Thermal regulation device with central manifold

Abstract

Title of the invention: Thermal regulation device with central manifold The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device (1) extending in a longitudinal-transverse plane, comprising a first tube (12), a second tube (14) and a manifold (6), the tubes (12, 14) comprising channels (24) configured for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid distributed into a first circulation set (26) and a second circulation set (28), the manifold (6) comprising a heat transfer fluid inlet (8) and a heat transfer fluid outlet (10), the fluid inlet (8) being disposed on a first side of the longitudinal-transverse plane and the fluid outlet (10) being disposed on a second side, the first circulation set (26) of the tubes (12, 14) opening into the fluid inlet (8) and the second circulation set (28) of the tubes (12, 14) opening into the fluid outlet (10). Figure from the summary: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal regulation device with central manifold

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal regulation devices and more particularly to the means used to regulate the temperature of electrical energy storage components equipping vehicles.

[0002] It is now common practice to equip electric or hybrid vehicles with electrical energy storage systems that provide power to the various components of the vehicle. These electrical energy storage systems are generally composed of electrical energy storage components or electrical energy storage cells, positioned within a battery module or battery pack.

[0003] During vehicle operation, battery packs can generate a significant amount of heat and therefore be subjected to high temperatures within the module, which in some cases can lead to performance losses, damage, or even destruction. Consequently, cooling them is essential to maintain their condition and thus ensure the vehicle's reliability, range, and performance.

[0004] Furthermore, the operation of battery packs may be less efficient in the event of low temperatures, the electrical or electronic components equipping these battery packs then needing a time to rise to temperature before operating at full efficiency.

[0005] To achieve 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 various components.

[0006] These thermal regulation devices are generally traversed by a thermal regulation fluid which can, depending on the needs, either absorb the heat emitted by each battery pack in order to cool it, or supply heat if the temperature of the battery pack is insufficient for its proper functioning.

[0007] Battery packs can be made up, for example, of rows of electrical energy storage elements in the form of cylindrical or tubular cells. Thermal regulation devices in the form of corrugated plates can be interposed between such rows, the thermal regulation fluid then passing through these corrugated plates in order to recover or release heat with the cylindrical cells with which the plates of the thermal regulation device are in contact. arranged.

[0008] It is known in the prior art to propose thermal regulation devices in which a manifold, which allows both an inlet and an outlet for fluid, is placed at one longitudinal end of the thermal regulation device. The thermal regulation fluid then flows from the load-bearing longitudinal end of this manifold to the opposite longitudinal end, and then back to the manifold in the opposite direction. However, such an arrangement does not allow for good homogeneity in the heat exchange between the thermal regulation fluid and each of the cylindrical cells in contact with the thermal regulation device, as the thermal regulation fluid has to circulate over a long distance within the thermal regulation device.

[0009] The present invention aims to overcome this drawback by providing a thermal regulation device that allows for the most homogeneous distribution of heat exchange possible and therefore a uniform temperature of the cells. The thermal regulation device also offers ease of connection within a battery pack. Such a thermal regulation device is obtained by positioning the collector in a substantially central portion of the thermal regulation device, that is to say, between its two longitudinal ends.

[0010] The present invention thus has as its main object a thermal regulation device for electrical energy storage organs extending mainly in a longitudinal-transverse plane between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, each of these longitudinal ends being equipped with a transfer box, the thermal regulation device comprising a first tube, a second tube and a manifold, each of the tubes having a first end connected to the manifold and a second end connected to one of the transfer boxes, the tubes each comprising a plurality of channels configured for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid distributed in at least a first circulation set and a second circulation set superimposed on each other in a transverse direction, the manifold comprising a heat transfer fluid inlet and a heat transfer fluid outlet,The fluid inlet being disposed on one side of the longitudinal-transverse plane and the fluid outlet being disposed on a second side, opposite to the first, of the longitudinal-transverse plane, the first circulation set of each of the tubes opening into the fluid inlet and the second circulation set of each of the tubes opening into the fluid outlet.

[0011] The thermal regulation device according to the invention is intended to equip a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle, for the purpose of cooling and / or heating its electrical energy storage components, which are, for example, cylindrical cells. The thermal regulation device thus has at least one The lateral face is in contact with the electrical energy storage components. This thermal regulation device has a primary direction of flow, corresponding to a longitudinal direction. The heat transfer fluid flows within the device in this direction, in two opposing directions: first and second. More precisely, the heat transfer fluid flows through channels formed within tubes of the thermal regulation device, including a first tube and a second tube. These tubes are corrugated tubes, in which the channels are arranged parallel to each other from one longitudinal end of the tube to its second longitudinal end. The channels in each tube are divided into two flow sets, each flow set corresponding to one direction of heat transfer fluid flow.It is thus understood that for a given tube, the heat transfer fluid circulates in one direction in the first circulation system, and in a second direction in the second circulation system.

[0012] The heat transfer fluid is conveyed to and discharged from the thermal control device via a manifold, which comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet is located on one side of a longitudinal-transverse plane that divides the thermal control device into two substantially equal parts, while the fluid outlet is located on the other side of this longitudinal-transverse plane. The manifold thus straddles the longitudinal-transverse plane, extending primarily along a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal-transverse plane. The manifold is located in a central portion of the thermal control device, that is, at a distance from the first and second longitudinal ends.More specifically, the manifold can be positioned approximately equidistant from this first longitudinal end and this second longitudinal end. Such a central positioning ensures consistent temperature regulation on both sides of the manifold, i.e., in each of the tubes from this manifold to each transfer box. The manifold's placement also facilitates the connection of the temperature regulation device, for example, within a battery pack housing in the vehicle.

[0013] According to an optional feature of the invention, the thermal regulation device comprises a first transverse end and a second transverse end opposite the first transverse end, a fluid inlet connection tip and a fluid outlet connection tip of the manifold being turned towards the first transverse end.

[0014] The first and second transverse ends are opposite along the transverse direction, which corresponds to a main extension direction of the collector. The connecting fittings are oriented towards the same transverse end, in this case the first transverse end, so that the heat transfer fluid enters and exits from the same side of the thermal control device. This arrangement of the connecting fittings allows the thermal control device to be connected in the same transverse direction.

[0015] According to an optional feature of the invention, the nozzles are arranged in an extension of the collector, in the vicinity of the first transverse end of the thermal regulation device.

[0016] The first and second connecting nozzles are thus arranged in line with the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, respectively. These nozzles are both located near the first transverse end and are therefore positioned at approximately the same height to facilitate their mounting on the thermal control device.

[0017] According to an optional feature of the invention, the collector is brazed onto the tubes.

[0018] The manifold, the first tube, and the second tube thus form a single unit, meaning they are inseparable without damaging any of these elements. Brazing helps to limit leakage during the passage of the heat transfer fluid from the manifold to the tubes or vice versa.

[0019] According to an optional feature of the invention, each return box fluidly connects the first circulation set and the second circulation set of a tube.

[0020] The transfer box thus allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate in a U-shape within a given tube, this fluid passing from the first circulation set to the second circulation set via the transfer box. Therefore, the transfer box allows the heat transfer fluid to change its direction of flow. Due to the arrangement of the manifold and the transfer boxes, the heat transfer fluid initially flows through both the first circulation set of the first tube and that of the second tube, then it passes through the transfer boxes and subsequently flows through both the second circulation set of the first tube and that of the second tube.

[0021] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first end of the tubes comprises a first folded portion fluidly connected to the first circulation set and a second folded portion fluidly connected to the second circulation set, the folded portions being separated from each other by a notch formed in the tube, the folded portions opening into the collector.

[0022] This is a first embodiment, in which the collector comprises two independent collection boxes, comprising respectively the fluid inlet and The fluid outlets, each arranged on one side of the longitudinal-transverse plane. Here, "independent" means that the collection boxes are not adjacent to each other and do not communicate fluidly.

[0023] In this first embodiment, the first end of the tubes, which is the one connected to the manifold, comprises two folded portions, each corresponding to one of the fluid circulation assemblies. The notch, which extends mainly longitudinally from an edge of the first end, allows separation of the first folded portion and the second folded portion of a given tube.

[0024] Due to the folding of the folded portions, which creates an angle within the tube, the connection between this tube and the connector is made outside the longitudinal-transverse plane, i.e. laterally.

[0025] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first portion and the second portion of the same tube are folded opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal-transverse plane.

[0026] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first portion of the first tube and the first portion of the second tube are folded on the same side of the thermal regulation device, the second portion of the first tube and the second portion of the second tube being folded on the opposite side of the thermal regulation device.

[0027] According to an optional feature of the invention, the collector comprises a first cylinder including the fluid inlet and a second cylinder including the fluid outlet, the cylinders having slots for the insertion of the folded portions.

[0028] The first cylinder and the second cylinder are tubular elements, which form the independent collection boxes. These cylinders have insertion slots dimensioned to receive the bent portions of the first ends of the tubes, a seal between the insertion slots and the bent portions being ensured, for example, by brazing.

[0029] According to an optional feature of the invention, a face of the collector in the vicinity of a transverse end, in particular the second transverse end, of the thermal regulation device comprises a plate connecting the first cylinder and the second cylinder.

[0030] At the second transverse end, which is opposite the first transverse end bearing the connecting ends, the first cylinder and the second cylinder are connected by a substantially flat plate that serves a stiffening function. This plate also allows the cylinders to be closed at the second transverse end, in particular by brazing the plate to the cylinders.

[0031] According to an optional feature of the invention, the plate carries au minus one positioning marker.

[0032] This stud makes it easier to position the collector and a fortiori the thermal regulation device for example within a battery pack housing.

[0033] According to an optional feature of the invention, the collector has a first receiving face for the first tube and a second receiving face for the second tube, opposite the first receiving face, the tubes being inserted into the collector at the receiving faces.

[0034] In this embodiment of the invention, which covers both a second and a third embodiment, the manifold is a solid piece in which the fluid inlet and outlet are provided. The manifold has a first receiving face into which the first tube is inserted perpendicularly, and a second receiving face into which the second tube is inserted perpendicularly, the two receiving faces being substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal-transverse plane. The connection between the manifold and the tubes is therefore made in the longitudinal-transverse plane, which frees up space on either side of the thermal regulation device and thus increases the surface area available for regulating the temperature of the electrical energy storage components.

[0035] Inserting the tubes at the connector helps to strengthen the mechanical strength of the thermal regulation device, limiting the risks of deformation under pressure or bursting.

[0036] According to an optional feature of the invention, the collector is a collection box, the fluid inlet comprising a first oblique conduit formed in the collection box and a distribution chamber formed in an extension of the first circulation sets, the first oblique conduit opening into the distribution chamber, the fluid outlet comprising a second oblique conduit formed in the collection box and a collection chamber formed in an extension of the second circulation sets, the second oblique conduit opening into the collection chamber.

[0037] This refers to the second embodiment. The distribution chamber is a chamber in which the channels of the first circulation system converge, and the collection chamber is similarly a chamber in which the channels of the second circulation system converge. Oblique conduits connect these chambers to the connecting fittings. The oblique shape of the conduits facilitates the manufacture of the manifold and allows for better fluid flow, particularly due to the absence of bends that could disrupt this flow.

[0038] According to an optional feature of the invention, the collector is a box of collection, the fluid inlet comprising a first recess provided opposite the first circulation sets and the fluid outlet comprising a second recess provided opposite the second circulation sets, the first recess and the second recess being separated by a partition of the collection box.

[0039] This corresponds to the third embodiment. The recesses are spaces formed between the receiving faces, sections of these recesses having a substantially rectangular shape. The partition of the collection box physically separates the recesses so that they are not in fluidic communication, and thus the heat transfer fluid supplied by the fluid inlet and intended to circulate in the first circulation system is not mixed with the heat transfer fluid that circulated in the second circulation system and is intended to be discharged by the fluid outlet.

[0040] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first recess opens onto the first transverse end and the second recess opens onto the first transverse end, in particular via a straight conduit.

[0041] Due to the positioning of the overlapping circulation assemblies, there is a transverse offset between the first and second recesses. The fluid inlet connection thus connects directly into the first recess, while the fluid outlet connection is linked to the second recess via a straight conduit. Furthermore, there is a lateral offset between the first and second recesses, such that the first recess is aligned with the channels of the first circulation assembly without obstructing circulation in the second recess, and vice versa.

[0042] The invention further relates to a thermal regulation system for a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of thermal regulation devices as described above and a plurality of electrical energy storage elements, the thermal regulation devices being arranged along the electrical energy storage elements, the thermal regulation system comprising a distribution manifold connected to the collectors of the thermal regulation devices.

[0043] The thermal regulation devices are arranged between rows of electrical energy storage components, in contact with them. The manifolds of each thermal regulation device are connected to a fluid circuit of the thermal regulation system via a distribution manifold; it is understood that this distribution manifold is connected to each connection point of the thermal regulation devices. The distribution manifold is, for example, integrated into the battery pack housing.

[0044] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent more clearly later clearly from reading the following description on the one hand, and the examples of implementation given for illustrative and non-exhaustive purposes with reference to the attached drawings on the other hand, on which:

[0045] [Fig.1] illustrates, schematically, a thermal regulation device according to the invention, the directions of circulation of a heat transfer fluid being represented by arrows;

[0046] [Fig.2] illustrates, schematically, a first embodiment of the thermal regulation device of [Fig.1], tubes of this thermal regulation device having folded portions which fit into a collector shown in transparency;

[0047] [Fig.3] illustrates, schematically, a second embodiment of the thermal regulation device according to the invention, the manifold of this second embodiment being seen in cross-section;

[0048] [Fig.4] illustrates, schematically, a third embodiment of the thermal regulation device 1, the manifold of this third embodiment being represented in a cross-sectional view.

[0049] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0050] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0051] In the detailed description that follows, the terms "longitudinal," "transverse," and "vertical" refer to the orientation of the thermal regulation device according to the invention. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a principal extension direction of the thermal regulation device, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a frame L, V, T illustrated in the figures. A transverse direction corresponds to a principal extension direction of the collector of the thermal regulation device, this transverse direction being parallel to a transverse axis T of the frame L, V, T, and this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, a vertical direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a vertical axis V of the frame L, V, T, this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the transverse axis T.

[0052] Furthermore, in this description the term "heat transfer fluid" may be refer to any cooling, refrigerant, thermal regulation, dielectric or two-phase fluid, provided that this fluid, liquid or gaseous, has the effect of cooling or heating electrical energy storage devices.

[0053] Figures 1 to 4 schematically illustrate a thermal regulation device 1 according to the invention. This thermal regulation device 1 is intended to be fitted to a motor vehicle, in particular a hybrid or electric vehicle, in order to cool and / or heat electrical energy storage components. Such electrical energy storage components, which in the context of the invention are cylindrical cells, provide electrical power to the various components of the motor vehicle. The thermal regulation device 1 is designed for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid, this heat transfer fluid exchanging heat with the electrical energy storage components to regulate their temperature.

[0054] The thermal regulation device 1 extends mainly in a longitudinal-transverse plane, between a first longitudinal end 2 and a second longitudinal end 4. Between these two longitudinal ends 2, 4, the thermal regulation device 1 includes a manifold 6. This manifold 6 allows the heat transfer fluid to be conveyed to the thermal regulation device 1 and to be evacuated from it; the manifold 6 has for this purpose a fluid inlet 8 and a fluid outlet 10.

[0055] The collector 6 is more precisely disposed in a central portion of the thermal regulation device 1 with respect to its longitudinal ends 2, 4. It is understood that the collector 6 is disposed at a distance from the longitudinal ends 2, 4. As illustrated, the collector 6 is here substantially equidistant from the first longitudinal end 2 and the second longitudinal end 4.

[0056] Between the collector 6 and the first longitudinal end 2 is a first tube 12, and between the collector 6 and the second longitudinal end 4 is a second tube 14. Each of these tubes 12, 14 is a corrugated tube, for example made of a metallic material, a cross-section of which along a longitudinal-vertical plane has a sinusoidal shape. Such a sinusoidal shape is complementary to the cylindrical shape of the electrical energy storage elements arranged in rows, the tubes 12, 14 being configured to be pressed against these electrical energy storage elements. The thermal regulation device 1 is thus placed within a plurality of energy storage elements such that at least one lateral face 16 of the tubes 12, 14 is in contact with these electrical energy storage elements.The thermal regulation device 1 can advantageously be placed between two successive rows of electrical energy storage elements, so that the two lateral faces 16 of the tubes 12, 14 are in contact with the electrical energy storage elements.

[0057] The first tube 12 and the second tube 14 are configured for the circulation of the The heat transfer fluid circulates within each of these tubes 12, 14 between a first end 18 and a second end 20, these ends 18, 20 being opposite each other along the longitudinal direction L. The first end 18 of each of the tubes 12, 14 is connected to the manifold 6 and is inserted into it. The second end 20 of the tubes 12, 14, which is in the vicinity of the first longitudinal end 2 of the thermal regulation device 1 for the first tube 12 and in the vicinity of the second longitudinal end 4 for the second tube 14, is inserted into a transfer box 22. It is thus understood that there are two transfer boxes 22, one at each of the longitudinal ends 2, 4 of the thermal regulation device 1. These transfer boxes 22 are visible in [Fig. 1]. Tubes 12, 14 are joined by brazing to the manifold 6 on one side and to one of the transfer boxes 22 on the other in order to prevent leaks of heat transfer fluid.

[0058] Each of the tubes 12, 14 has a plurality of channels 24, which are particularly visible in [Fig. 4]. These channels 24 are circulation conduits for the heat transfer fluid that extend from the first end 18 to the second end 20. The channels 24 are provided in each of the tubes 12, 14 between their two lateral faces 16, and they are arranged one above the other in the transverse direction T. The channels 24 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0059] The channels 24 are divided into two circulation sets 26, 28, comprising a first circulation set 26 and a second circulation set 28. Such a distinction between the first circulation set 26 and the second circulation set 28 is illustrated in the figures by means of dashes delimiting the tubes 12, 14 into two substantially equal portions along the longitudinal direction L. A distance between two adjacent channels 24 of the first circulation set 26 or two adjacent channels 24 of the second circulation set 28 is between 1.9 and 2.1 millimeters, while a distance between the channel 24 of the first circulation set 26 adjacent to the channel 24 of the second circulation set 28 is between 2.9 and 3.1 millimeters, these distances being measured along the transverse direction T.Advantageously, a distance between two adjacent channels 24 of the first circulation set 26 or two adjacent channels 24 of the second circulation set 28 is 2 millimeters, while a distance between the channel 24 of the first circulation set 26 adjacent to the channel 24 of the second circulation set 28 is 3 millimeters, these measurements being understood within manufacturing tolerances.

[0060] The distribution of the channels 24 into two circulation sets 26, 28 allows for optimized thermal regulation within the thermal regulation device 1. The heat transfer fluid thus circulates from the fluid inlet 8 of the manifold 6 to the return boxes 22 via the first circulation sets 26 of each of the first tube 12 and from the second tube 14, and the return boxes 22 to the fluid outlet 10 via the second circulation sets 28 of this first tube 12 and of this second tube 14. In other words, the first circulation set 26 of each of the tubes 12, 14 opens into the fluid inlet 8, and the second circulation set 28 of each of these tubes 12, 14 opens into the fluid outlet 10.

[0061] Due to the central position of the manifold 6 within the thermal regulation device 1, it is understood that the heat transfer fluid circulates in a first direction along the longitudinal direction L within the first circulation assembly 26 of the first tube 12, in a second direction opposite to the first direction within the second circulation assembly 28 of this first tube 12, in the second direction within the first circulation assembly 26 of the second tube 14, and in the first direction within the second circulation assembly 28 of the second tube 14. The change of direction of the heat transfer fluid between the first circulation assembly 26 and the second circulation assembly 28 of each of the tubes 12, 14 is made possible by the presence of the transfer boxes 22, which fluidly connect these circulation assemblies 26, 28 and within which the heat transfer fluid follows a U-shaped circuit.

[0062] The collector 6, its arrangement and its cooperation with each of the first tube 12 and the second tube 14 will now be described in detail.

[0063] According to the invention, the fluid inlet 8 of the manifold 6 and its fluid outlet 10 are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal-transverse plane. The fluid inlet 8 is thus located on one side of the longitudinal-transverse plane and the fluid outlet 10 on the other. The fluid inlet 8 and the fluid outlet 10 are also opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal-transverse plane, so that a straight line connecting the fluid inlet 8 to the fluid outlet 10 at their points is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal-transverse plane.

[0064] The supply of heat transfer fluid to and from the thermal control device 1 is carried out via the manifold 6, and more specifically via connecting fittings 30, 32. The manifold 6 thus has a first connecting fitting 30 for the fluid inlet 8 and a second connecting fitting 32 for the fluid outlet 10, such connecting fittings 30, 32 being visible in Figures 1, 3 and 4. These connecting fittings 30, 32 are arranged in an extension of the manifold 6, respectively in the extension of the fluid inlet 8 and the fluid outlet 10. The connecting fittings 30, 32 are here oriented towards a first transverse end 34 of the thermal control device 1, which is opposite a second transverse end 36 in the transverse direction T.The term "turned towards a first transverse end 34" means that the connecting ends 30, 32 are carried by a portion or face of the collector 6 in the vicinity of the first transverse end 34, of . so that a connection of the thermal regulation device 1 to fluid inlets and outlets is made through this first transverse end 34. The first connecting end 30 and the second connecting end 32 are in the illustrated example both arranged at the same height, i.e. at the same distance from the first transverse end 34, so as to facilitate the conveyance and evacuation of the heat transfer fluid.

[0065] When the thermal regulation device 1 is integrated into a thermal regulation system, for example within a housing of a battery module of the motor vehicle comprising a plurality of thermal regulation devices 1 according to the invention, such an arrangement of the connection tips 30, 32 makes it possible to connect the manifolds 6 of each of the thermal regulation devices 1 to a fluid circuit via a distribution manifold, in particular a distribution manifold disposed in the housing of the battery module.

[0066] The thermal regulation device 1 is represented according to a first embodiment in [Fig.2], according to a second embodiment in [Fig.3], and according to a third embodiment in [Fig.4]; these embodiments will now be described successively in relation to the corresponding figures.

[0067] In the first embodiment, illustrated in [Fig. 2], the collector 6 comprises two independent collection boxes, which take the form of a first cylinder 38 and a second cylinder 40. These cylinders 38 and 40 are shown here in transparency. The first cylinder 38 includes the fluid inlet 8, while the second cylinder 40 includes the fluid outlet 10. The first cylinder 38 and the second cylinder 40 each extend primarily along the transverse direction T, on either side of the longitudinal-transverse plane. At the second transverse end 36 of the thermal regulation device 1, the first cylinder 38 and the second cylinder 40 are connected to each other by means of a plate 41. This plate 41, which corresponds to a face of the collector 6 opposite this second transverse end 36, notably provides a rigidity function for the collector 6.Plate 41 may have at least one positioning stud, preferably two positioning studs, not shown in [Fig. 1], which are intended to facilitate positioning of the thermal regulation device 1 within the battery module housing.

[0068] In this first embodiment, in order to ensure fluid connection between the tubes 12, 14 and the cylinders 38, 40 of the manifold 6, these tubes 12, 14 have folded portions 42, 44 at their respective first ends 18. Each of the first tube 12 and the second tube 14 has a first folded portion 42 and a second folded portion 44, the first folded portion 42 extending from the side of the first transverse end 34 and the second folded portion 44 extending from the side of the second transverse end 36. Here we mean by "bent portions" that the tubes 12, 14 are curved, at their first ends 18, so as to present a curvature of radius less than a radius of curvature of the sinusoidal section of the tubes 12, 14. For example and as illustrated, the bent portions 42, 44 may have a first part substantially in the longitudinal-transverse plane, and a second part substantially perpendicular to this first part.

[0069] The folded sections 42, 44 are arranged in line with the circulation assemblies 26, 28, with the first folded section 42 arranged in line with the first circulation assembly 26 and fluidically connected to it, and the second folded section 44 arranged in line with the second circulation assembly 28 and fluidly connected to it. The folded sections 42, 44 correspond to portions of the tubes 12, 14 formed of a single channel in communication with each of the channels 24 of the corresponding circulation assembly 26, 28, the heat transfer fluid circulating uniformly within these folded sections 42, 44.

[0070] At the first end 18 of the tubes 12, 14, the first folded portion 42 and the second folded portion 44 of the same tube 12, 14 are separated from each other by a notch 46 formed in the tube 12, 14. This notch 46 extends from an edge of the first end 18, towards the transfer box 22, in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L. The notch 46 extends, for example, longitudinally to the channels 24, between the channels 24 of the first circulation set 26 and the channels 24 of the second circulation set 28. The extension of the notch 46 between the circulation sets 26, 28 is facilitated by the greater distance between the two adjacent channels 24 of the first circulation set 26 and the second circulation set 28 compared to the distances between two adjacent channels 24 of the first traffic set 26 or of the second traffic set 28, as previously mentioned.

[0071] As can be seen in [Fig. 1], the first folded portion 42 and the second folded portion 44 of a given tube 12, 14 are folded opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal-transverse plane, the first folded portion 42 being curved on one side of this plane and the second folded portion 44 being curved on the other side. In order that both the first folded portion 42 of the first tube 12 and the first folded portion 42 of the second tube 14 are fluidically connected to the fluid inlet 8, these first two folded portions 42 are folded on the same side of the thermal regulation device 1, namely the one which includes the first cylinder 38. In the same way, the second folded portion 44 of the first tube 12 and the second folded portion 44 of the second tube 14 are folded on the other side of the thermal regulation device 1, which includes the second cylinder 40.

[0072] For the purpose of receiving the folded portions 42, 44, each of the cylinders 38, 40 It features an insertion slot 48. This insertion slot 48 is through-slot, extending from an inner face of a cylinder 38, 40 to an outer face thereof. To prevent leakage of the heat transfer fluid, the folded portions 42, 48 open into the lumen of the cylinders 38, 40 by extending beyond their inner faces.

[0073] Unlike the first embodiment, the second and third embodiments of the thermal regulation device 1 illustrated respectively in figures 3 and 4 include a collector 6 in the form of a single collection box, this collector 6 having a cross-section along a lateral-transverse plane of substantially rectangular shape.

[0074] In these two embodiments, the collector 6 is longitudinally delimited by a first receiving face for the first tube 12 on one side and by a second receiving face for the second tube 14 on the other, these two receiving faces being opposite each other along the longitudinal direction L. The receiving faces are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal-transverse plane, and the tubes 12 and 14 are inserted into the collector 6 opposite these receiving faces, the first end 18 of the first tube 12 being inserted through the first receiving face and the first end 18 of the second tube 14 being inserted through the second receiving face. The first tube 12 and the second tube 14 are received by the collector 6 opposite each other; in other words, the first tube 12 is inserted into the collector 6 opposite the second tube 14.

[0075] The two receiving faces are joined to each other by means of both an upper face 50 opposite the first transverse end 34 of the thermal regulation device 1 and a lower face 52 opposite the second transverse end 36 of the thermal regulation device 1, these upper face 50 and lower face 52 being substantially parallel to each other. The upper face 50 receives the first connection fitting 30 of the fluid inlet 8 and the second connection fitting 32 of the fluid outlet 10. The lower face 52 has at least one positioning stud 54, here two positioning studs 54 arranged in a transverse alignment with the first connection fitting 30 and the second connection fitting 32, respectively.

[0076] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], in the second embodiment, the fluid inlet 8 of the manifold 6 comprises a first oblique conduit 56, which extends from the first connecting end 30 to a distribution chamber 58 formed in an extension of the first circulation assemblies 26 of the first tube 12 and the second tube 14. Similarly, the fluid outlet 10 comprises a second oblique conduit 60 extending from the second connecting end 32 to a collection chamber 62 formed in the manifold 60 in a pro The second circulation assemblies 28 of tubes 12, 14 are lengthened. In other words, the first oblique conduit 56 connects to the first connecting end 30 and opens into the distribution chamber 58, while the second oblique conduit 60 connects to the second connecting end 32 and opens into the collection chamber 62. The distribution chamber 58 and the collection chamber 62 are transversely elongated notches with an oval cross-section, opposite respectively the channels 24 of the first circulation assemblies 26 of tubes 12, 14 and the channels 24 of their second circulation assemblies 28. The distribution chamber 58 and collection chamber 62 are themselves devoid of channels 24.

[0077] The first oblique conduit 56 of the fluid inlet 6 has an elongation dimension, measured between the first connecting end 30 and the distribution chamber 58, different from an elongation dimension of the second oblique conduit 60 of the fluid outlet 10 measured between the second connecting end 32 and the collection chamber 62. More specifically, the first oblique conduit 56 has an elongation dimension less than the elongation dimension of the second oblique conduit 60.

[0078] In the third embodiment, represented in [Fig.4], the fluid inlet 8 of the manifold 6 includes a first recess 64 provided opposite the first circulation assemblies 26 of the tubes 12, 14, the first connecting end 30 opening onto this first recess 64. The fluid outlet 10 includes a second recess 66 provided opposite the second circulation assemblies 28 of the tubes 12, 14, this second recess 66 being fluidically connected to the second connecting end 32 by means of a straight conduit 68 extending mainly transversely. In other words, the fluid outlet 10 includes a straight conduit 68 opening into the second recess 66. The first recess 64 and the second recess 66 therefore both open onto the first transverse end 34, the first recess 64 directly and the second recess 66 via the straight conduit 68.Due to the presence of the straight conduit 68, there is a transverse offset between the first recess 64 and the second recess 66.

[0079] The recesses 64, 66 have sections, along a lateral-transverse plane, of substantially rectangular shapes. These recesses 64, 66 each extend over more than half of the collector 6 along the lateral direction L. Thus, the first recess 64 extends from a first lateral edge 70 connecting the two receiving faces of the collector 6 on one side of the longitudinal-transverse plane to the channels 24 of the first circulation assemblies 26. Similarly, the second recess 66 extends from a second lateral edge 72 connecting the two receiving faces of the collector 6 on the other side of the longitudinal-transverse plane to the channels 24 of the second circulation assemblies 28. It is therefore understood that there is a lateral offset between the first hollow 64 and the second hollow 66.

[0080] The first recess 64 and the second recess 66 are separated, along the transverse direction T, by a partition 74. This partition 74 is positioned approximately equidistant from the upper face 50 and the lower face 52 of the collector 6, and it extends parallel to them. This partition 74 is more particularly situated between the channel 24 of the first circulation assembly 26 and the channel 24 of the second circulation assembly 28, which is directly adjacent to it, such an arrangement being facilitated by the increased distance between these two channels 24 as mentioned above. The partition 74 ensures the sealing of the recesses 64 and 66 with respect to each other.

[0081] The present invention thus proposes a thermal regulation device in which the central positioning of the manifold allows for optimized circulation of the heat transfer fluid. This results in temperature homogeneity on both sides of the manifold, so that the electrical energy storage components whose temperature the thermal regulation device is intended to regulate are optimally cooled and / or heated.

[0082] In an alternative embodiment, the connection nozzle (30) of the fluid inlet (8) and the connection nozzle (32) of the fluid outlet (10) of the manifold (6) are each formed of two shells that can be assembled together, in particular by clipping, to form said nozzles. In an alternative embodiment, said nozzles may be formed of two half-shells and a spacer forming the end of the nozzle, said spacer being held in place by the assembly of the two nozzles.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein and also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically operative combination of such means.

Claims

Demands

1. Thermal control device (1) of electrical energy storage organs extending mainly in a longitudinal-transverse plane between a first longitudinal end (2) and a second longitudinal end (4), each of these longitudinal ends (2, 4) being equipped with a return box (22), the thermal control device (1) comprising a first tube (12), a second tube (14) and a collector (6), each of the tubes (12, 14) having a first end (18) connected to the collector (6) and a second end (20) connected to one of the return boxes (22), the tubes (12, 14) each comprising a plurality of channels (24) configured for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid distributed in at least a first circulation set (26) and a second circulation set (28) superimposed one on the other in a transverse direction (T),the manifold (6) comprising a heat transfer fluid inlet (8) and a heat transfer fluid outlet (10), the fluid inlet (8) being disposed on a first side of the longitudinal-transverse plane and the fluid outlet (10) being disposed on a second side, opposite to the first, of the longitudinal-transverse plane, the first circulation assembly (26) of each of the tubes (12, 14) opening into the fluid inlet (8) and the second circulation assembly (28) of each of the tubes (12, 14) opening into the fluid outlet (10), the device comprising a first transverse end (34) and a second transverse end (36) opposite the first transverse end (34), a connecting nozzle (30) of the fluid inlet (8) and a connecting nozzle (32) of the fluid outlet (10) of the manifold (6) being oriented towards the first transverse end (34).

2. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the nozzles (30, 32) are arranged in an extension of the collector (6), in the vicinity of the first transverse end (34) of the thermal regulation device (1).

3. Thermal regulation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the manifold (6) is brazed onto the tubes (12, 14).

4. Thermal regulation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each return box (22) fluidly connects the first circulation assembly (26) and the second circulation assembly (28) of a tube (12, 14).

5. Thermal control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end (18) of the tubes (12, 14) comprises a first bent portion (42) fluidly connected to the first circulation assembly (26) and a second bent portion (44) fluidly connected to the second circulation assembly (28), the bent portions (42, 44) being separated from each other by a notch (46) formed in the tube (12, 14), the bent portions (42, 44) opening into the collector (6).

6. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first portion (42) and the second portion (44) of the same tube (12, 14) are bent opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal-transverse plane.

7. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first portion (42) of the first tube (12) and the first portion (42) of the second tube (14) are bent on the same side of the thermal regulation device (1), the second portion (44) of the first tube (12) and the second portion (44) of the second tube (14) being bent on the opposite side of the thermal regulation device (1).

8. Thermal regulation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the manifold (6) comprises a first cylinder (38) comprising the fluid inlet (8) and a second cylinder (40) comprising the fluid outlet (10), the cylinders (38, 40) having insertion slots (48) for the folded portions (42, 44).

9. Thermal control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a face of the manifold (6) in the vicinity of a transverse end (34, 36), in particular the second transverse end (36), of the thermal control device (1) comprises a plate (41) connecting the first cylinder (38) and the second cylinder (40).

10. Thermal regulation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the manifold (6) has a first receiving face for the first tube (12) and a second receiving face for the second tube (14), opposite the first receiving face, the tubes (12, 14) being inserted into the manifold (6) at the receiving faces.

11. Thermal control device (1) according to any one of the claims indications 1 to 4 and 10, in which the collector (6) is a collection box, the fluid inlet (8) comprising a first oblique conduit (56) formed in the collection box and a distribution chamber (58) formed in an extension of the first circulation sets (26), the first oblique conduit (56) opening into the distribution chamber (58), the fluid outlet (10) comprising a second oblique conduit (60) formed in the collection box and a collection chamber (62) formed in an extension of the second circulation sets (28), the second oblique conduit (60) opening into the collection chamber (62).

12. Thermal control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 10, wherein the collector (6) is a collection box, the fluid inlet (8) comprising a first recess (64) formed opposite the first circulation assemblies (26) and the fluid outlet (10) comprising a second recess (66) formed opposite the second circulation assemblies (28), the first recess (64) and the second recess (66) being separated by a partition (74) of the collection box.

13. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first recess (64) opens onto the first transverse end (34) and the second recess (66) opens onto the first transverse end (34), in particular via a straight conduit (68).

14. Thermal control system for motor vehicles, comprising a plurality of thermal control devices (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a plurality of electrical energy storage elements, the thermal control devices (1) being arranged along the electrical energy storage elements, the thermal control system comprising a distribution manifold connected to the collectors (6) of the thermal control devices (1).

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