Coolant collection device with rigid tube connections

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coolant collection device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a battery coolant distribution system for a vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a coolant collection device. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery coolant distribution system.

[0002] The use of electric vehicles is becoming increasingly widespread. As an energy source, electric vehicles typically have large battery packs comprising numerous battery cells. These battery cells generate a significant amount of waste heat during operation. Furthermore, the temperature of the battery cells must be maintained within a predetermined range to ensure proper function and prevent damage or even destruction. To cool the battery cells, cooling profiles made of aluminum, for example, are used. These cooling profiles run between the top and bottom of a battery pack, passing the individual battery cells. They incorporate coolant channels running vertically between the top and bottom of the cooling profiles and are connected via flexible hoses to coolant collection channels running horizontally or perpendicular to the cooling profiles.These flexible hoses, which connect the coolant collection channels to the coolant channels of the cooling profiles, feature suitable fittings or connection threads as connection elements. These connection threads are individually screwed into the respective cooling profile and the associated coolant collection channel.

[0003] The ends of the coolant collection channels are connected to supply hoses or lines and discharge hoses or lines, which carry the coolant from a cooling system to the battery pack or carry the heated coolant away from the battery pack and into the cooling system.

[0004] However, assembling the individual connection elements requires a great deal of manual labor, as each one must be screwed on. The connections to the cooling profile and the cooling manifold also need to be adequately sealed. For this purpose, four sealing elements, such as O-rings, must be installed for each flexible hose. Another problem is that the cooling profiles have tolerances of approximately 1.5 mm, which must be taken into account when assembling the connection elements.

[0005] US 2022 / 0243849A1 describes a piping system in which tolerances of holes for tees are compensated for by axially displaceable connecting pipes.

[0006] In DE 201 21 501 U1 a pipe connection with a fitting for connecting a main line of a house installation carrying a tempered fluid to a branch line of smaller diameter than the main line is described.

[0007] FR 3 080 166 A1 describes a coolant distribution system with T-pieces and flexible connecting pipes between the T-pieces.

[0008] US 2005 / 0 046 187 A1 describes a pipe connection for a coolant circuit.

[0009] CN 106 945 506 A describes a T-shaped pipe connection with mounting clamps for attaching pipes to the T-shaped pipe connection.

[0010] WO 2010 / 094 787 A1 describes an electrical energy storage unit for motor vehicles with a coolant distribution system. The coolant distribution system has T-shaped connectors and pipes arranged between the T-shaped connectors.

[0011] FR 2 781 311 A describes a segmented cooling system for a vehicle battery with a plurality of battery cells.

[0012] The task is therefore to provide a reliable and tolerance-resistant connection between the coolant supply and coolant discharge and the coolant channels of the cooling profiles of a battery coolant distribution system, which requires less assembly work than a conventional arrangement.

[0013] This problem is solved by a coolant collection device according to claim 1, a battery coolant distribution system according to claim 9, a vehicle according to claim 10, a method for manufacturing a coolant collection device according to claim 11, and a method for manufacturing a battery coolant distribution system according to claim 12.

[0014] The coolant collection device according to the invention comprises two rigid coolant collection tubes and a T-shaped connecting piece with three tubular connecting elements. A rigid coolant collection tube has a shape and structure that is largely unalterable by external and internal forces. Advantageously, the shape and external dimensions of the coolant collection tubes encompassed by the coolant collection device are retained even when subjected to external or internal forces.

[0015] The adaptation to the tolerances of approximately 1.5 mm typical for the arrangement of battery cooling profiles is preferably achieved by a so-called floating arrangement of the rigid coolant collector tubes. The T-shaped connector is positioned between the rigid coolant collector tubes and connected to them in a floating but liquid-tight manner. A floating arrangement is defined as a free arrangement of the coolant collector tubes on the T-shaped connector without additional fixing elements, such as pipe clamps or similar devices. This arrangement should allow, particularly during assembly, the coolant collector tubes to be moved axially even when connected to the T-shaped connector, thus compensating for tolerances between individual sections of the battery cooling profile.The first of the three tubular connecting elements, which is oriented transversely to the other tubular connecting elements, is designed for insertion into a coolant channel of a battery cooling profile.

[0016] The two rigid coolant collector pipes are designed with a cross-section matching the cross-section of two opposing second and third tubular connecting elements of the T-shaped connector, so that they are connected to the T-shaped connector in a floating but sealing manner by being placed on or inserted into the second and third tubular connecting elements. Preferably, the inner diameter of the coolant collector pipes should be dimensioned according to the outer diameter of the ends of the second and third tubular connecting elements, or alternatively, the outer diameter of the coolant collector pipes should be dimensioned according to the inner diameter of the ends of the second and third tubular connecting elements, so that a sealing and preferably friction-fit connection is achieved in the axial direction.

[0017] It should be explicitly mentioned here that a coolant collection device preferably has more than one T-shaped connector and also more than two rigid coolant collection pipes, depending on the number of cooling fins of the battery cooling profile through which coolant channels carry the coolant. Preferably, a coolant collection device with a natural number of n cooling fins also includes at least n T-shaped connectors and at least n + 1 rigid coolant collection pipes.

[0018] The installation effort can be significantly reduced compared to conventional coolant collection systems. Rigid coolant collection pipes can be used or retained, but due to the floating arrangement, length adjustment of the rigid coolant collection pipes to accommodate the aforementioned tolerances of the cooling profile is unnecessary. Instead, the rigid coolant collection pipes can be shifted axially relative to the T-shaped connectors during installation and can also be directly connected to a supply or return hose. The floating combination of the rigid coolant collection pipes and the T-shaped connector advantageously replaces a complex assembly consisting of a connection element, corresponding fittings or connection threads, and a coolant collection channel with numerous sealing points.

[0019] Furthermore, the T-shaped connector has a fixing unit for attaching it to the battery cooling profile. The T-shaped connector is fixed to a so-called cooling profile plate or cooling profile cover, which is firmly, preferably integrally, connected to the cooling profile. The cooling profile plate provides a flat contact surface on which the coolant collection device according to the invention, and in particular the T-shaped connector, can be positioned and fixed. Advantageously, this fixing prevents the coolant collection device from detaching from the battery cooling profile, for example, as a result of vibrations or external mechanical force.

[0020] The fixing unit has a screw point for attaching it to the battery cooling profile or the cooling profile plate of the battery cooling profile. Advantageously, the T-shaped connector can be easily mounted or dismounted from the cooling profile plate with a simple screw movement, while simultaneously ensuring reliable fixation of the T-shaped connector to the cooling profile plate.

[0021] As already mentioned, the rigid coolant collector pipes of the coolant collection device according to the invention are connected to the T-shaped connecting piece in a floating manner. Such a floating connection allows the rigid coolant collector pipes to be shifted axially, thus enabling adjustment of their axial relative position to the second and third tubular connecting elements of the T-shaped connecting piece. In this way, tolerances of the battery cooling profile can be compensated for. Advantageously, the rigid coolant collector pipes can be easily connected to or detached from the T-shaped connecting piece in a desired or adjusted position relative to it.Due to the ease with which the individual components can be detached by simply pulling apart the coolant collection tubes and the T-shaped connector, maintenance work on the coolant collection device according to the invention can be carried out very easily. Furthermore, it is also easy to disassemble the rigid coolant collection tubes and reassemble them on another coolant collection device.Furthermore, the effective distance between two adjacent T-shaped connectors can be easily adjusted to tolerances of the battery cooling profile by means of the floating arrangement, by slightly shifting the rigid coolant collector pipes axially relative to the T-shaped connectors, so that the overlap between the rigid coolant collector pipes and the T-shaped connectors decreases or increases depending on whether a distance between two adjacent connectors is smaller or larger than a predetermined normal distance.

[0022] The battery coolant distribution system according to the invention for a vehicle comprises a battery cooling profile with a coolant channel running through it and a coolant collection device according to the invention. The battery cooling profile is located directly adjacent to the battery cells. The coolant flowing through the coolant channel running through it dissipates the heat generated by the battery cells or ambient heat. The coolant collection device supplies the battery cooling profile with cooled coolant and collects the coolant heated in the battery cooling profile in order to supply it to a radiator unit.

[0023] It should also be expressly pointed out here that a battery coolant distribution system according to the invention preferably comprises a plurality of coolant collection devices according to the invention, which are arranged in a row-like or column-like manner, virtually parallel to one another. This structure is used when a cooling fin of a battery cooling profile has a plurality of coolant channels, which is quite common. Advantageously, the construction of the battery coolant distribution system according to the invention can be significantly simpler than the construction of a conventional battery coolant distribution system.

[0024] Preferably, the first tubular connecting element of the three tubular connecting elements of the T-shaped connecting piece of the coolant collection device is inserted into the coolant channel of the battery cooling profile of the battery coolant distribution system according to the invention. Advantageously, no multi-part connecting elements are required to connect the T-shaped connecting piece to the battery cooling profile, since the first tubular connecting element is inserted directly into an associated coolant channel.

[0025] The vehicle according to the invention, preferably an electric vehicle, particularly preferably an electrically powered rail vehicle or an electrically powered industrial truck, has an electric battery with a battery cooling fluid distribution system. An industrial truck comprises mobile conveying devices that are used on flat surfaces, such as a forklift truck.

[0026] In the inventive method for manufacturing a coolant collection device, a T-shaped connecting piece with three tubular connecting elements is formed, with a first of the three tubular connecting elements being oriented transversely to the other tubular connecting elements, for receiving in a coolant channel of a battery cooling profile. The T-shaped connecting piece is formed with a fixing unit for fixing the T-shaped connecting piece to the battery cooling profile, which has a screw point for screwing the fixing unit to the battery cooling profile.

[0027] Figuratively speaking, the first tubular connecting element forms the vertical beam of the formed "T", and the second and third tubular connecting elements together form the horizontal beam of the formed "T".

[0028] Two rigid coolant collector pipes, which have a shape and structure that is largely unalterable by external and internal influences, are formed with a cross-section matching a cross-section of two opposing second and third tubular connecting elements of the T-shaped connecting piece.

[0029] The T-shaped connector is then positioned between the rigid coolant collector pipes, and the second and third connecting elements of the T-shaped connector are connected to the rigid coolant collector pipes. The rigid coolant collector pipes are thus connected to the T-shaped connector in a floating manner. The method according to the invention shares the advantages of simplified assembly mentioned in connection with the coolant collection device according to the invention.

[0030] In the inventive method for manufacturing a battery coolant distribution system, the inventive method for manufacturing a coolant collection device is carried out. Furthermore, the first of the three tubular connecting elements of the T-shaped connector is inserted into a coolant channel of a battery cooling profile. The first tubular connecting element has an outer diameter adapted to the inner diameter of the coolant channel. As will be explained in detail later, an additional sealing element can also be placed between the inner surface of the coolant channel and the outer surface of the first tubular connecting element to prevent coolant from escaping at the connection point of these two assemblies.The inventive method for manufacturing a battery coolant distribution system shares the advantages of simplified assembly or simplified assembly already described in connection with the inventive battery coolant distribution system.

[0031] The dependent claims and the subsequent description each contain particularly advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention. In particular, the claims of one claim category may also be further developed analogously to the dependent claims of another claim category and their descriptive parts.

[0032] Preferably, the coolant collecting device according to the invention has a sealing element for sealing between the first tubular connecting element and the coolant channel. Such a sealing element prevents coolant from flowing out through tolerance-related gaps or spaces, which are caused, for example, by different dimensions, unevenness, in particular grooves, in the surface of the first tubular connecting element or the coolant channel, in the contact area between the first tubular connecting element and the coolant channel.

[0033] The sealing element of the coolant collection device according to the invention particularly preferably comprises an O-ring. Advantageously, tolerances between the first tubular connecting element and the coolant channel can be compensated for by the sealing element, and the gap created by the tolerances can be sealed, thus preventing the escape of liquid at the connection point between the T-shaped connecting piece and the battery cooling profile.

[0034] Preferably, the second and third tubular connecting elements each have a tapered end section. "Tapered" means that the end sections have a smaller outer diameter than the other sections of the tubular connecting elements of the T-shaped connector. In this configuration, the two rigid coolant manifolds are attached by pushing the two rigid coolant manifolds onto the slightly tapered ends or end sections of the second and third tubular connecting elements of the respective T-shaped connector.

[0035] Preferably, the outer diameter of the tapered end sections is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the rigid coolant collector pipes. Equally preferably, the outer diameter of the rigid coolant collector pipes is the same as the outer diameter of the respective T-shaped connector in the preferably non-tapered central region of the T-shaped connector. In the limiting case, the outer diameter of the tapered end sections of the T-shaped connector is equal to or almost equal to the inner diameter of the rigid coolant collector pipes, so that the gap between the circumferential surfaces of the tapered end sections and the inner surfaces of the rigid coolant collector pipes is minimal. Advantageously, the outer surface of the pipe assembly formed by the rigid coolant collector pipes and the T-shaped connector can thus have a uniform diameter.The diameters are chosen so that free movement is possible at all times.

[0036] Preferably, the transition between the tapered end sections of the rigid coolant manifolds and the central region of the T-shaped connector is formed as a step, preferably with a riser extending perpendicular to the axial direction or radial direction of the second and third tubular connecting elements of the T-shaped connector. Advantageously, the step structure can serve as a stop for integrating the rigid coolant manifolds with the T-shaped connector.

[0037] The tapered end sections of the second and third tubular connecting elements of the T-shaped connector each preferably have at least one groove, and more preferably two annular grooves, each of which receives a sealing element, also referred to as a gasket, preferably in the form of an O-ring. The gaskets, preferably O-rings, create a seal between the outer surface of the tapered ends of the second and third tubular connecting elements and the inner surface of the rigid coolant collector pipes. These gaskets prevent coolant from leaking at the connection point between the second and third tubular connecting elements and the rigid coolant collector pipes.

[0038] The rigid coolant manifolds preferably consist of a solid material that is resistant to common coolants. Such a material preferably comprises one of the following types of material: Polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, also abbreviated as PTFE, fluoroethylene propylene, abbreviated as FEP.

[0039] The aforementioned material types are particularly resistant to glycol-water mixtures, which are used as cooling fluid.

[0040] It should be expressly mentioned again at this point that in a conventional vehicle battery, a plurality of cooling profiles are arranged side by side, and therefore the coolant collection device according to the invention preferably also comprises a plurality of the T-shaped connecting pieces and at least three rigid coolant collection tubes. The rigid coolant collection tubes are connected to one another in series by the plurality of T-shaped connecting pieces. They form a kind of chain, with each T-shaped connecting piece connecting two rigid coolant collection tubes and being inserted into the coolant channels of the adjacent cooling profile units. The rigid coolant collection tubes can advantageously be connected to the ends of the T-shaped connecting pieces by simply placing them on top of the T-shaped connecting pieces, so that the distances between adjacent T-shaped connecting pieces correspond to the distances between the coolant channels of adjacent cooling profile units.to fit these. Figuratively speaking, the rigid coolant collector pipes can be moved longitudinally or axially on the second and third tubular connecting elements of the T-shaped connecting pieces until the distances between the T-shaped connecting pieces match the possibly slightly different distances between the coolant channels of adjacent cooling profile units. Advantageously, this greatly simplifies the assembly of the coolant collector device according to the invention, even when tolerances occur in the distances between the coolant channels.

[0041] Preferably, the battery coolant distribution system according to the invention comprises a connecting line to a cooling system, wherein the connecting line is directly connected to one of the outer rigid coolant manifolds. A cooling system is understood to be a technical system that cools a coolant to a predetermined reduced temperature and maintains a coolant circuit. For this purpose, a cooling system comprises, on the one hand, a heat exchanger and, on the other hand, a coolant pump with which the coolant is pumped through the coolant circuit. The connecting line preferably comprises a supply hose or inlet and a discharge hose or outlet that convey cooled coolant from the cooling system to the battery coolant distribution system according to the invention and, conversely, convey heated coolant from the battery coolant distribution system according to the invention to the cooling system.A direct connection is understood to mean a single connecting element or connector, in contrast to the conventional arrangement of flexible hoses and a connection element, such as a suitable fitting and / or a suitable connection screw.

[0042] Advantageously, the direct connection avoids a conventional arrangement that is difficult to assemble and consists of a number of connection elements and a hose, as well as a rigid coolant collection channel with a large number of sealing points.

[0043] The direct connection is preferably formed by a quick-release coupling or quick-connect fitting between the outer rigid coolant manifold and the connecting line. Advantageously, due to the simple and quick operation of the quick-release coupling, individual components, in particular parts of the coolant manifold according to the invention, but also the aforementioned connecting line, can be easily replaced.

[0044] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures and exemplary embodiments. The figures show: FIG 1 a perspective view of an electric vehicle battery with a conventional battery coolant distribution system, FIG 2 a perspective view of the in FIG 1 The conventional battery coolant distribution system shown has a partially open cooling profile panel. FIG 3 A detailed view of a flexible hose for connecting a coolant collection channel to a coolant channel of a battery cooling profile. FIG 4 a perspective sectional view of a coolant collection device according to an embodiment of the invention, FIG 5 a top view of a coolant collection device according to an embodiment of the invention, FIG 6 a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery coolant distribution system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0045] In FIG 1 Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an electric vehicle battery 11 with a conventional battery coolant distribution system. The actual battery cells are omitted to better highlight the structures required for cooling these cells. The vehicle battery 11 comprises a base 11a and a top 11b as end faces, where in FIG 1 The head side 11b is visible in the foreground. A so-called battery cooling profile 5 runs between the base side 11a and the head side 11b, which contains a coolant channel inside (in FIG 1 (not visible). The coolant channel is connected on each end face (base and head) by a hose-like connecting unit 12 to a coolant collection channel 13 with a rectangular cross-section running along the respective end face. The coolant collection channel 13 opens laterally into an interface with a supply hose or connection hose or discharge hose 15.

[0046] In FIG 2 is a perspective view of the in FIG 2 vehicle battery 11 shown and the one in FIG 1 The conventional battery coolant distribution system is shown. A connection 15a of a supply hose 15 can be seen through the opening shown at the foreground corner of the front face. This connection 15a is connected to a coolant collection channel 13. The coolant collection channels 13 run parallel to each other on the front face and form the interface between the supply hoses 15 and the battery cooling profiles 5.

[0047] In FIG 3 Figure 1 shows a detailed view of a flexible hose or hose-like connecting unit 12 for connecting a coolant collection channel 13 to a coolant channel 4 (shown with dashed lines) of a battery cooling profile 5. The coolant channel 4 is located inside a battery cooling profile 5 and runs perpendicular to the associated coolant collection channel 13. As already mentioned, suitable fittings 17a or connection fittings 17b are required for the connection between the coolant collection channel 13 and the coolant channel 4. The connection fittings 17b are individually screwed into the respective cooling profile 5 and the associated coolant collection channel 13.

[0048] In FIG 4 Figure 1 shows a perspective sectional view of a coolant distribution system 10 with two adjacent coolant collecting devices 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The coolant collecting devices 1 each comprise two rigid coolant collecting pipes 2, which extend parallel to the end face of the coolant distribution system 10, also referred to as the cooling profile plate 9, and are connected to each other by a T-shaped connecting piece 3 with three tubular connecting elements 3a, 3b, 3c.

[0049] A first tubular connecting element 3a of the three tubular connecting elements 3a, 3b, 3c of the T-shaped connecting piece 3, which in FIG 4 The first tubular connecting element 3a, which is drawn running in a vertical direction, is inserted into a coolant channel 4 of a battery cooling profile 5. This first tubular connecting element 3a includes an annular groove 6 in which a sealing element 6a, in this case an O-ring, is located.

[0050] Thus, two rigid coolant manifolds 2 are joined by a T-shaped connector 3. For this purpose, the two rigid coolant manifolds 2 are attached to the slightly tapered ends or end sections 3d of the second and third tubular connecting elements 3b, 3c of the respective T-shaped connector 3 by pushing them onto the ends or end sections 3d of the T-shaped connector 3d, which have a slightly tapered outer diameter. The second and third tubular connecting elements 3b, 3c are in FIG 4 Shown running in an almost horizontal direction.

[0051] The tapered end sections 3d of the second and third tubular connecting elements 3b, 3c each have two annular grooves 6 which accommodate seals in the form of O-rings 6a. The O-rings 6a form a seal between the outer surface of the tapered end sections 3d of the second and third tubular connecting elements 3b, 3c and the inner surface of the rigid coolant collector pipes 2. These O-rings 6a prevent coolant from escaping at the connection point between the second and third tubular connecting elements 3b, 3c and the rigid coolant collector pipes 2.

[0052] In FIG 5 Figure 1 shows a top view of a coolant distribution system 10 with two coolant collection units 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Each of the coolant collection units 1 is provided with two tab-like screw points 7, which can be screwed onto the end face of the battery coolant distribution system 10 or the cooling profile plate 9. The screw points 7 are integrally connected to T-shaped connecting pieces 3 of a coolant collection unit 1 and form tab-like structures with screw holes. The screw holes are designed as elongated holes and thus compensate for tolerances in the distances between individual coolant channels 4 of a battery cooling profile 5. In the cooling profile plate 9, a bore 7a with an internal thread is formed on both sides of the T-shaped connecting pieces 3, offset in the axial direction of the coolant collection tubes 2. Each such bore 7a receives a screw through an elongated hole or...Screw hole of screw point 7 inserted fastening screw (not shown).

[0053] In FIG 6 Figure 600 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery coolant distribution system 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0054] In step 6.I, a T-shaped connector 3 is formed with three tubular connecting elements 3a, 3b, 3c. The first connecting element 3a of the three tubular connecting elements 3a, 3b, 3c, which is oriented transversely to the other two tubular connecting elements 3b, 3c, is designed to be received in a coolant channel 4 of a battery cooling profile 5. The T-shaped connector 3 is also provided with two axially offset screw points 7, which are later anchored to the cooling profile plate 9 of a battery cooling profile 5 with fastening screws during assembly.

[0055] In step 6.II, the T-shaped connector 3 is provided with a total of 5 circumferential grooves 6 on its outer surface. A single groove 6 is formed on the first tubular connector 3a, while two adjacent grooves 6 are formed on each of the second and third tubular connectors 3b and 3c. An O-ring 6a is then placed in each of the grooves 6. The ends or end sections 3d of the second and third tubular connectors 3b and 3c are formed with a smaller outer diameter or are tapered compared to the central region of the T-shaped connector, so that rigid coolant manifolds 2 can later be fitted onto the tapered ends or end sections 3d.

[0056] In step 6.III, two rigid coolant collector pipes 2 are formed with an inner diameter that is the same size or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tapered end sections 3d of two opposing connecting elements 3b, 3c of the three tubular connecting elements 3a, 3b, 3c. The slightly larger inner diameter of the two rigid coolant collector pipes 2 allows the rigid coolant collector pipes 2 to be fitted onto the tapered end sections 3d of the opposing connecting elements 3b, 3c.

[0057] In step 6.IV, the T-shaped connector 3 is positioned between the rigid coolant manifolds 2 produced in step 6.III. When the two opposing connectors 3b, 3c are joined with the rigid coolant manifolds 2, the O-rings 6a in the grooves 6 of the two opposing connectors 3b, 3c are slightly deformed so that they form a seal between the two joined elements 2, 3.

[0058] In step 6.V, the outer rigid coolant manifolds 2, which are connected at only one end to a T-shaped connector 3, are directly connected to a connecting hose 15 via a quick-release coupling. This connecting hose 15 is longer than in a conventional arrangement and, unlike the conventional arrangement (see FIG 2 ) directly in a quick-release coupling at the end of the connecting hose 15. This eliminates the need for the FIG 2 Additional connection 15a shown.

[0059] Furthermore, in step 6.VI, the first 3a of the three tubular connecting elements 3a, 3b, 3c of the T-shaped connecting piece 3 is inserted into a coolant channel 4 of a battery coolant distribution system 10 running in a battery cooling profile 5 (see FIG 4 ) inserted.

[0060] Finally, in step 6.VII, fastening screws are inserted through the screw points 7 of the T-shaped connecting pieces 3 and screwed to the cooling profile plate 9 of the battery cooling profile 5.

[0061] A plurality of T-shaped connectors 3 and rigid coolant manifolds 2 are joined together in this way to form a serial, chain-like arrangement. The outer rigid coolant manifolds 2, which are connected at only one end to a T-shaped connector 3, are directly connected via a quick-release coupling to a connecting hose 15, i.e., supply hose or discharge hose. This connecting hose 15 is longer than in a conventional arrangement and, unlike in the conventional arrangement (see FIG 2 ) directly in a quick-release coupling at the end of the connecting hose 15 or in a connection with an external rigid coolant manifold 2. The [missing information] is therefore eliminated. FIG 2 Additional connection 15a shown.

[0062] In FIG 7A vehicle 16 with an electric vehicle battery 11, in particular a traction battery, is shown. The electric vehicle battery 11 comprises a battery coolant distribution system 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0063] Finally, it should be noted once again that the methods and devices described above are merely preferred embodiments of the invention and that the invention can be varied by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For the sake of completeness, it should also be noted that the use of the indefinite articles "a" or "an" does not preclude the possibility that the features in question may be present multiple times. Likewise, the term "unit" does not preclude the possibility that it consists of several components, which may also be spatially distributed.

Claims

1. Coolant-collecting device (1) having: - two rigid coolant-collecting tubes (2) which have a shape and structure largely unable to be changed by external and internal action, - a T-shaped connecting piece (3) with three tubular connecting elements(3a, 3b, 3c), wherein - the T-shaped connecting piece (3) is arranged between the rigid coolant-collecting tubes (2), and a first one of the three tubular connecting elements (3a, 3b, 3c), which is oriented transversely to the other tubular connecting elements (3a, 3b, 3c), is designed for being received in a coolant channel (4) of a battery cooling profile (5), and - the two rigid coolant-collecting tubes (2) are designed with a cross section which is compatible with a cross section of two opposite second and third connecting elements (3b, 3c) of the three tubular connecting elements (3a, 3b, 3c) and are connected to the second and third tubular connecting elements (3b, 3c), wherein - the T-shaped connecting piece (3) has a fixing unit for fixing the T-shaped connecting piece (3) to the battery cooling profile (5), - the fixing unit has a screw-connection point (7) for screw connection of the fixing unit to the battery cooling profile (5), and - the rigid coolant-collecting tubes (2) are connected in a floating manner to the T-shaped connecting piece (3).

2. Coolant-collecting device according to Claim 1, having a sealing element (6a) for sealing between the first tubular connecting element (3a) and the coolant channel (4).

3. Coolant-collecting device according to Claim 2, wherein the sealing element (6a) comprises an O-ring.

4. Coolant-collecting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second and third tubular connecting elements (3b, 3c) each have a narrowed end portion (3d), and the inner diameter of the rigid coolant-collecting tubes (2) is equal to the outer diameter of the narrowed end portions (3d) of the second and third tubular connecting elements (3b, 3c).

5. Coolant-collecting device according to Claim 4, wherein the narrowed end portions (3d) of the second and third tubular connecting elements (3b, 3c) have an outer diameter which, in comparison with a middle portion which forms the transition between the second and third tubular connecting elements (3b, 3c), is reduced.

6. Coolant-collecting device according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the outer diameter of the narrowed end portions (3d) has almost the same value as the inner diameter of the rigid coolant-collecting tubes (2), and the outer diameter of the rigid coolant-collecting tubes (2) has the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the respective T-shaped connecting piece (3) in the non-narrowed middle region of the T-shaped connecting piece (3).

7. Coolant-collecting device according to one of Claims 4 to 6, wherein the transition between the narrowed end portions (3d) of the rigid coolant-collecting tubes (2) and the middle region of the T-shaped connecting piece (3) is of stepped form.

8. Coolant-collecting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second and third tubular connecting elements (3b, 3c) of the T-shaped connecting piece (3), preferably the narrowed end portions (3d) of the second and third tubular connecting elements (3b, 3c) of the T-shaped connecting piece (3), each have at least one groove (6) which receives a sealing element (6a).

9. Battery coolant-distributing system (10) for a vehicle (16), having - a battery cooling profile (5) with a coolant channel (4) extending therein, - a coolant-collecting device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8.

10. Vehicle (16) having an electric battery with a battery coolant-distributing system (10) according to Claim 9.

11. Method for producing a coolant-collecting device (1), comprising the steps of: - designing a T-shaped connecting piece (3) with three tubular connecting elements (3a, 3b, 3c) with a first one (3a) of the three tubular connecting elements (3a, 3b, 3c), which is oriented transversely to the other tubular connecting elements (3a, 3b, 3c), for being received in a coolant channel (4) of a battery cooling profile (5), and with a fixing unit for fixing the T-shaped connecting piece (3) to the battery cooling profile (5), said fixing unit having a screw-connection point (7) for screw connection of the fixing unit to the battery cooling profile (5), - designing two rigid coolant-collecting tubes (2), which have a shape and structure largely unable to be changed by external and internal action, with a cross section which is compatible with a cross section of two opposite second and third connecting elements (3b, 3c) of the three tubular connecting elements (3a, 3b, 3c), - arranging the T-shaped connecting piece (3) between the rigid coolant-collecting tubes (2), and connecting the second and third connecting elements (3b, 3c) of the T-shaped connecting piece (3) to the rigid coolant-collecting tubes (2), wherein the rigid coolant-collecting tubes (2) are connected in a floating manner to the T-shaped connecting piece (3).

12. Method for producing a battery coolant-distributing system (10), comprising the steps of: - carrying out the method according to Claim 11, - inserting the first one (3a) of the three tubular connecting elements (3a, 3b, 3c) of the T-shaped connecting piece (3) into a coolant channel (4) of a battery cooling profile (5).