DISTRIBUTION LINE COMPONENT AND DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY MODULARLY FORMED THEREWITH

Abstract

A distribution line component for a motor vehicle, including a line housing having a first line opening and having a second line opening, the first and the second line openings being connected to each other in fluid-conducting fashion by a line configuration in the line housing, the distribution line component including, for protection against the effects of a thermally caused increase in volume of a fluid accommodated in the line housing, a volume equalization component compressible by fluid in the line housing, a connection formation for connecting to a counterpart connection formation of a further line component being developed in the area of at least one line opening; the volume equalization component being situated in or on the connection formation and assigned to its line opening in such a way that a section of the further line component connected to the connection formation contributes jointly with the line housing to secure the position of the volume equalization component on the line housing.

Claims

11-15. (canceled)

16. A distribution line component for a motor vehicle, comprising a line housing having a first line opening and having a second line opening, the first and the second line opening being connected to each other in fluid-conducting fashion by a line configuration in the line housing, the distribution line component comprising, for protection against the effects of a thermally caused increase in volume of a fluid accommodated in the line housing, a volume equalization component compressible by fluid in the line housing, a connection formation for connecting to a counterpart connection formation of a further line component being developed in the area of at least one line opening, wherein the volume equalization component is situated in or on the connection formation and is assigned to its line opening in such a way that a section of the further line component connected to the connection formation contributes jointly with the line housing to secure the position of the volume equalization component relative to the line housing.

17. The distribution line component as recited in claim 16, wherein a receiving area of the line housing, in which the volume equalization component is accommodated, is formed in at least one direction by a surface of the further line component.

18. The distribution line component as recited in claim 16, wherein the volume equalization component is accommodated in the line housing in such a way that it surrounds a fluid line, running along a line path, at least in sections in the circumferential direction around the line path, an axial movement of the volume equalization component along the one axial direction defined by the line path being limited by a contact surface of the line housing and the volume equalization component being exposed at least in sections in the other direction opposite to the one axial direction.

19. The distribution line component as recited in claim 18, wherein the volume equalization component surrounds the line path completely as a flow-through volume equalization component.

20. The distribution line component as recited in claim 19, wherein the volume equalization component abuts on an inner circumferential surface of the line housing radially on the outside with respect to the line path.

21. The distribution line component as recited in claim 18, wherein the volume equalization component abuts on an inner circumferential surface of the line housing radially on the outside with respect to the line path.

22. The distribution line component as recited in claim 16, wherein the connection formation as a connection bushing has a greater clear width than the associated line opening.

23. The distribution line component as recited in claim 16, wherein the further line component comprises a valve configuration, which is switchable between a passage state, in which a line, developed in the further line component, subsequent to the line opening associated with the volume equalization component, is unblocked to allow fluid to flow through, and a blocking state, in which the line developed in the further line component is blocked for a passage of fluid.

24. The distribution line component as recited in claim 16, wherein the further line component comprises a pipe connector.

25. The distribution line component as recited in claim 16, wherein the connection formation is developed in the area of a line opening of the first and the second line openings and, in the area of the respective other line opening, a counterpart connection formation suitable for connecting to the connection formation is developed, so that two distribution line components of the same kind are connectible to each other in a fluid-conducting manner by connecting the connection formation and the counterpart connection formation.

26. The distribution line component as recited in claim 16, wherein the connection formation is developed in the area of a line opening of the first and the second line openings and, in the area of the respective other line opening, a counterpart connection formation suitable for connecting to the connection formation is developed, so that two distribution line components are connectible to each other in a fluid-conducting manner by connecting the connection formation and the counterpart connection formation.

27. The distribution line component as recited in claim 26, wherein a locking formation is developed in the area of a line opening of the first and the second line openings and, in the area of the respective other line opening, a counterpart locking formation suitable for locking with the locking formation is developed, so that two distribution line components are connectible to each other in fluid-conducting fashion and may be secured against release.

28. The distribution line component as recited in claim 27, wherein two distribution line components of the same kind are connectible to each other in the fluid-conducting fashion and may be secured against release.

29. The distribution line component as recited in claim 27, wherein the locking formation and the counterpart locking formation of separate distribution line components, in particular of separate distribution line components of the same kind, form a bayonet lock.

30. The distribution line component as recited in claim 29, wherein the locking formation and the counterpart locking formation of separate distribution line components, in particular of separate distribution line components of the same kind, have contact surfaces developed for abutting against each other, which in the locked state of separate, in particular homogeneous distribution line components, in particular of separate distribution line components of the same kind, connected to each other in fluid-conducting fashion define a relative position of the two distribution line components by abutting against each other.

31. The distribution line component as recited in claim 27, wherein the locking formation and the counterpart locking formation of separate distribution line components, in particular of separate distribution line components of the same kind, have contact surfaces developed for abutting against each other, which in the locked state of separate, in particular homogeneous distribution line components, in particular of separate distribution line components of the same kind, connected to each other in fluid-conducting fashion define a relative position of the two distribution line components by abutting against each other.

32. The distribution line component as recited in claim 16, wherein the line housing has a third line opening, which is connected by the line configuration to the first and to the second line openings.

33. The distribution line component as recited in claim 32, wherein the further line component comprises a valve configuration, which is switchable between a passage state, in which a line, developed in the further line component, subsequent to the line opening associated with the volume equalization component, is unblocked to allow fluid to flow through, and a blocking state, in which the line developed in the further line component is blocked for a passage of fluid, wherein in the area of the third line opening, a connection formation is developed, to which a suitable counterpart connection formation of the further line component comprising the valve configuration is connected.

34. A distributor assembly for distributing a fluid, comprising at least two distribution line components as recited in claim 16, at least one of the distribution line components being a distribution line component wherein the connection formation is developed in the area of a line opening of the first and the second line openings and, in the area of the respective other line opening, a counterpart connection formation suitable for connecting to the connection formation is developed, so that two distribution line components of the same kind are connectible to each other in a fluid-conducting manner by connecting the connection formation and the counterpart connection formation; and at least one of the distribution line components being a distribution line component wherein the line housing has a third line opening, which is connected by the line configuration to the first and to the second line openings.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which forms a part hereof and wherein:

[0037] FIG. 1 a first specific embodiment of a distribution line component according to the present invention in a schematic perspective view,

[0038] FIG. 2 a schematic top view onto the distribution line component of FIG. 1 along the direction of view II in FIG. 1,

[0039] FIG. 3 a rough schematic cross-sectional view through the distribution line component of FIG. 2 along the sectional plane III-III in FIG. 2,

[0040] FIG. 4 a rough schematic cross-sectional view through a distributor assembly, formed from two distribution line components of the same kind of a second specific embodiment according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, in FIGS. 1 through 3, a first specific embodiment of a distribution line component according to the invention is generally designated by 10. Distribution line component 10 comprises a preferably injection molded line housing 12. A further line component 14 having a valve configuration 16 accommodated within it is connected to line housing 12 by way of example. An electrical connection line for supplying the valve configuration 16 with electrical energy and with control commands may be connected to valve configuration 16 via a connection socket 18.

[0042] A line configuration 20 extends in line housing 12, from which a first line branch 22 passes through line housing 12 in a straight line along a first line path L1. A longitudinal end of the first line branch 22 ends in a first line opening 24. The first end section 26 comprising the first line opening 24 is developed as a counterpart connection formation 28 in the shape of a tubular male plug-in connector 29. It advantageously has a circumferential sealing configuration (not shown), for example an O-ring inserted into a groove 30.

[0043] The first line branch 22 ends at its opposite longitudinal end in a second line opening, which is concealed in FIGS. 1 and 2 by connection formation 40 at the same longitudinal end of first line branch 22.

[0044] A counterpart locking formation 32 in the shape of a projection 34 protrudes radially, with respect to first line path L1, from counterpart connection formation 28, which counterpart locking formation 32 fits into locking formation 36 developed as locking recess 38 in the area of connection formation 40 in the other longitudinal end area of first line branch 22 for producing a form-locking bayonet lock as a securing device against withdrawal. Of course, a further distribution line component essentially of the same kind comprising a connection formation 40 and a locking recess 38 is to be used for this purpose. Connection formation 40 is developed as a female plug-in bushing 42.

[0045] Further line formations 44 and 46 extend away from line housing 12 at a distance from first line path L1 along parallel further line paths L4 and L5, respectively. The further line formations 44 and 46 are in turn developed as further connection formations 48 and 50, respectively, onto which for example an elastic hose may be plugged or which may be plugged into corresponding plug-in bushings of further pipelines.

[0046] At the lower end in FIG. 1 or at the right end in FIG. 2 of line housing 12, a still further line component including a valve configuration may be situated, this still further line component being developed to be identical with the further line component 14 at least with regard to its outer shape; for the purpose of using identical parts, it being developed to be particularly preferably altogether identical.

[0047] In the merely rough schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, the mentioned still further line component is represented for illustration as the still further line component 52 including a further valve configuration 54 connected to line housing 12.

[0048] Line housing 12 is constructed in mirror symmetry with regard to a mirror symmetry plane SE that contains line path L1 and is parallel to line paths L4 and L5. The further line components 14 and 52 are also constructed in mirror symmetry with regard to the mirror symmetry plane SE.

[0049] Line configuration 20 comprises a second line branch 56, which, starting from first line branch 22 along a second line path L2, branches off as a tap line from first line branch 22. Second line branch 56 opens in a third line opening 58, to which a second connection formation 60 connects in the form of female plug-in bushing 62. A second counterpart connection formation 62 of the further line component 14 in the shape of a pipe connector 64 is plugged into this second connection formation 60 for connecting to line housing 12. Pipe connector 64 is thus also a male plug-in connector. A line 65 in the further line component 14 connects to the second line branch 56 of line housing 12.

[0050] The further line component 14 connects the second line branch 56 via line 65 to line formation 44, with valve configuration 16 situated in between. The equivalent applies as shown by FIG. 3 for the still further line component 52 and line formation 46.

[0051] End face 58a of third line opening 58 and end face 64a of pipe connector 64 axially bound a receiving area 66 with respect to second line path L2, in which a volume equalization component 68 encircling the second line path L2 in closed annular fashion is accommodated. Receiving area 66 is bounded radially outward by the inner circumferential wall 62a of female plug-in bushing 62 of the second connection formation 60. Volume equalization component 68, which is formed from an elastic plastic having a gas volume enclosed therein, is thus fixed in its position relative to line housing 12 only by two different components, in the present case by line housing 12 and by the further line component 14. As long as the further line component 14 and in particular its pipe connector 64 or a dummy plug are not inserted into the second connection formation 60, an axial end face, pointing away from the associated line opening, of the volume equalization component 68 situated in the second connection formation 60 is exposed.

[0052] It is thus very easy to situate the volume equalization component 68 in the area of the third line opening 58, since it may be simply inserted along the second line path L2 into the second connection formation 60, which has a greater inner diameter than the second line branch 56.

[0053] If fluid present in line configuration 20, in particular an aqueous liquid, freezes and thereby expands, the expanding fluid is able to compress the volume equalization component 68 and thereby gain space for its expansion. In the process, the radially inner section of the volume equalization component 68, which is wetted by the fluid, is displaced radially outward, the radially outer section of the volume equalization component 68 being radially outwardly fixated with respect to a radial displacement by the inner circumferential wall 62a of plug-in bushing 62.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the line formations 44 and 46 are formed in one piece with line housing 12. Alternatively, line formations 44 and 46 may be formed in one piece with the further line component 14.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a second specific embodiment of a distribution line component according to the invention. Components and component sections identical and functionally identical to those in the first embodiment are labeled in the second specific embodiment with the same reference numerals, but incremented by the number 100. The second specific embodiment will be explained below only to the extent that it differs from the previously described first specific embodiment, express reference being made to its description also for explaining the second specific embodiment. Given the identical development of the two distribution line components 110 of FIG. 4, for the sake of better clarity essentially only the left distribution line component 110 is provided with reference numerals in FIG. 4.

[0056] FIG. 4 shows two distribution line components 110, which are essentially identically developed and which are connected to form a distributor assembly 102 and are secured against release in the connected state.

[0057] On the one hand, in FIG. 4, the further line formations 144 and 146 are not formed in one piece with the line housing 112, but rather in one piece with the further line components 114 and 152.

[0058] On the other hand, in FIG. 4, the volume equalization component 168 is indeed again situated in the area of a line opening, but not of the third line opening 158, but rather in the area of the second line opening 125. The receiving area 166 of the volume equalization component 168 is limited axially with respect to line path L1 by an end face 125a of the second line opening 125 as well as by an end face 124a of the first line opening of the distribution line component 110 on the right in FIG. 4. Receiving area 166 is bounded radially outwardly by an inner circumferential wall of the connection formation 140 developed as plug-in bushing 142.

[0059] As in the first specific embodiment, in the second specific embodiment the volume equalization component 168 is axially captively situated on line housing 112 only once the connection formation 140 is connected to a counterpart connection formation 128 of distribution line component 110 on the right in FIG. 4. Prior to inserting the counterpart connection formation 128 of the right distribution line component 110 into the connection formation 140 of the left distribution line component 110, an axial end face of volume equalization component 168 is exposed. The greater inner diameter of connection formation 140 in comparison to the first line branch 122 facilitates the installation and, if necessary, also the replacement of volume equalization component 168 on line housing 112.

[0060] Line housings 12 and 112 are shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 advantageously as one-piece injection molded parts. As a variant, the line housings may also be formed from multiple housing parts.

[0061] Approximately at the center of the image of FIG. 4, one is able to discern how a counterpart locking formation in the form of a projection, situated on a side of counterpart connection formation 128 facing away from the viewer of FIG. 4, of the distribution line component 110 on the right in FIG. 4, engages into the locking formation 136 developed as locking recess 138 of the distribution line component 110 on the left in FIG. 4. To produce this locking engagement, the connection formation 140 of the left distribution line component 110 and the counterpart locking formation of the right distribution line component 110 of FIG. 4 are situated coaxially, yet rotated relative to each other, are then axially brought closer to each other, are connected by being fitted into each other and are rotated by relative rotation about the first line path L1 as the axis of rotation into the position shown in FIG. 4. A bayonet lock is thereby established. Mutually abutting surfaces of locking formation 136 and counterpart locking formation 132 ensure a defined relative position of the two distribution line components 110 in the distributor assembly 102 formed by the latter.

[0062] While considerable emphasis has been placed on the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that other embodiments, and equivalences thereof, can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined to form yet other embodiments of the invention of this application. Accordingly, it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.