FLUID CONNECTION ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fluid connection arrangement for establishing a fluid connection, including a receiving part having a receiving wall that has a receiving wall inner side that delimits an interior of the receiving part, a tubular connecting part that is at least partially received in the interior of the receiving part and has a tube wall having a plurality of comb-shaped support points that extend along a longitudinal direction of the tubular connecting part, the comb-shaped support points contacting the receiving wall inner side. The tube wall may have at least one curved wall area that extends between two adjacent comb-shaped support points. Between the at least one curved wall area of the tubular connecting part and the receiving wall inner side of the receiving part at least one gap is arranged where a solder is received to establish a materially bonded and fluid-tight connection.

Claims

1. A fluid connection arrangement for establishing a fluid connection, comprising: a receiving part comprising a receiving wall that has a receiving wall inner side that delimits an interior of the receiving part; and a tubular connecting part that is received at least partially in the interior of the receiving part and comprises a tube wall having: a plurality of comb-shaped support points that extends along a longitudinal direction of the tubular connecting part and the receiving wall inner side, at least one curved wall area that extends between two adjacent comb-shaped support points of the plurality of comb-shaped support points, wherein between the at least one curved wall area of the tubular connecting part and the receiving wall inner side, at least one gap is arranged, and wherein a solder is received in the at least one gap to provide a materially bonded and fluid-tight connection between the receiving wall inner side and the at least one curved wall area.

2. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein, when inserting the tubular connecting part into the receiving part, the plurality of comb-shaped support points are at least partially inwardly deformable to receive the tubular connecting part in the receiving part.

3. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the plurality of comb-shaped support points received in the receiving part are configured to apply a force to the receiving wall inner side.

4. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the plurality of comb-shaped support points are arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the tubular connecting part.

5. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein a plurality of curved wall areas are arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the tubular connecting part.

6. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of comb-shaped support points lie on a first circumferential circle of the tubular connecting part with respect to a central axis of the tubular connecting part, respective central areas of a plurality of curved wall areas lie on a second circumferential circle of the tubular connecting part with respect to the central axis of the tubular connecting part, and the first circumferential circle has a first circular diameter that is greater than a second circular diameter of the second circumferential circle.

7. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein a length of the plurality of comb-shaped support points along the longitudinal direction of the tubular connecting part is less than a length of the at least one gap along the longitudinal direction of the tubular connecting part.

8. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein: the tubular connecting part has an insertion section that is completely received in the interior of the receiving part, the insertion section being connected to an outer section of the tubular connecting part that extends from the insertion section, the plurality of comb-shaped support points and the at least one curved wall area of the tube wall are arranged in the insertion section, and the tube wall of the outer section has a concentric cross section.

9. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein: the receiving wall that delimits the interior of the receiving part has a wall end side that closes the interior transversely to an insertion direction of the tubular connecting part, and a cavity for receiving the solder is formed between the wall end side and an end face of the inserted tubular connecting part.

10. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein each comb-shaped support point of the plurality of comb-shaped support points comprises a rounded comb top that bears against the receiving wall inner side.

11. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the at least one curved wall area is shaped as a convexly curved wall area.

12. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the at least one gap has a crescent shape.

13. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein a radial depth of the at least one gap transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tubular connecting part is between 0.02 mm and 0.2 mm.

14. The fluid connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein a wall thickness of the tube wall is between 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm.

15. A method for producing a fluid connection arrangement, comprising: providing a receiving part comprising a receiving wall that has a receiving wall inner side that delimits an interior of the receiving part; providing a tubular connecting part that comprises a tube wall having a plurality of comb-shaped support points that extends along a longitudinal direction of the tubular connecting part and having at least one curved wall area that extends between two adjacent comb-shaped support points of the plurality of comb-shaped support points; at least partially inserting the tubular connecting part into the interior of the receiving part, wherein the plurality of comb-shaped support points contacts the receiving wall inner side and at least one gap is arranged between the at least one curved wall area and the receiving wall inner side based at least in part on the inserting; and soldering the tube wall to the receiving wall, wherein a solder formed during the soldering is received in the at least one gap, and wherein a materially bonded and fluid-tight connection is provided between the receiving wall inner side and the at least one curved wall area based at least in part on the solder.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein providing the tubular connecting part comprises: press forming a tubular precursor with a concentric cross-section to obtain the tube wall with a rotationally symmetrical cross-section comprising the plurality of comb-shaped support points and the at least one curved wall area, wherein the press forming comprises a circumferential action of a plurality of jaws of a forming tool on the tubular precursor.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the soldering comprises: heating the tubular connecting part to melt the solder, molten solder being received in the at least one gap during the soldering, wherein a resulting soldered connection connects the tube wall to the receiving wall in a fluid-tight manner after the solder has hardened.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the soldering comprises: heating the receiving part to melt the solder, molten solder being received in the at least one gap during the soldering, wherein a resulting soldered connection connects the tube wall to the receiving wall in a fluid-tight manner after the solder has hardened.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: arranging the solder between the tubular connecting part and the receiving part.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the soldering comprises: melting the solder arranged between the tubular connecting part and the receiving part, wherein molten solder is received in the at least one gap based at least in part on the melting.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] Examples of the disclosure are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0065] FIGS. 1A, 1B show views with different perspectives of a tubular connection part of a fluid connection arrangement according to an example;

[0066] FIGS. 2A, 2B show views with different perspectives of a fluid connection arrangement with a tubular connection part and a receiving part according to an example; and

[0067] FIG. 3 shows a method for producing a fluid connection arrangement according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] FIGS. 1A and 1B show views with different perspectives of a tubular connection part of a fluid connection arrangement according to an example. FIG. 1A shows a side view of the tubular connection part 101 of the fluid connection arrangement 100. FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional illustration of the tubular connection part 101 of the fluid connection arrangement 100.

[0069] The tubular connecting part 101 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is arranged at least partially in an interior of a receiving part, not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, of the fluid connection arrangement 100, wherein the tubular connecting part 101 is soldered to the receiving part, e.g. the tubular connecting part 101 is connected to the receiving part by a materially bonded connection, in particular a soldered connection.

[0070] The fluid connection arrangement 100 according to the present disclosure is used to establish a fluid connection in a multiplicity of fluid-carrying systems of a vehicle. The fluid connection arrangement 100 can be used for the fluidical connection of fuel, coolant, charge air, brake fluid, water, SCR and/or transmission oil lines in vehicles. The fluid connection arrangement 100 can alternatively also be used, for example, in coolant-carrying fluid lines, which are used for cooling battery cells in an electrically driven vehicle.

[0071] In the fluid-carrying systems of a vehicle, different fluids, such as gases or liquids, are sometimes conducted under high pressure and at high temperatures. Due to the restricted installation space in a vehicle, different lines of the corresponding fluid-carrying systems often have to be connected to one another by fluidical interfaces, in order to ensure an effective fluid line. Here, high demands are made in respect to the fluidical interfaces between a corresponding fluid-carrying line and a corresponding connecting piece with regard to stability and fluid-tightness.

[0072] In particular when metallic components are used in corresponding fluid connection arrangements 100, the fluidical interfaces between the metallic components are often soldered in order to achieve a stable attachment of the metallic components to one another. In corresponding soldered connections between metallic components known from the prior art, it is often not possible to provide sufficient fluid tightness between the metallic components.

[0073] In the fluid connection arrangement 100 according to the present disclosure, however, the materially bonded connection, in particular a soldered connection, between the tubular connecting part 101 and the receiving part is fluid-tight, so that the exit of liquid at the connection point between the two components is prevented.

[0074] As can be seen in particular from FIG. 1B, the tubular connecting part 101 has a tubular wall 103 with a rotationally symmetrical cross section. The rotationally symmetrical cross section of the tube wall 103 is distinguished in particular by the fact that the contour of the tube wall is mirrored back onto itself when it is rotated along a defined rotation angle, in particular 120°. As can be seen from FIG. 1B, the rotationally symmetrical cross section of the tube wall 103 of the tubular connecting part 101, however, in particular does not have a circular shape, but rather is not concentric. The tube wall 103 of the tubular connecting part 101 has a plurality of comb-shaped support points 105 which, as can be seen from FIG. 1A, extend along a longitudinal direction 107 of the tubular connecting part 101.

[0075] The comb-shaped support points 105 of the tubular connecting part 101 contact a receiving wall inner side 109, shown only schematically in FIG. 1B, of a receiving wall of a receiving part, in order to connect the tubular connecting part 101 to the receiving part. In particular,

[0076] the comb-shaped support points 105 bear against the receiving wall inner side 109 of the tube wall in a force-fitting manner. FIG. 1B shows that the tube wall 103 of the tubular connecting part 101 has a plurality of, in particular three, comb-shaped support points 105, which are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner with respect to the central axis 111 of the tubular connecting part 101, in particular with a rotation angle of 120°. As a result of the rotationally symmetrical arrangement of the comb-shaped support points 105, an effective circumferential fixing in the correct position of the tubular connecting part 101 can be ensured in the receiving part.

[0077] As can also be seen from FIG. 1B, the tube wall 103 of the tubular connecting part 101 has a plurality of, in particular three, curved wall areas 113, one curved wall area 113 each extending between two adjacent comb-shaped support points 105.

[0078] As can also be seen from FIG. 1B, a respective gap 115 is arranged between the curved wall areas 113 of the tubular connecting part 101 and the receiving wall inner side 109 of a receiving wall of a receiving part. The gaps 115 are each designed to receive a solder, not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in order to ensure a materially bonded and fluid-tight connection between the receiving wall inner side 109 of the respective curved wall area 113. The gaps 115 in particular have a crescent shape.

[0079] FIG. 1B shows that the tube wall 103 of the tubular connecting part 101 has a plurality of, in particular three, curved wall areas 113, which are arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the central axis 111 of the tubular connecting part 101, in particular with a rotation angle of 120°. The rotationally symmetrical arrangement of the curved wall areas 113 or the gaps 115 can ensure an effective circumferential materially bonded and fluid-tight seal between the tubular connecting part 101 and the receiving part.

[0080] FIG. 1B shows that the comb-shaped support points 105 lie on a first circumferential circle 117-1 of the tubular connecting part 101 in relation to the central axis 111 of the tubular connecting part 101, and that respective central regions 119 of the curved wall areas 113 lie on a second circumferential circle 117-2 of the tubular connecting part 101 in relation to the central axis 111 of the tubular connecting part 101, the first circumferential circle 117-1 having a first circle diameter 121-1 which is greater than a second circle diameter 121-2 of the second circumferential circle 117-2.

[0081] FIG. 1B also shows that the first circular diameter 121-1 is somewhat larger than an inner diameter 123 of the receiving wall of a receiving part. This means that when the tubular connecting part 101 is inserted into the receiving part, the comb-shaped support points 105 can deflect inward and, after insertion, press against the receiving wall inner side 109 of the receiving part, thereby fixing the tubular connecting part 101 in the correct position until soldering and thus prevent a loosening of both connection partners and a twisting of the tubular connecting part 101.

[0082] Thus, the tube wall 103 of the tubular connecting part 101 can be at least partially deformed inwards, in order to receive the tubular connecting part 101 in the receiving part.

[0083] From FIG. 1A it can be seen that the tubular connecting part 101 has an insertion section 125, which is completely received in the interior of the receiving part, not shown in FIG. 1A, and wherein an outer section 127 extends from the insertion section 125, which is received in the receiving part not shown in FIG. 1A.

[0084] From FIG. 1A it can be seen that the rotationally symmetrical cross section of the tubular connecting part 101 comprising the comb-shaped support points 105 and the curved wall areas 113 is formed in the insertion section 125 and not in the outer section 127. The outer section 127 of the tubular connecting part 101 has a concentric cross section.

[0085] Furthermore, the tube wall 103 comprising the comb-shaped support points 105 and the curved wall areas 113, in particular the tube wall 103 of the insertion section 125, has a constant wall thickness.

[0086] During the production of the tube wall 103 comprising the comb-shaped support points 105 and the curved wall areas 113, in particular in the insertion section 125, the outer diameter of the tube wall 103 is not reduced rotationally symmetrically in an axial movement over part of the solder surface, but the tube wall 103, in particular in the insertion section 125, is partially deformed inwards and is transferred into the polygonal shape shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The polygonal shape is applied from the outside by means of partial pressure without a relative movement between tools, so that a partial flattening of the tube wall 103 is achieved in the area of the curved wall areas 113.

[0087] In this case, lower deformation forces occur, since there is no change in the wall thickness of the tube wall 103. A conventionally required calibration of the insertion section 125 of the tube wall 103 with a flanging machine is thus dispensed with, so that there is little manufacturing effort.

[0088] Furthermore, there is no relative movement between the tube and the forming die, so that the risk of contamination is reduced. In addition, there is no need for the components to be lubricated and there is no need for a corresponding washing process.

[0089] FIGS. 2A and 2B show views with different perspectives of a fluid connection arrangement with a tubular connection part and a receiving part according to an example.

[0090] The fluid connection arrangement 100 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B comprises the tubular connection part 101 shown in FIG. 1, which is received at least partially in the interior of a receiving part 129.

[0091] The tube wall 103 of the tubular connecting part 101 has a plurality of, in particular three, comb-shaped support points 105, which extend along the longitudinal direction 107 of the tubular connecting part 101. The comb-shaped support points 105 contact the receiving wall inner side 109 of the receiving part 129.

[0092] The tube wall 103 of the tubular connecting part 101 also has a plurality of, in particular three, curved wall areas 113 which each extend between two adjacent comb-shaped support points 105.

[0093] Between the respective curved wall area 113 and the receiving wall inner side 109 of the receiving part 129, a respective gap 115 is arranged, which is adapted to receive a solder, not shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in order to provide a materially bonded connection between the receiving wall inner side 109 of the receiving part 129 and the curved wall areas 113 of the tubular connecting part 101.

[0094] As it is only shown schematically in FIG. 2A, in particular a length 131 of the comb-shaped support points 105 along the longitudinal direction 107 of the tubular connecting part 101 is less than a length 133 of the gaps 115 along the longitudinal direction 107 of the tubular connecting part 101.

[0095] This ensures that the solder, which is drawn up through the gap 115 by the capillary force, converges above the gaps 115 and fills the remaining gap 115 and thus ensures a pressure-resistant, materially bonded, and fluid-tight connection between the tubular connecting part 101 and the receiving part 129.

[0096] FIG. 2A further shows that a wall end side 136 of the receiving wall 135 of the receiving part 129 delimits the interior of the receiving part 129, the wall end side 136 closing off the interior of the receiving part 129 transversely to an insertion direction 137 of the tubular connecting part 101 into the receiving part 129. The wall end side 136 is connected to the receiving wall inner side 109. The wall end side 136 and the receiving wall inner side 109 thus enclose the received tubular connecting part 101.

[0097] A cavity 141 for receiving solder is formed between the receiving wall 135, in particular a wall end side 136 of the receiving wall 135, and an end face 139 of the tubular connecting part 101 introduced into the receiving part 129.

[0098] After the solder received in the cavity 141 has been heated, the solder melted thereby penetrates into the gaps 115 as a result of the capillary forces that occur. After the fluid connection arrangement 100 has cooled and the solder has hardened, a materially bonded and fluid-tight connection between the receiving wall inner side 109 of the receiving part 129 and the tube wall 103 of the tubular connecting part 101 is ensured.

[0099] The receiving part 129, in particular the receiving wall 135 of the receiving part 129, has an insertion opening 143 through which the tubular connecting part 101 is inserted into the interior of the receiving part 129.

[0100] FIG. 3 shows a method for producing a fluid connection arrangement according to an example.

[0101] The method 200 comprises as a first step, the provision 201 of a receiving part 129, which has a receiving wall 135, the receiving wall 135 having a receiving wall inner side 109 which delimits an interior of the receiving part 129.

[0102] The method 200 comprises, as a second step, the provision 203 of a tubular connecting part 101, which has a tube wall 103, the tube wall 103 having a plurality of comb-shaped support points 105, which extend along a longitudinal direction 107 of the tubular connecting part 101, the tube wall 103 having at least one curved wall area 113 which extends between two adjacent comb-shaped support points 105.

[0103] The method 200 comprises, as a third step, at least partially inserting 205 the tubular connecting part 101 into the interior of the receiving part 129, the comb-shaped support points 105 of the tubular connecting part 101 contacting the receiving wall inner side 109 after the insertion 205, and wherein after the insertion 205 between the at least a curved wall area 113 and the receiving wall inner side 109 at least one gap 115 is arranged.

[0104] The method 200 comprises, as a fourth step, the soldering 207 of the tube wall 103 of the tubular connecting part 101 to the receiving wall 135 of the receiving part 129, a solder formed during the soldering 207 being received in the gap 115 in order to provide a materially bonded and fluid-tight connection between the receiving wall inner side 109 and the curved wall portion 113.

[0105] All the features explained and shown in connection with individual examples of the disclosure can be provided in different combinations in the subject matter according to the disclosure in order to realize their advantageous effects at the same time.

[0106] The scope of protection of the present disclosure is given by the claims and is not restricted by the features explained in the description or shown in the figures.

REFERENCE LIST

[0107] 100 Fluid connection arrangement [0108] 101 Tubular connecting part [0109] 103 Tube wall [0110] 105 Comb-shaped support points [0111] 107 Longitudinal direction of the tubular connecting part [0112] 109 Receiving wall inner side [0113] 111 Central axis of the tubular connecting part [0114] 113 Curved wall area [0115] 115 Gap [0116] 117-1 First circumferential circle [0117] 117-2 Second circumferential circle [0118] 119 Central region of the curved wall area [0119] 121-1 First circle diameter [0120] 121-2 Second circle diameter [0121] 123 Inner diameter of the outer part [0122] 125 Insertion section of the tubular connecting part [0123] 127 Outer section of the tubular connecting part [0124] 129 Receiving part [0125] 131 Length of a comb-shaped support point [0126] 133 Length of a gap [0127] 135 Receiving wall of the receiving part [0128] 136 Wall end side [0129] 137 Insertion direction of the tubular connecting part into the receiving part [0130] 139 End face of the tubular connecting part [0131] 141 Cavity [0132] 143 Slot [0133] 200 Method for producing a fluid connection assembly [0134] 201 Providing a receiving part [0135] 203 Providing a tubular connecting part [0136] 205 At least partially, inserting the tubular connecting part into the receiving part [0137] 207 Soldering the tube wall to the receiving wall