Thermal management devices for batteries

Abstract

The object of the present invention is a thermal management device (1) for a battery comprising an extruded plate (2). The extruded plate (2) comprises a first channel (13) and a second channel (23), the first channel and the second channel being configured to allow the flow of a coolant. The extruded plate (2) also comprises at least one encapsulation cavity (33) intended to be filled with a phase change material. The first channel, the second channel and the encapsulation cavity extend between a front face (10) and a rear face (20) of the extruded plate (2). The device comprises an inlet / outlet cover (40) connected to the front face (10) and a diverter cover (50, 50') connected to the rear face (20). Both covers are provided with a plug for each encapsulation cavity. The diverter cover forms a connecting channel (50 i , 52 s ), thereby connecting the first channel (13) to the second channel (23).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to thermal management systems for energy storage systems, such as batteries used in hybrid and electric vehicles. Background Art

[0002] The progress of hybrid or electric vehicles is accompanied by a significant development of batteries or battery accessories. To protect the batteries, they are mounted in a protective housing, which is denoted by the term battery box. The purpose of the battery box is to ensure tightness, thereby preventing the ingress of water and any leakage of electrolyte to the outside, and to protect the batteries against impacts in the event of a collision. The battery box must be lightweight, strong and simple to manufacture. Aluminum is an interesting material for battery box production because it offers a good compromise between mechanical properties, lightness, thermal conductivity and low cost.

[0003] It is known that the performance of a battery is optimal within a certain temperature range. For this reason, the battery is usually associated with a thermal management system, which is intended to ensure that the temperature of the battery is maintained within a suitable temperature range, typically from 25°C to 40°C. For this purpose, an extruded plate (also called a cold extruded plate) through which a coolant can circulate or a cold plate made of a brazed plate can be used. For example, such an extruded plate is described in US2016 / 0006088 or US8936864. In these documents, the use of phase change materials (PCM) is added to the cooling device. These materials have a relatively low melting point. When the temperature reaches this melting point, the PCM material absorbs thermal energy due to phase change and thus ensures the temperature stability of the battery core. PCM is usually used by sealing the encapsulated cavity. Machining a fluid circuit on a cold extruded plate can be expensive and does not guarantee a closed support channel. The same is true for the molding of the cavity intended to encapsulate the PCM. However, important factors related to the manufacture of the thermal management system of the battery are cost, robustness and ease of manufacture.

[0004] The inventors have designed a device intended for use in thermal management systems which is robust and inexpensive to manufacture. Due to its simple design, the device is suitable for mass production at industrial production rates. Summary of the invention

[0005] A first object of the present invention is a device for thermal management in use with a battery case, said device comprising at least one extruded plate extending along a longitudinal axis between a front face and a rear face, said extruded plate comprising:

[0006] - a first channel extending between the front face and the rear face, between a first front aperture and a first rear aperture;

[0007] - a second channel extending between the front face and the rear face, between the second front aperture and the second rear aperture;

[0008] - said first channel and said second channel are intended to form a fluid circuit in which a coolant flows;

[0009] - at least one encapsulation cavity extending between the front face and the rear face, said encapsulation cavity being intended to encapsulate a phase change material;

[0010] The device also includes:

[0011] - an inlet / outlet cover comprising at least one front plug inserted at the front face into one or each packaging cavity;

[0012] - a diverter cover, preferably comprising at least one rear plug inserted at the rear face into one or each encapsulating cavity;

[0013] The flow divider cover forms a connecting channel connecting the first rear hole to the second rear hole so as to connect the first channel and the second channel, so that the coolant can flow between the first front hole and the second front hole through the first channel, the connecting channel and the second channel in sequence.

[0014] Preferably, the first channel and the second channel extend in the extruded plate along a linear direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0015] Preferably, the inlet / outlet cover comprises a first fluid connector engaged in the first front aperture, thereby allowing the first channel to be connected to an upstream fluid circuit, and a second fluid connector engaged in the second front aperture, thereby allowing the second channel to be connected to a downstream fluid circuit.

[0016] In one embodiment,

[0017] - at least one rear plug inserted into the encapsulation cavity extending along said longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, said rear plug comprising a recess between said first end and said second end;

[0018] - the squeeze plate comprises an inlet hole which opens into the recess of the rear stopper and forms an adhesive inlet;

[0019] - causing the adhesive to extend around the rear plug in the recess in order to assemble the rear plug to the extruded plate.

[0020] In this embodiment, the extrusion plate may include a discharge hole, the discharge hole leading to the recess of the rear stopper to allow the adhesive to discharge. Preferably, the diameter (or diagonal) of the discharge hole is smaller than the diameter (or diagonal) of the inlet hole. Preferably, the recess forms an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The rear stopper may include at least one auxiliary recess, the at least one auxiliary recess extending around the rear stopper between the recess and the first end or between the recess and the second end.

[0021] In one embodiment,

[0022] - the extrusion plate comprises a rear chamber extending between the rear face and the first rear hole and between the rear face and the second rear hole, such that the first rear hole and the second rear hole open into the rear chamber;

[0023] - the flow divider cover comprises an insert portion inserted into the rear chamber. The insert portion comprises a flow wall extending between the first rear hole and the second rear hole;

[0024] - so as to form a connecting channel, which is delimited by the flow wall and the back chamber, whereby the connecting channel connects the first channel to the second channel.

[0025] In one embodiment,

[0026] - the extrusion plate comprises a rear chamber extending between the rear face and the first rear hole and between the rear face and the second rear hole, such that the first rear hole and the second rear hole open into the rear chamber;

[0027] - the diverter cover comprises an insert portion inserted into the rear chamber, the insert portion forming at least one slot extending between the first rear hole and the second rear hole;

[0028] - so as to form a connecting channel, which is delimited by the groove and the rear chamber, whereby the connecting channel connects the first channel to the second channel.

[0029] The insert portion may include two grooves opposite to each other, each extending between the first rear hole and the second rear hole, each groove defining a connecting channel together with the wall of the rear chamber, so that the device includes two connecting channels, each connecting channel connecting the first channel to the second channel. The extrusion plate may include an upper side and a lower side, the upper side and the lower side extending between the front side and the rear side; the insert portion may be formed:

[0030] - an upper groove facing the wall of the rear chamber adjacent to the upper side;

[0031] - A lower groove facing the wall of the rear chamber adjacent to the lower side.

[0032] Preferably, the extruded plate is made of metal, preferably aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and more preferably a 6xxx aluminum alloy.

[0033] Preferably, the extruded plate is obtained by extrusion, thereby forming the first channel, the second channel and each packaging cavity at the same time.

[0034] In one embodiment, the device comprises at least two different phase change materials, and:

[0035] - Two different phase change materials mixed in the same package cavity; and / or

[0036] - Two different packaging cavities respectively include two different phase change materials.

[0037] The inlet / outlet cover may be manufactured as a multi-piece component allowing closing of the packaging cavity.

[0038] Preferably, the inlet / outlet cover is a one-piece component having as many front plugs as packaging cavities.

[0039] Preferably, the diverter cover comprises a rear plug allowing the encapsulation cavity to be closed. The rear plug inserted into the encapsulation cavity and the diverter cover can be manufactured as an integral component or a multi-piece component.

[0040] Preferably, the diverter cover is a one-piece component having as many plugs as encapsulating cavities and having an insert.

[0041] Another object of the invention is a battery pack comprising the device according to the first object of the invention.

[0042] Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the description of a particular embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and represented in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1A , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C An embodiment of a device according to the invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 1B Inlet / outlet covers and splitter covers are shown as part of the device.

[0045] Figure 3 An embodiment of a rear plug is shown, which is used to seal the package in FIG. 1 and FIG. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C The cavity of the device represented in FIG.

[0046] Figure 4 Shown in Figure 1A , FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C A partial top view of the extruded plate shown in FIG.

[0047] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the diverter cover that forms this device.

[0048] Fig. 6A , Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of a diverter cover forming an apparatus according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Figure 1A and Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C An embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention is shown. The device 1 forms part of a thermal management system for a battery. It may form a wall of a battery compartment, or be arranged inside a battery compartment. The battery compartment is designed to operate in a vehicle.

[0050] The device 1 comprises an extruded plate 2 extending parallel to a longitudinal axis Z. Along the longitudinal axis Z, the extruded plate extends a length L. The extruded plate 2 extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis Z along a lateral axis X and a transverse axis Y. The extruded plate extends a width l along the lateral axis X. The extruded plate extends a thickness ε along the transverse axis Y. The width l is smaller than the length L. The thickness ε is smaller than the width l.

[0051] When the extrusion plate is in operation, the longitudinal axis Z may be parallel or non-parallel to the longitudinal axis T of the vehicle, where (T, U, V) corresponds to a local reference of the vehicle, where T corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, U corresponds to a transverse axis perpendicular to the T axis, and V corresponds to a vertical axis, perpendicular to the surface formed by the axis T and the axis U.

[0052] The thickness ε may be greater than 5 mm, and for example between 5 mm and 10 cm. The width l may be greater than 3 cm, and for example between 3 cm and 50 cm. The length L may be greater than 10 cm, and for example between 10 cm and 250 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 100 cm.

[0053] The extruded plate 2 is metallic and more particularly made of an aluminium alloy, preferably a 6XXX alloy.

[0054] The extruded plate 2 is obtained by extrusion.

[0055] The extruded plate 2 is delimited along a longitudinal axis Z by a front face 10 and a rear face 20 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis Z. The extruded plate 2 comprises a first channel 13 and a second channel 23. The first channel 13 and the second channel 23 are intended to allow a coolant to flow in order to achieve thermal regulation of the extruded plate 2. A plane P perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z XY The term lateral plane is used. The first channel 13 and the second channel 23 extend linearly parallel to the longitudinal axis Z. The extruded plate 2 is delimited by an upper face 2s and a lower face 2i. The upper face 2s and the lower face 2i extend between the front face 10 and the rear face 20, parallel to the lateral axis X and the longitudinal axis Z. The plane P along which the upper face and the lower face extend XZ It is denoted by the term longitudinal plane.

[0056] The first channel 13 extends between a first front hole 11 leading to the front face 10 and a first rear hole 12 leading to the rear face 20. By opening to the face, whether the front face or the rear face, is meant opening towards the face or being near the face, being located at a distance of less than 5 cm or 10 cm from the face. The second channel 23 extends between a second front hole 21 leading to the front face 10 and a second rear hole 22 leading to the rear face 20. The holes, whether they are at the front face or the rear face and correspond to the channel holes or the packaging cavity holes, are obtained directly after extrusion or are machined to obtain a suitable aperture allowing the insertion of the front plug 43.

[0057] The extruded plate 2 also comprises at least one encapsulation cavity 33, which is intended to receive a phase change material (PCM). PCM is a material used to store heat during phase changes, in particular during liquefaction. The PCM may be a paraffin, as described in "Micro-encapsulated phase-change materials integrated into construction materials" by P. Schossig, Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells 89 (2005) 297-306. The encapsulation cavity 33 enables the PCM to be encapsulated. As for the channels 13 and 23, the encapsulation cavity 33 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis Z. In Figure 1A In the embodiment shown, the extruded plate 2 comprises four encapsulated cavities 33 extending parallel to each other. Each encapsulated cavity 33 is arranged parallel to the channels 13 and 23. The extrusion of the extruded plate 2 makes it possible to obtain the encapsulated cavities 33 and the channels 13 and 23 simultaneously. This makes it possible to obtain the extruded plate 2 according to a cheap and economical manufacturing method and suitable for mass production at industrial rates.

[0058] The or each encapsulation cavity 33 extends between a first front cavity aperture 31 opening towards the front face 10 and a second rear cavity aperture 32 opening towards the rear face 20 .

[0059] The extruded plate 2 may comprise two different types of PCM materials, so that two different encapsulation cavities respectively comprise two different PCM materials. According to an alternative, one and the same encapsulation cavity may have a mixture of two different PCM materials. Preferably, the two different PCM materials have different melting temperatures. Preferably, the temperature difference between the two melting temperatures is greater than or equal to at least 5°C. Advantageously, the melting temperature of each PCM is between 25°C and 70°C. For example, the first PCM material may have a melting temperature between 25°C and 40°C, while the second PCM material may have a melting temperature between 15°C and 30°C.

[0060] It is also possible to consider using three or four PCM materials. Different PCM materials can be arranged in the same packaging cavity by mixing, or each packaging cavity can contain only one PCM, and the PCM packaged in one cavity is different from the PCM packaged in another cavity.

[0061] Figure 2B Details of the front face 10 are shown. A first front hole 11 forming one end of a first channel 13, a second front hole 21 forming one end of a second channel 23, and four first front cavity holes 31 each forming one end of an encapsulation cavity 33 are identified.

[0062] Figure 2C Details of the rear face 20 are shown. A first rear hole 12 forming one end of a first channel 13, a second rear hole 22 forming one end of a second channel 23, and four first rear cavity holes 32, each forming one end of a packaging cavity 33, are identified. The first rear hole 12 and the second rear hole 22 lead to a rear chamber 24 extending from the rear face 20. Thus, the first rear hole 12 and the second rear hole 22 are arranged to be recessed from the rear face 20. The first channel 13 and the second channel 23 lead to the rear chamber 24.

[0063] like Figure 1A and Figure 2A As represented in , the device 1 comprises an inlet / outlet cover 40 acting on the front face 10 , and a diverter cover 50 acting on the rear face 20 . Figure 1B Details of the inlet / outlet cover 40 and details of the diverter cover 50 are shown, as well as coolant circulation through the inlet / outlet cover and the diverter cover, as described below.

[0064] The function of the inlet / outlet cover 40 is to close the front hole 31 of each packaging cavity 33, while allowing the coolant to enter the first channel 13 and the coolant to be discharged from the second channel 23. The inlet / outlet cover includes a front plug 43 intended to seal each front hole 31 of the closed cavity. Each front plug 43 is engaged in the packaging cavity 33 through the front hole 31. The inlet / outlet cover 40 includes a first fluid connector 41 engaged in the first front hole 11 so as to connect the first channel 13 with the upstream fluid circuit. The inlet / outlet cover 40 includes a second fluid connector 42 engaged in the second front hole 21 so as to connect the second channel 23 with the downstream fluid circuit. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , the inlet / outlet cover 40 comprises four front plugs 43 .

[0065] The function of the flow dividing cover 50 is to close the rear cavity hole 32 of each packaging cavity 33 while allowing the coolant to flow from the first channel 13 to the second channel 23 .

[0066] As for the inlet / outlet cover 40, the flow divider cover 50 comprises a plug, indicated by the term rear plug 53, for sealing each encapsulating cavity 33. The flow divider cover is intended to be introduced into the extruded plate 2 so as to form at least one connecting channel for connecting the first channel 13 to the second channel 23. Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C as well as Fig. 6A and Figure 6B This aspect is described more extensively. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , the diverter cover 50 includes four rear plugs 53 .

[0067] Figure 3 A cross section of the rear plug 53 as part of the diverter cover 50 is shown. A plane P perpendicular to the lateral axis X YZ The cross section is along the thickness of the extruded plate 2, along the transverse plane P YZ The front plug 43 belonging to the input / output cover 40 has a similar structure to the rear plug 53. The rear plug 53 extends along the longitudinal axis Z so as to be inserted into the packaging cavity 33 through the rear hole 32. The material of the rear plug is flexible enough to be slightly deformed when it is inserted into the packaging cavity. Once inserted, the rear plug forms a waterproof seal of the packaging cavity.

[0068] The rear plug 53 is formed along the longitudinal axis Z from the first end 53 a and the second end 53 b At these ends, the rear plug is defined along a transverse plane P YZThe rear plug has a lateral surface corresponding to the cross section of the packaging cavity 33. Between the first end and the second end, the rear plug has a recess 53 c The recess is annular. c The lateral surface of the package cavity 33 is smaller than the lateral cross-section of the rear hole 32 into which the rear plug 53 is inserted. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in FIG. c Corresponding to the central area of ​​the rear plug 53, located at the first end 53 a and the second end 53 b Halfway between. Recess 53 c extends around the rear stopper and has a d The maximum depth p max and width W. Recess 53 c The presence of enables a space 56 to be provided between the rear plug and the packaging cavity 33 or between the rear plug and the rear hole 32. The space 56 is intended to be filled with a liquid or gel-like adhesive so that after the rear plug 53 is inserted into the cavity 33 through the rear hole 32, the rear plug 53 is coupled to the cavity 33.

[0069] Maximum depth p max Depends on the size of the rear plug. Along the transverse plane P YZ When the thickness of the rear plug is 20 mm, the concave portion 53 c The maximum depth of the recess may be between 2 mm and 5 mm. Preferably, the maximum depth of the recess is greater than the transverse plane P YZ The rear plug in the is 10% thicker.

[0070] The width W depends on the size of the rear plug. Along the Z axis direction, when the length of the rear plug is 30 mm, the width W may be between 3 mm and 15 mm. Preferably, the width of the recess is 10% greater than the length of the rear plug along the Z axis direction.

[0071] The adhesive is introduced through an inlet hole 16 provided in the extruded plate 2 (eg, the upper surface 2s or the lower surface 2i), preferably by injection molding. The inlet hole 16 is provided in the notch 53 in the packaging cavity. d The inlet 16 leads to the recess 53. c . Figure 4 5 shows the inlet holes 16 corresponding to the four rear plugs of the diverter cover 50. The squeeze plate 2 may include a hole 2s or a hole 2i disposed on the upper side or the lower side, in the notch 53. d The discharge hole 26 is formed above or below the concave portion 53 so that the adhesive can be discharged. The discharge hole 26 leads to the concave portion 53. cIn this way, the adhesive penetrates into the periphery of the notch through the inlet hole 16 and then comes out through the outlet hole 26. Figure 3 As shown, it is preferred that the inlet hole 16 is arranged in the upper 2s, and the outlet hole 26 is arranged in the lower 2i, or vice versa. Preferably, the outlet hole or the inlet hole is obtained by drilling holes in the extruded plate. In this embodiment, the diameter of the outlet hole 26 is smaller than the diameter of the inlet hole 16, which enables the adhesive to be retained around the rear plug 53 by forming a head loss. According to the present invention, other geometric shapes of the inlet hole and the outlet hole are also possible, such as an elliptical hole. Here, the cross section of the outlet hole 26 is preferably smaller than the cross section of the inlet hole 16.

[0072] Preferably, the notch geometry is optimized to maximize the contact area between the adhesive and the inner wall of the packaging cavity 33. Therefore, the slope formed by the notch relative to the longitudinal axis Z forms an acute angle α, preferably less than 60°. This increases the contact area between the adhesive and the inner wall of the packaging cavity 33. This enables the rear plug 53 to be effectively integrated into the packaging cavity 33 or the rear cavity hole 32 in the event of defects in the adhesive (for example, due to insufficient filling of the space 56, or due to shrinkage caused by drying of the adhesive, or even due to thermal expansion effects of the adhesive). In other words, in the recess 53 c In the embodiment, the outer surface of the rear stopper 53 is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis Z according to an acute angle α of less than 90°, and preferably less than 60°.

[0073] The rear plug 53 may include an auxiliary recess 53 e To prevent excess adhesive or thermal expansion of the adhesive. Excess adhesive can thus be removed from the gap 53 d The auxiliary recess 53 e Can be set at gap 53 d and the first end 53 a Between and / or in gap 53 d and the second end 53 b between.

[0074] Combination Figure 3 As mentioned, the particular structure of the rear plug 53 enables the splitter cover 50 and / or the inlet / outlet cover 40 to be assembled in a particularly strong and sustainable manner to the extruded plate 2. Thus, an assembly is obtained that is resistant to shocks, mechanical vibrations or significant temperature variations.

[0075] Figure 4 A top view at the rear face 20 of the extruded plate 2 is shown. Inlet holes 16 arranged in the upper face 2s are identified. Each inlet hole 16 leads to a packaging cavity 33. A rear chamber 24 can also be observed, into which the first channel 13 as well as the second channel 23 lead.

[0076] An important function of the flow divider cover 50 is to ensure fluid communication between the first channel 13 and the second channel 23. In fact, the first channel 13 and the second channel 23 are straight. This is because they are obtained by extrusion. The flow divider cover 50 allows the fluid between the first channel 13 and the second channel 23 to communicate with each other. To this end, the flow divider cover includes an insertion portion 54, which is intended to be inserted into the rear chamber 24 provided in the extruded plate 2.

[0077] Insertion portion 54 is Figure 5A The insertion portion 54 forms an upper groove 52 extending from the first rear hole 12 to the second rear hole 22. s . With the longitudinal plane P XZ Parallel, upper groove 52 s The upper groove 52 is formed into a U shape. s The inner wall adjacent to the upper surface 2s extends toward the rear chamber 24. The upper groove 52 s include:

[0078] - first upper region 52 s1 , the first upper region extends parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Z and is arranged to abut against the first rear hole 12 and be continuous with the first rear hole 12;

[0079] - second upper region 52 s2 , the second upper region extends parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Z and is arranged to abut against the second rear hole 22 and be continuous with the second rear hole 22;

[0080] - Upper side area 52 s3 , the upper side region extends parallel or substantially parallel to the lateral axis X, in the first upper region 52 s1 and the second upper region 52 s2 between.

[0081] When the flow dividing cover 50 is introduced into the extruded plate 2, the insertion portion 54 is inserted into the rear chamber 24. Thus, the upper connecting passage 55 is formed. s .like Figure 5B The upper connecting channel 55 s On the one hand, the upper groove 52 s The first channel 13 is connected to the second channel 23. This allows the coolant to pass through the first channel 13, the upper connecting channel 55 in sequence. s and the second channel 23, so that the air flows between the first front hole 11 and the second front hole 21. Upper connecting channel 55 s exist Figure 5C Shown above.

[0082] Insert 54 includes a lower slot 52i , the lower groove is relative to the longitudinal plane P xz With upper groove 52 s When the diverter cover is introduced into the extrusion plate 2, the lower groove 52 i The wall adjacent to the lower surface 2i of the chamber 24 extends toward the lower surface 2i. i Together with the wall of the rear chamber 24, it defines the lower connecting passage 55 i This allows the coolant to pass through the first channel 13, the lower connecting channel 55 in sequence. i and a second passage 23 so as to flow between the first front hole 11 and the second front hole 21 .

[0083] Fig. 6A One embodiment is shown in which the diverter cap 50' is made of three-piece components 54', 50'-1, 50'-2, where 54' corresponds to the insert portion and 50'-1 and 50'-2 correspond to the rear plug 53. In another embodiment, the diverter cap 50 is made of two-piece components, where the rear plug 53 is the only integral component.

[0084] exist Fig. 6A In the illustrated embodiment, the diverter cover 50 ′ includes four rear plugs 53 , two of which are integral with the diverter cover, and the other two are independent parts inserted into the packaging cavity 33 .

[0085] Insertion portion 54' Fig. 6A The insertion portion 54' includes a flow wall 56 extending from the first rear hole 12 to the second rear hole 22. xz The flow wall 56 is parallel to the inner wall of the rear chamber 24 and forms a U shape. The flow wall 56 extends toward the inner wall of the rear chamber 24. The flow wall 56 includes:

[0086] a first zone 561 extending parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Z and arranged against and continuous with the first rear aperture 12 ;

[0087] a second region 562 extending parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Z and arranged to abut against the second rear aperture 22 and to be continuous with the latter;

[0088] A lateral region 563 extending parallel or substantially parallel to the lateral axis X, between the first upper region 561 and the second upper region 562 .

[0089] When the flow divider cover 50' is introduced into the extruded plate 2, the insertion portion 54' is inserted into the rear chamber 24. Thus, a connecting channel 55' is formed. The connecting channel enables the first channel 13 to be connected to the second channel 23. This allows the coolant to flow between the first front hole 11 and the second front hole 21 through the first channel 13, the connecting channel 55' and the second channel 23 in sequence. Figure 5B Shown above.

[0090] The particular structure of the flow divider cover 50, 50' ensures a fluid connection between the first channel 13 and the second channel 23, which are straight due to their extrusion manufacturing method. The use of the flow divider cover 50, 50' makes it possible to form a fluid circulation in the extruded plate in a simple, strong and economical way. In fact, the flow divider cover 50, 50' and the inlet / outlet cover 40 can be obtained by known manufacturing methods, such as thermoforming.

[0091] The diverter cap 50, 50' comprises a rear plug allowing closing of the encapsulation cavity. The rear plug 53 inserted into the encapsulation cavity 33 can be manufactured as a one-piece component with the diverter cap 50, 50' or as a multi-piece component with the diverter cap 50, 50'.

[0092] Preferably, the rear plug 53 is fixed to the diverter cover 50 before the diverter cover 50 is fixed to the extrusion plate 2. Therefore, the diverter cover 50 is an integral component including the insert 54 and the rear plug 53.

[0093] Preferably, the front plug 43 is fixed to the inlet / outlet cover 40 before the inlet / outlet cover 40 is fixed to the extrusion plate 2. Thus, the inlet / outlet cover is a one-piece component.

[0094] In one embodiment, the rear plug 53 is manufactured independently of the inserts 54, 54'. Thus, after inserting the rear plug into the encapsulation cavity 33, and after inserting the inserts 54, 54' into the rear chamber 24, the diverter caps 50, 50' are obtained.

[0095] The diverter covers 50, 50' and the inlet / outlet cover 40 may be cast such that each cast cover is a unitary component.

[0096] The material of the flow divider cover 50, 50' and the inlet / outlet cover 40 can be aluminum with good bonding properties and recyclability, or plastic whose thermal expansion is close to that of aluminum. Preferably, it is made of polyketone (PK).

[0097] The device 1 according to the invention can be easily manufactured by assembling the extruded plate 2 to the diverter cover 50, 50' or to the inlet / outlet cover 40. Then, the PCM is introduced into each encapsulation cavity. Closing the encapsulation cavity by the diverter cover or the inlet / outlet cover enables the PCM to be confined. The confinement of the PCM is obtained by inserting a rear plug into the encapsulation cavity. The connection between each cover and the extruded plate 2 can be strengthened by using an adhesive, bonding Figure 3 The adhesive is inserted through the inlet hole. Thus, the adhesive extends around the rear plug having a local recess. As mentioned above, this makes it possible to obtain a strong and compliant assembly that can be used under severe mechanical conditions (shocks, vibrations) and also under equally severe thermal conditions.

[0098] In one embodiment, at least two different phase change materials can be introduced into the same packaging cavity. In another embodiment, two different phase change materials can be introduced into two different packaging cavities.

[0099] The device 1 may form part of, or be arranged inside, a battery compartment.

[0100] Several devices 1 can be arranged side by side to form part of a battery box, or be arranged inside a battery box.

[0101] In one embodiment, the extruded plate 2 may have connecting means (27a, 27b) to fasten one device 1 to another device.

Claims

1. A thermal management device (1) configured for use in a battery case, the device comprising an extruded plate (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (Z) between a front face (10) and a rear face (20), the extruded plate comprising: - a first channel (13) extending between the front face and the rear face, between the first front aperture (11) and the first rear aperture (12); - a second channel (23) extending between the front face and the rear face, between the second front aperture (21) and the second rear aperture (22); - the first channel and the second channel are configured to form a fluid circuit in which a coolant can flow; - at least one encapsulation cavity (33), the at least one encapsulation cavity extending between the front face (10) and the rear face (20), the encapsulation cavity being configured to encapsulate a phase change material; The device also includes: - an inlet / outlet cover (40) comprising at least one front plug (43) inserted into at least one packaging cavity (33) at the front face (10); - a diverter cover comprising at least one rear plug (53) inserted into at least one packaging cavity (33) at the rear face (20); - The flow dividing cover forms a connecting channel, the connecting channel connecting the first rear hole (12) to the second rear hole (22) so as to connect the first channel (13) and the second channel (23), so that the coolant can flow between the first front hole (11) and the second front hole (21) by sequentially passing through the first channel (13), the connecting channel and the second channel (23).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The first channel (13) and the second channel (23) extend in the extruded plate (2) along a straight line direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (Z).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - at least one rear plug (53) inserted into the packaging cavity (33) at the first end (53 a ) and the second end (53 b ) along the longitudinal axis (Z), the rear plug including a recess (53) between the first end and the second end c ); - the extrusion plate (2) comprises a recess (53) leading to the rear stopper c ) to allow the adhesive to enter; - The adhesive is formed in the recess (53 c ) extends around the rear plug so as to assemble the rear plug (53) to the extrusion plate (2).

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The extrusion plate (2) comprises a recess (53) leading to the rear plug c ) to allow the adhesive to be discharged.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The diameter of the discharge hole (26) is smaller than the diameter of the inlet hole (16).

6. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The recess (53 c ) forms an acute angle (a) with respect to the longitudinal axis (Z).

7. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The rear stopper (53) comprises at least one auxiliary recess (53 e ), the at least one auxiliary recess (53 e ) in the recess (53 c ) and the first end (53 a ) or in the recess (53 c ) and the second end (53 b ) extending around the rear stopper.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - the extruded plate (2) comprises a rear chamber (24) extending between the rear face (20) and the first rear hole (12) and between the rear face (20) and the second rear hole (22), such that the first rear hole and the second rear hole open into the rear chamber; - the flow divider cover comprises an insertion portion (54) inserted into the rear chamber (24), wherein the insertion portion forms at least one slot (52) extending between the first rear hole (12) and the second rear hole (22) s , 52 i ); - so as to form a connecting channel, the connecting channel consisting of a groove (52 s , 52 i ) and a rear chamber (24), whereby the connecting channel connects the first channel (13) to the second channel (23).

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The insertion portion (54) includes two grooves (52) facing each other. s , 52 i ), each groove extends between the first rear hole (12) and the second rear hole (22), and each groove defines a connecting channel together with the wall of the rear chamber (24), so that the device includes two connecting channels, each connecting channel connects the first channel (13) to the second channel (23).

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The extruded plate (2) comprises an upper surface (2s) and a lower surface (2i), the upper surface and the lower surface extending between the front surface (10) and the rear surface (20), and wherein the insert portion (54) is formed: - Upper slot (52 s ), the upper groove faces the wall of the rear chamber (24) adjacent to the upper surface (2s); - Lower slot (52 i ), the lower groove faces the wall of the rear chamber (24) adjacent to the bottom (2i).

11. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The extruded plate (2) is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

12. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The inlet / outlet cover (40) and / or the diverter cover are a one-piece component.

13. The device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least two different phase change materials, and wherein: - Two different phase change materials mixed in the same package cavity; and / or - Two different packaging cavities respectively include two different phase change materials.

14. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The inlet / outlet cover (40) comprises a first fluid connector (41) engaged in the first front hole (11) to allow the first channel (13) to be connected to an upstream fluid circuit, and comprises a second fluid connector (42) engaged in the second front hole (21) to allow the second channel (23) to be connected to a downstream fluid circuit.

15. A battery pack comprising a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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