Compartment for accommodating a part capable of giving off heat

Abstract

The invention relates to a compartment (6) designed to receive a part capable of giving off heat during its operation, in particular said part being an electrochemical energy storage module. The compartment (6) comprises a lid, a tray (16) provided with a bottom wall (18) on which the part can be placed, and a side wall (20) designed to be assembled with the lid that closes the tray (16), the bottom wall (18) and the side wall (20) being in a single piece. The compartment (6) further comprises an outer plate (22) which is designed to be assembled on an outer assembly face (24) of the tray (16) or of the lid, in order to form at least one flow channel (26) for a heat transfer fluid.

Description

COMPARTMENT FOR RECEIVING A COMPONENT LIKELY TO RELEASE HEAT

[0001] The present invention relates to a compartment designed to house a component capable of generating heat during operation. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a compartment. [2] The invention relates in particular to a cooling compartment for at least one electrochemical storage module, especially for the automotive field. [3] Electrochemical storage modules, namely battery modules for electric or hybrid vehicles, must be maintained at the desired temperature as far as possible for optimal operation. To this end, temperature control devices are used to either cool or heat the modules to maintain them at the desired temperature. In particular, these temperature control devices include a compartment designed to house the battery modules. [4] Patent application DE 10 2015 1 15 875 A1 describes a battery module temperature control device with a compartment containing the modules. The walls forming the compartment are separate. Thus, they need to be assembled in several stages. [5] The invention aims to simplify the design and manufacture of the compartment. [6] The invention thus proposes a compartment arranged to receive a component capable of releasing heat during its operation, in particular this component being an electrochemical energy storage module, the compartment comprising: - a lid; - a container equipped with a base on which the component can be placed and a side wall designed to be assembled with the lid that closes the container, the base and side walls being a single piece; and an external plate arranged to be assembled on an external assembly face belonging to the tank or lid, to form at least one circulation channel for a heat transfer fluid. [7] Thus, thanks to the container whose bottom and side walls are made from a single piece, the number of components and the number of operations required to manufacture the compartment are reduced. Manufacturing the compartment becomes simpler. In this way, the production cost of the compartment is reduced. [8] Furthermore, the reduced number of components required to assemble the container decreases the risk of leaks (e.g., dust, liquids) from outside the compartment. The compartment's watertightness is thus improved, in particular, thanks to the container's single-piece base and side panels. The single-piece construction also eliminates the need for joining materials (e.g., glue, rubber, silicone), thereby reducing the container's weight. [9] According to one aspect of the invention, the bottom wall comprises a flat inner face on which the component can be placed.

[0010] 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.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the external assembly face is on the bottom wall or on the side wall or on the lid.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, when the outer plate is on the outer assembly face, this outer assembly face is arranged to allow heat exchange between the component and the heat transfer fluid.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the outer plate comprises a plurality of recessed areas forming a plurality of channels, for example two parallel circulation channels.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the outer plate has flat joining areas, in particular between the recessed areas, these flat joining areas being arranged to be supported against the outer face of assembly to form the circulation channel(s).

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the circulation channels, in cross-section, have a straight edge on the recessed area, this straight edge being opposite the external assembly face. Each channel is formed by the external assembly face and the external plate, each defining a portion of the channel's transverse perimeter.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the circulation channel communicates with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the circulation channels have a common inlet and outlet.

[0018] Thus, the common inlet and outlet simplify channel design. Alternatively, the inlet and outlet are formed on a plate belonging to the tank.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, each traffic channel has a plurality of bends.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the circulation channels has a U-shaped portion.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Thus, the presence of a plurality of bends created by the channel maximizes the exchange surface between the heat transfer fluid and the component, thereby optimizing heat exchange.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the channels occupy at least 50% of the surface of the outer plate, preferably at least 80% of the surface of the outer plate.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the channels are symmetrical with respect to a plane that intersects perpendicularly the plane of the external face of the assembly.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the circulation channels of the outer plate are produced by stamping.

[0026] Thus, stamping simplifies the manufacturing of channels.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat transfer fluid is a refrigerant fluid, in particular a fluid selected from the refrigerants R134a, R1234yf or R744.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat transfer fluid is itself cooled by an evaporative exchanger (called a "chiller" in English) connected to an air conditioning loop of the vehicle.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, each external face of the assembly or external plate is provided with at least one element that disrupts the flow of the heat transfer fluid, said disruptive elements protruding from the face intended to be in contact with the fluid.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one recessed area is provided with at least one disruptive element.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the disruptive elements has a circular, oval, ogive or chevron shape.

[0032] These shapes of the disturbing elements are intended to create a fluid regime in which a turbulent movement of the fluid is created, so that the heat exchange between the fluid and the circulation channel is optimal.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the container is made of a metal.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the outer plate is metal-based.

[0035] The metal is chosen from aluminium, an aluminium alloy, aluminium foam or steel, preferably aluminium alloy containing magnesium.

[0036] The metal tray or external metal plate has sufficient rigidity to ensure good mechanical protection.

[0037] Because of the good conductivity of the metal, when the component is placed, especially on a flat inner face of the tray, it is not necessary to use a conductive element such as thermal paste.

[0038] In particular, the aluminum alloy containing magnesium offers good machinability for the production of complex elements, and good resistance to creep at high temperatures, compared to conventional aluminum.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the container is based on a composite material or a plastic.

[0040] Thus, the container is lightened in weight while retaining optimal mechanical characteristics.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the outer plate is based on a composite material or a plastic.

[0042] Thus, the plate is reduced in weight while maintaining optimal mechanical characteristics.

[0043] The composite material consists of a polymer matrix and is loaded with reinforcing elements such as carbon or glass fibers.

[0044] The polymer matrix is ​​a thermoplastic such as ABS, PMMA, PE, PVC, PET, PP, PVC.

[0045] The plastic is a thermoplastic such as ABS, PMMA, PE, PVC, PET, PP, PVC.

[0046] It can be predicted that the external assembly face is made of metal and the external plate is made of plastic, specifically a composite polymer-based material.

[0047] It can be expected that the external assembly face and the external plate are made of plastic, specifically a composite polymer-based material.

[0048] It can be predicted that the external assembly face is made of metal and the external plate is made of metal.

[0049] It can be expected that the external assembly face and / or the external plate are made of aluminum, preferably an aluminum alloy containing magnesium.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the container is produced by stamping.

[0051] This manufacturing technique is suitable for forming the tank whose bottom wall and side wall are made in one piece.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the inner face of the side wall is provided with a recess arranged to receive the component.

[0053] This recess allows the component to remain stationary during transport. The component may be equipped with a fastening means, such as a tab that engages with the recess.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the lid further comprises at least one projection recessed relative to the main plane of the lid.

[0055] Thus, the recessed protrusion helps to immobilize the component during transport. The recessed protrusion is advantageous because it maintains the same weight as the lid.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, wherein the side wall of the tray includes a rim extending outwards from the side wall.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the rim is provided with at least one light.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the lid is provided with at least one light arranged to cooperate with the light from the edge of the side wall.

[0059] Thus, the lights are, for example, designed for conventional mechanical assembly methods, such as screwing or riveting, to secure the lid to the container in a watertight manner. Other methods such as welding or gluing can also be used.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the perimeter of the bottom wall of the tank has the shape of a polygon, in particular a rectangle.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the perimeter of the bottom wall of the tank has the shape of a circle, an oval, or an ellipsoid.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly of the outer plate and the outer face of assembly is carried out by a method chosen from gluing, welding, rolling, riveting.

[0063] In particular, welding and gluing methods have the advantage of not impacting the rigidity of the materials to be assembled.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the welding method is MIG (“metal inert gas welding”) - MAG (“metal active gas”) welding.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the welding method is laser welding.

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall is provided with at least one heat transfer fluid circulation zone and the compartment includes at least one tube comprising at least one flow channel for the circulating fluid, this tube being in fluidic communication with the heat transfer fluid circulation zone of the side wall and extending into an interior space of the compartment, in particular between two component locations.

[0067] This allows the components to be cooled efficiently thanks to the tube(s) which provide a larger heat exchange surface area.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall comprises at least one slot arranged to receive, in a sealed manner, one end of the tube so as to achieve fluid communication between the tube and the heat transfer fluid circulation zone of the side wall. This slot, facing inwards towards the compartment, has, for example, an elongated shape following the height of the compartment.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the slot in the side wall is bordered by an annular collar which rests, in a watertight manner, on a portion of the tube.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the tube has two main parallel faces, in particular two parallel flat faces.

[0071] Thus, the tube, via these faces, can present extensive thermal contact with the components to be cooled, which improves the overall thermal efficiency.

[0072] According to one aspect of the invention, the tube has a height greater than half the height of the side wall.

[0073] According to one aspect of the invention, the tube has a height less than the height of the side wall.

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the tube has several internal longitudinal cavities for the flow of heat transfer fluid, defining a plurality of channels.

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the tube is straight.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall comprises two opposite edges, in particular parallel, and the tube extends between these two opposite edges.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, the compartment comprises a plurality of tubes, in particular arranged in parallel. Thus, the side wall can be provided with two rows of slots, on two opposite faces of the side wall, each tube cooperating with two opposite slots.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, these tubes are placed between locations to receive the components to be cooled.

[0079] Thus, on either side of the tubes, there are components to be cooled.

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the component is cooled by two tubes arranged on either side of this component.

[0081] The invention thus makes it possible to cool the components on two opposite faces of it.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the tubes are of identical length.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the tubes are profiles, in particular made of aluminium or steel.

[0084] According to one aspect of the invention, the compartment comprises two heat transfer fluid circulation zones, one of the zones being a fluid inlet zone to the tube(s) and the other of the zones being a fluid outlet zone to evacuate the fluid that has circulated in the tube(s).

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, these two zones are on two opposite faces of the compartment.

[0086] The invention further 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 to exchange heat with this component placed on the inner face of the thermal regulation compartment.

[0087] The component may be an electrochemical energy storage module, in particular a battery module, comprising one or more battery cells, notably housed in a casing. The compartment may receive one or several modules. The modules can be arranged in the compartment in one or more parallel rows.

[0088] Each row comprises, for example, six modules. The compartment comprises, for example, two rows of six modules each, so that a total of twelve modules can be housed in this compartment. Each module can be fixed in the compartment using fasteners such as screws. Each module has, for example, a rectangular outline. Alternatively, this outline can be oval or circular.

[0089] Multiple battery modules form a battery pack. The packs are distributed throughout the vehicle floor.

[0090] According to one aspect of the invention, the component is an electrochemical energy storage module which is selected from Li-ion, Li-air, Lithium polymer, Lithium sulfur, Lithium metal, Na-ion, Na-air, K-ion, Mg-ion, or Zn-air type battery modules.

[0091] According to one aspect of the invention, the component is a fuel cell.

[0092] Alternatively, a fuel cell, in particular a PEMFC (proton exchange membrane fuel cell), can be housed in the compartment instead of battery modules.

[0093] According to one aspect of the invention, the component has a cylindrical, prismatic, rectangular, square, or hexagonal shape.

[0094] The shape of the compartment and that of the component are chosen so that a maximum number of components can be stored in the compartment at a given volume.

[0095] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a compartment of the invention, comprising the following step: - conform a sheet to obtain the back wall and the side wall in one piece.

[0096] Thus the bottom wall and the side wall of the tank are a single piece.

[0097] According to one aspect of the invention, the bottom wall and the side wall being made of metal, the method comprises the following step: - to shape the sheet which is made of metal, by stamping, to obtain the bottom wall and the side wall in one piece.

[0098] According to one aspect of the invention, the process includes a step of forming on the outer plate, a plurality of recessed areas forming a plurality of channels, for example two parallel circulation channels.

[0099] According to one aspect of the invention, the process includes a step of forming planar junction zones between recessed zones.

[0100] According to one aspect of the invention, the method includes a step of assembling the outer plate onto the outer face of assembly, this assembly step being carried out by gluing, welding, rolling or riveting.

[0101] In particular, welding and gluing methods have the advantage of not impacting the rigidity of the materials to be assembled.

[0102] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly step is carried out by MIG (“metal inert gas welding”) - MAG (“metal active gas”) welding.

[0103] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly step is carried out by laser welding.

[0104] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly step is preceded by a chemical attack or texturing of the external assembly face and / or the flat junction areas of the external plate.

[0105] Thus, the chemically etched or textured surface (modified surface, hereafter) exhibits regular micro-reliefs that optimize the contact angle of the liquid (e.g., adhesive) relative to the surface plane. For example, to improve the bond quality between the outer face of the assembly and flat junction areas of the outer plate, the modified surface can have regular patterns resulting in low surface tension of the liquid droplet (i.e., a shallow contact angle with the surface). Such a surface modification can also be applied to improve welding between two metal surfaces.

[0106] According to one aspect of the invention, the external assembly face is made of metal and the external plate is made of plastic, in particular a composite polymer-based material.

[0107] According to one aspect of the invention, the process further comprises a step of heating and deforming the external face of the metal assembly.

[0108] For the manufacturing process, it can be expected that the external assembly face and the external plate are made of plastic, specifically a composite material based on polymer.

[0109] For the manufacturing process, it can be expected that the external assembly face is made of metal and the external plate is made of metal.

[0110] For the manufacturing process, it can be expected that the external assembly face and / or the external plate are made of aluminum, preferably an aluminum alloy containing magnesium.

[0111] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0112] - Figure 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an assembly according to the invention comprising a lid and a container;

[0113] - Figure 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the whole of Figure 1 without the lid, fitted with components;

[0114] - Figure 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the tank without the components;

[0115] - Figure 4 schematically illustrates a view from below the compartment;

[0116] - Figure 5 illustrates, schematically and partially, a perspective view of an external plate assembled on an external assembly face belonging to the tank, thus forming circulation channels for a heat transfer fluid;

[0117] - Figure 6 illustrates, schematically and partially, an enlarged front view of Figure 5, highlighting the directions of fluid flow heat transfer fluid intended to circulate in the circulation channels according to a first embodiment;

[0118] - Figure 7 illustrates, schematically and partially, a cross-sectional view of the circulation channels according to a second embodiment;

[0119] - Figure 8 illustrates, schematically and partially, a cross-sectional view of the circulation channels according to a third embodiment;

[0120] - Figure 9 illustrates, schematically and partially, a perspective view of an assembly according to an example of implementation of the invention;

[0121] - Figure 10 illustrates, schematically, a view of the whole of Figure 9, from below;

[0122] - Figure 11 illustrates, schematically, a cross-sectional view of the compartment in Figure 9;

[0123] - Figure 12 illustrates, schematically, a detailed view of the compartment in Figure 9;

[0124] - Figure 13 illustrates, schematically, another detailed view of the compartment in Figure 9.

[0125] In what follows, on the drawings, the same numerical references designate the same elements or organs.

[0126] Figures 1 and 2 show a perspective view of an assembly 2 comprising components 4 and a compartment 6, arranged to exchange heat with these components 4 placed on an internal face 8 of the compartment 6.

[0127] Each component 4 is an electrochemical energy storage module. In particular, each component 4 is a battery module, comprising one or more battery cells housed in a casing.

[0128] The electrochemical energy storage module is chosen from battery modules of the type Li-ion, Li-air, Lithium polymer, Lithium sulfur, Lithium metal, Na-ion, Na-air, K-ion, Mg-ion, or Zn-air.

[0129] In the example described, compartment 6 receives twelve modules, which are arranged in compartment 6 in two parallel rows.

[0130] As can be seen in Figure 2, each module is fixed in compartment 6 by means of fasteners such as screws 12. Each module has a rectangular outline. Alternatively, this outline can be oval or circular.

[0131] Alternatively, component 4 is a fuel cell.

[0132] In other words, it can be expected that a fuel cell, in particular of the PEMFC type (proton exchange membrane fuel cell), will be housed in compartment 6 in place of battery modules.

[0133] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the compartment 6 comprises a lid 14 and a tray 16 having a bottom wall 18 on which the component 4 is placed and a side wall 20 which is arranged to be assembled with the lid 14 closing the tray 16, the bottom wall 18 and the side wall 20 being in one piece.

[0134] As can be seen in Figures 4 to 6, compartment 6 further includes an external plate 22 arranged to be assembled on an external assembly face 24 belonging to the tray 16, to form circulation channels 26 for a heat transfer fluid.

[0135] Thus, thanks to the container 16, whose bottom wall 18 and side wall 20 are made in one piece, the number of components and operations required to manufacture compartment 6 is reduced. Manufacturing compartment 6 becomes simpler. In this way, the production cost of compartment 6 is reduced.

[0136] The cover 14 further includes eight recessed projections 31 relative to the main plane of the cover 30.

[0137] The side wall 20 of the container 16 includes a rim 32 extending outwards from the side wall 20.

[0138] The rim 32 is fitted with a plurality of lights 34.

[0139] The lid 14 is provided with a plurality of lights 34 arranged to cooperate with the lights 34 of the rim 32 of the side wall 20.

[0140] Thus, the lights 34 are, for example, intended for conventional mechanical assembly methods, such as screwing or riveting, in order to fix the cover 14 to the tray 16 in a watertight manner.

[0141] The perimeter of the bottom wall 18 of the tank 16 has a rectangular shape.

[0142] The heat transfer fluid is a refrigerant, specifically a fluid chosen from among the refrigerants R134a, R1234yf or R744.

[0143] The heat transfer fluid is itself cooled by an evaporative heat exchanger (called a "chiller" in English, not shown) connected to a vehicle air conditioning loop, not shown.

[0144] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the bottom wall 18 includes the flat inner face 8 on which the components 4 are placed.

[0145] Thus, the contact surface between component 4 and the bottom wall 18 is maximized so that the heat exchange between the bottom wall 18 and component 4 is optimized.

[0146] As illustrated in Figure 3, the inner face 8 of the side wall 20 is provided with a plurality of recesses 36 arranged to receive the components 4.

[0147] Thus, these recesses 36 allow the components 4 to remain stationary during transport. The components 4 can be fitted with fastening means such as tabs 38 cooperating with the recesses 36.

[0148] The external assembly face 24 is on the bottom wall 18 or on the side wall 20 or on the cover 14.

[0149] In this example illustrated in figures 4 to 5, the external assembly face 24 of the bottom wall 18 corresponds to a first embodiment according to the invention.

[0150] The second and third embodiments are shown respectively in figures 7 and 8. These two other embodiments relate respectively to an external assembly face 42 of the cover 14 or an external assembly face 44 of the side wall 20. The other features describing the first embodiment also apply to the second and third embodiments.

[0151] As can be seen in Figures 4 to 6, the external plate 22 is on the 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 the heat transfer fluid.

[0152] The outer plate 22 has a plurality of recessed areas 46 forming a plurality of channels 26, for example two parallel circulation channels 26.

[0153] The outer plate 22 has flat joining zones 48, in particular between the recessed zones 46, these flat joining zones 48 being arranged to bear against the outer assembly face 24 to form the circulation channels 26.

[0154] The circulation channels 26, in cross section, have a straight edge 50 on the recessed area 46, a straight edge 50 which is opposite the external assembly face 24.

[0155] Each channel 26 is formed by the external assembly face 24 and the external plate 22, each of which defines a portion of the transverse perimeter of the channel 26.

[0156] The circulation channel 26 communicates with a fluid inlet 52 and a fluid outlet 54.

[0157] As can be seen in figures 1 to 2 and 4, the 26 circulation channels have a common inlet 52 and outlet 54.

[0158] Thus, the shared input 52 and output 54 simplify channel design. In this example, these input 52 and output 54 are formed on a plate 56 belonging to tray 16.

[0159] Still in the example of figure 4, each traffic channel 26 has a plurality of turns.

[0160] 26 of the circulation channels present a U-shaped section.

[0161] In this example, the seven parallel channels 26 each have a U-shaped portion, with one of the U-shaped portions being inside the other U-shaped portion.

[0162] Thus, the presence of a plurality of bends created by the channels 26 maximizes the exchange surface between the heat transfer fluid and the components 4, thereby optimizing heat exchange.

[0163] The channels 26 are symmetrical with respect to a plane which intersects perpendicularly the plane of the external face of assembly 24.

[0164] The 26 circulation channels of the external plate 22 are produced by stamping.

[0165] As can be seen in figures 5 to 8, each external face of assembly 24 or external plate 22 is provided with several elements 58 that disrupt the flow of the heat transfer fluid, said disruptive elements 58 protruding from the face intended to be in contact with the fluid.

[0166] As illustrated in figures 5 to 8, recessed areas 46 are provided with the disruptive elements 58.

[0167] In this example, the 58 disruptive elements have a chevron shape.

[0168] These forms of the disturbing elements 58 are intended to create a fluid regime in which a turbulent movement of the fluid is created, so that the heat exchange between the fluid and the circulation channel 26 is optimal.

[0169] The 16-gauge tub is made of a metal.

[0170] Advantageously, the outer plate 22 is made of a metal.

[0171] The metal is chosen from aluminium, an aluminium alloy, or steel, preferably aluminium alloy containing magnesium.

[0172] The metal tray 16 or the external metal plate 22 has sufficient rigidity to ensure good mechanical protection.

[0173] Because of the good conductivity of the metal, when component 4 is placed on a flat inner face 8 of tray 4, it is not necessary to put a conductive element such as thermal paste.

[0174] In particular, the aluminum alloy containing magnesium offers good machinability for the production of complex elements, and good resistance to creep at high temperatures, compared to conventional aluminum.

[0175] Alternatively, tray 16 is made from a composite material or plastic.

[0176] Thus, the 16-liter container is lightened in weight while maintaining optimal mechanical characteristics.

[0177] The 16-liter container is produced by stamping.

[0178] This manufacturing technique is suitable for forming the tank 16, the bottom wall 18 and the side wall 20 of which are made in one piece.

[0179] Alternatively, the outer plate 22 is made of a composite material or a plastic.

[0180] Thus, plate 22 is reduced in weight while maintaining optimal mechanical characteristics.

[0181] The composite material consists of a polymer matrix and is loaded with reinforcing elements such as carbon or glass fibers.

[0182] The polymer matrix is ​​a thermoplastic such as ABS, PMMA, PE, PVC, PET, PP, PVC.

[0183] The plastic is a thermoplastic such as ABS, PMMA, PE, PVC, PET, PP, PVC.

[0184] It can be predicted that the external assembly face 24 is made of metal and the external plate 22 is made of plastic, in particular a composite material based on polymer.

[0185] It can be predicted that the external assembly face 24 is made of metal and the external plate 22 is made of metal.

[0186] It can be expected that the external assembly face 24 and / or the external plate 22 are made of aluminum, preferably of aluminum alloy containing magnesium.

[0187] The assembly of the outer plate 22 and the outer face of assembly (24) is carried out by a method chosen from gluing, welding, rolling, riveting.

[0188] In particular, welding and gluing methods have the advantage of not impacting the rigidity of the materials to be assembled.

[0189] Advantageously, the welding method is MIG (“metal inert gas welding”) - MAG (“metal active gas”) welding.

[0190] The welding method is laser welding.

[0191] Figures 9 to 13 show compartment 6 comprising the side wall 20 which is provided with at least one zone 70 for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid and compartment 6 comprising at least one tube 80 comprising at least one channel 82 for the flow of the circulating fluid, this tube 80 being in fluidic communication with the zone 70 for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid of the side wall 20 and extending into an interior space 81 of compartment 6, in particular between two locations for components 4.

[0192] In the example described in Figures 9 to 13, compartment 6 accommodates two rows of six modules each, so that a total of twelve modules are housed in compartment 6. Each module can be fixed in compartment 6 using fasteners such as screws (not shown). Each module has a rectangular outline.

[0193] Compartment 6 includes: - a back wall 18 arranged to receive components 4, - a side wall 20 connecting to the bottom wall 18 and provided with two zones 70 for the circulation of heat transfer fluid, - tubes 80 each comprising parallel channels 82 for the flow of circulating fluid, these tubes 80 being in fluidic communication, at their ends, with the heat transfer fluid circulation zones 70 of the side wall 20.

[0194] The tubes 80 extend into an internal space 81 of compartment 6, between component locations 4.

[0195] The side wall 20, which forms the perimeter of compartment 6, includes slots 84, each arranged to receive, in a sealed manner, one end of one of the tubes 80, thus establishing fluid communication between the tube 80 and the corresponding heat transfer fluid circulation zone 70. This slot 84, facing inwards towards compartment 6, has an elongated shape following the height H of compartment 6.

[0196] Each slot 84 is bordered by an annular collar 85 which rests, in a watertight manner, on a portion of the tube 80, as can be clearly seen in figure 12.

[0197] Each tube 80 has two parallel flat principal faces 86. Its height ht is greater than half the height H of the lateral wall 20 and less than the height H of the lateral wall.

[0198] Each tube 80 is straight and has several internal longitudinal cavities 87 for the flow of heat transfer fluid, defining the plurality of channels 82.

[0199] The side wall 20 comprises two opposite faces 89, parallel, and the tubes 80 extend between these two opposite edges 89.

[0200] In the example described, compartment 6 includes two zones 70 for the circulation of heat transfer fluid, one of the zones 70 being a fluid inlet zone to the tube(s) and the other of the zones 70 being a fluid outlet zone to remove the fluid that has circulated in the tubes 80.

[0201] These two zones 70 are on two opposite faces 89 of compartment 6.

[0202] The 80 tubes are arranged in parallel.

[0203] The side wall 20 is provided with two rows of slots 84, on the two opposite faces 89 of the side wall 20, each tube 80 cooperating with two opposite slots 84.

[0204] These 80 tubes, of identical length, are placed between slots to receive the 4 components to be cooled.

[0205] Thus, on either side of the 80 tubes, there are 4 components to be cooled.

[0206] The tubes 80 are arranged perpendicularly to the fluid circulation zones 70.

[0207] The 80 tubes are profiles, made of aluminum or steel.

[0208] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing compartment 6 comprising the following step: - conform a sheet to obtain the bottom wall 18 and the side wall 20 in one piece.

[0209] Thus the bottom wall 18 and the side wall 20 of the tank 16 are in one piece.

[0210] Since the bottom wall 18 and the side wall 20 are made of metal, the process comprises the following step: - to shape the metal sheet by stamping, to obtain the bottom wall 18 and the side wall 20 in one piece.

[0211] The process includes a formation step on the outer plate 22, of a plurality of recessed areas 46 forming seven parallel circulation channels 26.

[0212] The process includes a step of forming the planar junction zones 48 between the recessed zones 46.

[0213] The process includes a step of assembling the outer plate 22 onto the outer assembly face 24, this assembly step being carried out by gluing, welding, rolling or riveting.

[0214] In particular, welding and gluing methods have the advantage of not impacting the rigidity of the materials to be assembled.

[0215] For the manufacturing process of the compartment, the assembly step is done by MIG welding (“metal inert gas welding”) - MAG (“metal active gas”).

[0216] This method proves to be particularly effective in optimizing the welding interface between the outer plate 22 and the outer face of the assembly 24.

[0217] Alternatively, the assembly step is preceded by a chemical attack or texturing of the external assembly face 24 and / or the planar junction zones 48 of the external plate 22.

[0218] Nomenclature 2: together 4: component 6: compartment 8: inner face of the bottom wall 10: inner face of the side wall 12: screw 14: lid 16: baccalaureate 18: back wall 20: side wall 22: outer plate 24: External face for assembly on the back wall 26: circulation channel(s) 30: Main view of the lid 31: recessed projection 32: edge 34: light 36: Recess on the inner face of the side wall 38: tab 42: outer face of the lid 44: external face of the side wall 46: recessed area of ​​the outer plate 48: Plane junction zone 50: Right edge on the recessed area 52: Fluid inlet 54: Fluid outlet 56: platinum 58: disruptive element 61: External side plate 62: main flat face 63: orifice 64: nozzle 70: Side wall circulation zone 80: tube 81: Interior space 82: tube channel 84: slots 85: ring collar 86: main flat faces 87: Internal longitudinal cavities 89: opposite faces

Claims

Demands

1. Compartment (6) arranged to receive a component (4) capable of generating heat during its operation, in particular this component (4) being an electrochemical energy storage module, the compartment (4) comprising: - a lid (14); - a container (16) provided with a bottom wall (18) on which the component (4) can be placed and a side wall (20) which is arranged to be assembled with the lid (14) closing the container (16), the bottom wall (18) and the side wall (20) being a single piece; and - an external plate (22) arranged to be assembled on an external assembly face (24; 42; 44) belonging to the tank (16) or the cover (14), to form at least one circulation channel (26) for a heat transfer fluid.

2. Compartment according to claim 1, in which the bottom wall (18) includes a flat inner face (8) on which the component (4) can be placed.

3. Compartment according to claim 1 or 2, in which the external assembly face (24; 42; 44) is on the bottom wall (18) or on the side wall (20) or on the cover (14).

4. Compartment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the outer plate (22) is on the outer assembly face (24; 42; 44), this outer assembly face (24; 42; 44) is arranged to allow heat exchange between component (4) and the heat transfer fluid.

5. Compartment according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each channel (26) is formed by the external assembly face (24; 42; 44) and the external plate (22) which each define a portion of the transverse perimeter of the channel (26).

6. Compartment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer plate (22) comprises a plurality of recessed areas (46) forming a plurality of channels (26), for example two parallel circulation channels (26).

7. Compartment according to claim 6, wherein the outer plate (22) has flat joining zones (48), in particular between the recessed zones (46), these flat joining zones (48) being arranged to be supported against the outer face of assembly (24; 42; 44) to form the circulation channel(s) (26).

8. Compartment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (20) is provided with at least one zone (70) for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid and the compartment (6) comprising at least one tube (80) comprising at least one channel (82) for the flow of circulating fluid, such tube (80) being in fluidic communication with the circulation zone of the heat transfer fluid of the side wall (20) and extending into an interior space (81) of the compartment (6), in particular between two locations for components (4).

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

10. A method for manufacturing a compartment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following step: - Shape a sheet to obtain the bottom wall (18) and the side wall (20) in one piece.

11. A manufacturing method according to claim 10, the bottom wall (18) and the side wall (20) being made of metal, the method comprises the following step: - shaping the sheet which is made of metal, by stamping, to obtain the bottom wall (18) and the side wall (20) in one piece.

12. A manufacturing method according to claim 10 or 11, comprising a step of forming on the outer plate (22) a plurality of recessed areas (46) forming a plurality of channels (26), for example two parallel circulation channels (26).

13. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising a step of assembling the outer plate (22) onto the outer assembly face (24; 42; 44), this assembly step being carried out by bonding, welding, rolling, or riveting.

14. A manufacturing method according to claim 13, wherein the assembly step is carried out by MIG (metal inert gas welding) - MAG (metal active gas welding).

15. A manufacturing method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the assembly step is preceded by a chemical attack or texturing of the external assembly face (24; 42; 44) and / or the planar junction areas (48) of the external plate (22).

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