DE102020121169A1 - Hose connection, plug-in system and system for connecting a first and a second dosing point - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hose connection (10) for connecting fluid-carrying lines when supplying a reducing agent in a motor vehicle, having a first connection section (12) for connecting the hose connection (10) to a connector housing (30); and a second connection section (14) for connecting the hose connection (10) to a supply line (18); wherein the hose connector has a third connection section (16) for connection to a return line (20).
The invention also relates to a plug-in system (100) with a connector housing (30) and a hose connection (10) according to the invention that can be inserted into the connector housing (30).
The invention also relates to a system (200) for connecting a first and a second dosing point (202, 203), which has at least one plug-in system (100) according to the invention, which is arranged at the first dosing point (202) in such a way that the first dosing point (202) and the second dosing point (203) are connected in series.

Description

The present invention relates to a hose connection according to the preamble of claim 1 and a plug-in system with such a hose connection according to claim 9. The present invention also relates to a system for connecting a first and a second dosing point according to claim 13.

STATE OF THE ART

For a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in a motor vehicle, its exhaust system is supplied with a fluid, in particular a reducing agent with the official name AdBlue®. In concrete terms, ammonia (NH3) is added to the exhaust gas, which reduces environmentally harmful nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2) or largely converts them into water (H2O) and nitrogen (N2).

In the prior art, for example, from EP 3191758 B1 a locking system with a connector housing is known, as used for connecting plugs and hose couplings. This device comprises a fluid-carrying plug that can be inserted into the connector housing and a locking element for fixing the fluid-carrying plug to the connector housing.

However, the known systems have the disadvantage that a supply quantity of the fluid has to be metered by means of additional components and/or excess fluid has to be drained or fed back from a system to which the fluid was supplied, which is laborious.

Furthermore, when supplying reducing agent in an SCR system in the prior art, two dosing points or dosing connections are usually used. For example, there can be a first dosing point close to the engine and a second dosing point in the exhaust system. A T-distributor is used to divide the feed line into two dosing lines and to supply both dosing points with reducing agent.

Since both metering connections are not in operation at the same time when driving, there is a risk that fluid, i.e. reducing agent, will remain in one of the two metering lines for a long time and not be transported away. For example, when the vehicle is subject to high continuous loads (continuous operation at high ambient temperatures), the dosing point close to the engine is switched off because the exhaust gas temperatures there are too high to achieve a suitable catalytic effect. A better catalytic effect can be achieved at the second dosing point in the exhaust system, which is in a cooler area.

However, the problem with switching off the first dosing point close to the engine is that the urea can convert into ammonia there, which can severely damage the surrounding components (e.g. line, hose connection, plug, etc.).

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a hose connection for connecting fluid-carrying lines and a plug-in system with such a hose connection, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system for connecting a first and a second dosing point, which eliminates the above problems and disadvantages of the prior art. Furthermore, a simple and inexpensive solution is generally desired.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object is achieved with a hose connection according to claim 1 and a plug-in system with a connector housing and a hose connection that can be inserted into this according to claim 9. The object is also achieved by means of a system for connecting a first and a second dosing point according to claim 13. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

A hose connection according to the invention for connecting fluid-carrying lines when supplying a reducing agent in a motor vehicle has a first connection section for connecting the hose connection to the connector housing and a second connection section for connecting the hose connection to a supply line.

According to the invention, it is provided that the hose connection has a third connection section for connection to a return line. In this case, the third connection section is designed to be connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the first and the second connection section. As a result, no further detachable interface to the system to which the fluid is supplied is required in order to drain off or return the excess fluid. In particular, the third connection section forms a return flow channel and/or bypass integrated in the hose connection. Advantageously, this results in a saving of installation space and a simple installation of a number of functional components.

A further advantage of the hose connection according to the invention is that the fluid can be conveyed continuously, for example with the aid of a reducing agent pump. The reducing agent pump therefore does not have to be switched on and off again and again and/or its pump capacity adjusted. This advantageously results in a longer service life for the reducing agent pump and a reduced thermal load on the fluid and/or adjacent components. In addition, no changes or adjustments are necessary on a plug—possibly arranged in the system—to a metering valve in order to control a fluid flow. This means that systems from the prior art can also use the hose connection according to the invention without any problems. This saves additional costs.

By means of the hose connection according to the invention, it is possible in an SCR system with two metering points to connect the two metering lines in series rather than in parallel. The reducing agent also flows through the first metering point, i.e. the metering point at the front in the fluid flow, if only the second metering point, i.e. the rear metering point in the fluid flow, is in operation. For this purpose, the hose connection according to the invention is arranged at the first dosing point. The return line of the hose connection according to the invention then leads to the second dosing point. A separate first metering line, in which the urea can be converted into harmful ammonia, is therefore no longer necessary.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the three connecting sections are formed in one piece with one another. This results in the technical advantage, for example, that there is a particularly stable and leak-tight cohesion between the connecting sections. The one-piece nature of the hose connection is also accompanied by compactness, so that an even greater amount of installation space can be saved. The hose connection in this embodiment can also be produced particularly inexpensively, for example using an injection molding process.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a partition wall is formed between the second connection section and the third connection section, which partition wall extends into the first connection section. The partition ensures that the hose connection can be flushed through better. This reduces the area that is not flushed through, in which ammonia is formed and accumulates. For example, the partition wall can extend to a position where a plug can be inserted into the first connecting portion. As an alternative to this, the partition wall can extend further, for example beyond the first connecting section. The partition wall can then extend, for example, into the plug. For this purpose, the dividing wall has, for example, recesses in a region facing the plug, so that the plug can be placed on the dividing wall. The dividing wall can generally be formed in one piece with the (one-piece) hose connection.

For example, the second connection section can be connected to a fluid storage tank or a tank connection return by means of the supply line or a tank connection flow and the third connection section can be connected by means of the return line. In particular, the return line is preferably designed as a direct connection to the fluid storage tank (tank for short). This advantageously results in a very simple and convenient structure that is easy to install.

The third connection section can be permanently connected to the return line, in particular by means of an adhesive. Connections that are not intended to be disconnected are referred to as being permanently connected.

Nevertheless, these can be solved non-destructively. A permanent connection of the third connection section and the return line simplifies the installation of the hose connection. The permanent connection also represents a connection that is particularly reliable in terms of tightness. An adhesive is a simple and efficient means for permanent connections and is therefore particularly well suited.

According to the invention, a check valve is advantageously arranged in the third connection section or in the return line, so that the fluid can only flow away from the hose connection there. This results in the technical advantage, for example, that fluid can be prevented from flowing back into the hose connection, regardless of the arrangement of the third connection section, the return line and, if applicable, the fluid storage tank.

At least the return line is preferably designed as a hose. A hose is a flexible, elongated hollow body with a preferably round cross section. This is particularly suitable for connecting components such as the hose connection and the fluid storage tank, regardless of their position and orientation.

Advantageously according to the invention, the third connecting section has a first part with a bore tion for forwarding the fluid, wherein the return line at one end with an inner cross-section can be arranged sealingly on the first part and fixed in relation to this. This creates a particularly simple and stable connection between the third connecting section and the return line.

Building on this, the third connecting section preferably has a second part surrounding the first part, with the end of the return line being able to be arranged and fixed in an annular space formed between the first part and the second part. This makes the connection between the third connection section and the return line even more stable.

Furthermore, the end of the return line can preferably be fixed by means of an adhesive that at least partially fills the annular space. Thus, the end of the return line embedded between the first part and the second part is held by the adhesive on its inside and on its outside. This advantageously results in a flexible use of different sizes of the return line. The return line only has to be designed such that it can be inserted into the third connecting section, but it does not have to be in sealing, clamping or holding or adhering form in any way. The adhesive assumes such connecting functions.

The advantageous embodiments listed above for the third connection section and the return line can also be applied to the second connection section in connection with the feed line, independently of the precise design of the third connection section.

Correspondingly, the second and third connecting sections are preferably designed to be structurally identical. These connecting sections therefore preferably have exactly the same structure and differ only in their respectively assigned function. An identical design simplifies production and saves costs.

Furthermore, the return line and/or the feed line can be designed as an integral part of the hose connection according to the invention.

If the hose connection is designed in such a way that the second connection section has a first part with a bore for passing on the fluid, this first part can, for example, also extend into the first connection section, preferably beyond it. The first part then forms a tube. The pipe can be connected to a pump, for example, so that the pump delivers via the pipe and the return flow into the tank can take place via the third connection section, ie the return line. When the pump is connected to the tank, for example, there is the possibility of separate supply and return of the reducing agent.

A plug-in system according to the invention with a connector housing has a hose connection that can be inserted into the connector housing according to one of the preceding embodiments.

The same or similar advantages as with the hose connection according to the invention can be achieved by the plug-in system according to the invention and its advantageous developments. Therefore, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations in connection with the hose connection according to the invention.

In an advantageous development, the connector system has a plug that extends into the first connecting section, with the plug having a further partition wall that is arranged adjacent to the partition wall. Since the further partition of the plug is arranged adjacent to the partition of the hose connection, the flushing can be extended. In particular, the reducing agent can be diverted deep into the plug to ensure better flushing. The plug can be part of a metering valve or a metering unit.

In this case, the flow through the hose connection or the plug-in system can also include or enable the flow through the plug by suitably adapting the plug. For example, a variant is conceivable in which the possibility of forward and return flow is realized in a single hose. For example, the hose can be manufactured in such a way that it contains two separate lines. The hose can also be seen as a partition wall for the plug or the hose connection.

According to an advantageous development of the plug-in system, a latching element is arranged on the connector housing. The locking element is used to fix the hose connection to the connector housing. For this purpose, the hose connection has at least one collar on the outer circumference. With the aid of the collar, the latching element can snap into place on the first connection section of the hose connector or can change into a latched position after the hose connector has been fully inserted into the connector housing.

According to a preferred embodiment, the locking element is made of sheet metal or spring steel. Sheet metal and spring steel are flexible or elastically formable and are therefore particularly well suited as material for the locking element and its functions.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a locking element is arranged on the connector housing. The locking element serves to attach the plug to the connector housing. The mechanism can here as in the initially cited EP 3191758 B1 described be trained.

A system according to the invention for connecting a first and a second dosing point has at least one plug-in system according to the invention, which is arranged at the first dosing point in such a way that the first dosing point and the second dosing point are connected in series.

By arranging the hose connection according to the invention at the first dosing point, it is possible to connect the two dosing points in series. For this purpose, the third connection section or the return line of the plug-in system is connected to the second dosing point.

Advantageously, the second dosing point is the point that predominantly doses in the case of continuous loading. In this way, the dosing line is always completely flown through in continuous operation at high temperatures. This allows the line to be cooled in this critical situation, since the reducing agent in the tank is cooler than near the exhaust. This cooling can reduce or ideally prevent the formation of ammonia and other decomposition products. Any decomposition products that may form can be transported out of the line.

The system according to the invention for connecting a first and a second dosing point and its advantageous developments can achieve the same or similar advantages as with the hose connection according to the invention or the plug-in system according to the invention. Therefore, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations in connection with the hose connection or the plug-in system according to the invention.

According to an advantageous development, the system has a further plug-in system according to the invention, which is arranged at the second dosing point.

The plug-in system at the second dosing point can be used as a return line to the tank. In this way, the reducing agent can be circulated back to the pump or to the tank. Here, the temperature of the reducing agent can be kept permanently low, since the reducing agent can cool down again in the colder areas of the line and in the tank.

In addition, with a second plug-in system at the second dosing point, it can always be conveyed over the entire line, regardless of whether the first dosing point or the second dosing point is in operation. In this way, the line cooling effect can be achieved continuously, i.e. independently of the dosing operation.

character list

• 1 eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Schlauchanschlusses,
• 2 eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Stecksystems mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Schlauchanschluss,
• 3 eine Ausführungsform eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Stecksystems mit einer Trennwand,
• 4 das in 3 dargestellte Stecksystem mit einem Stecker, und
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems zum Verbinden von einer ersten und einer zweiten Dosierstelle.

Further features, advantages and embodiments of the invention result from the following description of embodiments of the hose connection and the plug-in system with reference to the figures. Show it:

• 1 an embodiment of a hose connection according to the invention,
• 2 an embodiment of a plug-in system according to the invention with a hose connection according to the invention,
• 3 an embodiment of a further plug-in system according to the invention with a partition,
• 4 this in 3 shown connector system with a connector, and
• 5 a schematic representation of a system for connecting a first and a second dosing point.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the 1 The embodiment shown of a hose connector 10 according to the invention is used to connect fluid-carrying lines, for example in a motor vehicle, preferably for supplying a reducing agent. The hose connector 10 has three connecting sections 12, 14, 16. More specifically, the hose connector 10 has a first connection portion 12 on a first side (here, for example, the left side), a second connection portion 14, and a third connection portion 16 on a second side (here, for example, the right side of the 1 ). The connecting sections 12, 14, 16 are formed in one piece and connected to one another in a fluid-conducting manner.

The first connection section 12 is provided for a connection, for example with a connector housing and a plug, in an exhaust gas or SCR system.

The second connection portion 14 is connected to a feed line 18 (not shown). The third connection portion 16 is connected to a return line 20 (not shown). The supply line 18 and the return line 20 are preferably each designed as a hose and are permanently connected to the respective connecting section 14, 16 with the aid of an adhesive.

The second connecting section 14 and the third connecting section 16 are of identical construction. Therefore, the structure of these connecting sections 14, 16 will only be described with reference to the third connecting section 16. FIG. The third connection section 16 has a first part 22 and a second part 24 . The first part 22 is arranged inside the second part 24 .

As in 1 to recognize, the first part 22 and the second part 24 are at least substantially cylindrical. The first part 22 is formed with a bore 26 through which fluid can flow. An annular space 28 is formed between the first part 22 and the second part 24 of the third connecting section 16 . The return line 20 designed as a hose is arranged and fixed with one of its ends in this annular space 28 . A fixation is ensured in that the return line 20 is arranged with an inner cross section and/or an inner wall in a sealing manner on the first part 22 . In addition, the annular space 28 is partially filled with the adhesive.

2 shows an embodiment of a plug-in system 100 according to the invention. The plug-in system 100 has the hose connection 10 1 and a connector housing 30 . The plug-in system 100 is designed in such a way that the hose connection 10 can be fixed to the connector housing 30 in a simple, reliable and cost-effective manner.

Details of the second and third connecting sections 14, 16 are already in connection with 1 been described in detail. Therefore, the first connection section 12 of the hose connection 10 is primarily described below.

The first connection section 12 of the hose connection 10 is designed to be connected to the connector housing 30 in the plug-in system 100 . The connector housing 30 has a latching element 34 , which is preferably designed as an ice pressure clip and compensates for axial longitudinal expansions caused by temperature fluctuations, in order to be able to attach the hose connection 10 to the connector housing 30 . Furthermore, the plug-in system 100 includes a locking element 32. The locking element 32 serves to 4 to keep only simplified plug in the connector housing 30.

The hose connection 10 or its first connection section 12 has a collar 40 on the outer circumference. Behind or on the right side of this collar 40 the locking element 34 for locking the hose connection 10 can change into a locking position after the first connection section 12 of the hose connection 10 has been fully inserted into the connector housing 30 .

3 shows an embodiment of a further connector system 100 according to the invention 3 The plug-in system 100 shown is identical to that in FIG 2 shown connector system 100 constructed. Therefore, all apply in connection with 2 aspects mentioned also for the in 3 plug-in system 100 shown.

In contrast to the previous plug-in system 100, the in 3 Connector system 100 shown on a partition 50a. The partition wall 50a is formed between the second connection portion 14 and the third connection portion 16 . The partition wall 50a extends into the first connection section 12 so that the reducing agent or, more generally, the fluid does not flow directly from the second connection section 14 into the third connection section 16 but flows over an area in the first connection section 12 . This allows the area to be rinsed. The partition wall 50a is preferably arranged centrally between the two connecting sections 14 and 16.

4 shows a further embodiment of a further plug-in system 100 according to the invention 3 shown plug-in system 100, which additionally has a plug 60 shown in simplified form without its locking collar. The plug 60 is as detailed in the above-mentioned EP 3191758 B1 described, by means of a locking element 32 on the connector housing 30 releasably attachable. According to the 2 and 3 aspects shown and described on the in 4 shown connector system 100 transferrable. The plug 60 can in particular be designed as an SAE plug. For example, the plug 60 is part of a metering unit or leads into a metering valve.

The plug 60 is arranged in the first connecting portion 12 . The plug 60 has a further partition 50b, which further improves the flushing of the system. The partition wall 50b of the plug 60 can be arranged on the partition wall 50a of the hose connection 10, so that a common long parting wall forms. The reducing agent can therefore be diverted even further into the dosing unit or the plug 60 .

5 shows a schematic representation of a system 200 for connecting a first dosing point 202 and a second dosing point 203. In particular, FIG 5 a series connection of the two dosing points 202 and 203.

The system 200 has a tank connection flow 201 which is connected to the first dosing point 202 via a line. At the first dosing point 202, the reducing agent can be introduced at a first point into the exhaust system. A plug-in system 100 according to the invention is arranged at the dosing point 202 in such a way that the third connecting section 16 thereof is connected to a line which is connected to the second dosing point 203 . At the second dosing point 203, the reducing agent can be introduced at a second point into the exhaust system.

A further plug-in system 100 according to the invention can optionally be arranged at the second dosing point 203 . Its third connection section 16 can then be connected to the return line to a tank connection return 204 . That's how it is 5 circuit promotion of the reducing agent shown back to the tank possible.

All hose connections, plug-in systems and systems for connecting a first and a second dosing point are used in particular to be used as components of an SCR system. However, other applications are possible. In particular, serial conveyance and circulation conveyance can also be used in systems with different liquid media, such as urea, water, fuel or hydrogen. Furthermore, an application in systems with more than two dosing points is of course also possible.

It should be noted that the features of the invention described with reference to individual embodiments or variants, such as the type and design of the individual components and their exact dimensions and spatial arrangement, can also be present in other embodiments, unless otherwise stated or is automatically prohibited for technical reasons. In addition, of such features of individual embodiments described in combination, not all features necessarily always have to be implemented in a relevant embodiment.

Reference List

10

hose connection

12

first connection section

14

second connection section

16

third connection section

18

supply line

20

return line

22

first part

24

second part

26

drilling

28

annulus

30

connector housing

32

locking element

34

locking element

40

Federation

50a

partition wall

50b

another partition

60

plug

100

plug-in system

200

System to connect

201

Tank connection flow

202

first dosing point

203

second dosing point

204

Tank connection return

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• EP 3191758 B1 [0003, 0034, 0054]

Claims (14)

Hose connector (10) for connecting fluid-carrying lines when supplying a reducing agent in a motor vehicle, comprising: a first connecting section (12) for connecting the hose connector (10) to a connector housing (30); and a second connection section (14) for connecting the hose connection (10) to a supply line (18); characterized in that the hose connection has a third connection section (16) for connecting the hose connection (10) to a return line (20). Hose connection (10) after claim 1 , characterized in that the three connecting sections (12, 14, 16) are formed in one piece with each other. Hose connection (10) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that between the second connection section (14) and the third connection section (16) a partition wall (50a) is formed, which extends into the first connection section (12). Hose connection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third connecting section (16) can be permanently connected to the return line (20). Hose connection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third connecting section (16) has a first part (22) with a bore (26) for passing on the fluid, the return line (20) having an inner Cross-section sealingly on the first part (22) can be arranged and fixed in relation to this. Hose connection (10) after claim 5 , characterized in that the third connecting section (16) has a second part (24) surrounding the first part (22), the end of the return line (20) being in a space between the first part (22) and the second part (24) formed annular space (28) can be arranged and fixed. Hose connection (10) after claim 6 , characterized in that the end of the return line (20) can be fixed by means of an adhesive which at least partially fills the annular space (28). Hose connection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second and the third connecting section (14, 16) are constructed in the same way. Plug-in system (100) with a connector housing (30), characterized by a hose connection (10) according to one of the preceding claims which can be inserted into the connector housing (30). Plug-in system (100) according to claim 9 and at least claim 3 , characterized in that the connector system (100) has a plug (60) which extends into the first connection section (12), the plug (60) having a further partition wall (50b) which is adjacent to the partition wall (50a ) is arranged. Plug-in system (100) according to claim 9 or 10 , characterized in that a latching element (34) is arranged on the connector housing (30). Plug-in system (100) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the locking element (34) is made of sheet metal or spring steel. System (200) for connecting a first (202) and a second dosing point (203), characterized in that the system (200) has at least one plug-in system (100) according to one of claims 9 until 12 which is arranged at the first dosing point (202) in such a way that the first dosing point (202) and the second dosing point (203) are connected in series. system (200) after Claim 13 , characterized in that the system (200) a further plug-in system (100) according to one of claims 9 until 12 has, which is arranged at the second dosing point (203).

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