EP2450658A1 - Device for attaching a condenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The plastic clip (112) has a guide rail (221) arranged at the contact surface of a manifold of the capacitor, in the assembled state of the clip, and a clamping unit (223) arranged to effect a positive connection between the clip and the manifold, in the assembled state of the clip. A fixing plate (225) is attached to the guide rail in the assembled state of the clip, along the main direction of extension of the capacitor, such that the guide rail, clamping device and mounting plate are realized as one-piece plastic structure. An independent claim is included for fixing method of capacitor of vehicle.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for mounting a capacitor, to a method for mounting the device to a capacitor and to a capacitor that can be used in a vehicle.

In order to provide a mounting option for capacitors in the vehicle area, in conventional capacitors extruded or stamped brackets are soldered or attached to the manifold. In some cases, a frame is used to support the capacitor.

With the already existing solution concepts using aluminum brackets or plastic frames can be addressed in any way on customer specifications such as an impact or vibration load test.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved device for mounting a capacitor, an improved capacitor, and an improved method of attaching the device to a capacitor.

This object is achieved by a device for fixing a capacitor, a capacitor and by a method for fixing the device to a capacitor according to the independent claims.

According to the invention, one or more plastic clips are used for fastening a capacitor. Within the scope of design flexibility and cost reduction, such a plastic clamp allows a combination of multiple functions into a single component. Each plastic clamp is designed for clamping to a conventional distributor and a capacitor module, a so-called KOMO distributor. Each clip is made up of only one part, and the clip function is performed by the clip itself.

The plastic clip may have different shapes. Advantageously, all different shapes of the clips can be adapted to a conventional manifold capacitor. The clamps can be attached after the oven step. The bracket of a clamp is ensured by the bracket itself. So there are no additional parts required. Also, in comparison to a use of a classic approach, with aluminum clamp or plastic frame, can be readily addressed to specific customer requests regarding a vibration load or impact test.

• einer Führungsschiene, die im montierten Zustand der Vorrichtung an einer Kontaktfläche eines Verteilers des Kondensators anliegt;
• einer Klemmeinrichtung, die an einem ersten Endbereich der Führungsschiene angeordnet ist, und ausgebildet ist, um im montierten Zustand der Vorrichtung
• eine formschlüssige Verbindung zwischen der Vorrichtung und dem Verteiler zu bewirken; und
• einer Befestigungsplatte, die an der Führungsschiene angeordnet ist und sich im montierten Zustand der Vorrichtung entlang einer Haupterstreckungsrichtung des Kondensators von dem Kondensator weg erstreckt;
• wobei die Führungsschiene, die Klemmeinrichtung und die Befestigungsplatte als einstückiges Kunststoffteil realisiert sind.

The present invention provides a device for mounting a capacitor of a vehicle, having the following features:

• a guide rail, which rests in the mounted state of the device on a contact surface of a distributor of the capacitor;
• a clamping device, which is arranged on a first end region of the guide rail, and is designed to be in the assembled state of the device
• to effect a positive connection between the device and the distributor; and
• a mounting plate, which is arranged on the guide rail and extends in the mounted state of the device along a main extension direction of the capacitor away from the capacitor;
• wherein the guide rail, the clamping device and the mounting plate are realized as a one-piece plastic part.

The condenser may be used to liquefy or cool a fluid passing through the condenser. The manifold allows distribution of the fluid to a plurality of conduits of the condenser. The device can be realized as a plastic clip, for example made of a polymer. The plastic clip may be made for example as a one-piece injection-molded part. By means of the device or several of the devices, the capacitor can be attached to a structure, for example of a vehicle. In the assembled state, the device is firmly connected to the capacitor or a distributor of the capacitor. The guide rail is an elongated portion of the device having a contact surface whose shape is a counterpart to a shape of a portion of the manifold against which the contact surface abuts in the assembled state. Thus, the contact surface in the mounted state can rest completely or at least partially directly against a surface of the distributor. The clamping device may be formed as a hook or barbs. When mounting the device, the clamping device can engage in a counterpart of the distributor or the capacitor, so as to create the positive connection. The clamping device may have more than one hook, for example two opposing barbs. By means of the clamping device, the device can be fixedly attached to the capacitor. The fastening plate may be arranged on the first end region or on a second end region of the guide rail opposite the first end region. through the mounting plate, the device and thus the capacitor can be attached to a structure. The fastening plate may have at least one passage opening through which, for example, a fastening element, such as a screw, can be guided.

The contact surface of the guide rail may have a shape which is adapted to a profile of the distributor. Thus, in the mounted state of the device, movement of the device orthogonal to a longitudinal extension direction of the distributor can be blocked.

The clamping device can be designed to block a movement of the device along a longitudinal extension direction of the distributor in the assembled state of the device. In this way, a tight fit of the device can be ensured at the manifold by the clamping device in interaction with the correspondingly shaped guide rail.

For example, the clamping device may be formed to effect the positive connection to a flange of the distributor in the mounted state of the device. Via the flange, a fluid can be supplied to the distributor or removed from the distributor. For example, a portion of the clamping device in the mounted state can rest on a closing surface of the flange.

Furthermore, the device may comprise an elastic spring element, which is arranged between the clamping device and the mounting plate on the guide rail. In this case, a free end of the spring element in the assembled state abut the flange. The spring element can represent a counterpart of the clamping device and generate a clamping force in the bent state, which causes a contact pressure between the clamping device and the flange.

According to one embodiment, the guide rail may be formed cylindrical. In this case, the guide rail can have a passage gap along a longitudinal extension direction and a cover at the first end region. Thus, the guide rail can enclose a cylindrical end portion of a manifold. The cover may rest on an end portion of the manifold when assembled.

Thus, the cover may be formed to block movement of the device along a longitudinal direction of the manifold in the assembled state of the device. Furthermore, the clamping device can be designed to block a rotational movement of the device about an axis of rotation extending in the direction of the longitudinal extension direction of the distributor in the assembled state of the device. Thus, in turn, a tight fit of the device can be ensured at the distributor.

• einem Kondensator mit zumindest einem Verteiler, der an einer Seite des Kondensators angeordnet ist; und
• zumindest einer Vorrichtung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung, die an einem Endbereich des Verteilers montiert ist.

The present invention further provides a capacitor device having the following features:

• a capacitor having at least one distributor disposed on one side of the capacitor; and
• at least one device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is mounted on an end portion of the manifold.

For example, four devices may be provided, wherein each one of the devices is arranged at a corner region of the capacitor. This allows a stable and secure attachment of the capacitor

The present invention further provides a method of attaching a device according to an embodiment of the present invention to a manifold of a capacitor, comprising the steps of:

Applying the contact surface of the guide rail of the device to the distributor; and

Moving the device at least along a longitudinal direction of the manifold until the clamping device causes the positive connection.

By moving the device, the clamping device can be bent out of a rest position by an element of the condenser or the distributor, slide along the element and again assume the rest position after passing the element. The resumption of the rest position may mark an end of the movement of the device.

According to one embodiment, the movement of the device, subsequent to a movement along the longitudinal extension direction, may comprise a rotational movement of the device about an axis of rotation extending in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the distributor until the clamping device effects the positive connection. The rotational movement can be carried out in particular in the cylindrical embodiment of the guide rail.

Fig. 1

eine Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Kondensators;

Fig. 2

eine Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 3

eine Darstellung der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 2 während der Montage;

Fig. 4

eine weitere Darstellung der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 2 während der Montage;

Fig. 5

eine Darstellung der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 2 im montierten Zustand;

Fig. 6

eine Darstellung einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 7

eine Darstellung der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 6 während der Montage;

Fig. 8

eine weitere Darstellung der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 6 während der Montage;

Fig. 9

eine Darstellung der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 6 im montierten Zustand;

Fig. 10

eine Darstellung einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 11

eine weitere Darstellung der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 10;

Fig. 12

eine weitere Darstellung der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 10 während der Montage; und

Fig. 13

eine Darstellung der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 10 im montierten Zustand.

Advantageous embodiments of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

an illustration of a capacitor according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a representation of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a representation of the device Fig. 2 during assembly;

Fig. 4

another illustration of the device Fig. 2 during assembly;

Fig. 5

a representation of the device Fig. 2 in the assembled state;

Fig. 6

a representation of another device according to the invention;

Fig. 7

a representation of the device Fig. 6 during assembly;

Fig. 8

another illustration of the device Fig. 6 during assembly;

Fig. 9

a representation of the device Fig. 6 in the assembled state;

Fig. 10

a representation of another device according to the invention;

Fig. 11

another illustration of the device Fig. 10 ;

Fig. 12

another illustration of the device Fig. 10 during assembly; and

Fig. 13

a representation of the device Fig. 10 in the assembled state.

In the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various drawings and similar, and a repeated description of these elements will be omitted.

Fig. 1 10 shows a capacitor 102 having a distributor 102, a capacitor module 106, and four devices 112, 114, 116, 118 for mounting the capacitor, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The condenser 102 may be part of an air conditioning circuit of a vehicle and integrated in a cooling module. The capacitor 102 may be designed as a soldered flat tube capacitors. The Capacitor module 106 can be designed as a collecting tank and expansion tank with integrated dryer. Instead of the capacitor module 106, a further distributor or a collector can be used. The capacitor 102 has a plurality of lines arranged in parallel in a plane. The manifold 102 and the capacitor module 106 are respectively disposed at opposite end portions of the leads and may be soldered thereto. A longitudinal extension direction of the manifold 102 and the capacitor module 106 is orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the lines. The distributor 104 has a flange 108 at both end regions. The flanges 108 each have an opening through which a fluid can be supplied to the distributor 104 or removed from the distributor 104. To the flanges 108 lines of a Kohlkreislaufs can be connected. At the in Fig. 1 The end portion of the manifold 104 shown above is a first device 112, and a second device 114 is disposed on the end portion shown below. At the in Fig. 1 The end portion of the capacitor module 106 shown above, a third device 116 and at the end portion shown below, a fourth device 118 is arranged. The devices 112, 114, 116, 118 are fixedly connected to the capacitor 102 via the distributor 104 or the capacitor module 106 and each have a connecting plate, via which an attachment, for example to a cooling module, is made possible. The connection plates are each arranged on a side of the distributor 104 or of the capacitor module 106 facing away from the capacitor 102. In this case, the connection plates extend away from the capacitor 102 and are aligned parallel to a main extension plane of the capacitor 102.

Fig. 2 shows a representation of in Fig. 1 shown apparatus 112 for mounting a capacitor, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 112 has a guide rail 221, a clamping device 223, a mounting plate 225 and a spring element 227. The device 112 is designed as a one-piece plastic clip.

The guide rail 221 has two parallel and oppositely arranged profiled side walls, which are interconnected in a, here lower, half via a connecting wall. The guide rail encloses a part of the distributor in the assembled state. In an in Fig. 2 The end portion of the device 112 shown above, the clamping device 223 is arranged on the guide rail 221. The clamping device 223 has two barbs or clips. The barbs are arranged on a frame-shaped extension of the guide rail 221, which surrounds the flange of the distributor in the mounted state. The barbs each have a chamfer, through which the barbs are pressed during assembly of the device by side walls of the flange, from the same away. Furthermore, the barbs each have a straight, here horizontal, surface, which rests in the mounted state on an upper cover of the flange here. The spring element 227 is arranged adjacent to the frame-shaped extension on the guide rail 221 and extends in a relaxed position obliquely in the direction of the frame-shaped extension and over a bottom of the frame-shaped extension away. The guide rail 227 is designed as a resilient nose. By means of the spring element 227, a gap in the Z direction, ie the longitudinal direction of extension of the distributor, can be compensated between the flange and the barbs of the device. The spring element 227 is arranged between the frame-shaped extension and the attachment plate 225. The attachment plate 225 is arranged on an end region of the guide rail 221 opposite the barb. The mounting plate 225 has, except for bevelled corner areas, a rectangular shape. A longitudinal extension direction of the attachment plate 225 is orthogonal to a longitudinal extension direction of the guide rail 221. The attachment plate 225 has two through holes.

The FIGS. 3 to 5 show a montage of in Fig. 2 shown device 112 to the manifold. To mount the device 112 in the form of a clip on the flange side, the clip is first latched to the manifold. In this case, clip areas of the clamp form on the manifold so that there is a good reference in the X and Y position, ie orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the manifold. This is in the FIGS. 3 and 4 shown. The clamp is then clamped to the flange to prevent displacement of the clamp along the Z axis, as shown in FIG Fig. 5 is shown.

Correspondingly, in Fig. 3 an illustration of the device 112 during assembly of the device 112 to the manifold 104 is shown. In this case, the device 112, with the guide rail in front, is placed adjacent to the flange on the distributor 104.

In Fig. 4 For example, the device 112 is shown in a position in which the guide rail encloses the manifold 104. The device 112 is aligned so that the barbs of the device 112 are located at the flange-facing end of the device 112. Out Fig. 4 it can be seen that the flange has a profile with grooves. The grooves are matched to the frame-shaped extension of the clamping device of the device 112, so that the frame-shaped extension and thus a part of the device 112 can be pushed over the flange. For this purpose, the device 112, starting from the in Fig. 4 shown position along the distributor 104 pushed in the direction of the flange. Through the flange, the barbs are pushed outwards.

In Fig. 5 an illustration of the device 112 is shown in the assembled state. In this case, an upper end region of the device 112 terminates here with an upper end region of the distributor 104. The device 112 protrudes slightly beyond the flange so that the straight surfaces of the barbs rest on the top cover of the flange. Thus, a movement of the device 112, down here, locked. At the same time press the spring element of the device 112 against the lower cover of the flange.

In the Fig. 1 The device 114 shown may be designed in a similar manner to the device 112 and be fastened to the manifold 104 in a corresponding manner.

Fig. 6 shows a representation of in Fig. 1 shown apparatus 116 for mounting a capacitor, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 116 has a guide rail 221, a clamping device 223 and a mounting plate 225. The device 116 is designed as a one-piece plastic clamp.

The guide rail 221 is cylindrical in shape and has a plurality of transverse reinforcing ribs. An inner diameter of the guide rail 221 is slightly larger than an outer diameter of the capacitor module on which the device 116 is mounted. In the longitudinal direction of extension, the guide rail 221 has a passage opening in the form of a gap. The gap is arranged on a side facing the mounting plate 225. The cylindrical guide rail 221 is open at one end, here the lower end, and provided with a cover at the opposite end. The cover has a plurality of reinforcing ribs. The gap continues through the cover, so that the cover has a segment-shaped recess. The clamp 223 is disposed on an outer surface of the cover and extends in the form of a half-bridge parallel to a surface of the cover. At a free end, the half bridge has a hook or clip. The attachment plate 225 is disposed on an end portion of the guide rail 221 opposite to the cover. The mounting plate 225 has, except for bevelled corner areas, a rectangular shape. A longitudinal extension direction of the attachment plate 225 is orthogonal to a longitudinal extension direction of the guide rail 221. The attachment plate 225 has a reinforced through hole.

The FIGS. 7 to 9 show a montage of in Fig. 6 shown device 116 on the manifold. To mount the device 116 in the form of a clamp on the KOMO side (top), the side of the capacitor module, the clamp is locked at an angle to the conduit of the capacitor module, as shown in FIG Fig. 7 is shown. After making contact between the clamp and the pipe as shown in Fig. 8 is shown, the clamp is rotated until the clamping between the clamp and the clamp of the pipe is done, as it is in Fig. 9 is shown.

Correspondingly, in Fig. 7 an illustration of the device 116 during assembly of the device 116 to the capacitor module 106 is shown. In this case, the device 116, with the open side of the guide rail first, placed on an end portion of the capacitor module 106. The device 116 is aligned so that a connecting element between the capacitor and the capacitor module 106 strikes the gap of the guide rail. In this way, the device 116 can be pushed onto the end region of the capacitor module 106.

In Fig. 8 For example, the device 116 is shown in a position in which the guide rail encloses the end region of the capacitor module 106. The cover of the device 116 rests on an upper side of the capacitor module 106. In Fig. 8 the device 116 is already slightly rotated, so that the connecting element has already partially penetrated into a gap between the cover and the clamping device of the device 116. By the connecting element, a barb of the clamping device is pushed upwards.

In Fig. 9 an illustration of the device 116 is shown in the assembled state. In order to arrive in the mounted state, the device 116, starting from the in Fig. 8 rotated position shown until the connecting element has penetrated as far into the space between the cover and the clamping device of the device 116 that the barb engages the clamping device behind the passing fastener. Thus, a reverse rotation of the device is prevented.

Fig. 10 shows a representation of in Fig. 1 shown apparatus 118 for mounting a capacitor, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 118 has a guide rail 221, a clamping device 223, a fastening plate 225 and a spring element 227. The device 116 is designed as a one-piece plastic clamp.

The guide rail 221 is cylindrical in shape and has a plurality of transverse reinforcing ribs. An inner diameter of the guide rail 221 is slightly larger than an outer diameter of the capacitor module on which the device 118 is mounted. The cylindrical guide rail 221 is open at both ends. In the longitudinal direction of extension, the guide rail 221 has a passage opening in the form of a gap. The gap is disposed on a side opposite to the attachment plate 225 and flanked by two side walls disposed on an outer side of the guide rail 221, which form a clamping device. For this purpose, at least one of the side walls on a hook 223 or clip. The hook 223 is disposed near an end portion of the guide rail 221 and has a chamfer on the side of the end portion. On the opposite side, the hook 223 is flat. The attachment plate 225 is disposed at the same end of the guide rail 221 as the hook but on a side of the guide rail 221 opposite the hook 223. The mounting plate 225 has, except for bevelled corner areas, a rectangular shape. A longitudinal extension direction of the attachment plate 225 is orthogonal to a longitudinal extension direction of the guide rail 221. The attachment plate 225 has a reinforced through hole.

Fig. 11 shows another illustration of in Fig. 10 shown device 118. In Fig. 11 It can be seen that the hook 223 at an end portion of a U-shaped Exempt strip of one of the side walls is arranged. Further, a spring element 227 is shown, which extends at an opposite end of the hook 223 of the guide rail 221 between the gap of the guide rail flanking side walls. The spring element 227 is arranged as an elastic extension for compensating the gap in the Z direction between the profile of the capacitor module and the hook of the clamp.

The FIGS. 12 to 13 show a montage of the in the Figures 10 and 11 shown device 118 on the manifold. In order to mount the device 118 in the form of a clamp on the KOMO side (bottom), ie the side of the capacitor module, the clamp is latched to the profile of the capacitor module, as shown in FIG Fig. 12 is shown until the interlocking between the clip and the profile is done as shown in FIG Fig. 13 is shown.

Correspondingly, in Fig. 12 an illustration of the device 118 during assembly of the device 118 to the capacitor module 106 is shown. In this case, the device 118, with the hook provided with the open side of the guide rail in front, placed on an end portion of the capacitor module 106. The device 118 is aligned such that a connection region between the capacitor and the capacitor module 106 strikes the gap of the guide rail. In this way, the device 118 can be pushed onto the end region of the capacitor module 106. The sidewalls of the gap flanked the connection region between the capacitor and the capacitor module 106.

In Fig. 13 an illustration of the device 118 is shown in the assembled state. To enter the assembled state, the device 118 is slid over the end region of the capacitor module 106. At this time, the hook is pushed outward by the connecting portion between the capacitor and the capacitor module 106. Once the hook has passed the connection area, the hook can go back to its original position and engage behind a wall of the connection area. Thus, removal of the device 118 from the capacitor module 106 is prevented. The spring element rests on an underside of the capacitor module 106.

The described embodiments are chosen only by way of example and can be combined with each other.

Claims (10)

Device (112, 114, 116, 118) for fastening a condenser (102) of a vehicle, having the following features: a guide rail (221), which abuts in the assembled state of the device to a contact surface of a distributor (104, 106) of the capacitor (102); a clamping device (223), which is arranged on a first end region of the guide rail, and is designed to effect a positive connection between the device and the distributor in the mounted state of the device; and a mounting plate (225) disposed on the guide rail and extending away from the condenser in a mounted direction of the device along a main direction of extension of the capacitor; wherein the guide rail, the clamping device and the mounting plate are realized as a one-piece plastic part. Device (112, 114, 118, 118) according to claim 1, wherein the contact surface of the guide rail (221) has a shape which is adapted to a profile of the distributor (104, 106) to prevent movement of the device in the mounted state of the device Device to block orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the manifold. Device (112, 114, 118) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the clamping device is designed to be in the mounted state the device to block movement of the device along a longitudinal direction of the manifold (104, 106). Device (112, 114) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the clamping device (223) is shaped so as to bring about the positive connection to a flange (108) of the distributor in the mounted state of the device. Device (112, 114) according to claim 4, comprising an elastic spring element (227), which is arranged between the clamping device (223) and the mounting plate (225) on the guide rail (221), wherein a free end of the spring element in the mounted state abuts the flange (108). Device (116) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the guide rail (221) has a cylindrical shape, has a passage gap along a longitudinal extension direction and a cover at the first end region. The device (116) of claim 6, wherein the cover is shaped to block movement of the device along a direction of elongation of the manifold in the assembled state of the device, and wherein the clamping device (223) is configured to move in the assembled state of the device Rotary movement of the device to block in the direction of the longitudinal extension direction of the distributor (106) extending axis of rotation. Capacitor device, having the following features: a capacitor (102) having at least one distributor (104, 106) disposed on one side of the capacitor; and at least one device (112, 114, 116, 118) according to any one of the preceding claims, mounted on an end portion of the distributor. A method of attaching a device (112, 114, 116, 118) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to a manifold (104, 106) of a capacitor (102), comprising the steps of: Applying the contact surface of the guide rail (221) of the device to the distributor; and Moving the device at least along a longitudinal direction of the manifold until the clamping device (223) causes the positive connection. The method of claim 9, wherein moving the device (116) following movement along the direction of elongation comprises rotational movement of the device about an axis of rotation extending in the direction of the longitudinal direction of the manifold (106) until the clamp (223) engages the positive locking Connection causes.

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