Method for manufacturing of a casing and a casing as such

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a method (s100) for manufacturing of a casing (1) for thermal control of a component (2) enclosed or substantially enclosed by the casing (1 ). The casing (1 ) is configured to be arranged in a compartment (9). The casing comprises an inner wall (3); an outer wall (5); a cavity (6) arranged between the inner wall (3) and the outer wall (5); and an internal support structure (4) at least partly arranged in the cavity (6). The disclosure further relates to a casing (1 ) for thermal control of a component (2) enclosed or substantially enclosed by the casing (1).

Description

[0001] 20-11-2025

[0002] 1

[0003] METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING OF A CASING AND A CASING AS SUCH

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing of a casing, a casing and to a projectile comprising the casing.

[0006] BACKGROUND ART

[0007] Components which generate a lot of heat and / or are heat sensitive may need to be encapsulated.

[0008] Today, there are several ways of providing encapsulation. In one example, a solid is processed to form an encapsulation. A disadvantage is that it is difficult to process thin walls out of the solid. Alternatively, thin plates are welded together to form the encapsulation. The geometry of such encapsulations is limited to the ability of the processing tool and is a relatively expensive. Alternatively, insulating blankets may be used for encapsulation. The disadvantage of insulating blankets is that the blankets require external support, such as thin plates, and that they may absorb liquids. In yet an example, insulations comprising foam or ceramic may be used. These are processed out of solids.

[0009] There is thus need for an improved casing and a manufacturing method of a casing which provides for cost efficiency, low weight and increased control of heat dissipation of the casing.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] There is thus need for an improved method for manufacturing of a casing for thermal control of a component enclosed or substantially enclosed by the casing where the problems with prior art technologies are mitigated or at least alleviated.

[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing of a casing for thermal control of a component enclosed or substantially enclosed by the casing. The casing is configured to be arranged in a compartment. The casing comprises an inner wall; an outer wall; a cavity arranged between the inner wall and the outer wall; and an internal support structure at least partly arranged in the cavity. The method comprises the steps of: 3D capturing of an external shape of the component, 3D capturing of an internal shape of the compartment, 3D modelling of the casing based on the steps above, additive manufacturing of the casing, arranging a fluid or creating a vacuum in said cavity, and sealing the casing.

[0013] One advantage is that it provides for a method for manufacturing of a casing with an improved control of heat dissipation of the casing as compared to casings manufactured by prior art methods.

[0014] Another advantage is that it is a flexible method for manufacturing of a casing where different functions of the casing can be added.

[0015] The internal support structure further increases the mechanical strength of the casing. The internal support structure may even further improve the control of the heat dissipation depending on its shape and / or location within the cavity.

[0016] Further, by additive manufacturing of the casing, production of large volumes becomes easy. It further provides for a cost-efficient method of manufacturing of a casing since it provides for a reduced use of production tools. In addition, by additive manufacturing of the casing, a complex geometry of the casing is not an obstacle for the manufacturing of the casing.

[0017] Further, the method provides for manufacturing of a casing which is space efficient and has a relatively low weight.

[0018] According to a further development, the step of additive manufacturing of the casing comprises: additive manufacturing of the inner wall, the outer wall and the internal support structure, whereby the inner wall, the outer wall and the internal support structure is formed as a continuous monolithic structure.

[0019] The advantage is that since there is no joints between the inner wall, the outer wall and the internal structure, there is no risk for leakage of the gas and / or fluid, between the different plurality of confined spaces being formed by the internal support structure and the inner wall, which provides for an even more improved control of heat dissipation of the casing. In addition, by forming the inner wall, the outer wall and the internal support structure as a continuous monolithic structure, there is no need for an additional step of joining the multiple parts together.

[0020] According to a further development, the step of additive manufacturing of the casing comprises additive manufacturing of the inner wall, the outer wall and the internal support structure in multiple parts. Each of the multiple parts comprises a portion of the inner wall, the outer wall and the internal support structure formed as a continuous monolithic structure. The step of additive manufacturing of the casing further comprises joining the multiple parts. The advantage is that the casing can be manufactured in multiple parts wherein the multiple parts being joined together can be made of different materials. In yet an example, the different multiple parts may be replaced by another part, thereby providing for a flexible casing which can be rebuilt depending on the need of the user.

[0021] According to a further development, the method step of additive manufacturing of the casing comprises additive manufacturing of the casing in a ceramic material and / or a metal.

[0022] The advantage is that the casing can be formed in a material being suitable for a specific field of application. In addition, different portions of the casing may be made in the same or different materials.

[0023] According to a further development, the method further comprises the step of glazing the casing.

[0024] The advantage is that the glazing may provide for a casing with which is even more airtight, and with even less risk of leakage of the fluid to the outside of the casing and / or of leakage from the outside of the casing.

[0025] According to a further development, the method further comprises a heating step.

[0026] The advantage is that during the heating step, the outer layer of the casing may melt, thereby further improving the ability of the casing to be impermeable to liquids and / or gases.

[0027] According to a further development, the method further comprising the step of forming an aperture in the outer wall of the casing.

[0028] The advantage is that by the aperture in the outer wall, fluid may be provided into the cavity, or gas may be evacuated from the cavity from the outside of the casing.

[0029] According to a further development, the step of arranging a fluid or creating a vacuum in said cavity, comprises filling the cavity with a fluid, or evacuating gas from said cavity, via the aperture in the outer wall.

[0030] The advantage is that the cavity can be refilled with fluid and / or the fluid in the cavity can be replaced. In addition, by the aperture, fluid can be continuously provided to the cavity during usage of the casing for example such that a coolant is continuously provided to the casing.

[0031] According to a further development, the method step of sealing the casing comprises sealing of the aperture.

[0032] The advantage is that a sealing provides for an airtight casing. A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a casing for thermal control of a component enclosed or substantially enclosed by the casing, wherein the casing is configured to be arranged in a compartment. The casing comprises an inner wall, an outer wall, a cavity arranged between the inner wall and the outer wall, and an internal support structure at least partly arranged in the cavity. The shape of the inner wall corresponds to the external shape of the component. The shape of the outer wall corresponds to the internal shape of the compartment. The cavity is a confined space configured to hold a vacuum, or a fluid trapped.

[0033] The casing for thermal control of the component provides for the same advantages as the method for manufacturing of a casing as discussed above. Thus, the casing provides for improved heat dissipation and thus heat control of the casing as compared to prior art casings.

[0034] Another advantage of the casing is that the casing can be custom-built depending on the field of application of the casing and thus the desired functions of the casing.

[0035] The internal support structure further increases the mechanical strength of the casing. The internal support structure further improves control of the heat dissipation.

[0036] Further, the casing is space efficient and has a relatively low weight.

[0037] According to a further development, the internal support structure is Y-shaped, hexagonal, Y- shaped comprising a central cavity, S-shaped, and / or puzzle-piece shaped.

[0038] The advantage is that depending on the shape of the internal support structure, a desired heat dissipation can be provided.

[0039] An advantage of the above shapes of the internal support structures is that it is possible to provide structures having both insulating and cooling properties within the same wall of the casing. For example, some sections formed by the internal support structure may comprise air or a vacuum providing for thermal insulation, whereas other sections within the same internal structure may comprise a cooling medium providing for cooling. This provides for protection of the environment, such as the compartment, from heat being formed by the component, for example a thermal battery.

[0040] For example, the Y-shaped comprising a central cavity may comprise a cooling medium within the central cavity, whereas a vacuum or air is provided within the other sections of the internal structure.

[0041] A further advantage of an S-shaped internal support structure is that it provides for a large surface area which can relieve thermal stress within the walls and / or the internal structure caused by heat formed by the component and / or thermal expansion of the component. A further advantage of a puzzle-piece shaped internal support structure is it provides for a large surface area which can relieve thermal stress within the walls and / or the internal structure caused by heat formed by the component and / or thermal expansion of the component. Thermal expansion creates a temperature load and a shear load which can be compensated for within the bent shapes of the puzzle-shaped structure. According to a further development, the inner wall, the outer wall and / or the internal support structure are impenetrable and / or impermeable to fluids.

[0042] The advantage is that the casing becomes airtight and there is no leakage between the outside and inside of the casing. There is also no leakage between the spaces formed by the internal support structure and / or by the internal support structure and the internal walls.

[0043] According to a further development, the internal support structure comprises the same material as the inner and / or outer walls.

[0044] The advantage can be that the casing is easier to manufacture.

[0045] According to a further development, the casing further comprises at least one heat sink arranged on the outer wall of the casing.

[0046] The advantage is that heat from the casing can be released to the outside of the casing.

[0047] According to a further development, the inner wall, the outer wall and / or the internal support structure comprises a metal or a ceramic.

[0048] The advantage is that by depending on the selected material(s) of the casing, the heat of the casing can be controlled as desired.

[0049] According to a further development, the component comprises at least one thermal battery.

[0050] The advantage is that the casing can provide heat control of a thermal battery which typically holds a very high temperature of about 1000 °C of the internal of the battery and about 600 °C of the external of the battery.

[0051] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a projectile comprising the casing.

[0052] The projectile comprising the casing provides for all the advantages of the casing as discussed above. Thus, the projectile provides for improved heat dissipation and thus heat control of the comprised casing as compared to prior art casings. Further, the casing is space efficient and has a relatively low weight, thereby not being space-consuming and / or heavy within the projectile, thereby providing a less space-consuming projectile having a relatively low weight. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Fig. 1a schematically illustrates a perspective view of a casing and a component according to an example of the disclosure.

[0054] Fig. 1b schematically illustrates a side view of a casing according to an example of the disclosure.

[0055] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of a casing and a component according to an example of the disclosure.

[0056] Figs. 3a-3e schematically illustrate a top view of an internal support structure of a casing according to examples of the disclosure.

[0057] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a projectile comprising a casing according to the disclosure.

[0058] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a method according to the disclosure.

[0059] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing of a casing for thermal control of a component enclosed or substantially enclosed by the casing. The disclosure also relates to a casing for thermal control of a component enclosed or substantially enclosed by the casing. The disclosure further relates to a projectile comprising the casing.

[0061] Fig. 1a schematically illustrates a perspective view of a casing and a component according to an example of the disclosure.

[0062] The casing 1 is arranged for thermal control of a component 2 enclosed or substantially enclosed by the casing 1 . The casing may comprise at least one component. In one example, and as shown in Fig. 1a, the casing may comprise a plurality of components 2. In the latter example, the plurality of components may be arranged adjacent to each other with or without a portion of the casing arranged between them. In one example, the casing may be provided in a plurality of parts 1 a, 1b. When the component(s) is added, the plurality of parts 1a, 1 b, may be joined together. Preferably, the casing is provided in two parts. For example, as a lid and a container having different sizes or as two parts of equal size. In one example, the parts are sealed together by means of fastening means, welding, soldering, and / or gluing. The casing may further comprise apertures 7 being arranged for providing a fluid or creating a vacuum in a cavity of the casing.

[0063] As will be discussed below, the casing is manufactured by means of additive manufacturing.

[0064] The casing 1 may have any shape, such as cylindrical, cube-shaped etc. and may be designed depending on the needs of a compartment (not shown) into which the casing is configured to be arranged.

[0065] By thermal control is meant that the temperature inside and / or outside of the casing can be controlled. For example, the temperature is controlled to prevent overheating of the component and / or the compartment.

[0066] The component 2 is enclosed or substantially enclosed by the casing 1 . Preferably, the casing entirely encloses the component.

[0067] The component 2 may be arranged centered or non-centered in the casing due to design factors such as i.e. space provided and / or heat management needs.

[0068] The component may be a heat generating component and / or a heat sensitive component.

[0069] In the case of heat generating components, these may harm adjacent heat sensitive components, apparatuses and materials, such as batteries, electronics equipment, plastics and / or composites being arranged within the compartment.

[0070] The component may comprise an electronic component, a battery or battery cell, an electronic device, and / or any other type of temperature sensitive device. The term "battery" specifically refers to a device composed of multiple cells, however the usage has evolved to include devices composed of a single cell. The battery may comprise thermal battery, an alkaline battery, lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries or other suitable types of batteries.

[0071] In one example, the component is a thermal battery. A thermal battery holds a very high temperature, typically the temperature of the internal of a thermal battery is about 1000 °C. The temperature at the outside of the thermal battery may be about 600 °C.

[0072] Fig. 1 b schematically illustrates a side view of a casing according to an example of the disclosure. In Fig. 1 b, the component (not shown) is enclosed by the casing 1.

[0073] The casing 1 is configured to be arranged in a compartment (not shown in Fig. 1 b). The shape of the outer wall corresponds to the internal shape of the compartment. The compartment may be a space in which the casing is arranged. In one example, the compartment is a separate box into which the casing is arranged. In yet an example, the compartment is a space within a projectile or a vehicle in which the casing is arranged.

[0074] The compartment may have any external shape, such as cylindrical or cube-shaped, and may be designed depending on the surrounding environment, such as the internal of a projectile or a vehicle. The casing 1 may be fixedly or releasable attached to the compartment by means of fastening means, or by means of gluing, soldering, or welding. As shown in Fig. 1 b, the casing may be attached to a wall 13. The wall 13 may be a part of the compartment. Alternatively, the casing is arranged within the compartment without any fastening means.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 1b, conduits 14 may be connected to the apertures of the casing 1 for providing a fluid or creating a vacuum in a cavity of the casing 1.

[0076] The inner wall 3 and / or the outer wall 5 has an extension in an axial direction, i.e. z-axis, in Fig. 1 b. The inner wall 3 and / or the outer wall 5 may be asymmetrical and / or irregular in relation to the axial direction. The distance between the inner wall and the outer wall may be variable and / or irregular along the axial direction.

[0077] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of the casing 1 according to an example of the disclosure.

[0078] The casing 1 comprises an inner wall 3, an outer wall 5, a cavity 6 arranged between the inner wall 3 and the outer wall 5 and an internal support structure 4 at least partly arranged in the cavity 6. The internal support structure 6 is discussed more in detail with reference to 3a-3e below.

[0079] The inner wall 3, the outer wall 5 and / or the internal support structure 4 may be impenetrable and / or impermeable to fluids. This means that the inner wall, the outer wall, and / or the internal support structure are configured to not permit passage of fluids, such as gas and / or liquids, there through. The inner wall 3, the outer wall 5 and / or the internal support structure 4 may comprise a metal and / or a ceramic.

[0080] The inner wall 3, the outer wall 5 and / or the internal support structure 4 may, but need not, be a monolithic structure, i.e. formed in one piece.

[0081] The shape of the inner wall 3 corresponds to the external shape of the component 2, the shape of the outer wall 5 corresponds to the internal shape of the compartment 9, the cavity 6 is a confined space configured to hold a vacuum, or a fluid trapped. Depending on the shape of the internal support structure 6, the internal support structure may form a plurality of confined spaces, each of the confined spaces being configured to hold a vacuum or a fluid trapped. In one example, a plurality or all the confined spaces hold the same fluid or vacuum. In yet an example, different confined spaces hold different fluids or vacuum.

[0082] The casing may further comprise at least one heat sink 11 arranged on the outer wall 5 of the casing. The heat sink 11 may extend along the axial direction of the entire outer wall 5 of the casing. Alternatively, the heat sink 11 may extend along the axial direction of a portion of the outer wall 5. The heat sink may comprise a metal and / or a ceramic. In one example, the heat sink comprises the same material as the inner wall 3 and / or the outer wall 5. In an alternative, the heat sink is made of a material which is different from the inner wall 3 and / or the outer wall 5. The heat sink 11 may, but need not, form a continuous monolithic structure together with the inner wall 3, the outer wall 5 and / or the internal support structure 4.

[0083] The shape of the cavity may be symmetrical or asymmetrical arranged with respect to the component. In one example, and as shown in Fig. 2, the internal support structure is asymmetrically arranged with respect to the component.

[0084] The vacuum may be created by evacuating air or any other gases or fluids present in the cavity. By vacuum is meant a gaseous pressure which is less than atmospheric pressure. The vacuum may for example be created by means of a vacuum pump being connected via conduits to the casing.

[0085] The cavity is a confined space configured to hold a vacuum or fluid trapped.

[0086] The fluid may be a liquid or a gas. The fluid may be a thermally conducting liquid, such as a coolant (e.g. glycol or water), a fuel or an oil, or a phase change material (PCM), such as paraffin oil. A PCM is a material which releases / absorbs energy at a phase transition (e.g. from solid to liquid phase or vice versa) to provide heating or cooling. The fluid may comprise a dielectric gas, such as air, argon or a mixture thereof. In yet an example, the fluid may be a payload, such as a fuel.

[0087] The casing 1 further comprises an internal support structure 4 at least partly arranged in the cavity 6. For example, it may be arranged at one side of the casing. In one example, the internal support structure 4 is arranged along the axial direction (i.e. along the z-axis of the casing in Fig. 1a and 1b) of the entire casing. Alternatively, the internal support structure 4 may be arranged along the axial direction along a portion of the casing. As will be discussed below with reference to Figs. 3a-3e, the casing 1 may comprise a plurality of different types of internal support structures. Different parts of the casing may comprise different types of internal support structures. The design of the internal support structure enables control of the heat dissipation. In addition, the internal support structure increases the mechanical strength of the casing. In one example, the internal support structure may form internal heat sinks. The internal support structure may also be arranged for enclosing the fluid or vacuum.

[0088] The internal support structure may, but need not, have a varying thickness in the x-, y- and / or z-direction of the casing.

[0089] In one example, the internal support structure 4 may comprise the same material as the inner and / or outer walls 3, 5. In yet an example, the internal support structure 4 comprises a material which is different from the material of the inner and / or outer walls. The internal support structure may comprise a metal and / or a ceramic.

[0090] As will be discussed below, the internal support structure may have a number of different shapes. For example, the internal support structure may be Y-shaped, hexagonal, and / or S- shaped when viewed from the top of the casing.

[0091] Figs. 3a-3e schematically illustrate a top view of the internal support structure of the casing according to examples of the disclosure.

[0092] In Fig. 3a, the internal support structure 4' of the casing 1 ' is Y-shaped when viewing the structure 4’ from the top of the casing. In one example, and as shown in Fig. 3a, one part of the “Y” may be arranged in connection with the inner wall 3 of the casing and the other part of the “Y” may be arranged in connection with the outer wall 5 of the casing. Thereby, a heat sink is formed inside the casing. In yet an example (not shown), the Y-shaped internal structure may extend through the outer wall 5 to the surrounding environment or compartment, thereby forming a heat sink at the outside of the casing.

[0093] In Fig. 3b, the internal support structure 4” of the casing 1” is hexagonal when viewing the structure 4” from the top of the casing. As shown in Fig. 3b, the internal support structure may comprise a plurality of hexagons being connected to each other. In one example, and as shown in Fig. 3b, a planar side of the hexagonal is arranged in connection with the outer wall 5 of the casing and an opposite planar side of the hexagonal is arranged in connection with the inner wall 3.

[0094] In Fig. 3c, the internal support structure 4”’ of the casing 1 is Y-shaped with a circular cavity, i.e. a circular portion (circular duct) in the middle of the “Y” when viewing the structure 4”’ from the top of the casing. In one example, and as shown in Fig. 3c, the one part of the “Y” may be arranged in connection with the inner wall 3 of the casing and the other part of the “Y” may be arranged in connection with the outer wall 5 of the casing. In one example, a fluid is arranged to flow in the circular duct. Thereby, a heat sink is formed inside the casing. The fluid may be a cooling medium. The other sections formed by the internal structure may comprise a vacuum or air. Thereby a combination of thermal insulation caused by the air or vacuum, and a cooling caused by the cooling medium is provided. In yet an example (not shown), the internal support structure 4”’ may extend through the outer wall 5 to the surrounding environment or compartment, thereby forming a heat sink at the outside of the casing T”. The first example with cooling medium within the circular cavities (i.e. ducts) and air or vacuum within the other sections of the internal structure and latter example with extension of the internal support structures through the outer walls may be combined with each other.

[0095] In Fig. 3d, the internal support structure 4”” of the casing 1”” is curved having an S-shaped with one end of each “S-shape” being arranged in connection with the inner wall 3 of the casing and the other end of the “S-shape” may be arranged in connection with the outer wall 5 of the casing. As shown in Fig. 3d, the internal support structure 4”” may comprise of a plurality of S-shapes. The S-shaped internal support structure may made of a flexible material, such as a sheet metal, thereby providing stress relief for stresses being built up by temperature loads within the internal support structure, the internal wall and / or the external wall. In yet an example (not shown), the internal support structure may extend through the outer wall to the surrounding environment or compartment, thereby forming a heat sink at the outside of the casing 1 ””.

[0096] In Fig. 3e a further example of a multi form of the internal support structure 4””’ is shown. The internal support structure 4””’ in Fig. 3e is puzzle-piece shaped. In the example, shown in Fig. 3e, the outer wall 5 of the casing 1 and the inner wall 3 of the casing 1””’ are provided with grooves. The cavities formed within the casing 1””’ may be provided with a fluid or a vacuum. In one example, some of the cavities are provided with a fluid whereas other cavities are provided with a vacuum. In the example with grooves, the surface area is increased which provides for increased heat transfer rate during temperature difference between the temperature of the surrounding fluid and the temperature of the solid surface according to the following formula:

[0097] Q — hA T2— T ) Wherein Q is the heat transfer rate (W), h is the heat transfer coefficient (W / m2K), is the surface area where the heat transfer takes place (m2), -^2 is the temperature of the surrounding fluid, and is the temperature of the solid surface (K).

[0098] A combination of the different internal support structures shown in Figs. 3a-3e are also possible within the same casing. In one example, the casing may comprise at least two internal support structures, wherein the at least two internal support structures have a shape which are different from each other.

[0099] Each of the plurality of cavities formed within the internal support structures may comprise a fluid or a vacuum which is different from the fluid or the vacuum of other cavities of the other internal support structures.

[0100] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a projectile comprising a casing according to the disclosure.

[0101] The projectile 100 may be a Cruise missile, anti-ship missile, Loitering munition or a target drone. The casing 1 is configured to be arranged in a compartment 9. The compartment 9 may be fixedly or releasable attached to the projectile 100.

[0102] The disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing of a casing for for thermal control of a component enclosed or substantially enclosed by the casing.

[0103] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates the method according to the disclosure.

[0104] The method illustrated in Fig. 5 illustrates a method s100 for manufacturing of a casing for thermal control of a component enclosed or substantially enclosed by the casing, wherein the casing is configured to be arranged in a compartment. The casing comprises an inner wall, an outer wall, a cavity arranged between the inner wall and the outer wall, and an internal support structure at least partly arranged in the cavity. The method comprises the steps of: 3D capturing s101 of an external shape of the component, 3D capturing s102 of an internal shape of the compartment, 3D modelling s103 of the casing based on the steps s101 , s102 above. The method further comprises the steps of additive manufacturing s104 of the casing, arranging a fluid or creating a vacuum s108 in the cavity, and sealing s109 the casing.

[0105] By thermal control is meant that the temperature inside and / or outside of the casing can be controlled. For example, the temperature is controlled to prevent overheating of the component and / or the compartment. In yet another example, the temperature is controlled to prevent cooling down of a component, for example to keep a predetermined temperature. The thermal control may be performed by arranging a fluid or creating a vacuum in the cavity. The details regarding the casing, component and compartment are discussed above with reference to the casing.

[0106] 3D capturing is meant that a device, such as a laser, camera or sensor captures the shape of the component by reading its surface from different angles. Data related to distances and structure is then converted into a digital 3D model which can be used for design, analysis or manufacturing.

[0107] By 3D capturing of an external shape of the component is meant that 3D data of the external shape of the component, such as a thermal battery, is captured by a 3D scanner. The 3D scanner captures geometrical data in the x-, y- and z-coordinates of the external shape of the component. The 3D capturing may be performed by means of a commercially available 3D scanner.

[0108] By 3D capturing of an internal shape of the compartment is meant that 3D data of the internal shape of the compartment, is captured by a 3D scanner. The 3D scanner captures geometrical data in the x-, y- and z-coordinates of the internal shape of the compartment. The 3D capturing may be performed by means of a commercially available 3D scanner. The same 3D scanner may be used for capturing data of the external shape of the component and the internal shape of the compartment.

[0109] By 3D modelling of the casing based on the steps above is meant that a 3D model of the casing is provided. The 3D model may be a digital 3D model of the casing. The 3D model may be stored on a data storage medium.

[0110] By additive manufacturing of the casing is meant that the casing is manufactured in three dimensions by means of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing. The additive manufacturing may be performed such that the casing is printed layer by layer, for example along the z-axis of the casing. The additive manufacturing may be performed by means of a commercially available 3D printer.

[0111] The method step of additive manufacturing of the casing may comprise additive manufacturing of the casing in a ceramic material and / or a metal. The whole casing may but need not be comprised of the same material. In yet an example, different parts of the casing may be comprised of different materials.

[0112] The casing may be printed in a plurality of parts. For example, the casing may be printed in two parts, such as a lid and a container, having different sizes or as two parts of equal size. In yet an example, the casing may be printed in more than two parts. In the case of printing the casing in a plurality of parts, the plurality of parts may be joined together by means of fastening means, such as screws, snap-fitting means, or bolts.

[0113] In yet an example, conduits being arranged for filling the cavity with a fluid or evacuating gas from the cavity may be manufactured by means of additive manufacturing. Typically, the manufacturing of conduits is being performed separately from the manufacturing of the casing and are attached to the apertures of the casing after additive manufacturing of the casing. In addition, means for joining the parts together, such as screws, snap-fitting means, or bolts, may be manufactured by means of additive manufacturing.

[0114] By arranging a fluid or creating a vacuum in the cavity is meant that the cavity is arranged to comprise a vacuum or a fluid. Different portions of the cavity, e.g. different confined spaces being formed by the internal structure, may comprise different fluids or vacuum.

[0115] The vacuum may be created by evacuating air or any other gases or fluids present in the cavity. By vacuum is meant a gaseous pressure which is less than atmospheric pressure. The vacuum may be in the range of 1 - 1 CT2to 1 ■ 10’6bar. The step of arranging a fluid or creating a vacuum in the cavity may comprise filling the cavity with a fluid, or evacuating gas from said cavity, via an aperture in the outer wall of the casing.

[0116] The fluid may be a thermally conducting liquid, such as water, glycol, or oil, or a phase change material (PCM), such as paraffin oil. A PCM is a material which releases or absorbs energy at a phase transition (e.g. from solid to liquid phase or vice versa) to provide heating or cooling. The fluid may comprise a dielectric gas, such as air, argon or a mixture thereof. In yet an example, the fluid may be a payload, such as a fuel.

[0117] In the step of sealing the casing, the parts may be sealed together by means of e.g. fastening means, snap-fitting means, soldering, welding and / or gluing.

[0118] The step of step of additive manufacturing s104 of the casing may comprise additive manufacturing of the inner wall, the outer wall and the internal support structure, whereby the inner wall, the outer wall and the internal support structure is formed as a continuous monolithic structure. By continuous monolithic structure is meant that the inner wall, the outer wall and the internal structure is formed in one piece of material.

[0119] The method may further comprise additive manufacturing of the inner wall, the outer wall and the internal support structure in multiple parts, wherein each of the multiple parts comprises a portion of the inner wall, the outer wall and the internal support structure formed as a continuous monolithic structure, and joining the multiple parts. The multiple parts may be joined together by means of fastening means, snap-fitting means, soldering, welding and / or gluing. Fastening means and / or snap-fitting means may, but need not, be manufactured by means of additive manufacturing.

[0120] The method may further comprise the step of glazing s105 the casing. By glazing is meant that the casing is provided with a protective layer of a material, such as aluminum oxide, zirconium dioxide (also known as zirconia) or glass coatings such as enamel, to further improve the ability of the casing to be impermeable to liquids and / or gases. The glazing step may be performed for example if the casing being made of a ceramic material does leak gases and / or liquids between the outside and inside of the casing.

[0121] The method may further comprise a heating step s106. During the heating step, the outer layer of the casing may melt, thereby further improving the ability of the casing to be impermeable to liquids and / or gases. The heating step may be performed by a laser to locally melt or sinter the surface area without affecting the underlaying material. The heating step may comprise sintering of the casing. In the case of sintering, the casing is additive manufactured in a metalplastic mixture is printed, and the sintering is performed to remove the plastics.

[0122] Alternatively, the heating step may be provided to melt the glazing material being provided on the casing.

[0123] The method may further comprise the step of forming s107 an aperture (not shown) in the outer wall of the casing. The aperture may be arranged for providing a fluid or creating a vacuum in a cavity of the casing.

[0124] The step of arranging a fluid or creating a vacuum s108 in said cavity may comprise filling the cavity with a fluid, or evacuating gas from said cavity, via the aperture in the outer wall. Conduits (not shown) may be connected to the apertures of the casing to provide the fluid or create the vacuum.

[0125] The step of sealing s109 the casing may comprise sealing of the aperture. The sealing may be a fixed sealing, or a removable sealing. By a removable sealing, it is possible to the replace, refill or remove fluid from the casing. In yet an example, the aperture may not be sealed, for example when a fluid, such as a thermally conducting liquid cooling liquid is continuously provided to / from the casing. This may be the case when the fluid is a payload, such as a fuel.

Claims

20-11-202516CLAIMS1 . A method (s100) for manufacturing of a casing (1) for thermal control of a component (2) enclosed or substantially enclosed by the casing (1), wherein the casing (1 ) is configured to be arranged in a compartment (9), the casing (1 ) comprising an inner wall (3); an outer wall (5); a cavity (6) arranged between the inner wall (3) and the outer wall (5); and an internal support structure (4) at least partly arranged in the cavity (6), the method comprising the steps of:- 3D capturing (s101 ) of an external shape of the component (2),3D capturing (s102) of an internal shape of the compartment (9),- 3D modelling (s103) of the casing (1 ) based on the steps (s101 , s102) above, additive manufacturing (s104) of the casing (1 ), arranging a fluid or creating a vacuum (s108) in said cavity (6),- sealing (s109) the casing (1 ).

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of additive manufacturing (s104) of the casing (1) comprises:- additive manufacturing of the inner wall (3), the outer wall (5) and the internal support structure (4), whereby the inner wall (3), the outer wall (5) and the internal support structure (4) is formed as a continuous monolithic structure.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of additive manufacturing (s104) of the casing (1) comprises:- additive manufacturing of the inner wall (3), the outer wall (5) and the internal support structure (4) in multiple parts, wherein each of the multiple parts comprises a portion of the inner wall (3), the outer wall (5) and the internal support structure (4) formed as a continuous monolithic structure, and joining the multiple parts.

4. The method according to any one of the claims 1-3, the method step of additive manufacturing (s104) of the casing (1 ) comprising:additive manufacturing of the casing (1 ) in a ceramic material and / or a metal.

5. The method according to claim 4, the method further comprising the step of: glazing (s105) the casing (1 ).

6. The method according to claim 4 or claim 5, the method further comprising: a heating step (s106).

7. The method according to any one of the claims 1-6, the method further comprising the step of:- forming (s107) an aperture (7) in the outer wall (5) of the casing (1 ).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of arranging a fluid or creating a vacuum (s108) in said cavity (6), comprises:- filling the cavity (6) with a fluid, or evacuating gas from said cavity (6), via the aperture (7) in the outer wall (5).

9. The method according to any one of the claims 7-8, wherein the method step of sealing (s109) the casing (1 ) comprises:- sealing of the aperture (7).

10. A casing (1 ) for thermal control of a component (2) enclosed or substantially enclosed by the casing (1), wherein the casing (1 ) is configured to be arranged in a compartment (9), the casing (1 ) comprising: an inner wall (3); an outer wall (5);a cavity (6) arranged between the inner wall (3) and the outer wall (5); an internal support structure (4) at least partly arranged in the cavity (6), the shape of the inner wall (3) corresponds to the external shape (12) of the component (2), the shape of the outer wall (5) corresponds to the internal shape (19) of the compartment (9), the cavity (6) is a confined space configured to hold a vacuum or a fluid trapped.

11. The casing (1 ) according to claim 10, wherein the internal support structure (4) is Y- shaped (4’), hexagonal (4”), Y-shaped comprising a central cavity (4”’), S-shaped (4””), and / or puzzle-piece shaped (4””').

12. The casing (1 ) according to any of claims 10 or 11 , wherein the inner wall (3), the outer wall (5) and / or the internal support structure (4) are impenetrable and / or impermeable to fluids.

13. The casing (1 ) according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the internal support structure (4) comprises the same material as the inner and / or outer walls (3, 5).

14. The casing (1 ) according to any of claims 10 to 13, further comprising at least one heat sink (11 ) arranged on the outer wall (5) of the casing.

15. The casing (1 ) according to any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the inner wall (3), the outer wall (5) and / or the internal support structure (4) comprises a metal or a ceramic.

16. The casing (1 ) according to any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the component comprises at least one thermal battery.

17. A projectile (100) comprising a casing (1 ) according to any of the claims 10-16.5

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