Unit connection arrangement for a refrigeration system having a screw connection axis extending through a connecting volume, refrigeration system having such a unit connection arrangement, and motor vehicle having such a refrigeration system

Abstract

The invention relates to a unit connection arrangement (10) for a hydraulic high-pressure system, in particular a refrigeration system (52) of a motor vehicle (60), having a first unit element (12), which has a first fluid line section (12f), and having a second unit element (14), which has a second fluid line section (14f), the first fluid line section (12f) and the second fluid line section (14f) being connected or connectable to each other with at least one sealing element (16) being interposed, and having a screw connection (18), which is configured to connect the first unit element (12) and the second unit element (14) to each other. It is provided here that, with respect to a main flow direction (SR) of a fluid between the first fluid line section (12f) of the first unit element (12) and the second fluid line section (14f) of the second unit element (14), a connecting volume (20) through which fluid flows or can flow is formed, the screw connection (18) having a screw connection axis (SA) that extends through the connecting volume (20).

Description

[0001] AUDI AG 1 P24381

[0002] Block connection arrangement for a refrigeration system with a screw connection axis extending through a connection space, refrigeration system with such a block connection arrangement and motor vehicle with such a refrigeration system

[0003] DESCRIPTION:

[0004] The invention relates to a block connection arrangement for a high-pressure hydraulic system, in particular a refrigeration system of a motor vehicle, comprising a first block element having a first fluid line section, and a second block element having a second fluid line section, wherein the first fluid line section and the second fluid line section can be connected to each other or are connected to each other with at least one sealing element in between, and with a screw connection configured to connect the first block element and the second block element to each other. The invention further relates to a refrigeration system with at least one such block connection arrangement for a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle with such a refrigeration system.

[0005] Such block connection elements are known, for example, from DE 10 2018 218 823 A1 or DE 10 2022 120 518 A1. Reference is also made to DE 103 26 958 a1 and EP 1 445 529 A1.

[0006] The known block connection assemblies have a relatively large number of components, which leads to increased assembly effort and costs. Furthermore, the known block connection assemblies have a relatively large block size (smallest cuboid that completely encloses the block connection assembly), which must be accommodated in a limited installation space, such as the front section of a motor vehicle. AUDI AG 2 P24381

[0007] The object underlying the invention is seen as being to provide a block connection arrangement that is smaller in terms of its space requirements and enables a secure, fluid-tight connection between the first block element and the second block element.

[0008] This problem is solved by a block connection element, a refrigeration system, and a motor vehicle with the features of the respective independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0009] A block connection arrangement is therefore proposed for a hydraulic high-pressure system, in particular a refrigeration system of a motor vehicle, comprising a first block element having a first fluid line section, and a second block element having a second fluid line section, wherein the first fluid line section and the second fluid line section can be connected or are connected to each other with at least one sealing element in between, and with a screw connection designed to connect the first block element and the second block element to each other.It is provided that, with respect to a main flow direction of a fluid, a connection space through which fluid can flow or is flowing is formed between the first fluid line section of the first block element and the second fluid line section of the second block element, wherein the screw connection has a screw connection axis that extends through the connection space.

[0010] This allows the two block elements to be connected relatively centrally or in the middle of the connection space, resulting in a compact design with small block dimensions. Furthermore, this type of block connection arrangement has fewer individual parts than conventional block connection arrangements, thus simplifying assembly and reducing costs.

[0011] In the block connection arrangement, the connection space can have a first sub-space formed in the first block element, and a second sub-space formed in the second block element. The first sub-space can connect to the first fluid line section, and the second sub-space can connect to the second fluid line section.

[0012] In the block connection arrangement, the first and second sub-chambers can have an identical flow cross-section in the area of ​​at least one sealing element. This makes it possible to lay the two sub-chambers with their contours essentially flat against each other to form a sealing surface that receives the sealing element.

[0013] In the block connection arrangement, the first and second block elements can be oriented and fixed at different rotational positions relative to each other around the screw connection axis. In other words, the first and second fluid line sections can be aligned at any angle relative to the screw connection axis as the center point, for example, so that the first and second fluid line connections point in the same direction (angle 0°), or in diametrically opposed directions (angle 180°), or in intermediate directions such as at an angle of 45°, 60°, 90°, or the like.

[0014] In the block connection arrangement, the first fluid line section can have a first line axis, and the second fluid line section can have a second line axis, wherein the first line axis and the second line axis are inclined to the screw connection axis, in particular forming an angle of 45° to 90°. Conversely, this can mean that the first line axis and the second line axis cannot be parallel to the screw connection axis.

[0015] In the block connection arrangement, a shaft of AUDI AG 4 P24381 can be used in a connected state of the first block element and the second block element.

[0016] The screw connection extends through the connection space, with the shaft being or being surrounded by fluid.

[0017] Furthermore, a refrigeration system for a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising a refrigerant circuit and at least one block connection arrangement described above, which is arranged in the refrigerant circuit.

[0018] A motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine and / or electric drive can be equipped with such a refrigeration system.

[0019] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the figures. These show:

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a simplified and schematic sectional view of an example of a block connection arrangement;

[0021] Fig. 2 shows a simplified and schematic sectional view of an example of a block connection arrangement;

[0022] Fig. 3 shows a simplified and schematic sectional view of an example of a block connection arrangement;

[0023] Fig. 4 shows a simplified and schematic sectional and top view of an example of a block connection arrangement;

[0024] Fig. 5 shows a simplified and schematic sectional and top view of an example of a block connection arrangement;

[0025] Fig. 6 shows a simplified and schematic view of a motor vehicle with a refrigeration system and a block connection arrangement.

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a simplified and schematic sectional view of a block connection arrangement 10. The block connection arrangement AUDI AG 5 P24381 comprises a first block element 12 and a second block element 14. The first block element 12 has a first fluid line section 12f. The second block element 14 has a second fluid line section 14f.

[0027] The two block elements 12, 14 can be connected to each other by at least one sealing element 16. The block connection arrangement has a screw connection 18 by which the first block element 12 and the second block element 14 are connected or clamped to each other.

[0028] The screw connection 18 can, for example, be formed by a screw 18s which can be engaged with a threaded section 18g in a mating threaded section 14g of the second block element 14. A through-hole 12d is provided in the first block element 12, through which a shank 18t of the screw 18s is guided. A blind hole 14s is provided in the second block connecting element 14, which has the mating threaded section 14g.

[0029] Of course, the screw connection 18 can also be formed by a screw-nut connection, in which, for example, a nut rests on an outside of the second block element 14, whereby in such a case a through hole must also be provided in the second block element 14.

[0030] For the sake of completeness, it should also be noted that the screw connection 18 may have a washer 18u and / or a further sealing element arranged between a screw head 18k and the first block element 12.

[0031] With respect to a main flow direction SR of a fluid between the first fluid line section 12f of the first block element 12 and the second fluid line section 14f of the second block element 14, a connecting space 20 through which fluid can flow or through which fluid flows is formed. AUDI AG 6 P24381

[0032] The screw connection 18 has a screw connection axis SA that extends through the connection space 20.

[0033] Fig. 1 also shows that the connecting space 20 has a first sub-space 201, which is formed in the first block element 12, and a second sub-space 202, which is formed in the second block element 14.

[0034] A boundary or boundary area between the respective fluid line section 12f, 14f and the connecting space 20 or the respective subspace 201, 202 can, for example, lie in the area of ​​a change in the flow cross-section in the respective block element 12, 14, which is indicated by the areas G marked with cross hatching by the two cross hatched lines.

[0035] The first sub-chamber 201 and the second sub-chamber 202 have an identical flow cross-section in the area of ​​the at least one sealing element 16. This allows the two block elements 12, 14 with their respective sub-chambers 201, 202 to be arranged next to each other, so that the connecting chamber 20 of the block connection arrangement 10 is formed.

[0036] The first fluid line section 12f has a first line axis L1, and the second fluid line section 14f has a second line axis L2. The first line axis L1 and the second line axis L2 are each inclined to the screw connection axis SA, in the example of Fig. 1 in particular forming an angle of 45°.

[0037] In the connected state of the first block element 12 and the second block element 14 shown in Fig. 1, the shaft 18t of the screw connection 18 or of the screw 18s runs through the connection space 20, wherein the shaft is able to be or is surrounded by fluid.

[0038] Further examples of block connection arrangements 10 are described below with reference to Figures 2 to 6. Figures 2 to 6 show sectional views and corresponding top views of block connection arrangements. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used in Figures 2 to 6 as in Figure 1. Accordingly, not all elements of the respective block connection arrangement 10 are described for each of Figures 2 to 6; instead, the description for Figure 1 can be referred to. It should be noted that the at least one sealing element 16 is not explicitly shown in Figures 2 to 6, even though at least one sealing element 16 is present in each block connection arrangement 10 shown in Figures 2 to 6.

[0039] The block connection arrangement 10 of Fig. 2 is similar to that of Fig. 1. However, the connection space 20 is inclined to the axes L1, L2 of the two fluid line sections 12f, 14f. In other words, the two fluid line sections 12f, 14f are arranged at different positions or heights relative to the screw connection 18. In the example of Fig. 2, the axes L1, L2 are also inclined to the screw connection axis SA; in particular, in this example they form an angle of 90°, or L1 and L2 are orthogonal to the screw connection axis SA.

[0040] In the block connection arrangement 10 of Fig. 3, the two fluid line sections 12f, 14f are aligned towards the same side. The connection space 20 therefore enables a kind of flow deflection. As in the example of Fig. 2, the two fluid line sections 12f, 14f are arranged at different positions or heights relative to the screw connection 18. In the example of Fig. 3, the line axes L1, L2 are also inclined to the screw connection axis SA; in particular, in this example they form an angle of 90°, or L1 and L2 are aligned orthogonally to the screw connection axis SA.

[0041] Figure 4 shows a block connection arrangement 10 in sub-figures A) and B), wherein the two block elements 12, 14 are arranged in different orientations relative to each other. In particular, it can be seen from Figure 4 that the first block element 12 and the second block element 14 AUDI AG 8 P24381 can be oriented and fixed in different rotational positions relative to each other about the screw connection axis SA.

[0042] In Fig. 4A, the fluid line sections 12f, 14f and their line axes L1, L2 are aligned such that they face the same side of the block connection arrangement 10. Similar to the example in Fig. 3, the connection space 20 allows for a kind of flow deflection of the fluid.

[0043] In Fig. 4B, the fluid line sections 12f, 14f and their line axes L1, L2 are aligned such that they face opposite sides of the block connection assembly 10. Compared to Fig. 4A, the second block element 14 is rotated 180° around the screw connection axis SA.

[0044] Figures 4A and 4B also show that the first sub-chamber 201 and the second sub-chamber 202 have an identical flow cross-section in the area of ​​the at least one sealing element (not shown here). Thus, the sub-chambers 201 and 202 can be rotated relative to each other about the screw connection axis in any desired position. In other words, the first block element 12 and the second block element 14 can be arranged in any rotational position relative to each other about the screw connection axis SA and fixed to each other in a desired rotational position by means of the screw connection (not shown here).

[0045] Figure 5 shows a block connection arrangement 10 in sub-figures A) and B), wherein the two block elements 12, 14 are arranged in different orientations relative to each other. In particular, it can be seen from Figure 5 that the first block element 12 and the second block element 14 can be oriented and fixed in different rotational positions relative to each other about the screw connection axis SA.

[0046] In Fig. 5A, the fluid line sections 12f, 14f and their line axes L1, L2 are aligned such that they face the same side of the block connection arrangement 10. Similar to the example in Fig. 3, the connection space 20 allows for a kind of flow deflection of the fluid.

[0047] In Fig. 5B, the fluid line sections 12f, 14f and their line axes L1, L2 are aligned such that they face opposite sides of the block connection assembly 10. Compared to Fig. 5A, the first block element 12 is rotated 180° around the screw connection axis SA.

[0048] Figures 5A and 5B also show that the first sub-chamber 201 and the second sub-chamber 202 have an identical flow cross-section in the area of ​​the at least one sealing element (not shown here). Thus, the sub-chambers 201 and 202 can be rotated relative to each other about the screw connection axis in any desired orientation. In other words, the first block element 12 and the second block element 14 can be arranged in any rotational position relative to each other about the screw connection axis SA and fixed to each other in a desired rotational position by means of the screw connection (not shown here).

[0049] From the combined view of the examples in Figures 1 to 5, it is also evident that the connecting chamber 20 and the two sub-chambers 201 and 202 can have different internal contours. In particular, each internal contour of the connecting chamber 20 can be designed such that as little flow resistance as possible arises when flowing around the screw 18s or the screw shaft 18t, so that local changes in the flow conditions and / or pressure conditions in the fluid can be kept to a minimum, or are dimensioned such that the integration of the block connection arrangement 10 into a high-pressure hydraulic circuit, such as a refrigeration system, does not lead to any significant reductions in the efficiency of the high-pressure circuit.

[0050] What was said with reference to Figs. 4 and 5 regarding the rotation of the block elements 12, 14 about the screw connection axis SA is also applicable to the examples of the block connection arrangements 10 of Figs. 1 to 3, AUDI AG 10 P24381, even though no different rotational positions of the respective block connection arrangement 10 are shown in Figs. 1 to 3.

[0051] Figure 6 shows a highly simplified and schematic illustration of a refrigerant circuit 50 of a refrigeration system 52 in a motor vehicle 60. The refrigeration system 52, or the refrigerant circuit 50, can have at least one block connection arrangement 10 as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

Claims

AUDI AG 11 P24381 PATENT CLAIMS:

1. Block connection arrangement (10) for a hydraulic high-pressure system, in particular a refrigeration system (52) of a motor vehicle (60), comprising a first block element (12) having a first fluid line section (12f) and a second block element (14) having a second fluid line section (14f), wherein the first fluid line section (12f) and the second fluid line section (14f) can be connected or are connected to each other with at least one sealing element (16) in between, a screw connection (18) which is configured to connect the first block element (12) and the second block element (14) to each other, characterized in that, with respect to a main flow direction (SR) of a fluid, a connection space (20) through which fluid can flow or is flowed through is formed between the first fluid line section (12f) of the first block element (12) and the second fluid line section (14f) of the second block element (14).wherein the screw connection (18) has a screw connection axis (SA) which extends through the connection space (20).

2. Block connection arrangement (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the connection space (20) has a first subspace (201 ) formed in the first block element (12) and a second subspace (202) formed in the second block element (14).

3. Block connection arrangement (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first subspace (201 ) and the second subspace (202) have an identical flow cross-section in the area of ​​the at least one sealing element (16).

4. Block connection arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first block element (12) AUDI AG 12 P24381 and the second block element (14) can be oriented and fixed in different rotational positions relative to each other around the screw connection axis (SA).

5. Block connection arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fluid line section (12f) has a first line axis (L1 ) and that the second fluid line section (14f) has a second line axis (L2), wherein the first line axis (L1 ) and the second line axis (L2) are inclined to the screw connection axis (SA), in particular forming an angle of 45° to 90°.

6. Block connection arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a connected state of the first block element (12) and the second block element (14) a shaft (18t) of the screw connection (18) extends through the connection space (20), wherein the shaft (18t) is capable of being or is subject to fluid flow.

7. Refrigeration system (52) for a motor vehicle (60) comprising a refrigerant circuit (50) and comprising at least one block connection arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged in the refrigerant circuit.

8. Motor vehicle (60) with an internal combustion engine and / or electric drive and with a refrigeration system (52) according to claim 7.

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