Compartment for accommodating components capable of releasing heat

Abstract

The invention relates to a compartment (6) designed to accommodate a component capable of releasing heat during operation thereof, in particular an electrochemical energy storage module. The compartment (6) comprises a cover, a tray (16) and a side wall (20), the tray (16) is provided with a bottom wall (18) on which components can be placed, the side wall (20) is designed to be assembled with the cover closing the tray (16), and the bottom wall (18) and the side wall (20) are single pieces. The compartment (6) further comprises an outer plate (22) designed to be assembled on an outer assembly face (24) of the tray (16) or of the lid to form at least one flow channel (26) for the heat transfer fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a compartment arranged to house components capable of releasing heat during operation. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a compartment.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to a compartment for cooling at least one electrochemical storage module, in particular for use in the automotive sector. Background Art

[0003] Electrochemical storage modules, in other words battery modules intended for electric or hybrid vehicles, must be kept as far as possible at the temperature desired for optimal operation. For this purpose, temperature regulation devices are used to cool or heat the modules in order to keep them at the desired temperature. In particular, the temperature regulation device comprises a compartment arranged to accommodate the battery module.

[0004] Patent application DE 102015115875 A1 describes a device for regulating the temperature of a battery module, which is provided with a compartment for accommodating the module. The walls forming the compartment are separate. It is therefore necessary to assemble them in several stages. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to simplify the design and manufacture of the compartment.

[0006] The invention therefore proposes a compartment arranged to house a component capable of releasing heat during operation, in particular an electrochemical energy storage module, comprising:

[0007] -build;

[0008] a tray provided with a bottom wall on which components can be placed and with side walls arranged to be assembled with a lid closing the tray, the bottom wall and the side walls being in one piece; and

[0009] - an external plate arranged to be assembled on an external assembly face belonging to the tray or the cover so as to form at least one fluid channel for a heat transfer fluid.

[0010] Thus, since the bottom wall and the side walls of the tray are made in one piece, the number of components and the number of operations required to manufacture the compartment are reduced. The manufacture of the compartment becomes simpler. The manufacturing cost of the compartment is thus reduced.

[0011] Furthermore, the fact that a smaller number of elements are required to assemble the pallet reduces the risk of penetration from outside the compartment (e.g. dust, liquids). Thus, in particular, the sealing of the compartment is improved due to the bottom wall and the side walls of the pallet being made in one piece. A one-piece pallet also has the advantage that no bonding material (e.g. adhesives, gums, silicones) is required, thereby reducing the weight of the compartment.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the bottom wall comprises a flat inner face on which the component can be placed.

[0013] Thus, the contact surface between the component and the bottom wall is maximized, so that the heat exchange between the bottom wall and the component is optimized.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the external assembly surface is on the bottom wall or on the side wall or on the cover.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, when the external plate is on the external assembly face, the external assembly face is arranged to allow heat exchange between the component and the heat transfer fluid.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the outer plate comprises a plurality of recessed areas forming a plurality of channels, for example two flow channels parallel to each other.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the outer plate comprises flat joining areas, in particular between the recessed areas, which are arranged to be pressed against the outer assembly face to form the flow channel(s).

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, in cross section, the flow channel has a straight edge on the recessed area, which is opposite to the external assembly face. Each channel is formed by the external assembly face and the external plate, each of which defines a portion of the lateral periphery of the channel.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the flow channel is in communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the flow channels have a common inlet and outlet.

[0021] Thus, a common inlet and outlet simplifies the channel design.Alternatively, the inlet and outlet are formed on a flange belonging to the tray.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, each flow channel comprises a plurality of turns.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one flow channel has a U-shaped portion.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the two parallel channels each have a U-shaped portion, one of the U-shaped portions being inside the other U-shaped portion.

[0025] The presence of the multiple turns established by the channels thus maximizes the exchange surface area between the heat transfer fluid and the components, thereby optimizing the heat exchange.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the channels occupy at least 50% of the outer plate surface area, preferably at least 80% of the outer plate surface area.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the channel is symmetrical about a plane that intersects the plane of the external assembly face at right angles.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the flow channels of the outer plate are produced by stamping.

[0029] Thus, stamping simplifies the manufacture of the channels.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat transfer fluid is a refrigerant fluid, in particular a fluid selected from the group consisting of refrigerant fluids R134a, R1234yf and R744.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat transfer fluid itself is cooled by an evaporative exchanger (called chiller) connected to the air conditioning circuit of the vehicle.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, each external assembly face or external plate is provided with at least one disrupting element for disturbing the flow of the heat transfer fluid, said disrupting element protruding from the face intended to be in contact with the fluid.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, the at least one recessed area is provided with at least one spoiler element.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the spoiler elements has a circular, elliptical, oval or V-shape.

[0035] These shapes of the disruptive elements are intended to generate a type of fluid flow in which a turbulent movement of the fluid is produced, so that the heat exchange between the fluid and the flow-through channel is optimal.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the tray is based on metal.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the outer plate is based on metal.

[0038] The metal is selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy, foamed aluminum or steel, preferably an aluminum alloy containing magnesium.

[0039] The metal tray or metal outer plate has sufficient rigidity to ensure good mechanical protection.

[0040] Since metals are good conductors, there is no need to apply thermally conductive elements such as thermal paste when the components are placed, especially on the flat inner face of the tray.

[0041] In particular, magnesium-containing aluminum alloys offer good processability for manufacturing complex components and good creep resistance at high temperatures compared to conventional aluminum.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the pallet is based on a composite material or plastic.

[0043] This makes the pallet lighter while maintaining optimal mechanical characteristics.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the outer panel is based on a composite material or plastic.

[0045] This makes the board lighter while maintaining optimal mechanical properties.

[0046] Composite materials include a polymer matrix loaded with reinforcing elements, such as carbon or glass fibers.

[0047] The polymer matrix is ​​a thermoplastic, such as ABS, PMMA, PE, PVC, PET, PP, PVC.

[0048] The plastic is a thermoplastic such as ABS, PMMA, PE, PVC, PET, PP, PVC.

[0049] Provision can be made for the outer assembly surface to be made of metal, while the outer panels are made of plastic, in particular a polymer-based composite material.

[0050] Provision may be made for the outer assembly surface and the outer panel to be produced from plastic, in particular a polymer-based composite material.

[0051] Provision may be made for the outer assembly surface to be made of metal and for the outer panel to be made of metal.

[0052] Provision can be made that the outer assembly surface and / or the outer panel is made of aluminum, preferably of an aluminum alloy containing magnesium.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the pallet is manufactured by stamping.

[0054] This manufacturing technique is suitable for forming a tray, the bottom wall and the side walls of the tray being made in one piece.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the inner face of the side wall is provided with a recess arranged to accommodate the component.

[0056] The recess thus allows the component to remain immobile during transport.The component may be provided with fixing means, such as lugs interacting with the recess.

[0057] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cover further comprises at least one recessed protrusion that is recessed relative to a main plane of the cover.

[0058] Thus, the recessed protrusion makes it possible to fix the component during transport. The advantage of the recessed protrusion is that it keeps the weight of the cover constant.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall of the tray includes a lip extending outwardly from the side wall.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the edge is provided with at least one hole.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover is provided with at least one hole arranged to interact with a hole in the edge of the side wall.

[0062] Thus, these holes are intended, for example, for conventional mechanical assembly methods, such as screwing or riveting, in order to attach the cover sealingly relative to the tray. Other methods, such as welding or gluing, may be used.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the perimeter of the bottom wall of the tray has a polygonal shape, in particular a rectangular shape.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the perimeter of the bottom wall of the tray has a circular, oval or elliptical shape.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly of the outer panel and the outer assembly surface is performed by a method selected from bonding, welding, rolling and riveting.

[0066] In particular, welding and bonding have the advantage of not affecting the rigidity of the materials to be assembled.

[0067] According to one aspect of the present invention, the welding method is MIG (Metal Inert Gas)-MAG (Metal Active Gas) welding.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the welding method is laser welding.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall is provided with at least one heat transfer fluid circulation area, the compartment comprises at least one tube comprising at least one circulating fluid flow channel, the tube being fluidically connected to the heat transfer fluid circulation area of ​​the side wall and extending in the interior space of the compartment, in particular extending between two positions for the component.

[0070] This allows the components to be cooled efficiently since the tube(s) make possible a greater heat exchange surface area.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall comprises at least one groove arranged to sealingly receive one end of a tube, thereby providing fluid communication between the tube and a heat transfer fluid circulation area of ​​the side wall. The groove facing the interior of the compartment, for example, has an elongated shape along the height of the compartment.

[0072] According to one aspect of the invention, the groove in the side wall is defined by an annular collar sealingly supported on a portion of the tube.

[0073] According to one aspect of the invention, the tube has two parallel main faces, in particular two parallel planar faces.

[0074] Via these faces, the tube can therefore have extensive thermal contact with the component to be cooled, which increases the thermal efficiency of the assembly.

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the height of the tube is greater than half the height of the side wall.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, the height of the tube is smaller than the height of the side wall.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, a tube comprises a plurality of internal longitudinal cavities for the flow of a heat transfer fluid, the cavities defining a plurality of channels.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, the tube is straight.

[0079] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall comprises two opposite edges, in particular parallel edges, and the tube extends between the two opposite edges.

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the compartment comprises a plurality of tubes, in particular tubes arranged in parallel.Thus, the side wall may be provided with two rows of grooves on two opposite faces of the side wall, each tube interacting with two opposite grooves.

[0081] According to one aspect of the invention, the tubes are placed between locations for receiving the components to be cooled.

[0082] Therefore, on both sides of the tube there are components to be cooled.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the component is cooled by means of two tubes arranged on both sides of the component.

[0084] The invention thus makes it possible to cool components on two opposite faces of the tube.

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, the tubes have the same length.

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, the tube is a profile, in particular made of aluminum or steel.

[0087] According to one aspect of the invention, the compartment comprises two heat transfer fluid circulation areas, one of which is the area where the fluid enters the tube(s) and the other is the fluid outlet area for discharging the fluid that has circulated in the tube(s).

[0088] According to one aspect of the invention, the two areas are on two opposite sides of the compartment.

[0089] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising at least one component, in particular at least one electrochemical energy storage module, and a compartment according to the invention arranged for heat exchange with the component placed on an inner face of the heat regulating compartment.

[0090] The component may be an electrochemical energy storage module, in particular a battery module, which comprises one or more battery cells, in particular battery cells accommodated in a housing. The compartment may accommodate one or more modules. The modules may be arranged in a row or in parallel rows in the compartment.

[0091] For example, each row includes six modules. For example, a compartment includes two rows of six modules each, so that a total of twelve modules are accommodated in the compartment. Each module can be fixed in the compartment using a fixing element (such as a screw). For example, each module has a rectangular perimeter. Alternatively, the perimeter can be oval or circular.

[0092] Multiple battery modules form a battery pack, which is distributed across the floor of the vehicle.

[0093] According to one aspect of the invention, the component is an electrochemical energy storage module selected from lithium-ion, lithium-air, lithium-polymer, lithium-sulfur, lithium-metal, sodium-ion, sodium-air, potassium-ion, magnesium-ion or zinc-air type battery modules.

[0094] According to one aspect of the invention, the component is a fuel cell.

[0095] Alternatively, a fuel cell, in particular a fuel cell of the PEMFC (proton exchange membrane fuel cell) type, may be provided to be accommodated in the compartment instead of the battery module.

[0096] According to one aspect of the invention, the component has a cylindrical, prismatic, rectangular, square or hexagonal shape.

[0097] The shape of the compartments and the shape of the components are chosen so that a maximum number of components can be stored in a given volume of compartment.

[0098] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a compartment according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

[0099] - Shaping the sheet to obtain a one-piece bottom wall and side walls.

[0100] Thus, the bottom wall and the side walls of the tray are made in one piece.

[0101] According to one aspect of the present invention, the bottom wall and the side wall are made of metal, and the method comprises the following steps:

[0102] - The sheet made of metal is formed by stamping to obtain the bottom wall and the side walls in one piece.

[0103] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the step of forming a plurality of recessed areas on the outer plate, the recessed areas forming a plurality of channels, for example two flow channels parallel to each other.

[0104] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the step of forming a flat joining area between the recessed areas.

[0105] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the step of assembling the outer panels on the outer assembly surface, the assembling step being performed by bonding, welding, rolling or riveting.

[0106] In particular, welding and bonding have the advantage of not affecting the rigidity of the materials to be assembled.

[0107] According to one aspect of the present invention, the assembling step is performed by MIG (Metal Inert Gas)-MAG (Metal Active Gas) welding.

[0108] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembling step is performed by laser welding.

[0109] According to one aspect of the invention, the outer assembly faces and / or the flat joint areas of the outer panels are chemically etched or textured prior to the assembly step.

[0110] Thus, the chemically etched or textured surface (hereinafter referred to as modified surface) has regular micro-reliefs that enable optimization of the contact angle of a liquid (e.g., adhesive) relative to the surface plane. For example, to improve the bonding quality between an external assembly surface and a flat bonding area of ​​an external panel, the modified surface can have a regular pattern so that a droplet has a low surface tension (i.e., a small contact angle relative to the surface). Such surface modification can also be used to improve welding between two metal surfaces.

[0111] According to one aspect of the invention, the outer assembly face is made of metal and the outer panel is made of plastic, in particular a polymer-based composite material.

[0112] According to one aspect of the invention, the method further comprises the step of heating and deforming the metal outer assembly surface.

[0113] With regard to the production method, provision can be made for the outer assembly surface and the outer panel to be made of plastic, in particular a polymer-based composite material.

[0114] With regard to the manufacturing method, provision can be made that the outer assembly surface is made of metal and the outer panel is made of metal.

[0115] With regard to the production method, provision can be made that the outer assembly surface and / or the outer panel is made of aluminum, preferably of an aluminum alloy containing magnesium. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0116] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, which is provided by way of non-limiting illustration, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0117] Figure 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of an assembly according to the present invention, the assembly comprising a cover and a tray;

[0118] Figure 2 Schematic depiction of an uncapped Figure 1 A perspective view of an assembly of the invention, the assembly being provided with components;

[0119] Figure 3 schematically depicts a perspective view of a pallet without components;

[0120] Figure 4 A view of the compartment from below is schematically depicted;

[0121] Figure 5 schematically and partially depicts a perspective view of an external plate assembled on an external assembly face belonging to a tray, thereby forming a circulation channel for a heat transfer fluid;

[0122] Figure 6 Schematically and partially depicted Figure 5 , clearly showing the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid intended to flow in the flow channel according to the first embodiment;

[0123] Figure 7 schematically and partially depicts a cross-sectional view of a flow channel according to a second embodiment;

[0124] Figure 8 schematically and partially depicts a cross-sectional view of a flow channel according to a third embodiment;

[0125] Fig. 9 a perspective view schematically and partially depicting an assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0126] Fig.10 Schematic depiction of the view from below Fig. 9 The view of the component;

[0127] Fig.11 Schematically depicts Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a compartment;

[0128] Fig.12 Schematically depicts Fig. 9A view of the details of the compartments;

[0129] Fig.13 Schematically depicts Fig. 9 Another detail view of the compartment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0130] Hereinafter, in the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements or components.

[0131] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of an assembly 2 is shown, comprising components 4 and compartments 6 arranged to exchange heat with these components 4 placed on an inner face 8 of the compartments 6 .

[0132] Each component 4 is an electrochemical energy storage module. In particular, each component 4 is a battery module, including one or more battery cells accommodated in a housing.

[0133] The electrochemical energy storage module is selected from lithium ion, lithium air, lithium polymer, lithium sulfur, lithium metal, sodium ion, sodium air, potassium ion, magnesium ion or zinc air type battery modules.

[0134] In the example described, the compartment 6 accommodates twelve modules, which are arranged in two parallel rows in the compartment 6 .

[0135] like Figure 2 As shown, each module is fixed in the compartment 6 by a fixing element (such as a screw 12). Each module has a rectangular perimeter. Alternatively, the perimeter may be oval or circular.

[0136] Alternatively, component 4 is a fuel cell.

[0137] In other words, a fuel cell, in particular a fuel cell of the PEMFC (proton exchange membrane fuel cell) type, may be provided to be accommodated in the compartment 6 instead of a battery module.

[0138] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the compartment 6 comprises a lid 14 and a tray 16 provided with a bottom wall 18 on which the component 4 is placed and side walls 20 arranged to be assembled with the lid 14 closing the tray 16, the bottom wall 18 and the side walls 20 being in one piece.

[0139] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the compartment 6 also comprises an external plate 22 arranged to be assembled on an external assembly face 24 belonging to the tray 16 so as to form a circulation channel 26 for the heat transfer fluid.

[0140] Thus, since the tray 16, whose bottom wall 18 and side walls 20 are made in one piece, the number of components and the number of operations required to manufacture the compartment 6 are reduced. The manufacture of the compartment 6 becomes simpler. The manufacturing costs of the compartment 6 are thus reduced.

[0141] The cover 14 also comprises eight recessed protrusions 31 recessed relative to the main plane 30 of the cover.

[0142] The side wall 20 of the tray 16 includes an edge 32 that extends outwardly from the side wall 20 .

[0143] The edge 32 is provided with a plurality of holes 34 .

[0144] The cover 14 is provided with a plurality of holes 34 arranged to interact with holes 34 in the edge 32 of the side wall 20 .

[0145] These holes 34 are thus used, for example, for conventional mechanical assembly methods, such as screwing or riveting, in order to sealingly attach the cover 14 relative to the tray 16 .

[0146] The perimeter of the bottom wall 18 of the tray 16 has a rectangular shape.

[0147] The heat transfer fluid is a refrigerant fluid, in particular a fluid selected from the group consisting of refrigerant fluids R134a, R1234yf and R744.

[0148] The heat transfer fluid itself is cooled by an evaporative exchanger (called a cooler, not shown) connected to the air conditioning circuit (not shown) of the vehicle.

[0149] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the bottom wall 18 comprises a flat inner face 8 on which the component 4 is placed.

[0150] Thus, the contact surface between the component 4 and the bottom wall 18 is maximized, so that the heat exchange between the bottom wall 18 and the component 14 is optimized.

[0151] like Figure 3 As shown, the inner face 8 of the side wall 20 is provided with a plurality of recesses 36 arranged to accommodate the components 4 .

[0152] These recesses 36 thus allow the component 4 to remain immobile during transport. The component 4 may be provided with fixing means, such as lugs 38 interacting with the recesses 36.

[0153] The exterior assembly surface 24 is on the bottom wall 18 or on the side wall 20 or on the cover 14 .

[0154] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example shown, the outer assembly face 24 of the bottom wall 18 corresponds to the first embodiment according to the invention.

[0155] The second and third embodiments are respectively Figure 7 and Figure 8 The two other embodiments relate to the outer assembly surface 42 of the cover 14 or the outer assembly surface 44 of the side wall 20, respectively. The other features described for the first embodiment also apply to the second and third embodiments.

[0156] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the external plate 22 is on an external assembly face 24 of the bottom wall 18. This external assembly face 24 is arranged to allow heat exchange between the component 4 and a heat transfer fluid.

[0157] The outer plate 22 includes a plurality of recessed areas 46 forming a plurality of channels 26 , for example two flow channels 26 parallel to each other.

[0158] The outer plate 22 comprises flat joining areas 48 , in particular between the recessed areas 46 , which are arranged to be pressed against the outer assembly face 24 to form the flow-through channels 26 .

[0159] In cross section, the flow channel 26 has a straight edge 50 in the recessed area 46 , which is opposite the outer assembly face 24 .

[0160] Each channel 26 is formed by an outer assembly face 24 and an outer panel 22 , each of which defines a portion of a lateral perimeter of the channel 26 .

[0161] The flow channel 26 is in communication with a fluid inlet 52 and a fluid outlet 54 .

[0162] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the flow channels 26 have a common inlet 52 and outlet 54 .

[0163] Thus, the common inlet 52 and outlet 54 simplify the channel design. In this example, these inlet 52 and outlet 54 are formed on a flange 56 belonging to the tray 16.

[0164] Still in Figure 4 In the example shown, each flow channel 26 includes a plurality of turns.

[0165] The flow passage 26 has a U-shaped portion.

[0166] In this example, the seven parallel channels 26 each have a U-shaped portion, one of the U-shaped portions being inside another U-shaped portion.

[0167] The presence of the multiple turns created by the channels 26 thus maximizes the exchange surface area between the heat transfer fluid and the component 4 , thus optimizing the heat exchange.

[0168] The channel 26 is symmetrical about a plane that intersects the plane of the exterior assembly face 24 at right angles.

[0169] The flow channels 26 of the outer plate 22 are produced by stamping.

[0170] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, each external assembly face 24 or external plate 22 is provided with a plurality of disruptor elements 58 for disrupting the flow of the heat transfer fluid, said disruptor elements 58 protruding from the face intended to come into contact with the fluid.

[0171] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the recessed area 46 is provided with a spoiler element 58 .

[0172] In this example, the spoiler element 58 has a V-shape.

[0173] These shapes of the disruptive elements 58 are intended to generate a type of fluid flow in which a turbulent movement of the fluid is generated, so that the heat exchange between the fluid and the flow-through channels 26 is optimal.

[0174] The tray 16 is based on metal.

[0175] Advantageously, the outer plate 22 is based on metal.

[0176] The metal is selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy or steel, preferably an aluminum alloy containing magnesium.

[0177] The metal tray 16 or the metal outer plate 22 has sufficient rigidity to ensure good mechanical protection.

[0178] Since metals are good conductors, when the components 4 are placed on the flat inner face 8 of the tray 4 , no conductive elements such as thermal paste need to be applied.

[0179] In particular, magnesium-containing aluminum alloys offer good processability for manufacturing complex components and good creep resistance at high temperatures compared to conventional aluminum.

[0180] Alternatively, the tray 16 is based on a composite material or plastic.

[0181] This makes the pallet 16 lighter while maintaining optimal mechanical properties.

[0182] The tray 16 is manufactured by stamping.

[0183] This manufacturing technique is suitable for forming a tray 16, the bottom wall 18 and the side walls 20 of the tray 16 being made in one piece.

[0184] Alternatively, the outer panel 22 is based on a composite material or plastic.

[0185] This makes the panel 22 lighter while maintaining optimal mechanical properties.

[0186] Composite materials consist of a polymer matrix loaded with reinforcing elements such as carbon or glass fibers.

[0187] The polymer matrix is ​​a thermoplastic, such as ABS, PMMA, PE, PVC, PET, PP, PVC.

[0188] The plastic is a thermoplastic such as ABS, PMMA, PE, PVC, PET, PP, PVC.

[0189] Provision may be made for the outer assembly surface 24 to be made of metal and for the outer panel 22 to be made of plastic, in particular a polymer-based composite material.

[0190] It may be provided that the outer assembly surface 24 is made of metal and that the outer panel 22 is made of metal.

[0191] Provision may be made for the outer assembly surface 24 and / or the outer panel 22 to be made of aluminum, preferably an aluminum alloy containing magnesium.

[0192] The assembly of the outer panel 22 and the outer assembly surface 24 is performed by a method selected from bonding, welding, rolling and riveting.

[0193] In particular, welding and bonding have the advantage of not affecting the rigidity of the materials to be assembled.

[0194] Advantageously, the welding method is MIG (Metal Inert Gas)-MAG (Metal Active Gas) welding.

[0195] The welding method is laser welding.

[0196] Figures 9 to 13 A compartment 6 is shown comprising a side wall 20 provided with at least one heat transfer fluid circulation area 70, the compartment 6 comprising at least one tube 80 including at least one circulating fluid flow channel 82, the tube 80 being fluidically connected to the heat transfer fluid circulation area of ​​the side wall 20 and extending in an internal space 81 of the compartment 6, in particular between two positions for the component 4.

[0197] exist Figures 9 to 13 In the example specifically described in FIG. 1 , a compartment 6 accommodates two rows of six modules each, so that a total of twelve modules are accommodated in the compartment 6. Each module can be fixed in the compartment 6 using fixing elements (such as screws, not shown). Each module has a rectangular perimeter.

[0198] Compartment 6 includes:

[0199] - a bottom wall 18 arranged to accommodate the component 4,

[0200] a side wall 20 connected to the bottom wall 18 and provided with two heat transfer fluid circulation areas 70,

[0201] The tubes 80 each comprise parallel through-flow fluid flow channels 82 , these tubes 80 being in fluid communication at their ends with the heat transfer fluid through-flow area 70 of the side wall 20 .

[0202] The tube 80 extends in the interior space 81 of the compartment 6 , between the locations of the components 4 .

[0203] The side wall 20 forming the perimeter of the compartment 6 comprises grooves 84, each groove 84 being arranged to sealingly receive one end of one of the tubes 80 so as to provide fluid communication between the tube 80 and the corresponding heat transfer fluid circulation area 70. The groove 84 faces the interior of the compartment 6 and has an elongated shape along the height H of the compartment 6.

[0204] Each groove 84 is defined by an annular collar 85 which sealingly bears on a portion of the tube 80, such as Fig.12 Clearly visible in.

[0205] Each tube 80 has two parallel planar main faces 86. Its height ht is greater than half the height H of the side wall 20 and less than the height H of the side wall.

[0206] Each tube 80 is straight and comprises a plurality of internal longitudinal cavities 87 for the flow of a heat transfer fluid, the cavities 87 defining the plurality of channels 82 .

[0207] The side wall 20 comprises two parallel opposite faces 89 between which the tube 80 extends.

[0208] In the example described, the compartment 6 comprises two heat transfer fluid circulation areas 70 , one of which is the area where the fluid enters the tube(s) and the other of which is the fluid outlet area for discharging the fluid that has circulated in the tube 80 .

[0209] The two areas 70 are on two opposite faces 89 of the compartment 6 .

[0210] The tubes 80 are arranged in parallel.

[0211] The side wall 20 may be provided with two rows of grooves 84 on two opposing faces 89 of the side wall 20 , each tube 80 interacting with two opposing grooves 84 .

[0212] These tubes 80 of equal length are placed between the locations for receiving the components 4 to be cooled.

[0213] Thus, on either side of the tube 80 there is a component 4 to be cooled.

[0214] The tube 80 is arranged perpendicular to the fluid flow area 70 .

[0215] The tube 80 is a profile made of aluminum or steel.

[0216] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a compartment 6, comprising the following steps:

[0217] - Shaping the sheet so as to obtain the bottom wall 18 and the side walls 20 in one piece.

[0218] Thus, the bottom wall 18 and the side walls 20 of the tray 16 are made in one piece.

[0219] The bottom wall 18 and the side wall 20 are made of metal. The method comprises the following steps:

[0220] The sheet made of metal is shaped by stamping to obtain the bottom wall 18 and the side walls 20 in one piece.

[0221] The method includes the step of forming a plurality of recessed areas 46 on the outer plate 22, the recessed areas 46 forming seven flow channels 26 parallel to each other.

[0222] The method includes the step of forming a flat joining region 48 between the recessed regions 46 .

[0223] The method comprises a step of assembling the outer panel 22 on the outer assembly face 44 , the assembling step being performed by gluing, welding, rolling or riveting.

[0224] In particular, welding and bonding have the advantage of not affecting the rigidity of the materials to be assembled.

[0225] As for the method of manufacturing the compartment, the assembly step is performed by MIG (Metal Inert Gas)-MAG (Metal Active Gas) welding.

[0226] This approach is particularly effective for optimizing the weld interface between the exterior panel 22 and the exterior assembly surface 24 .

[0227] Alternatively, the exterior assembly face 24 and / or the planar joining area 48 of the exterior panel 22 may be chemically etched or textured prior to the assembly step.

[0228] Reference numerals list

[0229] 2: Components

[0230] 4: Components

[0231] 6: Compartment

[0232] 8: Inner surface of the bottom wall

[0233] 10: Inner surface of the side wall

[0234] 12: Screws

[0235] 14: Cover

[0236] 16: Pallet

[0237] 18: Bottom wall

[0238] 20: Sidewall

[0239] 22: External board

[0240] 24: External assembly surface on the bottom wall

[0241] 26: circulation channel(s)

[0242] 30: Main plane of the cover

[0243] 31: Concave protrusion

[0244] 32: Edge

[0245] 34: Hole

[0246] 36: Recess on the inner face of the side wall

[0247] 38: Lugs

[0248] 42: External surface of the cover

[0249] 44: External surface of the side wall

[0250] 46: Recessed areas on outer panels

[0251] 48: Flat joint area

[0252] 50: Straight edge on concave area

[0253] 52: Fluid inlet

[0254] 54: Fluid outlet

[0255] 56: Flange

[0256] 58: Spoiler element

[0257] 61: Lateral outer plate

[0258] 62: Flat main surface

[0259] 63: Orifice

[0260] 64: End piece

[0261] 70: Flow area of ​​the side wall

[0262] 80: Tube

[0263] 81: Internal Space

[0264] 82: Channel of the tube

[0265] 84: Slot

[0266] 85: Ring

[0267] 86: Flat main surface

[0268] 87: Internal longitudinal cavity

[0269] 89: Opposite side

Claims

1. A compartment (6) arranged to accommodate a component (4) capable of releasing heat during operation, the component (4) being in particular an electrochemical energy storage module, the compartment (4) comprising: - a cover (14); a tray (16) provided with a bottom wall (18) on which the component (4) can be placed, and with side walls (20) arranged to be assembled with the lid (14) closing the tray (16), the bottom wall (18) and the side walls (20) being in one piece; and - an external plate (22) arranged to be assembled on an external assembly face (24; 42; 44) belonging to the tray (16) or to the cover (14) so ​​as to form at least one fluid channel (26) for a heat transfer fluid.

2. The compartment according to claim 1, wherein: The bottom wall (18) comprises a flat inner face (8) on which the component (4) can be placed.

3. The compartment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The external assembly surface (24; 42; 44) is on the bottom wall (18) or the side wall (20) or the cover (14).

4. A compartment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When the external plate (22) is on the external assembly face (24; 42; 44), the external assembly face (24; 42; 44) is arranged to allow heat exchange between the component (4) and the heat transfer fluid.

5. A compartment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each channel (26) is formed by the outer assembly face (24; 42; 44) and the outer plate (22), the outer assembly face and the outer plate each defining a portion of a transverse perimeter of the channel (26).

6. A compartment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The outer plate (22) includes a plurality of recessed areas (46) forming a plurality of channels (26), for example two flow channels (26) parallel to each other.

7. The compartment according to claim 6, wherein: The outer plate (22) comprises flat joining areas (48), in particular between the recessed areas (46), which are arranged to press against the outer assembly face (24; 42; 44) to form the flow channel (26).

8. A compartment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The side wall (20) is provided with at least one heat transfer fluid circulation area (70), and the compartment (6) includes at least one tube (80), the tube (80) including at least one circulating fluid flow channel (82), the tube (80) is fluidically connected to the heat transfer fluid circulation area of ​​the side wall (20) and extends in the inner space (81) of the compartment (6), in particular between two positions for the component (4).

9. A component (2) comprising at least one component (4) and a compartment (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the component (4) is in particular at least one electrochemical energy storage module, and the compartment (6) is arranged to exchange heat with the component (4) placed on the inner surface (8; 10) of the compartment (6).

10. A method for manufacturing a compartment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: - Shaping the sheet so as to obtain said bottom wall (18) and said side walls (20) in one piece.

11. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, wherein the bottom wall (18) and the side wall (20) are made of metal, and the method comprises the following steps: - Forming a sheet of metal by stamping to obtain said bottom wall (18) and said side walls (20) in one piece.

12. The manufacturing method according to claim 10 or 11, comprising the step of forming a plurality of recessed areas (46) on the outer plate (22), the plurality of recessed areas (46) forming a plurality of channels (26), such as two flow channels (26) parallel to each other.

13. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising a step of assembling the external panel (22) on the external assembly surface (24; 42; 44), the assembling step being performed by bonding, welding, rolling or riveting.

14. The manufacturing method according to claim 13, wherein: The assembling step is performed by MIG (Metal Inert Gas)-MAG (Metal Active Gas) welding.

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: Prior to the assembly step, the outer assembly surface (24; 42; 44) and / or the flat joint area (48) of the outer panel (22) is chemically etched or textured.

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