Tolerance compensation element, electrical energy storage and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a tolerance compensation element (2) for the fluidic coupling of two connection ports (1) of two temperature control devices to be connected to each other for an electrical energy storage device. According to the invention, the tolerance compensation element (2) is formed by a tubular elastomer element (4) with a connecting element (3) arranged at each end in a form-fit and / or material-fit manner, which is designed for a form-fit and force-fit connection with the respective connection port (1). The invention further relates to an electrical energy storage device and a vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tolerance compensation element for the fluidic coupling of two connection ports of two temperature control devices to be connected to each other for an electrical energy storage device. The invention further relates to an electrical energy storage device and a vehicle.

[0002] From EP 3 812 636 B1, a line compensator for connecting two line ends is known. The line compensator comprises a first connection section, a second connection section, and a bellows located between the first and second connection sections. The bellows is designed to be free-running, with the folds of the bellows in the area of ​​a line base filled with material reinforcements to form a flat line base, or with the folds of the bellows in the area of ​​a line roof filled with material reinforcements to form a flat line roof, the line roof being designed opposite the line base. The longitudinal axis of the connection sections is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the bellows.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing a tolerance compensation element for the fluidic coupling of two connection ports, an electrical energy storage device and a vehicle.

[0004] The problem is solved according to the invention by a tolerance compensation element which has the features specified in claim 1, by an electrical energy storage device which has the features specified in claim 9 and by a vehicle which has the features specified in claim 10.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] A tolerance compensation element for the fluidic coupling of two connection nozzles of two temperature control devices to be connected to each other for an electrical energy storage device is formed according to the invention by a tubular elastomer element with a connecting element arranged at each end in a form-fit and / or material-fit manner, which is designed for a form-fit and force-fit connection with the respective connection nozzle.

[0007] Using a tolerance compensation element designed in this way, it is possible to compensate for positional tolerances between two connection ports in any direction, allowing the connection ports to be fluidically coupled. The elastomer element exhibits a comparatively high elasticity to compensate for tolerances, largely preventing tolerances in the flow direction of a temperature control medium from exerting a force on the connection point between the tolerance compensation element and the connection port, while the tubular elastomer element essentially remains unchanged. This increases safety, particularly with regard to the risk of temperature control medium leakage at connection interfaces within the housing of the electrical energy storage device, and the associated risk of short circuits.Since the tolerance compensation element is able to compensate for large tolerances in a small installation space, the installation space of the connection interfaces can be used for the arrangement with individual cells, thereby increasing the energy density of the electrical energy storage and thus increasing the range of a vehicle in which the electrical energy storage is located.

[0008] In particular, the tolerance compensation element makes it possible to compensate for large tolerances within a relatively small installation space, thereby saving costs and weight associated with tolerance compensation. Additionally, cost-effective manufacturing methods with comparatively high tolerances can be used.

[0009] In one embodiment, the connecting elements are enclosed at the edge of the tubular elastomer element, the enclosure being based in particular on a form-fit and material-fit connection, thus creating a firm connection between the tubular elastomer element and the respective connecting element.

[0010] In one embodiment, the connecting elements are overmolded on their edges with a material to form the tubular elastomer element, thereby creating a form-fit and material bond between the tubular elastomer element and the connecting elements. This also results in a connection between the tubular elastomer element and the connecting elements that is subject to minimal or no mechanical stress.

[0011] In another embodiment, the tubular elastomer element has a corrugated tube geometry, which can increase the flexibility and elasticity of the tubular elastomer element.

[0012] In one possible embodiment, the tubular elastomer element is made of silicone rubber and / or liquid silicone, making it relatively easy to overmold the connecting elements to create the connection between the tubular elastomer element and the connecting elements.

[0013] In one embodiment, the respective connecting element has a form element at one end opposite the tubular elastomer element, corresponding to a section of the connecting stub, for a positive and non-positive connection. This means that the tolerance compensation element can be attached to the connecting stub largely without tools. The positive and non-positive connection is so strong that it can withstand thermal stress.

[0014] Another embodiment provides that the shaped element is formed around the perimeter of the connecting element as an angled section, corresponding to a circumferential groove on the connecting piece and forming a positive-locking connection. Thus, the positive and force-lock connection is established over the entire connection area between the connecting elements and the connecting piece, resulting in a media-tight connection.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, the angled connecting elements are designed to lock into the circumferential groove of the connecting piece, thereby creating a positive and force-fit connection between the connecting elements and the connecting piece.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrical energy storage device with at least two temperature control devices, the connection ports of which are fluidically coupled to each other by means of the tolerance compensation element.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with an electrical energy storage device which has two temperature control devices whose connection ports are fluidically coupled to each other by means of the tolerance compensation element.

[0018] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0019] This shows: Fig. 1. Schematic cross-sectional view of axially misaligned connection nozzles of two temperature control devices, Fig. 2 schematically a sectional view of a tolerance compensation element for the fluidic coupling of the connection nozzles and Fig. 3 schematically the connection nozzles fluidically coupled to each other by means of the tolerance compensation element.

[0020] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows a sectional view of axially non-aligned connection nozzles 1 of two fluidically coupled temperature control devices for an electrical energy storage device (not shown in detail).

[0022] Such temperature control devices are usually designed as temperature control plates, arranged in a housing of the electrical energy storage device and thermally coupled to individual cells of the electrical energy storage device in order to control the temperature of the individual cells.

[0023] During operation of the individual cells, i.e., during charging and discharging, waste heat is generated, which is transferred to the thermally coupled temperature control device. This device dissipates the waste heat, primarily by means of a temperature control medium flowing through it. At relatively cold ambient temperatures, the temperature control medium is heated to warm the individual cells accordingly.

[0024] In particular, the temperature control of the individual cells of the electrical energy storage system is carried out by means of a temperature control device in order to ensure that the individual cells are operated within their optimized operating temperature window.

[0025] For the purpose of allowing flow through a temperature control device, this device has a flowable channel structure in which a temperature control medium circulates, wherein an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the temperature control medium are formed by means of a connection nozzle 1.

[0026] In order to ensure, in particular, a positional tolerance, especially in the direction of all three spatial axes between two connection nozzles 1 of fluidically coupled temperature control devices, as in Fig. As shown in point 1, to compensate, is a Fig. 2 In a sectional view, an exemplary and highly simplified tolerance compensation element 2 is provided, which is described in more detail below.

[0027] The tolerance compensation element 2 comprises a tubular elastomer element 4 arranged between two connecting elements 3, which has a corrugated tube geometry. In particular, the tubular elastomer element 4 is made of silicone rubber and / or a liquid silicone.

[0028] To connect the tubular elastomer element 4 to the two connecting elements 3, it is provided that the tubular elastomer element 4 is overmolded with an elastomer of the tubular elastomer element 4 during its formation and / or when it is arranged between the connecting elements 3. In particular, an edge region of the respective connecting element 3 facing the tubular elastomer element 4 is overmolded with the elastomer.

[0029] Alternatively, the elastomer is injection-molded onto the edge area of ​​the respective connecting element 3.

[0030] Regardless of how the connection between the tubular elastomer element 4 and the connecting element 3 is designed, this connection is media-tight.

[0031] In order to connect the respective connecting element 3 of the tolerance compensation element 2 with the respective connecting piece 1 in a form-fit and force-fit manner, the respective connecting element 3 has a circumferential shaped element 5 on an edge area opposite the tubular elastomer element 4, in particular in the form of an angled section which is hook-shaped in longitudinal section and directed inwards, i.e. in the direction of the connecting piece 1.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the tolerance compensation element 2 in the state in which it is positively and force-fitted to the connecting stub 1.

[0033] In particular, each connecting piece 1 has a groove 6 corresponding to the form element 5, which is formed around the respective connecting piece 1 in order to create a snap-fit ​​connection between the connecting elements 3 of the tolerance compensation element 2 and the connecting piece 1.

[0034] The form element 5 of the respective connecting element 3 engages in this groove 6 in a form-fit and force-fit manner, so that a connection area between connecting element 3 and connecting nozzle 1 is largely media-tight.

[0035] The tolerance compensation element 2 is designed in particular as an elastic element with a holding function in order to overcome positional tolerances between two fluidically coupled connection nozzles 1. Reference symbol list 1 connection stub 2 Tolerance compensation element 3 Connecting element 4 tubular elastomeric elements 5 Form element 6 Nut QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 812 636 B1

[0002]

Claims

Tolerance compensation element (2) for fluidic coupling of two connection nozzles (1) of two temperature control devices to be connected to each other for an electrical energy storage device, characterized by a tubular elastomer element (4) with a connecting element (3) arranged at each end in a form-fit and / or material-fit manner, which is designed for a form-fit and force-fit connection with the respective connection nozzle (1). Tolerance compensation element (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting elements (3) are enclosed at the edge by the tubular elastomer element (4). Tolerance compensation element (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting elements (3) are overmolded on the edge side with a material for forming the tubular elastomer element (4). Tolerance compensation element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular elastomer element (4) has a corrugated tube geometry. Tolerance compensation element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular elastomer element (4) is made of silicone rubber and / or liquid silicone. Tolerance compensation element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective connecting element (3) has at an end opposite the tubular elastomer element (4) a form element (5) corresponding with a section of the connecting nozzle (1) for a form-fit and force-fit connection. Tolerance compensation element (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the form element (5) is formed around the perimeter of the connecting element (3) as an angled arrangement and in a form-fitting manner corresponding to a circumferential groove (6) of the connecting element (1). Tolerance compensation element (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the angled section is designed to engage with the circumferential groove (6) of the connecting stub (1). Electrical energy storage device with at least two temperature control devices, the connection ports (1) of which are fluidically coupled to each other by means of a tolerance compensation element (2) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle with an electrical energy storage device according to claim 9.

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