EP3981960B1 - Housing for waste gas device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a housing for a component of an exhaust system, in particular for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The housing comprises a first half-shell with a first connecting section, a second half-shell with a second connecting section, and at least one opening which is defined by a shape of a first section of the first half-shell and a second section of the second half-shell, in particular wherein the opening for connection the housing is provided with a tube. By means of the first and second connecting sections, the first and second half-shells are connected to one another at least in sections.

Such housings for components of an exhaust system are basically known from the prior art and are used, for example, in exhaust systems for motor vehicles, for example as housings for silencers, in particular rear silencers, and as housings for exhaust gas purification devices. Typically, the first and second connecting sections are designed as laterally projecting flange sections, which lie flat on one another and are welded to one another at the front by means of a front seam, ie along a longitudinal outer contour of the housing formed by the flange sections. In the area of the opening for fastening a pipe, for example an exhaust pipe, to the housing, such a connection can result in a stiffening of the housing structure, so that signs of fatigue can occur under constant bending stress during operation of the exhaust system. Especially in the area of the pipe connection of the housing, a concentration of stress can occur in the area of the weld seams, which endangers the stability and integrity of the housing. In addition, the welding process in the area of the opening is difficult to carry out and therefore fluctuates Quality. The US 2,262,627 A discloses a manifold according to the preamble of independent claim 1 of the present application. Other tubes composed of shell-shaped parts are made from the JP H09 96218 A and the DE 35 36 657 known.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a housing for a component of an exhaust system, in which stresses on the material in the area of a connection opening (e.g. for a pipe) are reduced and which is characterized by simpler and more economical production.

This object is achieved by a housing with the features of claim 1. The flange sections preferably lie on one another at least in sections, in particular completely flatly, along their longitudinal extent. But a sectional or complete point or linear rest is also conceivable.

The invention is based on the general idea that a laterally projecting flange section for connecting the two half-shells is only used in an area of the connecting sections that is spaced from the opening of the housing. In the area of the opening, however, the connecting sections according to the present invention are designed as plug-in sections, which - in contrast to the flange sections - do not have to have a significant lateral projection. Rather, the plug-in sections fit approximately into the course of a housing contour, which means that there is no significant flanging or bending of the housing in the area of the connecting sections, as is required for a flange section. The introduction of stresses into the material of the first half-shell and/or the second half-shell can thus be effectively reduced.

The connecting sections of the half-shells, which are arranged in their edge regions, are connected to one another, for example by welding or gluing. The first connecting section and the second connecting section each extend along an edge section of the respective half-shell and surround the half-shell in the circumferential direction at least in sections. In the area of the opening, i.e. directly adjacent to the opening and following the connecting section starting from the opening in its longitudinal direction, the first and second connecting sections first each comprise a plug-in section. If you move further away from the opening of the housing - in the longitudinal direction of the connecting section - then a laterally projecting flange section is connected, with further sections being able to be arranged between the plug-in section and the flange section.

It is not absolutely necessary that each of the half-shells actually forms one half of the housing. Rather, the half-shells can each form different sized portions of a housing wall. However, the at least one opening provided in the housing is designed in such a way that both half-shells contribute to delimiting the opening, at least in sections.

To connect a further component (e.g. a tube and/or a shell-type component or similar) to the housing, the component is usually inserted into the opening and then connected to the housing, in particular in a materially bonded manner, for example by means of a component and the opening circumferentially surrounding weld seam. The plug-in section provided according to the invention in the area of the opening - instead of a flange section - has the advantage that the component can be immediately securely fastened with a simple circumferential weld seam even in the area of the connecting section, without the need for re-welding of a laterally projecting connecting section.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the subclaims, the description and the drawing.

According to one embodiment, the plug-in section of the second connecting section has a widening towards an outside of the housing, into which the plug-in section of the first connecting section can be inserted on a side facing the inside of the housing. In particular, the first connecting section can be clamped into the expansion. The reverse arrangement is also possible.

The widening of the second plug-in section can advantageously facilitate the insertion of the first plug-in section into the second plug-in section when assembling the first and second half-shells. The degree of expansion can be varied. For example, the expansion can be chosen to be so small that the plug-in section of the first connecting section is clamped without play after being inserted into the expansion, so that the subsequent connection, for example by welding, is simplified. Alternatively, the expansion can be selected so that the plug-in section of the first connecting section can be inserted into the plug-in section of the second connecting section without significant force being applied. In principle, however, the expansion of the second connecting section is relatively small and is, for example, in the range of one or fewer material thicknesses of the connecting section.

The plug-in section of the first connecting section, ie the connecting section which is inserted into the second connecting section on the inside of the housing, can be tapered (slightly) towards the inside of the housing as an alternative or in addition to the widening of the second connecting section. This can in turn make the insertion process easier.

An expansion here does not necessarily mean that the second connecting section is flanged towards the outside of the housing. Rather, the expansion can also be described in such a way that the course of the expanded second connecting section continues to at least approximately follow the basic contour of the housing, with the expanded plug-in section of the second connecting section being displaced or offset by the expansion towards the outside of the housing (in parallel).

An insertion direction along which the plug-in sections of the first and second connecting sections are plugged together can be oriented at least approximately perpendicular to a first plane in which the flange section of the first connecting section is arranged. Alternatively or additionally, the insertion direction can be oriented at least approximately perpendicular to a second plane in which the flange section of the second connecting section is arranged. In a particularly simple manner, the plug-in sections of the first and second connecting sections can be inserted into one another during a mating movement, while at the same time the flange sections of the first and second connecting sections are brought into contact with one another. The plug-in sections also stabilize the assembled housing during assembly.

The first and/or the second plug-in section can have an extension that projects towards the outside of the housing, in particular whereby its extension in the direction of the outside of the housing is not greater than a material thickness of the connecting section in this direction. If the plug-in section to be inserted on the inside of the housing has such an outwardly projecting extension, a stabilizing clamping effect can advantageously take place after insertion into the second plug-in section arranged on the outside of the housing. If the plug-in section arranged on the outside of the housing has such an outwardly projecting approach, this approach can advantageously be used as an insertion aid serve to accommodate the plug-in section on the inside of the housing and thus facilitate assembly.

The production of such an approach can be achieved particularly easily in the forming processes usually used to produce the first and second half-shells, for example in deep drawing. In particular, the approach can be left standing after the forming process when the first and/or second half-shell is removed or cut to size.

According to a preferred embodiment, the housing has a base body and a, in particular nozzle-like, projection, the opening being arranged at an end of the discharge facing away from the base body. Through such a socket-like projection of the housing, a pipe to be attached to the housing can be guided better and attached to the housing more securely. In this way, stresses in the fastening area between the pipe and the opening can be reduced or better distributed. The socket-like projection is to be viewed in particular as being arranged in the area of the opening.

The transition from the base body to the projection can include a bend in the housing contour, in particular a bend in the first and/or the second half-shell. The bend of the housing contour can be designed in such a way that it can also be viewed as being arranged in the area of the opening.

A laterally projecting transition section can be arranged between the plug-in section and the flange section of the first and second connecting sections, wherein the transition sections of the first and second connecting sections do not completely overlap. In particular, a width of at least one of the two transition sections increases from the plug-in section to the flange section. The width of the transition section can increase correspondingly with the distance from the opening, in particular up to a maximum width of the flange section. A width of the transition section and the flange section is to be understood as meaning the extent of the corresponding section perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the connecting section within the plane of the flange or transition section.

Since the transition section, as described above, does not have any significant lateral projection compared to the flange section, the transition area is intended to convert the flange section and the plug-in section of each half-shell into one another while avoiding jumps in the width of the connecting section. For this purpose, at least one of the transition sections of the first and second connecting sections, preferably both transition sections, can have a continuous, preferably slanted and/or monotonous course. This significantly simplifies the production of a cohesive connection between the half-shells after they have been plugged together.

According to one embodiment, the plug-in section merges into the transition section in the area of the bend, in particular in the area of an end of the bend remote from the opening. The laterally projecting areas of the transition section and the flange section, as seen from the opening in the longitudinal direction of the connecting section, adjoin the plug-in section only in the area of the bend or afterwards. The introduction of stresses into the material of the first and second half-shells by producing the bend on the one hand and a cantilevered transition region on the other hand can be effectively avoided.

Advantageously, in the transition section, at any distance from the opening, the width of the second connection section is greater than the width of the first connection section, in particular in such a way that a laterally cantilevered surface of the second connection section is at least partially exposed and is not covered by a laterally projecting surface of the first connecting section, or vice versa. The first and second connecting sections therefore run in the transition section in such a way that one of the transition sections has a surface that protrudes beyond the other transition section, so that an overlap joint is created. The lap joint can be used to place a connecting seam.

The flange sections and/or the transition sections of the first and second connecting sections are preferably arranged essentially parallel to one another. In particular, the laterally projecting surfaces of the first and second flange and/or transition sections are arranged essentially parallel to one another, so that they rest stably on one another. One of the two surfaces or both surfaces can also be arranged (in sections) obliquely to a parting plane of the half-shells, so that a (in sections) linear support of the two flange sections is created.

Furthermore, the flange sections of the first and second connecting sections are preferably flush with one another on an outside of the housing, in particular with the flange sections having at least essentially the same width and/or completely overlapping one another. In this case, the flange sections can simply be connected to one another along their outside (e.g. by means of a weld in the form of an end seam), while the completely overlapping laterally projecting surfaces stabilize the connection. If there is a non-flush termination or if the flange sections do not completely overlap, a connection can also be provided by means of a weld seam in the form of a fillet weld.

According to the invention, the first connecting section and the second connecting section are in the plug-in section, in the transition section (if present) and/or in the flange section by means of a cohesive connection connected to each other, the connection being continuous. For example, the connecting sections can be connected to one another by means of welding, soldering or other cohesive types of connection, or optionally also glued to one another. A continuous connection can usually be produced with little effort and also ensures high reliability, tightness and stability.

In particular, the connection is a weld seam which is designed as a fillet seam in the area of the plug-in section and/or in the transition section and/or as a front seam in the area of the flange section. The front seam in the area of the flange section is typically carried out on the outer flank of the two flange sections. The fillet weld in the transition section can be carried out in the area of the overlap joint of the laterally projecting surfaces of the first and second transition sections. In the plug-in section, the fillet weld can be carried out in a joint area of the first and second plug-in sections.

The invention further relates to a method for producing a housing according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps (i) providing a first half-shell with a first connecting section and a second half-shell with a second connecting section, (ii) assembling the first and second half-shells , wherein the flange sections of the first and second connecting sections are brought into contact and the plug-in sections of the first and second connecting sections are inserted into one another along an insertion direction, (iii) materially connecting the first and the second half-shell, in particular by means of a weld seam, in particular in the area the flange sections are carried out at a first angle on the front side, and which in the area of the plug-in sections are carried out at a second angle which deviates from the first angle by 90 degrees or less, and which optionally in the area of the transition sections is carried out at a third angle, which lies between the first and second angles. Overall, from the flange section via the transition section to the plug-in section (or vice versa), there is a successive change in the angle required for welding the first and second half-shells at which the weld seam of the corresponding section is to be carried out, which makes production easier.

In the method, the weld seam is carried out continuously across the flange section, the transition section and the plug-in section, in particular by successively adjusting the angle in the welding process. This makes the automated production of the housing easier and an improved connection of the half-shells can be achieved. However, the connection can also be made remotely, for example if the connection is to be made in the area of the plug-in section, the flange section and/or - if present - the transition section by different machines (e.g. robots).

The further advantages described above in connection with the housing can be achieved accordingly with the method according to the invention.

Fig. 1

ein Gehäuse für ein Bauteil einer Abgasanlage nach dem Stand der Technik;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf das Gehäuse von Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

ein Gehäuse für ein Bauteil einer Abgasanlage gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf das Gehäuse von Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

eine Detailansicht des Übergangsabschnitts von Fig. 3;

Fig. 6

eine Querschnittsansicht durch den ersten Verbindungsabschnitt und den zweiten Verbindungsabschnitt im Bereich eines Steckabschnitts von Fig. 3;

Fig. 7A

eine erste Querschnittsansicht durch den Verbindungsabschnitt und den zweiten Verbindungsabschnitt im Bereich des Übergangsabschnitts von Fig. 3;

Fig. 7B

eine zweite Querschnittsansicht durch den ersten Verbindungsabschnitt und den zweiten Verbindungsabschnitt im Bereich eines Übergangsabschnitts von Fig. 3;

Fig. 8

eine Querschnittsansicht durch den ersten Verbindungsabschnitt und den zweiten Verbindungsabschnitt im Bereich des Flanschabschnitts von Fig. 3 und

Fig. 9A, 9B

alternative Ausführungsformen des Flanschabschnitts oder Übergangsabschnitts.

The invention is described below purely by way of example using a possible embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a housing for a component of an exhaust system according to the prior art;

Fig. 2

a top view of the housing of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a housing for a component of an exhaust system according to the present invention;

Fig. 4

a top view of the housing of Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5

a detailed view of the transition section of Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 6

a cross-sectional view through the first connection section and the second connection section in the area of a plug-in section Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 7A

a first cross-sectional view through the connecting section and the second connecting section in the area of the transition section of Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 7B

a second cross-sectional view through the first connecting section and the second connecting section in the area of a transition section of Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 8

a cross-sectional view through the first connecting section and the second connecting section in the area of the flange section of Fig. 3 and

Figs. 9A, 9B

alternative embodiments of the flange section or transition section.

Fig. 1 and 2 show an example of a section of a housing for a component of an exhaust system, for example a housing of a silencer for a motor vehicle, as is known from the prior art. The housing comprises a first half-shell 12 and a second half-shell arranged underneath 14. The shape of the first half-shell 12 and the second half-shell 14 define an opening 16 in the housing 10, which is provided for connecting the housing 10 to a pipe, for example an exhaust pipe (not shown).

The first half-shell 12 and the second half-shell 14 have a first connecting section 18 and a second connecting section 20, respectively, which extend longitudinally along the edge regions of the respective half-shell 12 and 14, respectively. As in Fig. 1 shown, it is known from the prior art that the first connecting section 18 and the second connecting section 20 are each designed along their entire longitudinal extent as laterally projecting flange sections 18c and 20c, which rest against one another and are connected to one another, for example by welding.

According to the invention, it was recognized that for these housings a stiffening of the structure occurs in the area of the opening, whereby signs of fatigue can occur when the bending stress occurs during operation of the exhaust system and thus the durability of the housing can be reduced.

This problem is overcome by a housing 10 according to the invention, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is shown. The first half-shell 12 and the second half-shell 14 of the housing according to the invention form a base body 10a and a socket-like projection 10b, which is defined by the shape of the first half-shell 12 and the second half-shell 14. The opening 16 is arranged at an end of the projection 10b facing away from the base body 10a. The base body 10a merges into the projection 10b through a bend that is realized by the contours of the first half-shell 12 and the second half-shell 14.

The first half-shell 12 and the second half-shell 14 have a first connecting section 18 and a second connecting section 20, respectively. The connecting sections 18, 20 each have a laterally projecting flange section 18c and 20c, respectively, which extend from the opening 16 - along the longitudinal direction of the connecting sections 18, 20 seen - are spaced apart. In the area of the opening 16, the first connection section 18 and the second connection section 20 are each designed as plug-in sections 18a and 20a.

In the assembled housing 10, the plug-in sections 18a and 20a are inserted into one another and overlap one another, while they follow a shape of the housing 10 to a certain extent. The flange sections 18c, 20c, on the other hand, protrude laterally from the basic shape of the housing 10 and lie flat on one another. The laterally projecting surfaces of the flange sections 18c and 20c are arranged parallel to one another and the flange sections 18c and 20c are also flush with one another on their outside.

The plug-in sections 18a and 20a extend - seen in the longitudinal direction of the connecting sections 10, 20 - from the opening 16 into the area of the bend, which transfers the base body 10a into the projection 10b of the housing 10. As in Fig. 4 is shown, the plug-in sections 18a and 20a can extend into the area of the bend and possibly up to an end of the bend away from the opening ( Fig. 4 , right side) or alternatively extend through the entire bend and beyond the end of the bend far from the opening ( Fig. 4 , left side).

In order to transfer the plug-in sections 18a and 20a into the respective flange sections 18c and 20c, laterally projecting transition sections 18b and 20b are arranged between the plug-in sections 18a and 20a and the flange sections 18c and 20c. The width B _1.2 of the laterally projecting surfaces of the Transition sections 18b, 20b increase steadily from the plug-in sections 18a, 20a to the associated flange sections 18c, 20c until each transition section 18b, 20b has reached the width B _F of the respective flange section 18c, 20c (see also Fig. 7A, B ). The transition sections 18b, 20b each have an oblique outer contour.

The laterally projecting surfaces of the transition sections 18b and 20b are arranged parallel to one another in the assembled housing 10, so that they lie flat on one another, while their surfaces do not completely overlap. Rather, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the second transition section 20b is designed to be slightly wider at each point than the first transition section 18b, so that the laterally projecting surface of the second transition section 20b is partially exposed and is not covered by the laterally projecting surface of the first transition section 18b (see Fig. 5 ).

Detailed cross-sectional views through the first and second connection sections 18, 20 are in the Fig. 6 to 8 shown. Fig. 6 shows a cross section through the first and second connection sections 18, 20 in the area of the plug-in sections 18a and 20a. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plug-in section 18a of the first connecting section 18 is inserted into the plug-in section 20a of the second connecting section 20 on the inside of the housing. In order to make it easier to accommodate the first plug-in section 18a, the second plug-in section 20a has a slight widening 22 towards the outside of the housing. The contour of the plug-in section 20a is shifted towards the outside of the housing in the area of the widening 22 via a region 22a that runs obliquely towards the outside of the housing, but only by approximately a material thickness of the connecting section 18, so that it can be easily accommodated on the inside of the housing. In terms of its shape, the expanded region 22 of the plug-in section 20a essentially follows the general housing contour, ie there is no flanging or bending of the plug-in section 20a.

The first plug-in section 18a inserted into the second plug-in section 20a is in Fig. 6 clamped into the expansion 22. For this purpose, the first plug-in section 18a has a first projection 24 which projects minimally towards the outside of the housing, with which the first plug-in section 18a clamps on the second plug-in section 20a after being plugged together.

The second plug-in section 20a also has a second extension 26 which projects towards the outside of the housing and extends towards the outside of the housing by less than a material thickness of the plug-in section 20a. The second approach 26 serves as an insertion aid when inserting the first plug-in section 18a.

Figures 7A and 7B show cross-sectional views of the transition sections 18b and 20b along the in Fig. 5 marked cross-sectional areas. It can be clearly seen that as the distance from the opening 16 increases from FIG. 7A to 7B, the width B _1.2 of the transition sections 18b and 20b each increases. It is also clear that the width B ₂ of the second transition section 20b is greater than the corresponding width B ₁ of the first transition section 18b at any distance from the opening 16, so that an overlap joint of the transition sections 18b and 20b results.

Fig. 8 shows a cross section through the first flange section 18c and the second flange section 20c. The flange sections 18c and 20c have the same width B _F and completely overlap one another, so that a so-called flanged joint results.

To assemble the housing 10 described above, the first half-shell 12 and the second half-shell 14 are first assembled, so that the flange sections 18c, 20c and the transition sections 18b, 20b are brought into contact with one another and the plug-in sections 18a, 20a are inserted into one another become. The insertion direction E, along which the plug-in sections 18a, 20a are plugged together, is oriented perpendicular to the planes in which the laterally projecting flange sections 18c and 20c of the first and second connecting sections 18 and 20 are arranged. In this way, the plug-in sections 18a, 20a are plugged together and the flange sections 18c, 20c and the transition sections 18b, 20b are brought into contact at the same time. In the next step, the first half-shell 12 and the second half-shell 14 of the housing 10 in the exemplary embodiment shown are connected to one another by means of a material connection, here by welding.

Specifically, a weld seam is created in the 6, 7A, 7B and 8 each indicated by oval markings 34, formed via the plug-in sections 18a, 20a, the transition sections 18b, 20b and the flange sections 18c, 20c. In the area of the flange sections 18c and 20c, the weld seam is formed as a front seam, which is placed along the outer contour of the flange sections 18c and 20c. As in Fig. 8 is indicated by the arrow 28, the weld seam is carried out parallel to the plane in which the laterally projecting surfaces of the flange sections 18c and 20c are arranged. In the area of the plug-in sections 18a and 20a, a fillet weld is placed in the joint area between the first plug-in section 18a and the second plug-in section 20a, specifically at an angle 30 that deviates from the first angle 28 by a maximum of 90 °.

In the area of the transition sections 18b and 22b, a fillet weld is carried out at a third angle 32, which lies between the first angle 28 and the second angle 30.

Starting from the flange sections 18c and 20c via the transition sections 18b and 20b to the plug-in sections 18a and 20a (or vice versa), all that is necessary is a gradual change in the welding angle. This makes it possible, in particular, to carry out the welding process mechanically and to provide a weld seam which is carried out continuously over the flange sections 18c and 20c, the transition sections 18b and 20b and the plug-in sections 18a and 20a and reliably connects them in one manufacturing step with a corresponding change in the angle 28, 32, 30. A separate welding of the half-shells in the different sections is also conceivable.

The present invention has been described as an example using an embodiment in which transition sections 18b, 20b are provided. However, for the sake of completeness, it should be noted that Sections 18b, 20b are optional. It is also possible for the plug-in sections 18a, 20a to merge into the flange sections 18c, 20c without pronounced transition sections. The flange sections 18c, 20c also do not have to be arranged completely overlapping or flush with their outside. In this case, they are preferably welded together using a fillet weld.

Figures 9A and 9B show that the flange sections 18c, 20c do not necessarily have to be arranged parallel to one another. As shown by way of example, both can extend along their longitudinal extent (possibly in regions) at least in sections obliquely to a parting plane T of the half-shells 12, 14, so that a linear support of the sections 18c, 20c results. It is also conceivable that one of the sections 18c, 20c is arranged (in sections) obliquely to the plane T and that the other section 20c or 18c extends essentially parallel to the plane T. Even then there is a linear support. The same applies - if available - to the transition sections 18b, 20b.

Reference symbol list

10

Housing

10a

Basic body

10b

projection

12

first half shell

14

second half shell

16

opening

18

first connection section

18a

first plug section

18b

first transition section

18c

first flange section

20

second connection section

20a

second plug section

20b

second transition section

20c

second flange section

22

expansion

22a

sloping area

24

first approach

26

second approach

28

first welding angle

30

second welding angle

32

third welding angle

34

Weld

B1

Width of the first transition section 18b

B2

Width of the second transition section 20b

BF

Width of the flange sections 18c, 20c

E

Insertion direction

T

dividing plane

Claims (13)

1. A housing (10) for a component of an exhaust gas system, in particular for an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, comprising

   a first half-shell (12) having a first connection section (18),

   a second half-shell (14) having a second connection section (20), and

   at least one opening (16) which is defined by a shape of a first section of the first half-shell (12) and a shape of a second section of the second half-shell (14), in particular wherein the opening (16) is provided for connecting the housing (16) to a pipe or a component in shell construction,

   wherein the first (12) and the second half-shell (14) are at least sectionally connected to one another by means of the first (18) and the second connection section (20),

   wherein the first connection section (18) and the second connection section (20) - viewed in their longitudinal extent - each comprise a plug-in section (18a, 20a) in the region of the opening (16) and a laterally projecting flange section (18c, 20c) - directly or indirectly - adjoining said plug-in section (18a, 20a), wherein the plug-in sections (18a, 20a) of the connection sections (18, 20) are plugged into one another and the flange sections (18c, 20c) lie above one another, in particular lie areally above one another, wherein the first connection section (18) and the second connection section (20) are connected to one another by means of a bonded connection in the plug-in section (18a, 20a), in a transition section (18b, 20b) - if present - and/or in the flange section (18c, 20c),

   characterized in that
   the connection is continuous.
2. A housing (10) in accordance with claim 1,
   wherein the plug-in section (20a) of the second connection section (20) has a widening (22) towards an outer housing side into which the plug-in section (18a) of the first connection section (18) can be plugged at a side facing the inner side of the housing (10), in particular wherein the first connection section (18) can be clamped into the widening (22), or vice versa.
3. A housing (10) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   wherein a plug-in direction (E), along which a plugging together of the plug-in sections (18a, 20a) of the first (18) and the second connection section (20) takes place, is oriented at least approximately perpendicular to a first plane in which the flange section (18c) of the first connection section (18) is arranged and/or is oriented at least approximately perpendicular to a second plane in which the flange section (20c) of the second connection section (20) is arranged.
4. A housing (10) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the first (18a) and/or the second plug-in section (20a) has/have a lug (24, 26) which projects towards an outer housing side and in particular whose extent in the direction of the outer housing side is not greater than a material thickness of the connection section (18, 20) in this direction.
5. A housing (10) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the housing (10) has a base body (10a) and a protrusion (10b), in particular a nozzle-like projection, wherein the opening (16) is arranged at an end of the protrusion (10b) facing away from the base body (10a).
6. A housing (10) in accordance with claim 5,
   wherein the transition from the base body (10a) to the protrusion (10b) comprises a bending of the housing contour, in particular a bending of the first (12) and/or the second half-shell (14).
7. A housing (10) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   wherein a laterally projecting transition section (18b, 20b) is in each case arranged between the plug-in section (18a, 20a) and the flange section (18c, 20c) of the first (18) and the second connection section (20), wherein the transition sections (18b, 20b) of the first (18) and the second connection section (20) do not completely overlap, in particular wherein a width (B_1,2) of at least one of the two transition sections (18b, 20b) increases in each case from the plug-in section (18a, 20a) up to the flange section (18c, 20c).
8. A housing (10) in accordance with claim 6 and 7,
   wherein the plug-in section (18a, 20a) merges into the transition section (18b, 20b) in the region of the bend, in particular in the region of an end of the bend remote from the opening.
9. A housing (10) in accordance with claim 7 or 8,
   wherein, in the transition section (18b, 20b), at any distance from the opening, the width (B₂) of the second connection section (18) is greater than the width (B₁) of the first connection section (20), in particular such that a surface of the second connection section (20) arranged in a laterally protruding manner is at least partly exposed and not covered by a laterally protruding surface of the first connection section (18), or vice versa.
10. A housing (10) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the flange sections (18c, 20c) and/or the transition sections (18b, 20b) of the first (18) and the second connection section (20) are arranged substantially in parallel with one another.
11. A housing (10) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the flange sections (18a, 20a) of the first (18) and the second connection section (20) end flush with one another at an outer side of the housing (10), in particular wherein the flange sections (18a, 20a) at least substantially have the same width (B_F) and/or completely overlap.
12. A housing (10) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the connection is a weld seam which is formed as a fillet weld in the region of the plug-in section (18a, 20a) and/or in the transition section (18b, 20b) and/or is formed as a front weld in the region of the flange section (18c, 20c).
13. A method of manufacturing a housing (10) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps

    - providing a first half-shell (12) having a first connection section (18) and a second half-shell (14) having a second connection section (20),

    - assembling the first (12) and the second half-shell (14), wherein the flange sections (18c, 20c) of the first (18) and the second connection section (20) are brought into contact and the plug-in sections (18a, 20a) of the first (18) and the second connection section (20) are plugged into one another along a plug-in direction (E),

    - connecting the first (12) and the second half-shell (14) by means of bonding, in particular by means of a weld seam which is in particular executed in the region of the flange sections (18c, 20c) at the end face at a first angle (28), which is executed in the region of the plug-in sections (18a, 20a) at a second angle (30) that deviates from the first angle (28) by 90 degrees or less, and which, if necessary, is executed in the region of the transition sections (18b, 20b) at a third angle (32) that lies between the first (28) and the second angle (32),

    wherein the bonded connection is executed continuously over the flange section (18c, 20c), the transition section (18b, 20b) and the plug-in section (18a, 20a).

Images