Battery cooling device

Abstract

A cooling device (30) for a battery (10), the cooling device (30) comprising:-a housing (32) formed from two sheets (36) of flexible material extending facing each other, the housing (32) defining a lateral edge (47),-at least one fluid circulation channel (52) extending between the sheets (36), and-at least one inlet fluid connector (50) and at least one outlet fluid connector (50). The cooling device (30) further comprises:-a rigid support structure (34) comprising a first portion (54) and a second portion (56) shaped to sandwich the at least one lateral edge (47) of the housing (32) therebetween, the second portion (56) defining at least one hollow portion (68) for allowing the housing (32) to protrude from the support structure (34) through said hollow portion (68).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of batteries and more precisely to the cooling of such batteries, which are installed, for example, in vehicles with electric or hybrid propulsion.

[0002] In this regard, the invention relates to a cooling device for a battery.

[0003] The invention also relates to a battery comprising such a cooling device. Background Art

[0004] In batteries with battery packs (i.e., batteries composed of multiple individual battery elements combined in one housing), the hottest elements are located in the center of the housing. Since these elements are usually arranged with their sides touching each other to reduce their overall size, the heat generated by these most enclosed elements is only released on their lower surfaces. The electrical connectors between these different battery elements are usually located on the upper surface and may also dissipate a lot of heat.

[0005] Indirect fluid cooling is the method most commonly used by manufacturers because it is effective, fairly simple to install and inexpensive. The method involves circulating a coolant (usually a water-glycol mixture) in a cooling device located below the battery elements. The fluid acts as a heat transfer fluid and absorbs heat energy from the battery during the circulation process in order to carry it away from the outside of the enclosure.

[0006] The removal of heat therefore depends largely on the thermal resistance in the heat exchange between the electrical connector or the lower surface of the battery element, as the case may be, on the one hand and the cooling device on the other hand.

[0007] In order to improve this thermal resistance, it is known to use a thermal interface material (e.g., a thermally conductive resin) between the cooling plate of the cooling device and the lower surface of the battery element or the complex structure of the connector to fill the local gaps between these surfaces caused by the irregularities and roughness of these solid structures. However, this solution significantly increases the cost and weight of the battery. In addition, the thermal contact achieved using such an interface material is still less effective than the direct mechanical contact between the conductive metal materials.

[0008] Another possibility to improve thermal contact is to use a flexible housing instead of a rigid structure to circulate the coolant, which is free to deform under the pressure of the circulating coolant and thus closely conforms to the contours of the lower surface of the battery element or electrical connector, thereby providing good thermal contact.

[0009] The flexible housing is designed with two thin film sheets made of multiple materials and multiple layers, assembled by local welding to form one or more fluid circulation channels. The two sheets can be separate or formed by a single sheet folded onto itself. Thus, this housing enables the cooling device to benefit from good thermal contact with the battery element to be cooled, while being lightweight and simple to manufacture compared to the rigid coolers of the prior art.

[0010] However, due to low mechanical strength, such flexible housings do not provide sufficient mechanical resistance to be placed above a battery pack or to be vertically or suspended in place. In addition, areas of the housing that are not resting on a rigid element that applies counterpressure may be subject to long-term wear and deformation due to internal pressure generated by fluid flow. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages and proposes a battery cooling device which utilizes the flexible housing as described above, is suitable for use in a vertical or hanging position, and is in contact with the components to be cooled above, below and / or on the sides of the battery components.

[0012] To this end, the present invention relates to a cooling device for a battery, the cooling device comprising:

[0013] a housing formed by two sheets of flexible material extending facing each other, the housing having a welding zone in which the sheets are fixed to each other, and a separation zone in which the sheets can extend a distance from each other, the housing defining lateral edges,

[0014] - at least one fluid circulation channel extending between the sheets through at least one separation area, and

[0015] - at least one inlet fluid connector and at least one outlet fluid connector of the housing, which open into at least one fluid circulation channel,

[0016] Characterized in that the cooling device also includes:

[0017] - a rigid support structure comprising a first part and a second part and a device for assembling the second part and the first part, the second part and the first part being shaped so as to clamp at least one lateral edge of the shell between them, the second part defining at least one hollow portion for providing an opening at at least one separation area of ​​the shell so as to allow the shell to protrude from the support structure through the hollow portion.

[0018] Such a cooling device has a satisfactory mechanical resistance and can therefore be placed in a suspended and / or vertical position, while benefiting from the advantages of the flexible housing in terms of the circulation of the cooling fluid, in particular in terms of thermal contact.

[0019] The support structure is in particular arranged to buckle at least two lateral edges, more particularly two opposite lateral edges, of the flexible shell.

[0020] Advantageously, the support structure is arranged to clasp all lateral edges of the flexible shell in order to secure the shell securely in place and improve its fluid tightness.

[0021] The support structure may further comprise attachment means adapted to attach the support structure to a lid, a side wall and / or a lower wall of the battery housing and / or to a battery element of the battery, for example by snap fastening, screws or hinge means.

[0022] Such a feature allows simple assembly of the cooling device in a suspended position above the contacts of the battery element and also simplifies possible disassembly of the device for maintenance.

[0023] The means for assembling the second part to the first part may be a snap-fit ​​means comprising at least one tooth projecting from an edge of one of the second and first parts and at least one corresponding notch defined by the other of the second and first parts.

[0024] This feature allows for easy assembly of the cooling device and for the flexible housing to be disassembled for maintenance or replacement.

[0025] Each hollowed-out portion of the first portion and the second portion is relatively closed.

[0026] This feature allows exerting a counterpressure on the housing at the fluid circulation channel, this pressure being exerted on the surface not in contact with the element to be cooled, so as to reduce deformation of the bag over the long term.

[0027] The support structure may define lateral edges arranged to be positioned along an outer contour of a group of cell elements of the battery.

[0028] This feature makes it possible to ensure and maintain the relative position of the cooling device and the element to be cooled, thereby reducing the risk of assembly errors or unnecessary movements.

[0029] One of the second portion and the first portion may define at least one aperture arranged to allow one of the fluid connectors connected to the housing to pass therethrough.

[0030] This feature improves the fixation of the fluid connector to the support structure.

[0031] Advantageously, the fluid connector has a flared portion positioned relative to the interior of the corresponding orifice and enabling the connector to be locked on the support structure.

[0032] The support structure may have a generally rectangular shape, the hollowed-out portion of the second portion extending along a path forming at least one round trip over the area of ​​the rectangle.

[0033] Such a feature allows the use of a single fluid circulation channel to cool the connector of the battery assembly, thereby providing a simple geometry and good mechanical strength for the cooling assembly.

[0034] The hollowed-out portion of the second part may have a U-shape, and the housing may include at least one circulation channel having a corresponding U-shape.

[0035] At least one of the second portion and the first portion may include at least one reinforcing rib.

[0036] Such a feature allows to increase the mechanical strength of the support structure against bending and buckling, thereby increasing the durability of the cooling device.

[0037] The support structure may be formed from a plastics material by moulding.

[0038] This feature allows simple, fast and cheap manufacturing of the support structure.

[0039] Examples of the plastic material include polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyoxymethylene (POM), and the like.

[0040] Alternatively, the plastic material can be reinforced by adding glass fibers to the polymer matrix.

[0041] Alternatively, the support structure may be formed by an additive manufacturing process or by stamping.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a battery, comprising:

[0043] - a plurality of battery elements arranged in a housing, each battery element having an element to be cooled, the element to be cooled being arranged on the top, bottom or side of the battery element, and

[0044] - a cooling device as described above,

[0045] The support structure is positioned to have hollowed-out portions respectively opposite to the elements to be cooled, and the flexible housing is arranged to contact the elements to be cooled when the coolant circulates in the at least one circulation channel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] [ Figure 1 ] is an exploded perspective view of the main components of a battery according to the present invention,

[0047] [ Figure 2 ]yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a battery cooling device,

[0048] [ Figure 3 ]yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the cooling device,

[0049] [ Figure 4 ] is to show the assembly Figure 1 and Figure 2 Detailed perspective view of the device of the cooling device in the

[0050] [ Figure 5 ]yes Figures 2 to 4 A perspective view of the base of a fluid connector of a cooling device,

[0051] [ Figure 6 ]yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the base of the device carrying an O-ring.

[0052] [ Figure 7 ] is assembled Figure 5 and Figure 6 A perspective view of a fluid connector, and

[0053] [ Figure 8 ]yes Figures 5 to 7 A cross-sectional view of a connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Figure 1 A battery 10 for storing energy is shown, which has particular application in vehicles, such as vehicles with electric or hybrid propulsion.

[0055] The vehicle is, for example, a motor vehicle, a road or rail transport vehicle, a marine vehicle or another vehicle.

[0056] Alternatively, the battery 10 is used in a stationary or mobile device which requires a supply of electrical energy without or in addition to connection to an electrical grid.

[0057] The battery includes an enclosed, substantially sealed housing 12 (only the cover is shown for clarity) and a plurality of battery elements 14 or cells disposed within the housing 12 and capable of storing electrical energy.

[0058] The housing 12 includes a removable upper cover, partially shown in Figure 1 In it, a port 16 for supplying coolant is defined.

[0059] Each battery element 14 has a substantially parallelepipedal general shape, thus defining an upper surface 18 , a lower surface 20 and four side surfaces.

[0060] The terms "upper" and "lower" are understood here to be relative to the standard position of the battery in a working state.

[0061] The battery elements 14 are arranged in at least one row extending along an arrangement direction X. In addition, a vertical direction Z and a lateral direction Y are defined, both of which are perpendicular to each other and to the arrangement direction X. The vertical direction Z is substantially vertical in a standard operating direction of the battery 10 .

[0062] The battery elements 14 may be arranged in the arrangement direction X with their respective side surfaces in contact with each other, or in the arrangement direction X with a small gap between two adjacent battery elements.

[0063] Each battery element 14 comprises connectors 22 arranged on its upper surface 18, one connector each on both sides of said upper surface along the transverse direction Y. Thus, the connectors 22 of the battery elements form two rows extending along the arrangement direction X.

[0064] The connectors 22 of the battery elements 14 are connected to parallel bus bars 24 extending substantially in the arrangement direction X, thereby allowing energy to be supplied to the battery elements 14 for storage or removed from the battery elements for powering electrical devices.

[0065] The battery 10, and more particularly the battery element 14, generates heat during operation and requires cooling for optimal operation to provide satisfactory operating time and satisfactory safety.

[0066] To this end, the battery 10 comprises at least one cooling device 30 for the components to be cooled in the battery, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown in more detail in .

[0067] The element to be cooled may be the battery element 14, more specifically the lower surface 20 or side of the battery element, or the connector 22 and bus bar 24 of the battery element, which are arranged over the upper surface of the battery element.

[0068] In the example shown in the figures, the cooling device 30 is arranged to cool the connectors 22 and the busbars 24 of the battery elements and is therefore positioned in the housing 12 , suspended on a cover above the battery elements 14 .

[0069] The cooling device 30 includes a flexible housing 32 for containing a coolant, and a support structure 34 for increasing the rigidity and strength of the cooling device 30 .

[0070] The housing 32 is formed from two sheets 36 of flexible material extending towards each other and being partially welded together.

[0071] The housing 32 thus has a welded region 38 in which the sheets 36 are fixed to one another, and a separated region 40 in which the sheets 36 are not welded to one another and can therefore extend a distance from one another, defining an internal space between them.

[0072] The welding area 38 is particularly along the outer edge of the housing 32 in order to seal the interior space of the housing 32 .

[0073] The sheet 36 is formed from multiple layers of film that are cut to obtain the desired geometry.

[0074] The film is, for example, a stack of layers: a first layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a layer of aluminum (Al), a second layer of polyethylene terephthalate and a layer of polyethylene (PE). Films of this type are often used in the food industry for advantageously isolating products.

[0075] In the case of the flexible shell 32, the aluminum layer provides very good thermal conductivity and reduces the risk of fluid penetration through the sheet, the polyethylene terephthalate layer provides good resistance to temperature and the ambient environment, and the polyethylene layer acts as an adhesive layer for fixing the two sheets by fusing the two layers of polyethylene in contact with each other.

[0076] In the example shown, the flexible housing 32 has a generally rectangular shape and defines a rectangular central opening 42. The rectangular shape of the housing 32 includes, for example, two long sides 44 extending along the alignment direction X and two short sides 46 extending along the transverse direction Y.

[0077] The housing 32 defines lateral edges 47 , particularly outer lateral edges 47 extending along the long and short sides, and an inner lateral edge 47 extending along the central opening 42 .

[0078] The cooling device 30 further comprises at least one inlet fluid connector 50 and at least one outlet fluid connector 50 arranged in the housing, and Figure 3 and 4 At least one fluid circulation channel 52 is shown in FIG. 5 , which extends between the sheets 36 of the housing from at least one inlet connector 50 to at least one outlet connector 50 .

[0079] The separated areas 40 of the sheet 36 together define the at least one fluid circulation channel 52 in the interior space.

[0080] In the example shown, the inlet and outlet fluid connectors 50 are located on the same side of the rectangular housing 32 .

[0081] For example, the two fluid connectors 50 are located on the same short side 46 of the rectangular housing 32 , ie at the same end of the housing 32 along the arrangement direction X and on either side of the rectangle along the transverse direction Y.

[0082] In the example shown, housing 32 includes a single fluid circulation channel 52 having a U-shape, ie channel 52 extends from inlet connector 50 along one of long sides 44 , then along short side 46 opposite connector 50 , and along the other long side 44 to outlet connector.

[0083] More generally, the channel 52 extends along at least one reciprocating path formed in the housing 32 so as to extend along two rows of connectors 22 of the battery element 14 and allow the inlet and outlet to be fluidly connected at the same lateral edge 47 of the housing 32 .

[0084] The passage 52 may also extend along a path that meanders along the extent of the housing 32 , ie, forms at least one meander, which increases the cooling surface area.

[0085] Thus, the channel 52 may have a V-shape, a W-shape, or the like.

[0086] Alternatively, the housing 32 may include a plurality of passages 52 that branch off from at least one entry point and rejoin at at least one exit point.

[0087] In another alternative, the housing 32 may include a plurality of passages 52 that are fluidly isolated from one another.

[0088] Specifically, the housing 32 may include two substantially linear and mutually parallel channels 52 extending in the arrangement direction X along two rows of connectors 22 and bus bars 24 .

[0089] According to the invention, the cooling device 30 also comprises a rigid support structure 34 for the flexible housing 32 .

[0090] Here, the expressions "rigid" and "flexible" are to be understood relative to each other. Furthermore, the flexible nature of the shell 32 means that it will deform under its own weight without external influences, while the rigid nature of the support structure 34 means that it will not deform significantly under its own weight.

[0091] The support structure 34 includes a first portion 54 and a second portion 56 , and a device 58 for assembling the second portion 56 and the first portion 54 .

[0092] In the example considered, the support structure 34 and the housing 32 are intended to be arranged above the battery element 14 .

[0093] Therefore, the first portion 54 is an upper portion and is arranged above the second portion 56 in the vertical direction Z, and therefore the second portion 56 is a lower portion.

[0094] The second portion 56 and the first portion 54 are shaped to sandwich at least one lateral edge 47 of the housing 32 therebetween when assembled.

[0095] Thus, the flexible housing 32 is secured by its lateral edges 47 which are clamped by and supported between the first and second portions 54 , 56 of the support structure 34 .

[0096] The first portion 54 and the second portion 56 each have, for example, a shape of a flat rectangular frame extending perpendicularly to the vertical direction Z, defining a central opening 60 , and thus the first portion 54 and the second portion 56 have respective outer and inner edges.

[0097] Advantageously, the first portion 54 and the second portion 56 comprise a flange 62 extending along the outer lateral edge and / or the inner lateral edge, projecting in the vertical direction Z.

[0098] Advantageously, the flexible shell 32 may include flaps 64 extending along the inner lateral edge 47 of the shell 32 and through the central opening 42, these flaps 64 being retained between the flanges 62 of the first and second parts of the support structure 34. This further improves the retention of the flexible shell between the two parts.

[0099] Advantageously, flanges 62 extending along the outer lateral edges of first and second portions 54, 56 cooperate to form outer lateral flanges 66 of support structure 34 arranged to be positioned along the outer edges of the group of battery elements 14, thereby simplifying the installation of the cooling device and preventing its movement.

[0100] The second portion 56 defines at least one cutout portion 68 for providing an opening at the at least one separation area 40 of the housing 32 to allow the housing 32 to protrude from the support structure 34 through the cutout portion 68 .

[0101] Each of the cutouts 68 has the same shape as one of the fluid circulation channels 52. Thus, in the example shown, there is one cutout 68 having the same U-shape as the fluid circulation channel 52 of the housing 32.

[0102] This allows the housing 32 to protrude through the cutout 68 along the entire extent of the passage 52 in order to reach the component to be cooled.

[0103] For example, each cutout portion 68 has a substantially constant width along its length, as measured transversely to the local elongation of the cutout portion 68 and the coolant passage 52 .

[0104] The first portion 54 is advantageously closed relative to each hollowed-out portion 68 of the second portion 56. This allows to maintain back pressure on the flexible shell 32, preventing it from extending in an undesired direction.

[0105] The means 58 for assembling the second part 56 to the first part 54 are, for example, assembled snap-fit ​​fastening means comprising at least one tooth 70 projecting from an edge of one of the second and first parts and at least one corresponding notch 72 defined by the other of the second and first parts.

[0106] For example, the assembled device 58 includes notches 72 distributed along the inner and outer edges of the first portion 54 , and corresponding teeth 70 distributed along the inner and outer edges of the second portion 56 .

[0107] Advantageously, the support structure 34 also comprises attachment means suitable for fixing the support structure 34 to the cover of the battery casing 12 .

[0108] The assembled device is positioned on the first portion 54, for example along the outer edge.

[0109] The attachment means of the support structure 34 may additionally or alternatively be adapted to secure the support structure 34 to a side wall or a bottom wall of the housing 12 .

[0110] The attachment means of the support structure 34 may additionally or alternatively be adapted to secure the support structure 34 to the battery element 14 , in particular to the bottom surface 20 , the side surfaces or the top surface 18 of the battery element 14 .

[0111] The attachment means of the support structure 34 are, for example, attachment means by snap fastening, screws or hinge means.

[0112] The first portion 54 defines at least one aperture 74 arranged to allow passage of each fluid connector 50 connected to the housing 23. In the example shown with two connectors 50, the first portion 54 defines two apertures 74.

[0113] The aperture 74 is, for example, substantially circular and coincides with a corresponding port 16 defined in the housing 12 , in particular in a cover of the housing 12 .

[0114] Alternatively, depending on the configuration of the connector 50 , at least one aperture 74 is defined by the second portion 56 .

[0115] Advantageously, the first portion 54 comprises at least one reinforcing rib 76 making it possible to increase the bending rigidity of the supporting structure 34 .

[0116] The rib 76 extends, for example, along a vertical direction Z, advantageously from an outer edge to an inner edge of the first portion 54 .

[0117] In the example shown, the first portion 54 includes a plurality of such ribs 76 forming a cross-beam.

[0118] The support structure 34 is made of plastic, in particular by separately molding the first portion 54 and the second portion 56 .

[0119] Alternatively, the support structure 34 may be formed by stamping or additive manufacturing. The inlet and outlet fluid connectors 50 are, for example, Figures 5 to 8 The types shown in .

[0120] The fluid connector 50 is arranged in a corresponding inlet or outlet orifice made in the sheet 36 forming the housing 32 .

[0121] Each fluid connector 50 comprises a base 80 formed by a base plate 82 arranged internally relative to the sheet 36 and a tube 84 fixed to the base plate 82 and extending through an orifice of the sheet 36 .

[0122] In the example shown, the base plate 82 is substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction, while the tubes 84 extend substantially along the vertical direction Z.

[0123] Each fluid connector 50 also comprises a ring 88 assembled to the base 80 , which is pressed against the outer surface of the sheet 36 .

[0124] Advantageously, each fluid connector 50 also comprises at least one O-ring 86 arranged between the base plate 82 of the seat 80 and the inner surface of the sheet 36 .

[0125] In this case, the ring 88 presses the sheet and said O-ring 86 against the base 80 .

[0126] The base plate 82 defines a central through hole 90 through which the mouth of the tube 84 opens into the interior space of the flexible housing 32 .

[0127] For example, the base plate 82 has a generally disk shape that is concentric with the central opening 90 .

[0128] The base plate 82 also defines an upper surface 92 by which the connector 50 is secured to the inner surface of the sheet 36 by being welded circumferentially around the tube 84 and extending around the aperture.

[0129] For example, to this end, the connector 50 comprises at least one rib 94 defined on the base plate 82 , circumferentially surrounding the tube 84 , in particular at least two ribs 94 radially spaced from each other relative to the tube 84 .

[0130] The ribs 94 project from the base plate 82 to ridges 96 by which they are secured to the inner surface of the sheet 36 .

[0131] The fixing of the ribs 94 to the sheet 36 is achieved, for example, by heat welding the ridges 96 to the inner polyethylene layer of the sheet 36 .

[0132] The ribs 94 are, for example, substantially circular and concentric.

[0133] Advantageously, the ribs 94 define at least one groove 98 therebetween for receiving the O-ring 86 .

[0134] In the example shown, the base 80 defines two such ribs 94 , which allows for two weld lines for welding to the sheet 36 , and has a single O-ring 86 disposed in a groove 98 formed between the two ribs 94 .

[0135] like Figure 7 As shown, the ring 88 is assembled to the base, for example by screws or snap fastening, and surrounds the tube 84 in the circumferential direction.

[0136] In the example shown, the tube 84 defines a plurality of teeth 100 on its outer surface, which are regularly distributed around its circumference and project radially from the tube 84, while the ring 88 defines the same number of corresponding recesses 102, which are shaped to receive the teeth 100 by snap-fitting when the ring 88 is fixed to the base 80.

[0137] Alternatively, the outer surface of the tube 84 may define threads, and the inner surface of the ring 88 may define complementary threads that enable the ring 88 to be secured to the base 80 via a screw connection.

[0138] Thus, the ring 88 is arranged to press against the outer surface of the sheet 36 and exert a force on the O-ring 86 through the sheet, which allows to have a reinforced seal in addition to the weld line at the rib 94 .

[0139] The tube 84 may also define peripheral ribs 104 for securing a coolant delivery tube extending on a side away from the base plate 82 , at a distance from the ring 88 .

[0140] Advantageously, if Figure 8 As shown, the inner surface 106 of the tube 84 has a relief 108 arranged to create turbulence in the flow of fluid through the tube 84 .

[0141] The relief 108 has, for example, a slope shape, which extends on the inner surface 106 of the tube 84 in a direction transverse to the local elongation direction of the tube 84 and protrudes toward the inside of the tube 84 .

[0142] Such a relief 108 makes it possible to improve the mixing of the fluid flowing through the tube 84 and to avoid the formation of stagnation of a layer of fluid along the inner surface 106 , which would reduce the efficiency of heat transfer.

[0143] Alternatively, other types of fluid connectors are contemplated, depending on the location of the cooling device 30 in the housing 10 and on the angle of entry of the connector 50 of the coolant delivery tube.

[0144] For example, the connector may extend substantially along the arrangement direction X.

Claims

1. A cooling device (30) for a battery (10), the cooling device (30) comprising: A housing (32) formed by two sheets (36) of flexible material extending facing each other, the housing (32) having a welding area (38) in which the sheets (36) are fixed to each other, and a separation area (40) in which the sheets (36) can extend a certain distance from each other, the housing (32) defining lateral edges (47), at least one fluid circulation channel (52) extending between said sheets (36) through at least one separation region (40), and at least one inlet fluid connector (50) and at least one outlet fluid connector (50) of the housing (32) leading to at least one fluid circulation channel (52), Characterized in that the cooling device (30) further comprises: A rigid support structure (34) comprising a first portion (54) and a second portion (56) and a device (58) for assembling the second portion (56) and the first portion (54), the second portion (56) and the first portion (54) being shaped so as to sandwich at least one lateral edge (47) of the shell (32) therebetween, the second portion (56) defining at least one hollow portion (68) for providing an opening at at least one separation area (40) of the shell (32) so as to allow the shell (32) to protrude from the support structure (34) through the hollow portion (68).

2. The cooling device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support structure (34) further comprises an attachment device, which is suitable for attaching the support structure (34) to the cover, side wall and / or lower wall of the housing (12) of the battery (10), and / or to the battery element (14) of the battery (10), for example by snap fastening, screws or hinge means.

3. The cooling device (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The means (58) for assembling the second part (56) to the first part (54) is an assembly snap fastening means including at least one tooth (70) projecting from an edge of one of the second part (56) and the first part (54) and at least one corresponding notch (72) defined by the other of the second part (56) and the first part (54).

4. The cooling device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Each hollow portion (68) of the first portion (54) and the second portion (56) is relatively closed.

5. The cooling device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The support structure (34) defines a lateral edge (66) arranged to be positioned along an outer contour of a group of battery elements (14) of the battery (10).

6. The cooling device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: One of the second portion (56) and the first portion (54) defines at least one aperture (74) arranged to allow one of the fluid connectors (50) connected to the housing (32) to pass therethrough.

7. The cooling device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The support structure (34) has a generally rectangular shape, and the hollowed-out portion (68) of the second portion extends along at least one reciprocating path formed over the area of ​​the rectangular shape.

8. The cooling device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: At least one of the second portion (56) and the first portion (54) includes at least one reinforcing rib (74).

9. The cooling device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The support structure (34) is formed from a plastic material by molding.

10. A battery (10), comprising: A plurality of battery elements (14) are arranged in a housing (12), each battery element (14) having an element (22, 24) to be cooled, the element to be cooled being arranged on the upper part (18), the lower part (20) or the side of the battery element (14), and The cooling device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, The support structure (34) is positioned to have hollowed-out portions (68) respectively opposite to the elements (22, 24) to be cooled, and the flexible shell (32) is arranged to contact the elements (22, 24) to be cooled when a coolant circulates in at least one circulation channel (52).

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