DE102013212629A1 - Connecting element for form-fit connection of connecting pipe with connecting piece of heat exchangers, has leg including U-profile in end region, and another leg form-fit connected with former leg, where U-profile is opened into latter leg - Google Patents

Abstract

The element (1) has two legs (2, 3) provided with multiple half shell-like, radially inwardly aligned elements (7). One of the legs (2) includes a U-profile (6) in an end region (4). The U-profile is opened into the other leg (3). The latter leg is form-fit connected with the former leg, and includes another end region (5), which projects above the U-shaped end region of the former leg and is bendable around the U-shaped end region of the former leg. The connecting element is made of metal, plastic, or metal-plastic-hybrid composite. An independent claim is also included for a connecting element arrangement.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a connecting element for positive connection, in particular a pipe with a connecting piece, wherein the connecting element has two legs, each having a plurality of half-shell-like, radially inwardly directed elements.

State of the art

Connecting pipes to heat exchangers must be tightly connected for operation with the heat exchangers. Pipe for connection to heat exchanger white today usually a molded outward bead in their end on.

The heat exchanger usually have a nozzle with a circumferential flange. To connect a sealing means, in particular an O-ring is inserted over the end region of the tube to the outwardly standing bead. The prepared pipe can then be inserted into the socket, where the outward beading comes to rest on the flange of the heat exchanger. Over the flange and the bead of the tube, a connecting element is then pushed, which at least partially surrounds the flange and the bead and fixes the two parts to each other.

To secure the connecting element often a screw is used or it is completely dispensed with the fuse element.

A disadvantage of the prior art, in particular the additional parts cost, if a screw is used for backup. In the case of the waiver of a fuse element may lead to incorrect assembly or that the connecting element automatically loosens again.

Presentation of the invention, object, solution, advantages

Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a connecting element which, without the use of additional elements, enables a secure connection, in particular with regard to automatic release of the connecting element, between pipes and heat exchangers and is easy to assemble.

The object of the present invention is achieved by a connecting element having the features according to claim 1. Advantageous developments of the present invention are described in the subclaims.

Advantageously, a connecting element for the positive connection, in particular a tube having a connecting piece, wherein the connecting element has two legs, each having a plurality of half-shell-like, radially inwardly directed elements, wherein the first leg in its end region open to the second leg towards U Profile and the second leg is positively connected to the first leg.

By the radially inwardly directed half-shell-like elements, the connecting element can be placed particularly advantageous over a joint between a pipe and a nozzle. The assembly is facilitated.

It is also expedient if the end region of the second leg protrudes beyond the U-shaped end region of the first leg and is bendable about the end region of the first leg or is elastically fixable on the end region of the first leg.

As a result, the connecting element can be closed very easily without the use of special tools.

It is also advantageous if the end region of the first leg has a respective hook-like element at the opposite sections of the opened U-profile.

This design can be particularly easy to produce and also offers a particularly easy mounting option, since no additional deformation of the closure area is necessary.

Furthermore, it is preferable if the second leg is at least partially hineinindrückbar in the U-profile of the first leg and is fixed by the hook-like elements of the U-profile in this.

By the design of the second leg so that it can be pushed into the U-profile of the first leg, an advantageous assembly can be achieved.

It is also desirable if the first leg has a first opening in the surface of its U-profile.

It is also expedient if the second leg has a hook-like element in its end region, with which it can be fixed in the first opening of the U-profile by hooking and / or bending.

Due to the arrangement of the first opening and the formation of the hook-like element, the legs can be particularly easily connected to each other, so that the connecting element is closed. It requires no further deformation of the end portions of the connecting element.

It is also desirable if the opposing portions of the opened U-profile of the first leg are partially or completely bendable inwards.

With this design of the second leg, the two legs can advantageously bring each other into a positive connection, without the first leg would have to be specially designed.

It is also advantageous if the opposing sections of the opened U-profile of the first leg have inwardly bendable tongues.

The tongues represent a simple form of fixing the two legs. Advantageously, the tongues are already preformed during the production of the connecting element so that the fixation of the second leg is easy to achieve.

It is also expedient if the first end region has projections on the opposite sections of the U-profile, which are bendable inwards.

As a result, a simple fixation of the second leg on the first leg is possible because the bending of the projections without the use of special tools is feasible.

Also advantageous is an arrangement of a connecting element, with a pipe and a nozzle, wherein the tube has a circumferential outwardly projecting bead and is inserted into a socket with at least one partially circumferential flange, wherein the outwardly standing bead of the tube and the flange of the Stutzens at least partially by the connecting element is comprehensive.

It is also expedient if the connecting element consists of a metal, a plastic or a composite material, in particular a metal-plastic hybrid composite.

It is also expedient if in the connection element in the embodiment as plastic or composite material, the connection is made to the legs by a Klips- or snap-in connection or by a Heißnietverbindung.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the following description of the figures and by the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following the invention will be explained in detail by means of an embodiment with reference to the drawing. In the drawing show:

1 a perspective view of a connecting element in the open state,

2 a perspective view of a connecting element in the closed state with an inventive fixation of the legs together,

3 to 6 each a perspective detail view of an end portion of a leg of the connecting element in the open state, and one or more detail views in the closed state,

7 a perspective view of the end portions of two legs in the closed state of the connecting element, and two sections through the end portions of the two legs, and

8th a detailed perspective view of an end portion of a leg of the connecting element in the open state, and a detailed view in the closed state.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

The 1 shows a perspective view of a connecting element 1 in the open state. The connecting element 1 essentially has two legs 2 . 3 on. The two thighs 2 . 3 each have different end regions 4 . 5 on. The thigh 2 . 3 are essentially half shell-like elements 7 which is directed radially inward along the outer radius of the connecting element 1 are arranged, formed.

The first leg 2 of the connecting element 1 points in its end area 4 a U-shaped inward profile 6 on. The second leg 3 points in its end area 5 one of the same material as the rest of the connecting element 1 manufactured end area 5 on, which is deformable at its end.

The connecting element 1 can be bent together by applying an inward force together so that the end areas 4 . 5 get in touch with each other. In this case, the half-shell-like radially inwardly elements 7 that of the connecting element 1 to comprehensive elements. For the sake of clarity are in the 1 to 8th these elements are not shown.

It is a tube with an outward circumferential bead which in a socket, which has at least one partially circumferential flange, can be inserted. Both the bead of the tube and the partially circumferential flange of the nozzle are of the half-shell-like radially inwardly directed elements 7 of the connecting element 1 includes. By squeezing the thighs 2 . 3 of the connecting element 1 become the end areas 4 . 5 brought into contact with each other and so the bead or the partially circumferential flange of the nozzle of the connecting element 1 includes.

The end area 4 of the first thigh 2 is as a U-shaped profile 6 educated. This U-shaped profile 6 is towards the second leg 3 with its end area 5 open.

The 2 shows a perspective view of the connecting element 1 which already in 1 is shown in the open state. In 2 is the connecting element 1 now shown in closed state.

For fixing the connecting element 1 in its closed state becomes the end region 5 of the second leg 3 so around the end area 4 of the first thigh 2 bent that end areas 4 . 5 are fixed to each other.

In the shown here 2 becomes the end area 5 in the U-shaped profile 6 of the end region 4 bent and then the over the end area 4 of the first thigh 2 protruding part of the end area 5 of the second leg 3 around the end area 4 of the first thigh 2 bent.

In the 1 and 2 illustrated half-shell-like radially inwardly directed elements 7 are arranged on the connecting element, that they also after closing the connecting element 1 not with the respective adjacent half-shell-like radially inwardly directed element 7 get in direct contact.

By this spacing of the half-shell-like elements 7 is guaranteed that the connecting element 1 without mutual jamming of the shell-like elements 7 is closable.

The Elements 7 are advantageous on the top and / or bottom of the legs 2 . 3 arranged, with the elements 7 are difficult to see on the underside because they are shorter than the elements 7 on the top of your radial extent depends on the dimensions of the pipe bead and nozzle, z. B. on a water tank of a heat exchanger or other part to be connected.

The 3 shows in the left half a detail view of the end area 4 of the first thigh 2 , For clarity, the connecting element in comparison to the 1 and 2 rotated through 180 °, thus giving an insight into the U-shaped profile 6 of the end region 4 of the thigh 2 is possible.

In the left half of the 3 it can be seen that the U-shaped profile 6 of the end region 4 at its opposite ends in each case a hook-like element 8th having.

In the right part of the 3 are two cuts through the end areas 4 . 5 shown. It is shown in both sections as the second leg 3 of the connecting element 1 in the first thigh 2 is pressed in.

The second leg 3 is doing so by applying a force in the end 4 of the first thigh 2 pushed. After the end area 5 of the second leg 3 on the hook-like elements 8th is pushed past, this is fixed in the U-shaped profile 6 of the end region 4 of the first thigh 2 fixed.

In the right section are the hook-like elements 8th Oriented so that they insertion chamfers for the end 5 form. These support the threading of the end area 5 in the end area 4 , By pressing in the end area 5 become the hook-like elements 8th momentarily up or down deflected, creating a sufficiently large passage for the end 5 is produced.

The hook-like elements 8th form thereby for the in the end area 4 indented end area 5 an abutment. Due to the orientation of the insertion bevels of the hook-like elements 8th is an unwanted slipping out of the end area 5 difficult. The chamfers of the hook-like elements 8th are oriented so that they have a tapered passage towards the center of the end region 4 form.

In the left section of the 3 are the hook-like elements 8th oriented in the opposite direction to the right cut. The chamfers of the hook-like elements 8th are oriented so that there is an expanding passage towards the center of the end region 4 results. The pressing in of the end area 5 in the end area 4 can also through a short-term deflection of the hook-like elements 8th be achieved.

In alternative embodiments, it is also conceivable that the hook-like elements 8th only over a certain partial area of the end area 4 are arranged. Likewise, alternative embodiments of the hook-like end portions 8th conceivable.

The 4 shows in its left half an execution of the end area 4 with an arrangement of a respective hook-like element on the opposite sides of the profile 6 , The in the left part of the 4 shown elements consist of projections 13 which are arranged on the opposite sides of the U-shaped profile, which have been bent inwardly to form V-shaped hooks.

In an alternative design, which in the middle of the 4 is shown, one-sided or bilateral projections 13 slit-shaped recesses 14 be provided, which is a simpler Auslenkbarkeit the projections 13 allow. This slit-like recesses 14 may be arranged on the two opposite sides of the U-shaped profile or only on one of the sides.

In the right part of the 4 is similar to that 3 the state shown in the second leg 3 , in particular with its end region 5 , in the U-shaped profile 6 of the end region 4 was pressed into it. The U-shaped profile 6 preferably has a flat surface between the two opposite sections in the longitudinal direction. During the pushing in process, the hook-like elements become 8th continue to bend inwards until the end area 5 of the second leg 3 was passed to this. The then slightly springing back hook-like elements 8th block the end area 5 of the second leg 3 so in the U-shaped profile 6 of the end region 4 ,

In alternative embodiments, the in 4 shown hook-like elements over a longer portion of the end portion 4 be arranged. Likewise, it is conceivable a majority of these hook-like elements 8th at the opposite portions of the U-shaped profile 6 to arrange.

The 5 shows in the left half the end area 4 such as 5 the thigh 2 such as 3 , The end area 4 of the first thigh 2 has an opening 9 in that, the end area 5 of the thigh 3 opposite section on.

The end area 5 in turn has a hook-like end portion 10 on. in the 5 For this purpose, the end region is angled inward by 90 ° for this purpose and the 90 ° inwardly angled surface of the end region in turn bent in a v-shaped angle to the outside, so that an S-shaped curve of the end 5 results.

The end area 5 is now with its hook-like end area 10 through the opening 9 of the end region 4 feasible and can be there at the edges of the opening 9 at the end area 4 be clamped or elastically spring back. When elastic spring back no additional tools are required for installation and there are only low closing forces necessary.

In alternative embodiments, it is also conceivable that the hook-like end portion 10 of the end region 5 arranged so that it is in the end area 4 or in the opening 9 of the end region 4 at one of the other 3 edges of the opening 9 digs into it.

The 6 shows a representation similar to the 5 , but now is the hook-like end 10 of the end region 5 formed by a right angle. The connection is now the end area 5 in the U-shaped profile 6 of the end region 4 pressed, causing the hook-like end portion 10 through the opening 9 pierces. The hook-like end portion may then be on the outside of the end portion 4 be bent so that the two legs are fixed together.

In alternative embodiments, it is analogous to 5 also conceivable that the hook-like end portion around one of the other edges of the opening 9 is bent or elastically spring back.

Furthermore, it can be provided in alternative embodiments, that the hook-like end portion 10 after passing through the opening 9 either in addition to bending or instead of bending by impressing a notch 15 is compressed such that an unwanted slipping out of the hook-like end portion 10 out of the opening 9 is avoided. Alternatively, the hook-like end portion 10 be deformed by upsetting or twisting such that an accidental slipping out of the opening 9 is avoided. At the bottom of the 6 an embodiment is shown in which the hook-like end portion 10 by introducing a notch 15 in the opening 9 is fixed.

The 7 shows in the upper areas a perspective view of the end portion 4 with the end area lying in it 5 , The end area 5 is in the U-shaped profile 6 of the end region 4 fixed by that from the opposite sections of the U-shaped profile 6 tongues 11 let it out. The tongues 11 block the end area 5 the way up out of the U-shaped profile 6 of the end region 4 ,

The tongues 11 are here from the opposite sections of the U-shaped profile 6 punched out.

In the lower two pictures of the 7 is in each case a section through the end regions 4 and 5 shown. The cut takes place at the level of the tongues 11 , The picture shown in the lower left in the 7 corresponds to the perspective image shown in the upper area 7 , The section shown at the bottom right represents a modification in which the U-shaped profile 6 of the end region 4 has an additional bead in the lower area. The fixation of the end area 5 in the end area 4 works on the same principle.

In alternative embodiments, it is also conceivable that the tongues 11 by a method other than stamping from the sections of the U-shaped profile 6 be removed for example by bending the side surfaces with a tool. Likewise, another embodiment of the U-shaped profile 6 , for example by further beads conceivable.

The 8th shows in its left half again a perspective view of the end 4 or the U-shaped profile 6 of the end region 4 , In the in 8th variant shown have the opposite portions of the U-shaped profile 6 additional projections 12 out. The end area 5 The other leg can be so in the U-shaped end 4 push in and then by bending down the projections 12 fix in this.

In the right half of the 8th is a section through the end area 4 with the end region fixed in it 5 shown.

In alternative embodiments, it is also conceivable that the projections 12 over a longer section of the end area 4 run, as well as the arrangement of several projections would be conceivable.

For prefixing indentations may be provided on the side legs. Through this the thigh becomes 5 held up by bending the elements 12 . 11 . 10 . 8th ... etc. a secure fixation has taken place.

In an alternative solution, the connector is made of plastic or a composite material, for. B. metal-plastic hybrid composite. On the thighs 2 and 3 is between each element 7 and 7 ' ( 7 on the top, 7 ' on the bottom) an elasticity exists. This allows the element to slide easily over the junction. Instead of hooks can then be arranged appropriately designed plastic-friendly clips. As a result, the connection is assembled without tools.

Alternatively, the compound can be secured exclusively or additionally by thermal influence. However, preference is given to fixation cold tool-free method taking advantage of elasticity and positive locking without additional fasteners such as rivets screws. Alternatively, in the case of metallic elements, the connection can be secured by bending over, compressing, twisting, etc.

Claims (13)

Connecting element ( 1 ) for the positive connection, in particular a pipe with a connecting piece, wherein the connecting element ( 1 ) two legs ( 2 . 3 ), each having a plurality of half-shell-like, radially inwardly directed elements ( 7 ), characterized in that the first leg ( 2 ) in its end region ( 4 ) to the second leg ( 3 ) open U-profile ( 6 ) and the second leg ( 3 ) with the first leg ( 2 ) is connectable. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the end region ( 5 ) of the second leg ( 3 ) over the U-shaped end region ( 4 ) of the first leg ( 2 ) and around the end region ( 4 ) of the first leg ( 2 ) bendable or at the end area ( 4 ) of the first leg ( 2 ) is elastically fixable. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the end region ( 4 ) of the first leg ( 2 ) at the opposite portions of the opened U-profile ( 6 ) one hook-like element each ( 8th ) having. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the second leg ( 3 ) at least partially into the U-profile ( 6 ) of the first leg ( 2 ) and by the hook-like elements ( 8th ) of the U-profile ( 6 ) is fixable in this. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first leg ( 2 ) in the surface of its U-profile ( 6 ) a first opening ( 9 ) having. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second leg ( 3 ) a hook-like end region ( 10 ), with which the second leg ( 3 ) in the first opening ( 9 ) of the U-profile ( 6 ) Can be fixed by hooking and / or bending. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the hook-like end region ( 10 ) by introducing a notch ( 15 ) and / or by swaging the end region ( 10 ) and / or the twisting of the end region ( 10 ) on the first leg ( 2 ) is fixable. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the opposing portions of the opened U-profile ( 6 ) of the first leg ( 2 ) are partially or completely bendable inwards. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the opposing portions of the opened U-profile ( 6 ) of the first leg ( 2 ) inwardly bendable tongues ( 11 ) exhibit. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first end region ( 4 ) at the opposite sections of the U-profile ( 6 ) Projections ( 12 ), which are bendable inwards. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element ( 1 ) consists of a metal, a plastic or a composite material, in particular a metal-plastic hybrid composite exists. Connecting element ( 1 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that in the connecting element ( 1 ) in the embodiment as plastic or composite material, the connection to the legs ( 4 . 5 ) by a clip or snap connection or by a Heißnietverbindung. Arrangement of a connecting element ( 1 ), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, with a pipe and a neck, characterized in that the tube has a circumferential, outwardly projecting bead and is inserted into a neck with at least one partially circumferential flange, wherein the outwardly standing bead of Pipe and the flange of the nozzle at least partially by the connecting element ( 1 ) are comprehensible.

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