DE102011106620A1 - Flange connection for connecting inlet and outlet pipes in motor vehicle, has flange sections provided in pipes, and locking element is utilized for detachably locking pipes together in prefixing position in axial direction - Google Patents

Abstract

The connection (2) has a flange section (24) that is provided in an outlet pipe (4), and another flange section (26) that is provided in an inlet pipe (6). A clamp (62) is utilized for pressing the flanges together in an axial direction (10). The pipes are brought together into a prefixing position, and are supported in a radial direction (16). A locking element (44) is utilized for detachably locking the inlet and outlet pipes together in the prefixing position in the axial direction. An independent claim is also included for a method for assembly of a flange connection in a motor vehicle.

Description

Technical area

The technical field relates to flange connections for connecting two tubes to a first tube having a first flange portion, a second tube having a second flange portion, and a clamp by means of which the flange portions can be compressed in the axial direction to the tubes together connect. The technical field also relates to motor vehicles having a motor having an output pipe and a catalyst having an input pipe, wherein the output and input pipes are connected to each other by means of a flange connection. Moreover, the technical field relates to a method for mounting a flange in a motor vehicle.

background

From the prior art motor vehicles are known which have an engine with a downstream catalytic converter. Thus, the known engine has an output tube, via which the exhaust gases from the engine can be supplied to the catalyst, wherein the output tube is provided at the end with a first flange portion. The catalyst, however, has an inlet pipe, which is provided with an input-side second flange portion. In order to connect the inlet pipe of the catalyst to the outlet pipe of the engine, the inlet pipe is first brought in the axial direction to a Vorfixierungsposition to the output pipe, wherein the two tubes are supported in this Vorfixierungsposition in the radial direction or supportable. Subsequently, the catalyst is rotated together with the input tube and the second flange portion about the longitudinal axis of the flange relative to the output tube of the engine until the catalyst reaches its desired position on the motor vehicle. If the catalyst has reached the target position, this is fastened to the motor vehicle. Subsequently, the two flange portions are compressed in the axial direction by means of a clamp.

The flange connection within the known motor vehicles has proven itself, but has some disadvantages. Thus, in particular the assembly during the rotation of the catalyst in its nominal position and during mounting of the catalyst to the motor vehicle is difficult, especially the installer must pay attention during these two process steps that the inlet pipe of the catalyst is not unintentionally from the output pipe of the engine in the axial Direction dissolves.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a flange for connecting two pipes, which allows a particularly simple handling and installation thereof, so that the assembly cost is reduced. A further object of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle with such an advantageous flange connection between an engine and a catalytic converter. The present invention is also based on the object to provide a method for mounting the flange in the motor vehicle according to the invention, which can be carried out with little effort.

This object is achieved by the features specified in the patent claims 1, 14 and 15 respectively. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Summary

An embodiment of the invention relates to a flange connection for connecting two tubes, which may be, for example, on the one hand to the output tube of an engine and on the other hand to the inlet tube of a catalyst. Thus, the flange has a first tube, a second tube and a clamp. The first tube has a first flange portion, while the second tube has a second flange portion. With the aid of the clamp, the flange portions can be compressed in the axial direction, wherein it can be known in the clamp to a known from the prior art clamp whose diameter can be reduced or increased, for example by means of a screw. The two tubes can be brought together in the axial direction to a Vorfixierungsposition. In the prefixing position, the tubes are supported or supported against each other in the radial direction, wherein the two tubes can intermesh with one another for this purpose, for example in the axial direction. In addition, a locking element is provided, by means of which the tubes can be releasably locked together in the prefixing position in the axial direction.

Thanks to the additional locking element, the handling of the flange connection and the components coupled thereto during assembly is substantially simplified. Thus, the second tube can first be brought in the axial direction of the first tube to get into the Vorfixierungsposition. In the Vorfixierungsposition the second tube is supported or supported not only in the radial direction of the first tube, but the locking element also causes a locking of the two tubes in the axial direction, so that the second tube in the context of further assembly is not so easy in axial direction of the first tube can solve. Thus, the second tube together with the second flange portion and a component following on the second tube, such as a catalyst, for example, first rotated relative to the first tube in a desired position, then the second tube or the subsequent component in the desired position to fix. During these process steps, the detent element prevents the second tube from being detached from the first tube in the axial direction. If the second tube and / or the subsequent component fastened in its nominal position, then the clamp can be attached to compress the flange portions of the first and second tube in the axial direction and thus to transfer the tubes from the prefixing position to the final fixing position. By prefixing in the axial direction, the handling can be significantly simplified, so that the time required for assembly is reduced.

In a preferred embodiment of the flange connection according to the invention the latching element is biased in a detent position such that the two tubes are automatically releasably locked together in the Vorfixierungsposition. This has the advantage that the installer must merge the two tubes only in the axial direction to the Vorfixierungsposition, while the pre-fixing in the axial direction is automatically achieved by the bias of the locking element in its detent position without the fitter must be active again. As a result, the time required for assembly is further reduced.

In a further preferred embodiment of the flange connection according to the invention, the latching element is designed such that the tubes in the prefixing position thereof can be rotated relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the flange connection. This means that the locking element in the locking position does not hinder or disturb a relative rotation of the tubes in the prefixing position of the same relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the flange connection. In this way, even after a prefixing of the two tubes, a relatively flexible positioning and arrangement of at least one of the two tubes and the components following the corresponding tube are possible, so that a more flexible procedure during assembly is ensured.

In principle, the locking element could be designed such that it must first be manually transferred from the detent position to a non-latching position before the two tubes together and / or can be disassembled. However, this would make the assembly or disassembly consuming. In order to further simplify the assembly or disassembly, the locking element can therefore be transferred automatically in a further preferred embodiment of the flange according to the invention by merging and / or diverging the two tubes in a non-latching position in which the two tubes are not locked together. Thus, the two or at least one of the two tubes in those areas in which they interact with the locking element, be formed or shaped so that the locking element against the biasing force by merging and / or diverging the two tubes automatically transferred to the non-latching position or is pressed.

In order to enable a secure merging of the two tubes and to ensure a stable support of the two tubes in the radial direction to each other when the two tubes are in the prefixing position, the first tube in an advantageous embodiment of the flange according to the invention has a projecting in the axial direction approach which is inserted in the prefixing position in the axial direction in a recess in the second tube, wherein the two tubes are supported or supported on the protruding approach in the radial direction. In principle, the projection projecting in the axial direction could be a projection in the region of the front side of the first flange section facing the second flange section. However, this would mean that the area of the front side of the first flange section and also the surface of the front flange of the second flange section facing the first flange section would be interrupted by the recess. This in turn would have the consequence that the tightness of the flange connection, which depends essentially on the mutually facing front sides of the two flange sections, would be influenced or reduced. For this reason, the protruding projection is preferably formed by a central and tubular projection which is inserted in the prefixing position in the axial direction into a central recess in the second tube, wherein the central recess is particularly preferably formed by the interior of the second tube itself, to reduce the manufacturing cost of the second tube. In any case, this ensures a particularly tight flange connection, with a seal preferably being arranged between the mutually facing front sides of the two flange sections for this purpose.

In order to prevent the latching element from protruding outwardly beyond the outside of the flange connection, which could lead to an increase in the installation space, the latching element is in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the flange connection according to the invention either held on the protruding approach or in the recess or arranged. This not only a particularly space-saving arrangement of the locking element is achieved, but also an unwanted direct application of force is prevented on the locking element in the Vorfixierungsposition of the two tubes, which leads to an unwanted transfer of the locking element from the detent position to the non-latching position and thus to an unwanted release Pipes in the axial direction could lead from each other. In addition, it is ensured in such an arrangement of the locking element, that the facing front sides of the two flange sections need not be modified or reduced, whereby a high density of the flange connection of the same small size is feasible.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the flange connection according to the invention, the locking element is in the rest position in the radial direction on the outside of the protruding approach or on the inside of the recess.

In order to attach the locking element particularly safe and easy to the protruding approach or the inside of the recess, the locking element is held in a further preferred embodiment of the flange according to the invention in a first radial recess in the outside of the protruding approach or the inside of the recess.

In order to bring about a particularly uniform locking or prefixing in the axial direction in the Vorfixierungsposition of the two tubes over the circumference, the first radial recess is formed in a further particularly preferred embodiment of the flange according to the invention as a circumferential groove into which an annular locking element is used.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the flange connection according to the invention, the annular locking element in the radial direction is elastically compressible or expandable. In this way, the annular locking element can be elastically compressed starting from the locking position while reducing the diameter of the locking element or elastically expanded by increasing the diameter of the locking element, depending on whether the annular locking element is arranged or held on the protruding approach or in the recess ,

In order to effect an automatic transfer of the latching element from the latching position to the non-latching position during the merging or disassembly of the two tubes, the annular latching element in a further advantageous embodiment of the flange according to the invention has a deviating from a rectangle or square cross section, preferably a circular cross section, on. In the latter case, the annular locking element can be particularly easily transferred by appropriate action of the first or second tube when merging the same from the detent position to the non-latching position, so that the assembly is further simplified.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the flange connection according to the invention, the annular detent element in the circumferential direction is formed continuously from an elastic material, preferably made of rubber. Alternatively, the annular locking element of a snap ring, preferably made of steel, which thus has an interruption in the circumferential direction and ensures a particularly high biasing force in the locking position.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the flange connection according to the invention, the latching element has an annular support member, on which locking tongues are provided, which can be elastically deformed in the radial direction. The support member is preferably formed annular disc-shaped in this embodiment, so that it is particularly space-saving in the axial direction and beyond can act as a seal, as will be explained later. Moreover, it is particularly preferred if the support member is made of metal or made, that is formed metallic. Thus, the support member may for example be formed by a sheet metal part, which significantly simplifies its production. Although this is always talking of locking tongues, so may already be a locking tongue in the sense of this embodiment, although it is preferred if several or / and at least three locking tongues are provided to achieve a secure prefixing by the locking tongues of the locking element. In order to simplify the production of the locking element, the locking tongues are preferably formed integrally with the support member. Thus, the locking tongues can be generated, for example, in the context of a conventional and easy to carry out sheet metal forming. In order to achieve a particularly uniform and secure prefixing, it is further preferred in this embodiment, when the locking tongues are arranged uniformly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction on the support member. Regardless of the respective embodiment, the support member may be clamped in this embodiment, while achieving a sealing effect in the axial direction between the first flange portion and the second flange portion or be. The locking element of this embodiment makes a therefore additional seal between the flange unnecessary, which greatly simplifies the construction and installation of the flange. In order to achieve a particularly good sealing effect, it is further preferred in this embodiment, when the support member is formed in the manner of a metal bead seal. Thus, the formed in the manner of a metal bead seal support member may for example have so-called full and / or half beads, which increase the sealing effect of the support member.

In a further preferred embodiment of the flange connection according to the invention the latching element is held on the latching tongues on the protruding approach or in the recess. As a result, the attachment of the locking element is simplified at the protruding approach or in the recess. In addition, this results in an advantageous separation of functions, according to which the support member essentially exerts a sealing function, while the latching tongues essentially exert a holding and latching function.

In a further preferred embodiment of the flange connection according to the invention, the support member can be pushed under elastic deformation of the locking tongues on the protruding approach to a desired position in which the locking tongues are latched or latched into the first radial recess. As already indicated above, take over the locking tongues in this embodiment, the holding of the locking element on the protruding approach, the assembly is thereby substantially simplified, that the locking tongues simply snap into the first radial recess due to their elasticity.

In order to effect a particularly secure prefixing of the two tubes in the axial direction, a second radial recess is provided on the inside of the recess or the outside of the protruding projection, in which the locking element or its locking tongues in the Vorfixierungsposition of the two tubes and in the detent position the latching element engages or intervene. Alternatively, at least one radial projection on the inside of the recess or the outer side of the protruding projection is provided, which engages behind the latching element or its latching tongues in the Vorfixierungsposition of the two tubes, ie in the locked position of the latching element.

In order to enable the aforementioned rotatability of the tubes in the prefixing position of the same relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the flange connection, the second radial recess is formed in a further preferred embodiment of the flange connection according to the invention as a circumferential groove. In order to allow a simple transfer of the locking element of the detent position in its non-latching position when merging and / or diverging the two tubes, at least one of the groove flanks of the formed as a circumferential groove second radial recess is preferably inclined. Alternatively, the aforementioned radial approach is formed as a circumferential radial approach, the trailing edge is preferably tilted to facilitate transfer of the locking element from the detent position to the non-latching position, when the two tubes together or are diverged.

In order to allow a simple compression of the flange portions in the axial direction, the clamping collar in a further advantageous embodiment of the flange according to the invention a V-shaped, in the radial direction inwardly open cross section, by means of which the opposite rear sides of the two flange sections can be engaged behind. Alternatively or additionally, the mutually remote rear sides of the two flange sections are conically formed at the edge. In any case, the clamp is formed contracting to reduce its diameter in the radial direction. Moreover, it is preferred in this embodiment, when the clamp can be opened, to allow in this way a particularly simple and fast approach to the unfolded clamp on the two flange portions in the Vorfixierungsposition of the two tubes.

An embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention comprises an engine and a catalytic converter. The engine is associated with an output tube having a first or second flange portion through which the exhaust gases of the engine can be removed. The catalyst, however, is associated with an inlet pipe having a second or first flange portion and via which the exhaust gases of the engine can be supplied to the catalyst. The output tube of the engine and the inlet tube of the catalytic converter are connected to one another by means of a flange connection of the previously described type according to the invention. With regard to the advantages of the motor vehicle, reference is made to the above-described advantages of the flange connection according to the invention, which apply to you in a corresponding manner for the motor vehicle.

An embodiment of the method according to the invention relates to the assembly of the flange connection according to the invention in the motor vehicle according to the invention described above and has the method steps described below. First, the output pipe of the engine and the inlet pipe of the catalyst are brought together in a prefixing position. In the prefix position, the two tubes are in Supported radially towards each other and releasably locked together in the axial direction, as has already been described above with reference to the flange connection according to the invention. Subsequently, the catalyst is rotated together with the inlet pipe attached thereto about the longitudinal axis of the flange in its desired position on the motor vehicle. The prefixing in the axial direction with the aid of the latching element prevents the inlet pipe from unintentionally becoming detached in the axial direction from the output tube of the motor. After reaching the desired position of the catalyst is attached to the motor vehicle, in which case the locking element prevents unintentional release of the inlet tube of the catalyst in the axial direction of the output tube of the engine. If the catalytic converter is fastened to the motor vehicle in the desired position, then the previously described clamp is attached to the flange sections and actuated such that the flange sections are compressed in the axial direction.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention is explained in more detail below by means of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a side view of a first embodiment of the flange connection according to the invention in a motor vehicle before merging two tubes in a partially sectioned view,

2 the flange connection of 1 during a first phase of merging the two tubes,

3 the flange connection after 2 during a second phase of merging the two tubes,

4 the flange connection after 3 in a prefixing position of the two tubes,

5 the flange connection after 4 in the prefixing position of the two tubes after rotating the catalyst in its nominal position,

6 the flange connection after 5 after compressing the flange sections of the tubes by means of a clamp,

7 a side view of a second embodiment of the flange connection according to the invention in a motor vehicle before merging two tubes and before attaching the locking element in a partially sectioned view,

8th the flange connection of 7 after attaching the locking element and

9 the flange connection after 8th in a Vorfixierungsposition of the two tubes.

Detailed description of the drawings

1 shows a first embodiment of the flange connection according to the invention 2 between a first pipe 4 and a second tube 6 before connecting the first and second tubes 4 . 6 in a motor vehicle. At the first pipe 4 it is an output pipe of an unspecified engine of the motor vehicle, via which the exhaust gases of the engine are derived. At the second tube 6 it is an inlet pipe of a catalyst 8th That's about the flange connection 2 with the starting pipe or the first pipe 4 to be connected. The flange connection 2 has one in the opposite axial directions 10 . 12 extending longitudinal axis 14 on, in 1 also the opposite radial directions 16 . 18 and the opposite circumferential directions 20 . 22 the flange connection 2 indicated by corresponding arrows.

The first pipe 4 points to his the second tube 6 facing side in a radial direction 16 outwardly extending first flange portion 24 on. In a corresponding way, the second tube 6 on his the first pipe 4 facing side in a radial direction 16 outwardly extending second flange portion 26 , The two flange sections 24 . 26 each have facing annular surface front sides 28 . 30 and opposite backs 32 . 34 on. The backs facing away from each other 32 . 34 are in the area of their in the radial direction 16 outwardly facing edge and thus edge conically shaped to accommodate the later described in more detail clamp safely and can support.

The first pipe 4 also has one in the axial direction 12 over the front 28 prominent approach 36 on.

The projecting approach 36 is arranged centrally, ie, in the radial direction 18 within the annular front surface 28 arranged, and tubular. This is the way the project stands 36 one in the radial direction 16 outward facing outside 38 and one in the radial direction 18 inside facing inside 40 on, with the inside 40 essentially the inside of the first tube 4 equivalent. In the outside 38 of the salient approach 36 is a first radial recess 42 provided as in the circumferential direction 20 . 22 circumferential groove is formed.

The first radial recess 42 serves to hold a locking element 44 on the salient approach 36 of the first pipe 4 in the axial direction 10 . 12 , The locking element 44 is annular and formed in the first radial recess 42 used. In the in 1 shown detent position of the locking element 44 into which the locking element 44 is resiliently biased, is the locking element 44 in the radial direction 16 outwards over the outside 38 of the salient approach 36 out. In this case, the annular locking element 44 in the radial direction 18 inwardly elastically compressible. The annular detent element 44 can be in the circumferential direction 20 . 22 be formed continuously from an elastic material, preferably made of rubber. However, it is preferred if the annular latching element 44 is formed by a snap ring, preferably made of steel, so that the annular locking element 44 is particularly strongly biased in the detent position and in the circumferential direction 20 . 22 having an interruption, not shown. Out 1 is also apparent that the annular locking element 44 a deviating from a rectangle or square cross-section, namely a circular cross-section has.

The second tube 6 has a central recess 46 on, in the radial direction 18 inside the front 30 the second flange portion 26 is provided and how out 1 seen advantageously from a portion of the interior of the second tube 6 is formed. In this case, the recess occurs 46 in the axial direction 12 behind the front 30 the second flange portion 26 back, so the projecting approach 36 of the first pipe 4 in the axial direction 12 into the recess 46 in the second tube 6 can be introduced, as will be explained later. The recess 46 is from one in the radial direction 18 inside facing inside 48 limited, the same the inside of the tube 6 formed. In this inside 48 the recess 46 is a second radial recess 50 formed, which in turn is formed as a circumferential groove, wherein the mutually facing groove flanks 52 . 54 the trained as a circumferential groove second radial recess 50 are skewed such that the second radial recess 50 opening side, ie in the radial direction 18 inside, expanded. In the area of the front 30 the second flange portion 26 has the recess 46 one in the axial direction 10 pointing opening 56 in which the protruding approach 36 of the first pipe 4 is insertable, being in the area of the opening 56 one in the radial direction 18 prominent, circumferential approach 58 is provided so that the recess 46 in the area of the opening 56 has a smaller diameter. In addition, that is in the axial direction 12 pointing flank 60 the all-round approach 58 in turn tilted.

Below are further features of the flange connection 2 and the procedure for mounting the same with reference to the 1 to 6 described.

First, the two tubes 4 . 6 in the axial direction 10 . 12 merged. In the present example, for this purpose, the second tube 6 in the axial direction 10 to the first pipe 4 introduced.

How out 2 visible, emerges the protruding approach 36 of the first pipe 4 in the opening 56 the recess 46 in the second tube 6 one. During a first phase of merging, the in 2 is shown causes in the radial direction 18 prominent approach 58 in that the locking element 44 in the radial direction 18 compressed and thus from the detent position 1 in a non-latching position 3 is transferred, this being against the biasing force of the locking element 44 he follows.

Will be the second tube 6 further in the axial direction 10 to the first pipe 4 introduced, so overcomes the locking element 44 the salient approach 58 in the area of the opening 56 and gets into contact with the inside 48 the recess 46 like this in 3 is shown. Thus, the locking element 44 now widened more by the biasing force, although the locking element 44 due to the support of the same in the radial direction 16 on the inside 48 the recess 46 has not yet returned to the original detent position.

Will be the second tube 6 about the position in 3 beyond in the axial direction 10 to the first pipe 4 introduced, so reach the two tubes 4 . 6 a prefix position, which in 4 is shown. In the pre-fixing position are the two tubes 6 . 4 about the protruding approach 36 in the radial direction 16 . 18 supported or supported on each other, so that in this way initially a prefixing in the radial direction 16 . 18 he follows. In addition, the locking element 44 in the pre-fixing position 4 such relative to the second radial recess 50 arranged that the annular locking element 44 due to the biasing force can expand even more and in the radial direction 16 in the circumferential second radial recess 50 intervenes. Thus, the pipes 4 . 6 in the prefixing position also in the axial direction 10 . 12 through the locking element 44 releasably rusted together. Because the locking element 44 while in the detent position, the in 1 and 4 shown is biased, are the two tubes 4 . 6 automatically in the prefixing position with each other locked, without the fitter would have to act again for this.

From the foregoing description is also apparent that the locking element 44 by merging the two tubes 4 . 6 automatically transferred to a non-lock position ( 2 and 3 ) and upon reaching the prefixing position ( 4 ) automatically returns to the locked position. Should the flange connection 2 be solved again later, so can the two tubes 4 . 6 be disentangled under increased force, the inclined flanks 52 . 54 as well as the inclined flank 60 also when diverging an automatic transfer of the locking element 44 simplify from the detent position to the non-latching position. In both cases, the deviating from a rectangle or square cross-section, preferably the circular cross-section of the locking element 44 advantageous.

The locking element 44 is formed or acts in such a way with the second radial recess 50 together, that the second tube 6 together with the second flange portion 26 and the second tube 6 attached catalyst 8th in the pre-fixing position 4 relative to the first tube 4 with the first flange portion 24 around the longitudinal axis 14 the flange connection 2 can be turned. This is the catalyst 8th together with the second tube 6 and the second flange portion 26 around the longitudinal axis 14 the flange connection 2 turned to the catalyst 8th to turn in its desired position on the motor vehicle, in 5 is shown. Following this, the catalyst can 8th fastened by fastening means not shown in the desired position on the motor vehicle. Both during the rotation of the catalyst 8th or the second tube 6 around the longitudinal axis 14 as well as during the attachment of the catalyst 8th on the motor vehicle via the fastening means, not shown, which prevents the second radial recess 50 engaging latching element 44 that is the second pipe 6 unintentionally in the axial direction 12 from the first pipe 4 solves, especially thanks to the locking element 44 in the rest position only under increased effort is possible.

Finally, the previously mentioned clamp 62 at the flange sections 24 . 26 attached, with the clamp 62 preferably initially unfolded to these subsequently to the radial direction 16 outwardly facing edges of the flange portions 24 . 26 to lay. Then the clamp is 62 in the radial direction 18 contracted so that the facing front sides 28 . 30 the flange sections 24 . 26 , preferably with the interposition of a seal, not shown, are compressed. To obtain this final fixation position, which in 6 is shown has the clamp 62 a V-shaped, in the radial direction 18 inwardly open cross-section, by means of which the rear sides facing away from each other 32 . 34 the two flange sections 24 . 26 be engaged behind, with the clamp 62 the backs 32 . 34 engages in the region of the conical rear side sections, as the 6 can be seen.

Although this in the 1 to 6 is not shown, so instead of the second radial recess 50 also a radial, preferably circumferential approach in the manner of the approach 58 Be provided by the latching element 44 in the Vorfixierungsposition of the two tubes 4 . 6 can be engaged behind, wherein the tangible edge should then also be formed inclined, as in the groove side 52 or the flank 60 the case is.

It is also clarified that the locking element 44 also in the recess 46 could be held, leaving the first radial recess 42 in this case in the inside 48 the recess 46 would be provided while the second radial recess 50 in this case in the outside 38 of the salient approach 36 would be provided. In such a case, the locking element would 44 in the locked position then in the radial direction 18 inside over the inside 48 the recess 46 protrude. Also, the annular locking element would 44 starting from the locking position in the radial direction 16 be widened when the two tubes 4 . 6 zusammen- or be diverted while the locking element 44 in the prefixing position in the radial direction 18 in the second radial recess 50 in the outside 38 of the salient approach 36 would intervene. In other words, with reference to the above 1 to 6 described key-lock principle just reversed.

The 7 to 9 show a second embodiment of the flange connection according to the invention 2 , According to the first embodiment of the 1 to 6 is largely similar, so that only the differences are discussed below, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts and the preceding description otherwise applies accordingly.

In the second embodiment of the 7 to 9 has the locking element 44 one in the circumferential direction 20 . 22 circumferential annular support member 64 on. How out 7 can be seen, is the annular support member 64 in particular annular disc-shaped, so that its extension in the axial directions 10 . 12 is relatively low. The supporting part 64 consists of metal, so it is preferably formed as a sheet metal part. In 7 is also the in the radial direction 18 inward facing inner edge 66 of the supporting part 64 indicated, wherein the inner diameter of the annular disc-shaped support member 64 larger than the outer diameter of the protruding projection 36 is trained. The supporting part 64 is further formed in the manner of a metal bead seal, that is, the annular disc-shaped support member 64 has unspecified full or / and half-pitches.

At the inner edge 66 of the supporting part 64 Close locking tongues 68 on, integral with the support member 64 are formed. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of four locking tongues 68 provided, albeit in 7 due to the sectional view, only three locking tongues 68 can be seen. Basically, in such a locking element 44 already a latching tongue 68 be sufficient, but it is preferred if at least three locking tongues 68 are provided. The locking tongues 68 are in the circumferential direction 20 . 22 evenly spaced from each other on the support member 64 arranged to achieve a secure fixation in the prefixing position, which is later referred to 9 will be described in more detail.

The locking tongues 68 extend starting from the inner edge 66 of the supporting part 64 essentially in the axial direction 12 , In this case, the locking tongues 68 each a first section 70 in the radial direction 18 protrudes inwardly and is preferably curved or curved, and one on the first section 70 following second section 72 on, in the radial direction 16 protrudes outwardly and is preferably also curved or curved. How out 7 can be seen, therefore, the first section 70 in the radial direction 18 inside over the inner edge 66 forth during the second section 72 in the radial direction 16 outward over the inner edge 66 protrudes.

As explained in more detail below, the locking element 44 in this second embodiment via the locking tongues 68 or their first section 70 on the salient approach 36 held. As already indicated, has the annular disk-shaped support member 64 an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the protruding projection 36 is. Thus, the support member 64 or the locking element 44 in the axial direction 10 on the salient approach 36 to the in 8th shown target position to be postponed. During the postponement, the locking tongues 68 due to in the radial direction 18 far inward protruding first section 70 in the radial direction 16 elastically bent or deformed outwards. Reached the supporting part 64 or the locking element 44 however the in 8th shown target position on the protruding approach 36 , then the locking tongues snap 68 or their first sections 70 in the first radial recess 42 on the salient approach 36 due to their elastic restoring force. The locking element 44 This makes it safe to use the protruding approach 36 held.

Following this will be the second tube 6 in the axial direction 10 to the first pipe 4 introduced, whereby first the second sections 72 that go far in the radial direction 16 to protrude outward, through the inside 48 of the pipe 6 in the radial direction 18 be elastically deformed or pressed inwards before the in 9 Vorfixierungsposition shown is achieved. In the pre-fixing position after 9 snap the previously elastically deformed locking tongues 68 due to its restoring force in the second radial recess 50 in the inside 48 of the second tube 6 and thus cause the prefixing already described above.

How out 9 it can be seen, the annular disc-shaped support member 64 in the prefixing position while achieving a sealing effect in the axial direction 10 . 12 between the front pages 28 and 30 the flange sections 24 and 26 clamped to achieve a sealing effect. It should be noted, however, that the clamping of the support member 64 not already in or not yet completely in the prefixing position 9 must be done. Rather, the jamming of the support member 64 between the flange sections 24 . 26 only then completely or only when the clamp described with reference to the first embodiment 62 their effect unfolds. It should also be noted that in the second embodiment according to the 7 to 9 on the approach 58 on the second tube 6 was omitted to the construction of the flange connection 2 further simplify. For the rest, please refer to the previous description of 1 to 6 referenced for the second embodiment of the 7 to 9 applies accordingly.

Since only one or more exemplary embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that in principle a variety of variations and variations are possible. It should be further understood that the described embodiments are merely examples that do not limit the scope, applicability, or construction. Rather, the summary and the described embodiments merely constitute a practical guide for the person skilled in the art, on the basis of which the person skilled in the art can arrive at at least one exemplary embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described with reference to the exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

flange

4

first pipe

6

second pipe

8th

catalyst

10

axial direction

12

axial direction

14

longitudinal axis

16

radial direction

18

radial direction

20

circumferentially

22

circumferentially

24

first flange section

26

second flange portion

28

front

30

front

32

back

34

back

36

prominent approach

38

outside

40

inside

42

first radial recess

44

locking element

46

recess

48

inside

50

second radial recess

52

flank

54

flank

56

opening

58

approach

60

flank

62

clamp

64

supporting part

66

inner edge

68

locking tongues

70

first section

72

second part

Claims (17)

Flange connection ( 2 ) for connecting two pipes ( 4 . 6 ) with a first tube ( 4 ), which has a first flange section ( 24 ), a second tube ( 6 ), which has a second flange section ( 26 ), and a clamp ( 62 ), by means of which the flange sections ( 24 . 26 ) in the axial direction ( 10 . 12 ) are compressible, the two tubes ( 4 . 6 ) in the axial direction ( 10 . 12 ) can be brought together into a prefixing position in which the tubes ( 4 . 6 ) in the radial direction ( 16 . 18 ) are supported or can be supported on one another, and furthermore a latching element ( 44 ) is provided, by means of which the tubes ( 4 . 6 ) in the prefixing position in the axial direction ( 10 . 12 ) are releasably locked together. Flange connection ( 2 ) according to claim 1, wherein the latching element ( 44 ) is biased into a detent position such that the two tubes ( 4 . 6 ) are automatically releasably latched together in the prefixing position, and / or is designed such that the tubes ( 4 . 6 ) in their prefixing position relative to each other about a longitudinal axis ( 14 ) are rotatable. Flange connection ( 2 ) according to claim 2, wherein the latching element ( 44 ) by merging and / or separating the two tubes ( 4 . 6 ) is automatically transferred to a non-latching position in which the two tubes ( 4 . 6 ) are not locked together. Flange connection ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first tube ( 4 ) one in the axial direction ( 12 ) projecting, preferably central and tubular, approach ( 36 ), which in the prefixing position in the axial direction ( 12 ) in a, preferably central, recess ( 46 ) in the second tube ( 6 ), which particularly preferably from the interior of the second tube ( 6 ), wherein the two tubes ( 4 . 6 ) on the salient approach ( 36 ) in the radial direction ( 16 . 18 ) are supported on each other or can be supported. Flange connection ( 2 ) according to claim 4, wherein the latching element ( 44 ) on the prominent approach ( 36 ) or in the recess ( 46 ) is held. Flange connection ( 2 ) according to claim 5, wherein the latching element ( 44 ) in the locking position in the radial direction ( 16 ; 18 ) over the outside ( 38 ) of the prominent approach ( 36 ) or on the inside ( 48 ) of the recess ( 46 protruding). Flange connection ( 2 ) according to claim 6, wherein the latching element ( 44 ) in a first radial recess ( 42 ) in the outside ( 38 ) of the prominent approach ( 36 ) or the inside ( 48 ) of the recess ( 46 ) is held. Flange connection ( 2 ) according to claim 7, wherein the first radial recess ( 42 ) is formed as a circumferential groove into which an annular locking element ( 44 ) is inserted, wherein the annular locking element ( 44 ) preferably in the radial direction ( 18 ; 16 ) is elastically compressible or expandable. Flange connection ( 2 ) according to claim 8, wherein the annular detent element ( 44 ) has a deviating from a rectangle or square cross section, preferably a circular cross section. Flange connection ( 2 ) according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the annular locking element ( 44 ) in the circumferential direction ( 20 . 22 ) is made of an elastic material, preferably of rubber, or of a snap ring, preferably of steel. Flange connection ( 2 ) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the latching element ( 44 ) an annular, preferably annular disc-shaped, particularly preferably metallic, supporting part ( 64 ), on which latching tongues ( 68 ) are provided, which in the radial direction ( 16 . 18 ) elastically deformable, preferably in one piece with the supporting part ( 64 ) and particularly preferably in the circumferential direction ( 20 . 22 ) evenly spaced from each other on the support part ( 64 ) are arranged, wherein the supporting part ( 64 ), which is preferably formed in the manner of a metal bead seal, while achieving a sealing effect in the axial direction ( 10 . 12 ) between the first flange portion ( 24 ) and the second flange portion ( 26 ) can be clamped. Flange connection ( 2 ) according to claim 11, wherein the latching element ( 44 ) over the locking tongues ( 68 ) on the prominent approach ( 36 ) or in the recess ( 46 ) is held, wherein the supporting part ( 64 ) preferably under elastic deformation of the locking tongues ( 68 ) to the salient approach ( 36 ) is pushed to a desired position in which the locking tongues ( 68 ) in the first radial recess ( 42 ) are latched or locked. Flange connection ( 2 ) according to one of claims 6 to 12, in which on the inside ( 48 ) of the recess ( 46 ) or the outside ( 38 ) of the prominent approach ( 36 ) a second radial recess ( 50 ), in which the locking element ( 44 ) or its latching tongues ( 68 ) in the prefixing position of the two tubes ( 4 . 6 ) engages or intervenes, or at least a radial projection is provided, which the latching element ( 44 ) or its latching tongues ( 68 ) in the prefixing position of the two tubes ( 4 . 6 ) behind or behind. Flange connection ( 2 ) according to claim 13, wherein the second radial recess ( 50 ) as a circumferential groove, from the groove flanks ( 52 . 54 ) is preferably inclined at least, or the radial projection is formed as a circumferential radial projection, the behind tangible edge is preferably tilted. Flange connection ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the clamping collar ( 62 ) a V-shaped, in the radial direction ( 18 ) has an inwardly open cross-section, by means of which the rear sides facing away from each other ( 32 . 34 ) of the two flange sections ( 24 . 26 ) are gripped behind, or / and the rear sides facing away from each other ( 32 . 34 ) of the two flange sections ( 24 . 26 ) are conically formed at the edge, wherein the clamp ( 62 ) in the radial direction ( 18 ) is contractible and is preferably hinged. Motor vehicle with a motor having an output tube ( 4 ) with a first or second flange portion ( 24 ), and a catalyst ( 8th ), which has an inlet pipe ( 6 ) with a second or first flange portion ( 26 ), wherein the output tube ( 4 ) and the inlet pipe ( 6 ) by means of a flange connection ( 2 ) are connected to one another according to one of the preceding claims. Method for mounting the flange connection ( 2 ) in a motor vehicle according to claim 16 with the method steps merging the output tube ( 4 ) and the input tube ( 6 ) to a prefixing position where the two tubes ( 4 . 6 ) in the radial direction ( 16 . 18 ) supported on each other and in the axial direction ( 10 . 12 ) are releasably locked together, rotating the catalyst ( 8th ) about the longitudinal axis ( 14 ) of the flange connection ( 2 ) in its nominal position on the motor vehicle, attaching the catalyst ( 8th ) in the desired position on the motor vehicle, attaching the clamp ( 62 ) on the flange sections ( 24 . 26 ) and compression of the flange sections ( 24 . 26 ) in the axial direction ( 10 . 12 ) with the help of the clamp ( 62 ).

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