DE102015217786A1 - Device for producing an axial connection, in particular in a refrigerant circuit of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (18) for producing an axial connection between pipelines (16) or between such and a line connection (58) of a component of a fluid circuit (4), in particular for producing axial connection in a refrigerant circuit of a motor vehicle, comprising a receiving flange part (16). 22) and a Einsetzflanschteil (20) and a sealing ring (46) and a single flange screw (36), wherein the flange (20, 22) in the axial connection with the interposition of the sealing ring (46) aligned fluid openings (28) as a passage for a Fluid (6), wherein the flange portions (20, 22) in the axial connection with each other and aligned with the fluid openings (28) at a radial distance (R1) arranged screw openings (34) for the single flange screw (36), wherein the receiving flange part ( 22) in the region of the fluid opening (28) facing away from the flange side (26) has an axially raised support approach (44) such that in the axial connection in the region of the sealing ring (46) a first support point (S1) and in the region of the support lug (44) to the first support point (S1) radially spaced second support point (S2) and between the support point (S1, S2) a radially extending axial gap (52) is formed.

Description

The invention relates to a device for producing an axial connection between pipelines or between such and a line connection of a component of a fluid circuit, in particular for producing an axial connection in a refrigerant circuit of a motor vehicle.

Connections between usually two pipes are designed either as a radial connection with radially acting pressing forces, or as an axial connection, in which the pressing forces for producing the sealing function of the connection act axially. Typical axial connections between pipes are realized by means of pipe clamps, which surround the circumference of the axially opposite or guided together pipe ends and clamped by a clamp screw. Such axial connections are for example from the DE 200 15 928 U1 known.

In motor vehicles air conditioning systems are installed regularly, which use a refrigerant circuit forming a conditioning the vehicle interior. Such systems basically have a circuit in which a refrigerant is performed. The refrigerant, such as R134A with an operating pressure of 20 to 25 bar, takes on an evaporator heat, is compressed by a compressor and then returns via a heat exchanger, the heat before it is passed through a throttle again to the evaporator. In between, the refrigerant is typically conducted in tubular and / or tubular conduits. For connecting two (pipe) lines and / or for connection to a valve or an aggregate radial or axial connections can be provided.

Typical refrigerants for such applications - such as R134A - are based on hydrofluorocarbon compounds. However, such refrigerants act as greenhouse gases, so that high sealing requirements are placed on the axial connections to minimize the escape of refrigerant. Conventional devices often have a comparatively large size and / or are welded fluid-tight in additional production steps. As a result, the manufacturing costs of such a refrigeration cycle system are disadvantageously increased.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for producing an axial connection for a fluid circuit, in particular for a refrigeration cycle of a motor vehicle, which is inexpensive to produce and in particular weight and space saving.

The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims.

The device according to the invention is intended to produce an axial connection between pipelines or between such and a line connection of a component of a fluid circuit, such as a refrigerant line, a line connection to the compressor, or the like. The device is particularly suitable and designed for producing an axial connection in a refrigeration cycle of a motor vehicle.

In the context of the invention, the axial connection is designed in particular as an axial flange connection. For this purpose, the device comprises a receiving flange part, a Einsetzflanschteil, a preferably disc-like sealing ring, and a single flange screw. The receiving flange part at least partially receives the insertion flange part in the area of fluid openings aligned with one another, wherein the flange parts in the axial connection with the interposition of the sealing ring have the fluid openings as a passage for the fluid.

The flange parts in the axial connection have screw holes aligned with each other and arranged at a radial distance to the fluid openings for the single flange screw. The receiving flange part has, in the region of a flange side remote from the fluid opening, an axially raised support extension. The support lug is arranged such that in the axial connection in the region of the sealing ring, a first support point and in the region of the support lug for the first support point radially spaced second support point for the Einsetzflanschteil is formed. As a result, a radially extending, preferably window-like, axial gap between the Einsetzflanschteil and the receiving flange part is formed between the support points.

In other words, the Einsetzflanschteil facing end face of the receiving flange is retracted relative to the support points, which results in the axial gap formed also a material saving, which has an advantageous effect on the desired low manufacturing cost of the device. Furthermore, a weld-free line connection is realized by screwing or screwing the flange, whereby the assembly in a refrigeration cycle is substantially simplified. Furthermore, the use of only a single flange screw further savings in terms of size and weight and a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the device.

In a preferred installation situation, the device is installed within a refrigerant circuit or a corresponding system of a motor vehicle, for example in the course of an air conditioning system. The device is equally suitable for a fluid-tight connection between two tubular or tubular lines, as well as between (pipe) lines and line connections of valves or units of the refrigerant circuit and the system. As a result, the device can be used essentially for each circulation connection point, which simplifies both the construction and the assembly of such a system with a refrigerant circuit. In cooperation with the space-saving size of the flange parts, the flexibility is thus favored in particular with regard to a modular structure of the system.

For this purpose, the elastic sealing ring on a high temperature resistance and fluid resistance against the guided in the refrigerant circuit refrigerant. As a result, the use of the device is made possible both in a high-pressure and low-pressure region or in both a cold and a warm region of the refrigerant circuit.

In a suitable development, the screw opening of the receiving flange part is spaced from the support shoulder in such a way that the single flange screw runs in the axial connection to the support shoulder at a radial distance. This means that an opening edge of the screw opening of the receiving flange part is retracted relative to the support points.

Due to the increase thus formed, the support projection acts on a tightening of the single flange in the manner of a fishing or pivot point, whereby the Einsetzflanschteil acts in the screw-like lever-like manner on the first support point of the elastic sealing ring. As a result, a sufficiently high pressure or sealing pressure is exerted on the sealing ring by means of the clamping action of a single flange screw. Thus, a reliable and high fluid tightness of the device is ensured by means of a single flange screw.

In an advantageous embodiment, the axial gap in the axial connection is penetrated by the single flange screw. In other words, the screw opening of the receiving flange part (and thus the corresponding screw opening of the insert flange part) is not arranged in the region of the support shoulder, but essentially between the support shoulder and the fluid opening. As a result, the support lug can be made particularly narrow with respect to the radial direction of the fluid openings, which also allows material savings, and thus has an advantageous effect in terms of weight and cost savings of the device. Furthermore, the arrangement of the flange between the support points is particularly advantageous in view of the advantageous achieved leverage on the sealing ring, that is, in view of the producible Anpressbeziehungsweise seal pressure in the fluid openings of the flange axial connection.

In a preferred embodiment, the gap height of the axial gap is less than 3.5 mm. Preferably, the gap height is between 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm. In other words, the measured in the axial direction height of the support lug is less than 3.5 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm. As a result, a particularly compact and low-weight device is made possible.

In a suitable dimensioning of the radial distance between the opening axes of the openings of the flange, that is in particular the radial distance between a center of the screw holes and a center of the fluid openings, between 14 mm and 35 mm, the radial distance is preferably selected between 18 mm and 22 mm is. Thereby 1st a sufficient radial distance between the screw holes and the fluid openings provided, which is selected as short as possible on the one hand for the purpose of a compact design as compact as possible. On the other hand, the radial distance is sufficiently long to bring a tool safely to the screw head of the single flange screw and operate them (intended tightening) as intended, without the tool while the connected piping or line connections of the (components collides.

In an advantageous development, the insertion flange part carries the sealing ring surrounding the fluid opening, wherein the sealing ring partially rests in the axial connection in an annular groove of the receiving flange part. For this purpose, the insertion flange part has, for example, a hollow cylindrical projection (spout element) in the region of the fluid opening, which is accommodated in the axial connection at least partially in the fluid opening of the receiving flange part. The sealing ring is expediently placed on the hollow cylindrical projection, wherein the annular groove surrounds the fluid opening of the receiving flange part. As a result, a structurally simple and particularly fluid-tight device is realized.

In a suitable development form of the hollow cylindrical approach in the course of a Assembly at least partially inserted into the fluid opening of the receiving flange. As a result, on the one hand, the assembly is facilitated because a simplified positioning of the flange and thus in particular the alignment of the screw holes is realized in terms of screwing. On the other hand, hollow cylindrical projection in the inserted state is preferably in a form-fitting manner on an inner wall of the fluid opening of the receiving flange part, whereby the fluid-tightness of the device is further improved.

In a suitable embodiment, the screw opening of the receiving flange part has an internal thread for screwing the single flange screw. Preferably, the screw hole of the Einsetzflanschteils no internal thread, so that in a screw only compressive forces, but no significant torsional forces act on the Einsetzflanschteil.

In order to produce the highest possible sealing pressure, it is necessary for the internal thread to withstand a correspondingly high tensile load during the screw fastening. In particular, in the case of a fault, for example in the event of overloading during the screwing, a sequence of failures should be observed in which initially a shank of the flange bolt breaks before damage to the internal thread occurs. This requires a certain minimum height with respect to the axial height of the receiving flange part, or a certain minimum depth of a screwing or thread depth of the internal thread.

In a suitable embodiment, the Einsetzflanschteil has a smaller axial height than the Aufnahmeflanschteil, especially since the screw hole of the Einsetzflanschteils is exposed to any tensile stress in the screw. The Einsetzflanschteil has in particular an axial height between 3 mm and 12 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 8 mm, wherein the Aufnahmeflanschteil particular an axial height between greater than 3 mm and less than or equal to 16 mm, preferably between 9 mm and 12 mm , However, the receiving flange portion should always have a greater axial height than the Einsetzflanschteil to meet the requirements in terms of the order of failure.

The Einsetzflanschteil is on the one hand designed to minimize material and weight in terms of its axial height as small as possible. On the other hand, however, the Einsetzflanschteil here has a sufficient axial height, so that in the screw no inelastic deformation of the Einsetzflanschteils occurs. In the context of the invention, the Einsetzflanschteil is thus acted upon in the screw only with compressive forces exerted by a bending moment of the Einsetzflanschteils the sealing leverage on the sealing ring.

In a particularly material-saving embodiment, the flange parts have an approximately oval cross-sectional shape or surface tapering from the fluid opening to the screw opening. The fluid opening has a larger diameter compared to the screw opening, so that the largest possible volume flow through the axial connection is made possible in a mounting situation. This means that the flange parts are narrower in radial distance from the fluid opening, whereby the oval cross-sectional shape results expediently. As a result, the device is particularly weight-saving and inexpensive to produce.

The diameter of the fluid openings is dimensioned for example in the ½ '', ¾ '', 3/8 '', or 5/8 '' dimension, wherein as a diameter preferably in particular a ½ '' or ¾ '' dimension is selected.

In an advantageous development, the single flange screw is an M6 screw, in particular made of an aluminum material. Additionally or alternatively, an M6 screw is used as a single flange screw even with a version of the fluid openings of the flange parts in the ¾ '' - measure. As a result, a particularly simple installation of the device in the course of a refrigerant circuit system is ensured. In particular, a screw unification is realized in this way, so that flange parts in the ½ '' dimension and in the ¾ 'dimension can equally be mounted by means of an M6 screw.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention is explained in detail with reference to a drawing. Show:

1 a schematic representation of a refrigeration cycle system of a motor vehicle,

2 3 shows a perspective view of a device for producing an axial connection with two flange parts and a flange screw,

3 in a perspective exploded view, the flange parts, and

4 in a lateral sectional view of the device.

Corresponding parts and sizes are always provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

In 1 is shown a portion of an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle. The air conditioning system includes a refrigeration cycle system 2 to Air conditioning of a vehicle interior. The refrigeration cycle plant 2 basically has a fluid circuit 4 in which a refrigerant 6 is performed as a fluid. During operation of the refrigeration cycle system 2 takes the refrigerant 6 on an evaporator 8th Heat up, by means of a compressor 10 compressed and then passes through a heat exchanger 12 Turn off the heat again before it has a choke 14 again to the evaporator 8th to be led. In between is the refrigerant 6 in tubular or pipe-like lines 16 led, for example, only a (pipe) line 16 is provided with a reference numeral in the figures. For the fluidic connection of two axially aligned pipes 16 are four devices 18 installed for producing in each case an axial connection in the refrigeration cycle system.

The 2 shows an embodiment of such a device 18 , with an insert flange part (male) 20 put into a receiving flange part (female) 22 at least partially usable. The device 18 serves in a typical mounting situation for fluid-tight axial connection, for example between two pipes 16 of the fluid circuit 4 , This is a first pipeline 16 to the Einsetzflanschteil 20 and a second pipeline 16 to the receiving flange part 22 connected. For connecting a pipeline 16 to a component of the fluid circuit 4 is the pipeline 16 preferably to the Einsetzflanschteil 20 and the receiving flange part 22 to the component - in 1 by way of example in the form of the evaporator 8th - coupled, held or integral part thereof.

The flange parts 20 . 22 are cylindrical with an oval-shaped, in particular approximately bird-shaped, cross-sectional area with a comparatively blunt flange face 24 and a comparatively sharp flange face 26 designed. The flange ends 24 . 26 form substantially the opposite narrow sides of the cross-sectional area, which, starting from the flange side 24 to the flange side 26 tapered, the flange parts 20 . 22 are made of a light metal material, in particular of an aluminum material. Measured along an axial direction A is an (axial) height H _{1 of} the receiving flange part 22 approximately twice as high as an (axial) height H _{2 of} the Einsetzflanschteils 20 ,

As especially related to 3 becomes clear are in the area of the blunt flange face 24 in each case a cylinder-like fluid opening 28 in the form of an axial through hole in alignment with the flange parts 20 . 22 brought in. The approximately focal point on the flange front 24 arranged fluid opening 28 Used in the assembled state as a fluid flow for the refrigerant 6 ,

As in particular in 3 is apparent is to the Einsetzflanschteil 20 at the receiving flange part 22 facing end face 30 in the area of the fluid opening 28 a hollow cylinder-like approach (spout) 32 formed. The approach 32 is in the assembled state - as in 4 becomes clear - essentially form-fitting of the fluid opening 28 of the receiving flange part 22 added.

In the area of the focal point of the pointed flange side 26 is an interlocking screw opening 34 the flange parts 20 and 22 brought in. The screw hole 34 points with respect to the fluid opening 28 a first radial distance R ₁ . The radial distance R ₁ refers to a radial distance measured transversely to the axial direction A with respect to an opening axis O _{1 of} the screw opening 34 to an opening axis O _{2 of} the fluid opening 28 , In the assembled state, the flange parts 20 and 22 by means of a single, in the screw hole 32 screwed flange screw 36 mechanically fixed together, but releasably joined.

For the purpose of improved screw fastening is between a head of the flange screw 36 and one of the face 30 opposite end face 38 the insertion flange part 20 a washer or washer 40 arranged. The flange screw 36 is a metric M6 screw, with the screw hole 34 of the receiving flange part 22 expediently a complementary (metric M6) internal thread 42 having. The flange screw 36 is preferably made of an aluminum material, whereby the device 18 is particularly low in weight.

The receiving flange part 22 points in the area of the flange side 26 a raised in the axial direction A support approach 44 on. On the hollow cylindrical approach 32 is in the assembled state - or in the axial connection - a disc-shaped sealing ring 46 plugged the fluid opening 28 thus surrounds annular.

In particular in connection with the 4 becomes clear, lies the sealing ring 46 in the assembled state in an annular groove 48 of the receiving flange part 22 at least partially. With respect to an insert flange part 20 facing end face 50 of the receiving flange part 22 is the ring groove 48 retracted in such a manner that an opening edge of the fluid opening 28 of the receiving flange part 22 opposite the face 50 is lowered axially.

In the axial connection is in the range of the sealing ring 46 a first support point S ₁ , and in the region of the support extension 44 one to the support point S ₁ spaced at a radial distance R second support point S ₂ formed. As in 4 it can be seen stand the support points S ₁ , S _{2 of} the end face 50 such that in the axial connection a radially extending, approximately window-like axial gap 52 is formed with a gap height x. The gap height x is essentially given by the axial height of the support lug 44 in relation to the face 50 , The axial gap 52 is in the axial connection of the flange screw 36 interspersed, with the support approach 44 with respect to the screw hole 34 has a radial distance R ₂ .

The radial distance R ₂ is measured from the opening axis O _{2 of} the fluid opening 28 to a central axis M of the support approach 44 formed area. Accordingly, the radial distance R ₂ refers to the distance between the opening axis O _{1 of} the screw opening 34 to the center axis M of the support lug 44 , The opening axes O ₁ , O ₂ and the center axis M are oriented in the axial connection along the axial direction A.

As in the sectional view of 4 is comparatively clear, has the fluid opening 28 the insertion flange part 20 essentially two different sized inner diameter, wherein the inner diameter in the region of the end face 38 is sized larger. Due to the different inner diameter becomes a paragraph 54 formed in the assembled state as a stop point for an end of the pipeline 16 acts.

The fluid opening 28 of the receiving flange part 22 points instead of a paragraph 54 an undercut element 56 on. The face 50 facing edge of the undercut element 56 serves in particular as a stop point for the inserted hollow cylindrical approach 32 the insertion flange part 20 , The opposite edge is similar to the heel 54 as a lifting point for a pipe end of a pipeline 16 or a line connection 58 a component of the fluid circuit 4 executed.

When screwing or screwing the flange parts 20 and 22 pushes the head of the single flange screw 36 against the washer 40 , and thus compresses the Einsetzflanschteil 20 in the axial direction A to the receiving flange part 22 , By the face 50 projecting support points S ₁ and S _{2 in} this case a bending moment of the Einsetzflanschteils acts 20 on the sealing ring 46 so that the fluid opening 28 of the receiving flange part 22 opposite the hollow cylindrical approach 32 reliable and fluid-tight sealed.

In a suitable dimensioning has the Einsetzflanschteil 20 For example, a height H ₁ of 7 mm, and the receiving flange part 22 has a height H ₂ of about 11 mm. The height H _{1 of} the Einsetzflanschteils 20 is thus sized sufficiently large, so that when tightening the flange screw 36 no inelastic deformation of the insert flange part 20 occurs. The height H ₂ receiving flange part 22 is high enough to have a sufficiently deep screw or thread depth for the flange screw 36 so that a pressure or sealing pressure on the sealing ring 46 is reached by about 30 bar.

Preferably, the support approach stands 44 the face 50 about 1 mm above, that is, the gap height x in the axial connection is about 1 mm. The radial distance R ₁ between the fluid port 28 and the screw hole 34 is dimensioned to about 20 mm, wherein the radial distance R ₂ between the screw hole 34 and the brace 44 is about 5 mm.

The inner diameter of the fluid port 28 is preferably in the ½ '' dimension or in the ¾ '' dimension.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all the individual features described in connection with the exemplary embodiment can also be combined with each other in other ways, without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

For example, it is possible in the context of the invention, the support approach 44 to the Einsetzflanschteil 20 to arrange. It is essential that in the axial connection two radially spaced support points S ₁ and S ₂ and the axial gap 52 between the Einsetzflanschteil 20 and the receiving flange part 22 are formed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

Refrigeration cycle system

4

Fluid circuit

6

Refrigerant / fluid

8th

Evaporator

10

compressor

12

heat exchangers

14

throttle

16

management

18

contraption

20

Einsetzflanschteil / flange

22

Aufnahmeflanschteil / flange

24

flange face

26

flange face

28

fluid opening

30

face

32

hollow cylindrical neck / spout

34

screw opening

36

Flange

38

face

40

washer

42

inner thread

44

supporting extension

46

sealing ring

48

ring groove

50

face

52

axial gap

54

paragraph

56

Undercut element

58

line connection

A

axially

H ₁

height

H ₂

height

x

gap height

R

radial distance

R ₁

radial distance

R ₂

radial distance

O ₁

opening axis

O ₂

opening axis

M

central axis

S ₁

support point

S ₂

support point

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 20015928 U1 [0002]

Claims (12)

Contraption ( 18 ) for establishing an axial connection between pipelines ( 16 ) or between such and a line connection ( 58 ) a component of a fluid circuit ( 4 ), in particular for producing axial connection in a refrigerant circuit of a motor vehicle, comprising a receiving flange part ( 22 ) and a Einsetzflanschteil ( 20 ) and a sealing ring ( 46 ) and a single flange screw ( 36 ), - the flange parts ( 20 . 22 ) in the axial connection with the interposition of the sealing ring ( 46 ) aligned fluid openings ( 28 ) as passage for a fluid ( 6 ), - the flange parts ( 20 . 22 ) in the axial connection with each other and to the fluid openings ( 28 ) in a radial distance (R ₁ ) arranged screw holes ( 34 ) for the single flange screw ( 36 ), wherein the receiving flange part ( 22 ) in the region of one of the fluid openings ( 28 ) facing away from the flange ( 26 ) an axially raised support lug ( 44 ) such that in the axial connection in the region of the sealing ring ( 46 ) a first support point (S ₁ ) and in the region of the support projection ( 44 ) to the first support point (S ₁ ) radially spaced second support point (S ₂ ) and between the support point (S ₁ , S ₂ ) a radially extending axial gap ( 52 ) is formed. Contraption ( 18 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the screw opening ( 34 ) of the receiving flange part ( 22 ) to the support approach ( 44 ) is spaced such that the single flange screw ( 36 ) in the axial connection to the support lug ( 44 ) extends at a radial distance (R ₂ ). Contraption ( 18 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the single flange screw ( 36 ) in the axial connection the axial gap ( 52 ) interspersed. Contraption ( 18 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the gap height (x) of the axial gap (x) 52 ) is less than 3.5 mm, and preferably between 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm. Contraption ( 18 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the radial distance (R ₁ ) between the opening axes (O ₁ , O ₂ ) of the openings ( 28 . 34 ) of the flange parts ( 20 . 22 ) is between 14 mm and 35 mm, preferably between 18 mm and 22 mm. Contraption ( 18 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the Einsetzflanschteil ( 20 ) the fluid opening ( 28 ) surrounding sealing ring ( 46 ), which in the axial connection in an annular groove ( 48 ) of the receiving flange part ( 22 ) partially. Contraption ( 18 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the screw opening ( 34 ) of the receiving flange part ( 22 ) an internal thread ( 42 ) for screwing the single flange screw ( 36 ) having. Contraption ( 18 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the flange parts ( 20 . 22 ) is an approximately oval-shaped and starting from the fluid opening ( 28 ) for screw opening ( 34 ) have tapered cross-sectional shape. Contraption ( 18 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the Einsetzflanschteil ( 20 ) has a smaller axial height (H ₁ ) than the receiving flange part ( 22 ) having. Contraption ( 18 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the receiving flange part ( 22 ) has an axial height (H ₂ ) between greater than 3 mm and less than or equal to 16 mm, preferably between 9 mm and 12 mm. Contraption ( 18 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the Einsetzflanschteil ( 20 ) has an axial height (H ₁ ) between 3 mm and 12 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 8 mm. Contraption ( 18 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that - the single flange screw ( 36 ) is an M6 screw, in particular made of an aluminum material, and / or - that also in an embodiment of the fluid openings ( 28 ) of the flange parts ( 20 . 22 ) in the ½ '' dimension, in the 3/8 '' dimension, in the 5/8 '' dimension, and especially in the ¾ 'dimension, an M6 screw as the only flange screw ( 36 ) is used.

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