High-voltage battery components and method for assembling high-voltage battery components

Abstract

A high-voltage battery component (1) comprises a connection device (2) for connecting a coolant line (10) for a coolant to a cooling body (3) of a high-voltage battery, the connection device (2) having a connection piece (4) which can be connected to the cooling body (3), and a sealing element (5) which is arranged at the connection piece (4) on the end side for sealing between the connection piece (4) and the cooling body (3). The connection device (2) here comprises a dilator (6) which is movable relative to the connection piece (4). The dilator (6) is movable by pushing into the connection piece (4) from an introduction position (12) for introducing the connection piece (4) into the cooling body (3) into a sealing position (22). The dilator (6) expands the sealing element (5) radially outwards in the sealing position (22), so that the sealing element (5) sealingly bears against the cooling body (3) when the connection piece (4) is inserted into the cooling body (3).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a high-voltage battery component, in particular for at least partially electrically driven vehicles, and to a method for assembling such a high-voltage battery component. BACKGROUND

[0002] High-voltage batteries in fully or partially electrically driven vehicles are usually cooled or temperature-regulated by means of a liquid cooling system. Here, a battery-side cooling interface is usually provided at the cooling body of the battery, to which a coolant line can be connected in order to conduct coolant, for example, to an external cooler and back to the battery again.

[0003] It has proven advantageous for cooling such batteries that the battery module, in which the battery cells are assembled, is equipped with a module housing in the form of an extruded profile. The extruded profile has integrated coolant channels, which are provided by the cavities of the profile. Such an extruded profile thus simultaneously provides a housing and a cooling body. Safe encapsulation and reliable cooling effect are thus achieved at the same time.

[0004] However, it has proven problematic to connect a coolant line to such a module housing. In the prior art, for this purpose a connection branch or the like is fastened at the module housing, to which the coolant line is then sealingly assembled. However, this requires a construction space and increases the weight and the assembly effort. SUMMARY

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved possibility of connecting a coolant line to a high-voltage battery and in particular to a module housing in the form of an extruded profile.

[0006] This object is achieved by the high-voltage battery component and the method described below. Preferred refinements of the invention are also given below. Further advantages of the invention result from the summary of the invention and the description of the embodiments.

[0007] The high-voltage battery component according to the application is used in particular for at least partially electrically driven vehicles. The high-voltage battery component comprises at least one connection device for connecting at least one coolant line for a coolant to a cooling body of a high-voltage battery. The connection device comprises at least one connection piece which is in fluid communication with the cooling body, and at least one sealing element which is arranged on the end side of the connection piece (axially). The sealing element serves in particular for sealing between the connection piece and the cooling body. Here, the connection device comprises at least one expansion piece which is movable relative to the connection piece. Here, the expansion piece can be transferred from an introduction position for introducing the connection piece into the cooling body to a sealing position for sealing the connection piece relative to the cooling body by pushing into the connection piece. Here, the expansion piece expands the sealing element radially outwards in the sealing position, i.e. when the expansion piece has been or is transferred into the sealing position, so that the sealing element can sealably abut against the cooling body when the connection piece is inserted into the cooling body as intended.

[0008] The high-voltage battery component according to the application has many advantages. One significant advantage is that the connection device has a sealing element which can be pressed against the cooling body by means of the movable expansion piece. A secure and reliable sealing effect is thereby ensured. At the same time, the sealing element can be introduced into the cooling body particularly simply and without risk of damage, since the sealing element is only radially expanded when it is arranged in the cooling body as intended.

[0009] Furthermore, it is a particular advantage that, with the application, the coolant line can be directly connected to the cooling channel of the extruded profile. A considerable amount of construction space and weight is thereby saved relative to the connection solutions used to date. The assembly work is also significantly simplified thereby.

[0010] The application enables a reliable and secure sealing of the connection even when the chamber and thus the cooling channel of the extruded profile has a non-circular cross-section. In the prior art, axial seals are generally used to seal non-circular sealing points. However, this cannot be implemented in extruded profiles due to the construction. In the prior art, radial seals are also sometimes used for non-circular sealing points. However, such radial seals generally require an introduction chamfer. However, the formation of an introduction chamfer is also very cost-intensive in extruded profiles and the introduction chamfer leads to a greater wall thickness of the extruded profile and thus to a greater weight and a higher construction space requirement overall, determined by the construction space.

[0011] Preferably, the coolant line can be fitted at the connecting piece. It can also be advantageous and possible for the coolant line to be fitted at the expansion piece. Here, the coolant line can be fitted radially at the connecting piece and / or the expansion piece. This is advantageous, for example, when the expansion piece is provided with an axial or end-side operation by pressing or pulling. However, the coolant line can also be fittable at an axial end of the connecting piece and / or the expansion piece, which is in particular opposite the axial end with the sealing element.

[0012] In particular, the expansion piece has at least one expansion piece channel, through which the coolant can flow. In an advantageous design, the expansion piece channel is in flow connection with the coolant line indirectly via the connecting piece. It can also be advantageous and possible for the expansion piece channel to be in direct flow connection with the coolant line. The expansion piece channel then has, for example, a flange or a connector or the like, at which the coolant line can be fitted. The expansion piece channel extends in particular through the expansion piece in the axial direction. The expansion piece is designed to be displaceable in particular in the axial direction (and thus in particular in the longitudinal direction of the expansion piece channel).

[0013] In an advantageous refinement, the connecting piece has at least one connecting piece channel, through which the coolant can flow. The connecting piece channel extends in particular through the connecting piece in the axial direction (or longitudinal direction). In particular, the expansion piece extends at least partially inside the connecting piece channel at least in the sealing position. In particular, the connecting piece channel and the expansion piece channel are arranged at least partially coaxially. In particular, the coolant line can be connected with the connecting piece, so that the expansion piece channel can be in flow connection with the coolant line indirectly via the connecting piece. However, the coolant line can also be connected with the expansion piece.

[0014] Preferably, at least one sealing unit is arranged between the connecting piece and the expansion piece. In particular, the sealing unit blocks the coolant from flowing out between the connecting piece and the expansion piece at least in the sealing position. In particular, the sealing unit is designed as a radial seal or comprises at least one radial seal. The sealing unit comprises, for example, at least one O-ring. Such a sealing unit is advantageous in particular when the coolant line can be connected with the connecting piece and the expansion piece is designed to be flowable.

[0015] In particular, the sealing unit is arranged at an axial end side of the connecting piece. In particular, the sealing unit rests against the expansion piece in the sealing position. In particular, the sealing unit rests against the inside of an end-side wall of the expansion piece in the sealing position, which extends outside the expansion piece channel and / or closes the expansion piece channel at the end side.

[0016] It is particularly preferred in all design variants that the connecting piece and the expansion piece are designed as separate components. Here, the connecting piece and the expansion piece are preferably secured to one another by means of at least one anti-loss feature. As a result, the components can be handled as a common construction unit during assembly of the battery.

[0017] It is advantageous and preferred that the connecting device comprises at least one (releasable) latching connection. In particular, the latching connection is suitable and designed for preventing the expansion piece from being undesirably transferred from the sealing position to the introduction position and / or from the introduction position to the sealing position. In particular, the connecting device comprises at least one first latching connection for the sealing position and at least one second latching connection for the introduction position. Such a latching connection ensures that the expansion piece is fixed persistently and stably in the respective position and enables, for example, a tactile or audible check during assembly whether the expansion piece has been correctly pushed into the sealing position.

[0018] The latching connection comprises in particular at least two corresponding latching elements. In particular, at least one latching element is arranged at the connecting piece and at least one latching element is arranged at the expansion piece, respectively. It can be provided that the anti-loss is provided by means of the latching connection. For example, during assembly of the connecting device, the expansion piece is latched at the connecting piece in the introduction position. The latching connection can also be referred to as a clamping connection.

[0019] The high-voltage battery component can comprise at least one (said) cooling body. The cooling body comprises at least one cooling interface, to which the connecting device can be connected in a flow-technological manner. In particular, the cooling interface is provided by means of an axial end of the cooling channel. Here, the cooling interface has an inner contour which corresponds to an outer contour of the connecting piece and / or the sealing element and / or the expansion piece, so that the sealing element is introduced at least partially contactlessly and / or substantially force-free into the cooling interface in the introduction position. In particular, the sealing element can be introduced with less force in the introduction position than in the sealing position.

[0020] Preferably, the cooling body is designed as a profiled body having at least one integrated cooling channel or comprises at least one such profiled body. It is particularly preferred that the cooling body is designed as an extruded profile or comprises at least one such extruded profile. Here, the cooling channel provides a cooling interface at at least one axial end. It can be provided that the cooling interface corresponds to an axially open cooling channel. In particular, the connecting device can be connected in a flow-technological manner to the cooling channel. In particular, the connecting piece and / or the expansion piece and / or the sealing element have an outer contour which corresponds to a cross section of the cooling channel.

[0021] It can be provided and is advantageous if the connecting piece and / or the expansion piece can be latched at the cooling body. It can also be provided if the connecting piece and / or the expansion piece can be assembled at the cooling body by means of at least one releasable fastening part and the like, for example a screw. It can also be provided and is advantageous if the connecting piece and / or the expansion piece is assembled at the cooling body in a material-fit manner, for example by means of an adhesive connection or another material-fit joining.

[0022] Preferably, the sealing element is arranged at the connecting piece such that the sealing element at least partially extends the connecting piece axially. In particular, the sealing element is fastened at the first axial end of the connecting piece. In particular, the sealing element is fastened at least partially before the first axial end of the connecting piece. It can be provided that the sealing element at least partially protrudes from the first axial end of the connecting piece.

[0023] In an advantageous refinement, the expansion piece protrudes from the second axial end of the connecting piece. In particular, the second axial end is opposite the first axial end. In particular, the expansion piece can be manipulated from the second axial end in order to be pushed into the sealing position. In particular, the expansion piece protrudes from the first axial end of the connecting piece in the sealing position and preferably only in the sealing position. In particular, the expansion piece presses against the sealing element from the inside radially in the sealing position. This enables particularly simple insertion into the cooling body and enables good accessible manipulation of the expansion piece. In such a design, the coolant line can be assembled at the connecting piece in particular radially.

[0024] It can be provided and is advantageous if the connecting piece has at least one radially arranged connection opening for the coolant line. In particular, the expansion piece has at least one radially arranged opening. Here, the opening of the expansion piece has greater overlap with the connection opening of the connecting piece in the sealing position than in the introduction position. This enables automatic closure of the coolant line, for example as long as the expansion piece is still in the introduction position. In particular, the connecting piece comprises at least one connection branch for the coolant line, which is arranged in particular in the region of the connection opening.

[0025] Preferably, the sealing element is designed to be elastic. In particular, the sealing element is retracted into an unloaded position when the expansion piece is in the introduction position. Thereby, the sealing element is reliably prevented from being skewed or damaged when being assembled. In particular, the sealing element has at least one radially outer surrounding sealing lip.

[0026] The method according to the application is used for assembling a high-voltage battery component and preferably a high-voltage battery component as described above. The method comprises at least the following method steps in the following order or in another meaningful order: connecting the connection piece to the expansion piece and in particular making a latching connection, such that the expansion piece is in the introduction position; introducing the connection piece into the cooling body; pushing the expansion piece into the connection piece, such that the expansion piece is in the sealing position, and expanding the sealing element radially outwards, such that it sealingly bears against the cooling body.

[0027] In particular, the expansion piece and the connection piece are latched to one another in the introduction position at the time of preassembly. In particular, the sealing element is expanded by pushing in the expansion piece such that it sealingly presses from the inside radially outwards against the cooling body and in particular against the inner wall of the cooling channel of the shaped body. In particular, by transferring the expansion piece into the sealing position, a flow connection from the coolant line to the cooling body is released, which was previously at least partially blocked by the expansion piece.

[0028] In particular, the connection device is suitable and designed for a direct connection to the cooling channel of the cooling body. In particular, the connection device can be connected to a cooling channel having a non-circular and / or circular cross-section. The connection device can in particular also be connected to other connection devices of the cooling body. In particular, the connection device can be connected to a non-circular or circular connection opening of the cooling body.

[0029] The cooling body in particular comprises at least one cooling channel. The cooling channel in particular emerges from the cooling body on the end side. The cooling body in particular comprises a plurality of cooling channels. In particular, the cooling channels extend through the cooling body parallel to one another and at least partially emerge from the cooling body on the axial end or on the end side. The cooling channels can be at least partially closed on the end side. The cooling channels in particular have a non-circular cross-section. The cooling channels can also have a circular cross-section.

[0030] In particular, the cooling body provides a battery module housing or is part of a battery module housing. The cooling body can also be designed separately from the housing. According to the application, a "cooling body" is in particular understood to mean a suitable body for cooling a high-voltage battery, which can be flowed through by a coolant. The cooling body can be designed as a cooling plate and / or as part of a battery housing.

[0031] In particular, the cooling body is designed as a profiled body and preferably as an extruded profile or comprises at least one profiled body. Here, the cooling body has in particular the geometry of an extruded profile, but can also be produced by a manufacturing process that differs from extrusion, for example by continuous casting or the like. The cooling body is in particular produced in a continuous production process. In particular, the profiled body has chambers which each provide a cooling channel. The chambers have in particular a non-circular cross-section. The profiled body has in particular a plurality of cooling channels which are parallel to one another and extend (integrated) in the axial direction (or longitudinal direction) of the profiled body. On the basis of the production of the cooling channels, the cooling channels have in particular no undercuts. The profiled body, in particular the profiled body, is preferably designed tubular. The cooling body, in particular the profiled body, can also be designed U-shaped or L-shaped or plate-shaped. The connection device can also be connected with differently profiled cooling bodies.

[0032] In particular, the cooling component and / or the expansion piece can be fluidically connected with the coolant line and the cooling body, such that coolant can flow via the connection piece and / or the expansion piece between the coolant line and the cooling body. The connection piece and / or the expansion piece are designed to be flowable through by coolant. The coolant line is in particular connected or connectable with an (external) cooling circuit.

[0033] In particular, the sealing element can be radially expanded by an axial movement of the expansion piece. The sealing element is in particular designed annularly closed. The sealing element has in particular a central recess. The expansion piece can in particular be moved (concentrically) into the central recess of the sealing element. When the expansion piece is located in the recess, the expansion piece radially expands the sealing element. In particular, the expansion piece extends deeper into the recess of the sealing element in the sealing position than in the introduction position. In particular, the expansion piece extends into the recess of the sealing element only in the sealing position. The connection piece does not extend in particular radially inside the sealing element nor radially outside the sealing element. The sealing element is in particular fastened at the connection piece. In particular, the sealing element is fastened at the first axial end of the connection piece.

[0034] The expansion piece extends in particular inside the connection piece. In particular, the connection piece and the expansion piece are arranged concentrically. In particular, the expansion piece extends radially outside the connection piece and radially inside the connection piece at the second axial end of the connection piece. The expansion piece at least partially encloses the second axial end of the connection piece. The sealing unit is in particular arranged at least at the second axial end of the connection piece.

[0035] Overall, the present application discloses the following technical solutions of 1 and 14, and the following 2-13 are preferred technical solutions of the present application:

[0036] 1. A high-voltage battery component (1) particularly for at least partially electrically driven vehicles, the high-voltage battery component comprising a connection device (2) for connecting at least one coolant line (10) for coolant to a cooling body (3) of the high-voltage battery, wherein the connection device (2) has: at least one connector (4) capable of connecting to the cooling body (3); and at least one sealing element (5) disposed at an end of the connector (4) for sealing between the connector (4) and the cooling body (3).

[0037] Its features are,

[0038] The connecting device (2) includes at least one expansion member (6) movable relative to the connector (4), and the expansion member (6) is able to move from an introduction position (12) for introducing the connector (4) into the cooling body (3) to a sealing position (22) by being pushed into the connector (4), and the expansion member (6) causes the sealing element (5) to expand radially outward in the sealing position (22) such that when the connector (4) is inserted into the cooling body (3), the sealing element (5) seals against the cooling body (3).

[0039] 2. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to the preceding 1, wherein the coolant line (10) can be fitted at the connector (4) and / or the expansion member (6).

[0040] 3. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to 1 or 2 above, wherein the expansion member (6) has at least one expansion member channel (16) through which coolant can flow, and wherein the expansion member channel (16) is in flow connection with the coolant line (10) directly or indirectly via the connector (4).

[0041] 4. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to the preceding 3, wherein the connector (4) has at least one connector channel (14) through which coolant can flow, and wherein the expansion member (6) extends at least partially inside the connector channel (14) at least in the sealed position (22), and wherein the coolant line (10) is connectable to the connector (4), such that the expansion member channel (6) is indirectly in flow connection with the coolant line (10) via the connector (4).

[0042] 5. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to any one of the preceding 1-4, wherein at least one sealing unit (7) is arranged between the connector (4) and the expansion member (6), the sealing unit blocking the flow of coolant between the connector (4) and the expansion member (6) at least in the sealing position (22).

[0043] 6. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to any one of the preceding 1-5, wherein the connector (4) and the expansion member (6) are designed as independent components and are fastened to each other by means of at least one anti-loss part (8).

[0044] 7. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to any one of the preceding 1-6, wherein the connecting device (2) includes at least one locking connection (9), and wherein the locking connection (9) is adapted and designed to prevent the expansion member (6) from undesirably moving from the sealed position (22) to the introduction position (12) and / or from the introduction position (12) to the sealed position (22).

[0045] 8. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to any one of the preceding 1-7, the high-voltage battery component comprising at least one cooling body (3) having at least one cooling port (13), the connecting device (2) being in fluid communication with the cooling port, wherein the cooling port (13) has an inner contour corresponding to the outer contour of the connector (4) and / or the sealing element (5), such that the sealing element (5) can be introduced in the introduction position (12) at least partially without contact and / or with less force than in the sealing position (22).

[0046] 9. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to the preceding 8, wherein the cooling body (3) is designed as a molded body (23) having at least one integrated cooling channel (43), preferably an extruded molded part (33), wherein the cooling channel (43) provides the cooling interface (13) at at least one axial end, and wherein the connecting device (2) is in fluid communication with the cooling channel (43).

[0047] 10. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to 8 or 9 above, wherein the connector (4) and / or the expansion member (6) are capable of locking at the cooling body (3), and / or wherein the connector (4) and / or the expansion member (6) are assembled at the cooling body (3) by means of at least one removable fixing device or by means of material fitting and especially by means of adhesive connection.

[0048] 11. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to any one of the preceding 1-10, wherein the sealing element (5) extends the first axial end of the connector (4), and wherein the expansion member (6) extends from the second axial end of the connector (4) and can be manipulated at the second axial end to be pushed into the sealing position (22), and wherein the expansion member (6) extends from the first axial end of the connector (4) in the sealing position (22) and is pressed radially inward against the sealing element (5).

[0049] 12. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to any one of the preceding 1-11, wherein the connector (4) has at least one radially arranged connection opening (24) for the coolant line (10), and wherein the expansion member (6) has at least one radially arranged opening (26), and wherein the opening (26) of the expansion member (6) overlaps more with the connection opening (24) of the connector (4) at the sealing position (22) than at the introduction position (12).

[0050] 13. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to any one of the preceding 1-12, wherein the sealing element (5) is designed to be elastic, and when the expansion member (6) is in the introduced position (12), the sealing element retracts to a position where it is not preloaded.

[0051] 14. A method for assembling a high-voltage battery component (1) according to any one of the preceding 1-13, the method comprising at least the following steps:

[0052] Connect the connector (4) to the expansion member (6) and, in particular, lock it in place so that the expansion member (6) is in the insertion position (12); introduce the connector (4) into the cooling body (3); push the expansion member (6) into the connector (4) so ​​that the expansion member (6) is in the sealing position (22) and cause the sealing element (5) to expand radially outward so as to seal against the cooling body (3). Attached Figure Description

[0053] Other advantages of the invention are derived from the embodiments, which will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] In the attached diagram:

[0055] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the height of the high-voltage battery component according to the present invention is shown in cross-sectional perspective view;

[0056] Figure 2 A cross-sectional perspective view shows the high-voltage battery component located at the introduction point within the coolant; and

[0057] Figure 3 This shows the sealed position within the cooling body. Figure 2 High-voltage battery components. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Figure 1 A high-voltage battery component 1 according to the invention is shown, which has a connection device 2 for connecting a coolant line 10 (not shown) to, as in, [the following is a description of a battery assembly]. Figure 2 and 3 The cooling element 3 is shown. Thus, for example, the high-voltage battery of at least part of an electrically driven vehicle can be cooled by a coolant and also heated when needed.

[0059] The connecting device 2 includes a connector 4 that can be connected to the cooling body 3. The connector 4 has an axially extending connector channel 14, in which a connecting opening 24 is arranged radially.

[0060] Furthermore, connector 4 includes a connecting branch pipe 34 for connecting the coolant line 10. Thus, coolant can flow from the coolant line 10 through the connecting opening 24 into the connector channel 14 and out at the axially open end of the connector channel 14.

[0061] A sealing element 5 is arranged on the end side of the connector 4, which is used to seal between the connector 4 and the cooling body 3. Therefore, the sealing element 5 is arranged at the axial end of the connector 4, so that the sealing element extends the end of the connector in the axial direction.

[0062] Furthermore, the connecting device 2 includes an expansion member 6 movable relative to the connecting member 4. The expansion member 6 extends inside the connecting member channel 14 and can also be through which coolant flows. For this purpose, the expansion member 6 includes an expansion member channel 16, which is designed to be open at its axial end, thereby allowing coolant to flow out in the area of ​​the sealing element 5.

[0063] The expansion member 6 can be moved between the insertion position 12 and the sealing position 22. The expansion member 6 is located at the insertion position 12. The expansion member is moved to the sealing position 22 by pushing it into the connector 4. Figure 3 The sealing position 22 is shown in the figure.

[0064] Here, an opening 26 is arranged radially at the expansion channel 16, through which coolant can flow into the expansion channel 16 when coolant flows out from the coolant line 10 and the expansion 6 is in the sealed position 22.

[0065] The connecting device 2 shown here can be used both to introduce coolant into the cooling body 3 and to remove coolant from the cooling body 3. Therefore, the flow path described here can flow in not only one direction but also in another direction when needed.

[0066] The following reference Figures 1 to 3 Other components and functions, as well as the method for assembling the high-voltage battery component 1 according to the present invention, are described in more detail below. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The introduction position 12 is shown, and Figure 3 The sealing position 22 is shown.

[0067] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this configuration, the connecting device 2 is introduced into the cooling body 3, which is shown only partially here. The cooling body 3 is designed as a molded body 23 and, for example, as an extruded molded part 33. The molded body 23 has a plurality of cooling channels 43, of which only one is shown here by way of example. Here, the cooling channels 43 are provided through chambers of the molded body 23 that extend parallel to each other.

[0068] Cooling channel 43 is designed to be open at the axial end of molded body 23, thereby providing cooling interface 13 for connection to connecting device 2. Molded body 23 has a cavity with a non-circular cross-section, thus forming a non-circular inner contour for cooling interface 13 or cooling channel 43. To achieve optimal sealing and proper fit in cooling channel 43, sealing element 5 and connector 4 are equipped with corresponding non-circular outer contours.

[0069] The cooling element 3 is also part of the module housing of the high-voltage battery module (not shown in detail here). Multiple battery cells are assembled and encapsulated within the module housing. Here, the high-voltage battery includes at least two, and preferably multiple, cooling elements 3 designed as such a battery module housing.

[0070] In order to connect with the cooling body 3, the connecting device 2 is located as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The introduction position 12 is shown. In the introduction position 12, the expansion member 6 is therefore located inside the connector 4, such that the expansion member is not exposed or almost not exposed at the axial end of the connector 4 equipped with the sealing element 5. Thus, the expansion member 6 does not act on the sealing element 5. Therefore, the sealing element 5 can be introduced into the cooling channel 43 without contact or with at least less force than in the sealing position 22.

[0071] In the connecting device 2, such as Figure 2After being arranged in the cooling channel 43 as shown, the expansion member 6 is then pushed to the sealing position 22. This assembly state can be achieved... Figure 3 This is clearly visible in the image. To this end, the connector 4 uses a flange shape to abut against the end wall of the cooling body 3, thereby preventing it from being pushed in too deeply.

[0072] The axial end of the expander 6 is moved out of the connector 4 and into the central recess of the sealing element 5 by pushing the expander 6 into the connector 4. This causes the sealing element 5 to expand radially outward, thereby sealingly pressing the sealing element against the inner wall of the cooling channel 43.

[0073] If it is possible Figure 3 As can be clearly seen, in the sealed position 22, the opening 26 at the expansion channel 16 overlaps with the connection opening 24 of the connector channel 14. Thus, in the sealed position 22, a flow path from the coolant line 10 to the coolant body 3 is opened.

[0074] If it is possible Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, the connection opening 24 of the connector channel 14 is closed by the expansion member 6 in the insertion position 12. The opening 26 of the expansion member channel 16 then does not overlap with the connection opening 24 of the connector channel 14. Thus, the flow connection is automatically closed during assembly.

[0075] To prevent the expansion member 6 from accidentally moving from the insertion position 12 to the sealing position 22 during assembly, a first locking connection 9 is provided. For this purpose, one or more locking elements are provided at both the connector 4 and the expansion member 6, preventing accidental displacement of the expansion member 6. The locking connection 9 can be overcome by targeted pressure on the rear axial end of the expansion member 6, thereby allowing the expansion member 6 to be subsequently pushed into the connector 4.

[0076] When the expansion member 6 is pushed into the sealing position 22, the first locking connection 9 is disengaged and the second locking connection 19 is engaged. The second locking connection 19 is used to reliably lock the connecting device 2 into the sealing position 22.

[0077] The first locking connection 9 also provides an anti-loss part 8, which allows the connector 4 and the expansion 6 to be treated as common components during assembly.

[0078] To prevent coolant from flowing out between the expander 6 and the connector 4, a sealing unit 7 is provided. The sealing unit 7 is implemented as a radial seal and, for example, as an O-ring. In the sealed position 22, the sealing unit 7 is sealed against the space between the connector 4 and the expander 6.

[0079] The invention shown here enables remarkably simple and rapid mass production of high-voltage batteries. A particular advantage of this invention is that it achieves a radial seal without the use of introduced bevels. This allows for a reduction in casing wall thickness, resulting in an overall reduction in structural space requirements, weight, and cost.

[0080] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0081] 1. High-voltage battery component 13. Cooling interface

[0082] 2. Connecting device 14. Connecting channel

[0083] 3 Cooling element 16 Expansion channel

[0084] 4 Connector 19 Locking Connection

[0085] 5. Sealing element 22. Sealing position

[0086] 6. Expanding part 23. Molded body

[0087] 7. Sealing unit 24 Connection opening

[0088] 8 Anti-loss section 26 openings

[0089] 9. Locking connection; 33. Extruded part

[0090] 10 Coolant line 34 Connecting branch pipe

[0091] 12. Inlet location 43. Cooling channel

Claims

1. A high-voltage battery assembly (1) for at least partially electrically driven vehicles, the high-voltage battery assembly comprising a connection device (2) for connecting at least one coolant line (10) for coolant to a cooling body (3) of the high-voltage battery, wherein the connection device (2) has: at least one connector (4) capable of connecting to the cooling body (3); and at least one sealing element (5) disposed at an end of the connector (4) for sealing between the connector (4) and the cooling body (3). Its features are, The connecting device (2) includes at least one expansion member (6) movable relative to the connector (4), and the expansion member (6) is able to move from an introduction position (12) for introducing the connector (4) into the cooling body (3) to a sealing position (22) by being pushed into the connector (4), and the expansion member (6) causes the sealing element (5) to expand radially outward in the sealing position (22) such that when the connector (4) is inserted into the cooling body (3), the sealing element (5) seals against the cooling body (3).

2. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to claim 1, wherein the coolant line (10) is capable of being fitted at the connector (4) and / or the expansion member (6).

3. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the expansion member (6) has at least one expansion member channel (16) through which coolant can flow, and wherein the expansion member channel (16) is in flow connection with the coolant line (10) directly or indirectly via the connector (4).

4. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to claim 3, wherein the connector (4) has at least one connector channel (14) through which coolant can flow, and wherein the expansion member (6) extends at least partially inside the connector channel (14) at least in the sealed position (22), and wherein the coolant line (10) is connectable to the connector (4), such that the expansion member channel (16) is indirectly in flow connection with the coolant line (10) via the connector (4).

5. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one sealing unit (7) is arranged between the connector (4) and the expansion member (6), the sealing unit preventing coolant from flowing out between the connector (4) and the expansion member (6) at least in the sealing position (22).

6. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connector (4) and the expansion member (6) are designed as independent components and are fastened to each other by means of at least one anti-loss part (8).

7. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection device (2) includes at least one locking connection (9), and wherein the locking connection (9) is adapted and designed to: prevent the expansion member (6) from undesirably moving from the sealed position (22) to the introduction position (12) and / or from the introduction position (12) to the sealed position (22).

8. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to claim 1 or 2, the high-voltage battery component comprising at least one cooling body (3) having at least one cooling interface (13), the connecting device (2) being in fluid communication with the cooling interface, wherein the cooling interface (13) has an inner contour corresponding to the outer contour of the connector (4) and / or the sealing element (5), such that the sealing element (5) in the introduction position (12) can be introduced at least partially non-contact and / or with less force than in the sealing position (22).

9. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to claim 8, wherein the cooling body (3) is designed as a molded body (23) having at least one integrated cooling channel (43), wherein the cooling channel (43) provides the cooling interface (13) at at least one axial end, and wherein the connecting device (2) is in fluid communication with the cooling channel (43).

10. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to claim 8, wherein the connector (4) and / or the expansion member (6) are lockable at the cooling body (3), and / or wherein the connector (4) and / or the expansion member (6) are fitted at the cooling body (3) by means of at least one detachable fastener or by means of a material fit.

11. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing element (5) extends the first axial end of the connector (4), and wherein the expansion member (6) extends from the second axial end of the connector (4) and can be manipulated at the second axial end to be pushed into the sealing position (22), and wherein the expansion member (6) extends from the first axial end of the connector (4) in the sealing position (22) and is pressed radially inward against the sealing element (5).

12. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connector (4) has at least one radially arranged connection opening (24) for the coolant line (10), and wherein the expander (6) has at least one radially arranged opening (26), and wherein the opening (26) of the expander (6) overlaps more with the connection opening (24) of the connector (4) at the sealing position (22) than at the introduction position (12).

13. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing element (5) is designed to be resilient, and when the expansion member (6) is in the introduced position (12), the sealing element retracts to a position where it is not preloaded.

14. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to claim 8, wherein the cooling body (3) is designed as an extruded part (33) having at least one integrated cooling channel (43), wherein the cooling channel (43) provides the cooling interface (13) at at least one axial end, and wherein the connecting device (2) is in fluid communication with the cooling channel (43).

15. The high-voltage battery component (1) according to claim 8, wherein the connector (4) and / or the expansion member (6) are lockable at the cooling body (3), and / or wherein the connector (4) and / or the expansion member (6) are assembled at the cooling body (3) by means of at least one detachable fixing device or by means of adhesive connection.

16. A method for assembling a high-voltage battery component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising at least the following steps: Connect the connector (4) to the expansion member (6) so that the expansion member (6) is in the insertion position (12); introduce the connector (4) into the cooling body (3); push the expansion member (6) into the connector (4) so ​​that the expansion member (6) is in the sealing position (22) and cause the sealing element (5) to expand radially outward so as to seal against the cooling body (3).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the connector (4) is locked to the expansion member (6).

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