and the abutment section 13 are in contact and forces can be transmitted from the conduit element 2 to the member 3. Thus, by screwing the coupling element 7 into the member 3 or tightening the coupling element 7 onto the member 3, the conduit element 2 is crimped to the member 3.

[0034] The thickened portion 5 of the conduit element 2 has an outer contour 15 that is curved away from the longitudinal axis 14 of the conduit element. In this case, the outer contour 15 of the thickened portion 5 is substantially convex with respect to the longitudinal axis 14 of the conduit element. The connecting element 7 is supported on the side of the thickened portion 5 facing the tubular section 4 of the conduit element 2. The side of the thickened portion 5 facing away from the tubular section 4 of the conduit element 2 partially contacts the part 3, forming a sealing connection. The outer contour 15 of the thickened portion 5 is substantially spherical. The radius of the sphere is 6 mm. The transition from the tubular section 4 to the thickened portion 5, where the cross section increases, is defined by another radius. The radius of the transition is 1 mm.

[0035] The abutment section 13 forms a conical cross section, which makes it possible to compensate for moderate lateral displacements of the conduit element 2 relative to the member 3 during assembly. The longitudinal axis 14 of the conduit element and the longitudinal axis 17 of the passage coincide with each other, and the contact section 12 rests all around on the abutment section 13. The conical cross section forms a conical surface 16 which has an opening angle of 35° relative to the longitudinal axis 17 of the passage.

[0036] The conduit element 2 is made of a first material having a first hardness, and the abutment section 13 of the part 3 is made of a second material having a second hardness. The first hardness is less than the second hardness, so that the contact section 12 of the conduit element 2 deforms to provide a sealing effect during assembly, while the abutment section 13 remains shape-stable. The first material comprises a first aluminum alloy, and the second material comprises a second aluminum alloy.

[0037] The conduit element 2 is rotationally symmetrical and has a wall thickness of 2 mm. The thickened portion 5 has a first outer diameter D1 (shown in FIG. 4), which corresponds to the largest outer diameter of the thickened portion 5. The tubular section 4 has a second outer diameter D2 (shown in FIG. 4). The outer diameters D1 and D2 are each measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14 of the conduit element. The ratio between the first outer diameter D1 and the second outer diameter D2 is 1.3. The first outer diameter D1 is 13 mm, and the second outer diameter D2 is 10 mm.

[0038] 1 shows in cross section one configuration of a coupling assembly 1, in which the threads 9 of the coupling element are formed as external threads and the threads 10 of the member are formed as internal threads. The coupling element 7 is formed as a union thread and is screwed into the member 3.

[0039] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the coupling assembly 1 for connecting the conduit element 2 to the member 3 of the temperature control device shown in FIG. 1, with the coupling element 7 shown without cross-section. Furthermore, the coupling element 7 is shown in a pre-assembled state. The coupling element 7 is spaced apart from the thickened wall 5 along the tubular section 4 of the conduit element 2 in the direction opposite the member 3, along the longitudinal axis 14 of the conduit element. Threading of the threads 9 of the coupling element into the threads 10 of the member can press the contact section 12 against the abutment section 13, thereby deforming the contact section 12 and thus forming a sealed connection as shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] The coupling element 7 has a device for tool engagement at its end facing away from the part 3. The tool engagement portion is formed as an external hexagon.

[0041] 3 shows in cross section an alternative configuration of the coupling assembly 1. In this configuration of the coupling assembly 1, the thread 9 of the coupling element is formed as an internal thread and the thread 10 of the member is formed as an external thread. The coupling element 7 is formed as a union nut and is tightened onto the member 3.

[0042] Figure 4 shows in detail in cross section the conduit element 2 of the coupling assembly 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3. In Figure 4, the conduit element 2 is therefore shown without the member 3 and the coupling element 7. In Figure 4, the outer diameters D1, D2 can be particularly well seen.

[0043] Figure 5 shows in detail in cross section an alternative configuration of the conduit element 2 of the coupling assembly 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3. In this alternative configuration, the inner diameter of the conduit element 2 is constant and the thickened wall 5 is formed only on the outside of the conduit element 2. Particularly in the region of the thickened wall 5, the inner diameter remains equal.

Claims

1. A coupling assembly (1) for connecting a conduit element (2) to a member (3) of a temperature control device, comprising: a conduit element (2) having a tubular section (4) and a thickened portion (5) formed at one end of the conduit element (2); a member (3) having at least one passage (6); and a coupling element (7), the coupling element (7) having a recess (8), the conduit element (2) being positioned in the recess (8) such that the coupling element (7) is held to the conduit element (2) in a form-fitting and loss-proof manner by the thickened portion (5), the coupling element (7) and the member (3) each having a screw thread (9, 10), the screw threads (9, 10) engaging with each other.

1. A connection assembly for connecting a conduit element to a component of a temperature control device, the connection assembly comprising: a threaded connection (11); the thickened portion (5) forming a contact section (12); the passage (6) being adjoined on its side facing the conduit element (2) by an abutment section (13) whose cross section widens in the direction of the conduit element (2); the contact section (12) being in close contact with the abutment section (13); the conduit element (2) being connected to the passage (6) in a flow-guiding manner; the threaded connection (11) crimping the contact section (12) onto the abutment section (13) by means of a form-fitting connection between the connection element (7) and the conduit element (2).

2. 2. A coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a component of a temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the thickened portion (5) of the conduit element (2) has a curved outer contour (15) opposite to the longitudinal axis (14) of the conduit element.

3. 3. A coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a component of a temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the application section (13) defines a conical cross section.

4. 4. A coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a member of a temperature control device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the conical cross section defines a conical surface (16), the conical surface (16) having an opening angle relative to a longitudinal axis (17) of the passageway in the range of 10° to 70°.

5. 3. A coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a component of a temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the application section (13) defines a spherical or parabolic cross section.

6. 6. A coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a component of a temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the conduit element (2) is made of a first material having a first hardness and the attachment section (13) of the component (3) is made of a second material having a second hardness, the first hardness and the second hardness being different from each other.

7. A coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a component of a temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conduit element (2) has a wall thickness in the range of 0.7 mm to 3 mm.

8. 8. A coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a component of a temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the conduit element (2) is rotationally symmetrical, the thickened portion (5) has a first outer diameter (D1), which corresponds to the maximum outer diameter of the thickened portion (5), and the tubular section (4) has a second outer diameter (D2), the ratio of the first outer diameter (D1) to the second outer diameter (D2) being in the range of 1.2 to 1.

4.

9. 9. A coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a member of a temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the threads (9) of the coupling element are formed as female threads and the threads (10) of the member are formed as male threads.

10. 9. A coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a member of a temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the threads (9) of the coupling element are formed as external threads and the threads (10) of the member are formed as internal threads.

11. 11. A coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a component of a temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the threaded coupling (11) comprises a coating layer.

12. 12. A coupling assembly for connecting a conduit element to a component of a temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the coupling element is made of a metallic material.

13. A temperature control circuit comprising at least one coupling assembly (1) for connecting a conduit element (2) to a member (3) of the temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The temperature control circuit has a temperature control medium, and the temperature control medium is CO ２ or a halogenated hydrocarbon.

15. 13. An air conditioning circuit having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, at least one of the high pressure side and the low pressure side having a coupling assembly (1) for connecting a conduit element (2) to a component (3) of a temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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