DE102014216045A1 - Connector for a hydraulic coupling system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector for connecting two lines for guiding hydraulic fluid for a hydraulically actuated coupling system, wherein the connector has a first connection region for arranging and fixing a first line and wherein the connector has a second connection region for arranging and fixing a second line, wherein the first connection region is designed to form a material-locking fixation of the first line, and wherein the second connection region is designed to form a positive fixation of the second line. Such a connector for a hydraulically operable coupling system provides a solution with which an easily manufactured, highly variable and securely sealing connection of two hydraulic components can be allowed, which can also be light and inexpensive.

Description

The present invention relates to hydraulically actuated clutch systems, in particular engagement or disengagement systems. In particular, the present invention relates to a connector for forming a connection between two hydraulic lines for a hydraulically actuated coupling system, such as with a double clutch, according to the features of claim 1.

A hydraulic system comprising a master cylinder, a slave cylinder and a pressure medium line connecting them is used, for example, in an engagement system or disengagement system for actuating a vehicle clutch in the drive train of motor vehicles. The vehicle clutch is used to selectively interrupt the torque transmission between an internal combustion engine and a manual transmission.

Connectors are often used in the pressure medium line in order to connect a sensor-side hydraulic component and a slave-side hydraulic component. For example, a connector may have a connector having a male part and a female part. Such connectors can be fixed by simply plugging each other.

A disadvantage of the known from the prior art solutions for connecting hydraulic components in clutch systems is that such solutions, such as having connectors, can be complex and costly to manufacture.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connector for a hydraulically actuated clutch system, with which a simple and inexpensive to manufacture, safely sealing and / or easy connection of two hydraulic lines can be allowed.

The object is achieved by a connector for connecting two lines for guiding hydraulic fluid for a hydraulically actuated clutch system with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

An inventive connector for connecting two lines for guiding hydraulic fluid for a hydraulically actuated coupling system has a first connection region for arranging and fixing a first line and has a second connection region for arranging and fixing a second line, wherein the first connection region for forming a material-locking Fixing the first line is configured and wherein the second connection region is formed to form a positive fixation of the second line.

The above-described connector thus serves in particular for forming a connection, which can preferably be used to connect different hydraulic components in a clutch system, such as a motor vehicle, or in particular in an engagement system or release system for clutches, such as for dual clutches. In particular, the above-described connector can serve to connect two hydraulic lines, in particular two differently configured hydraulic lines, which are each connected to a hydraulic component, in a hydraulic system as described above. The first hydraulic component and the second hydraulic component are expediently different from each other. For example, one of the first and second hydraulic components may include a source of hydraulic fluid, such as a master cylinder, for which reason hydraulic pressure is applied to the first hydraulic line or connector from this side. A world-side connection of the connector can thus be the encoder-side connection. Furthermore, a further one of the first and the second hydraulic component can be connected to the actual coupling or be itself, for which reason a corresponding connection on the side of the connector can be the user-side connection. For example, the slave-side connection may be connected to a hydraulic component in order to control an engagement lever for opening or closing the clutch. This may be, for example, a clutch master cylinder (CMC or clutch slave cylinder, CSC). It can be used as a hydraulic fluid, for example, and not limiting brake fluid or mineral oil. In principle, the first connection region or the second connection region can have or form the user-side or the sensor-side connection. Useful pressures of the hydraulic fluid are well known to those skilled in the art and can be purely exemplary and in no way limiting in a range of 30-40bar, although significantly lower or higher pressures may be sufficient, such as in the range of 5bar.

As described, the connector has a first connection area for arranging and fixing a first line, and the connector has a second connection area for arranging and fixing a second line. Such areas or sections of the connector thus serve, in each case a line, such as in particular to arrange a hydraulic line, such as by pushing or plugging, and to fix it, as will be explained in detail below. Thus, the connector is suitable to connect pressure-tight at a fixed to the connector or to the respective connection regions state of the two lines, so that a hydraulic fluid can flow from the first line into the second line and vice versa.

With regard to the fixing of the lines to the connector, the connector is configured such that the first connection region is designed to form a material-locking fixation of the first line and that the second connection region is designed to form a positive fixation of the second line.

A cohesive fixation may in this case mean, in a manner known per se, in particular such a fixation or connection, in which, for example, between the first line and the connector or in particular the corresponding connection region of the connector, such a connection is configured, in which the connection partner atomic or molecular forces are held together. For example, and depending on the material used of the connector and the conduit such fixing of the first conduit by vulcanization, soldering, gluing or welding can be realized, the above examples are not intended to be limiting.

Furthermore, an embodiment of the first connection region for forming a cohesive fixation of the first line may mean that the connection region may in particular comprise or consist of an area or section which has a sufficient size of, for example, a planar surface to make contact with the line can, which allows a stable cohesive connection between the line and the connector or the connection area of the connector at the aforementioned pressures and conditions during operation of the connector. Thus, the exact suitability of the connector or the connection region may depend, in particular, on the material connection to be selected, the desired operating conditions and on the materials used.

Under a positive fixation can also be in a conventional manner in particular such a fixation or connection be meant in which, for example, between the second line and the connector or in particular the corresponding connection region of the connector, such a connection is configured, in which a connection partner is fixed to the other by a physical blockage. Examples of a method forming a positive connection are well known to the person skilled in the art and will also be explained in detail below.

Furthermore, an embodiment of the second connection region for forming a positive fixation of the second conduit may mean that, for example, the material of the connection region may be deformable in order to achieve a positive connection with the conduit, for example by plastic deformation. Alternatively or additionally, for example, structures, such as undercuts, may be provided, which may form a positive connection with the second line. However, the conditions for forming a positive fixing may also be dependent on the specific embodiment, as is carried out with respect to the material connection.

An above-described embodiment of a connector can offer a number of advantages.

Due to the above-described embodiment, in particular the connection regions of the connector lines, in particular hydraulic lines, can be connected to each other, which have a different configuration and therefore basically require different types of connection. As a result, the corresponding lines do not need to be adapted to a connection with each other but can for example be adapted to the hydraulic components to be connected. Thus, a variety of hydraulic components can be easily interconnected by a connector described above, without having to resort to other connection components, such as plugs or entire connectors. In particular, embodiments of connections of different hydraulic lines or different hydraulic components can be realized by the use of a connector described above, which were not feasible in this simple and inexpensive manner by the known from the prior art solutions.

Furthermore, the connector offers a particularly cost-effective solution, since, as stated above, can be dispensed with additional connecting elements, such as plug-in systems for connecting the lines, and furthermore the connector as such can be produced very inexpensively. As a result, the cost of a hydraulic system equipped with such a connector can be kept very low.

In addition, the weight of the connector and thus a equipped with this hydraulic system can be kept very low. For one thing, as explained above, can be dispensed with further connection components, such as connectors. Furthermore, the requirements of the above-described connector, namely in particular a suitable pressure tightness and the possibility of a cohesive and positive connection, even with relatively lightweight materials can be realized. Thus, the use of particularly lightweight materials weight can be saved. The present connector is thus particularly advantageous for use in mobile applications, such as in a hydraulic clutch system of a vehicle.

In summary, the connector for a hydraulically actuable coupling system provides a solution with which an easy to manufacture, highly variable and secure sealing connection of two hydraulic components can be allowed, which can also be light and inexpensive.

In one embodiment of the connector, the connector, for example, the entire connector, be formed from a plastic. Specifically, examples include thermoplastics such as polyethylene (PE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic. In particular, in this embodiment, the connector may have a particularly low weight, so that the connector can be particularly well suited for mobile applications. Furthermore, in particular if the entire connector including the connecting regions is formed from a plastic, it is particularly easy to achieve both a positive connection to a line and to achieve a material connection. For example, a plastic can be deformed in a simple manner in order to achieve a form fit, for example, or it is possible to introduce suitable structures. Furthermore, it is particularly simple to realize extremely stable cohesive fixations with a plastic, for example by means of a welding process. In addition, a connector made of a plastic offers the advantage of a particularly cost-effective manufacturability and a particularly simple adaptability to the desired field of application, since substantially any desired geometry can be produced in a simple manner by an injection molding process.

In a further embodiment of the connector, the first connection region for forming a welded connection can be embodied as a material-locking connection, and the second connection region can be designed as a form-locking connection for forming a crimp connection. In particular, such variants of a cohesive fixation or a positive fixation can be particularly stable and also be particularly cost-effectively. An embodiment for forming a welded connection may in particular mean that the connecting region has a sufficient thickness in order to still have sufficient stability even after a welding operation. Furthermore, the area should be suitable, for example, with regard to its melting range or the like, in order to be able to carry out welding. With regard to the configuration for forming a crimped connection, the connection region may in particular have sufficient flexibility to be suitably plastically deformable. A crimping process, also referred to as crimping, is thus understood to mean, in particular, such a method in which the two components to be joined are plastically deformed by applying pressure and thus form a positive connection with one another. Furthermore, a sufficiently large, in particular planar, region can be provided in order to realize a crimp connection of, for example, a pushed-on line with a compression sleeve.

In this case, the second connection area can be structured, for example. In particular, the second connection region can be structured with such a structure, which can support or cause a positive connection, for example caused by a crimping process. For example, the connection region may have one or a plurality of projections or undercuts, for example in a wave form, which may themselves serve to form a positive connection, or between which a crimp connection may be formed. In this embodiment, a particularly stable positive connection can be formed. In addition, such structuring can serve as a positioning aid for a crimp connection, for which reason a particularly defined and reproducible structure can be obtained in this embodiment.

With regard to further specific technical features and advantages of the connector according to the invention, reference is hereby explicitly made to the following description of the hydraulic system, the figures and the description of the figures.

The present invention further relates to a hydraulic system, in particular a hydraulic coupling system, comprising a connector having a first connection region and a second connection region and further comprising a first conduit for guiding hydraulic fluid, which materially connected to the first connection region, in particular is welded, and comprising a second conduit for guiding hydraulic fluid, which is positively connected to the second connection region, in particular crimped, is.

In particular, such a combination of the connector with the corresponding leads can lead to the advantages described with respect to the connector. In summary, such a hydraulically actuated system, in particular a coupling system, provides a cost-effective and stable solution in order to enable a particularly broad and variable field of application for hydraulic components to be connected. Finally, such a solution can be produced in a particularly simple manner by integrally connecting, in particular welding, a one-step step of the connector to the first line. In this case, the first line can be pushed about in or on the connection area and then welded, for example. In a further step, the second line can be positively connected to the connection region, for example crimped, whereby the second line can likewise be pushed into or onto the connection region and then fixed, for example, by a crimping process.

In one embodiment of the hydraulic system, the first line, which is materially connected to the first connection region of the connector, a pipe, in particular a plastic pipe, be, and the second line, which is positively connected to the second connection region of the connector, a hose, in particular a plastic hose. In particular, in this embodiment, a known from the prior art variability of the compounds of hydraulic components is possible.

In this case, it is possible to realize a simple and inexpensive possibility with which in particular a connection of a plastic hose and a steel or preferably plastic pipe for high-pressure applications, for example in a coupling system, can be made possible. This may be particularly advantageous because pipes, such as plastic pipes, transmitted under certain circumstances due to their stiffness vibration or noise from the transmission or from the engine to the pedal, which for about a driver of a vehicle equipped with such a hydraulic system comfort losses can bring. By contrast, a hose can serve as a damper due to its flexibility, as a result of which the abovementioned disadvantages can be overcome. In addition, pipes can be difficult to install, especially in a limited space, so that the manufacturability can be simplified by a combination of a tube with a hose.

Furthermore, in particular in this embodiment offers the advantage that, for example, in contrast to known from the prior art solutions connectors and pipes made of steel, such compounds can be particularly cost especially by the use of plastic for the connector, the tube and the hose and further need only have a limited weight. A suitable plastic for the corresponding components, in particular for the hose, may include, for example, ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM). The tube may for example be made of thermoplastic and therefore easily weldable plastics. Non-limiting examples include polyethylene (PE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic. Furthermore, the above-described solution, in particular in this embodiment, is significantly less expensive than, for example, a solution comprising a plastic tube which is connected to a connector component, such as a socket, as proposed by a prior art solution.

Under a hose can be understood in particular such a line, which is flexible and thus can absorb substantially no or only small forces perpendicular to the extension direction, whereas under a pipe in particular such a conduit can be understood, which also comparatively large forces perpendicular to the Extend direction can accommodate. For example, a pipe may be formed of a material that retards a bending strength (σB 3.5%) ISO 178 may be formed, for example, from a material which may typically have values of flexural strength in a range of less than or equal to 75%, for example less than or equal to 50%, of the flexural strength of the tube. In particular, a pipe can be understood as a pipe whose material has a bending strength (σB 3.5%) ISO 178 in a range of approximately greater than or equal to 100 MPa, for example, greater than or equal to 150 MPa, whereas a hose may be understood as a conduit whose material has a flexural strength (σB 3.5%) ISO 178 in a range of approximately less than or equal to 100, for example less than or equal to 75 MPa, for example in the range of 50 MPa.

In a further embodiment of the hydraulic system, the hydraulic system may be part of a coupling system. In this case, the hydraulic system in particular a Such coupling system, which has about a double clutch and / or a CSC. Exemplary and non-limiting examples include in particular hydraulically actuable engagement systems or release systems for use in motor vehicles.

With regard to further specific technical features and advantages of the hydraulic system according to the invention, reference is hereby explicitly made to the above description of the connector, the figures and the description of the figures.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to preferred embodiments, wherein the features shown below, both individually and in combination may represent an aspect of the invention. Show it:

1 a schematic view of an embodiment of a connector according to the invention;

2 : Another schematic view of the embodiment of 1 a connector according to the invention;

3 : Another schematic view of the embodiment of 1 a connector according to the invention;

4 : a schematic side view of the embodiment of 1 a connector having a first line fixed thereto and a second line fixed thereto; and

5 a schematic sectional view of the embodiment of 1 a connector with the first line fixed thereto and the second line fixed thereto.

In the 1 to 3 is a connector 10 for connecting two lines 12 . 14 shown for guiding hydraulic fluid in a clutch system. The connector 10 is used in particular for forming a pressure-tight connection of the two lines 12 . 14 and thus for connecting two hydraulic components, for example as part of a hydraulic clutch system, in particular in a motor vehicle.

The connector 10 For example, it may be at least partially formed from plastic or made from plastic. By way of example, polydienes, such as polyethylene, or also polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic can be used to form the connector. The connector 10 has a first connection area 16 for arranging and fixing a first line 12 and has a second connection area 18 for arranging and fixing a second line 14 on, like this in the 4 and 5 shown in detail. Here is the first connection area 16 for forming a cohesive connection, in particular a welded connection, with the first line 12 configured, and is the second connection area 18 for forming a positive connection, in particular a crimp connection, the second line 14 educated.

It is further shown that the second connection area 18 is structured, for example, to make a crimp connection more stable and defined.

Furthermore, it can be seen that a functional structure 20 is provided, which on the outer circumference of the connector 10 may be arranged and, for example and not restricting a fixing of the connector 10 can serve themselves, or perform other tasks.

In the 4 and 5 is shown as part of a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system may for example be a coupling system and has the connector 10 on, as described above and in one embodiment in the 1 to 3 shown in detail. It is also the first line 12 shown for guiding hydraulic fluid, which cohesively with the first connection area 16 connected, in particular welded, and it is also the second line 14 shown for guiding hydraulic fluid, which is form-fitting with the second connection area 18 connected, in particular crimped, is. This is the first line 12 in particular a plastic tube, whereas the second line 14 especially a plastic tube.

With respect to a welded connection, this can be produced in a manner known to the person skilled in the art. In particular, a fusion welding can be carried out, in which by an action of temperature and in particular pressure, the materials to be joined are heated until they liquefy and mix, so that they are firmly connected to each other after solidification.

Regarding a crimp connection is in the 4 and 5 shown that this approximately with the aid of a compression sleeve 22 can be formed. The second connection area 18 can be structured and about one or more annular jagged undercuts 24 , with a suspended hose as the second line 14 make a positive connection. The inner diameter of the hose or the second line 14 may be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the undercuts 24 so that the inner wall of the second conduit 14 plastically and / or elastically deformed, whereby simultaneously realizes a seal and a tight fit is achieved. Such a connection is also called Tannenbaum connection, which in itself can already provide a positive connection. About the second line 14 is at least in some areas a compression sleeve 22 pushed and on the second line 14 as well as the connection area 18 by means of one or more, in the present embodiment, two annular notches 26 crimped. Such a connection can provide the crimped connection. The compression sleeve 22 is made of a plastically deformable metal and is used to connect via the end of the second conduit 14 , in particular hose line, plugged. The hose with the press sleeve arranged thereon 22 is then over the second connection area 18 pushed. In the hitherto cylindrical outer contour of the compression sleeve 22 then becomes one or more annular indentations 26 introduced, whereby by the notch 26 the second line located in this area 14 on the connecting section 18 pressed and elastically and / or plastically deformed.

The first line 12 can do this at her the connector 10 opposite end to be connected to another connecting means, such as male or female. Accordingly, the second line 14 also at her the connector 10 opposite end to be connected to a further connecting means, such as a plug or a socket. Thus, the hydraulic components connected to the corresponding plugs or sockets can be connected to one another in a simple manner.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

 connector

12

 first line

14

 second line

16

 first connection area

18

 second connection area

20

 functional structure

22

 compression sleeve

24

 undercut

26

 notch

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• ISO 178 [0029]
• ISO 178 [0029]
• ISO 178 [0029]

Claims (7)

Connector for connecting two lines for guiding hydraulic fluid for a hydraulically actuated coupling system, wherein the connector ( 10 ) a first connection area ( 16 ) for arranging and fixing a first line ( 12 ) and wherein the connector ( 10 ) a second connection area ( 18 ) for arranging and fixing a second line ( 14 ), wherein the first connection area ( 16 ) for forming a cohesive fixation of the first line ( 12 ) and wherein the second connection area ( 18 ) for forming a positive fixing of the second line ( 14 ) is trained. Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector ( 10 ) is molded from a plastic. Connector according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first connection region ( 16 ) is configured to form a welded connection and that the second connection region ( 18 ) is configured to form a crimped connection. Connector according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second connection region ( 18 ) is structured. Hydraulic system, in particular hydraulic coupling system, comprising a connector ( 10 ) with a first connection area ( 16 ) and with a second connection area ( 18 ) and further comprising a first line ( 12 ) for guiding hydraulic fluid, which cohesively with the first connection area ( 16 ), in particular welded, and comprising a second line ( 14 ) for guiding hydraulic fluid, which is positively connected to the second connecting region ( 18 ), in particular crimped, is. Hydraulic system according to claim 5, characterized in that the first line ( 12 ) a hose, in particular plastic hose, and the second line ( 14 ) is a pipe, in particular plastic pipe. Hydraulic system according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the hydraulic system is part of a coupling system.

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