Traction battery with heat dissipation device

Abstract

Traction battery (24) comprising: a first heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182) arranged in a housing (52); cells (58) arranged on the first heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182); a clamp arrangement (60, 120) arranged in the housing (52) comprising: a second heat-conducting plate (66, 122, 184) spaced apart from the first heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182) and at least one leg (64, 124) defining at least part of a fluid path (142, 144) connecting flow channels of the first and second heat-conducting plates (54, 114, 182, 66, 122, 184); and an electronic component (68, 140) arranged on the second heat-conducting plate (66, 122, 184).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA The present disclosure relates to traction batteries for motor vehicles and in particular to traction batteries with heat conducting devices. BACKGROUND Vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and full hybrid electric vehicles (FHEVs), contain a traction battery assembly that serves as an energy source for vehicle propulsion. The traction battery includes components and systems to support the management of vehicle performance and operation. It also contains high-voltage components. Traction batteries may include an air or liquid thermal management system to control the battery temperature. US 2011 / 0 020 676 A1 discloses a battery device and battery unit that prevent the generation of noise and the ingress of dust and suppress the formation of condensation. US 2012 / 0 321 928 A1 discloses a mechanism for reducing thermal gradients in battery systems.US 2013 / 0330577A1 discloses a dynamic pressure control in a battery arrangement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment, a traction battery comprises a first heat sink arranged in a housing and cells arranged on the first heat sink. A clamp assembly is arranged in the housing. The clamp assembly includes a second heat sink spaced apart from the first heat sink and a leg defining at least part of a fluid path connecting flow channels of the first and second heat sinks. An electronic component is arranged on the second heat sink. In another embodiment, a traction battery comprises a first heat sink arranged in a housing, cells arranged on the first heat sink, and a second heat sink spaced apart from the first heat sink. The second heat sink is supported by a clamp that includes a leg between the first and second heat sinks. The leg defines at least part of a fluid path connecting flow channels of the first and second heat sinks. An electronic component is positioned against the second heat sink. In yet another embodiment, a traction battery comprises a housing with a heat sink designed for fluid circulation. Cells are arranged on the heat sink. An electronic component is supported by a platform spaced apart from the heat sink. An array of heat pipes is designed to transfer heat from the electronic component to the heat sink. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a typical plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a battery assembly. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a heat-conducting plate and clamp arrangement according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating a heat-conducting plate and clamp arrangement according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a thermal management system according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a thermal management system according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. 7 is a side view of part of another battery assembly with a passive cooling device. Fig. 8 is a top view of the battery assembly from Fig. 7 illustrating the passive cooling device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION This document describes embodiments of the present disclosure. It is understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that other embodiments may take different and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for informing a person skilled in the art about various applications of the present invention.As is obvious to the average person skilled in the art, various features illustrated and described with reference to any of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to create embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of illustrated features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features, consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, may be desirable for certain applications or implementations. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a typical plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Certain embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in the context of non-plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. The vehicle 12 can comprise one or more electric machines 14 mechanically connected to a hybrid transmission 16. The electric machines 14 can be capable of operating as a motor or as a generator. Additionally, the hybrid transmission 16 can be mechanically connected to an internal combustion engine 18. The hybrid transmission 16 can also be mechanically connected to a drive shaft 20, which is mechanically connected to the wheels 22. The electric machines 14 can provide propulsion and deceleration capabilities when the internal combustion engine 18 is switched on or off.The electric machines 14 also function as generators, providing fuel economy benefits by recovering energy through regenerative braking. The electric machines 14 reduce pollutant emissions and increase fuel economy by reducing the workload of the internal combustion engine 18. A traction battery or battery pack 24 stores energy used by the electric machines 14. The traction battery 24 typically provides a high-voltage direct current output from one or more battery cell arrays within the traction battery 24, sometimes also referred to as battery cell stacks. The battery cell arrays contain one or more battery cells. Battery cells, such as prismatic or pouch cells, contain electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. The cells contain a casing, a positive electrode (cathode), and a negative electrode (anode). An electrolyte allows ions to move between the anode and cathode during discharge and then back again during recharging. Terminals allow current to flow out of the cell for use by the vehicle. When positioned in an array of multiple battery cells, the terminals of each cell can be aligned with opposite terminals (positive and negative) that are adjacent to each other, and a busbar can help to connect the multiple battery cells in series.The battery cells can also be arranged in parallel, so that similar connections (plus and plus or minus and minus) are adjacent to each other. Different battery assembly configurations are available to address individual vehicle variables, including packaging constraints and performance requirements. The battery cells can be thermally controlled with a thermal management system. Examples of thermal management systems include air cooling systems, liquid cooling systems, and a combination of air and liquid cooling systems. The traction battery 24 can be electrically connected to one or more power electronics modules 26 by one or more contactors (not shown). The contactor(s) disconnect the traction battery 24 from other components when open and connect it to other components when closed. The power electronics module 26 can be electrically connected to the electric machines 14 and provides the capability for bidirectional transfer of electrical energy between the traction battery 24 and the electric machines 14. For example, a typical traction battery 24 provides a DC voltage, while the electric machines 14 require a three-phase AC voltage to operate. The power electronics module 26 can convert the DC voltage into a three-phase AC voltage, as required by the electric machines 14.In a regenerative mode, the power electronics module 26 can convert the three-phase alternating voltage from the electric machines 14, which function as generators, into the direct voltage required by the traction battery 24. The description herein is equally applicable to a pure electric vehicle. In a pure electric vehicle, the hybrid transmission 16 can be a transmission connected to an electric machine 14, and the internal combustion engine 18 may not be present. In addition to providing energy for propulsion, the traction battery 24 can supply energy to other electrical vehicle systems. A typical system may include a DC / DC converter module 28, which converts the high-voltage DC output of the traction battery 24 into a low-voltage DC supply compatible with other vehicle consumers. Other high-voltage consumers, such as compressors and electric heaters, can be connected directly to the high voltage without the use of a DC / DC converter module 28. In a typical vehicle, the low-voltage systems are electrically connected to an auxiliary battery 30 (e.g., a 12-volt battery). The DC / DC converter can also modify the voltage applied to the electric machines 14. A battery electric control module (BECM) 33 can be connected to the traction battery 24. The BECM 33 can act as a controller for the traction battery 24 and can also include an electronic monitoring system that manages the temperature and state of charge for each of the battery cells. The traction battery 24 can have a temperature sensor 31, such as a thermistor or other temperature measuring instrument. The temperature sensor 31 can be connected to the BECM 33 to provide temperature data relating to the traction battery 24. The vehicle 12 can be recharged from an external power source 36. The external power source 36 is a connection to an electrical outlet. The external power source 36 can be electrically connected to an electric vehicle supply unit (EVSE) 38. The EVSE 38 can provide circuitry and controls for regulating and managing the transfer of electrical energy between the power source 36 and the vehicle 12. The external power source 36 can supply the EVSE 38 with DC or AC electrical power. The EVSE 38 can have a charging connector 40 for insertion into a charging port 34 of the vehicle 12. The charging port 34 can be any type of port designed to transfer power from the EVSE 38 to the vehicle 12. The charging port 34 can be electrically connected to a charger or an on-board power conversion module 32.The power conversion module 32 can condition the power supplied from the EVSE 38 to provide the traction battery 24 with the correct voltage and current levels. The power conversion module 32 can be coupled to the EVSE 38 to coordinate the power supply to the vehicle 12. The EVSE connector 40 can have pins that interlock with corresponding recesses of the charging port 34. The various components discussed may have one or more interconnected controllers to manage and monitor their operation. These controllers may communicate via a serial bus (e.g., Controller Area Network (CAN)) or via dedicated electrical lines. Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 to 8, and the related discussion describe examples of the traction battery 24. With reference to Figures 2 and 3: The traction battery 24 comprises a housing 52 with a trough (shown) and a cover (not shown). A first heat-conducting plate 54 is arranged along a bottom surface of the housing 52. The first heat-conducting plate 54 is designed to circulate a fluid within it and to supply heat to or dissipate it from the housing 52. At least one battery array 56 is arranged on the heat-conducting plate 54. The battery array 56 contains several battery cells 58, which are stacked and electrically connected in series or parallel. The thermal interface plate 54 is in contact with each of the battery cells 58 and can, depending on operating conditions, supply heat to the cells or remove heat from them.For example, if the cells 58 are above a temperature threshold, a relatively cold fluid is circulated to the first plate 54 to cool the battery cells. Conversely, if the cells 58 are below the temperature threshold, a relatively warm fluid is circulated through the first plate 54 to supply heat to the battery cells. The warm fluid can be supplied by an internal combustion engine or an electric heating element, depending on the vehicle type. A thermally conductive interface material (TIM) can be placed between the cells 58 and the heat-conducting plate 54. The TIM can be a pad, a gel, or a paste. The traction battery 24 also includes a clamping assembly 60 with a platform 62, legs 64, and a cooling device 66. The platform 62 can define a flat surface, and the legs 64 can extend perpendicularly from the flat surface. The platform 62 is raised above the first heat-conducting plate 54 by means of the legs 64. The platform 62 can have any number of legs, such as one leg or four legs, as illustrated. The legs 64 can be directly connected to the heat-conducting plate 54, or they can be connected to the housing 52. In some embodiments, one or more of the legs 64 are connected to the first heat-conducting plate 54, and one or more of the other legs are connected to the housing 52. The cooling device 66 can be attached to the platform 62.Alternatively, the cooling device 66 can be integrated with the platform 62, or it can be arranged within the platform 62. The cooling device 66 can be an active cooling device, or it can be a passive cooling device. An example of an active cooling device is a liquid heat exchanger (e.g., a heat-conducting plate), and an example of a passive cooling system is a heat pipe assembly. An electronic component 68 can be mounted on a first side of the cooling device 66. The electronic component 68 can be a BECM (Battery Energy Management Module). The cooling device 66 dissipates excess heat generated by the BECM 68. Another electronic component 70 is located below the bracket 60 and within a base of the bracket 60. The electronic component 70 can be a central bus unit (BEC, Bus Electrical Center) that is electrically connected to the battery arrays 56. The BEC 70 can be located on the first heat sink 54, or it can be located on a part of the housing 52. One or both of the heat sinks 54, 66 can dissipate excess heat produced by the BEC 70. In some embodiments, the BEC 70 is in direct contact with a second side of the cooling device 66, which is located opposite the BECM 70. With reference to Fig. 3: The first heat-conducting plate 54 comprises a top surface 72 and a bottom surface 74. The bottom surface 74 can be arranged on the housing 52, or it can define the bottom surface of the housing 52. At least one flow channel or tube 76 is arranged within the first heat-conducting plate 54 and is designed to circulate a fluid within it. The tube 76 can be a single tube winding within the heat-conducting plate 54, or it can consist of several tubes in a parallel flow arrangement. The heat-conducting plate 54 includes an inlet port (not shown) and an outlet port 80, which are connected to a thermal management system. The heat-conducting plate 54 includes an inlet nozzle 82 extending from the top surface 72. The inlet nozzle 82 is connected to a portion of the tube 76 and defines a port 86.The heat-conducting plate 54 also includes an outlet nozzle 84 extending from the top 72. The outlet nozzle 84 is connected to a portion of the tube 76 and defines a port 88. The clamping arrangement 60 includes an inlet leg 90 and an outlet leg 92, and a pair of further legs 93 connected to the top surface 72 of the heat-conducting plate 54. The inlet leg 90 defines an inlet channel 94, and the outlet leg 92 defines an outlet channel 96. The inlet and outlet channels 94, 96 form at least one fluid path connecting the flow channels of the first and second heat-conducting plates 54, 66. For example, the second heat-conducting plate 66 includes a single tube 98 connected to the inlet channel 94 at one end and to the outlet channel 96 at the other. Alternatively, the second heat-conducting plate 66 includes multiple tubes. The inlet leg 90 is received on the outlet port 84, which fluidically connects the connection 88 and the inlet channel 94. The outlet leg 92 is received on the inlet port 82, which fluidly connects the connection 86 and the outlet channel 96. In another embodiment, both the inlet and the outlet channel are one of the legs. The first heat-conducting plate 54 and the second heat-conducting plate 66 are connected to each other via the inlet and outlet legs 90 and 92, respectively. During operation, a portion of the fluid circulating in the tube 76 of the first heat-conducting plate 54 is diverted into the inlet leg 90 and flows to the second heat-conducting plate 66. The fluid then circulates in the tube 98 of the second heat-conducting plate 66. The fluid then flows from the second heat-conducting plate 66 via the outlet leg 92 to the first heat-conducting plate 58. Alternatively, the legs 90 and 92 contain nozzles that are received in connections defined in the heat-conducting plate 54 for connecting the channels 94 and 96 to the tube 76. With reference to Fig. 4: Another traction battery assembly 110 is illustrated. The traction battery assembly 110 comprises at least one array 112 arranged on a first heat sink 114. The first heat sink 114 may extend along the entire underside of the housing, or it may extend only along a portion of the underside. The first heat sink 114 may include an outlet port 116 and an inlet port 118 extending from a surface of the heat sink 114. For example, the ports 116, 118 may extend from a top surface of the heat sink, or they may extend from a side surface of the heat sink. The inlet and outlet ports 116, 118 are in fluid communication with the flow channels of the heat sink 114. The ports are illustrated in a vertical stacked arrangement; however, the ports may be arranged side by side in the same horizontal plane. The battery assembly 110 further comprises a clamp arrangement 120 with a second heat-conducting plate 122 and several legs 124. The heat-conducting plate 122 can be integrated with the clamp 120, or it can be a separate component attached to a platform of the clamp 120. In one embodiment, the heat-conducting plate 114 and the clamp 120 are arranged adjacent to each other rather than one above the other (as illustrated in Fig. 3). In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 124 of the clamp 120 are attached to the housing. One of the legs 124 is an inlet leg 126 that defines at least part of a fluid path 142 connecting the flow channels of the first and second heat-conducting plates 114, 122. The fluid path 142 can include an inlet channel 130 defined in the inlet leg 126 and a supply line 134 connected between the inlet channel 130 and the outlet nozzle 116. Alternatively, the fluid path 142 can be a single line directly connected between the first and second heat-conducting plates 114, 116. The single line can be accommodated by a hole extending through a length of the leg 126. Another leg 124 is an outlet leg 128, which defines at least part of a fluid path 144 connecting the flow channels of the first and second plates 114, 122. The fluid path 144 can include an outlet channel 132 defined in the outlet leg 128 and a return line 136 connected between the outlet channel 132 and the inlet port 118. Alternatively, the fluid path 144 can be a single line directly connected between the first and second heat-conducting plates 114, 122. The single line can be accommodated by a hole extending through a length of leg 128. In an alternative embodiment, the return line 136 connects to the thermal management system and does not connect to the first heat-conducting plate 114. The second heat-conducting plate 122 can contain at least one tube 146, which is connected to the inlet channel 130 at one end and to the outlet channel 132 at the other. A portion of the fluid circulating in the first heat-conducting plate 114 is diverted to the second heat-conducting plate 122 via the supply line 134. The fluid then circulates in the second heat-conducting plate 122 and flows back to the first heat-conducting plate 114 via the return line 136. An electronic component 140, such as a BECM, is arranged on the clamp assembly 120 and is thermally controlled by the second heat-conducting plate 122. Another electronic component 138, such as a BEC, is arranged below the clamp assembly 120. With reference to Fig. 5: A liquid thermal management system 150 comprises a first heat sink 152 and a second heat sink 154. The heat sinks are arranged in the traction battery assembly 156. The system 150 also includes a cooler 158, a reservoir 160, and a pump 162, which are connected by several lines and valves. The thermal management system 150 can be a dedicated system or it can be permanently connected to an existing engine cooling system. Fluid is supplied to the first heat sink 152 via a supply line 164. The fluid then circulates in one or more first flow channels of the first heat sink 152 and exits the first heat sink into a return line 166, which is connected to the cooler 158. A portion of the fluid in the first flow channels is diverted via line 168 into one or more second flow channels in the second heat sink 154.After circulating through the second flow channels, the fluid flows back into the first flow channels via line 170. With reference to Fig. 6: Another thermal management system 180 comprises a first heat sink 182 and a second heat sink 184, which are arranged in the traction battery assembly 186. System 180 is similar to system 150, except that fluid from the second heat sink 184 does not return to the first heat sink 182. Fluid is supplied to the first heat sink 182 via a supply line 188. The fluid then circulates in first flow channels of the heat sink 182 and exits the heat sink 182 into a return line 190. A portion of the fluid in the first flow channels is diverted via line 193 into a second flow channel in the second heat sink 184. After circulating through the second flow channels, the fluid exits into the return line 190 via line 196.With reference to Figures 7 and 8: A traction battery assembly 200 includes a heat sink 202 arranged in a housing. The heat sink 202 contains tubes 203 for circulating a fluid medium within the heat sink 202. At least one battery array 204 is arranged on the heat sink 202 for heating or cooling the array. A clamp 206 is arranged in the housing. The clamp includes a platform 208 spaced apart from the heat sink 202 and several legs 210 connected to the platform 208. The base of the legs 210 can connect to the heat sink 202, the housing, or both. A first electronic component 220 is supported by the platform 208. A second electronic component 222 is arranged below the platform 208. A passive cooling device 212 is arranged in the housing to cool at least the first component 220.The passive cooling device 212 extends between the platform 208 and the heat-conducting plate 202 to transfer heat from the component 222 to the heat-conducting plate 202. The passive cooling device 212 can be arranged on the platform 208 or it can be integrated with the platform 208. The passive cooling device 212 can include an array of parallel heat pipes 214. Each of the heat pipes 214 includes a first section 224 extending over at least a portion of the platform 208 and a second section 226 extending over at least a portion of the heat-conducting plate 202. An intermediate section connects the first and second sections 224, 226. The intermediate section can be exposed (as illustrated) or it can be enclosed in a housing.A first heat spreader 216 can be connected to the array of heat tubes 214 at the first section 224 to enable heat transfer between the component 220 and the heat tubes 214. The heat spreader 216 can be a metal plate, such as one made of copper, aluminum, or another thermally conductive material. Alternatively, the heat spreader 216 can be a pair of plates or a housing in which the heat tubes 214 are arranged in layers. The passive cooling device 212 can be designed such that the electrical component 220 is in contact with the heat spreader 216 on a side opposite the heat tubes 214. The heat tubes 214 conduct heat from the first component 220 and carry it out of the housing to the heat-conducting plate 202 for dissipation. A second heat spreader 218 can be attached to the second section 226 on the heat pipes 214. The heat spreader 218 can be a single plate, a double plate, or a housing (as described above) and can be made of copper, aluminum, or another thermally conductive material. One side of the heat spreader 218 can be attached to the heat-conducting plate 202, and a second side of the spreader can be attached to the heat pipes 214. The heat spreader 218 facilitates the transfer of thermal energy from the heat pipes 214 to the heat-conducting plate 202. In another embodiment, the intermediate sections of the heat pipes 214 can extend through the clamp 206, as opposed to being located at the side, as illustrated in Fig. 7. The intermediate sections can extend through one or more legs, similar to the fluid lines described in the active cooling system. The heat spreader 218 can be arranged between a leg 210 of the clamp 206 and the heat-conducting plate 202. Alternatively, one or more legs 210 can include a thick or extended lower end that acts as a heat spreader. In another embodiment, the intermediate section of the heat pipes 214 can be attached to an outer surface of the clamp 206. In this configuration, one or more of the legs 210 provide support and protect the heat pipes 214 from being bumped or damaged. Although exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The terms used in the patent description serve to describe rather than limit, and it is understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the intent and scope of protection of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of different embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or illustrated.While various embodiments may be described as offering advantages or being preferable to other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, as those skilled in the art recognize, one or more features and characteristics may be compromised in order to achieve desired properties of the overall system, which depend on the specific application and implementation. These properties may include, among others, cost, strength, durability, life-cycle costs, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, ease of maintenance, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc.Embodiments that are described as less desirable than other embodiments or implementations corresponding to the prior art with respect to one or more properties are therefore not outside the scope of protection of the disclosure and may be desirable for certain applications.

Claims

Traction battery (24) comprising: a first heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182) arranged in a housing (52); cells (58) arranged on the first heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182); a clamp arrangement (60, 120) arranged in the housing (52) comprising: a second heat-conducting plate (66, 122, 184) spaced apart from the first heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182) and at least one leg (64, 124) defining at least part of a fluid path (142, 144) connecting flow channels of the first and second heat-conducting plates (54, 114, 182, 66, 122, 184); and an electronic component (68, 140) arranged on the second heat-conducting plate (66, 122, 184). Traction battery (24) according to claim 1, wherein the leg (124) comprises two fluid paths (142, 144), an inlet path and an outlet path, wherein the inlet path is connected to the first heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182) and is designed to supply fluid from the first heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182) to the second heat-conducting plate (66, 122, 184), and wherein the outlet path is connected to the second heat-conducting plate (66, 122, 184) and is designed to return fluid from the second heat-conducting plate (66, 122, 184) to the first heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182). Traction battery (24) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp arrangement (60, 120) further comprises an additional leg (124) defining at least a part of an additional fluid path (142, 144) connecting the flow channels of the first and second heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182, 66, 116, 184). Traction battery (24) according to claim 3, wherein the flow channel of the second heat-conducting plate (66, 122, 184) further comprises a first end connected to the fluid path (142, 144) and a second end connected to the additional fluid path (142, 144). Traction battery (24) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp arrangement (60, 120) further comprises an additional leg (124) which defines at least a part of an additional fluid path (142, 144) which connects the flow channel of the second heat-conducting plate (66, 122, 184) to a return line of a fluid circulation system. Traction battery (24) according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises an additional electronic component (70, 138) arranged within a base surface of the clamp arrangement (60, 120), wherein the second heat-conducting plate (66, 122, 184) further comprises a first side facing the electronic component (68, 140) and a second side facing the additional electronic component (70, 138). Traction battery (24) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the leg (124) is attached to the first heat conducting plate (54, 114, 182). Traction battery (24) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp arrangement (60, 120) has four legs (64, 124) which are each connected to the first heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182) at a first end and to the second heat-conducting plate (66, 122, 184) at a second end. Traction battery (24) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the fluid path (142, 144) further comprises a channel (92, 94, 130, 132) extending through a length of the leg (124). Traction battery (24) comprising: a first heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182) arranged in a housing (52); cells (58) arranged on the first heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182); a second heat-conducting plate (66, 122, 184) spaced apart from the first heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182); a clamping arrangement (60, 120) that supports the second heat-conducting plate (66, 122, 184) and includes a leg (124) between the first and the second heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182, 66, 122, 184), wherein the leg (124) defines at least part of a fluid path (142, 144) that connects flow channels of the first and second heat-conducting plate (54, 114, 182, 66, 122, 184); and an electronic component (68, 140) that is arranged against the second heat-conducting plate (66, 122, 184). Traction battery (24) according to claim 10, wherein the second heat conducting plate (66, 122, 184) is integrated with the clamp arrangement (60, 120). Traction battery (24) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the leg (124) is attached to the first heat conducting plate (54, 114, 182). Traction battery (24) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the leg (124) further comprises an internal channel (130, 132) extending through a length of the leg (124), wherein the internal channel (130, 132) is part of the fluid path (142, 144). Traction battery (24) according to claim 13, wherein the channel (130, 132) is coupled to a connection (86, 88) defined in the first heat conducting plate (54, 114, 182). Traction battery (24) comprising: a housing (52) containing a heat-conducting plate (202) designed to circulate a fluid; cells (58) arranged on the heat-conducting plate (202); a platform (208) spaced apart from the heat-conducting plate (202); an electronic component (68, 140, 220) supported by the platform (208); and an array of heat tubes (214) designed to transfer heat from the electronic component (68, 140, 220) to the heat-conducting plate (202). Traction battery (24) according to claim 15, wherein each of the heat tubes (214) further comprises a first section (224) extending over at least a part of the platform (208) and a second section (226) extending over at least a part of the heat-conducting plate (202). Traction battery (24) according to claim 16, which further comprises a heat spreader (216), wherein each of the heat tubes (214) is connected to the heat spreader (216) at a first section (224). Traction battery (24) according to claim 17, wherein the electronic component (220) is attached to the heat spreader (216). Traction battery (24) according to one of claims 17 or 18, which further comprises an additional heat spreader (218) connected to the heat tubes (214) on the second section (226), wherein the additional heat spreader (218) is connected to the heat conducting plate (202). Traction battery (24) according to one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the array of heat tubes (214) is attached to the platform (208).

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