FR3094469A1 - Thermal regulation device - Google Patents

Abstract

Thermal regulation device The invention relates to a device (1) for thermal regulation of electronic and / or electrical components, in particular for a motor vehicle, said device (1) comprising a predefined number of plates (5) and at least one collector (7). ) of heat transfer fluid, the plates (5) defining at least one heat transfer fluid circulation channel in fluid communication with said at least one heat transfer fluid manifold (7). According to the invention, the plates (5) respectively comprise a main section (5A) defining said at least one heat transfer fluid circulation channel and at least one link arm (5B) to said at least one heat transfer fluid manifold (7) connected to the main section (5A) by a zone of mechanical weakness. Said at least one heat transfer fluid manifold (7) is produced by a part separate from the plates (5) into which the free ends (57) of the connecting arms (5B) emerge. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Thermal regulation device

The present invention relates to the thermal regulation of electrical and/or electronic components capable of releasing heat during their operation, these components being in particular electrical energy storage elements or a power electronic device, in particular in the field automobile. The invention also relates to a method for assembling a thermal regulation device with a predefined number of electronic and/or electrical components.

The invention finds an advantageous application in the field of thermal regulation devices of a power electronics device or module, that is to say comprising power electronic components, for example in a non-limiting manner semi- conductors, such as diodes or transistors. In operation, the temperature of such a device or power electronics module may rise, which risks damaging some of the power electronics components.

The invention also finds an advantageous application in the field of devices for thermal regulation of electrical energy storage elements, such as batteries of motor vehicles with electric and/or hybrid motorization. The electrical energy of vehicles with electric and/or hybrid motorization is supplied by one or more batteries. During their operation, the electrical energy storage elements such as the batteries are caused to heat up and thus risk being damaged.

A new charging technique, called fast charging, has recently appeared. It consists in charging the energy storage elements under a high voltage and amperage, in a short time, in particular in a maximum time of about twenty minutes. This rapid charge involves significant heating of the electrical energy storage elements that must be treated.

For the thermal regulation, in particular the cooling, of electrical energy storage elements, such as batteries, it is known to use a thermal regulation device.

According to a known solution, the thermal regulation device comprises cooling plates incorporating circulation channels for a heat transfer fluid, such as a cooling liquid, arranged between the electrical energy storage elements. The plates are brazed together and optionally also brazed to coolant inlet and outlet manifolds. In particular, during assembly, such electrical energy storage elements for example and the pairs of plates are stacked successively. However, such an assembly does not offer any assembly flexibility with regard to the insertion of the energy storage elements to be cooled in the thermal regulation device.

The aim of the invention is to allow better insertion into the thermal regulation device of the electrical and/or electronic components, such as energy storage elements to be cooled, while ensuring effective cooling of the electrical and/or electronic components. likely to generate heat during operation.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a thermal regulation device for electronic and/or electrical components, in particular for a motor vehicle, said device comprising a predefined number of plates between which said components are intended to be arranged, and at least one heat transfer fluid manifold, the plates defining at least one heat transfer fluid circulation channel in fluid communication with said at least one heat transfer fluid manifold. According to the invention, the plates respectively comprise a main section defining said at least one coolant fluid circulation channel and at least one connecting arm to said at least one coolant fluid manifold connected to the main section by a zone of mechanical weakness. Said at least one heat transfer fluid collector is made by a part separate from the plates into which the free ends of the connecting arms open.

This confers flexibility on the plates, more precisely a possibility of bending along a stacking axis along which the plates are arranged, which allows a separation of the plates before the insertion of the electronic and/or electrical components between the plates.

Advantageously, the zone of mechanical weakness is produced by at least one slot spacing said at least one connecting arm from the main section and at least one bridge of material connecting said at least one connecting arm to the main section.

The material bridge is arranged on the opposite side to said at least one heat transfer fluid manifold. The bending zone is therefore opposite to the collector, which limits the risk of damage or deformation at the level of the connection between the plates and the collector(s), when the plates are moved apart to insert the said components in the assembly.

Said device may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in combination.

According to one aspect of the invention, the plates define in pairs said at least one coolant fluid circulation channel.

According to another aspect of the invention, said at least one heat transfer fluid collector extends longitudinally along the stacking axis.

According to one embodiment, said at least one connecting arm extends parallel to a side edge of the main section, and said at least one slot extends over a distance greater than or equal to half the length of the side edge .

Said at least one connecting arm extends for example over a distance greater than or equal to the length of the side edge.

According to a first variant embodiment, the main sections of the plates have dimensions substantially equal to the dimensions of said components respectively intended to be arranged in mechanical contact with the main sections of two plates on either side of said component. Said components can be inserted between the link arms. In this way, there is no loss of mechanical contact or loss of cooling at the level of the slot.

According to a second variant embodiment, the plates have dimensions substantially equal to the dimensions of said components respectively intended to be arranged in mechanical contact with the main sections and said at least one connecting arm of two plates on either side of said component.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, said device comprises at least one stopper for said components. Said at least one stop allows said components to be locked in position, in particular along an axis parallel to the axis of extension of said at least one connecting arm. This blocking comes for example in addition to a compression of the assembly after insertion of said components in the device so as to be each held between two plates of neighboring pairs.

According to a particular embodiment, said device has the general shape of a parallelepiped, extending longitudinally along the stacking axis of the plates and of said components, and the blocking is carried out in the direction of the height of said device.

A predefined number of stops of said components can be formed on the plates. The stops are for example made in the form of pins extending projecting from the general plane defined by the outer surface of a plate, that is to say on the side opposite to said at least one circulation channel heat transfer fluid. As a variant, to ensure the blocking in the direction of the height of said device, said components can bear at least in part against said at least one heat transfer fluid collector after insertion into said device.

According to another aspect of the invention, said device may comprise at least one thermal interface intended to be arranged between a plate and an electronic and/or electrical component. This makes it possible to guarantee heat transfer between the plates and said components, even in the event of insufficient compression and possible micro-spacings between the plates and said components. The thermal interface is for example produced in the form of thermal paste.

According to another aspect of the invention, said device may comprise at least one electrical insulator intended to be arranged between a plate and an electronic and/or electrical component. This ensures the safety of the end user. Electrical insulation can be provided by a coat of paint.

According to a variant, the electrical insulation and the thermal interface can be made in one piece.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, said at least one heat transfer fluid manifold comprises a plurality of openings, advantageously lined with collars, in which the free ends of the connecting arms are received. A robust connection is thus ensured between the plates and said at least one collector.

The collars of the or each heat transfer fluid manifold extend for example inside the volume defined by the heat transfer fluid manifold.

By way of non-limiting example, said at least one coolant manifold can be made from an extruded part. This extruded part can be punctured, or cut or machined, so as to form the plurality of openings.

Alternatively, said at least one heat transfer fluid collector can be made by bending a metal strip, for example aluminum, pre-cut. After bending, the metal strip can be assembled into its final collector shape by a process of brazing, welding, gluing or any other equivalent method.

According to yet another alternative, said at least one heat transfer fluid manifold can be made by assembling two half-shells. Assembly and sealing between said half-shells can be ensured by a process of brazing, welding, gluing or any other equivalent method.

According to a variant embodiment, each connecting arm comprises at least one abutment, called a product abutment, bearing against a region of said manifold bordering an opening when the free end of the connecting arm is inserted into said at least one manifold.

As a variant, the positioning of the connecting arms in the direction of the height of said device with respect to the or each coolant fluid collector is done automatically during the assembly of the assembly of the plates to the collector(s) of coolant.

According to another aspect of the invention, the plates and said at least one coolant manifold are metallic and are assembled by brazing. A strong sealed connection is provided between the plates and the or each heat transfer fluid manifold.

The invention also relates to a method for assembling a device as defined above with a predefined number of electronic and/or electrical components. Electronic and/or electrical components are particularly likely to release heat during operation, for example, electrical energy storage elements or power electronic devices.

According to the invention, said method comprises the following steps, separating the pairs of plates simultaneously, respectively one by one, along a stacking axis along which the plates are arranged, inserting said components simultaneously, respectively one by one, between the pairs of plates, releasing the plates and compressing the assembly of said device receiving said components along the stacking axis.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a thermal regulation device comprising a stack of plates and electronic and/or electrical components according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a second perspective view of the device of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top view of the device of Figure 1 schematically representing an overall circulation of the heat transfer fluid in "I" in said device.

Figure 4 is a top view of the device of Figure 1 schematically representing an overall circulation of the heat transfer fluid in "U" in said device.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a pair of plates of the device of Figure 1.

Figure 6 shows a front view of a plate of the device of Figure 1 according to a variant embodiment.

Figure 7 shows a portion of the device comprising a stack of plates according to Figure 6.

Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of Figure 1 showing the mechanical and fluidic connection between the plates and a coolant manifold.

Figure 9 shows a partial front view of a plate assembled to the manifold.

Figure 10 shows a portion of the device comprising a stack of plates and components according to a first variant embodiment.

Figure 11 shows a portion of the device comprising a stack of plates and components according to a second variant embodiment.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a coolant manifold of the device.

Figure 13 is an enlarged view of one end of the manifold of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 9 showing the connection between the plate and the manifold.

Figure 15 shows the device before assembly with the electronic and/or electrical components.

Figure 16 shows the device of Figure 15 after separation of the plates.

Figure 17 shows the device of Figure 16 after insertion of the electronic and/or electrical components between the pairs of plates.

Figure 18 shows the device of Figure 17 receiving said components after releasing the plates.

Figure 19 shows the device of Figure 18 after compression of the assembly.

In these figures, identical elements bear the same reference numbers.

The following achievements are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

In the description, certain elements can be indexed, such as the first element or the second element, for example. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name elements that are close but not identical. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element over another and it is easy to interchange such denominations without departing from the scope of the present description. Nor does this indexing imply an order in time.

Figure 1 shows a thermal regulation device 1 receiving electronic and/or electrical components 3 capable of releasing heat during their operation, for the thermal regulation of the latter, in particular their cooling, as best seen in Figure 2 The components 3, shown very schematically in the figures, are in particular electrical energy storage elements or a power electronics device, in particular in the automotive field. By way of example, it may be electric cells making up a battery pack in an electric vehicle.

Such a device 1 is intended in particular to equip a motor vehicle. The entire device 1 can advantageously be soldered in one go.

In general, the device 1 comprises a predefined number of plates 5 arranged in at least one row along a stacking axis A1. The device 1 comprises at least one collector 7 of heat transfer fluid. In the example illustrated, the device 1 comprises two collectors 7 for the inlet and for the outlet of the heat transfer fluid. Each heat transfer fluid collector 7 extends longitudinally along the stacking axis A1.

In the particular example illustrated in Figure 1 or 2, the device 1 has the general shape of a parallelepiped, in particular a rectangular parallelepiped, the longitudinal axis of which is the stacking axis A1, and extending in width along an axis A2 transverse to the stacking axis A1, and in height along an axis H, which corresponds to a vertical axis according to the arrangement of the elements in Figures 1 and 2.

The electronic and/or electrical components 3 are intended to be interposed between pairs of plates 5, so as to form a stack of plates 5 and components 3 along the stacking axis A1.

A thermal interface (not shown) may be provided between each electronic and/or electrical component 3 and the adjacent plates 5 so as to guarantee heat transfer between the plates 5 and the electronic and/or electrical components 3. Heat transfer can thus be ensured even in the event of insufficient compression and possible micro-spacing between the plates 5 and the electronic and/or electrical components 3. The thermal interface is for example produced in the form of thermal paste.

As a variant or in addition, at least one electrical insulator (not shown) may be provided between the electronic and/or electrical components 3 and the adjacent plates 5, in order to guarantee the safety of the user. Electrical insulation can be provided by a coat of paint. According to a variant not shown, the electrical insulation and the thermal interface can be made in one piece.

Furthermore, in the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the device 1 comprises two collectors 7 of heat transfer fluid, for the inlet and for the outlet of the heat transfer fluid. One of the collectors 7 allows the heat transfer fluid, in particular cold, to circulate and to be distributed to the various plates 5, the other ensures the return of the heat transfer fluid, in particular hot, after it has passed through the plates 5. The fluid inlet E and outlet S can be arranged on two opposite sides of the device 1, so that the heat transfer fluid can thus flow generally in the device 1 according to a so-called "I" circulation, as shown schematically in Figure 3, by the arrows FE through the collector 7 input, F5 through the pairs of plates 5, FS through the collector 7 output. Other flow diagrams can be envisaged, such as a so-called "U" circulation with the fluid inlet E and outlet S can be arranged on the same side of the device 1 as shown schematically in Figure 4. Connectors (not shown) are generally provided at the end of the collectors 7 to ensure the connection between the device and a heat transfer fluid circuit. Such connections can be either soldered with the device 1 or attached after soldering.

The device 1 can also comprise at least one stopper (not shown in Figures 1 to 4) of the electronic and/or electrical components 3. This is in particular one or more stops allowing the blocking in position of the electronic and/or electrical components 3 following in the direction of the height of the device 1, along the vertical axis H in the example of the Figures 1 and 2. This blocking comes for example in addition to a compression of the assembly after insertion of the electronic and/or electrical components 3 between the plates 5.

Figure 5 shows in more detail the plates 5 of a pair of device 1 before assembly. Plates 5 can be made from stamped sheet metal. Preferably the two plates 5 of a pair are symmetrical with respect to their joint plane. In this way, the heat exchange surface with a component is the same regardless of the side of the pair of plates 5 against which the component is intended to be placed.

In particular, each plate 5 extends along a plane perpendicular to the stacking axis A1. Referring also to Figure 6, the plates 5 extend along the transverse axis A2 and the vertical axis H. Plates 5 can have a generally rectangular shape. In a non-limiting manner, the plates 5 have two long sides extending along the transverse axis A2 and two short sides extending along the vertical axis H.

The plates 5 respectively comprise a main section 5A and at least one connecting arm 5B, two connecting arms 5B in the example described.

In the case of a plate 5 of generally rectangular shape, the main section 5A of a plate 5 is in this example rectangular or substantially rectangular with a longitudinal axis coinciding with the transverse axis A2. In other words, the main sections 5A are provided at the level of the large faces of the plates 5.

In this non-limiting example, each connecting arm 5B forms a lateral arm at the level of a small side of the plate 5. Each connecting arm 5B can have a generally elongated shape with a longitudinal axis coinciding with the axis H in the device height direction 1.

The main sections 5A of the plates 5 make it possible to define the heat transfer fluid circulation channel, in particular when two plates 5 are assembled in pairs. To do this, the plates 5 can each have a substantially hollow or bowl shape, so as to allow the flow of the heat transfer fluid between the two plates 5 of a pair after assembly.

The heat transfer fluid is for example a cooling liquid. More precisely, the plates 5 define in pairs at least one heat transfer fluid circulation channel. The heat transfer fluid can flow in the plates 5 in one or more passes, according to a linear flow pattern or not.

To this end, the plates 5 can each have on their main section 5A, one or more ribs 51. By way of non-limiting example, each plate 5 comprises ribs 51 delimiting a serpentine-shaped path. The ribs 51 may have a rounded end. The ribs 51 are provided on the internal surfaces of the plates 5, that is to say the surfaces intended to be arranged facing a plate 5 associated with the assembly of a pair of plates 5.

Furthermore, the plates 5 may have at their main section 5A a multitude of bosses 53, advantageously in order to ensure the mechanical strength, in particular due to the internal pressure of the heat transfer fluid between two plates 5, the external pressure of the components 3. The bosses 53 also project with respect to the internal surface of the corresponding plate 5 presenting the rib or ribs 51.

The plates 5 are therefore arranged in pairs so that the internal surfaces having, for example at the level of the main sections 5A, the rib(s) 51, and any bosses 53, face one another. When two plates 5 are assembled, the or each rib 51 of a first plate 5 is held in contact with the corresponding rib 51 facing a second associated plate 5. Thus, the ribs 51 of the two plates 5, and any bosses 53, protrude into the heat transfer fluid flow passage in order to define a flow pattern or path or different passes of the heat transfer fluid. Other flow patterns can be considered.

Each plate 5 may include a peripheral edge 55 over the entire outline of the plate 5, including the outline of the connecting arms 5B. The plates 5 of the same pair are joined together in a sealed manner at their respective peripheral edges 55. The plates 5 are advantageously made of a metallic material and can be connected in pairs in a sealed manner, for example by brazing.

As illustrated in Figure 6, a predefined number of stops can be formed on the plates 5, in particular at the level of the main section 5A, for example in the form of pins 56. In particular, each plate 5 can comprise two stops 56 extending from the outer surface of the plate 5, that is to say according to the examples described on the side opposite the possible ribs 51 and possible bosses 53. The pins 56 project with respect to the general plane defined by the outer surface of the corresponding plate 5. Thus, when the electronic and/or electrical components are inserted between the plates 5, more precisely between the pairs of plates 5, these components can bear at least in part against the stops, for example in the form of pins 56, as shown schematically in Figure 7. According to a variant not shown, to ensure the blocking in the direction of the height of the device 1, along the axis H, the electronic and / or electrical components 3 can come to rest at least partly against the collector 7 of heat transfer fluid.

In addition, each connecting arm 5B allows, in particular when the plates 5 are assembled in pairs, the fluidic connection of the plate 5 to a collector 7 of heat transfer fluid. To do this, the connecting arms 5B are connected to the main section 5A and each have a free end 57 intended to be received and to open into a collector 7 of heat transfer fluid at the assembly of the device 1, as shown in the Figures 8 and 9. In other words, the free ends 57 of the connecting arms 5B form fluidic connection zones to each collector 7 of heat transfer fluid. Each collector 7 is connected to a free end 57 of a connecting arm 5B.

Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, each connecting arm 5B comprises at least one stop 61, better visible in Figure 6 or 9, called product stop. Such a stop 61 bears against the manifold 7, when the free end 57 of the connecting arm 5B is inserted into the manifold 7. This makes it possible to set the positioning of the plates 5 with respect to the manifolds 7 according to the height of the device 1 , that is to say along the vertical axis H in this example.

By way of example, in the case of plates 5 assembled by brazing, the connecting arms 5B have a brazing flat which can be removed at the level of the free end 57 of each connecting arm 5B, in order to ensure the fitting of this free end 57 into the manifold 7. In this case, the remaining brazing plate makes it possible to form the product abutment 61 during the assembly of the device 1 before brazing.

Alternatively, the positioning of the plates along the H axis with respect to the or each collector 7 of heat transfer fluid can be done automatically when assembling all of the plates 5 to the collector(s) 7 of fluid coolant, without requiring abutments produced on the plates 5. In this case, there would be no abutment formed by a brazing plate.

According to the example illustrated, each connecting arm 5B extends parallel to a side edge of the main section 5A, for example rectangular, in particular to a short side of the rectangular shape. Each connecting arm 5B extends over a distance greater than or equal to the length of the side edge of the main section 5A.

Moreover, the arms 5B are each connected to the main section 5A by a zone of mechanical weakness. More precisely, each arm 5B is spaced from the main section 5A by a slot 52, and is connected by at least one bridge of material 54 to the main section 5A.

The slot 52 extends in the direction of the height of the plate 5, along the axis H. This slot 52 confers flexibility on the plates 5, or flexibility in bending along the stacking axis A1, as shown schematically in one of the pairs of plates 5 in FIG. 7. Flexibility is understood here to mean the property of the plates 5 to bend without undergoing any deterioration when a stress is applied along the stacking axis A1, and to return in an initial position when the constraint ceases. This allows a bending or tilting of the plates, and in particular a spacing between pairs of plates 5, to insert the electronic and/or electrical components 3 between the plates 5, more precisely between the pairs of plates 5.

The bridge of material 54 is advantageously placed on the opposite side to the heat transfer fluid manifold 7 in the assembled state of the device 1. The bending zone is thus opposite to the fluidic connection zone of the plate 5 with the manifold 7. This allows to limit the risk of damage or deformation at the level of the connection between the plates 5 and the manifold 7, when the plates are bent slightly upwards with reference to the arrangement of the elements in Figure 7 for inserting said components at the 'Assembly. This avoids forcing at the level of the plate 5/manifold 7 connection which has for example been made by brazing.

With reference to Figures 6 to 9, the dimensioning of the slot 52 and/or of the connecting arm 5B is a function, for example, of the dimensions of the components 3 intended to be thermally regulated, of the bending or the spacing desired for inserting the components 3 , and assembly process tolerances. In particular, the dimensioning of the connecting arms 5B can depend on the fluidics and the maximum possible bulk for the device 1.

The slot 52 advantageously extends, along the axis H, from the free end 57 of the connecting arm 5B, towards the opposite lateral edge, more precisely up to the heat transfer fluid circulation channel which is located at the top of the plate 5, according to the arrangement of the elements in the figures. By way of non-limiting example, the slot 52 extends, along the axis H, over a distance at least equal to, and preferably greater than, half the length of the side edge of the main section 5A. The slot 52 can extend in width, that is to say along the transverse axis A2, over a distance of at least 2 mm.

By way of non-limiting example, each connecting arm 5B can extend in width, that is to say along the transverse axis A2, over a distance between 10mm and 30mm.

The main section 5A and the connecting arms 5B of a plate 5 can be shaped so that the electronic and/or electrical components 3 are inserted between the connecting arms 5B, along the transverse axis A2, as shown schematically in Figure 10. The components 3 can be of dimensions substantially equal to the dimensions of the main sections 5A of the plates 5 and are respectively arranged in mechanical contact with the main sections 5A of two plates 5 on either side of the component 3. In this way, there is no loss of contact and therefore no loss of cooling at slot 52.

Alternatively, as shown schematically in Figure 11, the electronic and/or electrical components 3 have dimensions substantially equal to the dimensions of the plates 5, that is to say including the connecting arms 5B. The components 3 are respectively arranged in mechanical contact with the main sections 5A and the connecting arms 5B of two plates 5 of neighboring pairs on either side of the component. This variant is for example possible when the pairs of plates 5 are separated one by one during the assembly of the device 1 with the components 3.

According to the embodiment described, each collector 7 of heat transfer fluid is made in one piece which is separate from the plates 5. It is for example extruded.

A collector 7 made in one piece is shown in Figure 12. In a non-limiting manner, the collector 7 may have the general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped extending longitudinally along the stacking axis A1 in the assembled state of the device 1. This collector 7 can be closed off on one side and be placed in fluid communication with a heat transfer fluid circuit on the other side. According to the particular example shown, these are the sides along the longitudinal axis of the collector 7, that is to say along the stacking axis A1.

The collector 7 of heat transfer fluid comprises a plurality of openings 71. These openings 71 are advantageously lined with collars 73 as is best seen in Figure 13. The collars 73 of each collector 7 of heat transfer fluid extend inside of the volume defined by the collector 7 of heat transfer fluid.

By way of non-limiting example, such a manifold 7 can be made from an extruded part. This extruded part can be punctured, or cut or machined, so as to form the plurality of openings 71.

Alternatively, the collector 7 can be made by bending a strip of pre-cut material, more precisely a metal strip, for example aluminum. To do this, the longitudinal edges of the strip may each have a bead which are brought into sealing contact with each other on certain portions of the strip. The longitudinal edges of the strip have for example, moreover, at predetermined intervals and symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the strip, notches, which once the strip is folded, define the plurality of openings 71.

According to yet another alternative, the collector 7 can be made by assembling two half-shells.

The free ends 57 of the connecting arms 5B of the plates 5 are intended to be received in the openings 71 lined with collars 73 of the collector 7, as shown in Figure 14. A robust connection is thus ensured between the plates 5 and each collector 7 .

Finally, the collectors 7 made in one piece can be made of a metallic material, for example aluminum or an aluminum alloy. All of the plates 5, and the collectors 7, forming the device 1 as shown in Figure 15, can advantageously be brazed in one go. A strong sealed connection is thus ensured between the plates 5, and the or each heat transfer fluid collector 7.

Furthermore, the dimensioning of the various elements of the device 1 for the flow of the heat transfer fluid, namely the width of the circulation channel(s) at the level of the main section 5A and of the connecting arms 5B of the plates 5 as well as of each collector 7, is a function in particular of the space available for the collectors 7 in the final environment and of the desired pressure drop of the device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the passage section is greater at the level of the collectors 7 in order to limit the pressure drop therein as much as possible. The distribution of the heat transfer fluid between the different pairs of plates 5 is identical or almost identical. The pressure drop in each pair of plates 5 can be greater than that in each collector 7, so as to ensure as much as possible the same flow rate between each pair of plates 5, to ensure homogeneous cooling.

The device 1 comprising a plurality of plates 5 assembled to the collectors 7, in a robust manner, advantageously by brazing, then has the general shape of a comb.

This device 1, for example brazed, can be delivered to the end customer before assembly with the electronic and/or electrical components, in order to form an electrical module, for example ready to be mounted in the motor vehicle.

To do this, during a first step, a bending stress can be applied to one or more pairs of plates 5 along the stacking axis A1, as shown schematically in Figure 16. At least some plates 5 extend then in a direction oblique to the axis H, vertical according to the arrangement of the elements in Figure 16. In particular, the bending stress is not exerted in the same direction for all the plates 5. As in the example illustrated in Figure 16, the pairs of plates 5 to the right of a pair of middle plates can be flexed to the right and similarly the pairs of plates 5 to the left of the middle pair can be flexed to the left. The middle pair of plates 5 can for example retain its extension along the H axis.

The pairs of flexed plates 5 can be more or less separated from each other, thus facilitating the insertion of the components 3, as shown schematically in Figure 17. All the pairs of plates 5 can be flexed or separated simultaneously, or alternatively one to one. Also, the components 3 can be inserted simultaneously, or one by one, between the pairs of plates 5.

After insertion of the components 3, the plates 5 previously separated can be released, thus returning to an initial position, as shown schematically in Figure 18. According to the option in which the plates 5 are separated one by one and the components 3 inserted one by one, in a complementary way, the pairs of plates 5 can be released one by one after the insertion of the corresponding component 3.

Finally, the assembly can be compressed along the stacking axis A1, preferably on both sides of the device 1, as shown diagrammatically by the arrows F in FIG. 19. This compression can for example be achieved by means of plates of end and one or more tie rods making it possible to compress the plates 5 against the components 3.

According to another option, one can consider an alternative according to which the distance between the pairs of plates 5 is sufficient to allow the insertion of the components without requiring a prior spacing of the plates 5, the flexibility of the plates 5 making it possible to absorb any play assembly, and the assembly can be compressed once the components 3 have been interposed between the pairs of plates 5. In this case, it is possible that after compression at least certain pairs of plates 5 do not extend vertically along the H axis but along a slightly oblique axis.

Thus, all of the plates 5 with their flexible connecting arms 5B can be assembled in a robust manner, in particular by brazing, with the heat transfer fluid manifold(s) 7 to be delivered to the end customer before assembly of the components 3 and mounting on the vehicle for example. A flexibility/tolerance to assembly along the stacking axis A1 is provided by the slots 52 spacing the connecting arms 5B from the main section 5A, which allows a spacing of the plates 5, more precisely of the pairs of plates 5 to insert the components 3 to be cooled and then makes it possible to compress everything, when the components 3 are inserted, to ensure that the components 3 are held in position by the plates 5 and ensure the thermal contact necessary for thermal regulation such as the cooling of the components 3.

Besides the advantage of being able to insert, for example, all the components simultaneously into the device 1, the brazed device 1 also makes it possible to gain in reliability compared to a device with O-rings or flat seals to ensure sealing. Finally, the fact of using collectors 7 of heat transfer fluid made separately from the plates 5, as transport vectors of the heat transfer fluid between the pairs of plates 5, makes it possible to accept all thicknesses of components 3. Indeed, the invention is not limited by the drawing height at the level of the plates to form a fluidic and mechanical connection between the pairs of plates as in certain solutions of the prior art.

Claims (10)

Device (1) for thermal regulation of electronic and/or electrical components (3), in particular for a motor vehicle, said device (1) comprising a predefined number of plates (5) between which said components are intended to be arranged, and at least a heat transfer fluid manifold (7), the plates (5) defining at least one heat transfer fluid circulation channel in fluid communication with said at least one heat transfer fluid manifold (7),
characterized in that:
- the plates (5) respectively comprise a main section (5A) defining said at least one heat transfer fluid circulation channel and at least one connecting arm (5B) to said at least one heat transfer fluid manifold (7) connected to the section main (5A) by a zone of mechanical weakness, and in that
- said at least one collector (7) of coolant fluid is made by a separate part of the plates (5) in which open the free ends (57) of the connecting arms (5B). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the zone of mechanical weakness is produced by at least one slot (52) spacing the said at least one connecting arm (5B) from the main section (5A), and at least one bridge of material (54) connecting said at least one connecting arm (5B) to the main section (5A) and arranged on the opposite side to said at least one collector (7) of heat transfer fluid. Device according to any one of Claims 1 or 2, in which the main sections (5A) of the plates (5) are of dimensions substantially equal to the dimensions of the said components (3) respectively intended to be arranged in mechanical contact with the main sections ( 5A) of two plates (5) on either side of said component (3). Device according to any one of Claims 1 or 2, in which the plates (5) are of dimensions substantially equal to the dimensions of the said components (3) respectively intended to be arranged in mechanical contact with the main sections (5A) and the said at least a connecting arm (5B) of two plates (5) on either side of said component (3). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one abutment (56) of said components (3). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein a predefined number of stops (56) of said components (3) is formed on the plates (5). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one thermal interface intended to be placed between a plate (5) and an electronic and/or electrical component (3). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one electrical insulator intended to be placed between a plate (5) and an electronic and/or electrical component (3). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said at least one heat transfer fluid collector (7) comprises a plurality of openings (71) bordered by collars (73) in which the free ends (57) of the link arms (5B) are received. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the plates (5) and the said at least one heat transfer fluid manifold (7) are metallic and are assembled by brazing.