CN111699337B

CN111699337B - Tube assembly for a fluid distribution system of a vehicle battery pack and battery pack for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN111699337B
Application number: CN201980010932.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: C-M.马萨里克; M.普彻
Original assignee: Samsung SDI Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung SDI Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-31
Filing date: 2019-01-29
Publication date: 2022-04-26
Anticipated expiration: 2039-01-29
Also published as: CN111699337A; WO2019151741A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery pack (40) for a vehicle, comprising: a tube assembly (20) for a fluid distribution system (42) of a battery pack (40) of a vehicle; a plurality of battery modules (41); and a fluid dispensing system (42). In order to make it easier to assemble and disassemble the tube assembly (20), the tube assembly (20) comprises a connector tube (1, 23) having at least one through slit (2, 3) and a locking ring (5), which locking ring (5) may be positioned at the slit (2, 3) to allow the connector tube (1, 23) to be attached to a further tube (21).

Description

Tube assembly for a fluid distribution system of a vehicle battery pack and battery pack for a vehicle

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a tube assembly of a fluid distribution system for a battery pack of a vehicle (vehicle), and to a battery pack for a vehicle.

Background

In recent years, vehicles for transporting goods and people using electric power as a moving source have been developed. Such electric vehicles (e.g., automobiles) are driven by an electric motor using energy stored in a rechargeable battery. The electric vehicle may be powered by a battery only, or may be in the form of a hybrid vehicle powered by, for example, a gasoline generator. Further, the vehicle may include a combination of an electric motor and a conventional internal combustion engine. Generally, an Electric Vehicle Battery (EVB) or traction battery is a battery used to power the propulsion of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). Electric vehicle batteries differ from starting batteries, lighting batteries, and ignition batteries in that they are designed to power for sustained periods of time. A rechargeable or secondary battery differs from a primary battery in that it can be repeatedly charged and discharged, while a primary battery provides only irreversible conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy. Low-capacity rechargeable batteries are used as power sources for small electronic devices such as cellular phones, notebook computers, and camcorders, while high-capacity rechargeable batteries are used as power sources for hybrid vehicles and the like.

In general, a rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, and an electrode terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly. An electrolyte solution is injected into the case so as to enable the battery to be charged and discharged via electrochemical reactions of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte solution. The shape of the housing (e.g., cylindrical or rectangular) depends on the intended use of the battery. Lithium ion (and similar lithium polymer) batteries, well known through their use in laptop computers and consumer electronics, dominate the latest batch of electric vehicles under development.

The rechargeable battery may be used as a battery module formed of a plurality of unit battery cells coupled in series and/or parallel, thereby providing high energy density, particularly, for motor driving of a hybrid vehicle. That is, the battery module is formed by interconnecting electrode terminals of a plurality of unit battery cells depending on the amount of required power and in order to realize a high-power rechargeable battery.

A battery pack is a collection of any number of (preferably identical) battery modules, each comprising at least one or even several battery cells. The modules may be configured in series, parallel, or a mixture of both to provide a desired voltage, capacity, or power density. The components of the battery pack include individual battery modules and interconnects that provide electrical conductivity therebetween. A Battery Management System (BMS) is provided for managing a battery pack, such as by protecting the battery from operating outside its safe operating area, monitoring its status, calculating ancillary data, reporting this data, controlling its environment, authenticating it, and/or balancing it.

To provide thermal control of the battery pack, a thermal management system is needed to use at least one battery module within a predetermined temperature range by efficiently dissipating, draining and/or dissipating heat generated from its rechargeable battery. If the heat emission/discharge/dissipation is not sufficiently performed, a temperature deviation occurs between the respective battery cells, so that at least one battery module cannot generate a desired amount of electric power. In addition, an increase in internal temperature may cause an abnormal reaction to occur therein, and thus the charging and discharging performance of the rechargeable battery is deteriorated and the life of the rechargeable battery is shortened. Therefore, there is a need for unit cooling for efficiently emitting/discharging/dissipating heat from the unit. Cooling is typically accomplished by a cooling fluid that is directed to and through the cooling fluid path of the battery pack.

The mechanical integration of such a battery pack requires a suitable mechanical connection between the various components, in particular between the tubes of the tube assembly, which may be used for conducting or conveying the thermal control fluid.

These connections must remain functional and safe during the average service life of the battery system. However, in the case where it is necessary to remove the battery module from the battery pack, it is required that the connection between the tubes of the tube assembly can be easily and reversibly opened. Thus, the only nested (teleselected) tubes are not sufficiently secured against accidental removal. Furthermore, it is known to interconnect tubes by means of bayonet (bayonet) connections. However, when opening such a bayonet connection, it is necessary to turn one of the tubes relative to the other tube about the central axis of the tubes, which is cumbersome due to the limited space for the tool in the battery pack or in the vehicle.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome or reduce at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a pipe assembly that can be easily disassembled.

Technical scheme

According to the invention, the object is achieved in that: the pipe assembly comprises at least a first pipe for conducting fluid, a connector pipe for connecting the first pipe to a second pipe, and an elastically deformable locking ring for locking the first pipe to the connector pipe in an assembled state of the first pipe and the connector pipe, wherein the first pipe comprises a groove along its outer circumference, the connector pipe comprises at least one through slit extending completely through a wall of the connector pipe in a radial direction of the connector pipe and not completely around a longitudinal axis of the connector pipe in a circumferential direction of the connector pipe, the locking ring being adapted to extend through the through slit and into the groove in its locked position. For a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules and a fluid distribution system having a tube assembly, the object is achieved in that the tube assembly is a tube assembly according to the invention.

The locking ring interconnects the first tube and the connector tube by form fit (form fit), which prevents movement of the first tube and the connector tube relative to each other along their longitudinal axes. However, when opening the form fit, the first tube and the connector tube may easily be moved, i.e. telescoped, relative to each other along their longitudinal axes in order to open the tube assembly and thus the fluid dispensing system. There is no need to rotate either of the first tube and the connector tube. A translational movement of the first tube or connector tube is sufficient.

The invention can be improved by the following embodiments which can be combined as required and which are advantageous on their own in each case, unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

According to an embodiment of the pipe assembly, the connector pipe comprises at least two through slits which are arranged one after the other and are separated from each other in the circumferential direction by a wall section of the connector pipe. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the form fit between the first tube and the connector is provided by the locking ring being in different positions, which provides a more stable fit, wherein the wall section ensures the stability of the connector tube.

According to an embodiment of the pipe assembly, the through slits are arranged opposite to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connector pipe. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the form fit is provided symmetrically on opposite sides of the first tube and the connector tube, so that forces trying to change the position of the first tube and the connector tube along their longitudinal axis and relative to each other do not cause any undesired forces acting on the first tube and the connector tube perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

According to an embodiment of the tube assembly, the through-going slits are formed parallel to each other or mirror-symmetrically. In particular, the through-slit may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector tube. Alternatively, the through slits may extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis which is different from 90 degrees, such as less than 90 degrees, less than 75 degrees, less than 60 degrees, less than 45 degrees, less than 30 degrees or less than 15 degrees, but more than 0 degrees. An advantage of this embodiment may be that forces attempting to change the position of the first tube and the connector tube along their longitudinal axis and relative to each other are evenly transferred to the locking ring, and may even be transferred to the locking ring without causing forces attempting to rotate the connector tube about the longitudinal axis and relative to each other.

According to an embodiment of the pipe assembly, the through-slits are identical in circumferential direction and/or along the length of the through-slits. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the forces acting on the form fit are transferred evenly and/or symmetrically to the locking ring.

According to an embodiment of the tube assembly, the length of the through slit corresponds to a quarter of the total circumference of the connector tube. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the form fit provided by the locking ring and the mechanical stability provided by the wall section is maximized.

According to an embodiment of the tube assembly, the locking ring comprises two latching elements extending substantially perpendicular to a plane in which the main part of the locking ring is arranged, and the connector tube comprises two corresponding latching elements (counter latch elements) arranged to form a latching connection with the latching elements when the locking ring is in its locking position. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the locking ring does not unintentionally move away from its locking position, for example due to vibrations caused when the vehicle is moving, thereby ensuring that the form fit holding the first tube and the connector tube together is stable even in mechanically rough conditions.

According to an embodiment of the tube assembly, the connector tube comprises two retaining elements adapted to form a latching connection with the latching elements and arranged to retain the locking ring in its release position, in which the locking ring is arranged completely outside the groove. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the locking ring may be pre-assembled in a captive manner prior to mounting the connector tube to the first tube, thereby facilitating mounting and fastening of the connector tube to the first tube.

According to an embodiment of the pipe assembly, the two retaining elements are arranged in front of the corresponding latching element in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector pipe. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the locking ring may simply be pushed in a direction pointing from the retaining element towards the respective corresponding latching element in order to transfer the locking ring from its releasing position to its locking position, again facilitating the mounting and fastening of the connector tube to the first tube.

According to an embodiment of the tube assembly, the two corresponding latch elements are arranged at ends of the through-going slit, said ends being substantially provided at the same side. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the locking ring may extend substantially through the through-going slit, thereby maximizing the length of the form fit and increasing the strength of the form fit.

According to an embodiment of the tube assembly, the connector tube comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the at least one through slit is formed only at the first end. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the connector tube may be formed and a form fit may be easily established, wherein the form fit between the first tube and the connector tube is sufficient to maintain the tube assembly assembled.

According to an embodiment of the pipe assembly, the connector pipe comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the at least one through slit is formed at the first end, and wherein an inner diameter of a first end portion comprising the first end and the at least one through slit is larger than an inner diameter of a middle portion of the connector pipe adjacent to the first end portion. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the first tube may have an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the intermediate portion, which improves the sealing properties between the first tube and the connector tube, wherein the groove of the first tube may easily be provided between ridges, which according to an embodiment are arranged on the outside of the first tube and may be introduced or telescoped via the first end into the first end portion.

According to an embodiment of the pipe assembly, the second end has an inner diameter equal to an inner diameter of the intermediate portion. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the further second tube may be introduced, e.g. telescoped into the connector tube via the second end with similar sealing properties at the first tube.

According to an embodiment of the pipe assembly, along the longitudinal axis of the pipe assembly, the connector pipe may be preceded by a first pipe, the second pipe may be preceded by a connector pipe, and a bellows (bellows) or jacket (gaiter) may be preceded by a second pipe. After the bellows, another first tube may follow, and so on. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the length of the tube assembly may be easily adjusted.

According to an embodiment of the tube assembly, the first tube and/or the second tube comprises a branch conduit for connecting the tube assembly to a battery cell of the battery pack in a fluid conducting manner. The branch conduit extends perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube assembly, wherein the longitudinal axis may coincide with each of the longitudinal axes of the connector tube and/or the first and second tubes. The main part of the locking ring faces away from the respective side of the first and/or second tube on which the branch ducts are based, and the opening of the locking ring is arranged on the same side as the branch ducts. The opening of the locking ring may be a spaced portion between the two latching elements. The retaining element is arranged behind the corresponding latching element when viewed from the side of the first and second tubes opposite to the side from which the branch duct projects perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis or in a radial direction.

According to an embodiment of the pipe assembly, in its release position the locking ring is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is moved in a radial direction away from its locking position. In particular, in the release position, the locking ring is arranged behind the locking position when seen from the side of the first and/or second tube from which the branch ducts protrude. In its release position, the latching element can latch with the retaining element, so that the locking ring is held in a captive manner and can therefore not fall out of the connector tube. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the connector tube may be manipulated and installed with the locking ring attached, which facilitates installation of the tube assembly. Another advantage of this embodiment may be that in order to move the locking ring from its releasing position to its locking position in order to establish a form fit between the connector tube and the first tube, it may be sufficient to simply push the main part of the locking ring towards the connector tube, i.e. towards its longitudinal axis.

According to an embodiment of the battery pack, the connector tube is at least partially arranged between adjacent battery modules. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the portion of the tube assembly that would block the removal of one of the battery modules may be easily removed.

According to an embodiment of the battery pack, the bellows or the sheath is disposed between the gaps between the adjacent battery modules. An advantage of this embodiment may be that the first and second tubes and possibly also the connector tube may be moved such that the length of the bellows or sheath is reduced and that the part of the tube assembly comprising the first and second tubes and possibly also the connector tube may be easily removed from the tube assembly.

The locking ring is usually not completely circular but has an open side, at which the free end of the locking ring ends. In order to widen or narrow the open side, the free ends can be moved resiliently away from and towards each other. The locking ring may also be referred to as a securing ring (retanning ring) or a circlip (circlip) and may be made of an elastic material such as spring steel.

Drawings

Features will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by describing in detail exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a connector tube.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of another exemplary embodiment of a connector tube with two additional tubes connected and locked to the connector tube.

Fig. 3 shows another schematic perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 shows the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 in a schematic side view with two additional tubes still connected to but unlocked from the connector tube.

Fig. 6 shows another schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 5.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of an enlarged detail of the battery pack according to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 8.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of another enlarged detail of the battery pack according to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 8.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote like elements, and redundant description is omitted. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first and second are used to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, terms in the singular may include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes … …," or "including … …," specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, processes, elements, components, and combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of other features, regions, integers, steps, processes, elements, components, and combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present specification and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a connector tube 1 for connecting a first tube to a second tube in a schematic perspective view. The connector tube 1 comprises a longitudinal axis L1 and is provided with two through

slits

2, 3 extending completely through the wall 4 of the connector tube 1 in a radial direction R1 of the connector tube 1, the radial direction R1 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1. The through slits 2, 3 do not completely surround the longitudinal axis L1 of the connector tube 1 in the circumferential direction C1 of the connector tube 1, the circumferential direction C1 extending around the longitudinal axis L1 and for example along the outside of the wall 4. The connector tube 1 may comprise more or less than the two through

slits

2, 3 shown in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1.

The connector tube 1 is shown with an elastically deformable locking ring 5, which locking ring 5 serves to lock the first tube to the connector tube 1 in an assembled, e.g. partially nested, state of the first tube and the connector tube 1. The locking ring 5 is adapted to extend in its drawn locking position P through the through

slits

2, 3 and into the groove of the first tube.

The through-

slits

2, 3 can be arranged one after the other and can be separated from one another in the circumferential direction C1 by wall sections 6, 7. The through slits 2, 3 may be arranged opposite to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 of the connector tube 1. The through slits 2, 3 may be formed parallel to each other.

The through slits 2, 3 may be identical along the circumferential direction C1 and/or along the length L of the slits. For example, the length L of the through

slits

2, 3 and/or the respective length of the wall sections 6, 7 may correspond to a quarter of the entire circumference of the connector tube 1.

The locking ring 5 may comprise two latching elements 8, 9. The two latching elements 8, 9 may extend perpendicular to the plane in which the main portion 10 of the locking ring 5 is arranged. The main portion 10 may extend between the two latching elements 8, 9. The latching elements 8, 9 may be formed by protrusions, for example by portions of the locking ring 5 bent out of the plane of the main portion 10. The two latching elements 8, 9 may be formed by the free ends of the locking ring 5.

The connector tube 1 comprises two corresponding latch elements 11, 12, which two corresponding latch elements 11, 12 are arranged to form a latching connection with the latch elements 8, 9 when the locking ring 5 is in its locking position P. The corresponding latching elements 11, 12 may be formed complementary to the latching elements 8, 9 and are provided, for example, as openings, holes or recesses in the wall 4, wherein the openings, holes or recesses open away from the longitudinal axis L1. For example, the corresponding latching elements 11, 12 are arranged at the ends 13, 14 of the through-

slits

2, 3, the ends 13, 14 being provided substantially on the same side.

The connector tube 1 may comprise two retaining

elements

15, 16, which two retaining

elements

15, 16 are adapted to form a latching connection with the latching elements 8, 9 and are arranged to retain the locking ring 5 in its release position, in which the locking ring 5 is arranged completely outside the groove and may also be outside the through-going

slits

2, 3. For example, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1 of the connector tube 1, the two retaining

elements

15, 16 are arranged in front of the corresponding latching elements 11, 12. For example, the holding

elements

15, 16 are arranged at a distance from the ends 13, 14 of the through-going

slits

2, 3.

The two holding

elements

15, 16 may be formed complementary to the latching elements 8, 9 and are provided, for example, as openings, holes or recesses in the wall 4, wherein the openings, holes or recesses open at least away from the longitudinal axis L1.

The connector tube 1 comprises a first end 17 and a second end 18, wherein the through

slits

2, 3 are formed only at the first end 17.

The connector tube 1 of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1 comprises a constant inner diameter and/or a constant outer diameter such that the connector tube 1 can be easily formed.

Fig. 2 to 4 and 5 to 7 show different views and states of an exemplary embodiment of a pipe assembly with another exemplary embodiment of a connector pipe, wherein instead of the exemplary embodiment of the connector pipe of fig. 2 to 4 and 5 to 7, a connector pipe 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1 may be present. For the sake of brevity, only the differences with respect to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1 are discussed below.

The tube assembly 20 includes: a first tube 21 for conducting a fluid; optionally, a second tube 22; another embodiment of a connector tube 23 for interconnecting the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 in a fluid conducting manner; and a locking ring 5, which is arranged in its locking position P in fig. 2 to 4. The first tube 21 and/or the second tube 22 may include

branch conduits

24, 25, and the tube assembly 20 may be fluidly connected to the battery cells of the battery pack using the

branch conduits

24, 25. The

branch conduits

24, 25 may extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis a of the tube assembly 20, wherein the longitudinal axis a may coincide with each of the longitudinal axes L1 of the connector tubes and/or the longitudinal axes L2, L3 of the first and

second tubes

21, 22. The main portion 10 of the locking ring 5 may face away from the respective side of the first and/or second tube, and the opening (spaced between the two latching elements) of the locking ring 5 may face in the same direction as the

branch ducts

24, 25. The retaining

elements

15, 16 may be arranged behind the corresponding latching elements 11, 12, as seen from the side of the first and

second tubes

21, 22 opposite to the side from which the

branch ducts

24, 25 protrude perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis a or in the radial direction R1.

In fig. 3, the tube assembly 20 is shown rotated about the longitudinal axis a such that the

branch conduits

24, 25 extend into the drawing plane and are covered by the first and

second tubes

21, 22. As depicted in fig. 3, the locking ring 5 in its locking position P extends through the through

slits

2, 3. The main portion 10 of the locking ring 5 may rest against the wall section 6. Relative movement of the first tube 21 and the connector tube 23 along the longitudinal axis a is blocked by the locking ring 5.

The cross-sectional view of fig. 4 shows the groove 26 included by the first tube 21 along its outer circumference. In its locking position P, the locking ring 5 extends not only through the through-

slits

2, 3 but also into the groove 26 and forms a form fit between the first tube 21 and the connector tube 23. In other words, the first pipe 21 and the connector pipe 23 may be fixed to each other while the through

slits

2, 3 of the connector pipe 23 and the groove 26 of the first pipe 21 are arranged by the locking ring 5.

The groove 26 may extend into a wall 27 of the first tube 21. In particular in this case, the connector tube 1 of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1 may be used. However, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 to 7, the groove 26 is provided between two

ridges

28, 29, which

ridges

28, 29 are arranged outside the wall 27 and extend around the longitudinal axis L2 in a circumferential direction C2 of the first tube 21, wherein the circumferential direction C2 may correspond to the circumferential direction C1. The clear width between the

ridges

28, 29 along the longitudinal axis a may correspond to the clear width of the through

slits

2, 3 in the same direction.

Fig. 5 to 7 show the same embodiment as fig. 2 to 4 in the same view but with the locking ring 5 arranged in its release position R. In the release position R, the locking ring 5 is moved perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1 and in the radial direction R1 away from the locking position P. In particular, the release position R may be arranged behind the locking position P, when seen from the side of the first and/or

second tube

21, 23 from which the

branch ducts

24, 25 protrude. In the release position R of the locking ring 5, the latching elements 8, 9 latch with the retaining

elements

15, 16, so that the locking ring 5 is held in a captive manner and can therefore not fall out of the connector tube 23.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the locking ring 5 is arranged outside the groove 26 and may extend at least partially (sectionalwise) through the through-

slits

2, 3. Thus, relative movement between the first tube 21 and the connector tube 23 is not blocked by the locking ring 5 in its release position R. In the release position R of the locking ring 5, the main part 10 of the locking ring 5 may be arranged at a distance from the wall section 6. Thus, in order to move the locking ring 5 from the release position R to its locking position P, it is sufficient to press, in particular to press centrally, the main part 10 in the radial direction R1 towards the wall section 6 between the latching elements 8, 9 and/or between the free ends or between the latching elements 8, 9 of the locking ring 5.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2-7, the through

slits

2, 3 are formed at the first end 17, and the inner diameter of the first end portion 30 including the first end 17 and the through

slits

2, 3 may be greater than the inner diameter of the intermediate portion 31 of the connector tube 23 adjacent to the first end portion 30. Thus, even if the groove 26 of the first tube 21 is formed by the

ridges

28, 29, the first tube 21 with the

ridges

28, 29 can still be introduced into the first end portion 30.

Between the end 32 of the first tube 21 and the groove 26, in particular the ridge 29, the first tube 21 may comprise a sealing portion 33 for sealing a gap between the first tube 21 and the connector tube 23, in particular the intermediate portion 31 thereof. For example, at least in the assembled state of the pipe assembly 20, there may be at least one and possibly two sealing elements or rings on the outside of the sealing portion 33.

A further second end portion 34 of the connector tube 23, arranged opposite the first end portion 30, may comprise an inner diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the intermediate portion 31. The second tube 22 may comprise a sealing portion 35 for sealing a gap between the first tube 22 and the connector tube 23, in particular the second end portion 34 thereof. For example, at least in the assembled state of the tube assembly 20, there may be at least one and possibly two sealing elements or rings on the outside of the sealing portion 35.

Fig. 8 to 10 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a battery pack having the tube assembly of the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 2 to 7 in a schematic perspective view. Fig. 8 shows an overview of the battery pack, and fig. 9 and 10 show enlarged details of the battery pack. Likewise, instead of the connector pipe 23, the connector pipe 1 may be used.

The battery pack 40 includes a plurality of battery cells 41 each including a plurality of battery modules, and the plurality of battery cells 41 are arranged one after another along the longitudinal direction B of the battery pack 40. In addition, the battery pack 40 includes a fluid distribution system 42 that includes the tube assembly 20.

The connector tube 23 may be at least partially disposed between adjacent battery modules 41 along the longitudinal axis a.

The longitudinal axis of the fluid distribution system 42 may correspond to the longitudinal axis a at least in the area of the first tube 21, the second tube 22 and the connector tube 23, however, for simplicity, the longitudinal axis a is not shown in fig. 8 to 10.

Along the longitudinal axis a of the tube assembly 20, the connector tube 23 may be preceded by a first tube 21, the second tube 22 may be preceded by the connector tube 23, and the bellows 43 or jacket may be preceded by a second tube 22. After the bellows 43, another first tube 21 may follow, and so on.

A bellows 43 or sheath may be disposed between the gaps 44 between adjacent battery modules 41.

All connector tubes 23 of the tube assembly 20 may be oriented in the same direction such that, for example, the first end 17 faces the longitudinal direction B.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, the specification, and the drawings, which also belong to the scope of the present invention.

Reference numerals

1 connector tube

2. 3 through slit

4 wall

5 locking ring

6-wall section

7-wall section

8. 9 locking ring latching element

10 lock ring main part

11. 12 corresponding latch element

13. 14 ends of the slit

15. 16 holding element

17 first end

18 second end

20 pipe assembly

21 first pipe

22 second tube

23 connector tube

24. 25-branch catheter

26 groove

27 wall of the first tube

28. 29 ridge

30 first end portion of a connector tube

31 intermediate part of a connector tube

32 end of the first tube

33 sealing part of the first tube

34 second end portion of connector tube

35 sealing part of the second tube

40 Battery pack

41 Battery module

42 fluid dispensing system

43 corrugated pipe

44 gap between adjacent battery modules

Longitudinal axis of A-tube assembly

Longitudinal direction of the battery pack

Circumferential direction of C1 connector tube

Circumferential direction of C2 first pipe

L length of through slit

Longitudinal axis of L1 connector tube

Longitudinal axis of L2 first pipe

Longitudinal axis of L3 second pipe

Locking position of P-lock ring

Release position of the R-lock ring

Radial direction of R1 connector tube

Claims

1. A tube assembly for a fluid distribution system of a battery pack for a vehicle, comprising:

at least a first tube for conducting a fluid,

a connector tube for connecting the first tube to a second tube, an

An elastically deformable locking ring for locking the first tube to the connector tube in an assembled state of the first tube and the connector tube,

wherein the first tube comprises a groove along its periphery, the connector tube comprises at least one through slit extending completely through the wall of the connector tube in a radial direction of the connector tube and not completely around the longitudinal axis of the connector tube in a circumferential direction of the connector tube,

the locking ring is adapted to extend through the through-slit and into the groove in its locked position,

the locking ring comprises two latching elements which extend perpendicular to a plane in which the main part of the locking ring is arranged, and the connector tube comprises two corresponding latching elements which are arranged to form a latching connection with the latching elements when the locking ring is in its locking position, and

the connector tube comprises two retaining elements adapted to form a latching connection with the latching elements and arranged to retain the locking ring in its release position, in which the locking ring is arranged completely outside the groove.

2. The pipe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector pipe comprises at least two through slits which are arranged one after the other and which are separated from each other in the circumferential direction by a wall section of the connector pipe.

3. The tube assembly of claim 2, wherein the through slits are disposed opposite one another about the longitudinal axis of the connector tube.

4. The pipe assembly of claim 1, wherein the through slits are formed parallel to each other.

5. The pipe assembly of claim 2, wherein the lengths of the through-slits in the circumferential direction are the same.

6. The pipe assembly of claim 5, wherein the length of the through-slit corresponds to one quarter of the entire circumference of the connector pipe.

7. The tube assembly of claim 1, wherein the two retention elements are disposed in front of the corresponding latch elements in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector tube.

8. The pipe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said two corresponding latch elements are arranged at the ends of said through slit, said ends being provided on the same side.

9. The tube assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector tube comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the at least one through slit is formed only at the first end.

10. The pipe assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector pipe comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the at least one through-slit is formed at the first end, and wherein an inner diameter of a first end portion comprising the first end and the at least one through-slit is greater than an inner diameter of an intermediate portion of the connector pipe adjacent the first end portion.

11. The tubular assembly of claim 10, wherein an inner diameter at the second end is equal to an inner diameter of the intermediate portion.

12. A battery pack for a vehicle having a plurality of battery modules and a fluid distribution system including a tube assembly, wherein the tube assembly is the tube assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The battery pack of claim 12, wherein the connector tube is at least partially disposed between adjacent battery modules.