DE102020134165A1 - Vehicle heat exchanger having a flange connection device for connecting at least one socket - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle heat exchanger having a flange connection device for connecting at least one socket, the flange connection device having the following: - at least one flange receiving area (10) for receiving a flange (21) which is arranged on a socket (20), the Flange (21) has a multiplicity of flange teeth (22), preferably arranged radially, - a multiplicity of locking elements (12), which each extend over a base surface (15) of the flange receiving area (10) and are arranged in such a way that the flange teeth (22) can be introduced into the flange receiving area (10) through a space between the locking elements (12) and can be slid under the locking elements (12), preferably by rotating the socket (20).

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle heat exchanger with a flange connection device and a flange connection system for connecting at least one socket to a vehicle heat exchanger.

In known heat exchanger systems—such as for water heaters, for example—there is an interface (connecting device) from the basic unit to a coolant circuit, usually consisting of a contour on the heat exchanger for receiving one or more nozzles. A retaining plate - for example an aluminum die-cast part - is used to fasten the sockets, which must be screwed on.

With conventional heat exchanger systems, the sockets are first inserted into the retaining plate. The retaining plate with the sockets is fastened to the heat exchanger with a screw. O-rings located below the sockets are axially (compressed) in the force shunt to seal the interface.

Due to this axial compression of the O-rings via the socket and the retaining plate, the retaining plate is usually made of metal due to the (high) restoring forces or restoring moments that arise. A corresponding screw connection is designed as a direct screw connection made of metal. This usually leads to relatively large fluctuations in tightening torque.

On the one hand, the use of a metal plate and a corresponding screw connection is complex and therefore expensive to manufacture and increases the design complexity. On the other hand, there is a loss of quality due to the fluctuation in the tightening torque - for example with regard to the seal of the heat exchanger.

The object of the invention is therefore to simplify a flange connection between a heat exchanger and a socket. In particular, a vehicle heat exchanger with a flange connection device and a flange connection system for changing or connecting at least one socket (or its flange) should be specified that avoids the problems described above and reduces the design effort.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the objects according to claims 1, 9 and 15.

• mindestens einen Flanschaufnahmebereich, zur Aufnahme eines Flansches, der an einem Stutzen angeordnet ist, wobei der Flansch eine Vielzahl von, vorzugsweise radial angeordneten, Flanschzähnen aufweist,
• eine Vielzahl von Arretierelementen, die sich jeweils über eine Grundfläche des Flanschaufnahmebereichs erstrecken und derart angeordnet sind, dass die Flanschzähne durch einen Raum zwischen den Arretierelementen in den Flanschaufnahmebereich einbringbar und, vorzugsweise durch eine Drehung des Stutzens, unter die Arretierelemente schiebbar sind.

In particular, the object is achieved by a vehicle heat exchanger having a flange connection device for connecting at least one socket, the flange connection device having the following:

• at least one flange receiving area for receiving a flange which is arranged on a socket, the flange having a large number of flange teeth, preferably arranged radially,
• a plurality of locking elements, which each extend over a base area of the flange receiving area and are arranged in such a way that the flange teeth can be introduced into the flange receiving area through a space between the locking elements and, preferably by rotating the socket, can be pushed under the locking elements.

An essential idea of the invention is a load absorption or a force absorption for a fixed (detachable) connection between the heat exchanger or the flange connection device (which is arranged on the heat exchanger) and the socket and a fixation of the socket(s) separate conceptually and structurally. A flange, which is inserted into the flange receiving portion and rotated (in) to a target position (target locking position), is pressed against the locking members by an elastic member in the flange receiving portion. In this way, the locking elements take up the load or the force that is necessary to lock the nozzle, the force or the load being provided by the elastic element.

In a first orientation (pre-locking position), the socket can be pressed into the flange receiving area (under compression of the elastic element), since the flange has cutouts that correspond to the arrangement and essentially to a contour or shape of the locking elements.

To fix the connection between the heat exchanger and the socket, a fixing element, preferably a fitted shoulder screw, can be introduced into a fixing element receptacle of the flange connection device. This fixing element serves to secure the position of the socket(s) (e.g. against unintentional unscrewing or twisting) through form-fitting contact with the at least one flange - but not to absorb loads or forces of the restoring forces of the elastic elements. The fixing element preferably fixes or blocks the at least one flange, more preferably both flanges at the same time, against rotation.

In the following, locking elements are to be understood in particular as undercut contours hen that protrude into the flange receiving area, or in (partial) areas thereof, or protrude over a base area of the flange receiving area. The flange connection device and the locking elements can potentially be produced in a (common) die-casting process, so that no additional (subsequent) mechanical reworking of the flange connection device is necessary.

A grid of locking elements and/or flange teeth enables a (discrete) angular adjustment of the socket in order to make a connection to the socket flexible and/or to adapt it to an installation situation (for example in a vehicle).

Within the scope of the entire application, a stub is to be understood as meaning a straight or angled tube for connecting a fluid line, with the stub(s) each having a flange with the flange teeth described. A flange with a large number of (radially arranged) flange teeth is essentially to be understood as meaning that the flange resembles a cross section of a splined shaft or a gear wheel in cross section. The flange teeth of the flange are formed such that the flange has a circular surface of revolution. This means that the ends of all flange teeth of the flange are arranged on a common (imaginary) perimeter of the flange. A diameter of the circular surface of revolution of the flange essentially corresponds to the diameter (apart from a fitting accuracy) of a base area of the flange receiving area of the flange connection device. In this way, the flange can be accommodated in a flange accommodation area.

In this way, a simple and robust flange connection device can be implemented that does not require (additional) load-bearing structures (such as retaining plates), which simplifies a manufacturing process for the flange connection device according to the invention.

The fact that the locking elements extend over a base area of the flange receiving area means that the locking elements form a (partially) overhanging structure over the base area of the flange receiving area. In particular, this is to be understood in such a way that only a (small) fraction of the base area of the flange receiving area is covered and the locking elements form projections similar to latching lugs.

In one embodiment, the at least one flange receiving area has an at least partially circumferential side wall on which the locking elements are arranged.

This enables the locking elements to be arranged integrally on the flange connection device. As a result, the flange connection device is particularly robust on the one hand and, on the other hand, a simple and cost-effective method of manufacture is made possible—for example in a die-casting process.

A vehicle for which the heat exchanger (or vehicle heat exchanger) and/or the corresponding vehicle heating device (comprising the heat exchanger) can be designed includes all types of vehicles such as motor vehicles (e.g. automobiles), trucks, trains, boats or ships , mobile homes, caravans or other trailers understood.

In one embodiment, the respective locking elements are spaced apart from the respective base area of the at least one flange receiving area in a receiving and/or removing direction of the connecting piece.

In this way, a cantilevered arrangement of the locking elements over the base of the flange receiving area is created in a structurally simple manner (and easy to manufacture) in order to block removal of the connecting piece in a target position.

In one embodiment, the at least one flange receiving area has a preferably recessed flange bearing area, which is designed to receive an elastic element, preferably an O-ring.

In this way, a resilient element - for example an O-ring - can be introduced into the flange-receiving area to provide a pressing force to lock the nozzles with a simply designed and easy-to-manufacture structure. The elastic element can thus press the flange of the nozzle (from below) against the overhanging locking elements in order to lock the nozzle in a target position. Furthermore, the elastic element can seal the connection between the flange connection device and the flange or socket against fluid loss.

In one embodiment, the flange connection device has at least one fixing element receptacle for accommodating a fixing element. In one possible embodiment, the fixing element is designed as a screw, preferably as a shoulder screw, for fixing the at least one flange.

In this way, the socket can be fixed in a simple manner. In particular, without having to take on a force or a load to attach the socket. This force or load for fastening the nozzle is provided by the elastic element. Fixing the socket means that when the fixing element is inserted (or tightened), the socket can no longer be moved or rotated.

In one embodiment, the fixing element receptacle is arranged between two adjacent locking elements, in particular in such a way that the at least one flange, preferably two flanges, can be fixed by means of a single fixing element.

This enables the fixing element to be inserted comparatively easily and clearly. In addition, the entire arrangement can be blocked or locked with a single fixing element in a desired target locking position of the socket. On the one hand, the number of necessary components is reduced by using a single fixing element. On the other hand, this avoids the use of structurally complex fixing systems such as retaining plates or the like. Overall, this makes the flange connection device comparatively inexpensive and clear.

In one embodiment, the locking elements are designed to limit or block rotation of the flange, preferably via a locking element side face that can be contacted by stop projections formed on a flange top.

This means that the socket cannot be overtightened when it is inserted. A user or a fitter is relieved of the uncertainty with regard to a possible or correct target position of the nozzle. A simple and safe adjustment of the orientation of the nozzle is made possible. In addition, a grid with predefined orientations of the socket is made possible - for example in eight (possible) orientations, each of which differs by 45°.

In one possible embodiment, the flange connecting device comprises a first flange receiving area and a second flange receiving area, wherein at least one first locking element for the first flange receiving area and at least one second locking element for the second flange receiving area are each formed as an integral structure.

In this way, the flange connection device or a connection to the flange connection device can have a particularly high level of stability. In addition, the manufacturing process for the flange connection device—for example, a die-casting process—can be further simplified.

• einen Fahrzeug-Wärmeübertrager, beispielsweise wie zuvor beschrieben, aufweisend mindestens eine Flanschverbindungsvorrichtung wobei die Flanschverbindungsvorrichtung mindestens einen Flanschaufnahmebereich aufweist;
• mindestens einen Stutzen zur Verbindung mit der mindestens einen Flanschverbindungsvorrichtung,
• wobei der mindestens eine Stutzen einen Flansch aufweist, wobei der Flansch in einem Randbereich eine Vielzahl von Flanschzähnen aufweist,
• wobei die Flanschverbindungsvorrichtung eine Vielzahl von Arretierelementen aufweist, die sich jeweils über eine Grundfläche des Flanschaufnahmebereichs erstrecken und derart angeordnet sind, dass die Flanschzähne durch einen Raum zwischen den Arretierelementen in den Flanschaufnahmebereich einbringbar und, vorzugsweise durch eine Drehung des Stutzens, unter die Arretierelemente schiebbar sind.

In particular, the object according to the invention is also achieved by a flange connection system for connecting at least one socket to a vehicle heat exchanger, the flange connection system having the following:

• a vehicle heat exchanger, for example as described above, having at least one flange connection device, wherein the flange connection device has at least one flange receiving area;
• at least one socket for connection to the at least one flange connection device,
• wherein the at least one nozzle has a flange, wherein the flange has a plurality of flange teeth in an edge region,
• wherein the flange connection device has a multiplicity of locking elements, which each extend over a base area of the flange receiving area and are arranged in such a way that the flange teeth can be introduced into the flange receiving area through a space between the locking elements and, preferably by rotating the socket, can be pushed under the locking elements .

This results in the same advantages as have already been described in connection with the vehicle heat exchanger. It should also be pointed out that the features and advantages described in the context of the vehicle heat exchanger according to the invention also apply to the flange connection system according to the invention.

In one embodiment, the at least one flange receiving area has a preferably recessed flange bearing area, with the flange bearing area having an elastic element, preferably an O-ring.

In this way, the elastic element—for example an O-ring—can be used to provide a pressing force for locking the connection between the socket and the flange connection device in a simple and cost-effective manner.

In one embodiment, the respective elastic element is designed to correspond to the to press the ends of the flange against the locking elements.

In this way, the elastic element can lock the connection between the flange connection device and the flange or socket in a structurally simple manner and at the same time seal the connection (against fluid loss).

In one embodiment, the flange has a large number of stop projections, preferably stop ribs, on an upper side, which are designed and/or arranged in such a way that they can come into contact with at least one locking element side surface in order to limit or prevent rotation of the flange To block.

This means that the socket cannot be overtightened when it is inserted. A user or a fitter is relieved of the uncertainty with regard to a possible or correct target position of the nozzle. A simple and safe adjustment of the orientation of the nozzle is made possible. In addition, a grid with predefined orientations of the socket is made possible - for example in eight (possible) orientations, each of which differs by 45°.

Furthermore, the production of the stop projections of the flange can be easily and inexpensively integrated into the production process of the connecting piece.

In one embodiment, the flange has a multiplicity of overpressing protection projections on an underside, which are designed to prevent overpressing of the elastic element.

This prevents the elastic element from being irreversibly deformed and/or damaged by too high a pressure when inserting the socket. Overall, this improves the sealing of the connection and the longevity of the system.

In particular, the object according to the invention is also achieved by a vehicle heating device for heating a vehicle, preferably a vehicle interior, comprising a vehicle heat exchanger as described above and/or a flange connection system as described above.

This results in the same advantages as have already been described in connection with the vehicle heat exchanger and/or the flange connection system.

Further advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims.

The invention is also described below with regard to further features and advantages using exemplary embodiments which are explained in more detail using the attached figures.

• 1 eine Explosionsansicht einer herkömmlichen Flanschverbindungsvorrichtung an einem Wärmeüberträger gemäß dem Stand der Technik.
• 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Flanschverbindungsvorrichtung eines Fahrzeug-Wärmeübertragers gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• 3a eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Stutzens zur Verbindung mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Flanschverbindungsvorrichtung eines Fahrzeug-Wärmeübertragers gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• 3b eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Unterseite des Stutzens zur Verbindung mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Flanschverbindungsvorrichtung eines Fahrzeug-Wärmeübertragers gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• 4a eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Flanschverbindungssystems mit zwei eingesetzten Stutzen gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• 4b eine schematische Aufsicht auf das Ausführungsbeispiel des Flanschverbindungssystems gemäß 3a.
• 4c eine schematische Schnittdarstellung entlang der Linie B-B durch das Ausführungsbeispiel des Flanschverbindungssystems gemäß 3a.

Here show:

• 1 an exploded view of a conventional flange connection device on a heat exchanger according to the prior art.
• 2 a perspective view of a flange connection device of a vehicle heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention.
• 3a a perspective view of a socket for connection to a flange connection device according to the invention of a vehicle heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention.
• 3b a perspective view of an underside of the socket for connection to a flange connection device according to the invention of a vehicle heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention.
• 4a a perspective view of a flange connection system with two sockets used according to an embodiment of the invention.
• 4b a schematic plan view of the embodiment of the flange connection system according to FIG 3a .
• 4c a schematic sectional view along the line BB through the embodiment of the flange connection system according to FIG 3a .

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and parts with the same effect.

In 1 1 shows a (vehicle) heat exchanger W' which has a conventional flange connection device according to the prior art - see the area surrounded by a dashed line.

The heat exchanger W' can be used, for example, in a water heater. A conventional flange connection device from the basic unit to a coolant circuit usually includes a geometric contour on the heat exchanger W' for accommodating one or two sockets 20'. A holding plate H' is conventionally used to fasten the connecting pieces 20'. The holding plate H' is, for example, an aluminum die-cast part.

In the case of the conventional heat exchanger W', the sockets 20' are first inserted into the retaining plate H'. The retaining plate H' with the socket 20' is fastened by means of a screw heat exchanger W'. O-rings 30' seated below the sockets 20' are axially (compressed) in the force shunt in order to seal the interface.

Due to this axial compression of the O-rings 30' via the socket 20' and the retaining plate H', the retaining plate H' is usually made of metal due to the (high) restoring forces or restoring moments that arise. A corresponding screw connection is designed as a direct screw connection made of metal. This usually leads to relatively large fluctuations in tightening torque.

The use of a holding plate H' and a corresponding screw connection is complex and therefore expensive to manufacture. On the other hand, there is a loss of quality due to the fluctuation in the tightening torque - for example with regard to the seal.

In 2 1 is a perspective view of a flange connection device according to the invention of a vehicle heat exchanger (not shown) according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The vehicle heat exchanger can essentially the heat exchanger W ', as in 1 shown, correspond. The vehicle heat transfer is preferably designed to heat a fluid to be heated, with the fluid being able to be supplied and discharged via the sockets.

Such heat exchangers can be used, for example, in a heater of a vehicle such as an automobile. Accordingly, it is advantageous to design the flange connection device to be particularly robust against vibrations, so that a connection between the flange and the flange connection device cannot become loose due to vibrations.

According to the embodiment in 2 the flange connection area has two flange receiving areas 10, each for receiving a (in 2 not shown) flange 21 of a socket 20 on. The flange receiving areas 10 are circular in shape.

The flange connection device is, for example, an interface between an internal section and an external section of a fluid circuit of a heat exchanger. For example, the two flange receiving areas 10 can represent a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet (of a cooling water circuit) of the heat exchanger, to which corresponding sockets 20 can be connected.

The flange receiving areas 10 have an at least partially circumferential side wall 11 . At least partially circumferential is to be understood here as meaning that the side wall 11 can have interruptions—that is, the flange receiving areas are not completely (but only partially) framed. Alternatively, however, the side wall 11 can also completely frame the flange receiving areas 10 .

An upper end of the side wall 11 protrudes beyond a base area 15 of the flange receiving areas 10.

Locking elements 12 each extend (partially) over the base surface 15 of the respective flange receiving area 10 , while at the same time being formed at a distance from the respective base surface 15 of the flange receiving area 10 .

The locking elements 12 are arranged on the side wall 11, preferably integrally.

The locking elements 12 are designed as undercut contours of the side wall 11 and/or the flange connection device. In this way, the locking elements can be implemented, for example, in a (common) die-casting process with the side wall 11 and/or the flange connection device.

In the embodiment according to 2 four locking elements 12 are shown per flange receiving area 10 .

The side wall 11 is designed to secure a flange in the flange receiving area 10 against displacements in a flange plane (a plane parallel to the base surface 15 of the flange receiving areas 10).

The locking elements 12 are designed to secure a flange against displacements/movements perpendicular to the flange plane (plane parallel to the base surface 15 of the flange receiving areas 10). For this purpose, the locking elements 12 are designed as a cantilevered structure (overhanging the flange).

The flange connecting device according to the embodiment 2 shows a first (in 2 e.g. left) flange receiving area and a second (in 2 e.g. right) flange receiving area. Two locking elements 12 of a first flange receiving area 10, which are close to the second Flange receiving area 10 are arranged can form an integral structure with (one each) locking element 12 of the second flange receiving area 10 .

The flange receiving area 10 also has a flange support area 13 . In the embodiment according to 2 the flange bearing area 13 is recessed. An elastic element 30 (in 2 not shown) are introduced (inserted), on which a flange (after introduction) rests.

The elastic element 30 can be designed, for example, as an O-ring (similar to the O-ring 30' in 1 ).

The elastic element 30 is designed on the one hand to seal the flange receiving area 10 (against fluid loss). On the other hand, the elastic member 30 is configured to provide a pressing force for a flange to press the flange against the locking members 12 (from below). In this way, a flange can be locked in the flange receiving area (by the pressing force provided).

In the embodiment according to 2 the flange connection device has a fixing element receptacle 14 .

The fixing element holder 14 is used to hold a (in 1 not shown) fixing element 40. The fixing element 40 can, for example, be designed as a screw 40, for example as a fitting shoulder screw.

This fixing element 40 serves (only) to secure the position of the socket(s) 20, for example to prevent a socket from unintentionally turning out/rotating.

In 3a an embodiment of a nozzle 20 with a flange 21 is shown, which is designed to be incorporated into the flange connection device according to the invention (see FIG 2 ) to be used.

The socket 20 includes a flange 21 and an angled tube section which is provided for connecting a fluid line. Alternatively, the connecting piece 20 can also have a straight (not angled) or multiply angled or cranked tube section or another suitable structure for connecting a fluid line.

The flange 21 has a plurality of recesses 23 in a circumferential direction. The recesses 23 are, for example, essentially circular segment-shaped (material) recesses that begin on an (imaginary) peripheral line of the flange 21 and extend essentially in the direction of a flange center point.

The recesses 23 are arranged in such a way that flange teeth 22 are arranged between them.

The flange teeth 22 and the recesses 23 are preferably distributed evenly (in the circumferential direction of the flange 21) or divided into equal sections.

For example, eight recesses 23 and eight flange teeth 22 can be formed on a flange in such a way that they are arranged in a regular angular distribution of 45° each.

The flange teeth 22 of the flange 21 are formed such that the flange 21 has a circular surface of revolution. This means that the ends of all flange teeth 22 of flange 21 are arranged on a common (imaginary) perimeter of flange 21 . A diameter of the circular surface of revolution of the flange 21 essentially corresponds to the (inner) diameter (up to a fitting accuracy) of a flange receiving area 10 of the flange connection device according to the invention (see FIG 2 ). A flange 21 can be received in a flange receiving area 10 in this way.

A flange top of the flange 21 has a plurality of stopper projections 24 . In the embodiment according to 3a the stop projections 24 can have different geometries.

For example, eight stop projections 24 (for each raster or for each 45° position of the socket) can be provided on the top of the flange.

Several (e.g. two each) of the stop projections 24 can also be designed (connected) as a common stop projection 24 . In the embodiment according to 3a For example, six stop projections 24 are shown (since two are grouped together).

A flange top is preferably to be understood as meaning the side of the flange 21 on which the pipe section for connecting a fluid line is arranged. Similarly, a flange bottom is a side opposite the flange top.

The stop projections 24 can be designed as stop ribs, for example. Preferably, the stop ribs are arranged substantially parallel on the flange top.

The stop projections 24 are designed and/or arranged in such a way that they can be connected to at least one locking element side face 12a of a locking element 12 (cf. 2 ) to be able to come into contact so as to limit a (maximum) rotation of the flange 21 (in a flange receiving area 10).

In 3b is a flange underside of the flange 21 of the socket 20 from the embodiment according to FIG 3a shown.

On a flange underside, the flange 21 has a multiplicity of overpressing protection projections 25 which are designed to prevent overpressing of the elastic element 30 .

In one embodiment, the flange 21 has three overpress protection projections 25 on its underside. This prevents the elastic element 30 from being irreversibly deformed and/or damaged as a result of excessive pressure when inserting the socket 20 .

4a shows a perspective view of a flange connection device with two inserted nozzles 20 according to an embodiment.

To insert a socket 20, the flange 21 must first be oriented in such a way that recesses 23 of the flange 21 are arranged with the locking elements 12 so that they cover the entire area. Only in this way can the flange 21 or the flange teeth 22 pass through a space between the locking elements 12 in order to be introduced into the flange receiving area 10 .

There are several options for orienting the connecting piece 20 for this purpose, since the flange 21 has, for example, eight recesses 23 and the flange connection device, for example, has four locking elements 12 (per flange receiving area 10).

In such a first orientation (pre-locked position), the connecting piece 20 or the flange 21 of the connecting piece 20 can be introduced into the flange receiving area 10 (under load/pressure).

The elastic element 30, which is arranged in the flange support area 13 (cf. 2 ) creates resistance. The socket 20 must therefore be pressed into the flange receiving area 10 in such a way that the elastic element 30 is (sufficiently) deformed.

The connecting piece 20 must be pressed into the flange receiving area 10 until the upper side of the flange 21 comes to lie below an underside of the locking elements 12 .

Overpressing of the elastic element 30 when the connecting piece 20 is pressed in is avoided via the overpressing protection projections 25 on a flange underside.

At the same time, the overpressing protection projections 25 can be designed in such a way that when the overpressing protection projections 25 come into (tangible) contact with the base surface 15 of the flange receiving area 10, a correct indentation depth/pressing depth (of the flange 20 into the flange receiving area 10) is reached. In this way, a user is signaled that the flange 21 has now been pressed sufficiently deep into a flange receiving area.

While maintaining the pressure/load on the prong 20, the prong 20 must then be rotated (e.g., clockwise) to a second orientation (target detent position).

By screwing in the sockets clockwise (by 45° in the present exemplary embodiment), the flange teeth 22 of the sockets 20 are pushed (screwed in) under the overhanging (undercut) locking elements 12 of the flange connection device.

This takes place with (permanent) pressing on of the sockets 20 and the associated compression of the elastic element 30.

In this way, the elastic elements 30 - for example O-rings - can provide a permanent pressing force for locking the nozzle 20 in place. The elastic elements 30 can thus press the respective flange 21 of the connecting piece 20 (from below) against the overhanging locking elements 12 in order to lock the connecting piece 20 in a target locking position. Furthermore, the elastic elements 30 can seal the connection between the flange connection device and the flange 21 or socket 20 against loss of fluid.

Overturning of the flange (beyond a target detent position) is prevented by the stop projections 24 on the top of the flange. For this purpose, the locking elements 12 have a side surface 12a which is designed so that the stop projections 24 can strike against it - In this way, over-tightening of the socket 20 is blocked or prevented.

The socket 20 can only be removed by turning it back into the pre-locked position.

In a target locking position, the recesses 23 of the flange 21 of the socket 20 are offset to the locking elements 12 of the flange connection device.

A fixing element 40 can only be inserted into the fixing element receptacle 14 if the sockets 20 have been screwed in correctly (up to the stop projections 24 hitting the locking elements 12) in the target locking position.

Furthermore, a form-fitting contact between the fixing element 40 and the recesses 23 or flange teeth 22 of the flange 21 blocks unscrewing/twisting and/or removal of the connection piece 20 after the fixing element 40 has been inserted.

Different target locking positions can be possible for each connecting piece 20 . The desired trim position only has to be taken into account when inserting the socket.

In 4b FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of the embodiment of the flange connection device with the socket 20 inserted according to FIG 3a shown.

In this exemplary embodiment, the fixing element 40 is designed as a screw, preferably as a shoulder screw, for fixing the two sockets 20 in place. Alternatively, the fixing element can also be designed as a bolt.

The fixing element 40 or the fixing element receptacle 14 is arranged between two locking elements 12 and/or between two sockets 20 .

It should be noted here that the fixing element 40 for fixing the socket 20 does not have to assume any force or load for fastening the socket. This force or load to secure/lock the studs 20 is provided by the resilient members 30 (as previously described). Fixing the connection piece here means that when the fixing element 40 is inserted (or tightened), movement or rotation of the connection piece 20 is no longer possible.

In 4c FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view along the line BB through the exemplary embodiment of the flange connection system according to FIG 4a shown.

This sectional view clearly shows that the locking elements 12 are spaced apart from a base surface 15 by at least one flange receiving area 10 in a receiving and/or removal direction R of the socket 20 in order to overhang the flange 21 or the flange teeth 22 .

An elastic element 30 (O-ring), on which a flange 21 rests, is introduced (inserted) into the depressions of the flange bearing regions 13 in each case.

The elastic element 30 can thus press the flange 21 of the connecting piece 20 (from below) against the overhanging locking elements 12 in order to lock the connecting piece 20 in a target locking position. Furthermore, the elastic element 30 can seal the connection between the flange connection device and the flange 21 or socket 20 .

4c It can also be seen that the fixing element has a form-fitting—and no force-fitting—contact with the flange 21 (see distance of the fixing element head from the top of the flange).

A single fixing element 40 prevents or blocks the form-fitting contact with the recesses 23 or flange teeth 22 of the respective flange 21 from unscrewing/twisting and/or removing the two sockets 20 after the fixing element 40 has been inserted.

At this point it should be pointed out that all the parts described above, viewed individually and in any combination, in particular the details shown in the drawings, are claimed to be essential to the invention.

Reference List

H'

Retaining plate

20'

Support

30'

o-rings

W'

heat exchanger

10

flange receiving area

11

sidewall

12

locking element

12a

locking element side surface

13

flange support area

14

Fixing element holder

15

Base area of the flange receiving area

20

Support

21

flange

22

flange teeth

23

recesses

24

stop projections

25

overpress protection projections

30

elastic element (O-ring)

40

fixing element

R

pick-up and/or pick-up direction

Claims (15)

Vehicle heat exchanger having a flange connection device for connecting at least one socket, wherein the flange connection device has the following: - at least one flange receiving area (10) for receiving a flange (21) which is arranged on a socket (20), the flange (21) having a plurality of flange teeth (22), preferably arranged radially, - a plurality of locking elements (12), which each extend over a base (15) of the flange receiving area (10) and are arranged in such a way that the flange teeth (22) pass through a space between the locking elements (12) into the flange receiving area (10) can be introduced and, preferably by rotating the socket (20), under which the locking elements (12) can be pushed. vehicle heat exchanger claim 1 wherein the at least one flange receiving area (10) has an at least partially circumferential side wall (11) on which the locking elements (12) are arranged. vehicle heat exchanger claim 1 or 2 , wherein the respective locking elements (12) are spaced apart from the respective base surface (15) of the at least one flange receiving area (10) in a receiving and/or removing direction (R) of the connecting piece (20). Vehicle heat exchanger according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one flange receiving area (10) has a preferably recessed flange bearing area (13) which is designed to receive an elastic element (30), preferably an O-ring (30). Vehicle heat exchanger according to one of the preceding claims, having at least one fixing element receptacle (14) for accommodating a fixing element (40), preferably a screw (40), more preferably a shoulder screw (40), for fixing the at least one flange (20). Vehicle heat exchanger according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 5 , wherein the fixing element receptacle (14) is arranged between two locking elements (12), in particular such that the at least one flange (21), preferably two flanges (21), can be fixed by means of a single fixing element (40). Vehicle heat exchanger according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking elements (12) are designed to limit rotation of the flange (20), preferably via a locking element side surface (12a) which can be contacted by stop projections (24) formed on a flange top . Vehicle heat exchanger according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a first flange-receiving area and a second flange-receiving area, wherein at least one first locking element (12) for the first flange-receiving area and at least one second locking element (12) for the second flange-receiving area are formed as an integral structure. Flange connection system for connecting at least one nozzle to a vehicle heat exchanger, the flange connection system having the following: - A vehicle heat exchanger, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, having at least one flange connection device, wherein the flange connection device has at least one flange receiving area (10); - at least one socket (20) for connection to the at least one flange connection device, wherein the at least one socket (20) has a flange (21), wherein the flange has a plurality of flange teeth (22) in an edge region, wherein the flange connecting device has a plurality of locking elements (12), each extending over a base (15) of the flange-receiving area (10) and arranged such that the flange teeth (22) pass through a space between the locking elements (12) into the flange-receiving area (10) can be introduced and, preferably by rotating the socket (20), can be slid under the locking elements (12). flange connection system claim 9 , Wherein the at least one flange receiving area (10) has a, preferably recessed, flan Has shear support area (13), wherein the flange support area (13) has an elastic element (30), preferably an O-ring. flange connection system claim 9 or 10 , wherein the respective elastic element (30) is designed to press the corresponding flange (21) against the locking elements (12). Flange connection system according to one of claims 9 until 11 , wherein the flange (21) has a plurality of stop projections (24), preferably stop ribs, on an upper side, which are designed and/or arranged in such a way that they can come into contact with at least one locking element side surface (12a) in order to be able to contact such a Limit rotation of the flange (21). Flange connection system according to one of claims 9 until 12 , The locking elements (12) and/or the stop projections (24) being designed and/or arranged in such a way as to enable a detented angular adjustment of the at least one connecting piece (20). Flange connection system according to one of claims 9 until 13 , wherein the flange (21) has a plurality of overpressing protection projections (25) on an underside, which are designed to prevent overpressing of the elastic element (30). Vehicle heater for heating a vehicle, preferably a vehicle interior, comprising a vehicle heat exchanger according to one of Claims 1 until 8th and/or a flange connection system according to one of claims 9 until 14 .

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