FR3133909A1 - Thermal regulation device, in particular cooling for motor vehicles. - Google Patents

Abstract

Title: Thermal regulation device for cooling electrical energy storage devices. The main object of the invention is a thermal regulation device (4) for cooling electrical energy storage members (2), the thermal regulation device (4) comprising a tube (6) configured to be in contact electrical energy storage members and comprising at least one circulation channel (8) of heat transfer fluid, a collection box (10) arranged at one end of the tube (6) and comprising at least one collection chamber (26) communicating fluidly with the at least one circulation channel (8) of the tube (6), and at least one connection sleeve (18, 18a, 18b) arranged on either side of the collection box (10) and configured to communicate with the same collection chamber (26), characterized in that the device comprises an electrical insulating element (23) configured to electrically isolate said storage members from the sleeves and/or the collection box (10). Figure for abstract: Figure 3

Description

Thermal regulation device, in particular cooling for motor vehicles.

The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device, in particular a cooling device, in particular for an electrical component capable of releasing heat during its operation, in particular a device for cooling at least one vehicle battery or battery cells, for example a vehicle. The vehicle can be land, sea or air.

It is known today to equip electric, thermal or hybrid vehicles with electrical energy storage devices allowing power supply to the various elements of the vehicle. These electrical energy storage devices are generally composed of electrical energy storage cells positioned in a battery pack.

Car manufacturers are now seeking to provide more powerful electric or hybrid vehicles with increased electric range. For this, more and more battery packs, and/or increasingly larger battery packs, are installed on these electric or hybrid vehicles. It is known to install all or at least part of these battery packs at the level of the floor of the vehicle, substantially over the entire width of the vehicle.

We understand that, during vehicle operation, the battery packs can release a significant amount of heat and therefore be subject to temperature increases which can in certain cases cause them to be damaged or even destroyed. Consequently, their cooling is essential in order to keep them in good condition and thus ensure the reliability, autonomy and performance of the vehicle. Furthermore, the operation of the battery packs may be less efficient in the event of low temperatures, the electrical or electronic components equipping these battery packs then needing a time to warm up before operating at full efficiency.

To do this, one or more thermal regulation devices intended to regulate the temperature of the battery packs are implemented to ensure the heating and/or cooling functions of the electrical or electronic components inside these battery packs and thus optimize the operation of the different components.

These thermal regulation devices are generally traversed by a heat transfer fluid which can, depending on the needs, either absorb the heat emitted by each battery pack in order to cool it or provide heat if the temperature of the battery pack is insufficient for its proper operation.

It is particularly known, in battery packs where electrical energy storage cells are arranged vertically next to each other so as to form a plurality of successive rows of cells, to have thermal regulation devices having a tube placed between two rows of cells and within which heat transfer fluid is able to circulate. Contact between the tube and the cells allows evacuation, or supply, of calories via the heat transfer fluid. To manage the arrival and evacuation of the heat transfer fluid, a fluid collection box is placed at one end of the tube and heat transfer fluid inlet and outlet conduits are connected to this collection box. More particularly, when several thermal regulation devices are arranged in parallel to be respectively inserted between two rows of cells, and the conduits must be connected successively to each collection box of the thermal regulation devices, it is known to respectively form the conduit inlet and the heat transfer fluid outlet conduit by a succession of tubular portions including sleeves integral with each collection box and additional connection means interposed between the sleeves to fix them to each other and allow a watertight passage of heat transfer fluid within each of the tubular portions.

The size of battery packs must be increasingly larger to meet the increasingly significant electrical energy needs of modern electric or hybrid vehicles, and the number of rows of cells, and therefore the number of tubes interposed between these cell rows to achieve thermal regulation must be increasingly larger. As a result, connecting the conduits to the different collection boxes can be tedious due to the large number of parts to be assembled together.

Furthermore, the multiplication of the number of parts and their respective manufacturing tolerances implies larger assembly clearances and increased complexity for the production of this assembly.

An example of a thermal regulation device for cooling electrical energy storage members consists of a thermal regulating device comprising a tube configured to be in contact with the electrical energy storage members and comprising at least one cooling channel. circulation of heat transfer fluid, a collection box arranged at one end of the tube and comprising collection chambers communicating fluidly with the at least one circulation channel of the tube, and at least two connection sleeves arranged on either side of the collection box and configured to communicate with the same collection chamber, the connection sleeves having distinct shapes relative to each other.

In the context of a multi-port tube as described previously by way of example, an electrical insulation function may be necessary, and a coating must then be added to the exchanger which is thermally and electrically conductive due to the choice of classic optimized materials, generally aluminum.

The area to which this electrical insulation must be applied is generally defined beforehand taking into account several factors:

the location of the batteries in relation to the exchanger;

the potential conditions leading to the formation of an electric arc in the event of a battery pack failure;

The technical difficulty lies in finding a technical solution to meet the need for electrical insulation.

In order to ensure the connection of a battery cooler A with an adjacent battery cooler B within the pack and thus create fluid circulation, the connection elements comprising specific elements of combined shape such as:

a male part on the battery cooler A and a female part on the battery cooler B, said connection elements being preferably made of aluminum which will be brazed directly onto the boxes of the coolers themselves made of aluminum, a sealing member such an O-ring being added at the connection of two coolers, such as a lip or quatrefoil seal for example, which could be placed either on the male part or inside the female part.

This sealing member can be made of EPDM, nitrile material, for example, or any other polymer material compatible with the coolant and resistant to environmental temperature constraints.

In the case where the electrical insulation function is necessary and depending on the location required for this function, it may be difficult to achieve this function only by applying a surface coating to the exchanger. Indeed, applying a coating to a complex organ can be difficult to perform in a repeatable and safe manner, and the process is complex.

Additionally, this insulation solution may need to be applied to a significant portion of the product due to its proximity to the batteries.

In the case of more or less complex part geometry, for example when the cooling device has an inlet/outlet box geometry presenting bulky connections and/or excess thicknesses linked to crimping teeth on the boxes by example, the coating cannot be applied in a simple and homogeneous manner on certain areas.

This results in a need to provide a simple and inexpensive insulating solution which makes it possible to prevent the electric arc from propagating in conductive materials not coated by the insulation layer.

This solution aims to resolve the technical problem by proposing a specific device.

The present invention thus relates to a thermal regulation device (4) for cooling electrical energy storage members (2), the thermal regulating device (4) comprising a tube (6) configured to be in contact with the members storage of electrical energy and comprising at least one circulation channel (8) of heat transfer fluid, a collection box (10) arranged at one end of the tube (6) and comprising collection chambers (26) communicating fluidly with the 'at least one circulation channel (8) of the tube (6), and at least one connection sleeve (18, 18a, 18b) arranged on either side of the collection box (10) and configured to communicate with the same collection chamber (26), characterized in that the device comprises an electrical insulating element configured to electrically isolate said storage members from the sleeves and/or the collection box (10).

Preferably, this invention may present several optional aspects:

According to one characteristic of the invention, said insulating element comprises two half-shells configured to assemble with one another around the tube.

According to a characteristic of the invention, said two half-shells are identical.

Advantageously, these 2 half-shells will be one and the same part reference in order to optimize costs.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the insulating element forms a cover which has a first part forming a body, in particular of flat shape, configured to be in contact and bear on the tube, and a second part forming elements configured to be clipped to the sleeves

This cover has shapes combined with the connections of the tubes between them to be able to clip onto the external diameters and hold in place.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the device can allow circulation of the fluid in a U or I shape.

According to the invention, the collection box is therefore equipped with at least two connection sleeves including a connection sleeve of a first type and a connection sleeve of a second type. The difference in shape of the connection sleeves allows, when two identical thermal regulation devices are assembled together to form part of an electrical energy storage device to have several rows of energy storage members electrical in particular, to make a connection sleeve of a first type associated with a first thermal regulation device cooperate directly with a sleeve of a second type associated with a second thermal regulation device.

Advantageously, we thus avoid having to provide an assembly with connection sleeves of identical shapes which must be connected by an additional sheath, and we thus avoid a multiplication of manufacturing tolerances and alignment defects.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the collection box and the two connection sleeves form a one-piece assembly. In particular, the collection box and the connection sleeves can be made from the same material, and more particularly from aluminum. Additionally, the collection box, the connection sleeves and the tube form a one-piece assembly.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the one-piece assembly formed by at least the collection box and the connection sleeves is obtained by a brazing operation.

According to one characteristic of the invention, one of the two connection sleeves, so as to form a male element, has an external diameter, at a free end opposite the collection box, which is slightly less than the internal diameter of the other of the two connection sleeves at a free end opposite the collection box, this other connection sleeve being intended to form a female element.

According to one characteristic of the invention, one of the two connection sleeves has a free end, opposite the collection box, which has external dimensions smaller than the corresponding external dimensions of this connection sleeve in the vicinity of the collection box. collection, and/or the other of the two connection sleeves has a free end, opposite the collection box, which has internal dimensions greater than the corresponding internal dimensions of this connection sleeve in the vicinity of the collection box .

In other words, the thermal regulation device comprises a connection sleeve of the first type which has a male shape, where appropriate which tends to narrow as it moves away from the collection box, and a connection sleeve of the second type which has a female shape, where appropriate which tends to widen as the collection box moves away from the collection box in a direction opposite to the direction of movement away from the connection sleeve of the first type, the male shape and the female shape of these connection sleeves allowing direct cooperation, in particular by fitting, between two connection sleeves of two neighboring thermal regulation devices.

According to a characteristic of the invention, a first connection sleeve associated with the collection box comprises means of cooperation with a connection sleeve of a first neighboring thermal regulation device which are arranged on its external face and a second sleeve of connection forming a one-piece assembly with the collection box, arranged opposite the first connection sleeve with respect to said collection box, comprises means of cooperation with a connection sleeve of a second neighboring thermal regulation device which are arranged on its internal face.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the cooperation means comprise at least one zone for receiving an annular seal forming a projection from the corresponding face of the first or second connection sleeve.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the reception zone comprises a groove formed in the thickness of the corresponding face of the first or second connection sleeve and dimensioned to accommodate the at least one annular seal.

According to a characteristic of the invention, one of the connection sleeves comprises at least one opening passing through the thickness of this sleeve from the internal face to the external face, said opening being configured to receive a fixing clip.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the tube comprises two sets of distinct circulation channels and the collection box comprises two collection chambers communicating fluidly respectively with one of the sets of circulation channels of the tube, two pairs of connection sleeves being arranged, with a connection sleeve on either side of the collection box, to communicate with each of the collection chambers, the pairs of connection sleeves being configured such that a connection sleeve of a first pair of connection sleeves arranged on a first side of the collection box has a shape and dimensions identical to those of a connection sleeve of the second pair of connection sleeves arranged on the second side of the collection box.

The invention also relates to an electrical energy storage device for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising several sets of electrical energy storage members and several thermal regulation devices as previously mentioned, each thermal regulation device being arranged between two sets of electrical energy storage members, two neighboring thermal regulation devices being configured to be connected in a sealed manner by direct cooperation of a connection sleeve of a first thermal regulation device, equipped with a seal sealing, with a connecting sleeve of a second thermal regulation device.

The invention also relates to a method of assembling an electrical energy storage device as described above, during which electrical energy storage members are placed against a tube of a first thermal regulation device then a tube of a second thermal regulation device is placed against the electrical energy storage members previously placed, by inserting the connection sleeves associated with this tube of the second device and arranged on one side of the collection box of the second device directly in the connection sleeves associated with the tube of the first device and arranged on one side of the collection box of the first device.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand. share, on which:

is a perspective representation of a battery pack as a whole equipped with several electrical energy storage members and a plurality of thermal regulation devices according to an example;

is a detailed view of several electrical energy storage members and one end of several thermal regulation devices, seen on the ;

is a detail of the thermal regulation device in perspective view with an insulating element according to a first embodiment, before assembly (A) and once assembled (B);

is a detail of the thermal regulation device in side view with elements to be cooled, before assembly (A) of an insulating element according to a first embodiment, and once assembled (B);

is a schematic view of the insulating element according to a second embodiment;

represents a detail of the thermal regulation device in side view with elements to be cooled, comprising an insulating element according to a third embodiment (A), and a detail in perspective view of the same assembly without said elements to be cooled;

is a perspective view of an insulating element according to a third embodiment;

is a perspective representation of a thermal regulation device according to a first embodiment on which the circulation of the heat transfer fluid intended to circulate in this device has been represented by arrows in solid lines;

is a perspective representation of a thermal regulation device according to a second embodiment in which the circulation of the heat transfer fluid intended to circulate in this device has been represented by arrows in solid lines;

is a perspective representation of one end of a thermal regulation device, making visible a distribution box and connection sleeves extending projecting from either side of this box;

is a sectional view of two neighboring thermal regulation devices, making in particular visible the cooperation between connection sleeves made in one piece with the distribution box formed at the end of the corresponding thermal regulation device;

is a schematic representation in perspective, similar to that of the , in which the distribution box has been partially represented to make visible its internal structure and to make visible the internal structure of the tube at one end of which the distribution box is fixed;

The characteristics, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other, in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive with respect to each other. In particular, it will be possible to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described subsequently 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.

In the description which follows, the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse” and “vertical” refer to the orientation of a thermal regulation device according to the invention. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a main extension direction of a thermal regulation device and a transverse direction corresponds to a direction substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of a thermal regulation device and to a main extension direction of a hydraulic connection sleeve of the thermal regulation device, this transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, a vertical direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the transverse direction.

The present invention thus relates to a thermal regulation device (4) for cooling electrical energy storage members (2), the thermal regulating device (4) comprising a tube (6) configured to be in contact with the members storage of electrical energy and comprising at least one circulation channel (8) of heat transfer fluid, a collection box (10) arranged at one end of the tube (6) and comprising collection chambers (26) communicating fluidly with the 'at least one circulation channel (8) of the tube (6), and at least one connection sleeve (18, 18a, 18b) arranged on either side of the collection box (10) and configured to communicate with the same collection chamber (26), characterized in that the device comprises an electrical insulating element configured to electrically isolate said storage members from the sleeves and/or the collection box (10).

This advantageously allows for easy, safe and low-cost electrical insulation. Indeed, this makes it possible to ensure good insulation of the electrical storage elements with respect to the sleeves 18 in particular, where the insulating coating of the cooling device may not be sufficient, in particular at the level of the complex shapes of the device, particularly the sleeves 18.

Thus, in certain embodiments, the tube 6 and the collection box 10 include an insulating coating. In these cases, the insulating element advantageously intervenes to ensure safe insulation at the level of complex shapes in order to avoid electric arcs, and this, at lower cost.

We understand that the heart of the invention lies in the presence of an insulating element 23 between the end of the tube 6 and the set of elements forming the collection chamber 10 and the connections such as the sleeves 19.

Preferably, this invention may present several optional aspects:

According to one characteristic of the invention, said insulating element comprises two half-shells 230 configured to assemble with one another around the tube 6. Such a particular embodiment is shown in Figure 3A and B. Thus , the two half-shells are inserted on each side of the tube 6 to form, once assembled around it, an insulating element 23 which separates the tube 6 from the sleeves 18.

There represents a cooling device 4 with several tubes 6 assembled by their pair of sleeves 18, with cells 2, without insulating element 23 (on the left) and with (on the right). A theoretical circle having as its center the cell 2 closest to the end of the tube 6 and having a greater radius than this of said cell represents the possibility of formation of an electric arc. It is therefore in this zone that it is advantageous to provide an insulating element 23, in case the parts are poorly coated or are missing any coating.

According to a characteristic of the invention, said two half-shells 230 are identical.

Indeed, in an advantageous manner, as shown by way of non-limiting example to the , the insulating element 23 comprises two half-shells 230 which are each formed from a single and same part reference in order to optimize costs. The assembly is thus done between two identical parts which are reversed relative to each other.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the insulating element 23 forms a cover 231 which has a first part forming a body, in particular of flat shape, configured to be in contact and bear on the tube 6, and a second part forming elements configured to be clipped to the sleeves 18.

This cover 231 has shapes combined with the connections of the tubes between them to be able to clip onto the external diameters and hold in place.

An example of an embodiment of the cache 231 according to the invention is represented respectively alone at the and assembled on the sleeves 18 on the , with cells 2, on the left, and without them, on the right.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the device can allow circulation of the fluid in a U or I shape.

The present invention further comprises the following characteristics taken alone or in combination:

Application of a coating to the multiport tube part which presents a homogeneous and continuous geometry

Addition of a plastic protection / cover to prevent the creation of an electric arc between the last cell and uncoated components such as sleeves, preferably located within a 15 mm area around the last storage element, as shown as an example in Figures 4 and 6.

Preferably, this plastic protection may have several aspects:

According to a characteristic of the invention, a first solution having the appearance of a “dome” or double shell 230 which will be mounted on the multiport tube and making it possible to make an electrically insulating screen between the cells and the uncoated parts as presented in the .

According to a characteristic of the invention, said insulating element comprises two half-shells 230 configured to assemble with one another around the tube 6.

Advantageously, this dome 230 could be in the form of two plastic half-shells 230 which would be inserted around the multiport tube 6 as shown. . This dome will preferably be made of insulation or insulating material for example foam, textile, or metal part covered with varnish, paint, thermoplastic film but can also be covered with insulating material.

According to a characteristic of the invention, said two half-shells 230 are identical.

Advantageously, these two half-shells 230 will be one and the same part reference in order to optimize costs. This embodiment is shown by way of example in .

According to another form of the invention, a cover 231 as detailed in Figures 6 and 7 is applied directly to the input/output box in such a way that the area to be isolated is protected.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the insulating element 23 forms a cover 231 which has a first part forming a body, in particular of flat shape, configured to be in contact and bear on the tube, and a second part forming elements configured to be clipped to the sleeves 18. By clipped we mean in particular being attached in force to said sleeves 18, in particular to the external diameters of said sleeves. In other words, this cover 231 has shapes complementary to the connections of the tubes 6 between them to be able to clip onto the outer diameters of said connections and hold in place.

The invention as it has just been described makes it possible to meet the objectives it had set for itself, namely to propose an electrically isolated electrical energy storage device 1.

The dimension of the electrical energy storage device 4 can thus easily be increased without this implying a multiplication of assembly operations, a simple addition of the insulating element 23.

By way of example, an electrical energy storage device 1, in particular intended to equip an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprises several sets of electrical energy storage members 2, also hereinafter called energy storage cells. electrical energy, and several thermal regulation devices 4 arranged near these cells to allow thermal exchange between them.

The electrical energy storage members have in particular the shape of cylindrical cells, here with a circular section, arranged vertically, that is to say perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse plane in which the energy storage device mainly fits. electric.

The electrical energy storage members 2 are in particular arranged in successive rows 3, parallel to each other, and each row, or set of electrical energy storage members, extends mainly longitudinally.

Thermal regulation devices 4 are arranged between two rows 3 of neighboring electrical energy storage members, including in particular a tube 6 which is configured to be in contact with the electrical energy storage members 2 of these two neighboring rows 3 .

In the example illustrated, the rows 3 are arranged staggered relative to each other, that is to say with a longitudinal offset of the storage members of one row relative to the storage members of the neighboring row, which makes it possible to optimize the size of the electrical energy storage device 1, and the thermal regulation devices 4 each comprise a tube 6 of corrugated shape to be able to be in contact with each of the electrical energy storage members 2 of the two rows 3 between which they extend respectively.

Heat transfer fluid is intended to circulate inside this tube 6 of corrugated shape to be able to exchange calories with the electrical energy storage members 2, via the heat-conducting wall of the tube. In particular, when the electrical energy storage devices 2 must be cooled following a rise in temperature during their operation, the heat transfer fluid is intended to recover the calories and evacuate them from the electrical energy storage device 1.

Each thermal regulation device 4 comprises, to allow this exchange of calories, the tube 6 previously mentioned, here of corrugated shape, within which is formed at least one circulation channel 8 of heat transfer fluid, and at least one collection box 10 which is arranged at a longitudinal end 12 of the tube 6 and which is intended to collect the fluid from an inlet conduit 14 of heat transfer fluid and to distribute it in the circulation channel(s) 8 within the tube 6 and/or intended to collect the heat transfer fluid at the outlet of the tube 6 and direct it into a heat transfer fluid evacuation conduit 16.

In other words, the heat transfer fluid is intended to circulate in the inlet conduit, and at each collection box encountered by the inlet conduit, a portion of heat transfer fluid is directed towards this collection box and the device of associated thermal regulation and another portion of heat transfer fluid is directed through the continuation of the inlet conduit to supply the following collection box.

It should be noted that preferably, any poorly coated or uncoated aluminum part less than 15 mm from an electrical storage element such as a battery cell must be protected from it.

In other words, we understand that this invention applies in particular to any connector or sleeve made of electrically conductive material, and in particular when it is located less than a distance R, for example 15mm from an element electrical storage such as a battery cell.

By material conducting electricity, we mean any material having an electrical conductance capable of generating electric arcs in the area of use of the cooling device. By way of non-limiting example, when the cooling device is used to cool automobile battery cells, the sleeves, collection box and tube are made of a conductive material such as metal, in particular aluminum.

As an example of a cooling device, the heat transfer fluid inlet conduit 14 and the heat transfer fluid discharge conduit 16 are formed by the direct cooperation of connection sleeves 18 secured to two neighboring collection boxes 10, without that there are intermediate devices arranged between these connection sleeves 18, it being understood where appropriate that a seal can be carried by one of the connection sleeves and be supported on the other connection sleeve at the level of the direct connection zone between the sleeves.

The characteristics relating to the connection sleeves 18 allowing in particular direct cooperation as mentioned will be described in more detail below.

It can however be noted at this stage of the description, based on the illustrations in Figures 1 and 2, that two connection sleeves 18 extend on either side of a collection box 10 to form a pair 19, and that the two connection sleeves 18 of this pair have a shape different from each other, so as to allow the sleeve of a first type 18a associated with a first collection box 10 to be connected directly to a sleeve of the second type 18b associated with a second collection box 10, without it being necessary to provide additional connection means.

Furthermore, it can be noted that each assembly formed by a collection box 10 and its connection sleeves 18 is identical from one thermal regulation device 4 to the other.

There illustrates an example of the thermal regulation device, in the circulation of the fluid is said to be U-shaped, that is to say with the same portion of heat transfer fluid which circulates in both directions within the tube 6 after passing through a box of reference 20 to one of the longitudinal ends of the tube.

More particularly, the thermal regulation device 4 comprises in this first embodiment a tube 6 and at each of its longitudinal ends a collection box 10 and a return box 20.

The tube 6 has several channels 8 formed within it, distributed into two circulation sets which are distinguished in that the same portion of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first direction of circulation S1 within the channels of a first circulation set 21 and in a second direction of circulation S2, opposite the first direction of circulation S1, within the channels of a second circulation assembly 22.

The collection box 10 arranged at a first longitudinal end 12 of the tube is equipped with connection sleeves 18 to allow the arrival and evacuation of the heat transfer fluid. The collection box 10 is configured to guide the fluid circulating in the connection sleeves 18 participating in forming the heat transfer fluid inlet conduit 14 towards a part of the channels, here the channels of the first circulation assembly 21, within the tube and to guide the fluid leaving the tube through the other part of the channels, here the channels of the second circulation assembly 22, in the connection sleeves 18 participating in forming the heat transfer fluid evacuation conduit 16.

The return box 20 arranged at a second longitudinal end of the tube 6 does not have connection sleeves and is only fluidly connected to the tube 6. The return box 20 is configured to guide the fluid circulating in one direction in a part of the channels circulation towards the other part of the circulation channels so that it circulates in the other direction.

It results from this configuration, as illustrated by the arrows visible on the , an inlet of heat transfer fluid through a first connection sleeve 18 of a pair 19, a passage of a portion of this heat transfer fluid in the tube 6 in a first direction of circulation S1 while the other part of this heat transfer fluid continues its route in the inlet conduit 14 towards a neighboring thermal regulation device 4, a circulation of heat transfer fluid within the channels of the first circulation assembly 21 in a first direction of circulation S1 during which the fluid heat transfer recovers or releases calories with the surface of the cells in contact with the tube 6, at the level of its channels of the first circulation assembly 21, a change of direction in the return box and a passage in the tube in a second direction of circulation S2, with a circulation of heat transfer fluid this time within the channels of the second circulation assembly 22 in the second direction of circulation S2 during which the heat transfer fluid recovers or again gives up calories with the surface of the cells in contact with the tube , at the level of its channels of the second circulation assembly 22, and a fluid outlet via the second connection sleeve 18 of said pair 19, which joins fluid coming from the neighboring thermal regulation device.

There illustrates a second example of thermal regulation device 4, in which the circulation of the heat transfer fluid is said to be I-shaped, that is to say with the same portion of heat transfer fluid which only circulates in one direction within the tube 6.

More particularly, the thermal regulation device 4 comprises in this second embodiment a tube 6 and at each of its longitudinal ends a collection box 10.

Here again, the tube 6 has several channels 8 formed within it, distributed into two circulation sets which are distinguished this time in that two different portions of fluid can circulate distinctly within the tube, in their respective set of channels. A first portion of heat transfer fluid can thus circulate in the first direction of circulation S1 within the channels of the first circulation assembly 21 and a second portion of heat transfer fluid can circulate in a second direction of circulation S2, opposite the first direction of circulation, within the channels of the second circulation set 22.

Each collection box 10 is here equipped with connection sleeves 18 in the sense of the invention, that is to say configured to be able to cooperate directly with connection sleeves of a neighboring collection box to form a conduit. inlet 14 and a heat transfer fluid evacuation conduit 16. Here again, each collection box 10 is configured to guide the heat transfer fluid circulating in the connection sleeves 18 participating in forming the fluid inlet conduit 14 towards a part of the channels within the tube 6 and to guide the fluid leaving the tube through the other part of the channels in the connection sleeves 18 participating in forming the fluid evacuation conduit 16.

It results from this configuration, as illustrated by the arrows visible on the , two distinct circuits. A first circuit C1 comprises an inlet of fluid through a first sleeve of a first collection box, a passage of a part of this fluid in the tube in a first direction of circulation while the other part of this fluid continues its route in the supply conduit towards a neighboring thermal regulation device, and an outlet of the fluid via a first sleeve of the second collection box after passing through the tube, to join the fluid coming from the neighboring thermal regulation device . And a second circuit C2 includes an inlet of fluid through a second sleeve of the second collection box, a passage of part of this fluid in the tube in a second direction of circulation while the other part of this fluid continues its route in the supply conduit towards a neighboring thermal regulation device, and an outlet of the fluid via a second sleeve of the first collection box after passing through the tube, to join fluid coming from the neighboring thermal regulation device .

In an alternative not shown here, circulation of the heat transfer fluid in I can be implemented with heat transfer fluid which only circulates in one direction within the tube 6, and with collection boxes at each end of the tube which do not include each only two connection sleeves. The heat transfer fluid circulates in the same direction in each of the channels within the tube, between a collector box forming a supply collector box at one end of the tube and another collector box forming an evacuation collector box at the other end of the tube.

We will now describe in more detail an example of a thermal regulation device and a collector box equipped with connection sleeves, in particular with reference to Figures 10 to 12. It should be noted that the detailed description of the collector box which follows may in particular be applied to the two embodiments of the thermal regulation device previously mentioned.

As mentioned, the thermal regulation device 4 comprises a tube 6 comprising at least one circulation channel 8 of heat transfer fluid, here a plurality of channels 8 as visible on the , on which a shell participating in forming the collection box 10 has been removed to make visible the interior of the latter and the presence of the channels in the tube.

The tube 6 has the shape of a plate extending in a main direction of longitudinal elongation, so as to follow the direction of longitudinal elongation of the row 3 of cells with which the tube must be in contact to achieve the function of heat exchange.

More particularly, the tube 6 here has a corrugated shape with a succession of ridges along the longitudinal direction of elongation of the tube, to be able to be in contact with each of the cells of the rows 3 surrounding the tube 6, these rows being arranged in quincunx. It is understood that the channels 8 within the tube 6 follow the corrugated shape.

Furthermore, a collection box 10, arranged at a longitudinal end 12 of the tube 6, is more clearly visible on the .

This collection box 10 is formed by two shells 11 placed against each other so as to define fluid collection chambers 26 communicating with the channels as will be described below.

To bring or evacuate the heat transfer fluid from these collection chambers 26, connection sleeves 18 are arranged on either side of the collection box 10, taking the form of hollow tubular portions making it possible to guide the circulation of fluid.

According to a non-limiting example, the collection box 10 and the two connection sleeves 18 form a one-piece assembly, that is to say an assembly which cannot be disassembled without causing the destruction of one and/or the other of the parts forming this whole. This one-piece assembly can in particular be obtained, prior to the assembly of the thermal regulation devices 4 in contact with the electrical energy storage members 2, by a brazing operation, it being noted that the brazing operation makes the box one-piece collection 10 and the connection sleeves 18 can be done simultaneously with a brazing operation securing the tube to the collection box.

By way of non-limiting example, the collection box 10 and the connection sleeves 18 are made of the same material, and more particularly of aluminum.

As previously mentioned, the connection sleeves 19 are arranged on either side of the collection box 10 in pairs 19, a pair 19 of connection sleeves being formed by two connection sleeves whose elongation axes, c that is to say the axis of revolution of the tubular portion, are substantially coincident. The heat transfer fluid can flow from one connection sleeve to the other connection sleeve of the same pair, each pair 19 thus forming part of an inlet 14 or evacuation conduit 16 of heat transfer fluid.

As mentioned, connection sleeves 18 of two neighboring thermal regulation devices 4 cooperate directly to simplify the assembly process. There illustrates in particular the nesting of a connection sleeve of a thermal regulation device directly into a connection sleeve of a neighboring thermal regulation device. In order to allow this direct cooperation, a connection sleeve 18 of a pair 19 is configured as a male element and forms a sleeve of a first type 18a and the other connection sleeve 18 of this pair 19 is configured as an element female and forms a sleeve of a second type 18b. The assembly of two adjacent thermal regulation devices is carried out by cooperating a connection sleeve of the first type 18a, or male sleeve, associated with one of the thermal regulation devices, and a connection sleeve of the second type 18b , or female sleeve, associated with the other thermal regulation devices. In other words, the connection sleeves of the same pair have distinct shapes relative to each other to allow direct cooperation without an intermediary between two connection sleeves belonging to two neighboring thermal regulation devices, in a context where thermal regulation devices have identical shapes from one device to another.

More particularly, a connection sleeve of the first type 18a has an external diameter, and in particular at a free end 180a opposite the collection box 10, the value D1 of which is slightly less than the value D2 of the internal diameter of a connection sleeve of the second type 18b, and in particular at a free end 180b opposite the collection box.

It should be understood that the external diameter of a first type connection sleeve, that is to say a male element intended to be inserted inside a female element, is considered to be slightly less than the internal diameter of a second type connection sleeve since it allows insertion by fitting the male element into the female element.

As illustrated in particular on the , considering a pair 19 of connection sleeves, the connection sleeve of the first type 18a has a free end, opposite the collection box 10, which may have external dimensions smaller than the corresponding external dimensions of this sleeve of connection in the vicinity of the collection box, so as to have a male shape tending to narrow as the distance from the collection box increases, while the connection sleeve of the second type 18b has a free end, at opposite the collection box 10, which may have internal dimensions greater than the corresponding internal dimensions of this connection sleeve in the vicinity of the collection box, so as to present a female shape tending to widen gradually distance from the collection box.

Whatever the alternative embodiment, a first male connection sleeve associated with the collection box comprises means of cooperation with a female connection sleeve of a first neighboring thermal regulation device which are arranged on its external face 28 and a second female connection sleeve, arranged opposite the first male connection sleeve with respect to said collection box, comprises means of cooperation with a male connection sleeve of a second neighboring thermal regulation device which are arranged on its internal face 30.

The shape of each of these sleeves contributes to forming means of cooperation 32 of the connection sleeves with each other, with an area of the internal face 30 of a female connection sleeve 18b which is dimensioned and shaped to be in contact with a zone of the external face 28 of a male connection sleeve 18a.

Furthermore, at the level of the internal 30 and external 28 faces of the connection sleeves intended to be in contact with a corresponding surface of another sleeve and forming these cooperation means 32, a reception zone 34 of a seal annular 36 is provided. This annular seal 36 projects from the corresponding face of the connection sleeve of the first or second type 18a, 18b. In the example illustrated, the annular seal 36 projects from the external face 28 of the male connection sleeve, but it will be understood that it could be associated with a female connection sleeve and form a projection from the internal face 30 of the last.

As is particularly visible on the , the receiving zone 34 of the annular seal 36 may include a groove 38 formed in the thickness of the corresponding face of the connection sleeve and dimensioned to accommodate the at least one annular seal 36.

As mentioned, two connection sleeves form a pair 19 by being aligned and arranged on either side of the collection box 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal regulation device 4 is such that two pairs 19 of connection sleeves are integral with the collection box 10, again forming a one-piece assembly, with for each pair a connection sleeve placed on either side of the collection box. In this way, each pair 19 of connection sleeves can communicate with one of the collection chambers 10.

In this context of collection chamber with two pairs of connection sleeves, and as illustrated on the in particular, a connection sleeve of a first pair of connection sleeves arranged on a first side of the collection box 10 has a shape and dimensions identical to those of a connection sleeve of the second pair of connection sleeves placed on the second side of the collection box 10.

In this way and as is visible on the , the direct cooperation of the connection sleeves in the example illustrated with two pairs of connection sleeves helps to create two parallel conduits, namely the heat transfer fluid inlet conduit 14 and the heat transfer fluid discharge conduit 16.

There makes particularly visible the fact that the collection box 10 of the thermal regulation device 4 comprises within it collection chambers 26 communicating fluidly respectively with at least one of the circulation channels 8 formed within the tube, and more particularly one of the sets circulation 21, 22 formed by several channels.

The collection box 10 is here formed by two shells 11 attached and fixed against each other, with fixing means at the periphery of the shells. At least one shell has hooking lugs 40 which allow the shells to be held together before a brazing operation freezing the position of the shells and the holding of the collection box.

Each shell 11 has two recesses 42 formed by deformation of the shell and a rib 44 disposed between the two recesses. It is understood that when the shells are fixed to one another, the recesses 42 of each shell 11 are arranged facing each other to form the collection chambers 26 previously mentioned and the ribs 44 of each shell 11 are in contact with each other. on the other to form a central wall 46 which delimits and separates the collection chambers 26 from one another.

This central wall 46 is intended to be in contact with a solid surface of the tube forming a sealing zone 48, devoid of circulation channels, in order to ensure tight contact and to prevent that within the collection box , fluid present in a first collection chamber does not flow into the other collection chamber, or into channels which must not be connected to this first collection chamber.

Each hollow 42 is defined by a bottom wall 41 which is pierced with an orifice 43 substantially in its center. This orifice allows a passage of fluid between the collection chamber 26 formed by the hollow and a connection sleeve 18 of the pair of connection sleeves opening into this collection chamber 26.

Each shell 11 is equipped with two connection sleeves 18a, 18b which open respectively into one of the two hollows 42 formed in this shell 11.

In other words, the connection sleeves are configured to each communicate with a collection chamber, and it is understood that the sleeves arranged on either side of the collection box are configured to communicate with the same collection chamber.

We will now describe a process for assembling an electrical energy storage device 1 as described previously.

The thermal regulation devices are previously prepared by brazing a collector box, connection sleeves and a tube, so as to form a single piece assembly. A seal is then attached, after this brazing operation, to one of the connection sleeves of a pair of connection sleeves secured to a collector box.

The method of manufacturing the thermal cooling device is particular in that it comprises at least a first step during which electrical energy storage members 2 are placed against a tube 6 of a first thermal regulation device 4 During this step, a step of depositing glue can in particular be carried out against the face of the tube intended to be in contact with the electrical energy storage members.

In a second step, a tube 6 of a second thermal regulation device is placed against the electrical energy storage members 2 previously placed. The pressure exerted against the electrical energy storage members helps to press them against the first tube and ensures bonding between this first tube and the electrical energy storage members.

At the same time, the connection sleeves 18 associated with this tube 6 of the second thermal regulation device 4 and arranged on one side of the collection box 10 of this second device are inserted directly into the connection sleeves 18 associated with the tube of the first device and arranged on one side of the collection box of the first device facing the second device.

The invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here, and it also extends to any equivalent means or configuration and to any technical combination operating such means. As a non-limiting example, and as was mentioned previously, the shapes of the sleeves can vary since the connection sleeves from one thermal regulation device to the other can cooperate directly with each other.

Claims (14)

Thermal regulation device (4) for cooling electrical energy storage members (2), the thermal regulating device (4) comprising a tube (6) configured to be in contact with the electrical energy storage members and comprising at least one circulation channel (8) of heat transfer fluid, a collection box (10) arranged at one end of the tube (6) and comprising at least one collection chamber (26) communicating fluidly with the at least one circulation channel (8) of the tube (6), and at least one connection sleeve (18, 18a, 18b) arranged on either side of the collection box (10) and configured to communicate with the same chamber of collection (26), characterized in that the device comprises an electrical insulating element configured to electrically isolate said storage members from the sleeves 18 and/or from the collection box (10). Thermal regulation device (4) according to claim 1, wherein said insulating element comprises two half-shells configured to assemble with one another around the tube. Thermal regulation device (4) according to the preceding claim, in which said two half-shells are identical. Thermal regulation device (4) according to claim 1, the insulating element forms a cover which has a first part forming a body, in particular of flat shape, configured to be in contact and bear on the tube, and a second part forming elements configured to be clipped to the sleeves. Thermal regulation device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the insulating element is configured to be assembled at the end of the tube (6) located between the collection chamber 10 and the sleeves 18 d 'one side, and the tube (6) and the storage elements (2) on the other. Thermal regulation device (4) according to any one of the claims, in which the tube is coated with an electrically insulating coating, in particular in the form of a film or paint. Thermal regulation device (4) according to any one of the claims, in which the insulating element is made of electrically insulating material, preferably chosen from a foam, textile, or metal part covered with varnish, paint, thermoplastic film or a mixture of these. Thermal regulation device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the insulating element is coated with an electrically insulating coating. Thermal regulation device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the homogeneous parts of the tube and the collection box are coated with an electrically insulating coating. Thermal regulation device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the tubes (6) are configured to allow circulation of the fluid in a U or I shape. Thermal regulation device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least two connection sleeves (18, 18a, 18b) are arranged on either side of the collection box (10) and configured to communicate with the same collection chamber (26), the connection sleeves (18, 18a, 18b) preferably having distinct shapes relative to each other. Thermal regulation device (4) according to the preceding claim, in which one of the two connection sleeves (18, 18a), so as to form a male element, has an external diameter (D1), at a free end ( 180a) opposite the collection box (10), which is slightly smaller than the internal diameter (D2) of the other of the two connection sleeves (18, 18b) at a free end (180b) opposite the box collection, this other connection sleeve being intended to form a female element. Method of assembling a thermal regulation device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises the following steps:
- a tube (6) of a first thermal regulation device (4) is provided,
- a tube (6) of a second thermal regulation device (4) is placed against the electrical energy storage members (2) previously placed, by inserting the connection sleeves (18) associated with this tube (6) of the second device and arranged on one side of the collection box (10) of the second device directly in the connection sleeves (18) associated with the tube (6) of the first device and arranged on one side of the collection box ( 10) of the first device.
- we assemble the two half-shells around each tube (6), preferably between the tube and the collection box (10). Method for assembling an electrical energy storage device (1) comprising a thermal regulation device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises the following steps:
- electrical energy storage members (2) are placed against a tube (6) of a first thermal regulation device (4),
- a tube (6) of a second thermal regulation device (4) is placed against the electrical energy storage members (2) previously placed, by inserting the connection sleeves (18) associated with this tube (6) of the second device and arranged on one side of the collection box (10) of the second device directly in the connection sleeves (18) associated with the tube (6) of the first device and arranged on one side of the collection box ( 10) of the first device.
- we assemble the two half-shells around each tube (6), preferably between the tube and the collection box (10).