Flexible fluid line for confined spaces
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025103609
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-06-30
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a fluid line for installation in a confined installation space, wherein the fluid line has a line connector for fluidic connection to a counterpart, wherein the line connector comprises a fastening device for fastening to a counterpart, wherein the fastening device or the line connector is assigned to a front end of the fluid line, wherein the fluid line has a line coupler for fluidic coupling to a counterpart, wherein the line coupler has a fixing device for fastening to a counterpart, wherein the fixing device is connected or connectable to a counterpart, wherein the fixing device is assigned to a coupler end of the fluid line opposite the front end. The invention further relates to a use of this fluid line.
[0002] Fluid lines are known from practice that are used in confined structural situations – for example, in the engine compartment of a vehicle – and are designed to be flexible for this purpose. These flexible fluid lines are quite short and feature a corrugated tube section, which significantly simplifies installation in the confined space.
[0003] A disadvantage, however, is that the corrugated pipe sections must have a certain minimum length (e.g., 80 mm) to even offer a sufficient degree of flexibility. As a result, the known flexible fluid lines, including the associated line connectors, are relatively long. The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a particularly short fluid line that is nevertheless sufficiently flexible for assembly purposes.
[0004] This object is achieved by a fluid line for installation in a confined space, wherein the fluid line has a line connector for fluidic connection with a counterpart, wherein the line connector comprises a fastening device for fastening to a counterpart, wherein the fastening device or the line connector is assigned to a front end of the fluid line, wherein the fluid line has a line coupler for fluidic coupling with a counterpart, wherein the line coupler comprises a fixing device for attachment to a counterpart, wherein the fixing device is connected or connectable to a counterpart, wherein the fixing device is assigned to a coupler end of the fluid line opposite the front end, wherein the front end and the coupler end are fluidically connected to one another via a flow channel, wherein the flow channel defines a central axis, wherein the fluid line has a length L, wherein the length L is delimited by the front end and the coupler end and runs along the central axis, characterized in that the line connector and the line coupler are telescopically movable relative to each other, so that the length L of the fluid line is reversibly variable.
[0005] The invention is based on the finding that the flexibility of very short corrugated pipe sections of known fluid lines is unsatisfactory for installing the fluid line in a very confined space. The confined, clear installation space can, for example, be only 50 mm in the axial direction. After deducting the space for the two line connectors, there is therefore very little space left for a piece of corrugated pipe. It has been found that this space is so small that the flexibility of the very short corrugated pipe section has a detrimental effect on the assembly process. In particular, the assembly step of connecting line connectors or quick connectors, which is otherwise quick, requires a relatively large amount of time and effort to first bend or compress the very short corrugated pipe section of the known fluid line sufficiently and then to attach the line connectors or quick connectors.To snap the quick connector into place on a counterpart and / or counterpart.
[0006] The invention is further based on the finding that a fluid line with telescopic mobility simplifies the assembly process in particularly confined spaces. First, the fluid line is compressed axially by a telescopic mechanism in order to insert it into the confined space. The fluid line is then pulled apart by a telescopic mechanism in order to connect the ends of the fluid line to the counterpart or counterparts—preferably by means of a snap-in connection. This considerably simplifies the assembly work. The result is a very short yet flexible and easy-to-install fluid line, thus solving the problem mentioned above.
[0007] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the fluid line has a telescopic seal, wherein the telescopic seal preferably fluidically seals the line connector and the line coupler from one another, wherein the telescopic seal preferably mounts the line connector and the line coupler so that they can move axially relative to one another. Through this dual function, the telescopic mobility on the one hand and the fluidic illumination on the other hand are ensured or achieved simultaneously with the help of the telescopic seal. This allows the fluid line to be designed very compactly, which makes installation in confined spaces particularly convenient. It is possible for the telescopic seal to mount the line connector and the line coupler so that they can move relative to one another in the circumferential direction or in the tangential direction.It is possible for the fluid line to have an anti-rotation device that prevents rotation of the line connector and the line coupler relative to each other in the circumferential direction or in the tangential direction. The fluid line can be designed such that the line coupler can be removed from the line connector in the axial direction. It is possible for the fluid line to include a stop element that prevents the line coupler from being removed from the line connector in the axial direction.
[0008] Particularly preferably, the fluid line comprises at least three and preferably at least four sealing rings. The telescopic seal advantageously has at least one telescopic sealing ring and preferably at least two telescopic sealing rings. The telescopic seal expediently comprises an inner telescopic sealing ring and an outer telescopic sealing ring. The sealing rings enable a good seal and a stable fit of the line coupler on the line connector, or of the line connector on the line coupler. In particular, this reduces or completely eliminates the likelihood of the line coupler and the line connector tilting relative to each other.
[0009] The fluid line or the line connector or the line coupler advantageously comprises a spacer. The spacer is preferably arranged between the at least two telescopic sealing rings of the telescopic seal to space the two telescopic sealing rings. The spacer is advantageously arranged between the outer telescopic sealing ring and the inner telescopic sealing ring. The telescopic seal is preferably located radially between the line coupler and the line connector. It is very preferred that the telescopic seal comprises at least one telescopic sealing groove and preferably two telescopic sealing grooves, preferably an inner telescopic sealing groove and an outer telescopic sealing groove. It is possible for the line connector to have the telescopic seal. The inner telescopic sealing ring is expediently located in the inner telescopic sealing groove.Advantageously, the outer telescopic sealing ring is arranged in the outer telescopic sealing groove.
[0010] The line connector preferably comprises a sliding section. The line coupler advantageously has a sliding section. It is preferred that the sliding section is slidably mounted on the sliding section, or vice versa. This provides bearing support in addition to the telescopic seal, thereby reducing tilting of the line coupler relative to the line connector and minimizing leaks. The line connector or the sliding section is preferably axially sectionally enclosed by the line coupler or the sliding section in the radial direction. It is preferred that an inner diameter of the line coupler or the sliding section corresponds to an outer diameter of the line connector or the sliding section. Particularly preferably, the sliding section is mounted on the sliding section in an axially sliding manner and preferably without play. It is very preferred that the sliding section comprises a plastic.The sliding section advantageously comprises a plastic material. The plastic of the sliding section is preferably identical to the plastic of the sliding section. This ensures that material expansion or shrinkage during temperature changes neither leads to excessive play nor to a press fit.
[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the length L of the fluid line can assume a reversible minimum length Lmin and / or a reversible maximum length Lmax. Preferably, the maximum length Lmax exceeds the minimum length Lmin by at least 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, 9.0, 11.0, 13.0, or 15.0 mm. The maximum length Lmax minus the minimum length Lmin expediently defines a differential length Ldiff. This provides sufficient stroke or sufficient displaceability of the line connector relative to the line coupler, thereby ensuring convenient installation of the fluid line in compact installation spaces.
[0012] It is possible for the maximum length Lmax to be no more than 500, 300, or 200 mm. Particularly in the case of distances of 500 millimeters or more, fluid lines that have flexible or soft pipes are suitable. These soft pipes can be designed, for example, as corrugated pipes or as hose-like flexible pipes, so that fluid lines with a telescopic mechanism are not absolutely necessary for these longer lengths. The maximum length Lmax can be defined by a stop element of the fluid line so that the line coupler cannot be easily removed from the line connector. If a stop element is missing, the maximum length Lmax is preferably defined by the axial position at which a first groove wall of the last telescopic seal becomes visible in a top or side view when the fluid line or line connector is pulled apart relative to the line coupler.
[0013] The line connector preferably comprises a connector seal for fluidically sealing a connection with a counterpart. Advantageously, the line coupler has a coupler seal for fluidically sealing a connection with a counterpart. This shifts the fluidic complexity to the fluid line, allowing the counterparts to be manufactured relatively cost-effectively. This reduces the burden on the fluid line manufacturer for the automotive manufacturer or other suppliers, allowing a greater portion of the fluidic complexity to be concentrated in the fluid line, thus achieving the desired division of labor.
[0014] The connector seal advantageously comprises a connector seal groove and a connector seal ring. It is preferred that the connector seal, the connector seal ring, or the connector seal groove is arranged on an outer side of the line connector. The connector seal ring is expediently located in the connector seal groove. The coupler seal preferably comprises a coupler seal groove and a coupler seal ring. It is preferred that the coupler seal, the coupler seal ring, or the coupler seal groove is arranged on an outer side of the line coupler. The coupler seal ring is expediently located in the coupler seal groove.
[0015] The fastening device preferably comprises at least one fastening element and more preferably at least two fastening elements. It is advantageous that the at least one fastening element is arranged at least partially, and more preferably completely, on an outer side of the line connector or connector body. This allows for very convenient operation. The at least two fastening elements are preferably arranged diametrically or equidistantly distributed over the circumference of the line connector.
[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening device or the at least one fastening element has at least one—preferably movable—locking element. This enables particularly convenient installation. The at least one fastening element preferably comprises a movement bearing. The movement bearing is advantageously connected to the locking element. The movement bearing preferably protrudes from an outer side of the cable connector or connector body. The locking element is advantageously connected to the movement bearing and preferably forms a free end of the fastening element. The locking element preferably has a barb.
[0017] It is advantageous if the fastening element comprises an actuating element. The actuating element can be arranged diametrically opposite the locking element with respect to the movement bearing. The fastening element is preferably designed as a rocker. It is possible for the actuating element to be actuated by means of radially inwardly directed pressure, so that preferably the locking element can be moved radially outwards. According to another embodiment, the fastening element is not designed as a rocker. According to this other embodiment, the actuating element is arranged on the locking element and is designed to pull the locking element radially outwards. The advantage of the rocker design is that the actuating element of the rocker is further away from the counterpart, whereby a human hand can actuate the actuating element or the actuating elements more easily. Particularly preferably, the fastening device orthe at least one fastening element or the at least two fastening elements are designed to be reversibly detachable from a counterpart.
[0018] The fixation device advantageously comprises at least one fixation element and preferably at least two fixation elements. It is advantageous that the at least one fixation element is arranged at least partially, and more preferably completely, on an outer side of the line coupler or coupler body. This allows for very convenient operation. The at least two fixation elements are advantageously arranged diametrically or equidistantly distributed over the circumference of the line coupler.
[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing device or the at least one fixing element has at least one—preferably movable—locking element. This enables particularly convenient installation. The at least one fixing element preferably comprises a movement bearing. The movement bearing is advantageously connected to the locking element. The movement bearing preferably protrudes from an outer side of the line coupler or coupler body. The locking element is advantageously connected to the movement bearing and preferably forms a free end of the fixing element. The locking element preferably has a barb.
[0020] It is advantageous that the fixing element comprises an actuating element. The actuating element can be arranged diametrically opposite the locking element with respect to the movement bearing. The fixing element is preferably designed as a rocker. It is possible for the actuating element to be actuated by means of pressure directed radially inwards, so that preferably the locking element can be moved radially outwards. According to another embodiment, the fixing element is not designed as a rocker. According to this other embodiment, the actuating element is arranged on the locking element and is designed to pull the locking element radially outwards. The advantage of the rocker design is that the actuating element of the rocker is further away from the counterpart, whereby a human hand can actuate the actuating element or the actuating elements more easily. Particularly preferably, the fixing device orthe at least one fixing element or the at least two fixing elements are designed to be reversibly detachable from a counterpart.
[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the line connector comprises a connector body, wherein the connector body is preferably formed in one piece and more preferably integrally. The term "one piece" preferably means that the corresponding body can only be divided into two or more pieces by destruction or irreversible means. The term "integral" preferably means that the corresponding body is produced from a melt, for example by injection molding. A one-piece body can be an integrally formed body or a body assembled by a material bond - for example by welding - and thus is non-integral. A one-piece or integrally formed body results in a relatively robust and fluidically safe construction of the body. In particular, as few points in the fluid line as possible need to be sealed in this way.
[0022] The connector body preferably comprises the front end, the inner end, the connector sealing groove, the inner telescopic sealing groove, the outer telescopic sealing groove, the sliding section, the fastening device or the at least one fastening element, the movement bearing, the locking element and / or the actuating element of the at least one fastening element.
[0023] The line coupler advantageously comprises a coupler body, wherein the coupler body is preferably formed in one piece and more preferably integrally. The coupler body preferably comprises the coupler end, the free end, the coupler sealing groove, the sliding section, the fixing device or the at least one fixing element, the movement bearing, the locking element, and / or the actuating element of the at least one fixing element.
[0024] The fluid line may have an anti-rotation device. The anti-rotation device is preferably designed to prevent rotation—particularly in the tangential or circumferential direction—of the line connector relative to the line coupler—preferably when the fluid line is fully retracted. The anti-rotation device may have a projection and / or a recess complementary to the projection. The line connector may have the projection, and the line coupler may have the recess of the anti-rotation device, or vice versa. The aforementioned object is achieved by the use of a fluid line—in particular a fluid line according to the invention—for transporting a temperature control medium, wherein the temperature control medium is preferably or comprises a water-glycol solution. The fluid line is advantageously used in a vehicle, preferably in an electric vehicle and more preferably in a drive battery of an electric vehicle. It is preferred that the fluid line be a component of a manifold for connecting heat exchangers of a drive battery.
[0025] The invention is explained below using an exemplary embodiment with the aid of several figures. They show a schematic representation Fig. 1 a side view of a fluid line according to the invention in an installed state, Fig. 2A the fluid line according to the invention from Fig. 1 in a top view and in a fully collapsed state, Fig. 2B the fluid line from Fig. 1 in a plan view and in an exploded state, Fig. 3 the fluid line from Fig. 1 in a perspective exploded view and Fig. 4 the fluid line from Fig. 1 in a longitudinal section (side view) in the collapsed state according to Fig. 2A.
[0026] In Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a fluid line 1 according to the invention, which is in an installed or at least partially extended state. In the present embodiment, the fluid line 1 is a component of a drive battery of an electric vehicle. Fig. The drive battery cells (not shown in Figure 1) are tempered by heat exchangers (also not shown here) that extend longitudinally through the drive battery. In this way, the drive battery is cooled or heated as needed by a temperature control medium flowing in the heat exchangers and in the fluid line 1.
[0027] The drive battery expediently comprises a counterpart G1 and preferably a counterpart G2. The counterpart G1 is advantageously assigned to a first heat exchanger, and the counterpart G2 is preferably assigned to a second heat exchanger of the drive battery. It is advantageous that the fluid line 1 and / or the counterpart G1 and / or the counterpart G2 is / are part of a manifold that connects the heat exchangers to one another in a region of an end face of the drive battery. A further manifold of the described type can be arranged on an opposite end face.
[0028] The counterpart G1 can comprise a connecting piece 14. The counterpart G2 can have a coupling piece 15, see. Fig. 1. The fluid line 1 comprises a line connector 2 and a line coupler 5. The line connector 2 has a fastening device 3 for attachment to a counterpart G1. The line coupler 5 comprises a fixing device 6 for attachment to a counterpart G2 or to a coupling piece 15.
[0029] In Fig. 2A shows a plan view of the fluid line 1 in a collapsed state, such that a length L of the fluid line 1 corresponds to a minimum length Lmin of the fluid line 1. The fluid line 1 or the line connector 2 expediently comprises a front end 4. Advantageously, the fluid line 1 or the line coupler 5 has a coupler end 7 opposite the front end 4. Expediently, a distance in an axial direction or along a central axis A between the front end 4 and the coupler end 7 defines the length L of the fluid line 1.
[0030] In Fig. 2B, the fluid line 1 is depicted in a maximally extended state, so that the length L of the fluid line 1 corresponds to a maximum length Lmax. Preferably, the line connector 2 comprises a sliding section 18. It is preferred that the line coupler 5 has a sliding section 19. Preferably, the line connector 2 comprises a connector seal 10 for establishing a fluidically tight connection with a counterpart G1. Advantageously, the line coupler 5 has a coupler seal 11 for establishing a fluidically tight connection with a counterpart G2, cf. Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B.
[0031] It is possible that the fastening device 3 or the movement bearing 16 of the line connector 2 represents a stop for the line coupler 5 or for the sliding section 19 and thus the minimum length Lmin of the fluid line 1, see. Fig. 2A. In this exemplary embodiment, the minimum length Lmin is 52 mm, the maximum length Lmax is 70 mm, and the difference length Ldiff = Lmax - Lmin is 18 mm.
[0032] In the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B shows that the fastening device 3 of this exemplary embodiment has at least one fastening element 33a, 33b and preferably two fastening elements 33a, 33b. Advantageously, the two fastening elements 33a, 33b are arranged diametrically opposite one another. The fixing device 6 expediently comprises at least one fixing element 34a, 34b and preferably two fixing elements 34a, 34b. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B. It is preferred that the two fixing elements 34a, 34b be arranged diametrically opposite one another. Preferably, the fastening elements 33a, 33b and the fixing elements 34a, 34b are arranged on an outer side of the cable connector 2.
[0033] It is preferred that the at least one fastening element 33a, 33b or the at least one fixing element 34a, 34b comprises a locking element 12 and / or a movement bearing 16 and / or an actuating element 17. Advantageously, the at least one fastening element 33a, 33b is identical to the at least one fixing element 34a, 34b. Preferably, the at least one fastening element 33a, 33b differs from the at least one fixing element 34a, 34b only in terms of its orientation.
[0034] It is preferred that at least one locking element 12 of the fastening device 3 and / or the fixing device 6 is assigned a locking groove 37 in the counterpart G1 / connecting piece 14 or in the counterpart G2 / coupling piece 15. The locking groove 37 or the locking grooves 37 advantageously have a tangential extension that corresponds to the tangential extension of the locking element 12 or the locking elements 12. In this way, rotation of the fluid line 1 or the line connector 2 or the line coupler 5 in the installed state is prevented.
[0035] It is preferred that the movement bearing 16 protrudes from a - preferably cylindrical - surface of the outside of the line connector 2, see. Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B. It is preferred that the locking element 12 be arranged opposite the actuating element 17 with respect to the movement bearing 16. The actuating element 17 is preferably designed to reversibly release the line connector 2 from a counterpart G1. The actuating element 17 is preferably designed to move the locking element 12 radially outward by means of a radially inward-acting pressure. The at least one fastening element 33a, 33b or the at least one fixing element 34a, 34b is preferably designed as a rocker.
[0036] In other exemplary embodiments not shown here, the line connector 2 or the line coupler 5 can be dispensed with a connector seal 10 or a coupler seal 11, respectively, and instead can be connected in a materially bonded manner—in particular integrally or by welding—to a counterpart G1 or a counterpart G2. It is thus possible that in other exemplary embodiments, the fluid line 1 has a reversible device for fastening to a counterpart G1 or a counterpart G2 only on one side of the fluid line 1.
[0037] According to the invention and as evidenced by the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the line connector 2 and the line coupler 5 are telescopically movable relative to one another. The fluid line 1 preferably comprises a telescopic mechanism 9, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, 28. The telescopic mechanism 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, 28 preferably comprises the sliding section 18 and / or the sliding section 19. Advantageously, the sliding section 19 slides on the sliding section 18, or the sliding section 19 encloses the sliding section 18. Advantageously, the line coupler 5 and the line connector 2 are movable or displaceable relative to one another in the axial direction.
[0038] In Fig. 3, the fluid line 1 is shown in an exploded view, so that a previously concealed part of the line connector 2 can be seen. The fluid line 1 or the line connector 2 or the telescopic mechanism 9, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, 28 particularly preferably comprises a telescopic seal 9. The telescopic seal 9 of this exemplary embodiment preferably comprises an inner telescopic seal 25, 26 and an outer telescopic seal 27, 28.
[0039] The inner telescopic seal 25, 26 or the telescopic seal 9 preferably comprises an inner telescopic seal groove 25 and an inner telescopic seal ring 26, see. Fig. 3. The inner telescopic sealing ring 26 is expediently arranged in the inner telescopic sealing groove 25. The inner telescopic seal 25, 26 is advantageously arranged on an outer side of the line connector 2.
[0040] The telescopic seal 9 or the outer telescopic seal 27, 28 advantageously comprises an outer telescopic seal groove 27 and an outer telescopic seal ring 28. The outer telescopic seal ring 28 is expediently arranged in the outer telescopic seal groove 27. The outer telescopic seal 27, 28 is preferably arranged on an outer side of the line connector 2. It is preferred that the telescopic seal 9 has a spacer 32, which preferably spaced the inner telescopic seal ring 26 and the outer telescopic seal ring 28 apart from each other.
[0041] The connector seal 10 has according to Fig. 3 advantageously has a connector sealing groove 21 and a connector sealing ring 22. The connector sealing ring 22 is expediently arranged in the connector sealing groove 21. The connector seal 10 is preferably arranged in the axial direction between the front end 4 on the one hand and the movement bearings 16 of the line connector 2 or the fastening device 3 or the fastening elements 33a, 33b on the other hand.
[0042] Advantageously, the line coupler 5 or the coupler seal 11 preferably comprises a coupler seal groove 23 and a coupler seal ring 24. The coupler seal ring 24 is expediently arranged in the coupler seal groove 23. It is preferred that the coupler seal 11 is arranged in the axial direction between the coupler end 7 on the one hand and the movement bearing 16 of the line coupler 5 or the fixing device 6 or the fixing elements 34a, 34b on the other.
[0043] The line connector 2 advantageously comprises a connector body 13. The connector body 13 of this exemplary embodiment preferably comprises the fastening device 3 or the fastening elements 33a, 33b. The line connector 2 or the connector body 13 advantageously has an inner end 29. The inner end 29 is located opposite the front end 4—preferably diametrically—and is expediently designed as a front end or axial end. It is highly preferred that the connector body 13 be formed in one piece and preferably integrally. The connector body 13 preferably comprises a plastic material.
[0044] The connector body 13 preferably has the connector sealing groove 21, the inner telescopic sealing groove 25, the outer telescopic sealing groove 27, and / or the spacer 32. Preferably, the end face 4 is integrally connected to the inner end 29 or to the fastening device 3 or to the sliding section 18 or to the inner telescopic sealing groove 25 or to the outer telescopic sealing groove 27 or to the spacer 32 or to the fastening bearings 16 or the actuating elements 17 or the locking elements 12 or the fastening elements 33a, 33b of the fastening device 3.
[0045] Advantageously, the line coupler 5 comprises a coupler body 20. The coupler body 20 of this exemplary embodiment preferably comprises the fixing device 6 or the fixing elements 34a, 34b. The line coupler 5 or the coupler body 20 advantageously has a free end 30. The free end 30 is located opposite the coupler end 7 of the line coupler 5 or the coupler body 20—preferably diametrically—and is expediently designed as a front end or axial end. It is highly preferred that the coupler body 20 be formed in one piece and preferably integrally. The coupler body 20 preferably comprises a plastic material.
[0046] The coupler body 20 preferably has the connector sealing groove 21, the inner telescopic sealing groove 25, the outer telescopic sealing groove 27, and / or the spacer 32. Preferably, the coupler end 7 of the line coupler 5 or the coupler body 20 is integrally connected to the free end 30 or to the sliding section 19 or to the fixing device 6 or to the fastening bearings 16 or the actuating elements 17 or the locking elements 12 or the fixing elements 34a, 34b of the fixing device 6.
[0047] The fluid line 1 of this embodiment comprises an anti-twist device 35, 36, see. Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B. The anti-twist device 35, 36 is preferably designed to prevent twisting of the line connector 2 and the line coupler 5 in a fully pushed-together state (see Fig. 2A) of the fluid line 1. The anti-twist device 35, 36 may have a projection 35 and a recess 36 complementary to the projection 35. The line connector 2 may have the projection 35, and the line coupler 5 may have the recess 36 of the anti-twist device 35, 36.
[0048] In Fig. 4 shows the fluid line 1 in a fully collapsed state, in longitudinal section and in a side view. The fluid line 1 has a flow channel 8, which fluidically connects the front end 4 with the opposite coupler end 7. Preferably, the line coupler 5 or the coupler body 20 comprises a shoulder 31 on its inner side—and advantageously on its outer side.
[0049] It is preferred that the inner end 29 of the line connector 2 or the connector body 13 abuts the shoulder 31 of the line coupler 5 or the coupling body 20 in a fully retracted state. It is preferred that an inner diameter of the line connector 2 or the connector body 13 corresponds to an inner diameter of the line coupler 5 or the coupling body 20. Preferably, an inner diameter of the line connector 2 or the connector body 13 is aligned with an inner diameter of the line body 5 or the coupling body 20.
[0050] Advantageously, an inner diameter of the sliding section 19 of the line coupler 5 corresponds to an outer diameter of the sliding section 18 of the line connector 2. It is preferred that a differential length Ldiff = Lmax - Lmin corresponds to an axial length of the overlap between the sliding section 19 and the sliding section 18. The differential length Ldiff is preferably determined in the fully collapsed state of the fluid line 1 as the axial difference between the free end 30 of the line coupler 5 and a groove wall of the inner telescopic sealing groove 25, which faces or is assigned to the front end 4. The groove wall of the inner telescopic sealing groove 25 assigned to the front end 4 expediently defines the maximum length Lmax of the fluid line 1. List of reference symbols 1 fluid line 2 cable connectors 3 fastening device of 2 4 front end of 2 5 line couplers 6 fixation devices of 5 7 coupler end of 5 8 flow channel 9 Telescopic seal 10 connector seal 11 Coupler seal 12 locking element of 3, 6 13 connector bodies of 2 14 connecting pieces from G1 15 coupling nozzles from G2 16 movement camps of 3, 6 17 Actuator of 3, 6 18 sliding section of 2 19 sliding sections of 5 20 coupler bodies of 5 21 connector sealing groove of 10 22 connector sealing ring of 10 23 Coupler seal groove of 11 24 coupler sealing ring of 11 25 Inner telescopic sealing groove of 9 26 Inner telescopic sealing ring of 9 27 Outer telescopic sealing groove of 9 28 Outer telescopic sealing ring of 9 29 Inner end of 2 30 Free End of 5 31 shoulder of 5 32 spacers of 9 33a Fastening element of 3 33b Fastening element of 3 34a Fixing element of 6 34b Fixing element of 6 35 lead of 2 36 Recess of 5 37 locking groove A central axis of 1 L length of 1 G1 counterpart G2 counterpart
Claims
[1] Fluid line (1) for installation in a confined space, wherein the fluid line (1) has a line connector (2) for fluidic connection with a counterpart (G1), wherein the line connector (2) comprises a fastening device (3) for fastening to a counterpart (G1), wherein the fastening device (3) or the line connector (2) is assigned to a front end (4) of the fluid line (1), wherein the fluid line (1) has a line coupler (5) for fluidic coupling with a counterpart (G2), wherein the line coupler (5) comprises a fixing device (6) for fastening to a counterpart (G2), wherein the fixing device (6) is connected or connectable to a counterpart (G2), wherein the fixing device (6) is assigned to a coupler end (7) of the fluid line (1) opposite the front end (4), wherein the front end (4) and the coupler end (7) are fluidically connected to one another via a flow channel (8), wherein the flow channel (8) defines a central axis (A), wherein the fluid line (1) has a length L, wherein the length L is delimited by the front end (4) and the coupler end (7) and runs along the central axis (A), characterized by , that the line connector (2) and the line coupler (5) are telescopically movable relative to one another, so that the length L of the fluid line (1) is reversibly variable. [2] Fluid line (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fluid line (1) has a telescopic seal (9), wherein the telescopic seal (9) preferably fluidically seals the line connector (2) and the line coupler (5) from one another, wherein the telescopic seal (9) preferably supports the line connector (2) and the line coupler (5) so as to be axially movable relative to one another. [3] Fluid line (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the fluid line (1) comprises at least three and preferably at least four sealing rings (22, 24, 26, 28), wherein the telescopic seal (9) preferably has at least one telescopic sealing ring (26, 28) and more preferably at least two telescopic sealing rings (26, 28). [4] Fluid line (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the line connector (2) comprises a sliding section (18), wherein the line coupler (5) has a sliding section (19), wherein the sliding section (19) is slidably mounted on the sliding section (18) or vice versa. [5] Fluid line (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the length L of the fluid line (1) can assume a reversible minimum length Lmin and / or a reversible maximum length Lmax, wherein preferably the maximum length Lmax exceeds the minimum length Lmin by at least 3.0 or 5.0 or 7.0 mm. [6] Fluid line (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the line connector (2) comprises a connector seal (10) for fluidically sealing a connection with a counterpart (G1) and / or wherein the line coupler (5) has a coupler seal (11) for fluidically sealing a connection with a counterpart (G2). [7] Fluid line (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fastening device (3) has at least one fastening element (33a, 33b) and preferably at least two fastening elements (33a, 33b), wherein the at least one fastening element (33a, 33b) is preferably arranged at least partially and more preferably completely on an outer side of the line connector (2) or connector body (13). [8] Fluid line (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fluid line (1) comprises an anti-twist device (35, 36), wherein the anti-twist device (35, 36) is preferably designed to prevent rotation of the line connector (2) relative to the line coupler (5) - preferably in a fully collapsed state of the fluid line (1). [9] Fluid line (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the line connector (2) has a connector body (13), wherein the connector body (13) is formed in one piece and preferably integrally. [10] Use of a fluid line (1) - in particular a fluid line (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 - for transporting a temperature control medium, wherein the temperature control medium is preferably or comprises a water-glycol solution, wherein the fluid line (1) is preferably used in a vehicle, more preferably in an electric vehicle and particularly preferably in a drive battery of an electric vehicle.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Connection system and connection method
DE102022124148A1