Abstract
A cooling-line system (10) of modular construction, in particular for batteries of electric vehicles, having at least one tubular connecting element (11) composed of a first metal; and at least two tubular or hose-like line elements (15, 16) composed of a second metal, which line elements (15, 16) are or can be connected by the connecting element (11), or at least one such line element (15, 16) which can be connected by the connecting element (11) to a function module to be cooled, preferably a battery.
Claims
1. A cooling-line system (10) of modular construction, comprising: at least one tubular connecting element (11) formed of a first metal; and at least two tubular or hose-shaped line elements (15, 16) formed of a second metal, said line elements (15, 16) are connected or are connectable by the connecting element (11), or at least one of said line elements (15, 16) is connectable by the connecting element (11) to a function module to be cooled.
2. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting element (11) has a first connection end (12) and a second connection end (13), said connection ends (12, 13) are configured for connection to in each case one of the line elements (15, 16) or to the line element (15, 16).
3. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the connecting element (11) has at least one branch (14, 14′) between the connection ends (12, 13), and a further line element composed of a metal is connected or is connectable to said at least one branch.
4. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the branch (14, 14′) is formed as a neck or punched-out formation.
5. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a connection part (19) for the further line element arranged on the branch (14), and the connection part (19) is configured corresponding to the first connection end (12) or to the second connection end (13).
6. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting element (11) is widened at at least one of the connection ends (12, 13), and at least one of the line elements (15, 16) or the line element (15, 16) is pushed or pressed into the widened connection end (12, 13).
7. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one of the line elements (15, 16) or the line element (15, 16) is fixed or is fixable in a materially bonded manner in the widened connection end (12, 13).
8. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a sealing element (18) located at at least one of the connection ends (12, 13), that is arranged between the connecting element (11) and at least one of the line elements (15, 16) or the line element (15, 16).
9. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the line elements (15, 16) or the line element (15, 16) comprises a corrugated-hose portion (23).
10. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a sealing element (18) located at at least one of the connection ends (12, 13), that is arranged between the connecting element (11) and at least one of the line elements (15, 16) or the line element (15, 16), and said sealing element (18) is arranged between two corrugations (16a, 16b) in the corrugated-hose portion (23).
11. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein, at at least one of the connection ends, the connecting element (11) is slotted over a sub-region of a circumference thereof and has a corresponding slot or cutout (22), and at least one fixing element (17) is pushed into the slot and over a part of the circumference of the line element between two corrugations (16a, 16b) in the corrugated-hose portion (23) in order to fix the respective line element (16) to the connecting element (11) in a form-fitting manner.
12. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 11, further comprising an additional clamp element (28) configured to engage over the connecting element (11) and the at least one of the line elements (15, 16) or the line element (15, 16) at the at least one connection end (12, 13) in a region of a sealing element (18), of a corrugation (15a) of the line element (15) and of an end widening (12) of the connecting element (11) from the outside in a form-fitting manner.
13. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an additional clip element (27) having a main body (27a) by way which the additional clip element is pushable onto the connecting element (11) or onto one of the line elements (15, 16) or the line element (15, 16), the clip element (27) has at least one retaining bracket (27b) integrally formed on the main body (27a), said retaining bracket (27b) is pivotable in relation to the main body (27a) behind a respective radial widening (12) on an other of the two elements connecting element (11) and the line element (15) in a pull-out direction to fix the respective line element (15) in a form-fitting manner to the connecting element (11).
14. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and the second connection ends (12, 13) have different configurations.
15. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting element (11) is formed of aluminum and the line element(s) (15, 16) are formed of high-grade steel.
16. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one branch includes a plurality of branches (14, 14′) located at different circumferential positions.
17. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting element (11) is straight.
18. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting element (11) is bent.
19. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting element (11) has a standardized standard connection on one side.
20. The cooling-line system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein multiple ones of the connecting elements (11) are arranged adjacently, and in which at least one spacer (29, 29′) is arranged between at least two of the connecting elements (11).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] Further properties and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments on the basis of drawing.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of the cooling-line system according to the invention in longitudinal section;
[0040] FIG. 2 shows a further configuration of the cooling-line system according to the invention in longitudinal section;
[0041] FIG. 3 shows yet a further configuration of the cooling-line system according to the invention in longitudinal section;
[0042] FIG. 4 shows, in longitudinal section, the connection between a connecting element and a line element in a configuration of the cooling-line system according to the invention;
[0043] FIG. 5 shows, in longitudinal section, the connection between a connecting element and a line element in another configuration of the cooling-line system according to the invention;
[0044] FIGS. 6A-6C show several views of a connecting element for a cooling-line system according to the invention;
[0045] FIGS. 7A-7B show views of a further connecting element for a cooling-line system according to the invention;
[0046] FIGS. 8A-8C show several views of the connection between a connecting element and a line element in a configuration of the cooling-line system according to the invention;
[0047] FIG. 9 shows, in part and in longitudinal section, a view of another connection between a connecting element and a line element in a configuration of the cooling-line system according to the invention;
[0048] FIG. 10 shows a view of yet a further connecting element for a cooling-line system according to the invention; and
[0049] FIG. 11 shows an overall view of a cooling-line system that can be realized according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] In the figures, identical reference signs denote identical or at least identically acting elements.
[0051] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a configuration of the cooling-line system 10 according to the invention in longitudinal section. The cooling-line system 10 comprises a tubular connecting element 11 of T-shaped form composed of a metallic material, for example aluminum or high-grade steel, having two aligned connection ends 12, 13 and having a branch 14 arranged therebetween, said branch being in the form of a neck in the present case. The connecting element is widened in the region of the connection ends 12, 13. Introduced into the connection ends 12, 13 is in each case one hose-like line element 15 or 16, respectively, which line element 15, 16 is designed in the manner of an annular corrugated hose. On the left in FIG. 1, the annular corrugated hose 15 is pressed into the connection end 12 and held in a force-fitting manner there. It is additionally possible for a soldered connection to be provided, this not being illustrated in FIG. 1 however. On the right in FIG. 1, the annular corrugated hose 16 is held in a form-fitting manner in the connection end 13, for the purpose of which provision is made of a spring element 17 which engages into a region between two corrugations 16a, 16b of the line element 16 and acts as a fixing element. For this purpose, the connecting element 11 is preferably suitably cut through or has an aperture (cutout) for introduction of the fixing/spring element 17. More precise details on this connection will be given further below, in particular on the basis of FIG. 7. For sealing off the connection, provision is also made of a sealing element in the form of an O-ring 18 on the right in FIG. 1, this likewise being arranged between two corrugations (not denoted) of the line element 16.
[0052] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a further configuration of the cooling-line system 10 according to the invention in longitudinal section. In the present case, there is illustrated only a single line element at reference sign 16, which is designed in the manner of a smooth tube that has a number of corrugations 16a, 16b (not all denoted) only at the end (so-called end deformation). Alternative, it also possible for the line element 16 to be designed as a bellows, bending tube or the like. The connection to the connecting element 11 is realized in the manner already described further above on the basis of FIG. 1.
[0053] In the region of the branch 14, there is arranged a deep-drawn connection part 19 for a further line element (not shown) in order for it to be possible for a further tube part or hose part to be connected in this region. Preferably, the connection part 19 is connected in a materially bonded manner to the connecting element 11.
[0054] FIG. 3 schematically shows yet a further configuration of the cooling-line system 10 according to the invention in longitudinal section. Instead of the widened connection ends shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connecting element 11 as per FIG. 3 has deep-drawn, widened sleeves or connection parts 20, 21 not only at the branch 14 but also at its connection ends 12, 13, said sleeves or connection parts preferably being attached in a materially bonded manner and serving for connection to line elements (not shown here).
[0055] At reference sign 22, the connection part 21 may have a cutout (a slot) through which a spring element can be inserted for the purpose of fixing a (corrugated) line element. Reference has already been made to this further above.
[0056] FIG. 4 shows, in longitudinal section, a possible connection between a connecting element 11 with a widened connection end 12 and a line element 15 in detail, which line element 15 has a corrugated region or corrugated-hose portion 23 at the end. The connecting element 11 engages over the corrugated-hose portion 23 by way of its connection end 12; a sealing element in the form of an O-ring 18 is again arranged therebetween. Reference sign 17 again denotes a spring element which prevents the connecting element 11 from being able to be pulled off from the corrugated-hose portion 23. For this purpose, the connecting element 11 has a radially inwardly directed web 12a on its connection end 12 at the end, via which web the connecting element 11 possibly interacts with the spring element 17.
[0057] Reference sign L denotes the longitudinal axis of the arrangement.
[0058] FIG. 5 shows an alternative configuration of the connection between a connecting element 11 and a line element 15. The line element 15 has a single corrugation 15a, which is asymmetrical in cross section and is engaged over by the connecting element 11 widened at the end. The connecting element 11 has on its inner side a circumferentially encircling groove 24 in which a sealing element in the form of an O-ring 18 is held. The sealing element 18 interacts sealingly with a sealing surface, formed parallel to the longitudinal axis L, at the free end of the line element 15. For securing the connection, the connecting element 11 again has a cutout 22 into which a spring element 17 (spring clip) is inserted, said spring element interacting in a form-fitting manner with the corrugation 15a, as illustrated.
[0059] FIGS. 6A-6C show different views of a connecting element 11′ which is configured to be bent or to have a 90° bend. At its connection end 13 on the right, which is again of widened form, the connecting element 11′ is designed in the manner already described further above on the basis of FIGS. 1 and 2. The cutout 22 through which an approximately U-shaped spring element 17 can be introduced can be clearly seen. In FIG. 6A, the stated elements are illustrated separated from one another; in FIG. 6B, the spring element 17 has been inserted into the cutout 22. FIG. 6C shows the connection to a line element 15 which is corrugated at the end, as already described further above on the basis of FIG. 4.
[0060] At the other connection end 12, the connecting element 11′ is preferably of standardized form, so as to allow connection of a further line element (not shown) or direct connection of a connection piece (not shown) of a function module to be cooled, such as a battery of an electric vehicle.
[0061] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a connecting element 11 designed as a T-piece, whose connection ends 12, 13 on the right and left are designed in the manner described in FIGS. 6A-6C for the connection end 13. In the region of the branch 14 at the bottom, the connecting element 11 may, by contrast, be designed approximately in the manner shown and described in FIGS. 6A-6C for the (lower) connection end 12 there. As shown by an additional comparison with the configuration in FIG. 5, the stated configuration in the region of the connection end 12 (in FIG. 6A-6C) or of the branch 14 (FIGS. 7a and 7B) furthermore corresponds substantially to the configuration described with reference to FIG. 5 of the connecting element 11 shown there.
[0062] FIGS. 8A-8C show a further alternative configuration of the connection between a connecting element 11 and a line element 15.
[0063] As per FIG. 8A, the line element 15 has at the end a corrugated region or two grooves 25, 26 into which in each case one sealing element in the form of an O-ring 18 is inserted. The connecting element 11 engages over this region by way of its widened connection end 12. An additional clip element 27 is arranged on the line element 15, which clip element 27 has a U-shaped main body 27a by way of which it is pushed onto the line element 15, preferably at or adjacent to a respective radial widening (shoulder) 15b. The clip element 27 moreover has two retaining brackets 27b integrally formed on the main body 27a and U-shaped in plan view, which retaining brackets 27b have been pivoted in relation to the main body 27a behind a respective radial widening (transition to the widening 12) on the connecting element 11 in a pull-out direction in order for the line element 15 to be fixed in a form-fitting manner to the connecting element 11.
[0064] FIG. 8C shows a slightly modified configuration, in which the line element 15 has only one groove 25 and correspondingly only one O-ring 18.
[0065] FIG. 9 shows yet another possibility for the connection between connecting element 11 and a line element 15, with use being made of an O-ring 18 and an (outer) clamp (clamp element) 28. The clamp element 28 is configured to engage over the connecting element 11 and line element 15 at the widened connection end 12 of the connecting element 11 in the region of the sealing element 18 and of a (single) end corrugation 15a of the line element 15 from the outside in a form-fitting manner, as illustrated. The sealing element 18 has been received between the widened connection end 12 of the connecting element 11 and a smooth cylindrical free end 15c of the line element 15. The corrugation 15a may again be of asymmetrical form, as illustrated.
[0066] In principle, it is possible for all the connections between connecting elements 11 and line elements 15, 16 discussed above and defined in the patent claims to be combined with one another in any desired manner within the scope of the present invention.
[0067] FIG. 10 illustrates, with viewing direction along the longitudinal axis, that a connecting element 11 may have multiple branches 14, 14′ which may depart from the connecting element 11 at different circumferential positions. In principle, the invention is not restricted with regard to the number or directions of the branches 14, 14′.
[0068] Finally, FIG. 11 illustrates once again, as a whole, a cooling-line system 10 of modular construction as can be realized using the described components within the scope of the present invention.
[0069] FIG. 11 moreover shows two types of additional spacers 29, 29′ arranged between the line elements (connecting elements) 11, by way of which spacers 29, 29′ it is possible to realize—beside the mere spacing-apart of the connecting elements 11—a series of additional functions.
[0070] These additional functions comprise in particular a mounting, rotation and positioning aid, a combination of clamp/clip and spacer to form a component (reduction of the individual parts), an additional supporting structure for the battery, fastening possibilities for sensors and cables, means for vibration decoupling, for example through the use of suitable materials or geometries (for example corrugated) or through the use of additional wire pressing rings between spacer 29, 29′ and the line elements (connecting elements) 11.
[0071] The spacers 29, 29′ may be welded or soldered to the connecting elements 11; preferably, however, they are fastened to the connecting elements 11 only by means of form-fitting.
