Thermal regulation device incorporating structures with heat transfer fluid circulation

Abstract

Title: Thermal regulation device comprising heat transfer fluid circulation structures. The invention relates to a thermal regulation device (1) comprising heat transfer fluid circulation structures (3) configured to be placed in contact with temperature-sensitive components (2), in particular battery cells, and at least one linking device (30) configured to link together at least two, in particular two, heat transfer fluid circulation structures (3) with a clamping force sufficient for these structures (3) to hold the components clamped against the structures (3). Abstract figure: Fig. 7

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal regulation device comprising structures for circulating heat transfer fluid

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device comprising structures for circulating heat transfer fluid configured to be placed in contact with components whose operation is sensitive to temperature.

[0002] The heat transfer fluid circulation structures are in particular configured to form a thermal regulation device for cooling and / or heating components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, these components being in particular intended for energy storage and possibly being battery cells.

[0003] It is known nowadays to equip electric, thermal or hybrid vehicles with electrical energy storage components allowing an electrical supply to the various elements of the vehicle. These electrical energy storage components are generally composed of electrical energy storage cells positioned in a battery pack. Automobile manufacturers are currently seeking to provide more powerful electric or hybrid vehicles, with increased electric autonomy. To this end, more and more battery packs, and / or increasingly larger battery packs, are installed on these electric or hybrid vehicles. It is known to install all or at least part of these battery packs at the level of the vehicle floor, substantially over the entire width of the vehicle.It is understood that, during vehicle operation, battery packs can release a significant amount of heat and therefore be subject to temperature increases which can, in some cases, cause them to be damaged or even destroyed. Consequently, their cooling is essential in order to keep them in good condition and thus ensure the reliability, autonomy and performance of the vehicle. Furthermore, the operation of battery packs can be less efficient in the event of low temperatures, as the electrical or electronic components equipping these battery packs then need time to warm up before operating at full capacity.To do this, one or more thermal regulation devices intended to regulate the temperature of the battery packs are implemented to ensure the heating and / or cooling functions of the electrical or electronic components inside these battery packs and thus optimize the operation of the different components. These thermal regulation devices are generally traversed by a heat transfer fluid which can, depending on the needs, either absorb the heat emitted by each battery pack in order to cool it or provide heat if the temperature of the battery pack is insufficient for its proper operation. It is notably known, . in battery packs where electrical energy storage cells are arranged vertically next to each other so as to form a plurality of successive rows of cells, to have thermal regulation devices having a tube arranged between two rows of cells and within which heat transfer fluid is able to circulate. The contact between the tube and the cells allows an evacuation, or an input, of calories via the heat transfer fluid. To manage the arrival and evacuation of the heat transfer fluid, a fluid collection box is arranged at one end of the tube and heat transfer fluid inlet and outlet conduits are connected to this collection box.The heat transfer fluid arriving through this inlet pipe flows at least partly into the tube via a first collection chamber provided in the collection box, while the fluid leaving the tube, after having recovered calories for example to lower the temperature of the battery pack, flows into the discharge pipe via a second collection chamber also provided in the collection box.

[0004] The invention thus relates to a thermal regulation device comprising structures for circulating heat transfer fluid configured to be placed in contact with components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, in particular battery cells, and at least one connecting device configured to connect together at least two, in particular two, structures for circulating heat transfer fluid with a chosen clamping force sufficient for these structures to be able to hold the components clamped against the structures.

[0005] Thanks to the connecting device, in particular due to its geometry and its placement, it is possible to ensure the mechanical stability of an assembly formed by the thermal regulation device and the components which are sandwiched between these heat transfer fluid circulation structures. In particular, the connecting device(s) guarantee the relative placement of the heat transfer fluid circulation structures which are in contact with, or even partially envelop, the components or cells, and at the same time ensure the mechanical rigidity of the assembly. In this way, it is possible to produce a Cell-to-Pack type assembly, i.e. an assembly with battery cells held in mechanical cohesion without having to place them in a module housing. This type of Cell-to-Pack assembly can facilitate the integration of the battery cells on a vehicle.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting device comprises at least one pair of clamping elements each engaged with one of the heat transfer fluid circulation structures.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the clamping element has an elongated shape, along an extension axis.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, each clamping element forms a pin, especially in plastic.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the clamping element, in particular the pin, has a height at least equal to the height of the component, in particular of a battery cell.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the clamping element, in particular the pin, has a height greater than the height of the component, in particular of a battery cell, in particular this clamping element protrudes above and below the heat transfer fluid circulation structure.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the clamping element, in particular the pin, has a circular cross-section. Alternatively, this cross-section may be polygonal, for example square or hexagonal.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat transfer fluid circulation structure comprises a bundle of hollow fibers, in particular made of polymer material, defining the longitudinal heat transfer fluid circulation channels.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, these fibers are impregnated with a thermosetting resin (for example a Polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD), Epoxy, Polyimide, Silicone, or Polyurethane resin) or a thermoplastic (for example a phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin, a polyamide (PA), a polyethylene PE).

[0014] Thus, the heat transfer fluid circulates inside these fibers so that the heat exchange surface is high. The impregnation matrix in which the fibers are located advantageously has adequate thermal conductivity to guarantee heat transfer to the components to be cooled / heated.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the manufacture of the heat transfer fluid circulation structure with fibers involves a step of placing the fibers according to the profile required for the structure, and the subsequent coating / impregnation of the matrix.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat transfer fluid circulation structure comprises an extruded tube with the channels therein. The extruded tube may be made of metal, in particular aluminum. Alternatively, the extruded tube may be made of plastic, for example PVC Nitrile, polyoxymethylene (POM), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS), polyurethane (PU).

[0017] In this case, the channels are formed during extrusion.

[0018] When the heat transfer fluid circulation structure has a sheet shape with a corrugation, the clamping element, in particular the pin, is inserted into a hollow of the corrugation.

[0019] These clamping elements are held tight against the heat transfer fluid circulation structures.

[0020] The undulations of the heat transfer fluid circulation structure make it possible to best fit the perimeter of the components, in particular the battery cells, in particular to thus effectively cool these components.

[0021] The number of clamping elements may be equal to the total number of components to be placed within the thermal regulation device.

[0022] Alternatively, the number of clamping elements may be less than the number of components to be placed within the thermal regulation device.

[0023] Generally speaking, the number of clamping elements and their placement within the assembly are chosen to ensure the mechanical cohesion of the assembly.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting device comprises a joining member forming the connection between at least one pair of clamping elements.

[0025] Thus the connecting device can comprise several assembled parts, namely clamping elements and one or more joining members.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the joining member comprises a spacer secured to at least one pair of clamping elements and defining an inter-distance between the two clamping elements of the pair.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the spacer may be fixed to the clamping elements using an adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, this fixing is achieved by forcefully engaging the clamping elements on the spacer.

[0028] This spacer ensures a suitable distance between the clamping elements of the pair, to keep the heat transfer fluid circulation structures clamped together. In other words, this spacer prevents unwanted separation of the heat transfer fluid circulation structures.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the spacer is made of plastic material or metallic material.

[0030] Made of plastic, the spacer can provide the necessary tension due to its elasticity.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting device may be made of one or more materials having a fire protection property. For example, this or these materials have the property of delaying the spread of fire, for example by containing mica in sheet form. The connecting device may comprise a fire-resistant coating, for example based on mica and aluminum, preferably a mica-silicone composite wall coated with a thin layer of embossed aluminum. For example, a 100% mica core (for example between 0.1 and 1 mm thick) covered with a smooth or embossed aluminum sheet (for example between 0.05 and 0.5 mm thick) may be provided. In a variant, the connecting device may comprise a ceramic fabric covered with an aluminum sheet as a heat shield.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, each pair of clamping elements is assembled by two joining members present respectively at each end of the clamping elements.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the spacer is configured to form the junction between only two clamping elements.

[0034] Thus each spacer is dedicated to a single pair of clamping elements.

[0035] Alternatively, the spacer is common to three, or four or more, clamping elements.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the clamping elements are arranged in at least one row, and the spacer is common to all the clamping elements in this row.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the rows of clamping elements are assembled respectively to a plurality of spacers arranged parallel to each other, these spacers being in particular identical.

[0038] Alternatively, the joining member comprises a single spacer configured to hold all the clamping elements of the assembly.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the spacer comprises a plate with at least two holes into which the clamping elements are inserted.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate has an elongated shape with two holes at each end for receiving the pair of clamping elements.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate has a V shape with three orifices respectively at the two ends and in the middle of the V.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate comprises as many orifices as there are components that can be placed in the assembly.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the spacer has a surface area such that this spacer extends opposite only some of the components placed between the heat transfer fluid circulation structures, for example opposite only two or three components.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the spacer has a surface area such that this spacer extends opposite all the components placed between the structures with circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the spacer is arranged without contact with the components, in particular the battery cells.

[0046] In other words, the spacer has a spacing with the components.

[0047] Alternatively, at least one spacer, or even both spacers, at each end of the connecting device, are configured to be in contact with the components so as to prevent them from moving along an extension axis of the clamping elements.

[0048] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the joining member comprises one or more wires configured to ensure the joining between two clamping elements.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, this wire or these wires join two clamping elements and have sufficient tension to bind together two structures with circulation of heat transfer fluid with a chosen clamping force.

[0050] According to another aspect of the invention, the connecting device is configured as a comb whose teeth join at least two structures for circulating heat transfer fluid.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting device comprises several combs configured to cooperate with two heat transfer fluid circulation structures, at different locations along these heat transfer fluid circulation structures.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the comb-shaped connecting device engages with all the structures with circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0053] In other words, with a single comb, it is possible to engage all structures with circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the combs extend transversely to the heat transfer fluid circulation structures.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting device is composed of parts distinct from the heat transfer fluid circulation structures and which are mechanically assembled with these structures.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting device is independent of any fluidic function, namely that it does not have any flow of heat transfer fluid within it.

[0057] Preferably, the connecting device does not directly hold the components, for example battery cells, in the sense that this connecting device may not be in contact with the components. It is the clamping on the heat transfer fluid circulation structures which ensures that the components are held together in the assembly.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly comprises two connecting devices between which the heat transfer fluid circulation structures are placed, in particular one of the connecting devices being placed above the heat transfer fluid circulation structures and the other of the connecting devices being placed below these heat transfer fluid circulation structures.

[0059] Thus, the structures with heat transfer fluid circulation can be maintained both on the top and on the bottom.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting device(s) according to the invention are distinct from a housing which houses the assembly according to the invention. In particular, the connecting device(s) according to the invention are distinct from lower or upper walls of a housing housing the assembly.

[0061] The invention also relates to an assembly formed from the regulating device thermal as described above, and components, in particular battery cells, which are sandwiched between heat transfer fluid circulation structures of the thermal regulation device.

[0062] The connecting device(s) ensure the relative placement of the heat transfer fluid circulation structures which are in contact with, or even partially envelop, the components or cells, and at the same time ensure the mechanical rigidity of the assembly. In this way, it is possible to produce a Cell-to-Pack type assembly, i.e. an assembly with battery cells held in mechanical cohesion without having to place them in a module housing.

[0063] The invention also relates to a method for forming a battery pack comprising the step of enclosing battery cells between heat transfer fluid circulation structures of the thermal regulation device as mentioned above, so as to maintain these cells in mechanical cohesion.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, in the method, clamping elements are placed in contact with the structures with circulation of heat transfer fluid, clamping elements which are held by two joining members, in particular present respectively at each end of the clamping elements.

[0065] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, provided for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, and the appended drawings in which:

[0066] [Fig. 1] is a perspective representation of a battery pack comprising several electrical energy storage cells and a plurality of heat transfer fluid circulation structures according to the invention;

[0067] [Fig.2] is a side view of the battery pack of [Fig.l];

[0068] [Fig.3] is a perspective representation of several bundles of hollow fibers equipping the thermal regulation device illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;

[0069] [Fig.4] is a profile representation of a thermal regulation device according to another embodiment;

[0070] [Fig.5] is a perspective representation of a bundle of hollow fibers for channels in several structures of a thermal control device according to another embodiment;

[0071] [Fig.6] is a side view schematizing the heat transfer fluid flows obtained using the bundle of hollow fibers of [Fig.5];

[0072] [Fig.7] is a schematic view of a cell pack assembled with a device of connection according to the invention;

[0073] [Fig.8] is a schematic view, after assembly, of a pair of connecting elements with joining elements of the connecting device of [Fig.7];

[0074] [Fig.9] is a schematic view, before assembly, of a pair of connecting elements with connecting elements of the connecting device of [Fig.7];

[0075] [Fig. 10] is a schematic view of a spacer of a connecting device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0076] [Fig. 11] is a schematic view of a spacer of a connecting device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0077] [Fig. 12] is a schematic view of a cell pack assembled with a connecting device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0078] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0079] Figures 1 and 2 show a module 100 comprising a thermal regulation device 1, and components 2, here battery cells of a motor vehicle. These battery cells 2, of cylindrical shape, are of the lithium-ion type. Other types of battery can of course be envisaged.

[0080] Cells 2 are arranged in parallel rows.

[0081] The thermal regulation device 1 comprises a plurality of heat transfer fluid circulation structures 3 configured to be assembled, each heat transfer fluid circulation structure 3 comprising a plurality of longitudinal heat transfer fluid circulation channels 4 formed next to each other.

[0082] Each structure 3 for circulation of heat transfer fluid has a sheet shape shaped so as to define a plurality of holding housings 5 ​​for each housing and holding one of the cells 2, and the longitudinal channels 4 for circulation of heat transfer fluid are configured so that their paths are adjacent to the housing 5 for the purpose of heat exchanges with the cell 2 housed in this housing 5.

[0083] The heat transfer fluid is, for example, glycolated water.

[0084] The holding housings 5 ​​serve not only to hold the cells 2 to be cooled / heated, but also to increase the heat exchange surface in contact with the cells 2, and to define a center distance between rows of cells 2.

[0085] The holding housings 5 ​​each have a generally cylindrical shape with axis Z, and extend from a longitudinal edge 6 with axis X of the structure 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid, to an opposite longitudinal edge 7 of this structure 3, these opposite edges 6 and 7 being parallel to each other.

[0086] The successive holding housings 5 ​​are traversed, one after the other, by the longitudinal channels 4 for circulating heat transfer fluid, channels which envelop each cell 2 over a portion of the perimeter, so as to cool and / or heat each cell 2 held in the associated holding housing 5.

[0087] The longitudinal channels 4 for circulating heat transfer fluid extend perpendicular to the Z axis of the holding housings 5.

[0088] Each holding housing 5 has, in profile view, a C-shape, defining an insertion slot 8 for the cell 2 in the housing 5.

[0089] The C-shaped profile matches the shape of the cell 2. This maximizes the heat exchange surface between the structure 3 and the cell 2, which ensures efficient cooling / heating. The C-shaped profile can wrap around the perimeter of the battery cell 2 by at least 180°, or at least 200° or at least 270°.

[0090] The insertion slot 8 extends along the Z axis, along the entire length of the housing 5.

[0091] Each insertion slot 8 is defined between two parallel strips 9 spaced apart from the structure 3.

[0092] When inserting cell 2 through this insertion slot 8, these two strips 9 move away from each other by a slight elasticity given by the shape of the structure 3, before moving closer again, once cell 2 is inserted into housing 5. Structure 3 thus defines a sort of clip which firstly allows cell 2 to be inserted and then imprisoned in the housing.

[0093] Each holding housing 5 is formed between two adjacent corrugations 10 of the structure 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0094] Each of these undulations 10 has, in profile view, a shape in the Greek letter Omega, namely with a base 11 with two branches 12 and, at its top, a rounded head 14.

[0095] The longitudinal channels 4 thus successively travel through one of these undulations 10, following a path imposed by the shape of the Greek letter Omega, then the other of these undulations 10, following a path imposed by the shape of the Greek letter Omega of this undulation.

[0096] The undulations 10 may have profiles different from a Greek letter Omega shape.

[0097] The sheet-shaped structure 3 thus comprises a succession of undulations 10 defining a succession of holding housings 5.

[0098] The structure 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid thus appears as a sheet with folds which define undulations between which the cells 2 are held.

[0099] In the example described, the undulations 10, all identical, are spaced from each other with an observed pitch.

[0100] The undulations 10 of the structure have bases 11 which are tangent to a plane geometric PG.

[0101] In the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the undulations 10 of the structure 3 comprise, at their apexes, a rounded head 14, concave on the side of the base 11, which touches a cell 2 of the neighboring row along a contact line.

[0102] In a variant of the invention illustrated in [Fig.4], the corrugations 10 of the structure 3 comprise, at their apexes, a head 15 having a rounded shape, concave on the side of a neighboring cell 2 (therefore opposite the base 11), coming to fit this cell 2 which is part of a row of cells other than the row of cells which are cooled / heated by the base 11 of the corrugations 10. Thus the corrugations 10 can be used to cool two parallel rows of cells.

[0103] In the example described, the structure 3 for circulation of heat transfer fluid comprises bundles of hollow fibers 17 (visible in [Fig. 3]), in particular made of polymer material, defining the longitudinal channels 4 for circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0104] These fibers 17 are impregnated with a thermosetting resin (for example a Polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD), Epoxy, Polyimide, Silicone, or Polyurethane resin) or a thermoplastic (for example a phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin, a polyamide (PA), a polyethylene PE).

[0105] The heat transfer fluid circulates inside these fibers 17.

[0106] The thermal regulation device 1 further comprises intermediate structures 20 in contact with the structures 3 for circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0107] Each intermediate structure 20 is tangent to the succession of undulations 10, at their bases 11, of the neighboring structure 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0108] The structures 3 for circulation of heat transfer fluid have longitudinal edges parallel to the longitudinal edges of the intermediate structures 20.

[0109] Each intermediate structure 20, which is flat, is in contact, on each of these faces, with a structure 3 for circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0110] Two structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid are arranged side by side, with an offset so that a corrugation 10 of one of the structures is located between two corrugations of the neighboring structure, to maintain and cool / heat each a row of cells 2.

[0111] These structures 3 with side-by-side circulation of heat transfer fluid, for cooling / heating two parallel rows, are placed together between two parallel intermediate structures 20.

[0112] The intermediate structure 20 comprises a plurality of longitudinal channels 4 for circulating heat transfer fluid formed next to each other.

[0113] Each intermediate structure 20 comprises hollow fibers 17 defining the channels 4.

[0114] In the example described, the thermal regulation device 1 comprises a beam 19 of hollow fibers 17 dedicated to each of the structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid and intermediate structures 20.

[0115] In this case, several bundles 19 of hollow fibers are provided, each with its own fluid supply member 21.

[0116] Thus there can be as many bundles of hollow fibers as there are structures with circulation of heat transfer fluid and intermediate structures.

[0117] Alternatively, as illustrated in the example of Figures 5 and 6, some of the structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid and intermediate structures 20 share the same bundle 19 of hollow fibers 17.

[0118] In this case, certain fibers are grouped in one of the structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid, and other fibers of the same bundle 19 are grouped in another of the structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid and in an intermediate structure 20.

[0119] Alternatively, the intermediate structure 20 may be a solid tube, without heat transfer fluid circulation channels.

[0120] In this case, the intermediate structure 20 mainly contributes to the mechanical strength of the assembly, without playing a significant thermal role.

[0121] The heat transfer fluid circulation structures 3 and the intermediate structures 20 are separate parts glued together.

[0122] Alternatively, the heat transfer fluid circulation structures 3 and the intermediate structures 20 are produced together by a RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) type process. In this case, as clearly visible in [Fig. 6], all the heat transfer fluid circulation structures 3 and intermediate structures 20 are produced together in the form of a single part so that the thermal regulation device 1 itself corresponds to this overall part.

[0123] A connecting device 30 according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, which is configured to connect together two structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid with a clamping force chosen to be sufficient so that these structures 3 can hold the battery cells 2 clamped against the structures 3. The structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid are those described with reference to [Fig.l].

[0124] The connecting device 30 comprises pairs of clamping elements 31 engaged with neighboring heat transfer fluid circulation structures 3. Figures 8 and 9 show such a pair of clamping elements 31.

[0125] In the example described, each clamping element 31 forms a pin which extends along an extension axis parallel to the Z axis described above.

[0126] The clamping elements 31 are for example made of plastic or, alternatively, of composite material.

[0127] Each clamping element 31 has a height H, measured along the Z axis, greater than the height of the cells 2 and greater than the height of the structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0128] The clamping elements 31 thus protrude above and below the structures 3 for circulating heat transfer fluid.

[0129] The clamping elements 31 are of circular cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section may be polygonal, for example square or hexagonal.

[0130] Each structure 3 for circulation of heat transfer fluid has a sheet shape with corrugations 10, and the clamping elements 31 are inserted into a hollow of the corrugation 10.

[0131] Thus the clamping elements 31 are held tight against the structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0132] It is noted that the corrugations 10 of the structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid make it possible to best fit the perimeter of the cells 2 for better thermal exchanges.

[0133] The number of clamping elements 31 is chosen according to the mechanical holding constraints. In the example described, certain corrugations 10 are not held by clamping elements 31, and the total number of clamping elements 31 is less than the number of cells 2. Alternatively, all the hollows of the corrugations 10 are clamped by clamping elements 31.

[0134] The connecting device 30 comprises a plurality of joining members 33 forming the junction between a pair of clamping elements 31. The joining members 33 may all be identical regardless of the pair of clamping elements 31 considered.

[0135] The connecting device 30 can thus comprise several assembled parts, namely clamping elements 31 and joining members 33.

[0136] Each joining member 33 forms a spacer secured to a pair of clamping elements 31 and defining an inter-distance ID between the two clamping elements 31 of the pair.

[0137] Each clamping element 31 comprises, at each longitudinal end, an annular groove 34 for cooperating, by force engagement, with an orifice 35 on the spacer 33.

[0138] The spacer 33 each comprises two orifices 35 for the engagement of two clamping elements 31 on this spacer 33. This spacer 33 is in the form of a substantially rectangular plate. It is of course possible to have, for the spacer 33, a perimeter of another shape, for example a diamond.

[0139] This spacer 33 makes it possible to ensure a suitable distance between the clamping elements 31 of the pair, to keep the structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid clamped together, preventing an undesirable separation of the structures 3 with cir- heat transfer fluid circulation.

[0140] The spacers 33 are made of plastic or metal material.

[0141] In the example of [Fig.7], each spacer 33 has a relatively small surface area so that this spacer 33 extends opposite only some of the cells 2, for example opposite only two or three cells 2.

[0142] Each pair of clamping elements 31 is assembled by two identical joining members 33, present respectively at each longitudinal end of the clamping elements 31.

[0143] In the example described, each spacer 33 is configured to form the junction between only two clamping elements 31. In other words, each spacer 33 is dedicated to a single pair of clamping elements 31.

[0144] In other embodiments of the invention, the spacer 33 serves to join three clamping elements, or four or more.

[0145] For example, [Fig. 10] illustrates a spacer 36 which serves to join three clamping elements 31, and the spacer 33 corresponds to a V-shaped plate with three orifices 35 respectively at the two ends and in the middle of the V.

[0146] In another example illustrated in [Fig.l 1], a spacer 37 with a substantially rectangular circumference can be provided, and which has a relatively high number of orifices 35 (twelve orifices 35 in the example of [Fig.l 1]). The orifices 35 are arranged in a V-shaped pattern of three orifices 35, a pattern which is repeated regularly along a longitudinal direction of the spacer 33.

[0147] Thus, the spacer 37 can be used to hold an entire row of clamping elements 31.

[0148] It is also possible to provide a single spacer configured to hold all the clamping elements of the assembly. In this case, the spacer may have a relatively large surface area.

[0149] Preferably, the spacers are arranged without contact with the battery cells 2.

[0150] The spacers 33, 36 and 37 described above are placed above the structures 3 for circulation of heat transfer fluid and below these structures 3, to be secured to the two ends of the clamping elements 31.

[0151] Alternatively, the spacers, at each end of the connecting device, are configured to be in contact with the cells 2 so as to prevent them from moving along the extension axis Z of the clamping elements 31.

[0152] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, not illustrated, the joining member comprises a wire or several wires configured to ensure the junction between the clamping elements 31, with sufficient tension to bind together two structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid with a chosen clamping force.

[0153] According to another aspect of the invention illustrated in [Fig. 12], the connecting device is configured as a comb 40 whose teeth 41 join structures 3 for circulating heat transfer fluid. The teeth 41 may be secured to an edge of the structures 3 for circulating heat transfer fluid or, preferably, the teeth 41 extend into the hollows of the corrugations 10 of the structures 3 for circulating heat transfer fluid.

[0154] Different comb shapes are conceivable. For example, the comb 40 may join only two neighboring structures 3. Alternatively, the comb is long enough, with enough teeth 41, to join the entire succession of structures 3. It is also possible to have several parallel combs joining the structures 3, so that each structure 3 is held by different combs 40, at several locations along each structure 3.

[0155] The combs 40 can extend transversely to the structures 3 for circulation of heat transfer fluid.

[0156] It can be seen that the connecting device 30 is composed of parts distinct from the structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid and which are mechanically assembled with these structures 3. The connecting device 30 is independent of any fluidic function, namely that it does not have any flow of heat transfer fluid within it.

[0157] Generally speaking, the invention makes it possible to obtain an assembly 50 formed of the battery cells 2, which are sandwiched between the structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid thanks to the connecting devices 30 described above. This assembly 50 is of the Cell-to-Pack type, that is to say an assembly with battery cells maintained in mechanical cohesion without having to place them in a module housing.

[0158] To form this assembly 50, the battery cells 2 are sandwiched between structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid, so as to maintain these cells 2 in mechanical cohesion. More precisely, clamping elements 31 are placed in contact with the structures 3 with circulation of heat transfer fluid, clamping elements 31 which are held by joining members 33 or 36 or 37 described above.

[0159] In the example of [Fig. 12], the heat transfer fluid circulation structure 3 may be an extruded tube with the channels within it, instead of a fiber structure hollow.

Claims

Claims

1. Thermal regulation device (1) comprising heat transfer fluid circulation structures (3) configured to be placed in contact with components (2) whose operation is sensitive to temperature, in particular battery cells, and at least one connecting device (30) configured to connect together at least two, in particular two, heat transfer fluid circulation structures (3) with a selected clamping force sufficient for these structures (3) to be able to hold the components clamped against the structures (3), the connecting device (30) comprising at least one pair of clamping elements (31) each engaged with one of the heat transfer fluid circulation structures (3), said heat transfer fluid circulation structure (3) having a sheet shape with a corrugation (10), and the clamping element (31) being inserted into a hollow of the corrugation (10).

2. Thermal regulation device according to the preceding claim, in which the clamping element (31) has an elongated shape, along an extension axis (Z).

3. Thermal regulation device according to the preceding claim, in which the clamping element (31) has a height greater than the height of the component (2), in particular of a battery cell, in particular this clamping element (31) protrudes above and below the structure (3) with circulation of heat transfer fluid.

4. Thermal regulation device according to one of claims 2 to 3, in which the connecting device (30) comprises a joining member (33) forming the junction between at least one pair of clamping elements (31).

5. Thermal regulation device according to the preceding claim, in which the joining member (33) comprises a spacer secured to at least one pair of clamping elements (31) and defining an interdistance (ID) between the two clamping elements (31) of the pair.

6. Thermal regulation device according to one of claims 4 and 5, in which each pair of clamping elements (31) is assembled by two joining members (33) present respectively at each end of the clamping elements (31).

7. Thermal regulation device according to one of claims 5 and 6, in which the spacer (33) is configured to form the junction between two clamping elements only.

8. Thermal regulation device according to one of claims 5 and 6, in which the spacer (36; 37) is common to three clamping elements, or four or more.

9. Thermal regulation device according to claim 4, in which the joining member (33) comprises one or more wires configured to ensure the joining between two clamping elements.

10. Thermal regulation device according to claim 4, in which the connecting device is configured as a comb (40) whose teeth join at least two structures for circulating heat transfer fluid.

11. Assembly formed from the thermal regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and from components (2), in particular battery cells, which are sandwiched between structures (3) for circulating heat transfer fluid of the thermal regulation device.

12. Method for forming a battery pack comprising the step of enclosing battery cells (2) between structures (3) for circulating heat transfer fluid of the thermal regulation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, so as to maintain these cells in mechanical cohesion.

13. Method according to the preceding claim, in which clamping elements (31) are placed in contact with the structures (3) with circulation of heat transfer fluid, clamping elements which are held by two joining members, in particular present respectively at each end of the clamping elements.

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