EP4360159A2 - Electronic system with sealing element - Google Patents

Electronic system with sealing element

Info

Publication number
EP4360159A2
EP4360159A2 EP22733627.8A EP22733627A EP4360159A2 EP 4360159 A2 EP4360159 A2 EP 4360159A2 EP 22733627 A EP22733627 A EP 22733627A EP 4360159 A2 EP4360159 A2 EP 4360159A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrical
electronic components
box
sealing element
electronic system
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22733627.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Lionel ROBILLON
Mohamed Ibrahimi
Fabienne TOURNEUX
Juan Carlos BATISTA
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Valeo Systemes Thermiques SAS
Original Assignee
Valeo Systemes Thermiques SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valeo Systemes Thermiques SAS filed Critical Valeo Systemes Thermiques SAS
Publication of EP4360159A2 publication Critical patent/EP4360159A2/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
    • H01M10/656—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells characterised by the type of heat-exchange fluid
    • H01M10/6567—Liquids
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/62—Heating or cooling; Temperature control specially adapted for specific applications
    • H01M10/625—Vehicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
    • H01M50/207—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/249—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders specially adapted for aircraft or vehicles, e.g. cars or trains
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/289—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by spacing elements or positioning means within frames, racks or packs

Definitions

  • the present invention lies in the field of thermal regulation devices for electrical or electronic components, and it relates more particularly to a thermal regulation device for an electronic system equipped with electrical and/or electronic components liable to heat up during their operation. working.
  • the electronic systems likely to be concerned by the present invention can equally well consist of computer servers and of electrical energy storage systems for motor vehicles, and more particularly for hybrid or electric vehicles.
  • the electric motors of such vehicles involve electronic systems that can take the form of batteries, which undergo successive phases of electrical charging and discharging and which need to be thermoregulated in order to protect the components they contain.
  • electronic systems heat up, for example during a fast charge, it is therefore important to be able to cool them quickly and efficiently, so as to preserve their efficiency.
  • Thermal regulation devices can thus be associated with these batteries, to modify the temperature of an electric battery, whether when starting the vehicle in cold weather, by increasing its temperature for example, or whether driving or during a battery recharging operation, by reducing the temperature of this electric battery, which tends to heat up during use.
  • thermal regulation devices make use of heat exchangers.
  • the various battery cells of an electrical storage system can in particular be cooled by means of a cold plate inside which a thermal regulation fluid circulates, the plate being in contact with the battery cells to be cooled. It has been observed that such heat exchangers can lead to inhomogeneous cooling of the electrical batteries of the same electrical storage system, then leading to a reduction in the overall performance of the electrical storage system.
  • thermal regulation devices also have a high thermal resistance due to the thicknesses of material present between the thermal regulation fluid and the battery cells.
  • thermal regulation devices for electric battery elements of electric or hybrid cars comprising a hermetically sealed casing in which the battery elements of the electrical energy storage system are immersed in a dielectric thermal regulating fluid.
  • a tank of dielectric fluid being located outside the casing and connected to said casing via a pump in order to allow the circulation of the fluid dielectric and the renewal of this dielectric fluid inside the case.
  • the dielectric fluid set in motion and cooled prior to its return to the casing, is also capable of circulating inside the casing around the electrical storage cells.
  • the components of the electronic systems are thus at least partially immersed in the thermal regulation fluid, which has the capacity to recover the calories given off by the electronic systems, and thus contributes to their cooling.
  • the more the electronic system is filled with thermal control fluid the better the thermal effect on the electrical and/or electronic components of the electronic system.
  • the present invention falls within this context by proposing an electronic system comprising electrical and/or electronic components and a thermal regulation device comprising a box configured to accommodate the electrical and/or electronic components, this box having a bottom wall and side walls opposite two by two defining an internal housing capable of receiving the electrical and/or electronic components arranged side by side along a longitudinal direction of the casing, this casing comprising at least one thermal regulation fluid supply element and at least one thermal regulation fluid evacuation element, the electronic system being characterized in that it comprises a sealing element, configured to be arranged on the one hand between the electrical and/or electronic components and the walls of the box, and on the other hand in each gap formed between two electrical and/or electronic components s neighbours.
  • This electronic system is therefore composed of electrical and/or electronic components and of a thermal regulation device comprising a box in which these components are housed in order to be immersed in the thermal regulation fluid.
  • the electronic system is particular in that the thermal regulation device is equipped with a sealing element forming in one piece an obstacle to the evacuation of the thermal regulation fluid between the components and the walls of the box and a obstacle to the evacuation of this fluid between the components.
  • the purpose of this sealing element is to ensure that the portions of the electrical and/or electronic components which carry the connection elements are not in contact with the thermal regulation fluid.
  • the sealing element according to the invention is formed from a single piece, which is configured to be arranged on the one hand between the electrical and/or electronic components and the side walls of the box, and on the other hand between the electrical and/or electronic components themselves. It is thus understood that the single sealing element surrounds each electrical and/or electronic component, and also surrounds the assembly formed by the juxtaposition of all the electrical and/or electronic components.
  • the electrical and/or electronic components extend mainly in a direction perpendicular to the bottom wall, the sealing element being arranged in contact with the electrical and/or electronic components, in the vicinity of the vertical end of the electrical and/or electronic components opposite the bottom wall.
  • This arrangement of the sealing element makes it possible to optimize the quantity of thermal regulation fluid within the casing of the thermal regulation device, so as to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange carried out by the fluid, while ensuring sealing of the vertical end of the electrical and/or electronic components opposite the bottom wall, this vertical end being that which carries the connection elements of the electrical and/or electronic components which thus remain accessible.
  • the sealing element is composed of a periphery matching the shape of the faces of the walls of the box defining the internal housing, and of transverse ribs arranged equidistant from each other, these transverse ribs being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the box.
  • the periphery of the sealing element and the transverse ribs extend mainly in the same plane.
  • the sealing element can thus be designed so as to be substantially flat, so that the periphery and the transverse ribs are arranged in the same plane, and by way of example a plane which includes a longitudinal axis.
  • Such a sealing element has a reduced bulk, and in particular a reduced vertical bulk, which allows optimum circulation of the thermal regulation fluid around the electrical and/or electronic components.
  • the periphery of the sealing element is extended by a flank extending substantially perpendicular to the plane in which this periphery mainly extends, the transverse ribs extending from this flank.
  • transverse ribs do not extend in continuity with the circumference, but are offset, in particular vertically, with respect to this circumference.
  • the sealing element comprises a rigid body and an elastically deformable part attached to this rigid body.
  • the sealing element thus comprises a rigid body, which plays the role of a rigid skeleton on which a part made of an elastically deformable material is added, by being for example molded.
  • the rigid body ensures the stability and solidity of the sealing element, while the elastically deformable part guarantees optimal sealing, this part being able to deform to match the shape of the electrical and/or electronic components that it surrounds.
  • the rigid body may, without this being limiting of the invention, participate in defining the periphery of the sealing element and each of the transverse ribs, or else be only provided at the level of the periphery of the sealing element.
  • the sealing element rests on a shoulder formed in the faces of the walls of the box defining the internal housing, this shoulder being present on each of these faces.
  • the sealing element is in position on the casing by cooperation of the periphery of the sealing element and the shoulder of the casing.
  • the periphery comprises a rigid body which makes it possible to ensure a stable position of the sealing element resting on the shoulder.
  • the box has a cover, this cover being equipped with an opening giving access to the connection elements of the electrical and/or electronic components arranged in the internal housing, the peripheral zone of the internal housing being covered by the cover.
  • the peripheral zone of the internal housing is defined as the zone which is in the vicinity of the side walls of the box. It should be noted that the shoulder formed on the side walls and against which the periphery of the sealing element rests is arranged in this peripheral zone so that the cover comes to cover the periphery of the sealing element when it comes to rest against the box.
  • the faces of the walls of the casing defining the internal housing which are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the casing comprise notches extending from a vertical end edge of said walls which is opposite to the wall of the casing. bottom, substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall.
  • the notches may extend from the shoulder of the faces of the box walls defining the internal housing.
  • elastic return means intended to hold the electrical and/or electronic components relative to each other, are arranged in the notches, so as to be interposed between the wall of the corresponding box and one of the electrical and/or electronic components.
  • the electrical and/or electronic components are separated from at least one electrical and/or electronic component by a separation member.
  • This separating member acts as a spacer, which makes it possible to distance two elements.
  • the separation member can for example be a corrugated sheet, which defines channels of passage of fluid along each of the electrical and/or electronic components arranged on either side of this separating member.
  • the separation member is configured to allow the thermal regulation fluid to pass between two electrical and/or electronic components.
  • the electrical and/or electronic components are separated by a distance of between 0.2 and 1 mm by the separation device.
  • This distance can in particular be adapted according to the viscosity of the thermal regulation fluid.
  • the box comprises a base and a lid, the base being constituted by the bottom wall and the side walls, this base being formed in one piece.
  • the base of the box then forms a one-piece assembly so that the bottom wall cannot be separated from the side walls without damaging one or the other.
  • This one-piece assembly can in particular be obtained by additive manufacturing, for example by 3D printing.
  • the box comprises a base and a lid, the base being constituted by the bottom wall and the side walls, this base being formed of a first element comprising the bottom wall and two opposite side walls, the other two side walls being attached and fixed to the first element.
  • the first element of the base can be formed from the bottom wall and transversely opposite side walls which carry the supply and evacuation elements, the two other side walls being attached to the first element to close in a second time the internal housing.
  • This embodiment requires several manufacturing operations; the base can for example be formed by stamping, then the other side walls are fixed by brazing on this base.
  • the box is made of a material chosen for its thermal insulation properties.
  • this material chosen for its thermal insulation properties is a plastic material.
  • the plastic material can be organosheet.
  • at least the bottom wall and the walls bearing the supply element and the discharge element are made of metal. More particularly, this metal can be aluminum.
  • the invention further relates to a method for obtaining an electronic system as described previously, which comprises a step of positioning an assembly comprising at least the electrical and/or electronic components in the internal housing defined by the wall of the bottom and the side walls of the casing and a step during which the sealing element is arranged on the one hand between the electrical and/or electronic components and the walls of the casing, and on the other hand in each gap formed between two neighboring electrical and/or electronic components.
  • electrical and/or electronic components can alone compose this assembly comprising at least the electrical and/or electronic components. Conversely, other elements can be added to these electrical and/or electronic components to form this assembly and participate in this positioning step.
  • the assembly comprising at least the electrical and/or electronic components comprises at least one separation member arranged between two neighboring electrical and/or electronic components.
  • the method for obtaining comprises a step of maintaining the electrical and/or electronic components in position, between the positioning step and the step during which the sealing element is arranged, this holding step consisting of positioning elastic return means between two opposite side walls and the assembly formed of at least the electrical and/or electronic components.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an electronic system according to the invention comprising a thermal regulation device and electrical and/or electronic components, some of these components having been removed to make visible a sealing element of the electronic system;
  • FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the electronic system of FIG. 1, seen in a vertical and transverse section plane;
  • FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2, in which all the electrical and/or electronic components have been removed to make visible the box in which these components are suitable to be housed;
  • FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an electronic system from which the casing has been removed to make apparent the cooperation of the electrical and/or electronic components with the sealing element and separation members intended to be arranged between these electrical and/or electronic components;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates, schematically, another perspective view of part of the sealing element and of the separation members of FIG. 4, the casing having also been removed in this view to make it possible to visualize the cooperation between these elements and electrical and/or electronic components;
  • FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an exploded view of the electronic system of FIG.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates, schematically, an exploded view of the electronic system of FIG. 2 according to a variant embodiment.
  • variants of the invention may be associated with each other, in various combinations, insofar as they are not incompatible or exclusive with respect to each other.
  • variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of characteristics described below in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and/or to differentiate the invention. compared to the prior art.
  • transverse and “vertical” refer to the orientation of the electronic system according to the invention.
  • a longitudinal direction corresponds to a main direction of elongation of the casing of the thermal regulation device, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a reference L, Y, T illustrated on the figures.
  • a transverse direction corresponds to a direction in which the electrical and/or electronic components mainly extend, this transverse direction being parallel to a transverse axis T of the reference L, V, T and this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.
  • a vertical direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a vertical axis V of the reference L, V, T, this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the transverse axis T.
  • thermal regulation fluid can refer to any heat transfer fluid or liquid, advantageously dielectric, diphasic or refrigerant, since this fluid or liquid has the effect of regulating the temperature of the electrical components and / or electronics of a thermal regulation device.
  • thermal regulation device in relation to an electronic system in the form of a motor vehicle electrical energy storage system, but it must be understood that such an application is not limiting and that it could in particular be applied in the context of the invention to electrical or electronic components equipping other electronic systems and for example computer servers.
  • FIG. 1 thus illustrates, schematically, a perspective view of an electronic system 1 according to the invention, in which a thermal regulation device is configured to modify the temperature, in particular in cooling, of electrical and/or electronic components, which here are electric battery module cells for a hybrid or electric vehicle.
  • a thermal regulation device is configured to modify the temperature, in particular in cooling, of electrical and/or electronic components, which here are electric battery module cells for a hybrid or electric vehicle.
  • the electronic system 1 thus comprises on the one hand electrical and/or electronic components 4 and on the other hand a thermal regulation device.
  • This thermal regulation device comprises a box 2 elongated mainly in a longitudinal direction, between a first longitudinal end 200 of the box 2 and a second longitudinal end 201 of the box 2.
  • the box 2 comprises a bottom wall 21 and four side walls 22 opposite two by two, these walls delimiting an internal housing 3, configured to accommodate the electrical and/or electronic components 4.
  • a part of these electrical and/or electronic components 4 has been removed from the illustration presented in FIG. 1 in order to allow a better visualization of the other components of the electronic system 1.
  • the electrical and/or electronic components 4 are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the box 2, here being arranged parallel to each other, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the box.
  • Each electrical and/or electronic component 4 is arranged at a distance from the neighboring electrical and/or electronic component 4, and at a distance from the side walls 22 which delimit the internal housing 3, so as to define spacings between them. These spacings allow in particular the thermal regulation fluid to circulate between the electrical and/or electronic components 4 and between the electrical and/or electronic components 4 and the side walls 22, which ensures optimum thermal regulation of each electrical component and/or electronics within the electronic system 1.
  • the electrical and/or electronic components 4 have, on a vertical end face 40 which extends opposite the bottom wall, connector elements 41 making it possible to connect the electrical and/or electronic components to a network electrical supply and/or distribution of the vehicle.
  • the side walls 22 of the box 2 have external faces 220, these external faces 220 of the side walls 22 being defined as those which are opposite to the internal housing 3.
  • the box 2 comprises at least one thermal regulation fluid supply element 5 and at least one thermal regulation fluid discharge element 6, these supply 5 and discharge 6 elements being communicating with the internal housing 3.
  • the thermal regulation fluid supply element 5 and the thermal regulation fluid discharge element 6 respectively protrude on one external faces 220 of the side walls 22 of the box 2.
  • the electronic system 1 comprises a sealing element 9, which is particular according to the invention in that it is configured to be arranged on the one hand between the electrical and/or electronic components 4 and the walls 22 of the box 2, and on the other hand in each gap formed between two neighboring electrical and/or electronic components 4. It is thus understood that the sealing element 9, in one piece made in one piece, surrounds each electrical and/or electronic component 4, and also surrounds the assembly formed by the juxtaposition of all the electrical and/or electronic components. electronics 4.
  • the sealing element in different embodiments, will be described in more detail below.
  • the box 2 may also include fastening means 210, which here consist of extensions of the bottom wall 21 and which include stiffening ribs linked to the side walls 22 which form the first longitudinal end 200 and the second longitudinal end 201 of the casing 2.
  • fastening means 210 for example fixing lugs equipped with eyelets, make it possible to facilitate the securing of the electronic system 1 to the hybrid or electric motor vehicle that it is intended to be equipped with.
  • FIG. 2 A description will now be given, with reference to FIG. 2, of a first embodiment of an electronic system according to the invention, which takes up most of the characteristics described above with reference to FIG. 1.
  • the box 2 comprises a cover 23, not visible in Figure 1 and which closes the internal housing 3 defined by the side walls 22 and the bottom wall 21.
  • This cover 23 rests on a rim 231 formed by an extension of a vertical end of these side walls 22 opposite the bottom wall.
  • a first portion 231 A of this flange 231 extends towards the outside of the internal housing 3, extending substantially perpendicularly the corresponding side wall in a substantially transverse direction and a second portion 231B of this flange 231 extends substantially perpendicularly extending the first portion 231 A opposite the bottom wall 21 in a substantially vertical direction.
  • the flange 231 is present continuously over the entire circumference of the box 2, forming an extension of each of the side faces 22.
  • the cover 23 extends from the first longitudinal end 200 of the box 2 to the second longitudinal end 201 of the box 2, substantially parallel to the wall bottom 21.
  • This cover 23 constitutes an empty frame in its center, so as to cover only the parts of the electrical and/or electronic components 4 which are in the vicinity of the side walls 22, and thus to leave the connector elements 41 accessible. , not shown in this figure 2, and which are arranged on the vertical end face 40 of these electrical and/or electronic components 4. It is thus understood that the cover 23 is equipped with an opening giving access to these elements of connectors 41 of the electrical and/or electronic components 4 arranged in the internal housing 3, the peripheral zone of this internal housing 3 being covered by the cover 23.
  • the cover 23 can be fixed on a base 24 of the casing 2 by means of screws or rivets 230, thus contributing to the tightness of the electronic system 1.
  • the sealing element 9 has a perimeter 91 and transverse ribs 92 which extend across the area delimited by the perimeter. According to the embodiment represented by FIG. 2, the periphery 91 of the sealing element 9 rests on the flange 231, and more particularly on the first portion 231A of this flange extending in a transverse and longitudinal plane. The sealing element 9 is thus in contact with each of the side faces 22 of the box 2.
  • the sealing element 9 at least around its periphery, comprises a rigid body and an elastically deformable part molded onto this rigid body.
  • the presence of the rigid body allows the sealing element to rest stably on the first portion 231A of the flange 231, and the elastically deformable part makes it possible to ensure contact between the sealing element and the walls of the box. , here the first portion of the rim, to achieve the seal.
  • the periphery 91 of the sealing element 9 is extended by a flank 93 extending substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal and transverse plane in which this periphery 91 mainly fits, the ribs transverse 92 extending from this flank 93.
  • the transverse ribs 92 can all extend in a plane parallel to the longitudinal and transverse plane in which the circumference 91 mainly fits, in vertical offset relative to the circumference 91 and therefore relative to the first portion 231A of the flange 231, or they can each extend in a vertical and transverse plane from the side 93. In each of these cases, the transverse ribs 92 form strips of the sealing element 9 which cross the box right through in a transverse direction.
  • transverse ribs 92 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the box 2.
  • transverse ribs 92 are arranged at regular intervals along a longitudinal direction, so that each transverse rib 92 can be arranged in the interstices formed between two neighboring electrical and/or electronic components 4 or, in the vicinity of the longitudinal ends 200 and 201 of the box 2, between an electrical and/or electronic component 4 and a side wall 22.
  • transverse ribs 92 are arranged near the vertical end 40 of the electrical and/or electronic components 4, this vertical end 40 being defined as their end which is at a distance from the bottom wall 21.
  • At least one of the walls delimiting the internal housing can comprise holding elements 42 which are configured to hold the electrical and/or electronic components 4 at a distance from each other and at a distance from the walls delimiting the internal housing 3 of the casing 2.
  • these holding elements 42 are aligned in two parallel rows, extending from the first longitudinal end 200 of the casing 2 at the second longitudinal end 201 of the box 2.
  • FIGS. 3 to 5 differs from what has been previously described in the arrangement of the bearing zone for the sealing element which is formed in the side walls of the box and in the shape of the sealing element.
  • the side walls 22 of the box 2 have external faces 220, defined as those which are opposite to the internal housing 3, and they have internal faces 221, which are those which are opposite this internal housing 3 , as they are particularly visible in Figure 3.
  • the internal faces 221 of the side walls 22 here comprise a shoulder 222, which extends along these internal faces 221 over the entire periphery of the box 2.
  • This shoulder 222 extends substantially parallel to the bottom wall, towards the outside of the box 2, and participates in forming an enlargement of the dimension of the internal housing 3 delimited between the side walls 22.
  • the side walls 22 also have, at their vertical end opposite the bottom wall, a rim 231 formed by a substantially vertical extension of these side walls 22, the rim 231 extending towards the outside of the internal housing 3 in a substantially transverse direction.
  • the rim 231 only has a first portion 231A extending substantially perpendicularly from the corresponding side wall in a substantially transverse direction. This rim 231 is present on each of the side faces 22, the first portion 231 A perpendicularly extending the shoulder 222.
  • the internal faces 221 of the side walls 2 which are arranged in the vicinity of the first longitudinal end 200 and the second longitudinal end 201 of the box 2, in other words the internal faces 221 of the side walls 2 which do not carry the power supply element in thermal regulation liquid 5 and the thermal regulation liquid discharge element 6, have indentations 223.
  • the notches 223 have a longitudinal end 224, which originates at the level of the shoulder 222 of the internal faces 221 of the side walls 22 of the box 2 defining the internal housing 3. These notches 223 are formed by a local deformation of the side wall 22 which creates a projection on the outer face 220. However, one could imagine an embodiment with a flat outer face 220 and a notch 223 cut into the material of the corresponding side wall 22.
  • notches 223 extend from the shoulder 222, in a substantially vertical direction, towards the bottom wall 21 but without extending as far as the latter.
  • the notches 223 thus have a vertical end 224, opposite the shoulder 222 which extends away from the bottom wall 21.
  • the notches 223 are suitable for receiving elastic return means, for example springs, intended to hold the electrical and/or electronic components 4 relative to each other, by exerting an elastic return force substantially perpendicular to the plane of elongation principal of each of the electrical and/or electronic components 4.
  • elastic return means for example springs
  • the sealing element 9 is here again configured to be arranged between the electrical and/or electronic components 4 and the side walls 22. This sealing element 9 is arranged near the vertical end 40 of the electrical and/or electronic components. or electronic 4 and has a perimeter 91 and transverse ribs 92.
  • the periphery 91 of the sealing element 9 and the transverse ribs 92 extend mainly in the same plane . It is thus understood that the sealing element 9 is here a substantially flat element.
  • Perimeter 91 rests, according to this embodiment, on shoulder 222 as illustrated in FIG. 3, this shoulder 222 being formed by side walls 22 inside internal housing 3. Perimeter 91 therefore matches the shape of the internal housing 3.
  • the periphery 91 extends mainly in a longitudinal and transverse plane, the transverse ribs 92 extending across the box 2 substantially in this same plane, in a transverse direction.
  • the transverse ribs 92 are arranged equidistant from each other, and are configured so as to be able to be inserted between each electrical and/or electronic component 4, thus ensuring the tightness of the vertical end 40 of each electrical and/or electronic component 4.
  • This particular arrangement of the sealing element 9 makes it possible to avoid the immersion of the connector elements 41 of the electrical and/or electronic components 4 in the regulating fluid thermal, these connection elements 41 being arranged on the vertical end 40 of the electrical and/or electronic components 4.
  • each separation member 8 therefore extends within the internal housing of a end to the other of box 2 in a substantially transverse direction, that is to say substantially perpendicular to the direction of elongation of box 2.
  • the separation member 8 constitutes a spacer, which makes it possible to ensure a defined distance between two neighboring electrical and/or electronic components 4.
  • This separation member 8 can be interposed between each electrical and/or electronic component 4, or even be placed every two electrical and/or electronic components 4, so that each electrical and/or electronic component 4 is separated by at least another electrical and/or electronic component 4 by a separation member 8.
  • the separating member 8 can in particular be a corrugated sheet, which defines fluid passage channels along each of the electrical and/or electronic components 4 arranged on either side of this separating member 8. It is thus understood that the separation member 8 is configured to allow the thermal regulation fluid to pass.
  • the undulations of the sheet metal of the separation member are arranged in such a way as to allow and guide the circulation of the thermal regulation fluid transversely, from one side wall to the other.
  • the electrical and/or electronic components 4 are separated by a distance of between 0.2 and 1 mm by the separating member 8.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the electronic system 1 of FIG. 2 in perspective view.
  • the box 2 comprises a base 24 and a cover 23 as previously mentioned, this base consisting of the bottom wall 21 and the side walls 22.
  • This base forms a one-piece assembly, which is formed in one piece. It is therefore not possible to separate the bottom wall 21 from the side walls 22 without damaging one or the other of these elements.
  • the one-piece assembly can in particular be obtained by additive manufacturing, and more particularly by 3D printing.
  • the box 2 can be made of a material chosen for its thermal insulation properties.
  • this material chosen for its thermal insulation properties can be a plastic material. Even more particularly, this plastic material can be organosheet.
  • Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment which differs from what was previously described in that the base 24 does not form a one-piece assembly.
  • the base 24 is here formed of a first element comprising the bottom wall 21 and two opposite side walls 22, while the other two side walls 22 are made independently and then attached and fixed to the first element. It is understood that the base 24 can thus be made up of the bottom wall 21 and the opposite side walls 22 which carry the thermal regulation liquid supply element 5 and the thermal regulation liquid discharge element 6, the other two side walls 22 being attached to the first element of the base 24.
  • At least the bottom wall 21 and the side walls 22 carrying the thermal regulation liquid supply element 5 and the thermal regulation liquid discharge element 6 can be made of metal.
  • this metal can be aluminum.
  • the first element of the base 24 can for example be formed by stamping, which simplifies the formation of the U-shaped section of each of the ducts 50, 60, then the other side walls 22 are fixed by brazing on the first base element 24.
  • An electronic system 1 according to the invention can be obtained by a method which comprises a step of positioning an assembly comprising at least the electrical and/or electronic components 4 in the housing defined by the bottom wall and the side walls of the box , and a step during which the sealing element 9 is arranged on the one hand between the electrical and/or electronic components 4 and the walls 22 of the casing 2, and on the other hand in each gap formed between two components electric and/or electronic 4 neighbours.
  • a method of obtaining can equally well be applied to the embodiment of FIG. 6 according to which the base 24 forms a one-piece assembly, and to the embodiment of FIG. 7 according to which the base 24 is formed from a first element comprising the bottom wall 21 and two opposite side walls 22, the other two side walls 22 being attached to this first element.
  • the positioning step consists of arranging an assembly comprising at least the electrical and/or electronic components 4 within the internal housing 3 of the box 2.
  • This step may in particular involve the holding elements 42, which are capable of being inserted between each electrical and/or electronic component 4 in order to ensure a optimal positioning of the electrical and/or electronic components 4 within the internal housing 3.
  • the assembly comprising at least the electrical and/or electronic components 4 can also comprise at least one separation member 8 placed between two electrical and/or electronic components neighboring electronics. This separation member 8 can be arranged between two adjacent electrical and/or electronic components 4, or even both electrical and/or electronic components 4, so that each electrical and/or electronic component 4 is separated by at least one other electrical and/or electronic component 4 by this separation member 8.
  • the method for obtaining an electronic system continues with a step during which the sealing element 9 is arranged on the one hand between the electrical and/or electronic components 4 and the walls 22 of the box 2, and secondly in each gap formed between two electrical and / or electronic components 4 neighbors. It is understood that the periphery 91 of the sealing element 9 is arranged between the electrical and/or electronic components 4 and the side walls 22 of the casing, while the transverse ribs 92 of this sealing element are inserted between each electrical and/or electronic component 4, in the interstices separating them.
  • This periphery 91 rests on a bearing surface formed, according to the embodiments, by the shoulder 221 formed in the faces of the walls 22 or by the first portion 231A of the rim 231 of these walls 22, and rests stably on this support surface thanks to its rigid body.
  • the box 2 can be closed by the cover 23.
  • This cover 23 can be fixed on the flanges 231, for example by means of screws or rivets 230, in order to ensure the sealing of the casing 2.
  • the method for obtaining may also comprise a step of holding the assembly comprising at least the electrical and/or electronic components 4 in position, between the positioning step and the step during which the element of sealing 9 is arranged.
  • This holding step may in particular consist of positioning elastic return means as described above, between two opposite side walls 22 and the assembly formed of at least the electrical and/or electronic components 4.
  • Such means of elastic return such as springs, can be arranged in the notches 223 of the internal faces 221 of the side walls 22, in order to hold the electrical and/or electronic components 4 in place.
  • the present invention thus proposes an electronic system comprising electrical and/or electronic components and a thermal regulation device, this system electronic being provided with a sealing element capable of preventing the circulation of the thermal regulation fluid in the vicinity of the end of the electrical and/or electronic components which carries their connection elements.
  • a sealing element capable of preventing the circulation of the thermal regulation fluid in the vicinity of the end of the electrical and/or electronic components which carries their connection elements.
  • the present invention cannot however be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically effective combination of such means, provided that it includes an element of sealing configured to, in a single piece, be arranged on the one hand between the electrical and / or electronic components and the walls of the box, and on the other hand between two neighboring electrical and / or electronic components.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic system (1) comprising electrical and/or electronic components (4) and a temperature control device comprising a casing (2) configured to receive the electrical and/or electronic components (4), said casing (2) having a bottom wall (21) and side walls (22) in mutually opposing pairs defining an inner recess (3) capable of receiving the electrical and/or electronic components (4) arranged side by side along a longitudinal direction of the casing (2), said casing (2) comprising at least one temperature control fluid supply element (5) and at least one temperature control fluid discharge element (6). The electronic system (1) is characterized in that it comprises a single sealing element (9) configured to be placed, on the one hand, between the electrical and/or electronic components (4) and the walls (22) of the casing (2) and, on the other hand, in each gap formed between two adjacent electric and/or electronic components (4).

Description

DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
Titre : Système électronique équipé d’un élément d’étanchéité Title: Electronic system equipped with a sealing element
La présente invention se situe dans le domaine des dispositifs de régulation thermique de composants électriques ou électroniques, et elle concerne plus particulièrement un dispositif de régulation thermique d’un système électronique équipé de composants électriques et/ ou électroniques susceptibles de s’échauffer lors de leur fonctionnement.The present invention lies in the field of thermal regulation devices for electrical or electronic components, and it relates more particularly to a thermal regulation device for an electronic system equipped with electrical and/or electronic components liable to heat up during their operation. working.
Les systèmes électroniques susceptibles d’être concernés par la présente invention peuvent aussi bien consister en des serveurs informatiques qu’en des systèmes de stockage d’énergie électrique pour des véhicules automobiles, et plus particulièrement pour des véhicules hybrides ou électriques. The electronic systems likely to be concerned by the present invention can equally well consist of computer servers and of electrical energy storage systems for motor vehicles, and more particularly for hybrid or electric vehicles.
Les motorisations électriques de tels véhicules font intervenir des systèmes électroniques pouvant prendre la forme de batteries, qui subissent des phases successives de charge et de décharge électriques et qui nécessitent d’être thermorégulées afin de protéger les composants qu’elles comprennent. Lorsque ces systèmes électroniques s’échauffent, par exemple lors d’une charge rapide, il est ainsi important de pouvoir les refroidir rapidement et efficacement, de façon à préserver leur efficacité. The electric motors of such vehicles involve electronic systems that can take the form of batteries, which undergo successive phases of electrical charging and discharging and which need to be thermoregulated in order to protect the components they contain. When these electronic systems heat up, for example during a fast charge, it is therefore important to be able to cool them quickly and efficiently, so as to preserve their efficiency.
Des dispositifs de régulation thermique peuvent ainsi être associés à ces batteries, pour modifier une température d’une batterie électrique, que ce soit lors d’un démarrage du véhicule par temps froid, en augmentant sa température par exemple, ou que ce soit en cours de roulage ou lors d’une opération de recharge de la batterie, en diminuant la température de cette batterie électrique, qui tend à s’échauffer au cours de son utilisation.Thermal regulation devices can thus be associated with these batteries, to modify the temperature of an electric battery, whether when starting the vehicle in cold weather, by increasing its temperature for example, or whether driving or during a battery recharging operation, by reducing the temperature of this electric battery, which tends to heat up during use.
D’une manière générale, de tels dispositifs de régulation thermique de batteries électriques font appel à des échangeurs de chaleur. Les différentes cellules de batterie d’un système de stockage électrique peuvent notamment être refroidies au moyen d’une plaque froide à l’intérieur de laquelle circule un fluide de régulation thermique, la plaque étant en contact avec les cellules de batterie à refroidir. Il a pu être constaté que de tels échangeurs de chaleur peuvent conduire à un refroidissement non homogène des batteries électriques d’un même système de stockage électrique, entraînant alors une diminution de la performance globale du système de stockage électrique. Ces dispositifs de régulation thermique présentent en outre une résistance thermique élevée en raison des épaisseurs de matière présentes entre le fluide de régulation thermique et les cellules de batterie. Dans le but d’apporter une réponse à ces différentes problématiques, on connaît des dispositifs de régulation thermique des éléments de batterie électriques de voitures électriques ou hybrides comprenant un boîtier fermé hermétiquement dans lequel les éléments de batterie du système de stockage d’énergie électrique sont plongés dans un fluide de régulation thermique diélectrique. On assure de la sorte un échange thermique entre les éléments de batterie et le fluide diélectrique, une cuve de fluide diélectrique étant située à l’extérieur du boîtier et reliée audit boîtier par l’intermédiaire d’une pompe afin de permettre la circulation du fluide diélectrique et le renouvellement de ce fluide diélectrique à l’intérieur du boîtier. De la sorte, le fluide diélectrique, mis en mouvement et refroidi préalablement à son retour dans le boîtier, est également apte à circuler à l’intérieur du boîtier autour des cellules de stockage électrique. In general, such devices for thermal regulation of electric batteries make use of heat exchangers. The various battery cells of an electrical storage system can in particular be cooled by means of a cold plate inside which a thermal regulation fluid circulates, the plate being in contact with the battery cells to be cooled. It has been observed that such heat exchangers can lead to inhomogeneous cooling of the electrical batteries of the same electrical storage system, then leading to a reduction in the overall performance of the electrical storage system. These thermal regulation devices also have a high thermal resistance due to the thicknesses of material present between the thermal regulation fluid and the battery cells. With the aim of providing an answer to these various problems, there are known thermal regulation devices for electric battery elements of electric or hybrid cars comprising a hermetically sealed casing in which the battery elements of the electrical energy storage system are immersed in a dielectric thermal regulating fluid. In this way, heat exchange is ensured between the battery cells and the dielectric fluid, a tank of dielectric fluid being located outside the casing and connected to said casing via a pump in order to allow the circulation of the fluid dielectric and the renewal of this dielectric fluid inside the case. In this way, the dielectric fluid, set in motion and cooled prior to its return to the casing, is also capable of circulating inside the casing around the electrical storage cells.
Les composants des systèmes électroniques sont ainsi au moins partiellement immergés dans le fluide de régulation thermique, qui a la capacité de récupérer les calories dégagées par les systèmes électroniques, et contribue ainsi à leur refroidissement. Plus le système électronique est rempli de fluide de régulation thermique, meilleure est l’effet thermique sur les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques du système électronique. Il convient toutefois de s’assurer, dans ce contexte d’optimisation de la régulation thermique du système électronique, que les éléments de connectique électrique des composants de ce système électronique sont sécurisés et opérationnels, c’est-à-dire de s’assurer que ces éléments de connectique électrique ne sont pas immergés dans le fluide de régulation thermique. The components of the electronic systems are thus at least partially immersed in the thermal regulation fluid, which has the capacity to recover the calories given off by the electronic systems, and thus contributes to their cooling. The more the electronic system is filled with thermal control fluid, the better the thermal effect on the electrical and/or electronic components of the electronic system. However, it is necessary to ensure, in this context of optimizing the thermal regulation of the electronic system, that the electrical connection elements of the components of this electronic system are secure and operational, i.e. to ensure that these electrical connection elements are not immersed in the thermal regulation fluid.
La présente invention s’inscrit dans ce contexte en proposant un système électronique comprenant des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques et un dispositif de régulation thermique comprenant un caisson configuré pour accueillir les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques, ce caisson présentant une paroi de fond et des parois latérales opposées deux à deux définissant un logement interne apte à recevoir les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques disposés côte à côte le long d’une direction longitudinale du caisson, ce caisson comportant au moins un élément d’alimentation en fluide de régulation thermique et au moins un élément d’évacuation de fluide de régulation thermique, le système électronique étant caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend un élément d’étanchéité, configuré pour être agencé d’une part entre les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques et les parois du caisson, et d’autre part dans chaque interstice formé entre deux composants électriques et/ou électroniques voisins. Ce système électronique est donc composé de composants électriques et/ ou électroniques et d’un dispositif de régulation thermique comportant un caisson dans lequel sont logés ces composants pour être immergé dans du fluide de régulation thermique. Et le système électronique est particulier en ce que le dispositif de régulation thermique est équipé d’un élément d’étanchéité formant d’un seul tenant un obstacle à l’évacuation du fluide de régulation thermique entre les composants et les parois du caisson et un obstacle à l’évacuation de ce fluide entre les composants. Cet élément d’étanchéité a pour but d’assurer que les portions des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques qui portent les éléments de connectique ne soient pas au contact du fluide de régulation thermique. L’élément d’étanchéité selon l’invention est formé d’une pièce unique, qui est configurée pour être disposée d’une part entre les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques et les parois latérales du caisson, et d’autre part entre les composants électriques et/ou électroniques eux-mêmes. On comprend ainsi que l’élément d’étanchéité unique entoure chaque composant électrique et/ ou électronique, et entoure également l’ensemble formé par la juxtaposition de tous les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques. The present invention falls within this context by proposing an electronic system comprising electrical and/or electronic components and a thermal regulation device comprising a box configured to accommodate the electrical and/or electronic components, this box having a bottom wall and side walls opposite two by two defining an internal housing capable of receiving the electrical and/or electronic components arranged side by side along a longitudinal direction of the casing, this casing comprising at least one thermal regulation fluid supply element and at least one thermal regulation fluid evacuation element, the electronic system being characterized in that it comprises a sealing element, configured to be arranged on the one hand between the electrical and/or electronic components and the walls of the box, and on the other hand in each gap formed between two electrical and/or electronic components s neighbours. This electronic system is therefore composed of electrical and/or electronic components and of a thermal regulation device comprising a box in which these components are housed in order to be immersed in the thermal regulation fluid. And the electronic system is particular in that the thermal regulation device is equipped with a sealing element forming in one piece an obstacle to the evacuation of the thermal regulation fluid between the components and the walls of the box and a obstacle to the evacuation of this fluid between the components. The purpose of this sealing element is to ensure that the portions of the electrical and/or electronic components which carry the connection elements are not in contact with the thermal regulation fluid. The sealing element according to the invention is formed from a single piece, which is configured to be arranged on the one hand between the electrical and/or electronic components and the side walls of the box, and on the other hand between the electrical and/or electronic components themselves. It is thus understood that the single sealing element surrounds each electrical and/or electronic component, and also surrounds the assembly formed by the juxtaposition of all the electrical and/or electronic components.
Selon une caractéristique de l’invention, les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques s’étendent principalement dans une direction perpendiculaire à la paroi de fond, l’élément d’étanchéité étant disposé au contact des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques, au voisinage de l’extrémité verticale des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques opposée à la paroi de fond. According to one characteristic of the invention, the electrical and/or electronic components extend mainly in a direction perpendicular to the bottom wall, the sealing element being arranged in contact with the electrical and/or electronic components, in the vicinity of the vertical end of the electrical and/or electronic components opposite the bottom wall.
Cette disposition de l’élément d’étanchéité permet d’optimiser la quantité de fluide de régulation thermique au sein du caisson du dispositif de régulation thermique, de manière à augmenter l’efficacité de l’échange thermique réalisée par le fluide, tout en assurant une étanchéité de l’extrémité verticale des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques opposée à la paroi de fond, cette extrémité verticale étant celle qui porte les éléments de connectique des composants électriques et/ou électroniques qui restent ainsi accessibles.This arrangement of the sealing element makes it possible to optimize the quantity of thermal regulation fluid within the casing of the thermal regulation device, so as to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange carried out by the fluid, while ensuring sealing of the vertical end of the electrical and/or electronic components opposite the bottom wall, this vertical end being that which carries the connection elements of the electrical and/or electronic components which thus remain accessible.
Selon une caractéristique de l’invention, l’élément d’étanchéité est composé d’un pourtour épousant la forme des faces des parois du caisson définissant le logement interne, et de nervures transversales disposées à équidistance les unes des autres, ces nervures transversales étant sensiblement perpendiculaires à la direction longitudinale du caisson. Selon un mode de réalisation de l’invention, le pourtour de l’élément d’étanchéité et les nervures transversales s’étendent principalement dans un même plan. According to one characteristic of the invention, the sealing element is composed of a periphery matching the shape of the faces of the walls of the box defining the internal housing, and of transverse ribs arranged equidistant from each other, these transverse ribs being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the box. According to one embodiment of the invention, the periphery of the sealing element and the transverse ribs extend mainly in the same plane.
L’élément d’étanchéité peut ainsi être conçu de façon à être sensiblement plat, de sorte que le pourtour et les nervures transversales soient disposés dans un même plan, et à titre d’exemple un plan qui comprend un axe longitudinal. Un tel élément d’étanchéité présente un encombrement réduit, et notamment un encombrement vertical réduit, ce qui permet une circulation optimale du fluide de régulation thermique autour des composants électriques et/ou électroniques. The sealing element can thus be designed so as to be substantially flat, so that the periphery and the transverse ribs are arranged in the same plane, and by way of example a plane which includes a longitudinal axis. Such a sealing element has a reduced bulk, and in particular a reduced vertical bulk, which allows optimum circulation of the thermal regulation fluid around the electrical and/or electronic components.
Selon un mode de réalisation alternatif, le pourtour de l’élément d’étanchéité est prolongé par un flanc s’étendant sensiblement perpendiculairement au plan dans lequel s’étend principalement ce pourtour, les nervures transversales s’étendant à partir de ce flanc.According to an alternative embodiment, the periphery of the sealing element is extended by a flank extending substantially perpendicular to the plane in which this periphery mainly extends, the transverse ribs extending from this flank.
Dans ce contexte, il est notable que les nervures transversales ne s’étendent pas dans la continuité du pourtour, mais en étant décalés, notamment verticalement, par rapport à ce pourtour. In this context, it is noteworthy that the transverse ribs do not extend in continuity with the circumference, but are offset, in particular vertically, with respect to this circumference.
Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, l’élément d’étanchéité comporte un corps rigide et une partie déformable élastiquement rapportée sur ce corps rigide. According to a particular embodiment, the sealing element comprises a rigid body and an elastically deformable part attached to this rigid body.
L’élément d’étanchéité comporte ainsi un corps rigide, qui joue le rôle d’un squelette rigide sur lequel une partie réalisée en un matériau déformable élastiquement est rapportée, en étant par exemple surmoulée. Le corps rigide assure la stabilité et la solidité de l’élément d’étanchéité, tandis que la partie déformable élastiquement garantit une étanchéité optimale, cette partie pouvant se déformer pour épouser la forme des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques qu’elle ceint. Le corps rigide peut, sans que cela soit limitatif de l’invention, participer à définir le pourtour de l’élément d’étanchéité et chacune des nervures transversales, ou bien être uniquement prévu au niveau du pourtour de l’élément d’étanchéité. The sealing element thus comprises a rigid body, which plays the role of a rigid skeleton on which a part made of an elastically deformable material is added, by being for example molded. The rigid body ensures the stability and solidity of the sealing element, while the elastically deformable part guarantees optimal sealing, this part being able to deform to match the shape of the electrical and/or electronic components that it surrounds. The rigid body may, without this being limiting of the invention, participate in defining the periphery of the sealing element and each of the transverse ribs, or else be only provided at the level of the periphery of the sealing element.
Avantageusement, l’élément d’étanchéité repose sur un épaulement formé dans les faces des parois du caisson définissant le logement interne, cet épaulement étant présent sur chacune de ces faces. Advantageously, the sealing element rests on a shoulder formed in the faces of the walls of the box defining the internal housing, this shoulder being present on each of these faces.
Cet épaulement permet d’assurer le maintien de l’élément d’étanchéité au sein du caisson du dispositif de régulation thermique. Selon une caractéristique de l’invention, l’élément d’étanchéité est en position sur le caisson par coopération du pourtour de l’élément d’étanchéité et de l’épaulement du caisson. Tel qu’évoqué précédemment, au moins le pourtour comporte un corps rigide ce qui permet d’assurer une position stable de l’élément d’étanchéité reposant sur l’épaulement. This shoulder makes it possible to maintain the sealing element within the casing of the thermal regulation device. According to one characteristic of the invention, the sealing element is in position on the casing by cooperation of the periphery of the sealing element and the shoulder of the casing. As mentioned previously, at least the periphery comprises a rigid body which makes it possible to ensure a stable position of the sealing element resting on the shoulder.
Avantageusement, le caisson présente un couvercle, ce couvercle étant équipé d’une ouverture dégageant un accès aux éléments de connectique des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques disposés dans le logement interne, la zone périphérique du logement interne étant recouverte par le couvercle. Advantageously, the box has a cover, this cover being equipped with an opening giving access to the connection elements of the electrical and/or electronic components arranged in the internal housing, the peripheral zone of the internal housing being covered by the cover.
La zone périphérique du logement interne est définie comme la zone qui se trouve au voisinage des parois latérales du caisson. Il convient de noter que l’épaulement formé sur les parois latérales et contre lequel repose le pourtour de l’élément d’étanchéité est agencé dans cette zone périphérique de sorte que le couvercle vient recouvrir le pourtour de l’élément d’étanchéité lorsqu’il vient reposer contre le caisson. The peripheral zone of the internal housing is defined as the zone which is in the vicinity of the side walls of the box. It should be noted that the shoulder formed on the side walls and against which the periphery of the sealing element rests is arranged in this peripheral zone so that the cover comes to cover the periphery of the sealing element when it comes to rest against the box.
Selon une caractéristique optionnelle de l’invention, les faces des parois du caisson définissant le logement interne qui sont perpendiculaires à la direction longitudinale du caisson comprennent des échancrures s’étendant depuis un bord d’extrémité verticale desdites parois qui est opposé à la paroi de fond, sensiblement perpendiculairement à la paroi de fond. According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the faces of the walls of the casing defining the internal housing which are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the casing comprise notches extending from a vertical end edge of said walls which is opposite to the wall of the casing. bottom, substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall.
Les échancrures peuvent s’étendre depuis l’épaulement des faces des parois du caisson définissant le logement interne. The notches may extend from the shoulder of the faces of the box walls defining the internal housing.
Selon une caractéristique optionnelle de l’invention, des moyens de rappel élastique, destinés à maintenir les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques les uns par rapport aux autres, sont disposés dans les échancrures, de manière à être interposés entre la paroi du caisson correspondante et l’un des composants électriques et/ou électroniques. According to an optional characteristic of the invention, elastic return means, intended to hold the electrical and/or electronic components relative to each other, are arranged in the notches, so as to be interposed between the wall of the corresponding box and one of the electrical and/or electronic components.
Selon une caractéristique optionnelle de l’invention, les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques sont séparés d’au moins un composant électrique et/ ou électronique par un organe de séparation. According to an optional feature of the invention, the electrical and/or electronic components are separated from at least one electrical and/or electronic component by a separation member.
Cet organe de séparation joue le rôle d’entretoise, qui permet de distancer deux éléments. L’organe de séparation peut par exemple être une tôle ondulée, qui définit des canaux de passage de fluide le long de chacun des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques disposés de part et d’autre de cet organe de séparation. This separating member acts as a spacer, which makes it possible to distance two elements. The separation member can for example be a corrugated sheet, which defines channels of passage of fluid along each of the electrical and/or electronic components arranged on either side of this separating member.
Selon une caractéristique de l’invention, l’organe de séparation est configuré pour laisser passer le fluide de régulation thermique entre deux composants électriques et/ ou électroniques. According to one characteristic of the invention, the separation member is configured to allow the thermal regulation fluid to pass between two electrical and/or electronic components.
Par exemple, les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques sont écartés d’une distance comprise entre 0,2 et 1 mm par l’organe de séparation. Cette distance peut notamment être adaptée en fonction de la viscosité du fluide de régulation thermique. For example, the electrical and/or electronic components are separated by a distance of between 0.2 and 1 mm by the separation device. This distance can in particular be adapted according to the viscosity of the thermal regulation fluid.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l’invention, le caisson comporte une base et un couvercle, la base étant constituée par la paroi de fond et les parois latérales, cette base étant formée d’un seul tenant. According to one embodiment of the invention, the box comprises a base and a lid, the base being constituted by the bottom wall and the side walls, this base being formed in one piece.
La base du caisson forme alors un ensemble monobloc de sorte qu’on ne peut pas séparer la paroi de fond des parois latérales sans détériorer l’une ou l’autre. Cet ensemble monobloc peut notamment être obtenu par fabrication additive, par exemple par impression 3D. The base of the box then forms a one-piece assembly so that the bottom wall cannot be separated from the side walls without damaging one or the other. This one-piece assembly can in particular be obtained by additive manufacturing, for example by 3D printing.
Selon un mode de réalisation alternatif de l’invention, le caisson comporte une base et un couvercle, la base étant constituée par la paroi de fond et les parois latérales, cette base étant formée d’un premier élément comportant la paroi de fond et deux parois latérales opposées, les deux autres parois latérales étant rapportées et fixées sur le premier élément.According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the box comprises a base and a lid, the base being constituted by the bottom wall and the side walls, this base being formed of a first element comprising the bottom wall and two opposite side walls, the other two side walls being attached and fixed to the first element.
Plus particulièrement, le premier élément de la base peut être formé de la paroi de fond et des parois latérales opposées transversalement qui portent les éléments d’alimentation et d’évacuation, les deux autres parois latérales étant rapportées sur le premier élément pour fermer dans un deuxième temps le logement interne. Ce mode de réalisation nécessite plusieurs opérations de fabrication ; la base peut par exemple être formée par emboutissage, puis les autres parois latérales sont fixées par brasage sur cette base. More particularly, the first element of the base can be formed from the bottom wall and transversely opposite side walls which carry the supply and evacuation elements, the two other side walls being attached to the first element to close in a second time the internal housing. This embodiment requires several manufacturing operations; the base can for example be formed by stamping, then the other side walls are fixed by brazing on this base.
Selon une caractéristique de l’invention, le caisson est réalisé en un matériau choisi pour ses propriétés d’isolation thermique. According to one characteristic of the invention, the box is made of a material chosen for its thermal insulation properties.
Particulièrement, ce matériau choisi pour ses propriétés d’isolation thermique est un matériau plastique. Encore plus particulièrement, le matériau plastique peut être de l’organosheet. Selon une caractéristique alternative de l’invention, au moins la paroi de fond et les parois portant l’élément d’alimentation et l’élément d’évacuation sont réalisées en métal. Plus particulièrement, ce métal peut être de l’aluminium. In particular, this material chosen for its thermal insulation properties is a plastic material. Even more particularly, the plastic material can be organosheet. According to an alternative characteristic of the invention, at least the bottom wall and the walls bearing the supply element and the discharge element are made of metal. More particularly, this metal can be aluminum.
L’invention concerne en outre un procédé d’obtention d’un système électronique tel que décrit précédemment, qui comporte une étape de positionnement d’un ensemble comprenant au moins les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques dans le logement interne défini par la paroi de fond et les parois latérales du caisson et une étape au cours de laquelle l’élément d’étanchéité est agencé d’une part entre les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques et les parois du caisson, et d’autre part dans chaque interstice formé entre deux composants électriques et/ou électroniques voisins. The invention further relates to a method for obtaining an electronic system as described previously, which comprises a step of positioning an assembly comprising at least the electrical and/or electronic components in the internal housing defined by the wall of the bottom and the side walls of the casing and a step during which the sealing element is arranged on the one hand between the electrical and/or electronic components and the walls of the casing, and on the other hand in each gap formed between two neighboring electrical and/or electronic components.
On comprend que des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques peuvent à eux seuls composer cet ensemble comprenant au moins les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques. Inversement, d’autres éléments peuvent être ajoutés à ces composants électriques et/ ou électroniques pour former cet ensemble et participer à cette étape de positionnement. It is understood that electrical and/or electronic components can alone compose this assembly comprising at least the electrical and/or electronic components. Conversely, other elements can be added to these electrical and/or electronic components to form this assembly and participate in this positioning step.
Selon une caractéristique de l’invention, l’ensemble comprenant au moins les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques comprend au moins un organe de séparation disposé entre deux composants électriques et/ou électroniques voisins. According to one characteristic of the invention, the assembly comprising at least the electrical and/or electronic components comprises at least one separation member arranged between two neighboring electrical and/or electronic components.
Selon une autre caractéristique de l’invention, le procédé d’obtention comporte une étape de maintien en position des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques, entre l’étape de positionnement et l’étape au cours de laquelle l’élément d’étanchéité est agencé, cette étape de maintien consistant en la mise en position de moyens de rappel élastique entre deux parois latérales opposées et l’ensemble formé d’au moins les composants électriques et/ou électroniques. According to another characteristic of the invention, the method for obtaining comprises a step of maintaining the electrical and/or electronic components in position, between the positioning step and the step during which the sealing element is arranged, this holding step consisting of positioning elastic return means between two opposite side walls and the assembly formed of at least the electrical and/or electronic components.
D’autres caractéristiques, détails et avantages de l’invention ressortiront plus clairement à la lecture de la description qui suit d’une part, et d’exemples de réalisation donnés à titre indicatif et non limitatif en référence aux dessins annexés d’autre part, sur lesquels : Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and exemplary embodiments given by way of indication and not limitation with reference to the appended drawings on the other hand. , on which ones :
[Fig. 1] illustre, schématiquement, une vue en perspective d’un système électronique selon l’invention comportant un dispositif de régulation thermique et des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques, certains de ces composants ayant été retirés pour rendre visible un élément d’étanchéité du système électronique ; [Fig. 2] illustre, schématiquement, le système électronique de la figure 1, vu dans un plan de coupe vertical et transversal ; [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a perspective view of an electronic system according to the invention comprising a thermal regulation device and electrical and/or electronic components, some of these components having been removed to make visible a sealing element of the electronic system; [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates the electronic system of FIG. 1, seen in a vertical and transverse section plane;
[Fig. 3] est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 2, dans laquelle l’ensemble des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques a été retiré pour rendre visible le caisson dans lequel sont aptes à être logés ces composants ; [Fig. 3] is a view similar to that of Figure 2, in which all the electrical and/or electronic components have been removed to make visible the box in which these components are suitable to be housed;
[Fig. 4] illustre, schématiquement, une vue en perspective d’un système électronique dont on a retiré le caisson pour rendre apparente la coopération des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques avec l’élément d’étanchéité et des organes de séparation destinés à être agencés entre ces composants électriques et/ ou électroniques ; [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates a perspective view of an electronic system from which the casing has been removed to make apparent the cooperation of the electrical and/or electronic components with the sealing element and separation members intended to be arranged between these electrical and/or electronic components;
[Fig. 5] illustre, schématiquement, une autre vue en perspective d’une partie de l’élément d’étanchéité et des organes de séparation de la figure 4, le caisson ayant également été retiré sur cette vue pour permettre de visualiser la coopération entre ces éléments et les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques ; [Fig. 5] illustrates, schematically, another perspective view of part of the sealing element and of the separation members of FIG. 4, the casing having also been removed in this view to make it possible to visualize the cooperation between these elements and electrical and/or electronic components;
[Fig. 6] illustre, schématiquement, une vue en éclaté du système électronique de la figure[Fig. 6] schematically illustrates an exploded view of the electronic system of FIG.
2 ; 2;
[Fig. 7] illustre, schématiquement, une vue en éclaté du système électronique de la figure 2 selon une variante de réalisation. [Fig. 7] illustrates, schematically, an exploded view of the electronic system of FIG. 2 according to a variant embodiment.
Les caractéristiques, variantes et les différentes formes de réalisation de l’invention peuvent être associées les unes avec les autres, selon diverses combinaisons, dans la mesure où elles ne sont pas incompatibles ou exclusives les unes par rapport aux autres. On pourra notamment imaginer des variantes de l’invention ne comprenant qu’une sélection de caractéristiques décrites par la suite de manière isolée des autres caractéristiques décrites, si cette sélection de caractéristiques est suffisante pour conférer un avantage technique et/ ou pour différencier l’invention par rapport à l’état de la technique antérieur. The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be associated with each other, in various combinations, insofar as they are not incompatible or exclusive with respect to each other. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of characteristics described below in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and/or to differentiate the invention. compared to the prior art.
Sur les figures, les éléments communs à plusieurs figures conservent la même référence.In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.
Dans la description détaillée qui va suivre, les dénominations « longitudinale », In the detailed description which follows, the denominations "longitudinal",
« transversale » et « verticale » se réfèrent à l’orientation du système électronique selon l’invention. Une direction longitudinale correspond à une direction principale d’allongement du caisson du dispositif de régulation thermique, cette direction longitudinale étant parallèle à un axe longitudinal L d’un repère L, Y, T illustré sur les figures. Une direction transversale correspond à une direction dans laquelle les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques s’étendent principalement, cette direction transversale étant parallèle à un axe transversal T du repère L, V, T et cet axe transversal T étant perpendiculaire à l’axe longitudinal L. Enfin, une direction verticale correspond à une direction parallèle à un axe vertical V du repère L, V, T, cet axe vertical V étant perpendiculaire à l’axe longitudinal L et à l’axe transversal T. "transverse" and "vertical" refer to the orientation of the electronic system according to the invention. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a main direction of elongation of the casing of the thermal regulation device, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a reference L, Y, T illustrated on the figures. A transverse direction corresponds to a direction in which the electrical and/or electronic components mainly extend, this transverse direction being parallel to a transverse axis T of the reference L, V, T and this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, a vertical direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a vertical axis V of the reference L, V, T, this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the transverse axis T.
En outre, dans la présente description le terme « fluide de régulation thermique » peut se rapporter à tout fluide ou liquide caloporteur, avantageusement diélectrique, diphasique ou réfrigérant, dès lors que ce fluide ou liquide a pour effet de réguler la température des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques d’un dispositif de régulation thermique.In addition, in the present description, the term "thermal regulation fluid" can refer to any heat transfer fluid or liquid, advantageously dielectric, diphasic or refrigerant, since this fluid or liquid has the effect of regulating the temperature of the electrical components and / or electronics of a thermal regulation device.
Par ailleurs, dans la description détaillée qui va suivre, le dispositif de régulation thermique selon l’invention va être décrit en relation avec un système électronique sous forme d’un système de stockage d’énergie électrique de véhicule automobile, mais il doit être compris qu’une telle application n’est pas limitative et qu’elle pourrait notamment être appliquée dans le contexte de l’invention à des composants électriques ou électroniques équipant d’autres systèmes électroniques et par exemple des serveurs informatiques. Furthermore, in the detailed description which follows, the thermal regulation device according to the invention will be described in relation to an electronic system in the form of a motor vehicle electrical energy storage system, but it must be understood that such an application is not limiting and that it could in particular be applied in the context of the invention to electrical or electronic components equipping other electronic systems and for example computer servers.
La figure 1 illustre ainsi, schématiquement, une vue en perspective d’un système électronique 1 selon l’invention, dans lequel un dispositif de régulation thermique est configuré pour modifier la température, notamment en refroidissement, de composants électriques et/ ou électroniques, qui sont ici des cellules de module de batterie électrique pour véhicule hybride ou électrique. FIG. 1 thus illustrates, schematically, a perspective view of an electronic system 1 according to the invention, in which a thermal regulation device is configured to modify the temperature, in particular in cooling, of electrical and/or electronic components, which here are electric battery module cells for a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Le système électronique 1 comporte ainsi d’une part des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 et d’autre part un dispositif de régulation thermique. Ce dispositif de régulation thermique comprend un caisson 2 allongé principalement selon une direction longitudinale, entre une première extrémité longitudinale 200 du caisson 2 et une deuxième extrémité longitudinale 201 du caisson 2. Le caisson 2 comporte une paroi de fond 21 et quatre parois latérales 22 opposées deux à deux, ces parois délimitant un logement interne 3, configuré pour accueillir les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4. Une partie de ces composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 a été retirée de l’illustration présentée en figure 1 afin de permettre une meilleure visualisation des autres composants du système électronique 1. Les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 sont disposés les uns à côté des autres le long de la direction longitudinale du caisson 2, en étant ici disposés parallèlement les uns aux autres, perpendiculairement à la direction longitudinale du caisson. Au moins l’une des faces d’un composant électrique et/ ou électronique 4 s’étendant dans un plan vertical et transversal, perpendiculairement à la direction longitudinale du caisson, est en regard de l’une des faces, s’étendant dans un plan vertical et transversal, d’un composant électrique et/ ou électronique 4 voisin. Chaque composant électrique et/ ou électronique 4 est disposé à distance du composant électrique et/ ou électronique 4 voisin, et à distance des parois latérales 22 qui délimitent le logement interne 3, de manière à définir entre eux des espacements. Ces espacements permettent notamment au fluide de régulation thermique de circuler entre les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 et entre les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 et les parois latérales 22, ce qui assure une régulation thermique optimale de chaque composant électrique et/ ou électronique au sein du système électronique 1. The electronic system 1 thus comprises on the one hand electrical and/or electronic components 4 and on the other hand a thermal regulation device. This thermal regulation device comprises a box 2 elongated mainly in a longitudinal direction, between a first longitudinal end 200 of the box 2 and a second longitudinal end 201 of the box 2. The box 2 comprises a bottom wall 21 and four side walls 22 opposite two by two, these walls delimiting an internal housing 3, configured to accommodate the electrical and/or electronic components 4. A part of these electrical and/or electronic components 4 has been removed from the illustration presented in FIG. 1 in order to allow a better visualization of the other components of the electronic system 1. The electrical and/or electronic components 4 are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the box 2, here being arranged parallel to each other, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the box. At least one of the faces of an electrical and/or electronic component 4 extending in a vertical and transverse plane, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the box, is facing one of the faces, extending in a vertical and transverse plane, of an electrical and/or electronic component 4 close. Each electrical and/or electronic component 4 is arranged at a distance from the neighboring electrical and/or electronic component 4, and at a distance from the side walls 22 which delimit the internal housing 3, so as to define spacings between them. These spacings allow in particular the thermal regulation fluid to circulate between the electrical and/or electronic components 4 and between the electrical and/or electronic components 4 and the side walls 22, which ensures optimum thermal regulation of each electrical component and/or electronics within the electronic system 1.
Les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 présentent, sur une face d’extrémité verticale 40 qui s’étend à l’opposé de la paroi de fond, des éléments de connectique 41 permettant de relier les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques à un réseau électrique d’alimentation et/ ou de distribution du véhicule. The electrical and/or electronic components 4 have, on a vertical end face 40 which extends opposite the bottom wall, connector elements 41 making it possible to connect the electrical and/or electronic components to a network electrical supply and/or distribution of the vehicle.
Les parois latérales 22 du caisson 2 présentent des faces externes 220, ces faces externes 220 des parois latérales 22 étant définies comme celles qui sont opposées au logement interne 3. The side walls 22 of the box 2 have external faces 220, these external faces 220 of the side walls 22 being defined as those which are opposite to the internal housing 3.
Afin de permettre une circulation de fluide de régulation thermique au sein du dispositif de régulation thermique, et un renouvellement de ce fluide de régulation thermique pour faciliter l’échange, et notamment l’évacuation, de calories hors du caisson 2 du dispositif de régulation thermique, le caisson 2 comporte au moins un élément d’alimentation en fluide de régulation thermique 5 et au moins un élément d’évacuation de fluide de régulation thermique 6, ces éléments d’alimentation 5 et d’évacuation 6 étant communicants avec le logement interne 3. Dans l’exemple illustré, sans que cela soit limitatif de la présente invention, l’élément d'alimentation en fluide de régulation thermique 5 et l’élément d'évacuation de fluide de régulation thermique 6 font respectivement saillie sur l’une des faces externes 220 des parois latérales 22 du caisson 2. Le système électronique 1 comprend un élément d’étanchéité 9, qui est particulier selon l’invention en ce qu’il est configuré pour être agencé d’une part entre les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 et les parois 22 du caisson 2, et d’autre part dans chaque interstice formé entre deux composants électriques et/ou électroniques 4 voisins. On comprend ainsi que l’élément d’étanchéité 9, en une pièce réalisée d’un seul tenant, entoure chaque composant électrique et/ ou électronique 4, et entoure également l’ensemble formé par la juxtaposition de tous les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4. L’élément d’étanchéité, dans différents modes de réalisation, sera décrit plus en détails ci-après. In order to allow a circulation of thermal regulation fluid within the thermal regulation device, and a renewal of this thermal regulation fluid to facilitate the exchange, and in particular the evacuation, of calories out of the box 2 of the thermal regulation device , the box 2 comprises at least one thermal regulation fluid supply element 5 and at least one thermal regulation fluid discharge element 6, these supply 5 and discharge 6 elements being communicating with the internal housing 3. In the example illustrated, without this being limiting of the present invention, the thermal regulation fluid supply element 5 and the thermal regulation fluid discharge element 6 respectively protrude on one external faces 220 of the side walls 22 of the box 2. The electronic system 1 comprises a sealing element 9, which is particular according to the invention in that it is configured to be arranged on the one hand between the electrical and/or electronic components 4 and the walls 22 of the box 2, and on the other hand in each gap formed between two neighboring electrical and/or electronic components 4. It is thus understood that the sealing element 9, in one piece made in one piece, surrounds each electrical and/or electronic component 4, and also surrounds the assembly formed by the juxtaposition of all the electrical and/or electronic components. electronics 4. The sealing element, in different embodiments, will be described in more detail below.
Le caisson 2 peut en outre comporter des moyens de fixation 210, qui sont constitués ici par des prolongements de la paroi de fond 21 et qui comportent des nervures de rigidification liées aux parois latérales 22 qui forment la première extrémité longitudinale 200 et la deuxième extrémité longitudinale 201 du caisson 2. Ces moyens de fixation 210, par exemple des pattes de fixation dotées d’œillets, permettent de faciliter l’arrimage du système électronique 1 au véhicule automobile hybride ou électrique qu’il est voué à équiper. The box 2 may also include fastening means 210, which here consist of extensions of the bottom wall 21 and which include stiffening ribs linked to the side walls 22 which form the first longitudinal end 200 and the second longitudinal end 201 of the casing 2. These fixing means 210, for example fixing lugs equipped with eyelets, make it possible to facilitate the securing of the electronic system 1 to the hybrid or electric motor vehicle that it is intended to be equipped with.
On va maintenant décrire, en référence à la figure 2, un premier mode de réalisation d’un système électronique selon l’invention, qui reprend l’essentiel des caractéristiques décrites précédemment en référence à la figure 1. A description will now be given, with reference to FIG. 2, of a first embodiment of an electronic system according to the invention, which takes up most of the characteristics described above with reference to FIG. 1.
Le caisson 2 comporte un couvercle 23, non visible sur la figure 1 et qui vient fermer le logement interne 3 défini par les parois latérales 22 et la paroi de fond 21. Ce couvercle 23 repose sur un rebord 231 formé par un prolongement d’une extrémité verticale de ces parois latérales 22 à l’opposé de la paroi de fond. Plus particulièrement, une première portion 231 A de ce rebord 231 s’étend vers l’extérieur du logement interne 3, en prolongeant sensiblement perpendiculairement la paroi latérale correspondante selon une direction sensiblement transversale et une deuxième portion 231B de ce rebord 231 s’étend en prolongeant sensiblement perpendiculairement la première portion 231 A à l’opposé de la paroi de fond 21 selon une direction sensiblement verticale. Dans l’exemple illustré, le rebord 231 est présent de manière continue sur tout le pourtour du caisson 2, en formant un prolongement de chacune des faces latérales 22. The box 2 comprises a cover 23, not visible in Figure 1 and which closes the internal housing 3 defined by the side walls 22 and the bottom wall 21. This cover 23 rests on a rim 231 formed by an extension of a vertical end of these side walls 22 opposite the bottom wall. More particularly, a first portion 231 A of this flange 231 extends towards the outside of the internal housing 3, extending substantially perpendicularly the corresponding side wall in a substantially transverse direction and a second portion 231B of this flange 231 extends substantially perpendicularly extending the first portion 231 A opposite the bottom wall 21 in a substantially vertical direction. In the example illustrated, the flange 231 is present continuously over the entire circumference of the box 2, forming an extension of each of the side faces 22.
Le couvercle 23 s’étend de la première extrémité longitudinale 200 du caisson 2 à la deuxième extrémité longitudinale 201 du caisson 2, sensiblement parallèlement à la paroi de fond 21. Ce couvercle 23 constitue un cadre vide en son centre, de manière à ne recouvrir que les parties des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 qui sont au voisinage des parois latérales 22, et à laisser ainsi accessibles les éléments de connectique 41, non représentés sur cette figure 2, et qui sont disposés sur la face d’extrémité verticale 40 de ces composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4. On comprend ainsi que le couvercle 23 est équipé d’une ouverture dégageant un accès à ces éléments de connectique 41 des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 disposés dans le logement interne 3, la zone périphérique de ce logement interne 3 étant recouverte par le couvercle 23. The cover 23 extends from the first longitudinal end 200 of the box 2 to the second longitudinal end 201 of the box 2, substantially parallel to the wall bottom 21. This cover 23 constitutes an empty frame in its center, so as to cover only the parts of the electrical and/or electronic components 4 which are in the vicinity of the side walls 22, and thus to leave the connector elements 41 accessible. , not shown in this figure 2, and which are arranged on the vertical end face 40 of these electrical and/or electronic components 4. It is thus understood that the cover 23 is equipped with an opening giving access to these elements of connectors 41 of the electrical and/or electronic components 4 arranged in the internal housing 3, the peripheral zone of this internal housing 3 being covered by the cover 23.
Le couvercle 23 peut être fixé sur une base 24 du caisson 2 par l’intermédiaire de vis ou de rivets 230, participant ainsi à l’étanchéité du système électronique 1. The cover 23 can be fixed on a base 24 of the casing 2 by means of screws or rivets 230, thus contributing to the tightness of the electronic system 1.
L’élément d’étanchéité 9 comporte un pourtour 91 et des nervures transversales 92 qui s’étendent en travers de la zone délimitée par le pourtour. Selon le mode de réalisation représenté par la figure 2, le pourtour 91 de l’élément d’étanchéité 9 repose sur le rebord 231, et plus particulièrement sur la première portion 231A de ce rebord s’étendant dans un plan transversal et longitudinal. L’élément d’étanchéité 9 est ainsi au contact de chacune des faces latérales 22 du caisson 2. The sealing element 9 has a perimeter 91 and transverse ribs 92 which extend across the area delimited by the perimeter. According to the embodiment represented by FIG. 2, the periphery 91 of the sealing element 9 rests on the flange 231, and more particularly on the first portion 231A of this flange extending in a transverse and longitudinal plane. The sealing element 9 is thus in contact with each of the side faces 22 of the box 2.
L’élément d’étanchéité 9, au moins sur son pourtour, comporte un corps rigide et une partie déformable élastiquement surmoulée sur ce corps rigide. La présence du corps rigide permet à l’élément d’étanchéité de reposer de façon stable sur la première portion 231A du rebord 231, et la partie déformable élastiquement permet d’assurer un contact entre l’élément d’étanchéité et les parois du caisson, ici la première portion du rebord, pour réaliser l’étanchéité. The sealing element 9, at least around its periphery, comprises a rigid body and an elastically deformable part molded onto this rigid body. The presence of the rigid body allows the sealing element to rest stably on the first portion 231A of the flange 231, and the elastically deformable part makes it possible to ensure contact between the sealing element and the walls of the box. , here the first portion of the rim, to achieve the seal.
Toujours selon le mode de réalisation représenté en figure 2, le pourtour 91 de l’élément d’étanchéité 9 est prolongé par un flanc 93 s’étendant sensiblement perpendiculairement au plan longitudinal et transversal dans lequel s’inscrit principalement ce pourtour 91, les nervures transversales 92 s’étendant à partir de ce flanc 93. Still according to the embodiment represented in FIG. 2, the periphery 91 of the sealing element 9 is extended by a flank 93 extending substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal and transverse plane in which this periphery 91 mainly fits, the ribs transverse 92 extending from this flank 93.
Dans ce contexte, les nervures transversales 92 peuvent s’étendre toutes dans un plan parallèle au plan longitudinal et transversal dans lequel s’inscrit principalement le pourtour 91, en décalage vertical par rapport au pourtour 91 et donc par rapport à la première portion 231A du rebord 231, ou bien elles peuvent s’étendre chacune dans un plan vertical et transversal depuis le flanc 93. Dans chacun de ces cas, les nervures transversales 92 forment des bandes de l’élément d’étanchéité 9 qui traversent le caisson de part en part selon une direction transversale.In this context, the transverse ribs 92 can all extend in a plane parallel to the longitudinal and transverse plane in which the circumference 91 mainly fits, in vertical offset relative to the circumference 91 and therefore relative to the first portion 231A of the flange 231, or they can each extend in a vertical and transverse plane from the side 93. In each of these cases, the transverse ribs 92 form strips of the sealing element 9 which cross the box right through in a transverse direction.
On comprend ainsi que les nervures transversales 92 sont sensiblement perpendiculaires à la direction longitudinale du caisson 2. It is thus understood that the transverse ribs 92 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the box 2.
Les nervures transversales 92 sont disposées à des intervalles réguliers selon une direction longitudinale, de façon que chaque nervure transversale 92 puisse être agencée dans les interstices formés entre deux composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 voisins ou, au voisinage des extrémités longitudinales 200 et 201 du caisson 2, entre un composant électrique et/ ou électronique 4 et une paroi latérale 22. The transverse ribs 92 are arranged at regular intervals along a longitudinal direction, so that each transverse rib 92 can be arranged in the interstices formed between two neighboring electrical and/or electronic components 4 or, in the vicinity of the longitudinal ends 200 and 201 of the box 2, between an electrical and/or electronic component 4 and a side wall 22.
Ces nervures transversales 92 sont disposées au voisinage de l’extrémité verticale 40 des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4, cette extrémité verticale 40 étant définie comme leur extrémité qui est à distance de la paroi de fond 21. These transverse ribs 92 are arranged near the vertical end 40 of the electrical and/or electronic components 4, this vertical end 40 being defined as their end which is at a distance from the bottom wall 21.
Au moins l’une des parois délimitant le logement interne, ici la paroi de fond 21, peut comporter des éléments de maintien 42 qui sont configurés pour maintenir les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 les uns à distance des autres et à distance des parois délimitant le logement interne 3 du caisson 2. A titre d’exemple, tel qu’illustré sur les figures 2 et 3, ces éléments de maintien 42 sont alignés selon deux rangées parallèles, s’étendant de la première extrémité longitudinale 200 du caisson 2 à la deuxième extrémité longitudinale 201 du caisson 2. At least one of the walls delimiting the internal housing, here the bottom wall 21, can comprise holding elements 42 which are configured to hold the electrical and/or electronic components 4 at a distance from each other and at a distance from the walls delimiting the internal housing 3 of the casing 2. By way of example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, these holding elements 42 are aligned in two parallel rows, extending from the first longitudinal end 200 of the casing 2 at the second longitudinal end 201 of the box 2.
On va maintenant décrire un deuxième mode de réalisation, en référence aux figures 3 à 5 notamment, qui diffère de ce qui a été précédemment décrit dans l’agencement de la zone d’appui pour l’élément d’étanchéité qui est formée dans les parois latérales du caisson et dans la forme de l’élément d’étanchéité. A second embodiment will now be described, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 in particular, which differs from what has been previously described in the arrangement of the bearing zone for the sealing element which is formed in the side walls of the box and in the shape of the sealing element.
Tel qu’évoqué précédemment, les parois latérales 22 du caisson 2 présentent des faces externes 220, définies comme celles qui sont opposées au logement interne 3, et elles présentent des faces internes 221, qui sont celles qui sont en regard de ce logement interne 3, tel qu’elles sont notamment visibles sur la figure 3. As mentioned above, the side walls 22 of the box 2 have external faces 220, defined as those which are opposite to the internal housing 3, and they have internal faces 221, which are those which are opposite this internal housing 3 , as they are particularly visible in Figure 3.
Les faces internes 221 des parois latérales 22 comportent ici un épaulement 222, qui s’étend le long de ces faces internes 221 sur tout le pourtour du caisson 2. Cet épaulement 222 s’étend de façon sensiblement parallèle à la paroi de fond, vers l’extérieur du caisson 2, et participe à former à un élargissement de la dimension du logement interne 3 délimité entre les parois latérales 22. Les parois latérales 22 présentent par ailleurs, au niveau de leur extrémité verticale opposée à la paroi de fond, un rebord 231 formé par un prolongement sensiblement vertical de ces parois latérales 22, le rebord 231 s’étendant vers l’extérieur du logement interne 3 selon une direction sensiblement transversale. Selon le mode de réalisation présenté en figure 3, et à la différence du mode de réalisation illustré par la figure 2, le rebord 231 présente uniquement une première portion 231A prolongeant sensiblement perpendiculairement la paroi latérale correspondante selon une direction sensiblement transversale. Ce rebord 231 est présent sur chacune des faces latérales 22, la première portion 231 A prolongeant perpendiculairement l’épaulement 222. The internal faces 221 of the side walls 22 here comprise a shoulder 222, which extends along these internal faces 221 over the entire periphery of the box 2. This shoulder 222 extends substantially parallel to the bottom wall, towards the outside of the box 2, and participates in forming an enlargement of the dimension of the internal housing 3 delimited between the side walls 22. The side walls 22 also have, at their vertical end opposite the bottom wall, a rim 231 formed by a substantially vertical extension of these side walls 22, the rim 231 extending towards the outside of the internal housing 3 in a substantially transverse direction. According to the embodiment presented in FIG. 3, and unlike the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the rim 231 only has a first portion 231A extending substantially perpendicularly from the corresponding side wall in a substantially transverse direction. This rim 231 is present on each of the side faces 22, the first portion 231 A perpendicularly extending the shoulder 222.
Les faces internes 221 des parois latérales 2 qui sont disposées au voisinage de la première extrémité longitudinale 200 et de la deuxième extrémité longitudinale 201 du caisson 2, autrement dit les faces internes 221 des parois latérales 2 qui ne portent pas l’élément d'alimentation en liquide de régulation thermique 5 et l’élément d'évacuation de liquide de régulation thermique 6, présentent des échancrures 223. The internal faces 221 of the side walls 2 which are arranged in the vicinity of the first longitudinal end 200 and the second longitudinal end 201 of the box 2, in other words the internal faces 221 of the side walls 2 which do not carry the power supply element in thermal regulation liquid 5 and the thermal regulation liquid discharge element 6, have indentations 223.
Les échancrures 223 présentent une extrémité longitudinale 224, qui prend naissance au niveau de l’épaulement 222 des faces internes 221 des parois latérales 22 du caisson 2 définissant le logement interne 3. Ces échancrures 223 sont formées par une déformation locale de la paroi latérale 22 qui crée une saillie sur la face externe 220. On pourrait cependant imaginer un mode de réalisation avec une face externe 220 plane et une échancrure 223 creusée dans la matière de la paroi latérale 22 correspondante. The notches 223 have a longitudinal end 224, which originates at the level of the shoulder 222 of the internal faces 221 of the side walls 22 of the box 2 defining the internal housing 3. These notches 223 are formed by a local deformation of the side wall 22 which creates a projection on the outer face 220. However, one could imagine an embodiment with a flat outer face 220 and a notch 223 cut into the material of the corresponding side wall 22.
Ces échancrures 223 s’étendent depuis l’épaulement 222, selon une direction sensiblement verticale, en direction de la paroi de fond 21 mais sans pour autant s’étendre jusque celle- ci. Les échancrures 223 présentent ainsi une extrémité verticale 224, opposée à l’épaulement 222 qui s’étend à distance de la paroi de fond 21. These notches 223 extend from the shoulder 222, in a substantially vertical direction, towards the bottom wall 21 but without extending as far as the latter. The notches 223 thus have a vertical end 224, opposite the shoulder 222 which extends away from the bottom wall 21.
Les échancrures 223 sont aptes à recevoir des moyens de rappel élastique, par exemple des ressorts, destinés à maintenir les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 les uns par rapport aux autres, en exerçant une force de rappel élastique sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan d’allongement principal de chacun des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4. The notches 223 are suitable for receiving elastic return means, for example springs, intended to hold the electrical and/or electronic components 4 relative to each other, by exerting an elastic return force substantially perpendicular to the plane of elongation principal of each of the electrical and/or electronic components 4.
Il convient de noter que de telles échancrures et de tels moyens de rappel élastique associés peuvent être présents dans le système électronique configuré selon le premier mode de réalisation et notamment illustré sur la figure 2. Les figures 4 et 5 rendent plus particulièrement visible la forme particulière de l’élément d’étanchéité tel qu’il est utilisé dans le deuxième mode de réalisation, étant entendu que sous cette forme particulière, l’élément d’étanchéité pourrait être mis en œuvre avec d’autres configurations de caissons. Sur ces figures, le caisson 2 a été effacé sur les deux figures afin de faire apparaître les composants se trouvant à l’intérieur de celui-ci. It should be noted that such notches and such associated elastic return means may be present in the electronic system configured according to the first embodiment and particularly illustrated in FIG. 2. Figures 4 and 5 make more particularly visible the particular shape of the sealing element as used in the second embodiment, it being understood that in this particular form, the sealing element could be put in Works with other cabinet configurations. In these figures, the box 2 has been erased in both figures in order to show the components located inside it.
L’élément d’étanchéité 9 est là encore configuré pour être agencé entre les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 et les parois latérales 22. Cet élément d’étanchéité 9 est disposé au voisinage de l’extrémité verticale 40 des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 et présente un pourtour 91 et des nervures transversales 92. The sealing element 9 is here again configured to be arranged between the electrical and/or electronic components 4 and the side walls 22. This sealing element 9 is arranged near the vertical end 40 of the electrical and/or electronic components. or electronic 4 and has a perimeter 91 and transverse ribs 92.
Selon le mode de réalisation représenté par les figures 4 et 5, et à la différence du mode de réalisation de la figure 2, le pourtour 91 de l’élément d’étanchéité 9 et les nervures transversales 92 s’étendent principalement dans un même plan. On comprend ainsi que l’élément d’étanchéité 9 est ici un élément sensiblement plat. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, and unlike the embodiment of Figure 2, the periphery 91 of the sealing element 9 and the transverse ribs 92 extend mainly in the same plane . It is thus understood that the sealing element 9 is here a substantially flat element.
Le pourtour 91 repose, selon ce mode de réalisation, sur l’épaulement 222 tel qu’illustré sur la figure 3, cet épaulement 222 étant formé par les parois latérales 22 à l’intérieur du logement interne 3. Le pourtour 91 épouse donc la forme du logement interne 3. Perimeter 91 rests, according to this embodiment, on shoulder 222 as illustrated in FIG. 3, this shoulder 222 being formed by side walls 22 inside internal housing 3. Perimeter 91 therefore matches the shape of the internal housing 3.
Le pourtour 91 s’étend principalement dans un plan longitudinal et transversal, les nervures transversales 92 s’étendant en travers du caisson 2 sensiblement dans ce même plan, selon une direction transversale. The periphery 91 extends mainly in a longitudinal and transverse plane, the transverse ribs 92 extending across the box 2 substantially in this same plane, in a transverse direction.
Conformément à ce qui a pu être précédemment décrit, les nervures transversales 92 sont disposées à équidistance les unes des autres, et sont configurées de façon à pouvoir s’intercaler entre chaque composant électrique et/ ou électronique 4, assurant ainsi l’étanchéité de l’extrémité verticale 40 de chaque composant électrique et/ ou électronique 4. Cette disposition particulière de l’élément d’étanchéité 9 permet d’éviter l’immersion des éléments de connectique 41 des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 dans le fluide de régulation thermique, ces éléments de connectique 41 étant disposés sur l’extrémité verticale 40 des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4. In accordance with what has been previously described, the transverse ribs 92 are arranged equidistant from each other, and are configured so as to be able to be inserted between each electrical and/or electronic component 4, thus ensuring the tightness of the vertical end 40 of each electrical and/or electronic component 4. This particular arrangement of the sealing element 9 makes it possible to avoid the immersion of the connector elements 41 of the electrical and/or electronic components 4 in the regulating fluid thermal, these connection elements 41 being arranged on the vertical end 40 of the electrical and/or electronic components 4.
Les autres caractéristiques de l’élément d’étanchéité décrites en relation avec la figure 2 s’appliquent mutatis mutandis au mode de réalisation présenté dans ces figures 3 à 5, dès lors qu’elles ne sont pas incompatibles avec celui-ci. Par ailleurs, les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 sont ici séparés d’au moins un composant électrique et/ ou électronique voisin par un organe de séparation 8. Chaque organe de séparation 8 s’étend donc au sein du logement interne d’une extrémité à l’autre du caisson 2 selon une direction sensiblement transversale, c’est-à-dire sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction d’allongement du caisson 2. The other characteristics of the sealing element described in relation to FIG. 2 apply mutatis mutandis to the embodiment presented in these FIGS. 3 to 5, provided that they are not incompatible therewith. Furthermore, the electrical and/or electronic components 4 are here separated from at least one neighboring electrical and/or electronic component by a separation member 8. Each separation member 8 therefore extends within the internal housing of a end to the other of box 2 in a substantially transverse direction, that is to say substantially perpendicular to the direction of elongation of box 2.
L’organe de séparation 8 constitue une entretoise, qui permet d’assurer une distance définie entre deux composants électriques et/ou électroniques 4 voisins. Cet organe de séparation 8 peut être intercalé entre chaque composant électrique et/ ou électronique 4, ou encore être placé tous les deux composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4, de sorte que chaque composant électrique et/ ou électronique 4 soit séparé d’au moins un autre composant électrique et/ou électronique 4 par un organe de séparation 8. The separation member 8 constitutes a spacer, which makes it possible to ensure a defined distance between two neighboring electrical and/or electronic components 4. This separation member 8 can be interposed between each electrical and/or electronic component 4, or even be placed every two electrical and/or electronic components 4, so that each electrical and/or electronic component 4 is separated by at least another electrical and/or electronic component 4 by a separation member 8.
L’organe de séparation 8 peut notamment être une tôle ondulée, qui définit des canaux de passage de fluide le long de chacun des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 disposés de part et d’autre de cet organe de séparation 8. On comprend ainsi que l’organe de séparation 8 est configuré pour laisser passer le fluide de régulation thermique. Les ondulations de la tôle de l’organe de séparation sont agencées de manière à autoriser et guider transversalement la circulation du fluide de régulation thermique, d’une paroi latérale à l’autre. The separating member 8 can in particular be a corrugated sheet, which defines fluid passage channels along each of the electrical and/or electronic components 4 arranged on either side of this separating member 8. It is thus understood that the separation member 8 is configured to allow the thermal regulation fluid to pass. The undulations of the sheet metal of the separation member are arranged in such a way as to allow and guide the circulation of the thermal regulation fluid transversely, from one side wall to the other.
Selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel de l’invention, les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 sont écartés d’une distance comprise entre 0,2 et 1 mm par l’organe de séparation 8. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrical and/or electronic components 4 are separated by a distance of between 0.2 and 1 mm by the separating member 8.
La figure 6 illustre le système électronique 1 de la figure 2 en vue en perspective. Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur cette figure, le caisson 2 comporte une base 24 et un couvercle 23 tels que précédemment évoqués, cette base étant constituée de la paroi de fond 21 et des parois latérales 22. Cette base forme un ensemble monobloc, qui est formé d’un seul tenant. Il n’est donc pas possible de séparer la paroi de fond 21 des parois latérales 22 sans détériorer l’un ou l’autre de ces éléments. L’ensemble monobloc peut notamment être obtenu par fabrication additive, et plus particulièrement par impression 3D. Dans ce contexte, le caisson 2 peut être réalisé en un matériau choisi pour ses propriétés d’isolation thermique. Particulièrement, ce matériau choisi pour ses propriétés d’isolation thermique peut être un matériau plastique. Encore plus particulièrement, ce matériau plastique peut être de l’organosheet. La figure 7 présente un mode de réalisation alternatif qui diffère de ce qui a été précédemment décrit en ce que la base 24 ne forme pas un ensemble monobloc. La base 24 est ici formée d’un premier élément comportant la paroi de fond 21 et deux parois latérales opposées 22, tandis que les deux autres parois latérales 22 sont réalisées de manière indépendante puis rapportées et fixées sur le premier élément. On comprend que la base 24 peut ainsi être constituée de la paroi de fond 21 et des parois latérales 22 opposées qui portent l’élément d'alimentation en liquide de régulation thermique 5 et l’élément d'évacuation de liquide de régulation thermique 6, les deux autres parois latérales 22 étant rapportées sur le premier élément de la base 24. FIG. 6 illustrates the electronic system 1 of FIG. 2 in perspective view. According to the embodiment shown in this figure, the box 2 comprises a base 24 and a cover 23 as previously mentioned, this base consisting of the bottom wall 21 and the side walls 22. This base forms a one-piece assembly, which is formed in one piece. It is therefore not possible to separate the bottom wall 21 from the side walls 22 without damaging one or the other of these elements. The one-piece assembly can in particular be obtained by additive manufacturing, and more particularly by 3D printing. In this context, the box 2 can be made of a material chosen for its thermal insulation properties. In particular, this material chosen for its thermal insulation properties can be a plastic material. Even more particularly, this plastic material can be organosheet. Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment which differs from what was previously described in that the base 24 does not form a one-piece assembly. The base 24 is here formed of a first element comprising the bottom wall 21 and two opposite side walls 22, while the other two side walls 22 are made independently and then attached and fixed to the first element. It is understood that the base 24 can thus be made up of the bottom wall 21 and the opposite side walls 22 which carry the thermal regulation liquid supply element 5 and the thermal regulation liquid discharge element 6, the other two side walls 22 being attached to the first element of the base 24.
Au moins la paroi de fond 21 et les parois latérales 22 portant l’élément d'alimentation en liquide de régulation thermique 5 et l’élément d'évacuation de liquide de régulation thermique 6 peuvent être réalisées en métal. Avantageusement, ce métal peut être de l’aluminium. At least the bottom wall 21 and the side walls 22 carrying the thermal regulation liquid supply element 5 and the thermal regulation liquid discharge element 6 can be made of metal. Advantageously, this metal can be aluminum.
Dans ce contexte, le premier élément de la base 24 peut par exemple être formé par emboutissage, ce qui simplifie la formation de la section en U de chacun des conduits 50, 60, puis les autres parois latérales 22 sont fixées par brasage sur le premier élément de la base 24. In this context, the first element of the base 24 can for example be formed by stamping, which simplifies the formation of the U-shaped section of each of the ducts 50, 60, then the other side walls 22 are fixed by brazing on the first base element 24.
Un système électronique 1 selon l’invention peut être obtenu par un procédé qui comporte une étape de positionnement d’un ensemble comprenant au moins les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 dans le logement défini par la paroi de fond et les parois latérales du caisson, et une étape au cours de laquelle l’élément d’étanchéité 9 est agencé d’une part entre les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 et les parois 22 du caisson 2, et d’autre part dans chaque interstice formé entre deux composants électriques et/ou électroniques 4 voisins. Un tel procédé d’obtention peut aussi bien s’appliquer au mode de réalisation de la figure 6 selon lequel la base 24 forme un ensemble monobloc, qu’au mode de réalisation de la figure 7 selon lequel la base 24 est formée d’un premier élément comportant la paroi de fond 21 et deux parois latérales opposées 22, les deux autres parois latérales 22 étant rapportées sur ce premier élément.An electronic system 1 according to the invention can be obtained by a method which comprises a step of positioning an assembly comprising at least the electrical and/or electronic components 4 in the housing defined by the bottom wall and the side walls of the box , and a step during which the sealing element 9 is arranged on the one hand between the electrical and/or electronic components 4 and the walls 22 of the casing 2, and on the other hand in each gap formed between two components electric and/or electronic 4 neighbours. Such a method of obtaining can equally well be applied to the embodiment of FIG. 6 according to which the base 24 forms a one-piece assembly, and to the embodiment of FIG. 7 according to which the base 24 is formed from a first element comprising the bottom wall 21 and two opposite side walls 22, the other two side walls 22 being attached to this first element.
L’étape de positionnement consiste à disposer un ensemble comprenant au moins les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 au sein du logement interne 3 du caisson 2. Cette étape peut notamment faire intervenir les éléments de maintien 42, qui sont aptes à être intercalés entre chaque composant électrique et/ ou électronique 4 afin d’assurer un positionnement optimal des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 au sein du logement interne 3. L’ensemble comprenant au moins les composants électriques et/ou électroniques 4 peut par ailleurs comprendre au moins un organe de séparation 8 disposé entre deux composants électriques et/ou électroniques voisins. Cet organe de séparation 8 peut être disposé entre deux composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 adjacents, ou encore tous les deux composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4, de sorte que chaque composant électrique et/ ou électronique 4 soit séparé d’au moins un autre composant électrique et/ ou électronique 4 par cet organe de séparation 8. The positioning step consists of arranging an assembly comprising at least the electrical and/or electronic components 4 within the internal housing 3 of the box 2. This step may in particular involve the holding elements 42, which are capable of being inserted between each electrical and/or electronic component 4 in order to ensure a optimal positioning of the electrical and/or electronic components 4 within the internal housing 3. The assembly comprising at least the electrical and/or electronic components 4 can also comprise at least one separation member 8 placed between two electrical and/or electronic components neighboring electronics. This separation member 8 can be arranged between two adjacent electrical and/or electronic components 4, or even both electrical and/or electronic components 4, so that each electrical and/or electronic component 4 is separated by at least one other electrical and/or electronic component 4 by this separation member 8.
Le procédé d’obtention d’un système électronique selon l’invention se poursuit par une étape au cours de laquelle l’élément d’étanchéité 9 est agencé d’une part entre les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 et les parois 22 du caisson 2, et d’autre part dans chaque interstice formé entre deux composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 voisins. On comprend que le pourtour 91 de l’élément d’étanchéité 9 est agencé entre les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4 et les parois latérales 22 du caisson, tandis que les nervures transversales 92 de cet élément d’étanchéité viennent s’intercaler entre chaque composant électrique et/ ou électronique 4, dans les interstices les séparant. Ce pourtour 91 repose sur une surface d’appui formée, selon les modes de réalisation, par l’épaulement 221 formé dans les faces des parois 22 ou par la première portion 231A du rebord 231 de ces parois 22, et repose de façon stable sur cette surface d’appui grâce à son corps rigide. Une fois l’élément d’étanchéité 9 positionné, le caisson 2 peut être refermé par le couvercle 23. Ce couvercle 23 peut être fixé sur les rebords 231, par exemple par le biais de vis ou de rivets 230, afin d’assurer l’étanchéité du caisson 2. The method for obtaining an electronic system according to the invention continues with a step during which the sealing element 9 is arranged on the one hand between the electrical and/or electronic components 4 and the walls 22 of the box 2, and secondly in each gap formed between two electrical and / or electronic components 4 neighbors. It is understood that the periphery 91 of the sealing element 9 is arranged between the electrical and/or electronic components 4 and the side walls 22 of the casing, while the transverse ribs 92 of this sealing element are inserted between each electrical and/or electronic component 4, in the interstices separating them. This periphery 91 rests on a bearing surface formed, according to the embodiments, by the shoulder 221 formed in the faces of the walls 22 or by the first portion 231A of the rim 231 of these walls 22, and rests stably on this support surface thanks to its rigid body. Once the sealing element 9 has been positioned, the box 2 can be closed by the cover 23. This cover 23 can be fixed on the flanges 231, for example by means of screws or rivets 230, in order to ensure the sealing of the casing 2.
Le procédé d’obtention peut par ailleurs comprendre une étape de maintien en position de l’ensemble comprenant au moins les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4, entre l’étape de positionnement et l’étape au cours de laquelle l’élément d’étanchéité 9 est agencé. Cette étape de maintien peut notamment consister en la mise en position de moyens des rappels élastique tels que décrits précédemment, entre deux parois latérales 22 opposées et l’ensemble formé d’au moins les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4. De tels moyens de rappel élastique, tels que des ressorts, peuvent être disposés dans les échancrures 223 des faces internes 221 des parois latérales 22, afin de maintenir en place les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques 4. The method for obtaining may also comprise a step of holding the assembly comprising at least the electrical and/or electronic components 4 in position, between the positioning step and the step during which the element of sealing 9 is arranged. This holding step may in particular consist of positioning elastic return means as described above, between two opposite side walls 22 and the assembly formed of at least the electrical and/or electronic components 4. Such means of elastic return, such as springs, can be arranged in the notches 223 of the internal faces 221 of the side walls 22, in order to hold the electrical and/or electronic components 4 in place.
La présente invention propose ainsi un système électronique comprenant des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques et un dispositif de régulation thermique, ce système électronique étant pourvu d’un élément d’étanchéité apte à empêcher la circulation du fluide de régulation thermique au voisinage de l’extrémité des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques qui porte leurs éléments de connectique. Un tel système électronique présente par ailleurs un montage facilité, puisque l’élément d’étanchéité est réalisé d’un seul tenant. En une seule opération de montage, il est ainsi possible de combler tous les espacements ou interstices par lesquels le fluide de régulation thermique serait susceptible de s’échapper. The present invention thus proposes an electronic system comprising electrical and/or electronic components and a thermal regulation device, this system electronic being provided with a sealing element capable of preventing the circulation of the thermal regulation fluid in the vicinity of the end of the electrical and/or electronic components which carries their connection elements. Such an electronic system also presents easy assembly, since the sealing element is made in one piece. In a single assembly operation, it is thus possible to fill all the gaps or interstices through which the thermal regulation fluid would be liable to escape.
La présente invention ne saurait toutefois se limiter aux moyens et configurations décrits et illustrés ici et elle s’étend également à tout moyen et toute configuration équivalents ainsi qu’à toute combinaison techniquement opérante de tels moyens, dès lors qu’elle comprend un élément d’étanchéité configuré pour, en une seule pièce, être agencé d’une part entre les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques et les parois du caisson, et d’autre part entre deux composants électriques et/ou électroniques voisins. The present invention cannot however be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically effective combination of such means, provided that it includes an element of sealing configured to, in a single piece, be arranged on the one hand between the electrical and / or electronic components and the walls of the box, and on the other hand between two neighboring electrical and / or electronic components.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Système électronique (1) comprenant des composants électriques et/ ou électroniques (4) et un dispositif de régulation thermique comprenant un caisson (2) configuré pour accueillir les composants électriques et/ou électroniques (4), ce caisson (2) présentant une paroi de fond (21) et des parois latérales (22) opposées deux à deux définissant un logement interne (3) apte à recevoir les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques (4) disposés côte à côte le long d’une direction longitudinale du caisson (2), ce caisson (2) comportant au moins un élément d’alimentation en fluide de régulation thermique (5) et au moins un élément d’évacuation de fluide de régulation thermique (6), le système électronique (1) étant caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend un élément d’étanchéité (9), configuré pour être agencé d’une part entre les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques (4) et les parois du caisson (2), et d’autre part dans chaque interstice formé entre deux composants électriques et/ou électroniques (4) voisins. 1. Electronic system (1) comprising electrical and/or electronic components (4) and a thermal regulation device comprising a casing (2) configured to accommodate the electrical and/or electronic components (4), this casing (2) having a bottom wall (21) and side walls (22) opposite in pairs defining an internal housing (3) capable of receiving the electrical and/or electronic components (4) arranged side by side along a longitudinal direction of the box (2), this box (2) comprising at least one thermal regulation fluid supply element (5) and at least one thermal regulation fluid discharge element (6), the electronic system (1) being characterized in that it comprises a sealing element (9), configured to be arranged on the one hand between the electrical and/or electronic components (4) and the walls of the box (2), and on the other hand in each gap formed between two electrical and/or electrical components ronics (4) neighbors.
2. Système électronique (1) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l’élément d’étanchéité (9) est composé d’un pourtour (91) épousant la forme des faces (221) des parois (22) du caisson (2) définissant le logement interne (3), et de nervures transversales (92) disposées à équidistance les unes des autres, ces nervures transversales (92) étant sensiblement perpendiculaires à la direction longitudinale du caisson (2), avantageusement le pourtour (91) de l’élément d’étanchéité (9) et les nervures transversales (92) s’étendent principalement dans un même plan. 2. Electronic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing element (9) is composed of a periphery (91) matching the shape of the faces (221) of the walls (22 ) of the box (2) defining the internal housing (3), and transverse ribs (92) arranged equidistant from each other, these transverse ribs (92) being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the box (2), advantageously the periphery (91) of the sealing element (9) and the transverse ribs (92) extend mainly in the same plane.
3. Système électronique (1) selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le pourtour (91) de l’élément d’étanchéité (9) est prolongé par un flanc (93) s’étendant sensiblement perpendiculairement à ce pourtour (91), les nervures transversales (92) s’étendant à partir de ce flan (93). 3. Electronic system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the periphery (91) of the sealing element (9) is extended by a flank (93) extending substantially perpendicular to this periphery (91) , the transverse ribs (92) extending from this blank (93).
4. Système électronique (1) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l’élément d’étanchéité (9) comporte un corps rigide et une partie déformable élastiquement surmoulée sur ce corps rigide. 4. Electronic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing element (9) comprises a rigid body and an elastically deformable part molded onto this rigid body.
5. Système électronique (1) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l’élément d’étanchéité (9) repose sur un épaulement (222) formé dans les faces (221) des parois (22) du caisson (2) définissant le logement interne (3), cet épaulement (222) étant présent sur chacune de ces faces (221). 5. Electronic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing element (9) rests on a shoulder (222) formed in the faces (221) of the walls (22) of the box (2) defining the internal housing (3), this shoulder (222) being present on each of these faces (221).
6. Système électronique (1) selon la revendication précédente en combinaison avec la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que l’élément d’étanchéité (9) repose sur l’épaulement (222) par son corps rigide. 6. Electronic system (1) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 4, characterized in that the sealing element (9) rests on the shoulder (222) by its rigid body.
7. Système électronique (1) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les faces (221) des parois du caisson (2) définissant le logement interne (3) qui sont perpendiculaires à la direction longitudinale du caisson (2) comprennent des échancrures (223) s’étendant depuis un bord d’extrémité verticale desdites parois opposé à la paroi de fond (21), sensiblement perpendiculairement à la paroi de fond (21). 7. Electronic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the faces (221) of the walls of the casing (2) defining the internal housing (3) which are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the casing (2 ) comprise notches (223) extending from a vertical end edge of said walls opposite the bottom wall (21), substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall (21).
8. Système électronique (1) selon la revendication précédente et en combinaison avec la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que les échancrures (223) présentent une extrémité longitudinale (224) prenant naissance au niveau de l’épaulement (222) des faces (221) des parois du caisson (2) définissant le logement interne (3). 8. Electronic system (1) according to the preceding claim and in combination with claim 7, characterized in that the notches (223) have a longitudinal end (224) originating at the level of the shoulder (222) of the faces (221 ) of the walls of the box (2) defining the internal housing (3).
9. Système électronique (1) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le caisson (2) comporte une base (24) et un couvercle (23), la base (24) étant constituée par la paroi de fond (21) et les parois latérales (22), cette base (24) étant formée d’un premier élément comportant la paroi de fond (21) et deux parois latérales (22) opposées, les deux autres parois latérales (22) étant rapportées. 9. Electronic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the box (2) comprises a base (24) and a cover (23), the base (24) being constituted by the bottom wall (21) and the side walls (22), this base (24) being formed of a first element comprising the bottom wall (21) and two opposite side walls (22), the other two side walls (22) being attached .
10. Procédé d’obtention d’un système électronique (1) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu’il comporte une étape de positionnement d’un ensemble, comprenant au moins des composants électriques et/ou électroniques (4), dans le logement interne (3) défini par la paroi de fond (21) et les parois latérales du caisson (2) et une étape au cours de laquelle l’élément d’étanchéité (9) est agencé d’une part entre les composants électriques et/ ou électroniques (4) et les parois du caisson (2), et d’autre part dans chaque interstice formé entre deux composants électriques et/ou électroniques (4) voisins. 10. Method for obtaining an electronic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of positioning an assembly, comprising at least electrical and/or electronic components ( 4), in the internal housing (3) defined by the bottom wall (21) and the side walls of the box (2) and a step during which the sealing element (9) is arranged on the one hand between the electrical and/or electronic components (4) and the walls of the box (2), and on the other hand in each gap formed between two adjacent electrical and/or electronic components (4).
EP22733627.8A 2021-06-22 2022-06-14 Electronic system with sealing element Pending EP4360159A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR2106643A FR3124323B1 (en) 2021-06-22 2021-06-22 Electronic system equipped with a sealing element
PCT/EP2022/066221 WO2022268584A2 (en) 2021-06-22 2022-06-14 Electronic system with sealing element

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4360159A2 true EP4360159A2 (en) 2024-05-01

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EP22733627.8A Pending EP4360159A2 (en) 2021-06-22 2022-06-14 Electronic system with sealing element

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EP (1) EP4360159A2 (en)
CN (1) CN117546345A (en)
FR (1) FR3124323B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2022268584A2 (en)

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8563154B2 (en) * 2009-05-06 2013-10-22 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Battery assembly with immersed cell temperature regulating
DE102014112596A1 (en) * 2014-09-02 2016-03-03 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Cell seal, battery module, method for mounting a battery module and battery or accumulator

Also Published As

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FR3124323B1 (en) 2023-10-20
WO2022268584A3 (en) 2023-02-23
CN117546345A (en) 2024-02-09
FR3124323A1 (en) 2022-12-23
WO2022268584A2 (en) 2022-12-29

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