Distribution pipe with integrated connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a distribution pipe (10) for conducting and distributing fluid in a battery cooling system, comprising a body (5) having a corrugated section (7) that extends along the longitudinal axis (L) of the pipe and is at least partially configured as a corrugated pipe, wherein the corrugated section (7) of the body (5) extends circumferentially and has alternating corrugated peaks (2) and corrugated valleys (3) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the pipe. According to the present invention, the distribution pipe (10) comprises at least one first type connector (1) and a plurality of second type connectors (20), and is manufactured integrally from the same material as the first and second type connectors (1, 20) in a single manufacturing process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a distribution pipe for conducting and distributing fluid according to the preamble of claim 1.

Background Art

[0002] Distribution pipes can be used for conducting and distributing fluid in, for example, photovoltaic power generation systems, cooling systems or heating systems, or industrial plants.

[0003] Distribution pipes known in the prior art are manufactured, for example, as corrugated pipes made of plastic, and extend along the longitudinal axis of the pipe. They usually comprise two connectors of a first type, which are arranged in principle at both ends of the distribution pipe and allow fluid to flow in or out in the longitudinal direction of the pipe.

[0004] Furthermore, the distribution pipe comprises a plurality of connectors of a second type that enable further distribution directions through other flow passage openings on the distribution pipe.

[0005] Connectors of the second type are used in particular in assembly applications that require three-way connections and / or multi-way connections. By using a plurality of distribution pipes of this type, integration into a plurality of multi-way connection assemblies is also possible.

[0006] For example, European Patent Application Publication No. 2811238 discloses a distribution pipe made of plastic corrugated pipe for solar heat collectors. This distribution pipe is provided with a plurality of pipe connector stubs opposite to each other and corrugated portions.

[0007] The disadvantage here is that it is necessary to use additional three-way components or connector stubs for the conduction and distribution of fluid. Pipe connector stubs formed integrally with the pipe need to be connected to additional connector stubs, which increases assembly time and cost.

[0008] Furthermore, the additional components increase the risk of leakage, and because they significantly increase the radial width of the distribution pipe and the number of connection interfaces, the flow performance of the distribution pipe deteriorates.

[0009] Furthermore, due to the relatively wide tolerance range, existing solutions utilize numerous additional components such as Christmas tree clips, Christmas tree connectors, and cover plugs to achieve the desired connector connection, which affects the overall assembly accuracy of the fluid-tight connection. For relatively complex assembly processes and applications, the connection may only be achievable under difficult conditions, resulting in a significant increase in the required workload and cost.

[0010] Finally, there is room for improvement regarding flow rate differences in the connector pathways of distribution pipes. Current solutions are typically expensive, complex, and carry a high risk of failure. Furthermore, current solutions inevitably increase the overall weight and complexity of the system due to additional components, leading to a decrease in overall performance and efficiency.

[0011] Against this backdrop, the present invention is based on the technical challenge of providing an improved distribution pipe for conducting and distributing fluids that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. In particular, it aims to further reduce manufacturing complexity and cost, and to enable the distribution pipe to be assembled quickly and easily. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0012] The main features of the present invention are defined in the feature section of claim 1. Improved forms are the subject matter of claims 2 to 13.

[0013] In a battery cooling system, a distribution pipe having a body extending along the longitudinal axis of the pipe and conducting and distributing fluid, at least a portion of it is made of corrugated pipe and has a corrugated pipe section, the corrugated pipe section of the body extending in the circumferential direction and having alternating corrugated peaks and corrugated valleys along the longitudinal axis of the pipe. According to the present invention, the distribution pipe comprises at least one first type connector and a plurality of second type connectors, and the distribution pipe is manufactured integrally from the same material as the first and second type connectors and in a single manufacturing process.

[0014] According to the present invention, by providing a second type of connector integrally constructed from the same material as the distribution pipe, additional connector elements such as three-way components become unnecessary.

[0015] As a result, the second type of connector and each corrugated and smoothed pipe section form an integrated component of the distribution piping and can preferably be used directly for further connections. This significantly reduces assembly time and manufacturing costs.

[0016] Furthermore, manufacturing the entire distribution piping system, including all individual components, in a single manufacturing process further reduces production costs and the amount of work required. For example, manufacturing could involve press working or casting methods such as extrusion or injection molding.

[0017] The corrugated sections, valleys, and peaks further assist in cutting operations during the manufacturing and processing of the distribution pipes. Furthermore, the corrugated sections increase the flexibility of the distribution pipes in each section, simplifying assembly in hard-to-reach installation spaces. If necessary, the corrugated sections can be curved accordingly or deflected to a certain extent, resulting in significantly easier adaptation of the distribution pipes to their surrounding environment.

[0018] According to one preferred embodiment, the distribution pipe is extruded together with first and second type connectors, and the distribution pipe is extruded from a thermoplastic resin together with first and second type connectors. Extrusion molding occupies a particularly important position among the manufacturing methods used in plastic processing. In this method, a curable material, which is in a viscous state from a solid state, is continuously pressed and extruded from a molding opening. The molding opening is also called a nozzle or die. Using the proposed extrusion molding, it is advantageously possible to manufacture the body of the distribution pipe in the longitudinal direction of the pipe for any desired length in theory, and the cross-section of the body corresponds to the opening shape of the nozzle. As a result, it is advantageously possible to reproduce fairly tight tolerances over any desired length in theory. Manufacturing tolerances in the range of ±0.05 mm are typically possible. Further substantial advantages of extrusion molding are the possibility of manufacturing complex shapes with less effort and the ability to reliably process soft or brittle materials. As a result, in this case, manufacturing effort and cost are significantly reduced overall. The extrusion method further assists in further molding within a complete extrusion plant (extrusion molding equipment) or a complete extrusion strand (extrusion molding line). This method positively influences further design variations of the present invention, which will be discussed later.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, at least one first type connector is positioned at the front end of the body, and this first type connector forms a flow path opening for conducting fluid in the longitudinal direction of the pipe. As a result, it is possible to supply or conduct fluid into or through the distribution pipe. After the fluid has flowed into or passed through the distribution pipe along the longitudinal direction of the pipe, a second type connector can advantageously redirect the flow path in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the pipe, thereby dividing it into multiple flow paths.

[0020] In one preferred embodiment, the flow path opening can be positioned in multiple directions different from the longitudinal direction of the pipe.

[0021] The second type of connector is preferably positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and the second type of connector can form a flow channel opening for fluid conduction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. As a result, distribution or further distribution of fluid in the distribution pipe and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe is assisted.

[0022] Furthermore, according to other design variations, the second type of connector can be positioned at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the pipe.

[0023] Further design modifications allow the second type of connector to be directly and quickly connected to other elements, and the second type of connector of the distribution pipe can be inserted into three-way connectors and / or multi-way connector assemblies. This improves the interchangeability of the distribution pipes and eliminates the need for additional connecting elements. At the same time, assembly labor and costs are reduced. By connecting additional elements to the second type of connector, one or more distribution pipes can be quickly and easily joined to form an overall multi-way system, thus significantly reducing assembly time. Furthermore, radial expansion of the distribution pipe due to additional connecting elements is prevented as much as possible because they can be directly connected to the second type of connector. For example, integrally joined connections formed by appropriate welding or other joining methods are possible. In addition, these measures effectively suppress the risk of leakage and improve the flow performance of the distribution pipes.

[0024] In this context, elements that can be directly connected to the second type connector are preferably selected from a group of piping elements and / or functional elements and / or valve elements for passing fluids. It is also desirable that other suitable elements can be connected to the connector. In particular, additional elements used in the field of battery cooling systems can be directly connected to the second type connector. As a result, overall compatibility is improved, and it is ensured that the distribution piping according to the present invention is always usable and can be combined with all necessary elements, even in relatively complex assembly applications requiring three-way and / or multi-way connection assemblies.

[0025] A further desirable improvement is that the distribution pipe has a hollow cylindrical cross-section along its entire longitudinal direction. This facilitates the manufacture of the distribution pipe body, for example, by extrusion molding using thermoplastic resin, and significantly extends the overall length of the distribution pipe. At the same time, as a result, the fluid flows into the distribution pipe and is guided along the inner wall of the pipe by the hollow cylindrical shape. Consequently, it becomes easier to install additional passages for redistributing the fluid via a second type of connector.

[0026] In a more preferred embodiment, the body of the distribution pipe is configured as a smooth pipe in the second type connector area, having a smooth pipe section, and each smooth pipe section, which includes the second type connector, is separated by an adjacent corrugated pipe section. The smooth pipe section of the body greatly simplifies further processing of the body surface and further shaping for forming the second type connector.

[0027] In a more preferred embodiment, the present invention provides that the body of the distribution pipe is provided with a recess in a second type connector area, the recess extending radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The recess can be used to form a second type connector, for example, by having a predetermined area that is not recessed and which can advantageously form a second type connector. In the field of extrusion molding, manufacturing work to deal with recesses in the extruded body material is always performed. Embodiments of the present invention take advantage of this situation, resulting in further reductions in manufacturing effort and overall costs.

[0028] The second type of connector is preferably formed by a closed neck on the body, the closed neck of the second type of connector having a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape of the second type of connector in the form of a closed neck allows for the simple and low-cost manufacturing of distribution piping and increases the compatibility of further attachments to elements. More preferably, the closed neck extends radially from the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and the closed neck is formed by a recess so that further elements can be directly attached to the connector via the closed neck. This simplifies the entire process and reduces production costs.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment, the closed neck extends to the height of the corrugated crests of the corrugated pipe section, and the closed neck of the second type of connector has a structure with a closing surface at the height of the corrugated crests. As a result, radial expansion of the entire distribution pipe is advantageously suppressed, and a streamlined shape of the entire body in the longitudinal direction of the pipe is formed. This makes the overall shape of the distribution pipe remarkably compact and streamlined, which can reduce the risk of leakage and at the same time improve the flow performance of the distribution pipe.

[0030] According to a further preferred improved embodiment, the closed neck is provided with a recess for forming a distribution flow path, and the recess extends through the closed neck to the longitudinal axis of the main body. This establishes a highly reliable fluid connection between the main body of the distribution pipe oriented in the longitudinal direction of the pipe and the distribution flow path of the second type of connector arranged radially relative to the main body.

[0031] According to a further preferred embodiment, the present invention provides that the recesses in the closed neck have different dimensions, and the recesses are formed in a cylindrical shape. The difference in the size of the recesses in the closed neck brings the advantageous technical effect that the difference in the passing flow rate in the distribution flow path can be adjusted. The cylindrical configuration of the recess enables simple and low-cost modification of the hole diameter. The diameter difference is preferably provided at the interface with the closing surface of the closed neck. The diameter difference of the cylindrical recess simulates the compensation effect ("Nurse effect"), achieving more uniform and accurate distribution of the passing flow rate. This ensures that each connector of the second type, or each distribution flow path formed by the connectors of the second type, can always reliably receive an appropriate passing flow rate.

[0032] The distribution pipes are preferably connected integrally and directly to other elements via first and second type connectors, for example, by welding. Friction welding is a very simple and low-cost method. For thermoplastic resins, ultrasonic welding, rotary friction welding, and laser welding are also possible. Welded joints formed by friction welding or rotary friction welding provide a perfectly homogeneous joint throughout the entire welded joint area, resulting in high strength. Friction welding guarantees very high joint quality and reduces costs because it does not require additional consumable materials.

[0033] In other preferred design variations, the distribution pipe comprises two first-type connectors and four second-type connectors, the first-type connectors being located at the ends of the body and forming flow channel openings that guide fluid in the longitudinal axis direction of the pipe, and the second-type connectors being located radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pipe and forming further distribution channels on the body for distributing fluid. Here, it is preferable that the second-type connectors can be connected directly and immediately to other elements without connecting any further additional elements.

[0034] In a more preferred embodiment, the distribution pipe has one second-type connector and two first-type connectors, the second-type connector having a continuous cylindrical recess. This embodiment has a particularly compact overall structure and reduces the overall external dimensions of the distribution pipe.

[0035] Further features, details, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments based on the claims and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing one embodiment of a distribution pipe according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the distribution piping according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] In Figure 1, the distribution pipe, collectively indicated by reference numeral 10, can be used, for example, for fluid conduction and distribution in a battery cooling system, and is extruded together with first and second type connectors 1 and 20 in a manner in which it is integrally molded from the same material in a single manufacturing process. Here, the distribution pipe 10 is extruded from a thermoplastic resin.

[0038] The distribution pipe 10 extends along the longitudinal axis L of the pipe and comprises a body 5 having a substantially hollow cylindrical cross-section along its entire length.

[0039] In the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1, the distribution pipe 10 has two first-type connectors 1 and four second-type connectors 20. The first-type connectors 1 are located at both ends of the main body 5 and form flow path openings for guiding fluid in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the pipe. Here, to distribute the fluid, the second-type connectors 20 form further distribution flow paths on the main body 5 that protrude radially with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the pipe. Therefore, the second-type connectors 20 are positioned and oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. Alternatively, the second-type connectors 20 may be oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis L of the pipe (not shown).

[0040] The second type connector 20 is configured to connect directly and immediately to other elements (not shown), and the second type connector 20 of the distribution pipe 10 can be used in complex assembly applications requiring three-way and / or multi-way connection assemblies. Elements that can be directly connected to the second type connector 20 can be selected from a group of piping elements and / or functional elements and / or valve elements for conducting fluids.

[0041] The main body 5 is configured as a corrugated tube in sections, and has a total of five corrugated tube sections 7. The corrugated tube sections 7 of the main body 5 extend in the circumferential direction and have alternating corrugated valleys 3 and corrugated peaks 2 arranged along the longitudinal axis L of the tube.

[0042] The main body 5 is provided with two short corrugated pipe sections 7 at each end, each consisting of two corrugated peaks 2 and one corrugated valley 3. The alternating arrangement of corrugated peaks 2 and corrugated valleys 3 enhances the flexibility of the distribution pipe 10 during use, while the corrugated valleys 3 function as positioning aids during the cutting process in manufacturing.

[0043] The main body 5 has three relatively long corrugated tube sections 7 along its longitudinal direction, and each corrugated tube section 7 has four corrugated peaks 2 and three corrugated valleys 3.

[0044] A total of four smoothed tube sections 8 are arranged between each corrugated tube section 7. The second type connector 20 is located in the center of the smoothed tube section 8. Here, each smoothed tube section 8 equipped with the second type connector 20 is separated by an adjacent corrugated tube section 7.

[0045] The main body 5 of the distribution pipe 10 has recesses 13 in the area of ​​the second type connector 20 and in the smooth pipe section 8, and the recesses 13 protrude radially with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the pipe.

[0046] The second type connector 20 is formed by a neck portion 22 within a smooth tube portion 8 having a recess 13. The closed neck portion 22 of the second type connector 20 is cylindrical in this case.

[0047] Because the closed neck portion 22 extends only to the height of the corrugated peaks 2 of the corrugated pipe portion 7, the external dimensions of the distribution pipe 10 and the main body 5 do not increase, even though the second type connector 20 can be directly connected to other components.

[0048] The closed neck portion 22 of the second type connector 20 has a closing surface 24 at the height of the corrugated peaks 2 of the corrugated tube portion 7. The closing surface 24 is planar in shape.

[0049] Figure 2 shows one embodiment of a more compact distribution pipe 10, in which the main body 5 has a smooth pipe section 8 along the longitudinal axis L of the pipe between two corrugated pipe sections 7 having two corrugated peaks 2 and one corrugated valley 3.

[0050] In addition to the two first-type connectors located at both ends of the main body 5, the smooth tube section 8 is provided with a second-type connector 20. The second-type connector 20 is composed of a closed neck portion 22, and the smooth tube section 8 having the second-type connector 20 has a recess 13 in the longitudinal axis L direction of the tube.

[0051] The closed neck portion 22 is provided with a cylindrical recess (hole) 25. The recess 25 extends radially through the closed neck portion 22 to the longitudinal axis L of the pipe in the main body 5, thereby forming a further distribution channel for vertical branching and distribution of the fluid.

[0052] Due to the cylindrical recess 25 of the closed neck portion 22, in this embodiment, the closing surface 24 of the second type connector 20 is configured as an annular surface.

[0053] It is preferable to provide the same type of cylindrical recess 25 in the closed neck portion 22 and the second type connector 20 shown in Figure 1. The recess 25 is not shown in Figure 1.

[0054] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the individual cylindrical recesses 25 of the closed neck portion 22 are intended to have hole diameters of different sizes.

[0055] The first and second types of connectors 1 and 20 and the closed neck portion 22 of the distribution pipe 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 can all be integrally joined with other elements by welding.

[0056] The present invention is not limited to any one of the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways. The distribution pipe according to the present invention comprises one or more distribution channels integrally molded from the same material and is manufactured by a single manufacturing process. In particular, the distribution pipe is extruded from a thermoplastic resin and is particularly suitable for use in battery cooling systems.

[0057] Overall, as a result of the described embodiments, manufacturing methods, and structures, the present invention provides a lower-cost and more efficient technical solution than known solutions for simple and complex assembly applications requiring three-way and multi-way corrugated pipe assemblies. At the same time, the present invention optimizes the flow performance and reliability of distribution pipes and distribution pipe connections.

[0058] All features and advantages evident from the claims, detailed description, and drawings (including structural details, spatial arrangement, and method steps) can be essential to the present invention, either in themselves or in a wide variety of combinations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] Long axis of L-shaped pipe (distribution pipe) 1. Connector (Type 1) 2 Waveform Mountain 3 Waveform valley 5 Main unit 7 Corrugated pipe section 8 Smooth pipe section 10 minute plumbing 13 recess 20 Connectors (Type 2) 22 Closed neck 24 Closed surface 25 indentations

Claims

1. A distribution pipe (10) for conducting and distributing fluid in a battery cooling system, The device comprises a main body (5) that extends along the longitudinal axis (L) of the pipe and has a corrugated pipe section (7), The corrugated tube portion (7) of the main body (5) extends in the circumferential direction and comprises corrugated peaks (3) and corrugated valleys (2) arranged alternately along the longitudinal axis (L) of the tube, and comprises at least one first type connector (1) and a plurality of second type connectors (20), A distribution pipe (10) is manufactured integrally in a single manufacturing process from the same material as the first type and second type connectors (1, 20).

2. The first type and the second type connectors (1, 20) are extruded together, The distribution pipe according to claim 1, which is extruded from a thermoplastic resin together with the first type and the second type connectors (1, 20).

3. The distribution pipe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first type connectors (1) is positioned at the front end of the main body (5), and the first type connector (1) forms a flow path opening for conducting fluid in the longitudinal axis (L) direction of the pipe.

4. The distribution pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second type connector (20) is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the pipe, and the second type connector (20) forms a flow channel opening for conducting fluid radially with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) of the pipe.

5. The distribution pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second type of connector (20) can be connected directly and immediately to further elements, and the second type of connector (20) can be inserted into a three-way and / or multi-way connection assembly.

6. The distribution piping according to claim 5, wherein an element that can be directly connected to the second type of connector (20) is selected from a group of pipe elements and / or functional elements and / or valve elements for circulating fluid.

7. The distribution pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 6, having a hollow cylindrical cross-section along its entire length.

8. The distribution pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the main body (5) is configured as a smooth pipe in the region of the second type connector (20), and has a smooth pipe section (8), and each of the smooth pipe sections (8) having the second type connector (20) is partitioned by adjacently arranged corrugated pipe sections (7).

9. The distribution pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the main body (5) has a recess (13) in the area of ​​the second type connector (20), and the recess (13) extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) of the pipe.

10. The distribution pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second type connector (20) is formed by a closed neck portion (22) on the main body (5), and the closed neck portion (22) of the second type connector (20) is cylindrical in shape.

11. The closed neck portion (22) extends to the height of the wave peak (2) of the corrugated tube portion (7), The distribution pipe according to claim 10, wherein the closed neck portion (22) of the second type connector (20) has a closing surface (24) at the height of the corrugated peak (2).

12. The distribution pipe according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the closed neck portion (22) is provided with a recess (25) for forming a distribution channel, and the recess (25) penetrates the closed neck portion (22) and extends to the longitudinal axis (L) of the pipe of the main body (5).

13. The distribution pipe according to claim 12, wherein each of the recesses (25) of the closed neck portion (22) has a different size and the recesses (25) are cylindrical in shape.

14. The distribution pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which can be connected by welding to other elements via the first and second type connectors (1, 20).

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