Distributor pipe with integrated connectors

Abstract

The invention relates to a distributor pipe (10) for conducting and distributing fluids in battery cooling systems, with a main body (5) which extends along a pipe longitudinal axis (L), is configured at least in portions as a corrugated pipe, and has corrugated pipe portions (7), wherein the corrugated pipe portions (7) of the main body (5) have circumferentially running corrugation troughs (3) and corrugation peaks (2) which alternate along the pipe longitudinal axis (L). It is provided according to the invention that the distributor pipe (10) comprises at least one connector (1) of a first type and a plurality of connectors (20) of a second type, wherein the distributor pipe (10) is manufactured from the same material as and in one part with the connectors of the first and second type (1, 20) in one manufacturing operation.

Description

[0001] Distribution pipe with integrated connections

[0002] The invention relates to a distribution pipe for conducting and distributing fluids according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Distribution pipes can be used, for example, in solar systems, cooling or heating systems or in industrial plants to conduct and distribute fluids.

[0004] Distributor pipes known in the prior art are manufactured, for example, as corrugated plastic pipes and extend along a longitudinal pipe axis. They typically have two connections of the first type, which are usually arranged at opposite ends of the distributor pipe and enable the supply or discharge of fluids in the direction of the longitudinal pipe axis.

[0005] In addition, the distribution pipe includes several second-type connections, which enable further distribution directions via additional channel openings on the distribution pipe.

[0006] The second type of connectors are primarily used in assembly applications that require three-way and / or multi-way connections. Integration into multiple multi-way connection assemblies is also possible using multiple such manifolds.

[0007] EP 2 811 238 A2, for example, discloses a distribution pipe made of a corrugated plastic tube for a solar collector. The distribution pipe is provided with several pipe connection pieces and opposing corrugations. The disadvantage of this is that additional three-way components or additional connection pieces must be used to conduct and distribute the fluid. The pipe connection pieces, which are integrally formed with the pipe, must be connected to additional connection pieces, which increases assembly time and costs.

[0008] Furthermore, the additional components increase the risk of leakage and at the same time reduce the flow capacity of the distribution pipe because the additional components significantly increase the radial width of the distribution pipe and the number of connection interfaces.

[0009] In addition, existing solutions use a large number of additional components such as Christmas tree clips or screws due to relatively wide tolerance limits.

[0010] Christmas tree connectors and cover plugs are required to achieve the desired connection, which, overall, compromises the assembly accuracy of the fluid-tight connection. In more complex assembly processes and applications, this makes a connection difficult to achieve, significantly increasing labor and costs.

[0011] Finally, there is also potential for improvement regarding flow rate differences in the connecting channels of the distribution pipe. Current solutions are usually expensive, complex, and associated with high failure risks. Furthermore, with the addition of additional components, current solutions inevitably increase the weight and complexity of the overall system, leading to losses in overall performance and efficiency.

[0012] Against this background, the invention is based on the technical problem of providing an improved distributor pipe for conducting and distributing fluids that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, manufacturing effort and costs are to be further reduced, and the distributor pipe is to be quick and easy to install.

[0013] Main features of the invention are defined in the characterizing part of claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 13.

[0014] In a distributor pipe for conducting and distributing fluids in battery cooling systems, with a base body extending along a longitudinal pipe axis, which is designed at least in sections as a corrugated pipe and has a corrugated pipe section, wherein the corrugated pipe sections of the base body have circumferentially extending wave troughs and wave crests alternating along the longitudinal pipe axis, it is provided according to the invention that the distributor pipe comprises at least one connection of the first type and a plurality of connections of the second type, wherein the distributor pipe is manufactured from a uniform material and in one piece with the connections of the first and second type in one production step.

[0015] By providing second type connections according to the invention, which are made of a single material and in one piece with the distributor pipe, the need for additional connection elements such as three-way components is eliminated.

[0016] The second-type connections, as well as the individual corrugated and smooth pipe sections, thus form an integral part of the distribution pipe and can preferably be used directly for further connections. This significantly reduces assembly time and production costs.

[0017] The inventive production of the entire distribution pipe with all individual components in a single production step further reduces manufacturing costs and labor. Possible manufacturing processes include pressing or casting processes such as extrusion or injection molding.

[0018] The corrugated pipe sections, troughs, and crests advantageously support sawing the distributor pipe during further manufacturing and processing. The corrugated pipe sections also make the distributor pipe more flexible in the area of ​​the respective sections, simplifying installation in hard-to-reach spaces. The corrugated pipe section can then be bent or deflected to a certain extent as needed, significantly simplifying adaptation to the distributor pipe's surroundings.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the distributor pipe with its first and second type of connections is extruded by extrusion, wherein the distributor pipe with its first and second type of connections is extruded from a thermoplastic. Extrusion processes are primarily among the manufacturing processes used in plastics processing. In this process, hardenable masses in a solid to viscous state are continuously pressed under pressure from a shaping opening. This is also referred to as a mouthpiece, nozzle, or die. By means of the proposed extrusion, base bodies of the distributor pipe can advantageously be manufactured in theoretically any length in the longitudinal direction of the pipe, the cross-section of which corresponds to the shape of the mouthpiece opening. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve significantly tighter tolerances for theoretically any overall length. Manufacturing tolerances in the range of + / - 0.05 mm are typically possible.Other significant advantages of extrusion include the ability to create complex shapes with minimal effort and the reliable processing of soft or brittle materials. Overall, this significantly reduces manufacturing effort and costs. The extrusion process also supports further shaping within a complete extrusion line or within a complete extrusion strand. This measure has positive effects on further embodiments of the present invention, which are described below.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one connection of the first type is arranged at a front end of the base body, wherein the connection of the first type forms a channel opening for conducting fluids in the direction of the pipe's longitudinal axis. This enables the respective fluid to be fed into or passed through the distributor pipe. After the fluid flows into or through the distributor pipe in the pipe's longitudinal direction, it can advantageously be redistributed by the connections of the second type in a direction deviating from the pipe's longitudinal direction and split into several flow channels.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the channel openings can be arranged in different directions deviating from the longitudinal direction of the pipe.

[0022] Preferably, the second-type connections can be arranged perpendicular to the pipe's longitudinal axis, wherein the second-type connections can form channel openings for conducting fluids perpendicular to the pipe's longitudinal axis. This supports the distribution or further distribution of the fluid perpendicular to the distribution pipe and its longitudinal axis.

[0023] According to a further alternative design variant, the connections of the second type can be arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the pipe.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the invention provides that the second-type connections can be connected directly and immediately to further elements, wherein the second-type connections of the distributor pipe can be used in three-way connections and / or multi-way connection assemblies. This increases the compatibility of the distributor pipe and eliminates the need for additional connection elements. At the same time, assembly effort and costs are reduced. Assembly time is greatly reduced because the distributor pipe or pipes can be quickly and easily combined to form a complete multi-way system by connecting further components to the second-type connections. Furthermore, radial expansion of the distributor pipe is largely suppressed by additional connection elements because the elements can be connected directly to the second-type connections.For example, material-to-material connections created by suitable welding or other joining processes are conceivable. These measures also effectively counteract the risk of leaks and improve the flow performance of the distribution pipe.

[0025] In this context, it is preferred that the elements directly connectable to the second-type connections are selected from the group consisting of pipe elements and / or functional elements and / or valve elements for conducting fluids. Preferably, other suitable elements can also be connected to the connections. In particular, other elements used in the field of battery cooling systems can be directly connected to the second-type connections. This increases overall compatibility and ensures that the distributor pipe according to the invention can always be used and combined with all necessary elements, even in more complex assembly applications that require three-way connections and / or multi-way connection assemblies.

[0026] According to another preferred embodiment, the distributor pipe has a hollow-cylindrical cross-section along its entire length. This facilitates, for example, the production of the main body of the distributor pipe from a thermoplastic material by extrusion, allowing the overall length of the distributor pipe to be significantly increased. At the same time, the fluid can flow into the distributor pipe and be guided through the hollow-cylindrical shape along an inner pipe wall. The second type of connections thus make it easier to connect additional channels for redistribution of the fluid.

[0027] According to a further preferred embodiment, the base body of the distributor pipe is designed as a smooth pipe in the region of the second-type connections and has smooth pipe sections, wherein each smooth pipe section with second-type connections is delimited by adjacent corrugated pipe sections. The smooth pipe sections of the base body significantly simplify the further processing of the base body surfaces and the further shaping into second-type connections.

[0028] According to a further preferred embodiment, the invention provides that the base body of the distributor pipe has depressions in the region of the second-type connections, wherein the depressions extend radially to the pipe's longitudinal axis. The depressions can simultaneously be used, for example, to form second-type connections by leaving a predefined area uncountered and advantageously allowing the second-type connection to form. Especially in the area of ​​extrusion, production already prevents depressions in the extruded body material. This embodiment of the invention advantageously utilizes this circumstance, thereby further reducing overall manufacturing effort and costs.

[0029] Preferably, the second-type connections are formed by collars on the base body, wherein the collars of the second-type connections are cylindrical. The cylindrical shape of the second-type connections in the form of collars supports simple and cost-effective production of the distribution pipe and increases compatibility for further connection to elements. Furthermore, the collars preferably extend radially away from the pipe's longitudinal axis, wherein the collars are formed by the depressions, such that a direct connection of further elements to the connections is feasible via the collars. This simplifies production overall and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0030] According to a further preferred embodiment, the collars extend to the height of the corrugation crests of the corrugated pipe sections, with the collars of the second type of connections having sealing surfaces at the height of the corrugation crests. This advantageously counteracts a radial expansion of the distributor pipe and creates an overall streamlined extension of the base body in the longitudinal direction of the pipe. This leads to a significantly more compact and streamlined overall shape of the distributor pipe, which reduces the risk of leaks and simultaneously improves the flow capacity of the distributor pipe.

[0031] According to a further preferred embodiment, the necks comprise recesses for forming distribution channels, wherein the recesses extend through the necks to the longitudinal axis of the base body. This creates a secure fluid connection between the base body of the distributor pipe, which is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the pipe, and the distribution channels of the second type of connections, which are positioned radially thereto.

[0032] According to a further preferred embodiment, the invention provides that the recesses of the necks are of different sizes, wherein the recesses are cylindrical. The size variation of the recesses in the necks leads to the advantageous technical effect that flow differences in the distribution channels can be regulated. The cylindrical design of the recesses allows a variation in the hole diameter in a simple and cost-effective manner. Preferably, the diameter differences can be provided in an interface to the closing surfaces of the necks. The diameter differences of the cylindrical recesses simulate a compensation effect (English "nurse effect") and a more even and precise distribution of the flow is achieved. This ensures that each connection of the second type oreach distribution channel formed by the second type connections always receives the correct flow rate.

[0033] Preferably, the distributor pipe can be connected directly and firmly to other elements via its first and second type connections, for example, using a welding process. Friction welding, for example, represents a very simple and cost-effective process. Ultrasonic welding, rotational friction welding, and laser welding are also conceivable for thermoplastics. Welded joints produced using friction or rotational welding can achieve high strengths with completely homogeneous connections across the entire welded joint area. Friction welding ensures a very high joint quality and requires no additional consumables, thus reducing costs.

[0034] According to a further preferred embodiment, the distribution pipe has two connections of the first type and four connections of the second type, wherein the connections of the first type are arranged at the front ends of the base body and form channel openings for conducting fluids in the direction of the longitudinal pipe axis, and wherein the connections of the second type form further distribution channels on the base body radially to the longitudinal pipe axis for distributing fluids. It is preferred that the connections of the second type be directly and immediately connectable to other elements without the need to connect additional elements.

[0035] According to a further preferred embodiment, the distributor pipe can have one second-type connection and two first-type connections, wherein the second-type connection comprises a continuous cylindrical recess. This design is particularly compact in its overall construction and reduces the overall external dimensions of the distributor pipe.

[0036] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. It shows:

[0037] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the distributor pipe according to the invention;

[0038] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the distributor pipe according to the invention.

[0039] The distributor pipe, generally designated 10 in Fig. 1, can be used, among other things, for conducting and distributing fluids in battery cooling systems. It is extruded by means of extrusion, with its first and second type connections 1, 20, as a single piece in a single production step. The distributor pipe 10 is extruded from a thermoplastic material.

[0040] The distributor pipe 10 comprises a base body 5 which extends along a pipe longitudinal axis L and has a substantially hollow cylindrical cross-section over its entire longitudinal extent.

[0041] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1, the distributor pipe 10 has two connections of the first type 1 and four connections of the second type 20, wherein the connections of the first type 1 are arranged at the front ends of the base body 5 and form channel openings for conducting fluids in the direction of the pipe's longitudinal axis L. The connections of the second type 20 form further distribution channels on the base body 5 for distributing fluids, which channels protrude radially to the pipe's longitudinal axis L. The connections of the second type 20 are therefore arranged and aligned perpendicular to the pipe's longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the connections of the second type 20 can also be aligned at an angle to the pipe's longitudinal axis L (not shown).The second-type connections 20 are designed such that they can be directly and immediately connected to other elements (not shown). The second-type connections 20 of the distribution pipe 10 can be used in complex assembly applications that require three-way connections and / or multi-way connection assemblies. The elements that can be directly connected to the second-type connections 20 can be selected from the group consisting of pipe elements and / or functional elements and / or valve elements for conveying fluids.

[0042] The base body 5 is designed in sections as a corrugated pipe and has a total of five corrugated pipe sections 7, wherein the corrugated pipe sections 7 of the base body 5 have circumferentially extending wave troughs 3 and wave crests 2 alternating along the longitudinal axis L of the pipe.

[0043] At the front ends of the base body 5, two short corrugated pipe sections 7 are provided, each comprising two corrugation crests 2 and one corrugation trough 3. The alternating arrangement of corrugation crests 2 and corrugation troughs 3 makes the distributor pipe 10 more flexible in use, while at the same time, the corrugation troughs 3 can serve as an adjustment aid during sawing in production.

[0044] The base body 5 comprises three further longer corrugated pipe sections 7 along its longitudinal extent, each of which comprises four wave crests 2 and three wave troughs 3.

[0045] A total of four smooth pipe sections 8 are formed between the individual corrugated pipe sections 7. The second-type connections 20 are formed centrally in the smooth pipe sections 8. Each smooth pipe section 8 provided with second-type connections 20 is delimited by adjacent corrugated pipe sections 7.

[0046] The base body 5 of the distributor pipe 10 has depressions 13 in the area of ​​the second type connections 20 and in the smooth pipe sections 8, wherein the depressions 13 project radially towards the pipe longitudinal axis L.

[0047] The second-type connections 20 are formed by collars 22 in the smooth pipe sections 8 with depressions 13. The collars 22 of the second-type connections 20 are cylindrical. The collars 22 extend only to the height of the corrugation crests 2 of the corrugated pipe sections 7, so that the external dimensions of the distribution pipe 10 and the base body 5 are not increased despite the second-type connections 20, which can be directly connected to other components.

[0048] The collars 22 of the second-type connections 20 have two closure surfaces 24 at the level of the wave crests. The closure surfaces 24 are flat.

[0049] Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a more compact distribution pipe 10, the base body 5 of which comprises a smooth pipe section 8 along the pipe longitudinal axis L between two corrugated pipe sections 7 with two wave crests 2 and a wave trough 3.

[0050] In addition to two first-type connections 1 arranged at the front ends of the base body 5, a second-type connection 20 is formed in the smooth tube section 8. The second-type connection 20 is formed by a neck 22, and the smooth tube section 8 with the second-type connection 20 has a depression 13 in the direction of the longitudinal tube axis L.

[0051] The neck 22 has a cylindrical recess 25. The recess 25 extends radially through the necks 22 to the longitudinal pipe axis L of the base body 5 and thus forms a further distribution channel for vertically diverting and distributing the fluid.

[0052] Due to the cylindrical recess 25 of the neck 22, in this embodiment the closure surface 24 of the second type connection 20 is designed as an annular surface.

[0053] The necks 22 and second-type connections 20 shown in Fig. 1 are preferably also provided with cylindrical recesses 25 of the same type. The recesses 25 are not shown in Fig. 1.

[0054] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the individual cylindrical recesses 25 of the necks 22 are to have different hole diameters. All of the first and second type connections 1, 20 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, as well as the necks 22 of the distributor pipe 10, can be integrally connected to the other elements by means of a welding process.

[0055] The invention is not limited to one of the previously described embodiments, but can be modified in a variety of ways. The distributor pipe according to the invention is manufactured with one or more distribution channels in a single, one-piece, material using a manufacturing process in a single production step. In particular, the distributor pipe is extruded from a thermoplastic material and can be used particularly in battery cooling systems.

[0056] Overall, the invention, through the described embodiments, manufacturing methods, and designs, offers a more cost-effective and efficient technical solution compared to known solutions for simple and complex assembly applications requiring three-way connections and multi-way corrugated pipe assemblies. The invention simultaneously optimizes the flow performance and reliability of the manifold and manifold connection.

[0057] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawings, including design details, spatial arrangements and method steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and in a wide variety of combinations.

[0058] Reference symbol list

[0059] L Pipe longitudinal axis (distribution pipe)

[0060] 1 connection (first type)

[0061] 2 wave crest

[0062] 3 wave trough

[0063] 5 basic bodies

[0064] 7 Corrugated pipe section

[0065] 8 smooth pipe section

[0066] 10 distribution pipe

[0067] 13 depression

[0068] 20 connection (second type)

[0069] 22 Necking

[0070] 24 Closure surface (necking)

[0071] 25 recess

Claims

Patent claims 1. Distributor pipe (10) for conducting and distributing fluids in battery cooling systems, with a base body (5) extending along a longitudinal pipe axis (L) and having corrugated pipe sections (7), wherein the corrugated pipe sections (7) of the base body (5) have circumferentially extending wave troughs (3) and wave crests (2) alternating along the longitudinal pipe axis (L), characterized in that the distributor pipe (10) comprises at least one connection (1) of the first type and a plurality of connections (20) of the second type, wherein the distributor pipe (10) is manufactured from a single material and in one piece with the connections of the first and second type (1, 20) in one production step.

2. Distributor pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that the distributor pipe (10) with its connections of the first and second type (1, 20) is extruded by means of extrusion, wherein the distributor pipe (10) with its connections of the first and second type (1, 20) is extruded from a thermoplastic material.

3. Distributor pipe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one connection of the first type (1) is arranged at a front end of the base body (5), wherein the connection of the first type (1) forms a channel opening for conducting fluids in the direction of the pipe longitudinal axis (L).

4. Distributor pipe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connections of the second type (20) are arranged perpendicular to the pipe longitudinal axis (L), wherein the connections of the second type (20) form channel openings for conducting fluids radially to the pipe longitudinal axis (L).

5. Distributor pipe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second type connections (20) can be connected directly and immediately to further elements, wherein the second type connections (20) of the distributor pipe (10) can be used in three-way connections and / or multi-way connection assemblies.

6. Distributor pipe according to claim 5, characterized in that the elements directly connectable to the second type of connections (20) are selected from the group Pipe elements and / or functional elements and / or valve elements are selected for the passage of fluids.

7. Distributor pipe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distributor pipe (10) comprises a hollow cylindrical cross-section over its entire longitudinal extent.

8. Distributor pipe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (5) of the distributor pipe (10) is designed as a smooth pipe in the region of the second type of connections (20) and has smooth pipe sections (8), each smooth pipe section (8) with second type of connections (20) being delimited by adjacently arranged corrugated pipe sections (7).

9. Distributor pipe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (5) of the distributor pipe (10) has depressions (13) in the region of the second type of connections (20), the depressions (13) extending radially towards the pipe longitudinal axis (L).

10. Distributor pipe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connections of the second type (20) are formed by necks (22) on the base body (5), wherein the necks (22) of the connections of the second type (20) are cylindrical.

11. Distributor pipe according to claim 10, characterized in that the necks (22) extend up to the height of the wave crests (2) of the corrugated pipe sections (7), wherein the necks (22) of the connections of the second type (20) have closing surfaces (24) at the height of the wave crests (2).

12. Distributor pipe according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the necks (22) comprise recesses (25) for forming distributor channels, wherein the recesses (25) extend through the necks (22) to the pipe longitudinal axis (L) of the base body (5).

13. Distributor pipe according to claim 12, characterized in that the individual recesses (25) of the necks (22) are dimensioned to different sizes, wherein the recesses (25) are cylindrical.

4. Distributor pipe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distributor pipe (10) can be connected to the other elements in a materially bonded manner via the connections of the first and second type (1, 20) by means of a welding process.

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