WO2024192457A1

WO2024192457A1 - Connecting sleeve and method for producing a connecting sleeve

Info

Publication number: WO2024192457A1
Application number: PCT/AT2024/060103
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manuel ROHNER
Original assignee: Henn Gmbh & Co Kg.
Priority date: 2023-03-22
Filing date: 2024-03-21
Publication date: 2024-09-26

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting sleeve (1) for connecting an opening (O) in a wall (W) of a thin-walled container (B) to a fluid line (F), wherein the connecting sleeve (1) comprises a pipe piece (2) having an open first pipe end (4) and an opposite open second pipe end (5), wherein, in the region of the first pipe end (4), an insertion section (6) is provided for inserting the pipe piece (2) into the opening (O) in the thin-walled container (B) and, in the region of the second pipe end (5), a first connecting section (7) is provided, wherein the connecting sleeve (1) also comprises a plastic sleeve (3) having an open first sleeve end (8) and an opposite open second sleeve end (9), wherein, in the region of the first sleeve end (8), a second connecting section (10) is provided and, in the region of the second sleeve end (9), an attachment section (11) is provided for attaching the fluid line (F), wherein the plastic sleeve (3) is connected to the pipe piece (2) in such a way that the first connecting section (7) of the pipe piece (2) is interlockingly accommodated in the second connecting section (10) of the plastic sleeve (3).

Description

CONNECTING SLEEVE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A CONNECTING SLEEVE

The invention relates to a connecting sleeve for connecting an opening in a wall of a thin-walled container to a fluid line. The invention also relates to a use of such a connecting sleeve and a method for producing such a connecting sleeve. The invention also relates to a thin-walled container.

Connecting sleeves are used to connect fluid-carrying components, e.g. containers or fluid lines (hoses, pipes, etc.) to one another. The fluids can be gaseous or liquid. Connecting sleeves generally have a first connecting section for connecting to a first fluid-carrying component and a second connecting section for connecting to a second fluid-carrying component. Depending on the specific application, such connecting sleeves can be designed as one-piece or multiple parts and made from different materials, e.g. plastic or metallic materials. Depending on the application, different connecting sections can be provided, although the first and second connecting sections can of course also be different. Connecting sleeves can, for example, be connected directly to the fluid-carrying components, but can also be connected indirectly to the fluid-carrying components, e.g. via plug connectors.

A generic connecting sleeve for connecting to a connector is disclosed, for example, in WO 2022/155694 A1 under the name “mating connector”. The disclosed connecting sleeve is made of a metallic material and designed as a formed sheet metal part.

The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an improved connecting sleeve which is simple and inexpensive to produce, has a compact design and which enables a simple and reliable connection to a thin-walled container.

This object is achieved by a connecting sleeve mentioned at the outset in that the connecting sleeve has a pipe section with an open first pipe end and an opposite open second pipe end, wherein in the region of the first pipe end there is an insertion section for inserting the pipe section into the opening of the thin-walled container is provided and a first connecting section is provided in the region of the second pipe end, wherein the connecting sleeve further has a plastic sleeve with an open first sleeve end and an opposite open second sleeve end, wherein a second connecting section is provided in the region of the first sleeve end and a connection section for connecting the fluid line is provided in the region of the second sleeve end, wherein the plastic sleeve is connected to the pipe section in such a way that the first connecting section of the pipe section is positively received in the second connecting section of the plastic sleeve. This creates a connecting sleeve that is easy to manufacture because the shape of the plastic sleeve can be very flexibly adapted to existing boundary conditions. In particular, the plastic sleeve can be adapted to a standardized connection piece of the Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), which is used by many companies in the automotive industry.

Preferably, the first connecting section of the pipe piece comprises a substantially cylindrical first contact section and a holding section protruding outward from the first contact section in the radial direction, wherein the second connecting section of the plastic sleeve comprises a substantially cylindrical second contact section and a holding recess, wherein the holding section of the pipe piece is received in a form-fitting manner in the holding recess of the plastic sleeve and an inner circumferential surface of the second contact section rests against an outer circumferential surface of the first contact section. This achieves a stable fastening of the plastic sleeve to the pipe piece, since the plastic sleeve and the pipe piece rest against one another on a relatively large contact surface.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the pipe section is cast in the plastic sleeve, with the holding section of the pipe section being enclosed by the plastic of the plastic sleeve, so that the plastic sleeve is firmly connected to the pipe section. This simplifies production. In particular, the step of mounting the plastic sleeve on the pipe section can be omitted. In addition, a stable and non-detachable positive connection is created.

Preferably, the pipe section is made of a metallic material, whereby the pipe section is preferably a formed sheet metal part. This allows the advantages of metal (e.g. dimensional stability, temperature resistance, etc.) to be combined with the advantages of plastic (e.g. flexible shaping). Preferably, the holding section of the pipe section comprises a collar which extends in the circumferential direction over at least part of a circumference of the pipe section, preferably around the entire circumference. Alternatively or additionally, it can be advantageous for the holding section to comprise a plurality of projections which are arranged on the pipe section at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction and/or in the axial direction. This achieves a stable positive connection.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the holding section, in particular the collar, is arranged on the second pipe end and delimits the pipe section in the axial direction, with a first end face facing the first pipe end being provided on the holding section. Furthermore, the second contact section of the plastic sleeve is delimited in the direction of the second sleeve end by a circumferential shoulder on which an annular second end face facing the second sleeve end is provided. As a result, the pipe section can be inserted into the plastic sleeve through the second open sleeve end until the first end face rests against the second end face. This enables simple assembly, since the correct positioning of the plastic sleeve on the pipe section is achieved automatically.

Preferably, at least one locking projection protruding radially inwards is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the plastic sleeve in the axial direction between the circumferential shoulder and the second sleeve end, and the holding section of the pipe section is received in the axial direction between the at least one locking projection and the circumferential shoulder. The at least one locking projection is preferably designed to be flexible in the radial direction. This makes it very easy to create the positive connection. For example, a type of click connection can be provided in which the holding projection snaps into place between the locking projection and the circumferential shoulder after an elastic deformation of the at least one locking device. If necessary, the positive connection can also be designed to be detachable so that the plastic sleeve can be detached from the pipe section again.

Preferably, a circumferential groove for receiving a sealing ring is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the plastic sleeve in the region of the first sleeve end, said groove being open in the direction of the first sleeve end. Alternatively, a circumferential groove for receiving a sealing ring can also be provided on a sleeve end face that delimits the plastic sleeve in the direction of the first sleeve end, said circumferential groove being delimited radially inwardly by the plastic sleeve. Preferably, an elastic sealing ring, in particular an O-ring, is arranged in the circumferential groove, wherein a width of the sealing ring in the axial direction is greater than a width of the circumferential groove. As a result, when the connecting sleeve is mounted on the wall of the container, a seal can be automatically created between the connecting sleeve and the wall of the container.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the insertion section of the pipe piece comprises a crimping section which is designed to be plastically deformed by means of a crimping tool after the insertion section has been inserted into the opening of the thin-walled container, so that the wall of the thin-walled container can be clamped between the plastically deformed crimping section and one of the plastic sleeves. This enables simple and form-fitting assembly of the connecting sleeve on a thin-walled container.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if an anti-twisting element formed integrally with the plastic sleeve is provided on an outer side of the plastic sleeve. This can provide an anti-twisting device for the fluid line or a connector that can be connected to the fluid line. Alternatively or additionally, a locking recess can be provided on an outer side of the plastic sleeve, the locking recess preferably comprising a circumferential groove. This allows the fluid line or the connector to be positively locked to the connecting sleeve.

A connecting sleeve with a crimp section can be arranged, for example, on a thin-walled container with a wall in which an opening is provided. The insertion section of the pipe piece of the connecting sleeve is arranged in the opening and the crimp section is plastically deformed so that the wall is clamped between the plastically deformed crimp section and the plastic sleeve. The plastic sleeve preferably has a circumferential groove in which a sealing ring is arranged. The sealing ring is squeezed between the wall and the plastic sleeve in order to create a seal.

The connecting sleeve is preferably connected to the thin-walled container by first inserting the insertion section of the pipe piece into the opening in the wall of the container and then plastically deforming the crimping section of the insertion section using a crimping tool so that the wall of the thin-walled container is between the plastically deformed crimp section and the plastic sleeve. The plastic sleeve preferably has a circumferential groove with a sealing ring that is squeezed between the wall and the plastic sleeve to create a seal. Finally, the connection section of the connecting sleeve can be connected to a fluid line. Depending on the design of the connection section, the fluid line can be connected directly to the connecting sleeve or indirectly by means of a plug-in sleeve.

The object is further achieved with a method, wherein the following steps are carried out: providing a pipe section with an open first pipe end and an opposite open second pipe end, providing an insertion section for inserting the pipe section into the opening of the thin-walled container in the region of the first pipe end and providing a first connection section in the region of the second pipe end, providing a plastic sleeve with an open first sleeve end and an opposite open second sleeve end, providing a second connection section in the region of the first sleeve end and providing a connection section for connecting the fluid line in the region of the second sleeve end, connecting the plastic sleeve to the pipe section so that the first connection section of the pipe section is positively received in the second connection section of the plastic sleeve.

Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are specified in claims 15 to 20.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

Fig. 1 shows a connecting sleeve in an advantageous embodiment of the invention in a perspective view;

Fig. 2 is an exploded longitudinal section through a connecting sleeve of a first embodiment;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section of a connecting sleeve of the first embodiment in the assembled state; Fig. 4 is an exploded longitudinal section through a connecting sleeve of a second embodiment;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section of a connecting sleeve of the second embodiment in the assembled state;

Fig.6a-6d a connecting sleeve of the second embodiment at different times during attachment to a thin-walled container.

To begin with, it should be noted that in the different embodiments described, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or identical component designations, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be transferred analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or identical component designations. The position information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., also refers to the figures directly described and shown, and these position information must be transferred analogously to the new position if the position changes.

Fig. 1 shows a connecting sleeve 1 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention. The connecting sleeve 1 serves to connect an opening O of a wall W of a thin-walled container B to a fluid line F (see Fig. 6a-6d). The connecting sleeve 1 comprises a pipe section 2 and a plastic sleeve 3. An anti-twist element 19 can be arranged on an outside of the plastic sleeve 3. The anti-twist element 19 is preferably formed integrally with the plastic sleeve 3. In the example shown, a first anti-twist element 19 and a second anti-twist element 19a are provided, which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction on the outside of the plastic sleeve 3. The anti-twist elements 19, 19a can interact with a suitable (not shown) fluid line F or a plug-in sleeve connected to the fluid line F to create an anti-twist device.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if a locking recess 20 is provided on the outside of the plastic sleeve 3. The locking recess 20 can, for example, have at least one circumferential groove. The circumferential groove preferably extends around the entire circumference of the plastic sleeve 3. In the example shown, the circumferential groove is only interrupted by the two anti-twist elements 19, 19a. The locking recesses 20 can be connected to a suitable (not shown) fluid line F or a plug-in sleeve connected to the fluid line F to produce a positive locking action.

A connection section 11 is also provided on the plastic sleeve 3. The connection section 11 is designed to connect the connecting sleeve 1 to the fluid line F. The fluid line F is not part of the invention and is therefore not shown in Fig. 1 for the sake of simplicity. The fluid line F could, for example, comprise a pipe or a hose. The fluid line F can be connected directly to the connection section 11. Alternatively, the fluid line F could also be connected indirectly to the connection section 11 via a plug connector. Suitable plug connectors are known in the prior art, which is why no detailed description is given here. The connection of the fluid line F can be either fixed or detachable.

Fig. 2 shows an advantageous first embodiment of the connecting sleeve 1 according to the invention. The connecting sleeve 1 is shown in Fig. 2 in a longitudinal section and in an exploded view. The pipe section 2 comprises a first open pipe end 4 and an opposite second open pipe end 5. The first pipe end 4 is connected to the second pipe end 5 by a flow channel. In the area of the first pipe end 4 of the pipe section 2, an insertion section 6 is provided. The insertion section 6 is designed to be inserted into the opening O of the wall W of the thin-walled container B, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 6a-6d. In the area of the second pipe end 5 of the pipe section 2, a first connecting section 7 is provided. The first connecting section 7 is designed to connect the pipe section 2 to the plastic sleeve 3 in a form-fitting manner.

The plastic sleeve 3 comprises an open first sleeve end 8 and an opposite open second sleeve end 9. The first sleeve end 8 is connected to the second sleeve end 9 via a flow channel. In the area of the first sleeve end 8, a second connection section 10 is provided, which serves to connect the plastic sleeve 3 to the pipe section 2. The connection section 11 for connecting the fluid line F, already described with reference to Fig. 1, is provided in the area of the second sleeve end 9. The connection section 11 can extend from the second sleeve end 9 over part of the plastic sleeve 3 in the direction of the first sleeve end 8. The plastic sleeve 3 is thus connected to the pipe section 2 such that the first connecting section 7 of the pipe section 2 is positively received in the second connecting section 10 of the plastic sleeve 3, as can be seen in Fig.3.

In the example shown, the first connecting section 7 of the pipe section 2 comprises a substantially cylindrical first contact section 7a and a holding section 7b protruding outward from the first contact section 7a in the radial direction. The second connecting section 10 of the plastic sleeve 3 comprises a substantially cylindrical second contact section 10a and a holding recess 10b. The holding section 7b of the pipe section 2 is designed to be received in a form-fitting manner in the holding recess 10b of the plastic sleeve 3. An inner peripheral surface of the second contact section 10a serves to rest against an outer peripheral surface of the first contact section 7a.

In Fig.3, the connecting sleeve 1 from Fig.2 is shown in the assembled state. In the embodiment shown, the pipe section 2 is cast in the plastic sleeve 3, so that the holding section 7b of the pipe section 2 is enclosed by the plastic of the plastic sleeve 3. The plastic sleeve 3 is thus firmly and permanently connected to the pipe section 2.

The pipe section 2 can be made from a metallic material, for example. The pipe section 2 is preferably a formed sheet metal part. The pipe section can be produced using a deep-drawing process, for example.

The holding section 7b of the pipe section 2 can, for example, comprise a collar which extends in the circumferential direction over at least part of a circumference of the pipe section 2. In the example shown, the collar extends around the entire circumference of the pipe section 2 and delimits the pipe section 2 in the axial direction. Alternatively or additionally, the holding section 7b can comprise a plurality of projections which are arranged on the pipe section 2 at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction and/or in the axial direction. This allows an improved form fit to be achieved.

On an inner circumferential surface of the plastic sleeve 3 in the area of the first sleeve end 8, a circumferential groove 16 for receiving a sealing ring 17 can be provided, which is open in the direction of the first sleeve end 8. Alternatively, the circumferential groove 16 could also be provided on a sleeve end face delimiting the plastic sleeve 3 in the direction of the first sleeve end 4. 21 (not shown). In this case, the circumferential groove would also be open in the direction of the first sleeve end 8, but would be limited in the radial direction inwards by the plastic sleeve 3.

An elastic sealing ring 17, in particular an O-ring, can be arranged in the circumferential groove 16. Preferably, a width b of the sealing ring 17, e.g. a diameter of a cross section of the O-ring, is larger in the axial direction than a width X of the circumferential groove 16. As a result, when the connecting sleeve 1 is not mounted, the sealing ring 17 protrudes from the circumferential groove 16 in the axial direction over the sleeve end face 21 of the plastic sleeve 3. When the connecting sleeve 1 is mounted on a wall W of a thin-walled container B, the sealing ring 17 can thus be squeezed in the axial direction, whereby a seal can be created between the wall W and the connecting sleeve 1.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a crimping section 18 is provided on the insertion section 6 of the pipe section 2. The crimping section 18 is designed to be plastically deformed by means of a suitable crimping tool WZ after the insertion section 6 has been inserted into the opening O of the thin-walled container B, so that the wall W of the thin-walled container B can be clamped between the plastically deformed crimping section 18 and the plastic sleeve 3. This allows the connecting sleeve 1 to be connected to the wall W very easily and in a form-fitting manner. An advantageous assembly method is explained in more detail below with reference to Fig. 6a-6d.

In Fig.2 and Fig.3, the crimp section 18 is shown in the plastically deformed state for better visibility. The crimp section 18 is deformed into a bead 22 which extends in the circumferential direction preferably around the entire circumference of the pipe section 2. The size and shape of the bead 22 can depend on several factors, for example on the specific crimping tool WZ used to form the bead 22, on a length of the crimp section 18, on a wall thickness of the pipe section 2 in the area of the crimp section 18, etc. The size and shape of the bead 22 can therefore vary. Before the connection of the connecting sleeve 1 to the wall W of the container B, the crimp section 18 is of course in the undeformed state and has a substantially cylindrical shape, as shown for example in Fig.4+Fig.5 for the second embodiment. In Fig.4, a further and possibly independent second embodiment of the connecting sleeve 1 is shown. For the same parts, the same reference symbols or component designations are used as in the previous Figs.1-3. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the previous Figs.1-3. In Fig.4, the connecting sleeve 1 is shown in a longitudinal section and in an exploded view.

The connecting sleeve 1 again comprises a pipe section 2 and a plastic sleeve 3. The pipe section 2 again has an open first pipe end 4 and an opposite open second pipe end 5, which are connected to one another. In the area of the first pipe end 4, an insertion section 6 is provided and in the area of the second pipe end 5, a first connecting section 7 is provided. The first connecting section 7 again comprises a first contact section 7a and a holding section 7b.

The first contact section 7a has a substantially cylindrical shape. The holding section 7b here comprises a collar that protrudes in the radial direction from the first contact section 7a. The holding section 7b is arranged on the second pipe end 5 and delimits the pipe section 2 in the axial direction. A first end face 12 facing the first pipe end 4 is provided on the collar. The collar extends in the circumferential direction around the entire circumference of the pipe section 2. The first end face 12 is therefore essentially annular.

The plastic sleeve 3 in turn comprises an open first sleeve end 8 and an opposite open second sleeve end 9. The first sleeve end 8 is connected to the second sleeve end 9 via a flow channel. A second connecting section 10 is provided in the area of the first sleeve end 8. In the area of the second sleeve end 9, a connecting section 11 is provided for connecting the connecting sleeve 1 to the fluid line F. The connecting section 11 can extend from the second sleeve end 9 over part of the length of the plastic sleeve 3 in the direction of the first sleeve end 8. One or more anti-twist elements 19 can again be provided on the outside of the plastic sleeve 3. In the same way, one or more locking recesses 20 can again be provided, as already described with reference to Fig. 1.

The second connecting section 10 of the plastic sleeve 3 comprises a second contact section 10a. The second contact section 10a of the plastic sleeve 3 has a Essentially cylindrical shape. An inner diameter of the second contact section 10a of the plastic sleeve 3 corresponds essentially to an outer diameter of the first contact section 7a of the pipe section 2. The second contact section 10a is delimited in the example shown in the direction of the first sleeve end 8 by a circumferential groove 16. The circumferential groove 16 is open in the direction of the first sleeve end 8 and serves to accommodate a sealing ring 17, in particular an O-ring (see Fig. 5). In the direction of the second sleeve end 9, the second contact section 10a is delimited by a circumferential shoulder 13. An annular second end face 14 facing the second sleeve end 9 is provided on the circumferential shoulder 13.

In the illustrated second embodiment of the connecting sleeve 1, the pipe section 2 with the first pipe end 4 can be inserted through the second open sleeve end 9 into the plastic sleeve 3 until the first annular end face 12 of the collar rests on the annular second end face 14 of the circumferential shoulder 13. This can be seen in Fig.5, in which the connecting sleeve 1 is shown in a longitudinal section in the assembled state. Fig.5 also shows a sealing ring 17 which is arranged in the circumferential groove 16. As already mentioned for the first embodiment, in the unassembled state of the connecting sleeve 1, a width b of the sealing ring 17 in the axial direction is preferably greater than a width X of the circumferential groove 16, as can be seen in Fig.5. The sealing ring 17 thus projects in the axial direction from the circumferential groove 16 over the sleeve end face 21, which delimits the plastic sleeve 3 in the axial direction. The axial width b of the sealing ring can, for example, be a diameter of a cross section of an O-ring.

At least one radially inwardly projecting locking projection 15 is preferably provided on an inner circumferential surface of the plastic sleeve 3. The at least one locking projection 15 is located in the axial direction between the circumferential shoulder 13 and the second sleeve end 9. In the assembled state of the connecting sleeve 1, the holding section 7b of the pipe section 2 is received in the axial direction between the at least one locking projection 15 and the circumferential shoulder 13. Preferably, however, several locking projections 15 are provided, which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface of the plastic sleeve 3. They are preferably evenly distributed around the circumference. In Fig. 5, for example, two of a total of four locking projections 15 can be seen. Of course, more than four locking projections 15 could also be provided. The locking s in front of the jumps 15 are preferably designed to be flexible in the radial direction. This allows the locking projections 15 to be elastically deformed when the pipe section 3 is inserted through the collar, so that the collar snaps into place between the circumferential shoulder 13 and the locking s in front of the jumps 15. The pipe section 2 is thus held in a form-fitting manner in the axial direction between the circumferential shoulder 13 and the locking s in front of the jumps 15. If necessary, the form-fitting connection can be designed to be detachable, so that the plastic sleeve 3 can be detached from the pipe section 2 again.

A crimping section 18 can be provided on the insertion section 6 of the pipe section 2. For the sake of simplicity, however, this is not shown in Fig.4. For details, please refer to the explanations for Fig.2 and Fig.3.

An advantageous use of a connecting sleeve 1 having a crimp section 18 is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 6a-6d. Fig. 6a shows a thin-walled container B with a wall W in which an opening O is provided. In the context of the invention, “thin-walled” is understood to mean a wall W with a thickness D of >0 mm to about 10 mm. The container B is shown in a sectional view. Furthermore, a connecting sleeve 1 according to the second embodiment is shown, which was described with reference to Fig. 4 + 5. The plastic sleeve 3 comprises a circumferential groove 16 and a sealing ring 17 arranged therein, in particular an O-ring. The opening O in the wall W of the container B is preferably circular and has a diameter that essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of the pipe section 2 of the connecting sleeve 1 or is slightly larger.

In the first step (see Fig.6a), the connecting sleeve 1 including the sealing ring 17 with the insertion section 6 is inserted into the opening O of the wall W of the container B, as indicated by the arrow in Fig.6a. If the diameter of the opening O is suitable, this step can be carried out with a relatively small amount of force, so that the wall W is not deformed or is only deformed to a negligible extent.

Now the insertion section 6 of the connecting sleeve 1 is first inserted into the opening O until the sealing ring 17 rests against the wall W (see Fig.6b). As already mentioned, the sealing ring 17 is preferably wider than the circumferential groove 16, so that the sealing ring 17 protrudes in the axial direction over the first axial sleeve end face 21 of the plastic sleeve 3 from the circumferential groove 16. The connecting sleeve 1 is held in this position, whereby if necessary, holding means or pre-tensioning means (not shown) can be used to hold the connecting sleeve 1 in position. This means that the connecting sleeve 1 does not have to be held manually. If necessary, the connecting sleeve 1 can also be pressed against the wall W in such a way that the sealing ring 17 is squeezed and the preferably flat sleeve face 21 (see Fig. 5) rests against the wall W.

Then a suitable crimping tool WZ is introduced from the second sleeve end 9 through the flow channel of the pipe section 2 into the interior of the container B, as indicated by the arrow in Fig.6b. The crimping tool WZ is only indicated schematically. The crimping tool WZ shown has two essentially parallel jaws 23 which can be moved outwards in the radial direction. An engagement projection 24 is provided at each of the free ends of the jaws 23. Of course, more than two jaws 23 can also be provided, for example at least four or at least six jaws 23. The jaws 23 are preferably arranged evenly in the circumferential direction.

The crimping tool WZ can be moved in the axial direction through the pipe section 2 into the interior of the container B until the engagement projections 24 are in the area of the first axial pipe end 4. The jaws 23 are then initially moved sufficiently far outwards in the radial direction into an engagement position in which the engagement projections 24 engage the first axial pipe end 4 of the pipe section 2. The engagement position is indicated in Fig.6c.

When the crimping tool WZ is in the engagement position, a first crimping force Fel acting in the direction of the second sleeve end 9 can be exerted on the crimping tool WZ, as indicated by the corresponding arrow in Fig.6c. The first crimping force Fel is transmitted via the engagement projections 24 to the first axial pipe end 4 of the pipe section 2 of the connecting sleeve 1. In order to avoid an undesired detachment of the connecting sleeve 1 from the wall W during the crimping process, it is advantageous if a holding force Fh is exerted on the connecting sleeve 1, which is opposite to the first crimping force Fel and exceeds the first crimping force Fel in amount. This can be done either manually by a user or preferably by a suitable holding means (not shown) with which the connecting sleeve is temporarily held on the wall W during the crimping process. The first crimping force Fel is chosen to be sufficiently large that the pipe section 2 is plastically deformed in the area of the crimping section 18, whereby a bead 22 directed outwards in the radial direction is formed, which extends over at least part of the circumference of the pipe section 2, preferably completely. The bead 22 can be seen in Fig. öd. The formation of the bead 22 can be achieved, for example, by a targeted material weakening of the pipe section 2 in the area of the crimping section 18. In order to form a bead 22 that is as uniform as possible in the circumferential direction, it can be advantageous if the crimping tool WZ has more than two jaws 23, for example three, four or more jaws 23.

The bead 22 allows the wall W to be clamped between the bead 22 and the plastic sleeve 3. The sealing ring 17 can be elastically deformed until the first axial sleeve end face 21 of the plastic sleeve 3 rests against the wall W. This allows the connecting sleeve 1 to be positively secured to the wall W of the container B and a reliable seal can be created between the plug-in sleeve 1 and the wall W.

Finally, the jaws 23 of the crimping tool WZ can be moved inwards again in the radial direction and the crimping tool WZ can be moved outwards in the axial direction through the second sleeve end 9 of the fastened connecting sleeve 1. After the crimping tool WZ has been removed, the free connection section 11 of the connecting sleeve 1 can be connected to a fluid line F, as is schematically indicated in Fig. öd. As already mentioned, the connecting sleeve 2 can be connected to a fluid line F if necessary by means of a connector (not shown).

According to an alternative embodiment of the connection method, a second crimping force Fc2 can be exerted on the crimping section 18 from inside the pipe section 2 in a radially outward direction using a second crimping tool WZ (not shown). The second crimping tool can in turn have several jaws, each of which has a radially outward-directed pressing section. In this case, the bead 22 can be created directly in the area of the crimping tool WZ by the shape of the pressing sections.

The wall W can be clamped again between the bead 22 and the plastic sleeve 3. The sealing ring 17 can be elastically deformed again until the first axial sleeve face 21 of the plastic sleeve 3 rests against the wall W. The second variant of the method has the advantage over the first variant that no or only a lower holding force Fh is required during the crimping process to hold the connecting sleeve in position.

The embodiments show possible embodiment variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not restricted to the specifically illustrated embodiment variants thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variants with each other are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action through objective invention.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions in themselves. The task underlying the independent inventive solutions can be taken from the description.

All information on value ranges in the description in question is to be understood as including any range and all subranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all subranges starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e. all subranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced. Reference symbol list

1 Connecting sleeve O Opening

2 Pipe section D thickness

3 Plastic sleeve b Width of the sealing ring

4 first pipe end X width of the circumferential groove

5 second pipe end WZ crimping tool

6 Insertion section Fel first crimp force

7 First connection section Fc2 second crimp force

7a first contact section Fh holding force

7b Holding section

8 First sleeve end

9 Second sleeve end

10 Second connecting section

10a Second contact section

10b Retaining recess

11 Connection section

12 first front surface

13 Circumference shoulder

14 second front surface

15 Locking projection

16 Circumferential groove

17 Sealing ring

18 Crimp section

19 Anti-twisting element

19a Anti-rotation element

20 Locking recess

21 Sleeve face

22 bead

23 baking

24 Intervention section

B Thin-walled container

W Wall

Claims

Patent claims

1. Connecting sleeve (1) for connecting an opening (O) of a wall (W) of a thin-walled container (B) to a fluid line (F), characterized in that the connecting sleeve (1) has a pipe section (2) with an open first pipe end (4) and an opposite open second pipe end (5), wherein in the region of the first pipe end (4) an insertion section (6) for inserting the pipe section (2) into the opening (O) of the thin-walled container (B) is provided and in the region of the second pipe end (5) a first connection section (7) is provided, wherein the connecting sleeve (1) further has a plastic sleeve (3) with an open first sleeve end (8) and an opposite open second sleeve end (9), wherein in the region of the first sleeve end (8) a second connection section (10) is provided and in the region of the second sleeve end (9) a connection section (11) for connecting the fluid line (F) is provided, wherein the plastic sleeve (3) is connected to the pipe section (2) in such a way that the first connecting section (7) of the pipe section (2) is positively received in the second connecting section (10) of the plastic sleeve (3).

2. Connecting sleeve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connecting section (7) of the pipe piece (2) comprises a substantially cylindrical first contact section (7a) and a holding section (7b) projecting outwards in the radial direction, that the second connecting section (10) of the plastic sleeve (3) comprises a substantially cylindrical second contact section (10a) and a holding recess (10b), wherein the holding section (7b) of the pipe piece (2) is received in a form-fitting manner in the holding recess (10b) and an inner peripheral surface of the second contact section (10a) rests against an outer peripheral surface of the first contact section (7a).

3. Connecting sleeve (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pipe section (2) is cast in the plastic sleeve (3), wherein the holding section (7b) of the pipe section (2) is enclosed by the plastic of the plastic sleeve (3), so that the plastic sleeve (3) is firmly connected to the pipe section (2).

4. Connecting sleeve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pipe piece (2) is made of a metallic material, wherein the pipe piece (2) is preferably a formed sheet metal part.

5. Connecting sleeve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the holding section (7b) of the pipe section (2) comprises a collar which extends in the circumferential direction at least over a part of a circumference of the pipe section (2), preferably around the entire circumference, and/or that the holding section (7b) comprises a plurality of projections which are arranged on the pipe section (2) at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction and/or in the axial direction.

6. Connecting sleeve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the holding section (7b), in particular the collar, is arranged on the second pipe end (5) and delimits the pipe piece (2) in the axial direction, wherein a first end face (12) facing the first pipe end (4) is provided on the holding section (7b), that the second contact section (10a) of the plastic sleeve (3) is delimited in the direction of the second sleeve end (9) by a circumferential shoulder (13) on which an annular second end face (14) facing the second sleeve end (9) is provided, and that the pipe piece (2) can be inserted into the plastic sleeve (3) through the second open sleeve end (9) until the first end face (12) rests against the second end face (14).

7. Connecting sleeve (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one radially inwardly projecting locking projection (15) is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the plastic sleeve (3) in the axial direction between the peripheral shoulder (13) and the second sleeve end (9), and that the holding section (7b) is received in the axial direction between the at least one locking projection (15) and the peripheral shoulder (13), wherein the at least one locking projection (15) is preferably designed to be flexible in the radial direction.

8. Connecting sleeve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that on an inner circumferential surface of the plastic sleeve (3) in the region of the first sleeve end (8) there is a circumferential groove (16) open in the direction of the first sleeve end (8) for Receiving a sealing ring (17) is provided, or that a circumferential groove for receiving a sealing ring is provided on a sleeve end face (21) delimiting the plastic sleeve (3) in the direction of the first sleeve end (4).

9. Connecting sleeve (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that an elastic sealing ring (17), in particular an O-ring, is arranged in the circumferential groove (16), wherein a width (b) of the sealing ring (17) seen in the axial direction is greater than a width (X) of the circumferential groove (16).

10. Connecting sleeve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the insertion section (6) of the pipe piece (2) comprises a crimping section (18) which is designed to be plastically deformed by means of a crimping tool (WZ) after the insertion section (6) has been inserted into the opening (O) of the thin-walled container (B), so that the wall (W) of the thin-walled container (B) can be clamped between the plastically deformed crimping section (18) and the plastic sleeve (3).

11. Connecting sleeve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an anti-twisting element (19) formed integrally with the plastic sleeve (3) is provided on an outer side of the plastic sleeve (3) and/or that a locking recess (20) is provided on an outer side of the plastic sleeve (3), wherein the locking recess (20) preferably comprises a circumferential groove.

12. Thin-walled container (B) with a wall (W) in which an opening (O) is provided and with a connecting sleeve (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the insertion section (6) of the pipe piece (2) of the connecting sleeve (1) is arranged in the opening (O) and the crimping section (18) is plastically deformed so that the wall (W) is clamped between the plastically deformed crimping section (18) and the plastic sleeve (3), wherein the plastic sleeve (3) is preferably designed according to claim 9 and in which the sealing ring (17) arranged in the circumferential groove (16) of the plastic sleeve (3) is squeezed between the wall (W) and the plastic sleeve (3) in order to create a seal.

13. Use of a connecting sleeve (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the insertion section (6) of the pipe piece (2) of the connecting sleeve (1) is introduced into an opening (O) of a wall (W) of a thin-walled container (B), wherein the crimping section (18) of the insertion section (6) is plastically deformed by means of a crimping tool (WZ) so that the wall (W) of the thin-walled container (B) is clamped between the plastically deformed crimping section (18) and the plastic sleeve (3), wherein the plastic sleeve (3) is preferably designed according to claim 9 and the sealing ring (17) arranged in the circumferential groove (16) is squeezed between the wall (W) and the plastic sleeve (3) in order to create a seal, wherein the connection section (11) of the connecting sleeve (1) is preferably connected to a fluid line (F).

14. A method for producing a connecting sleeve (1) for connecting an opening (O) of a wall (W) of a thin-walled container (B) to a fluid line (F), characterized in that the following steps are carried out:

- providing a pipe section (2) with an open first pipe end (4) and an opposite open second pipe end (5),

- providing an insertion section (6) for inserting the pipe section (2) into the opening (O) of the thin-walled container in the region of the first pipe end (4) and providing a first connecting section (7) in the region of the second pipe end (5),

- providing a plastic sleeve (3) with an open first sleeve end (8) and an opposite open second sleeve end (9),

- providing a second connection from section (10) in the region of the first sleeve end (8) and providing a connection section (11) for connecting the fluid line (F) in the region of the second sleeve end (9),

- Connecting the plastic sleeve (3) to the pipe section (2) so that the first connecting section (7) of the pipe section (2) is positively received in the second connecting section (10) of the plastic sleeve (3).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that a substantially cylindrical first contact section (7a) and a holding section (7b) projecting outwards in the radial direction are provided on the first connecting section (7) of the pipe section (2), that a substantially cylindrical second contact section (10a) and a holding recess (10b) are provided on the second connecting section (10) of the plastic sleeve (3). be provided, wherein the holding section (7b) of the pipe piece (2) is received in a form-fitting manner in the holding recess (10b) and an inner peripheral surface of the second contact section (10a) rests against an outer peripheral surface of the first contact section (7a).

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the plastic sleeve (3) is connected to the pipe section (2) by encapsulating the pipe section (2) with plastic, wherein the holding section (7b) of the pipe section (2) is enclosed by the plastic of the plastic sleeve (3), so that the plastic sleeve (3) is firmly connected to the pipe section (2).

17. Method according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that a collar is provided on the holding section (7b) of the pipe section (2), which extends in the circumferential direction at least over a part of a circumference of the pipe section (2), preferably around the entire circumference and/or that a plurality of projections are provided on the holding section (7), which are arranged on the pipe section (2) at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction and/or in the axial direction.

18. Method according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the holding section (7b), in particular the collar, is arranged on the second pipe end (5) and delimits the pipe piece (2) in the axial direction, that a first end face (12) facing the first pipe end (4) is provided on the holding section (7b), that the second contact section (10a) of the plastic sleeve (3) is delimited in the direction of the second sleeve end (9) by a circumferential shoulder (13) on which an annular second end face (14) facing the second sleeve end (9) is provided and that the pipe piece (2) can be inserted into the plastic sleeve (3) through the second open sleeve end (9) until the first end face (12) rests against the second end face (14).

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that a circumferential groove (16) open in the direction of the first sleeve end (8) is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the plastic sleeve (3) at the first sleeve end (8) or that a A circumferential groove is provided for receiving a sealing ring and that an elastic sealing ring (17), in particular an O-ring, is preferably arranged in the circumferential groove (16), wherein a width (b) of the sealing ring (17) viewed in the axial direction is greater than a width (X) of the circumferential groove (16).

20. Method according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that a crimping section (18) is provided on the insertion section (6) of the pipe section (2), which is designed to be plastically deformed by means of a crimping tool (WZ) after the insertion section has been inserted into the opening (O) of the wall (W) of the thin-walled container (B), so that the wall (W) of the thin-walled container (B) can be clamped between the plastically deformed crimping section (18) and the plastic sleeve (3).