WO2019229355A1

WO2019229355A1 - Device for cooling batteries and corresponding production method

Info

Publication number: WO2019229355A1
Application number: PCT/FR2019/051233
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hervé BOURGEAIS
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
Priority date: 2018-05-28
Filing date: 2019-05-28
Publication date: 2019-12-05
Also published as: FR3069920A1; FR3069920B1

Abstract

The invention concerns a cooler (1) for at least one component capable of releasing heat during its operation, this component being in particular an electrical energy storage element, the cooler (1) being in particular designed to be installed on a motor vehicle, the cooler comprising at least one pipe (11) for circulating a heat transfer fluid, the ends of which penetrate into a collector box (41, 42), each of said collector boxes (41, 42) comprising a collector (21, 22) having an opening (210) for passage of said at least one pipe (11), and a lid (31, 32) covering said collector (21, 22) so as to define a volume for circulation of the heat transfer fluid into which said at least one pipe (11) opens, characterised in that the pipe (11) and the collector (21, 22) each comprise a polymer and are welded together.

Description

Battery cooling device and method of manufacture thereof

Technical field of the invention

The invention is in the field of devices for cooling the batteries, and more particularly the batteries of a vehicle with electric and / or hybrid motorization.

State of the art

The electrical energy of electrically and / or hybrid powered vehicles is provided by one or more batteries.

A problem is that during their operation, the batteries are heated and may be damaged.

It is therefore necessary to use battery coolers in order to maintain them at an acceptable temperature.

Such coolers comprise a bundle of tubes interconnecting at least two manifolds in which are connected in a fixed and sealed manner, corresponding ends of the tubes.

A coolant can then flow through the tubes and manifolds to thermally exchange with the batteries.

Each of the manifolds in which the tubes of the bundle open out comprises a collecting plate having holes for passage of the tubes.

The tubes are secured to this plate, for example by brazing, at these orifices

This plate, generally designated "collector", is capped by a lid or "fluid box" so that collector and fluid box define a common volume into which the corresponding ends of the tubes, and which are operated if necessary l inlet and outlet of the fluid. The lid is provided with connections to intake and fluid collection lines.

Its interior volume is further subdivided into a plurality of distinct subvolumes that together unite certain groups of tubes of the bundle so as to define a predetermined fluid flow pattern in the cooler, with several back and forth fluid in the bundle of tubes.

One of the assembly techniques commonly used for this purpose is the brazed assembly, where all the elements of the cooler is passed through a brazing furnace allowing a filler metal to achieve both the joining of various elements (collectors, covers, tube bundle, etc.) and their sealing.

However, it has been found that the brazing of the elements of the cooler tends to degrade the mechanical strength of the tubes, their resistance to pressure and their resistance to internal and external corrosion.

This degradation of the mechanical strength can lead to deformation of the tubes when the latter are traversed by a fluid under pressure.

Moreover, when the tubes have a circular section, it has been observed defects of straightness of the generatrices of the cylindrical tube following soldering

In the same way, when the tubes have a flat surface oriented towards the batteries (which is the case of oblong tubes, for example), so as to have a large heat exchange surface, it has been observed flatness defects of this flat surface.

Because of these defects of straightness or flatness of the tubes due to brazing, the heat transfer between the batteries and the cooler is not homogeneous, so that the cooler does not ensure optimum regulation of the temperature of the batteries. To avoid these defects during brazing, it has been proposed to increase the number of supports of the brazing frame positioned under the brazing tube.

It is desirable to electrically isolate the cooler from its external environment and in particular from the electrical energy storage element comprising the battery or batteries, without however compromising an optimal desired heat exchange between the heat treatment device and the batteries. Conventionally used seals include carbon, especially in the form of graphite, which makes it an electrical conductor. It is known to connect the thermal treatment device to the mass of the motor vehicle, especially via an electrically conductive wire associated with a holding flange, but the connection between the heat treatment device, the wire, the flange and the mass is likely to be defective or broken.

A problem in the field lies in the search for a better compromise to be found between on the one hand an optimized heat exchange between the heat treatment device and the electrical energy storage element and on the other hand a simple electrical insulation, inexpensive, compact, reliable and durable between the heat treatment device and the electrical energy storage element.

An object of the present invention is to provide a heat treatment device that addresses the aforementioned problem and a method of manufacturing such a heat treatment device that is simple, quick to implement and inexpensive.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to improve the mechanical strength of the tubes, or lead of a battery cooler and optimize, therefore, the cooling of the latter.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a cooler for at least one electrical energy storage element, the chiller comprising at least one at least one conduit for circulating a carrier liquid whose ends penetrate into a collecting box, each of said manifolds comprising a manifold having an orifice for passing said at least one conduit, and a cover covering / capping said manifold so as to define a circulation volume of the liquid carrier in which said at least one conduit opens.

According to the invention, said at least one conduit and said cover are mechanically assembled with said manifold, said manifold further comprising at least one seal disposed between said manifold and said at least one conduit, on the one hand, and between said collector and said cover, on the other hand.

The invention thus proposes a cooler in which all the elements of the cooler are mechanically and sealingly secured.

The mechanical connection and the seal between each manifold and the cooler ducts are ensured by compression of a seal between these two components.

This same seal, or another, also seals between the cover and the corresponding manifold, and thus avoids, or at least minimizes, the risk of coolant leaks.

Thanks to this mechanical assembly, it does not degrade the mechanical strength of the ducts (unlike a solder assembly) and limits possible duct pie defects.

The performance of the cooler is greatly improved.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, said at least one duct is mounted tightly in a through-hole of said seal which it passes through, so that the seal is compressed between the inner wall of said passage opening. the collector and the outer wall of said duct. According to a particular aspect of the invention, the passage hole extends into a nipple of the seal disposed in the passage opening of said manifold.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the teat has on its outer surface a peripheral lip for retaining the seal on the manifold.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the lateral edge of the seal is sandwiched between a peripheral groove in the manifold and the cover.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, said at least one conduit comprises a plurality of channels for circulating the liquid carrier.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, said at least one duct comprises an end flare for forming a retaining relief in a direction of said at least one duct relative to the collector.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, said at least one duct comprises at each end a single end flaring stage in the longitudinal direction of said duct.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the end flare has a height of between 1 and 10 mm in the longitudinal direction of said duct.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the width of the flare is greater than the width of said passage opening of said at least one duct.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the end flare is made inside a channel.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the end flare is produced without deforming the reinforcing legs forming the side walls of said channel.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the cooler comprises at least one duct stop for retaining said at least one duct in the other direction relative to the collector. According to a particular aspect of the invention, said at least one abutment is secured to said cover.

The subject of the invention is also a method for assembling a cooler for at least one electrical energy storage element, the cooler comprising at least one heat-transfer liquid circulation duct whose ends penetrate into a collecting box. , characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

at least one seal is positioned on a manifold having at least one orifice for the passage of a circulation duct for a heat transfer liquid and a peripheral groove so that a teat of the seal is arranged in the orifice for passing said manifold and that the lateral edge of the seal is placed in the peripheral groove of said manifold,

- Forcibly carries at least one flow conduit of a heat transfer liquid in a passage hole of the nipple so that an end of said at least one conduit passes through the seal and the collector,

the end of said at least one duct is flared so as to form a relief for retaining said duct in a direction relative to the collector,

- A cover is mechanically assembled on the manifold, so as to form a first manifold in which said at least one conduit opens, by positioning the cover beforehand in the peripheral groove of said manifold in contact with the lateral edge of the seal ,

- The previous steps are repeated to secure the at least one conduit to the second header of said cooler.

The method of manufacturing such a mechanical assembly cooler therefore does not require, for the assembly of the elements between them, solder, that is to say material supply. This method also has the advantage of not requiring an expensive and complex installation

Thus, such a method does not include a complex heating step in a neutral and confined atmosphere.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, said at least one duct is secured simultaneously to the first and second header of said cooler.

The subject of the invention is also a cooler for at least one component capable of generating heat during its operation, this component notably being an element for storing electrical energy, the cooler being in particular designed to be mounted on a motor vehicle, the cooler comprising at least one heat-transfer liquid circulation duct, the ends of which penetrate into a collecting box, each of said manifolds comprising a collector having an orifice for passing said at least one duct, and a cover covering said collector so as to define a circulation volume of the coolant in which said at least one conduit opens,

characterized in that the cover and the collector each comprise a polymer and are welded together, in particular the welding is done by welding action on the polymers of the conduit and the collector.

In the invention the welding is done by welding action on the polymers of the lid and the collector.

The invention makes it possible, because of the use of polymer, to improve the electrical insulation of the cooler. The invention also makes it possible to dispense with the grounding of the cooler. The invention further avoids the need to crimp together the manifold and lid together. Replacing the crimp with the solder strengthens the seal between the manifold and the lid. According to one aspect of the invention, said at least one conduit and said cover are mechanically assembled, said manifold further comprising at least one seal disposed, in particular being compressed, between said manifold and said at least one a conduit

According to one aspect of the invention, the polymer comprises any of the polymers selected from a list of polymers comprising polyvinylolactam, polypropylene, polyetheretherketone and a polymer loaded with a ceramic,

According to one aspect of the invention, the polymer is a polyamide including PA6.6.

According to one aspect of the invention, the polymer is loaded with a ceramic. Ceramic has the advantage of being a good thermal conductor and a good electrical insulator, which satisfies the desired compromise

According to one aspect of the invention, the weld is of the ultrasonic welding or vibration welding or laser welding type.

According to one aspect of the invention, the outer face of the conduit is at least partially covered by a dielectric element.

The subject of the invention is also a process for manufacturing a cooler for at least one component capable of generating heat during its operation, this component notably being an element for storing electrical energy, the cooler being in particular designed to be mounted on a motor vehicle, the cooler comprising at least one circulation duct of a carrier liquid whose ends penetrate into a manifold, each of said manifolds comprising a manifold having a passage orifice of said at least one duct, and a lid covering said collector so as to define a circulating volume of the liquid carrier in which said at least one conduit opens, the lid and the collector each comprise a polymer.

According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the following step:

solder the collector and the lid together

According to one aspect of the invention, the welding is performed by ultrasound, laser or vibration.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the component capable of generating heat during its operation is an electrical energy storage element or an electronic power device.

The invention also relates to a cooler for at least one component capable of releasing heat during its operation, this component being in particular an electrical energy storage element, the cooler being in particular arranged to be mounted on a motor vehicle. The cooler comprises at least one heat-transfer liquid circulation duct, the ends of which penetrate into a collection box, each of said manifolds comprising a manifold having a passage orifice for passing said at least one duct, and a cover covering said manifold so as to define a circulation volume of the coolant in which said at least one conduit opens, characterized in that the conduit and the collector each comprise a polymer and are welded together, in particular the welding is done by solder action on the polymers of the conduit and of the collector.

The cooler has no reported seal that surrounds the duct and is separate from the manifold. In other words,

F sealing between the duct and the collector is achieved by welding between the polymer layer of the duct and the collector. Thanks to the invention, it is not It is necessary to have a seal between the manifold and the duct, or between the manifold and the lid. The sealing in these different contact areas is made thanks to the welds.

According to one aspect of the invention, the conduit comprises a base material, in particular aluminum, with an outer surface at least partially covered with the polymer, in particular with a layer of polymer

The conduit has a bi-material structure. The base material is advantageously chosen for its good thermal conduction such as aluminum for example. Thus the combination of the base material and the polymer will notably allow the conduit to have good thermal conduction and good electrical insulation.

According to one aspect of the invention, the conduit and the polymer layer are coextruded. The principle of coextrusion allows good mechanical strength between the polymer layer and the outer face of the conduit. Thus, the welding between the polymer layer of the conduit and the polymer of the collector has improved mechanical strength. According to one aspect of the invention, the polymer layer extends over the entire length of the conduit.

According to one aspect of the invention, the polymer layer extends over only a portion of the length of the duct, in particular in a weld zone between the collector and the duct.

According to one aspect of the invention, the collector comprises a shoulder and the conduit abuts on this shoulder. The shoulder will improve the maintenance of the duct in the manifold and limit the forces experienced by the weld. According to one aspect of the invention, the polymer is at least one of a polymer selected from a list of polymers comprising polyaurolactam, a polyamide including PA6.6, polypropylene, polyetheretherketone The polymer may be charged or not a ceramic ceramic load has the advantage of being a good thermal conductor and a good electrical insulator, which satisfies the desired compromise.

The subject of the invention is also a process for manufacturing a cooler for at least one component capable of generating heat during its operation, this component notably being an element for storing electrical energy, the cooler being in particular designed to be mounted on a motor vehicle, the cooler comprising at least one circulation duct of a carrier liquid whose ends penetrate into a manifold, each of said manifolds comprising a manifold having a passage orifice of said at least one duct, and a lid covering said collector so as to define a circulating volume of the liquid carrier in which said at least one conduit opens, the conduit and the collector each comprises a polymer, the method comprising the following step:

soldering the collector and the duct together, in particular by welding action on the polymers of the duct and the collector.

According to one aspect of the invention, the welding is performed by ultrasound, laser or vibration. List of Figures

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description of an embodiment, given as a simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cooler according to one embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2 is a sectional view of a cooler according to the invention at a header box;

- Figure 3 is a partial sectional view, at a header of a cooler according to the invention, showing the assembly of a tube on the collector;

- Figure 4 is a partial detail view of a manifold and a conduit showing the implementation of a stop on the cover of the box to retain the conduit in one direction relative to the manifold of the box;

- Figure 5A is a top view of a seal implemented in a cooler according to the invention;

- Figure 5B is a partial view, in section, of the seal of Figure 5A;

- Figure 6A is a top view of a header plate implemented in a cooler according to the invention;

Figure 6B is a detail view of the header plate of Figure 6A;

- Figure 7 is a partial sectional view of a lid of a header implemented in a cooler according to the invention;

- Figures SA and 8B are external views and in longitudinal section respectively of a flared end of a tube implemented in a cooler according to the invention; FIGS. 9A to 9E illustrate the assembly of one end of a tube on a header box implemented in a cooler according to the invention;

FIGS. 10A to 10H schematically illustrate different types of flare of retention of a tube on the collector of a cooler according to the invention;

- Figure 11 is a detail view of a play of maintaining the distance between the two collectors of a cooler according to the invention.

- Figure 12 illustrates another example of implementation of the invention. - Figure 13 illustrates another example of implementation of the invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a conduit according to the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a chiller 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.

The latter is intended to equip a hybrid or electric motor vehicle to cool one or more batteries forming a source of energy for driving the motor vehicle.

The cooler 1 comprises a bundle of tubes, or pipes, 11 rectilinear and of the same length which are placed parallel to each other and aligned so as to form a single row in which a cooling liquid, such as brine, is intended to circulate.

In this embodiment, the tubes 11 have a substantially oblong cross section.

These tubes 11 are extruded aluminum here and have a plurality of channels 111 juxtaposed liquid circulation (visible in Figures 9C and 9D). The channels 111 of a tube 11 are separated by reinforcing legs which ensure the mechanical strength of the tubes at the pressure (that is to say, which minimize the deformation of the tubes 11 under pressure). The operating pressure of the cooler of the invention is, for example, 1 bar, but may be lower or higher than this value.

In an alternative embodiment, the multi-channel tubes are electro-welded but do not present in this case a reinforcing leg between the channels

The bundle of tubes 11 comprises a first end and a second end.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first end of the tube bundle 11 is intended to be assembled with a first collector 21 and the second end of the bundle of tubes 11 is intended to be assembled with a second collector 22

The cooler 1 further comprises a cover 31, 32 associated with each of the first and second manifolds 21, 22 to form a manifold 41, 42 for collecting and distributing the coolant.

Each manifold 41, 42 thus comprises a metal plate generally called "collector" 21, 22 joining the ends of the tubes 11 of the bundle, which plate is associated with a lid-shaped element 31, 32 generally designated "fluid box" connected in a sealed manner to the collector 21, 22 by its peripheral rim.

The assembly constituted by the collector 21, 22 and the cover 31, 32 corresponding defines a volume in which the tubes 11 of the beam open

Each manifold 41, 42 is thus in fluid communication with the tubes 11.

As will be seen below, the various elements (collector, boxes and tubes) of the cooler 1 are joined together mechanically and in a sealed manner by interposition of a seal 51 ensuring the seal between each collector 21, 22 and the tubes 11, on the one hand, and between each collector 21, 22 and the cover 31, 32 corresponding, on the other hand. As illustrated in the sectional view of FIG. 2, the tubes 11 open through the first collector 21

Although not illustrated, so is their opposite end through the second manifold 22

For this purpose, the collectors 21 comprise orifices 210 for introducing and passing tubes 21 (FIGS. 6A and 6B) which have a contour corresponding to that of a cross-section of the tubes 11.

In other words, here, these orifices 210 are obiongs in this embodiment.

The cooler 1 further comprises a fluid inlet and a coolant outlet arranged on at least one header.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the fluid inlet 410 and the fluid outlet 411 are arranged at the same manifold, in this case on the cover 31 of the first manifold 41

The arrival of the coolant and its evacuation is at the same first collector 21.

It is in this case provided a partition (not shown) in the first manifold 41 for separating the fluid entering the cooler 1 and the fluid leaving the cooler 1.

Thus, the coolant, for example brine, is introduced into the first manifold 41 through the fluid inlet 410, and is distributed in a portion of the tubes 11 (called "inlet tubes") to using the first collector 21 of the first collector box 41.

The fluid flows in the inlet tubes 11 and passes through the latter in one direction, then passes into the second manifold 42 and flows in the other direction in the other part of the tubes 11 (called "outlet tubes") to return to the level of the first manifold 21 and be evacuated by the fluid outlet 411 of the first manifold 41.

The second manifold 42, referred to as the "tipping box", is configured to distribute the liquid from the inlet tubes 11 to the tubes 11 output (if necessary, one or more partitions to define the passage of the liquid in the second manifold 42).

The tubes 11 extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the collectors 21, 22 and lids 31, 32

The tubes 11 are intended to be in mechanical contact or not with at least one battery of the vehicle, and are advantageously made of a thermal conductive material, such as a metal material, for example aluminum or aluminum alloy.

The cooler 1 is thus positioned directly in contact with the battery or batteries at the bottom of the protective housing and traversed by a coolant, or indirectly in contact with the battery or batteries in the case of a cooler placed outside the battery protection case

The longitudinal axis of the tubes 11 is parallel to the batteries to be cooled. In order to optimize the cooling of the batteries, one of the two flat surfaces of the oblong tubes 11 (FIG. 2) is in contact with the batteries, or at a distance and in front of them, so as to have a large surface of exchange of the heat.

The collectors 21, 22 and the covers 31, 32 are of substantially rectangular shape

The collectors 21, 22 are made of aluminum or steel They comprise a flat collector plate 213 having a peripheral rim in which is formed a groove 212, adapted to receive the corresponding covers.

The groove 212 is preferably peripheral

In other words, the groove 212 goes around the collector 21, 22 corresponding (Figures 6A and 6B).

The orifices 210 for introducing and passing tubes 11 are formed at a central zone of the collector plate 213. They have an elongate shape in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the collector 21, 22.

As can be seen in the sectional view of FIG. 9A, these orifices 210 are each delimited by a curved edge forming a collar 217.

The height of the collar 217 may be constant or variable on its periphery. For example, its height at the ends may be less than its height along the length of the orifice 210.

In this same figure, it is noted that the groove 212 comprises a lateral face 214, oriented substantially parallel to the tubes 11, a bottom 215, connected to the lateral face 214 and oriented substantially perpendicular to the latter, and an outer face 216, oriented substantially parallel to the side face 214.

As illustrated in Figure 7, the lid 31 is curved and has, in cross section, the general shape of a U.

The cover 31 thus has an internal cavity 311 adapted to allow the circulation of the cooling fluid, and an enlarged free edge located at the periphery of the internal cavity 311, forming a foot 312 of the cover.

The lid 32 is of identical shape.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and SB, the seal 51 is in the form of a sheet 512 of substantially rectangular shape which comprises a circumferential sealing bead 511.

The seal 51 has several holes 510 obiongs for the passage of the tubes 11 which are formed at a central zone of the sheet 512.

These holes 510 have an elongated shape in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seal 51.

The holes 510 extend in collars, hereinafter called "teats" 513 of the corresponding collector retainer These teats 513 extend perpendicularly to the sheet 512. The holes 510 and the teats 513 have a shape complementary to the shape of the tubes 11 intended to pass through them.

The seal 51 is advantageously made of elastomeric material It can thus be made of EPDM (for "ethylene-propylene-diene monomer").

The manifolds 21, 22 each receive a compressible seal 51 at the openings 210 for introducing and passing tubes 11.

To do this, the nipple 513 of the seal 51 is forced through the collar 217 during assembly.

Furthermore, the groove 212 of the collector 21, 22 is configured to receive the peripheral sealing bead 511 of the seal 51.

In the assembled state of the tubes 11 on the manifolds 41, 42, the seal 51 is compressed on the one hand in the space between the outer wall of a tube 11 and the collar 217 of a orifice 210 of the collector 21.

The radial compression ratio of the nipple 513 of the seal 51 in the collar 217 is preferably between 5 and 60%, for example between 15 and 40%, and especially between 25 and 30%.

This ratio is equal to the difference between the thickness of the wall of the pacifier 513 before assembly and that after assembly, divided by the thickness of the wall of the pacifier 513 before assembly.

The seal 51 thus seals the connection between each of the tubes 11 and the collector 21 to prevent fluid leakage.

On the other hand, the circumferential sealing bead 511 of the seal 51 is intended to be arranged between the foot 312 of the cover 31 and the collector 21 so as to seal between the cover 31 and the collector 21 The groove 212 of the collector 21, 22 is thus configured to receive the bead 511, so that the latter is sandwiched and compressed between the bottom of the groove 212 and the foot 312 of the cover 31.

The manifolds 21, 22 are further configured to allow crimping of the foot 312 of the cover 31 in the groove 212.

For this, the outer face 216 of the groove 212 comprises, on two opposite edges of the collector 21, a series of lugs, teeth or tongues 211 spaced regularly to be folded, as shown in Figure 2, on an upper face of the foot 312 of the cover 31.

Each manifold 21, 22 thus ensures the holding in position of the cover 31, 32 corresponding to the seal 51 and the collector 21, 22 after crimping the teeth 211 of the collector 21, 22 on the cover 31, 32 corresponding.

It also compresses the seal 51 to ensure the sealing of the manifold 41, 42 at the lid / collector connection.

Such a mechanical assembly of the cooler 1 is relatively easy and provides a good level of tightness within the manifolds 41, 42 where the fluid flows.

It is therefore not necessary to resort to brazing to ensure the mechanical resistance to the pressure and the tightness of the cooler of the invention, which guarantees the flatness of the flat surface of the tubes 11.

Therefore, the heat exchange between the chiller tubes and the batteries, and thus the cooling of the batteries, are optimized.

Each tube 11 is preloaded on the seal 51 in the region of the collar 217 of the collector 21 (FIG.

In other words, each tube 11 is mounted tightly in the corresponding hole 510 of the seal 51.

It is therefore not necessary to provide a sealing flare of the tube 11 in this sealing zone. To prevent sliding, under the effect of the pressurization of the coolant, the assembly constituted by the gasket, the collector and the cover on the tubes, two solutions are described below.

A first solution is to provide, on the one hand, a retaining flare of the multi-channel tubes 11 in one direction relative to the manifold (arrow Fl in FIG. 3), and on the other hand, a retaining stopper for the tubes to retain the tubes 11 in the other direction relative to the collector (arrow F2 in Figure 3).

To achieve the retaining flare of the tubes 11, the end of the tubes 11 is deformed after the insertion of the tubes 11 on the joint / collector assembly

In all the cases described below, the width of the flaring of a tube 11 is greater than the width Pc of the collar 217 of the collector 21 (this width Pc is represented in FIG. 6B).

One or more walls of the channels 111 may be deformed. These deformed walls may be face to face (or "in phase" as illustrated in FIG. 10A) or opposite (or "in opposition of phase" as illustrated in FIG. 10B).

A cariai 111 (FIG. 10C) or channels 111 (FIG. 10D) of a tube 11 may be deformed.

Among the "n" channels, preferentially "m" channels are deformed to ensure resistance to pressure and handling, with 1/8 <m / n <1.

The two end channels 111 of a tube 11 may be deformed or not.

The legs of the tubes may be straight (Figure 10E) or deformed (Figure 10F). In these two cases, the width Pj of the flare is greater than the width Pc of the collar 217 of the collector 21.

The arcs of the oblong section of the tube 11 are deformed (FIG. 10H) or not (FIG. 10G). As the sectional view shows, according to the axis AA of Figure 10H is the end in a semicircle of the oblong section which is deformed to a predetermined height.

It is noted that the reinforcement legs are not laterally deformed for the configurations of Figures 10A to 10E and 10G, and are stretched without tearing.

In other words, the width of the flare is small enough to prevent the breaking of the reinforcing legs.

These different configurations can be combined with each other.

The end flare has a height of between 1 and 10 mm in the longitudinal direction of the tube 11.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, we note that the central channel 111 of the multi-channel tubes 11 is flared on its opposite edges, the flares being referenced 110.

Flares 110 formed at the end of tubes 11 are also visible in Figures 8A, 8B, 9D and 9E.

It should be noted that each tube 11 comprises a single end flaring 110 (in the longitudinal direction of the tube), that is to say a single flaring stage, and that the width of the flaring 110 is such that the width Pj of the tube 11 at the flaring 110 is greater than the width Pc of the collar 217 of the collector 21.

It is noted, moreover, that the flaring 110 does not participate in the compression of the seal.

The cooler 1 further comprises one or more retaining stops of the tubes 11 to retain the latter in the opposite direction with respect to each of the collectors 21, 22.

In other words, these stops prevent the tubes 11 from rising in the direction illustrated by the arrow F2 of FIG. 3, and to enter the manifolds 41, 42, which makes it possible to maintain the distance between the collectors 21, 22. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4, 7 and 9D, two abutments 313 in the form of a rib are formed on the inner wall of the lid 313.

These two stops 313 are each intended to come into contact with one end of a tube 11 of the tube bundle 11 of the cooler 1

Thus, the flares 110 for retaining the tubes 11 and the abutments 313 make it possible to freeze the relative position of the cover / manifold / seal assembly to prevent this box / manifold / seal assembly from slipping along the tubes 11 smooth under the effect of the pressurization of the coolant (these elements thus provide the mechanical resistance to the pressure of the cooler 1).

A second solution is to provide, on the one hand, a flare retaining tubes according to one of the approaches described above, and on the other hand, cheeks disposed on either side of each set cover / collector.

These cheeks are crimped on the boxes and / or collectors and allow to maintain the distance between the first and second collector 21, 22.

FIG. 11 partially shows one of the cheeks 61 which has a tab 610 bent to hold the collector 21 on which the cover 31 is mounted.

Thus, the flares 110 for retaining the tubes 11 and the flanges 61 make it possible to freeze the relative position of the cover / collector / seal assembly to prevent this set of box / collector / seal from sliding along the smooth tubes 11.

Method of manufacturing the cooler

We now describe a method of manufacturing a cooler according to the invention in connection with Figures 2 and 9A to 9E.

During a first step S1, the seal 51 is positioned on the collector 21, shown alone in FIG. 9A, and pressed to so as to introduce the teats 513 of the seal 51 into the corresponding orifices 210 of the collector 21 (FIG. 9B)

The circumferential bead 511 of the seal 51 is furthermore positioned in the peripheral groove 212 of the collector 21.

A lip 514 formed on each nipple 513 holds the seal 51 on the collector 21 and thus prevents the collector seal 51 from falling off.

During a second step S2, the manifold assembly 21 / seal 51 is placed in a fitting head in which a punch compresses the seal 51 against the collector 21.

In a third step S3, the tubes 11 are inserted into the holes 510 of the teats 513 in the direction illustrated by an arrow F3 in FIG. 9C.

The tubes 11 are secured to the manifold assembly 21 / seal 51 by forcible engagement. The ends of the tubes 11 are received in the collector plate 213 of the collector 21 and mechanically connected thereto via the compressible seal 51.

In a fourth step 84 (FIG. 9D), the end of the tubes 11 is flared by means of a punch of conical shape in a symmetrical manner so as to form a relief for retaining each tube 11 in a direction relative to the collector 21.

In the case illustrated in Figures 9D and 9E, the ends of two channels 110 of the tube 11 are flared.

In a fifth step S5, the cover 31 is assembled on the collector 21, by crimping, to form a manifold 41 (Figure 9E).

To do this, the foot 312 of the cover 31 is inserted into the groove 212 of the collector 21 in contact with the peripheral bead 511 of the seal 51, then the lugs 211 of the collector 21 are folded over the edges of the cover 31 (FIG. 2). Thus, the cover 31 is received inside the collector 21 opposite the collector plate 213, and covers the latter.

The same steps are implemented to assemble the other end of the tubes 11 to the second manifold 42.

These steps are preferably implemented simultaneously on both sides of the tubes 11.

Other aspects and variants

Apart from the fact that it makes it possible not to degrade the mechanical properties of the tubes and to improve their flatness of the surfaces of the tubes in contact with the batteries (or opposite them), the mechanical assembly of the cooler of the invention has other advantages over a prior art cooler assembled by brazing.

The approach of the invention thus makes it possible to avoid internal pollution by the residual brazing flux which reacts with the cooling liquid by degrading its anti-corrosion and gelling properties, which can lead to a loss of thermal performance of the chiller by plugging the channels of the tubes.

The mechanical assembly also allows the use of complex shaped lids made by plastic molding which allows the easy connection of the lid to the cooling loop and its fixation (unlike brazed coolers which require the addition of metal tubing and legs fastening on the covers in extruded, stamped or rolled aluminum).

The covers, or water boxes, may be of aluminum material (of the type 3003, for example) or plastic (of the type PA66GF30, for example). The aluminum material makes it possible to design parts with small thicknesses.

The plastic material allows complex shapes to be easily made, thus facilitating the attachment of the cooler to a housing of batteries and tubing connection.

The covers include tubing and internal partitions to define proper circuitry to ensure temperature homogeneity between the tubes and the balanced cooling of the batteries.

These covers further include fixing elements, such as centering pins, screw passages, clips .... to fix the cooler on the battery boxes.

They also carry at least two internal ribs (stops) arranged face to face to prevent the relative movement of the tubes back into the boxes under the efforts of manipulation.

The mechanical assembly also makes it possible to reduce the material thicknesses of the tubes and to reduce the number of partitions in the channels of the tubes.

Since a soldering furnace is not necessary for its assembly, the size of the cooler of the invention is not limited, and the establishment of the connector outlets is facilitated.

It is noted that the cooler of the invention can be used to heat or cool one or more batteries according to the conditions and needs, so as to regulate their temperature.

A coolant fluid flowing through the cooler can in this case absorb the heat emitted by the battery or batteries to cool them or, depending on the needs, it can bring them heat if the temperature of the battery or batteries is insufficient for his / her smooth operation.

The tubes, which are preferably extruded aluminum, can be cut to the desired length.

It is thus possible to design a range of coolers adapted to different sizes of batteries.

The tubes may have other section shapes, such as a circular or oval section, for example.

The inlet and outlet pipes of the liquid can be arranged on the same manifold (as in the embodiment described above) or on each of the two boxes.

Internal bulkheads at manifolds define the type of coolant flush

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the invention, similar to that described with reference to FIG. 9E, except that in the present example, the cover 31 and the collector 21 each comprise at least one polymer and are welded together in a weld region 700.

The polymer may be any of the polymers selected from a list of polymers including polyaurolactam, polypropylene, polyetheretherketone and a ceramic loaded polymer. The polymer may also be a polyamide including PA6.6.

The welding is of the ultrasonic welding or vibration welding or laser welding type.

The outer face of the duct 11 is at least partially covered by a dielectric element.

The seal 511 serves only to seal at the ducts and not between the cover and the collector.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to the duct 11. The duct 11 is delimited by an internal face 814 intended to come into contact with the heat transfer fluid and by an external face 815 intended to be thermally coupled to the liquefaction. element for storing electrical energy. The inner face 814 is the face of the duct 11 which at least partially borders the circulation channels 816 of the heat transfer fluid inside the duct 11. Two contiguous circulation channels 816 are separated from each other by a wall 817 According to another embodiment, the duct 11 houses a single channel for circulating the coolant. The outer face 815 is the face of the duct 11 which is oriented towards an environment 11. The outer face 815 is the visible face of the duct 11 by an observer looking at the duct from the outside environment to the latter. The outer face 815 is the face of the duct 11 which gives the latter its overall geometric shape.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the conduit 11 has an oblong cross section. The outer face 815 comprises at least one flat surface 818, and preferably two flat surfaces 818 formed opposite each other, and on both sides of the circulation channels 816. At least one one of the flat surfaces 818 is able to form a support for the electrical energy storage element,

To electrically isolate the heat treatment device 1 and the electrical energy storage element, the outer face 815 of the conduit II is at least partially covered by a dielectric element 819, also called the polymer layer 819. The dielectric element 819 forms an envelope of the duct 11 and is capable of completely covering the outer face 815 in at least one transverse plane of the duct 11, as illustrated in FIG. 14 The dielectric element 819 is arranged in a layer of a first thickness El taken between the outer face 815 of the duct II and an outer surface 820 of the dielectric element layer 819 which is smaller than a second thickness E2 of the duct 11 taken between the outer face 815 and the inner face 814 of the duct 11. indicative, the first thickness El is commonly between 0.07 mm and 0.35 mm. Such a small thickness makes it possible in particular not to reduce the cooling capacity of the heat treatment device 1 with respect to a heat treatment device 1 without a dielectric element layer.

According to an alternative embodiment, the dielectric element 819 is a polymer, such as polyaurolactam, polypropyiene, polyetheretherketone, the chosen polymer may or may not be loaded with a ceramic. In the case of polyaurolactam, the first thickness E1 of the dielectric element is for example of the order of 0.225 mm to +/- 25%. In the case of homopolymeric polypropylene, the first thickness E1 of the dielectric element is for example of the order of 0.082 mm to +/- 25%. In the case of polypropylene copolymer, the first thickness E1 of the dielectric element is for example of the order of 0.090 mm to +/- 25%. In the case of polyetheretherketone, the first thickness E1 of the dielectric element is for example of the order of 0.238 mm to within +/- 25%. In the case of the polyetheretherketone loaded with a ceramic, the first thickness E1 of the dielectric element is for example of the order of 0.079 mm to within +/- 25%. This case is particularly advantageous in the sense that the ceramic is a good thermal conductor and a good electrical insulator. These thicknesses are measured, for each polymer, at a voltage of 4.5kV.

According to another variant, the duct 11, in particular made of aluminum, and the dielectric element layer 819 are obtained jointly by extrusion.

In Figure 14 is illustrated an embodiment of the present invention. A conduit 11 for circulating a coolant whose end enters a manifold 41, the manifold 41 comprising a manifold 21 having an orifice 210 for passing said at least one conduit 11, and a cover 31 covering said manifold 21 of so as to define a circulation volume of the coolant in which said at least one conduit it opens. . The cover 31 is made of polymer so as to be assembled by welding with the collector 21. The conduit 11 and the collector 21 each comprise a polymer and are welded together, in particular the welding is done by welding action on the polymers of the conduit and the The duct 11 comprises a base material 829, in particular aluminum, with an outer surface 815 covered over its entire length of the polymer, in particular a polymer layer 819.

In this embodiment, the collector comprises a shoulder 840 and the conduit 11 abuts on this shoulder 840. The collector box 41 may, in another embodiment, be formed in one piece.

Claims

: L cooler (1) for at least one component capable of generating heat during its operation, this component being in particular an electrical energy storage element, the cooler (1) being in particular arranged to be mounted on a motor vehicle, the cooler comprising at least one conduit (11) for circulating a co-carrier liquid whose ends penetrate into a header (41, 42), each of said manifolds (41, 42) comprising a manifold (21, 22) having a orifice (210) for passing said at least one conduit (11), and a cover (31, 32) covering said manifold (21, 22) so as to define a circulating volume of the co-carrier liquid in which said at least one conduit ( 11) opens, characterized in that the conduit (11) and. the collector (21, 22) each comprise a polymer and are welded together, in particular the welding is done by welding action on the polymers of the conduit and the collector,

2. Cooler according to the preceding claim, wherein the conduit (11) comprises a base material (829), in particular aluminum, with an outer face (815) at least partially covered with the polymer, in particular a layer of polymer (819).

3. Cooler according to the preceding claim, wherein the conduit (11) and the polymer layer (819) are coextruded.

4, Cooler according to one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the polymer layer (819) extends over the entire length of the conduit (11),

5, Cooler according to one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the polymer layer (819) extends over only a portion of the length of the conduit (T1), in particular in a weld zone (830) between the collector and the conduit (11),

8. Cooler according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collector comprises a shoulder (840) and the conduit (11) abuts on this shoulder (840),

7. Cooler according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer is at least one of a polymer selected from a list of polymers including polyaurolactam, polypropylene, polyetheretherketone, a polyamide including PA6.6, the selected polymer can be loaded with a ceramic

8. Cooler according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the weld is ultrasonic welding type or welding by vibration or laser welding.

9. A method of manufacturing a cooler (1) for at least one component capable of generating heat during its operation, this component being in particular an electrical energy storage element, the cooler (1) being in particular arranged to be mounted on a motor vehicle, the cooler comprising at least one conduit (11) for circulating a coolant whose ends penetrate into a header (41, 42), each of said manifolds (41, 42) comprising a manifold ( 21, 22) having an orifice (210) for passage of said at least one conduit (11), and a cover (31, 32) covering said manifold (21, 22) so as to define a circulation volume of the coolant in which said at least one conduit (11) opens, the conduit (11) and the collector (21, 22) each comprises a polymer, the method comprising the following step:

soldering the collector (21,22) and the duct (11) together, in particular by welding action on the polymers of the duct and the collector

10. Method according to the preceding claim wherein the welding is performed by ultrasound, laser or vibration