Device for thermally regulating at least one electronic component

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for thermally regulating at least one electronic component (3), comprising at least two circulation conduits (5) for a heat transfer fluid and at least one heat transfer fluid manifold (7), the at least two circulation conduits being arranged along a stacking axis (A1), the at least one heat transfer fluid manifold being in fluid communication with the circulation conduits (5). According to the invention, the heat transfer fluid manifold (7) comprises: at least two fluid connection parts (9), the at least two fluid connection parts being respectively assembled at one end of a corresponding circulation conduit (5) and each comprising at least one collar (95) encircling a hole (97); and at least one hollow connector (11), the at least one hollow connector being inserted between the two fluid connection parts (9) along the stacking axis (A1) and having two opposite end sections (111), the two opposite end sections being slidably mounted inside the collars (95) of the two facing fluid connection parts (9).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus for thermally regulating electronic components, particularly those that tend to release heat during operation. In particular, the present invention relates to thermally regulating such components that need to be maintained within a given temperature range for optimal operation and service life. This may involve electrical energy storage cells, power electronic components, integrated circuits, servers, data centers, and the like, all of which require thermal regulation to maintain their operating temperature range.

[0002] Currently, data centers around the world account for 10% of global electricity consumption. At least half of this consumption comes from the cooling systems of these data centers. Currently, most data centers are air-cooled by using air conditioning units to cool the ambient air in storage rooms. The optimal operating temperature for data centers is between 5°C and 40°C, more specifically around 27°C.

[0003] The present invention can also be applied in the automotive field. Advantageously, the present invention is applicable to the field of thermal regulation of electrical energy storage elements (such as batteries of electric motor vehicles and / or hybrid motor vehicles). The electrical energy for electric vehicles and / or hybrid vehicles is supplied by one or more batteries. During operation, the electrical energy storage elements (such as batteries) heat up, and there is therefore a risk that the electrical energy storage elements are damaged. High-density energy storage cells (such as Li-ion or Li-polymer batteries) ideally need to operate within a temperature range of between 20°C and 40°C.

[0004] Recently, a charging technique known as rapid charging has been developed. This involves charging energy storage elements at high voltage and high current within a short period of time, typically a maximum of approximately 20 minutes. This rapid charging results in a significant release of heat from the energy storage elements, which needs to be managed.

[0005] For thermal regulation (in particular cooling) of electrical energy storage elements such as batteries, it is known to use thermal regulation devices.

[0006] In one known solution, the thermal conditioning device comprises plates (e.g., cooling plates) arranged between the energy storage elements, these plates containing circulation channels for a heat transfer fluid (e.g., a coolant liquid). These plates are brazed together and, if appropriate, also to coolant liquid inlet and outlet manifolds. In particular, during assembly, such energy storage elements, for example, are stacked one after another in pairs of plates.

[0007] However, this assembly does not offer any installation flexibility for inserting the energy storage element to be cooled into the thermal conditioning device. This is because the thermal conditioning device is fixed after brazing and has no flexibility from the perspective of the stacking axis. Consequently, effective thermal contact between the component to be thermally regulated and the plate (e.g., cooling plate) cannot be ensured.

[0008] The present invention aims to allow electronic components to be more easily inserted into a thermal conditioning device, while still ensuring effective thermal conditioning (e.g., cooling) of electronic components that tend to release heat during operation. The present invention can be advantageously used, for example, in the automotive field for thermal conditioning of power electronic components or electrical energy storage cells, or in the data center field for conditioning servers.

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a device for thermally regulating at least one electronic component, comprising at least two circulation ducts for a heat transfer fluid, the at least two circulation ducts being arranged along the stack axis, and at least one heat transfer fluid manifold in fluid communication with the circulation ducts. According to the invention, the at least one heat transfer fluid manifold comprises:

[0010] a. At least two fluid connecting parts, the at least two fluid connecting parts are respectively assembled at one end of the corresponding circulation conduit, and the fluid connecting parts respectively have at least one collar with a circle hole; and

[0011] b. At least one hollow connector interposed between the two fluid connection parts along the stacking axis and having two opposite end sections mounted to be able to slide inside the collars of the two facing fluid connection parts.

[0012] These end sections form beads that provide a sealing function to the at least one heat transfer fluid manifold.

[0013] Furthermore, because the hollow connector is inserted between the fluid connection parts, there is no direct mechanical connection between the circulation conduit and the hollow connector, thereby ensuring relative displacement between the collar and the slide-mounted connector. This provides flexibility in the stacking direction and installation tolerances, making it possible to space the heat transfer fluid circulation conduits apart so that the components to be thermally regulated can be inserted between them and then compress the assembly once these components have been inserted. The compression also ensures effective thermal contact between the circulation conduits and the inserted electronic components to be thermally regulated.

[0014] The heat conditioning device may also have one or more of the following features described below, considered alone or in combination.

[0015] According to an aspect, the at least one collar of a fluid connection portion extends along the stacking axis from the portion towards an adjacent fluid connection portion.

[0016] The end segments are mounted to slide in the collar between a first position and a second position. When the end segments are in the first position, the at least one manifold is in a position of maximum extension. When the end segments are in the second position, the at least one manifold is in a position of maximum compression.

[0017] According to another aspect, the at least one hollow connector is shaped such that the end portion is always received inside the collar.

[0018] The collars may each have a stop against which the end section of the hollow connector may abut in the first position.

[0019] Advantageously, the at least one hollow connector is shaped so as not to obstruct the flow of the heat transfer fluid at the outlet of the circulation conduit, even in the second position or position of maximum compression of the at least one heat transfer fluid manifold.

[0020] In particular, the hollow connector is shaped such that in the position of maximum compression of the at least one heat transfer fluid manifold, the end section is not arranged facing the heat transfer fluid outlet of the circulation conduit.

[0021] According to another option, the collars may have a further stop against which the end section of the hollow connector may abut in the position of maximum compression of the at least one heat transfer fluid manifold.

[0022] According to yet another option, the length of the at least one hollow connector may be adapted such that in a position of maximum compression of the at least one heat transfer fluid manifold, an end section cannot be arranged facing the heat transfer fluid conduit outlet.

[0023] The at least one hollow connector may have an overall cylindrical shape, wherein a central portion has a first outer diameter and end segments have a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. The term "outer" is defined relative to a passageway inside the hollow connector through which the heat transfer fluid flows when the heat transfer fluid manifold is assembled.

[0024] The second outer diameter of the end section is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the collar to always provide a seal.

[0025] According to a further aspect, the device may have a predetermined number of half-shells assembled in pairs at one end of an associated circulation conduit to define a fluid connection portion of the at least one heat transfer fluid manifold.

[0026] The at least one hollow connector is arranged between the two pairs of half shells.

[0027] At least one half shell of a pair of half shells has at least one collar extending along the stacking axis toward a half shell of an adjacent pair of half shells.

[0028] The at least one collar is produced integrally with the half shell.

[0029] The two facing half-shells of two adjacent pairs each have at least one collar, and the hollow connector is arranged between the collars of the facing half-shells.

[0030] The half shells in a pair are symmetrical about the connecting plane.

[0031] According to one example, the fluid connection portion may be made of a first material, and the at least one hollow connector may include at least one second compressible material. The stiffness of the first material is greater than the stiffness of the at least one second material.

[0032] According to a first embodiment, the at least one hollow connector is arranged centrally with respect to the end of the circulation conduit.

[0033] According to a second embodiment, the at least one hollow connector is arranged eccentrically with respect to the end of the circulation conduit.

[0034] The at least one hollow connector may be made by overmolding an insert.

[0035] In particular, the at least one hollow connector may comprise at least two materials. The at least one hollow connector may comprise a material (e.g., the material of the insert) at the center and a material (e.g., for overmolding) around the center. The rigidity of the material at the center may be greater than the rigidity of the material around the center, and the material around the center may be an elastomer type, such as, for example, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (also referred to as EPDM). This makes the frame at the center more rigid than the compressible outer portion, thereby preventing the hollow connector from collapsing.

[0036] In one option, the at least one heat transfer fluid manifold has at least one end stop for the component along an axis transverse to the stacking axis.

[0037] The half-shells assembled in pairs each have a peripheral edge delimiting an opening into which the end of the associated circulation duct opens.

[0038] The peripheral edge may form the at least one end stop.

[0039] The at least one heat transfer fluid manifold may be closed on one side and attached to the heat transfer fluid circuit on the other side.

[0040] Furthermore, the invention relates to a battery module for a motor vehicle having a plurality of energy storage cells and a thermal conditioning device as defined above, which is configured to thermally condition the energy storage cells interposed between heat transfer fluid circulation conduits.

[0041] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will become more apparent on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a thermal conditioning device assembled with electronic components according to a first embodiment.

[0043] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a thermal conditioning device assembled with electronic components according to a second embodiment.

[0044] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 is a top view of a thermal conditioning device illustrating a first flow direction of a heat transfer fluid within the device.

[0045] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a top view of a thermal conditioning device illustrating a second flow direction of the heat transfer fluid within the device.

[0046] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a heat transfer fluid manifold of the thermal conditioning device according to the first embodiment.

[0047] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the stacking axis of the heat transfer fluid manifold.

[0048] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a heat transfer fluid manifold of a thermal conditioning device according to a second embodiment.

[0049] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the stacking axis of the heat transfer fluid manifold.

[0050] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 An example of a hollow connector of a heat transfer fluid manifold according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment is shown.

[0051] In these drawings, identical elements are provided with identical reference numerals.

[0052] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each figure number refers to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide further embodiments.

[0053] In this specification, certain elements may be indexed, such as "first element" or "second element." In this case, this is simply an index used to distinguish and indicate similar, but not identical, elements. This indexing does not imply that one element takes precedence over another, and such references can be easily interchanged without departing from the scope of this specification. This indexing also does not imply a chronological order.

[0054] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention relates to a heat conditioning device 1, 101. In particular, such a device 1, 101 is intended to be fitted in a motor vehicle. The device 1, 101 may have the overall shape of a parallelepiped.

[0055] Device 1, 101 is intended to house electronic components 3 that tend to release heat during operation, in order to thermally regulate these components. In particular, and without being exhaustive, components 3 (shown very schematically in the figure) may be, for example, electrical energy storage elements or power electronics in the automotive sector. For example, these components may be battery cells that constitute a battery module or battery pack in an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0056] Thermal regulation may involve heating and / or cooling of the electronic component 3. In particular, the thermal regulation device 1, 101 is configured to provide a cooling function for the electronic component 3.

[0057] Typically, the device 1 (respectively, 101) has a predetermined number of circulation conduits 5 for a heat transfer fluid and at least one heat transfer fluid manifold 7 (respectively, 107) in fluid communication with the circulation conduits 5. The heat transfer fluid is, for example, a coolant liquid. In the illustrated example, the device 1 (respectively, 101) has two heat transfer fluid manifolds 7 (respectively, 107) for entry and exit of the heat transfer fluid.

[0058] The ducts 5 are arranged along the stacking axis A1 . The electronic components 3 are intended to be inserted between the ducts 5 , so as to form an alternating stack of ducts 5 and components 3 along the stacking axis A1 .

[0059] The circulation conduit 5 is formed of a tube (e.g., an extruded tube). An advantage of an extruded tube is that it can be provided or cut to a desired length, for example, the same as or longer than the length of the associated electronic components 3. In addition, the number of extruded tubes can be adapted to be stacked, thereby enabling a modular thermal conditioning device 1, 101.

[0060] Alternatively, the duct 5 may be formed by joining two plates, for example by brazing, thereby defining between the two plates at least one channel for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid.

[0061] The heat transfer fluid is intended to flow inside the tube or between two plates, passing through it one or more times in a linear or non-linear flow pattern, for example in an "I" shape loop or twice in a "U" shape loop.

[0062] In the device 1 (respectively, 101) Figure 1 or Figure 2 In the particular example shown in FIG, the ducts 5 extend, for example, along a plane perpendicular to the stacking axis A1. These ducts extend longitudinally along an axis A2 transverse to the stacking axis A1 and along a plane perpendicular to the stacking axis A1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The axis A3 corresponding to the vertical axis in the arrangement of the elements extends transversely.

[0063] The ducts 5 each have an outer wall 51 (ie opposite the circulation duct for the heat transfer fluid inside the duct 5 ). This outer wall 51 is intended to be arranged in thermal contact with the electronic component 3 when the device 1 (respectively 101 ) is installed, for example, in a motor vehicle.

[0064] The outer wall 51 of the conduit 5 can be arranged in direct contact with the surface of the electronic component 3 or with the support of the electronic component 3. As an alternative, a thermal interface (not depicted) can be provided between each electronic component 3 and the outer wall 51 of the adjacent conduit 5. As a variant or in addition, at least one electrical insulator (not depicted) can be provided between the electronic component 3 and the outer wall 51 of the adjacent conduit 5 to ensure user safety. The electrical insulation can be provided by a paint layer. In a variant not depicted, the electrical insulator and the thermal interface can be made in one piece.

[0065] As mentioned above, the heat transfer fluid circulation conduit 5 is arranged in fluid communication with the heat transfer fluid manifold(s) 7 or 107. To this end, at least at one of the heat transfer fluid manifolds 7 or 107, the circulation conduit 5 has at least one fluid connection area 53, respectively.

[0066] A heat transfer fluid manifold 7 (respectively, 107) is attached to one end (in this case, a longitudinal end) of the circulation conduit 5. In the embodiment described as having two manifolds 7 (respectively, 107), the two manifolds are attached to opposite ends of the circulation conduit 5. In this case, the circulation conduit 5 has two fluid connection areas 53, one at each end (in this case, a longitudinal end). The fluid connection areas 53 of the circulation conduit 5 lead to the respective heat transfer fluid manifolds 7, 107.

[0067] Generally speaking, the heat transfer fluid manifold 7 , 107 extends longitudinally along the stack axis A1 .

[0068] Furthermore, the heat transfer fluid manifold 7, 107 is closed on one side and open on the other side to be placed in fluid communication with a heat transfer fluid circuit. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the depicted example, this relates to the sides of the heat transfer fluid manifolds 7 , 107 at their longitudinal ends along the stacking axis A1 .

[0069] One of the heat transfer fluid manifolds 7, 107 allows the heat transfer fluid to enter E, for example in a cold state, and be distributed between the various circulation conduits 5, and the other heat transfer fluid manifold ensures that the heat transfer fluid returns and is discharged or leaves S, for example in a hot state, after it has passed through the circulation conduits 5.

[0070] The two heat transfer fluid manifolds 7, 107 for heat transfer fluid entry E and heat transfer fluid exit S can be open and closed at opposite ends relative to each other to allow heat transfer fluid to enter E and exit S from opposite sides of the thermal conditioning device 1, 101, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 Conversely, the two heat transfer fluid manifolds 7, 107 may be symmetrically opened and closed relative to the stacking axis A1 to allow the heat transfer fluid to enter E and leave S from the same side of the heat conditioning device 1, 101, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 Schematically shown in .

[0071] Optionally, the heat transfer fluid manifold 7 or 107 may optionally comprise at least one end stop for the electronic component 3. In particular, this relates to one or more end stops allowing the electronic component 3 to be locked in position along the transverse axis A2.

[0072] refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the heat transfer fluid manifold 7 (respectively, 107 ) has at least two fluid connection portions 9 , 109 and at least one hollow connector 11 .

[0073] The or each hollow connector 11 is interposed along the stacking axis A1 between the two fluid connection portions 9, 109. More generally, in the example shown, the heat transfer fluid manifold 7, 107 has an alternating series of fluid connection portions 9, 109 and interposed hollow connectors 11. Advantageously, the heat transfer fluid manifold 7 or 107 has at least one sealing element between the fluid connection portions 9, 109 and the hollow connectors 11.

[0074] The fluid connection parts 9, 109 are arranged at the fluid connection area 53 of the circulation duct 5. The fluid connection parts 9, 109 are respectively assembled at one end (in this case, the longitudinal end) of the corresponding circulation duct 5 along the transverse axis A2.

[0075] To this end, the fluid connection portions 9 , 109 each delimit at least one opening 91 into which, in the assembled state of the thermal conditioning device 1 , 101 , the end (in this case the longitudinal end) of the corresponding circulation duct 5 opens.

[0076] This opening 91 is delimited by a peripheral edge that may form an end stop for the component 3 along the transverse axis A2 .

[0077] In particular, the dimensioning of the fluid connection portion 9 , 109 takes into account internal mechanical stresses, eg from the internal pressure of the heat transfer fluid, and mechanical stresses external to the heat transfer fluid manifold 7 , 107 .

[0078] The fluid connection part 9, 109 is made of a first material. In particular, the fluid connection part 9, 109 can be made of a metal material (eg, aluminum or an aluminum alloy). The conduit 5 and the fluid connection part 9, 109 can be brazed together.

[0079] refer to Figures 5 to 8 The fluid connection part 9, 109 can be made, for example, in the form of half shells 93 assembled in pairs. Preferably, the two half shells 93 in a pair are symmetrical about their connecting plane.

[0080] Each pair of half-shells 93 is arranged at one end of a corresponding circulation duct 5. The assembled half-shells 93 define an opening between them, into which the end of the corresponding circulation duct can be opened. The peripheral edges of the two assembled half-shells 93, which define this opening, can form an end stop for the component 3 along the transverse axis A2.

[0081] The half shells 93 may be formed by stamping.

[0082] The paired half shells 93 are placed in fluid communication via interposed hollow connectors 11 , thereby defining a heat transfer fluid manifold 7 or 107 .

[0083] Furthermore, each of the fluid connection portions 9, 109 includes at least one collar 95 that delimits the hole 97. The collar 95 of a given fluid connection portion 9, 109 extends from the fluid connection portion toward the adjacent fluid connection portion along the stacking axis A1. In particular, the collar 95 extends from the outer surface of the given fluid connection portion 9, 109 (i.e., from the side opposite to the passage defined inside the fluid connection portion 9, 109 through which the heat transfer fluid flows).

[0084] The end fluid connection parts 9, 109 may have a single collar 95 or two collars 95 (one of the two collars being closed). The intermediate fluid connection parts 9, 109 may have two collars 95 extending towards the adjacent fluid connection parts 9, 109, respectively.

[0085] In the example defined above, at least one of the half-shells 93 of the pair may have such a collar 95 delimiting the hole 97. The collar 95 may be formed integrally with the half-shell 93.

[0086] In this example, the collar 95 is oriented toward the outside of the passage for the heat transfer fluid to flow between the two half-shells 93 of the same pair. The collar 95 of one half-shell 93 extends toward the half-shell 93 of the adjacent or neighboring pair. The two facing half-shells 93 of the two neighboring pairs each have a collar 95 facing each other.

[0087] The collar 95 of the end half shell 93 along the stacking axis A1 can extend, for example, towards an attachment element (not depicted) for attachment to a heat transfer fluid circuit, such as a pipe. The half shell 93 at the other end of the heat transfer fluid manifold 7, 107 can have no collar or a closed collar.

[0088] The shape of the collar 95 is complementary to that of the hollow connector 11. For example, the collar 95 has an overall cylindrical shape. In the assembled state of the thermal conditioning device, the axis of rotation of the cylindrical shape coincides with the stacking axis A1. The collar 95 and the hollow connector 11 together form the cylindrical body of the heat transfer fluid manifold 7, 107.

[0089] The hollow connector 11 itself is realized by an attachment separate from the fluid connection portion 9, 109, which is formed, for example, by the pair of half-shells 93. For example, the hollow connector 11 is in the form of a sleeve.

[0090] Advantageously, the hollow connectors 11 each have at least one sealing element.

[0091] The hollow connector 11 may comprise at least one compressible second material (eg a polymer, in particular an elastomer). Such a compressible material may act as a seal. The stiffness of the first material of the fluid connection part 9, 109 is greater than the stiffness of the second material.

[0092] Hollow connectors 11 are respectively arranged between the two pairs of half shells 93 to put the circulation conduit 5 in fluid communication. In particular, the collars 95 of adjacent fluid connection parts 9, 109 (in this example, facing the adjacent pairs of half shells 93) are connected by means of hollow connectors 11.

[0093] The hollow connector 11 may fit inside the collar 95 of the fluid connection part 9 , 109 .

[0094] To this end, the hollow connector 11 has a shape complementary to that of the collar 95 , for example having a cylindrical overall shape whose axis of rotation coincides with the stacking axis A1 .

[0095] refer to Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the hollow connectors 11 each have two opposite end sections 111, each of which is intended to be received in a complementary collar 95 of the fluid connection part 9, 109. The end sections 111 form beads that provide a sealing function for the heat transfer fluid manifold 7, 107. Thus, each hollow connector 11 has two sealing elements to seal on each side.

[0096] These end segments 111 are located on either side of the central portion 113 along the stacking axis A1. The central portion 113 has a first outer diameter d1, and the end segments 111 have a second outer diameter d2 that is larger than the first outer diameter d1. The term "outer" is defined relative to the passageway for the heat transfer fluid to flow inside the hollow connector 11 when the heat transfer fluid manifolds 7, 107 are assembled.

[0097] The second outer diameter d2 of the end section 111 is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the collar 95 accommodating it, so that sealing is always ensured.

[0098] Furthermore, the end section 111 of the hollow connector 11 is mounted so as to be able to slide within the collar 95, thereby allowing relative displacement between the collar 95 and the hollow connector 11. This displacement provides installation tolerance along the stacking axis A1. Specifically, this allows the heat transfer fluid manifolds 7, 107 to be spaced apart or stretched, or, by contrast, compressed along the stacking axis A1. This provides flexibility to the device 1, 101 along the stacking axis A1 and allows the circulation conduits 5 to be spaced apart so that the electronic components 3 to be thermally regulated 3 can be inserted between them, and then the stack of circulation conduits 5 and the inserted electronic components 3 can be compressed.

[0099] More specifically, the end section 111 is mounted so as to be able to slide between a first position and a second position, the first position being, by way of non-limiting example, Figure 6and Figure 8 The second position is defined by the dashed line designated P1 in FIG. 1 , and is defined by, by way of non-limiting example, Figure 6 and Figure 8 The two positions P1 and P2 define the end positions between which the end section 111 can slide.

[0100] When the end section 111 of the hollow connector 11 is in the first position P1, the heat transfer fluid manifold 7, 107 is in a configuration or position of maximum extension. Conversely, when the end section 111 of the hollow connector 11 is in the second position P2, the heat transfer fluid manifold 7, 107 is in a configuration or position of maximum compression.

[0101] Advantageously, the hollow connector 11 is shaped such that its end section 111 is housed inside the collar 95 in all positions.

[0102] In the first position P1, the end section 111 (particularly at the junction with the central portion 113) can bear against a first stop (not depicted in the figures) provided at the collar 95. This makes it possible to prevent the end section 111 from coming out of the collar 95 and to prevent the hollow connector 11 from being separated from the fluid connection parts 9, 109.

[0103] Furthermore, the hollow connectors 11 are advantageously shaped so as not to obstruct the flow of the heat transfer fluid at the outlet of the circulation conduit, even in the position of maximum compression of the heat transfer fluid manifolds 7, 107. In particular, the hollow connectors 11 are shaped so that their end sections 111 do not face the outlet of the heat transfer fluid conduit 5 when the heat transfer fluid manifolds 7, 107 are in the position of maximum compression.

[0104] To this end, in the second position P2 , the end section 111 , in particular on the side opposite the central portion 113 , can bear against a second stop (not depicted in the figures) provided at the collar 95 .

[0105] Alternatively or additionally, the length of the hollow connector 11 may be adapted such that the end section 111 cannot be arranged facing the heat transfer fluid outlet of the circulation conduit 5 even in the position of maximum compression of the heat transfer fluid manifold 7 , 107 .

[0106] Furthermore, the hollow connector 11 can be produced by overmolding the insert. In particular, this involves overmolding the two seals (formed by the end sections 111 ) in one piece.

[0107] The hollow connector 11 may include, for example, at least two materials, the second material of the at least two materials being compressible. The two materials of the hollow connector 11 may have different stiffness and different flexibility.

[0108] In one non-limiting example, the hollow connector 11 can include a material (e.g., a material of an insert) at the center, which is surrounded by another material (e.g., a second compressible material). In this example, this material is a material for overmolding. The material at the center can be a third material having a stiffness greater than that of the second compressible material around the center. The second compressible material can be an elastomer type, and as a non-limiting example, can be ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (also referred to as EPDM). The insert serves as a framework that prevents the hollow connector 11 from collapsing.

[0109] Two embodiments of heat transfer fluid manifolds 7 , 107 are depicted.

[0110] according to Figure 1 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the first embodiment shown in FIG, the hollow connector 11 is arranged centrally with respect to the end of the circulation conduit 5 .

[0111] In addition, the fluid connection portion 9, 109 (e.g., in the form of a pair of half-shells 93) is centered relative to the end (particularly along the axis A3) of the circulation conduit 5. The collar 95 can be at the center (particularly along the axis A3) of the half-shell 93. In addition, the half-shell 93 can have a width along the axis A3 that can be slightly greater than the width of the longitudinal end of the circulation conduit 5.

[0112] according to Figure 2 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the second embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 , the hollow connector 11 is arranged eccentrically relative to the end of the circulation conduit 5 (in particular along the axis A3). In other words, the connection area between the fluid connection parts 9, 109 is eccentric. This mechanical connection area is located at the end of the heat regulating device 1, 101 relative to the end of the heat regulating device 1, 101. Figure 2 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 The lower part of the orientation of the elements.

[0113] In addition, the fluid connection portion 9, 109 (for example in the form of a pair of half shells 93) is eccentric relative to the end of the circulation conduit 5. In addition, the half shells 93 can have a width along the axis A3 that is greater than the width of the longitudinal ends of the circulation conduit 5.

[0114] In this way, the circulation conduit 5 can be joined, for example, by brazing, to the fluid connection portion 9, 109 (for example, in the form of a pair of half-shells 93). The fluid connection portion 9, 109 to which the end of the circulation conduit 5 opens can be assembled with the hollow connector 11 to form a heat transfer fluid manifold 7, 107 according to one or other of these embodiments.

[0115] This operation can be performed on both heat transfer fluid manifolds 7, 107 to form a thermal conditioning device 1, 101. The heat transfer fluid manifolds 7, 107 obtained by assembling the fluid connection parts 9, 109 with the hollow connectors 11 can be identical regardless of the size (especially thickness), configuration, or number of electronic components 3 to be thermally regulated.

[0116] This assembly can be performed so that the circulation ducts 5 are advantageously spaced apart at a predetermined spacing (which may be standard) along the stacking axis A1. To allow the insertion of the electronic components 3 to be thermally regulated, this predetermined spacing is greater than the dimensions of these components 3 along the stacking axis A1.

[0117] The end sections 111 of the hollow connector 11 can slide inside the complementary collar 95 until they reach the first position P1 or another intermediate position between the end positions P1 and P2. The hollow connector slides toward the outside of the fluid connection portion 9, 109, for example, toward the outside of the space for the heat transfer fluid to flow defined between the two half-shells 93 in a pair. Before compression, the heat transfer fluid manifold 7, 107 is in an extended position, or even in a maximally stretched position.

[0118] The thermal conditioning device 1 , 101 may, for example, be shipped to an end customer (eg a car manufacturer) before being assembled with the electronic component 3 to be thermally regulated.

[0119] Then, the electronic components 3 can be inserted between the circulation conduits 5 simultaneously or alternately one after another.

[0120] Subsequently, due to the flexibility of the heat transfer fluid manifold 7, 107, it is possible to compress the assembly along the stacking axis A1, preferably from both sides of the device 1, 101, by sliding the end section 111 of the connector 11 in the associated collar 95. In this case, the end section 111 slides towards the inside of the fluid connection portion 9, 109, for example towards the inside of the space defined between the two half-shells 93 forming a pair and through which the heat transfer fluid flows.

[0121] The end section 111 of the hollow connector 11 can slide inside the complementary collar 95 before reaching the second position P2. The heat transfer fluid manifolds 7, 107 are in a compressed state; in other words, the fluid connection parts 9, 109 are tightened, moved closer to each other relative to the extended or most stretched position.

[0122] This compression ensures that the electronic component 3 remains in place between the circulation conduits 5 and ensures the thermal contact required for thermal regulation (e.g., cooling). This makes it possible to omit or reduce the number of thermal interfaces (e.g., thermal paste) between the component 3 to be cooled and the circulation conduits 5. However, a thermal interface (not depicted) may be provided between the electronic component 3 and the circulation conduits 5.

[0123] Finally, in addition to compressing the assembly after the electronic component 3 has been inserted between the circulation ducts 5, the peripheral edges of the fluid connection portions 9, 109 defining the openings into which the ends of the corresponding circulation ducts 5 open can form end stops for the electronic component 3 along the transverse axis A2.

[0124] The thermal conditioning device 1 , 101 assembled together with the electronic component 3 to be thermally regulated thus forms a module (eg a battery module) for a motor vehicle (in particular an electric motor vehicle or a hybrid motor vehicle).

Claims

1. A device (1; 101) for thermally regulating at least one electronic component (3), the device (1; 101) comprising at least two circulation ducts (5) for a heat transfer fluid and at least one heat transfer fluid manifold (7; 107), the at least two circulation ducts being arranged along a stacking axis (A1), the at least one heat transfer fluid manifold being in fluid communication with the circulation ducts (5), characterized in that The at least one heat transfer fluid manifold (7; 107) has: - at least two fluid connection parts (9; 109), each of which is assembled at one end of a corresponding circulation conduit (5), each of which has at least one collar (95) circumscribing a hole (97); as well as - at least one hollow connector (11) interposed between two fluid connection parts along the stacking axis (A1) and having two opposite end sections (111) mounted so as to be able to slide inside the collars (95) of the two facing fluid connection parts (9; 109).

2. The device (1; 101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein The at least one hollow connector (11) has a cylindrical overall shape, wherein the central portion (113) has a first outer diameter (d1) and the end sections (111) have a second outer diameter (d2) greater than the first outer diameter (d1).

3. The device (1; 101) as claimed in claim 2, wherein The second outer diameter (d2) of the end section (111) is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the collar (95).

4. The device (1; 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The at least one collar (95) of a fluid connection portion (9; 109) extends along the stacking axis (A1) from the fluid connection portion (9; 109) towards an adjacent fluid connection portion.

5. The device (1; 101) according to claim 1, comprising, at one end of an associated circulation duct, a predetermined number of half-shells (93) assembled in pairs so as to define the fluid connection portion of the at least one heat transfer fluid manifold, and wherein The at least one hollow connector is arranged between the two pairs of half shells.

6. The device (1; 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The fluid connection portion (9; 109) is made of a first material and the at least one hollow connector (11) comprises at least one second compressible material, the first material having a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the at least one second compressible material.

7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The at least one hollow connector (11) is arranged centrally relative to the end of the circulation conduit (5).

8. The device (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The at least one hollow connector is arranged eccentrically relative to the end of the circulation conduit (5).

9. The device (1; 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The hollow connector (11) is made by overmolding an insert.

10. The device (1; 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The at least one heat transfer fluid manifold (7; 107) has at least one end stop for the electronic component (3) along an axis (A2) transverse to the stacking axis (A1).

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