Thermal regulation device for cooling electrical energy storage components

Abstract

Thermal regulation device for cooling electrical energy storage components. The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device for electric battery cells, comprising: - a distribution box (100) having a fluid inlet chamber (410) and a fluid return chamber (420), - a tube (60) with two fluid circulation assemblies (61, 62) joined by a material bridge (64), communicating with one assembly with the inlet chamber and with the return chamber, the material bridge (64) forming at least one material clearance between the two assemblies (61, 62), the distribution box (100) having a rib (441) separating the inlet chamber from the return chamber, housed partly in the material clearance (65), and the material bridge (64) having a notch (642) opening onto an end face of the tube (60),the rib (441) having a longitudinal thickness (442) partially housed in the notch (642). (Figure 8)

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal regulation device for cooling electrical energy storage components

[0001] The present invention relates to the fields of thermodynamics and mechanics, and more specifically concerns a thermal regulation device for an electrical energy storage system.

[0002] Such electrical energy storage systems are notably used in electric or hybrid vehicles which are equipped, in addition to their auxiliary batteries intended to power their on-board networks, with high-voltage batteries, on the order of 200 to 800 volts, intended in particular to power their electric traction motors and other high-voltage devices. These high-voltage electrical energy storage systems are generally composed of electrical energy storage units, also called electrical energy storage cells, electrically grouped in battery packs, for example located under the floors of these vehicles.

[0003] Given the power supplied by these high-voltage energy storage systems, thermal regulation devices are necessary to cool the energy storage components that comprise them, as an excessive rise in their temperature can damage them to the point of destruction. These thermal regulation devices can also be useful for warming the energy storage components when their temperature is too low, for example, when starting vehicles in very cold weather, since at low temperatures their performance is generally too low to allow optimal operation of these vehicles.

[0004] It is particularly known that, in battery packs where electrical energy storage cells are arranged vertically side by side to form a plurality of successive rows of cells, thermal regulation devices are used, each comprising a tube located between two rows of cells and within which a heat transfer fluid is able to circulate. When these cells are cylindrical, the tube has corrugations allowing maximum contact surface area with each adjacent cell. The contact between the tube and the cells allows for the removal or transfer of heat via the heat transfer fluid. To manage the supply and removal of the heat transfer fluid, a fluid distribution box is located at one end of the tube, and inlet and outlet pipes for the heat transfer fluid are connected to this distribution box.The heat transfer fluid arriving through the inlet pipe flows at least partially into the tube via a chamber. the inlet is provided in the distribution box, while the fluid exiting the tube, after having recovered calories for example to lower the temperature of the battery pack, flows into the outlet pipe via a return chamber also provided in the distribution box.

[0005] To allow the circulation of the heat transfer fluid within the tube, the latter is perforated with a multitude of circulation channels along which the heat transfer fluid flows from one longitudinal end of the tube to the other. These channels are grouped into two circulation sets to allow for a first direction of heat transfer fluid circulation, away from the distribution box, separate from a second, opposite direction of heat transfer fluid circulation.It is therefore necessary to ensure fluid communication between the inlet chamber within the distribution box and the first circulation set within the tube, and to ensure fluid communication between the return chamber within the distribution box and the second circulation set within the tube, while ensuring that there is no direct communication between the inlet chamber and the return chamber, to prevent, for example, heat transfer fluid heated during its passage through the tube from passing from the second circulation set to the inlet chamber and being reinjected hot into the tube.

[0006] The inventors have designed such a regulating device, described in patent application FR3125636, shown in part in Figures 1 and 2, which comprises a tube 6, a distribution box formed of two shells assembled one on top of the other, notably by means of attachment tabs 40, only one of the shells 11 being shown in [Fig. 1], in order to visualize the interior of the tube 6 and the inlet and return chambers of the distribution box. When the cold heat transfer fluid arrives through an inlet pipe 18b via an inlet orifice 46 into the inlet chamber, delimited by two recesses 42 in the shells 11 assembled one on top of the other, it enters channels 8 of a first heat transfer fluid circulation assembly 21, open on an end face 12 of the tube 6, and absorbs heat from the cells of the energy storage system to be cooled.A return box connected to the other end of tube 6 carries the heated heat transfer fluid through channels 8 of a second circulation assembly 23, adjacent to the first circulation assembly 21 in tube 6, to the end face 12 of tube 6. The heated heat transfer fluid enters the return chamber, delimited by two recesses 41 in the shells 11 assembled one on top of the other, and then exits through an outlet port 43 into an outlet pipe 18a connected to the return chamber. To prevent the heat transfer fluid from flowing from the inlet chamber to the return chamber, these chambers are separated by a central wall 44 formed by a rib on each of the shells 11. These ribs are brought into contact with a sealing zone 48 provided on the end face 12 between the first circulation assembly. culation 21 and the second circulation set 23.

[0007] As can be seen in [Fig. 2], this sealing zone 48 is a strip of material occupying the entire thickness and width of the tube between the first circulation assembly 21 and the second circulation assembly 23. Since the tube 6 is formed by extrusion, in this thermal regulation device, this strip of material extends longitudinally along the entire length of the tube 6 and is therefore material-intensive relative to its function. Furthermore, although the sealing zone 48 is thicker than a wall 50 separating two channels 8 of the same circulation assembly, it transfers a significant amount of heat from the second circulation assembly 23 to the first circulation assembly 21, which is undesirable. Finally, depending on the tube-distribution box assembly method chosen, it is not always possible to bring the ribs of the shells into contact with the sealing zone 48.

[0008] In a first assembly method, the end of the tube 6 is inserted into a complementary receiving portion of the distribution box, thus ensuring a seal between the tube 6 and the distribution box. This insertion is carried out until the ribs contact the sealing zone 48, before the tube 6 is brazed to the distribution box. In this first assembly method, it is necessary to consider the dimensional chain between a first corrugation of the tube 6, that is to say, the corrugation or undulation closest to the distribution box, and the center of a tube 18a, 18b, for example, in order to ensure, on the one hand, that the tube is firmly pressed against the cells and, on the other hand, that the distribution box of this tube can be connected via the tubes to a neighboring distribution box for the correct circulation of heat transfer fluid from one tube to the other.The manufacturing tolerance of the tube, combined with that of the distribution box, implies a significant tolerance between the first corrugation of tube 6 and the components fixed to the distribution box, such as the pipes 18a and 18b. This significant tolerance can be problematic when assembling the control device with another control device sharing the same heat transfer fluid inlet and outlet pipes, because their respective inlet and outlet pipes must be coaxial, while ensuring that the first corrugations of each control device are in contact with a cell of the energy storage system, proximal to the corresponding control device. If either of these conditions is not met, assembly may not be possible, or the control devices may not function correctly.

[0009] In a second assembly method, the end of the tube 6 is inserted into a complementary receiving portion of the distribution box, thus ensuring a seal between the tube 6 and the distribution box, until an Ion- end The longitudinal end of the shells 11 reaches an external stop on the regulating device, this external stop ensuring that the longitudinal end of the shells 11 is at a predetermined distance from the first corrugation of the tube 6. This second assembly method allows better control of the distance between the tubing 18a, 18b of the distribution box and the first corrugation, by avoiding a link in the chain of dimensions and therefore reducing the necessary tolerance between the center of a tubing 18a, 18b and the first corrugation, which does not depend on a manufacturing tolerance between the first corrugation and the end face 12 of the tube 6, unlike the first assembly method.However, this second assembly method does not guarantee that the ribs 44 of the distribution box are in contact with the sealing area 48, and therefore a slight internal leak between the channels 8 of the first circulation assembly 21 and the channels 8 of the second circulation assembly 23 is possibly created.

[0010] The problem of thermal conductivity between the two circulation assemblies 21, 23 could be solved by forming these two circulation assemblies in two separate tubes, each connected to the distribution box. However, such a solution would generate even more assembly difficulties, particularly in longitudinally aligning the tube corrugations and their respective ends, resulting in poor operation of such a two-tube control device. Furthermore, assembling such a two-tube control device would be more expensive than the assembly methods described previously.

[0011] The inventors have therefore designed another tube 6b of another regulating device shown [Fig. 3], and also described in patent application FR3125636. This tube 6b comprises elements common to tube 6, referenced in the same way, in particular a first circulation assembly 21 and a second circulation assembly 23 connected by a material bridge forming a sealing zone 48b on an end face 12b of tube 6b. The distribution box of this other regulating device is identical to that described previously in relation to tube 6.

[0012] The material bridge connecting the two circulation assemblies 21, 23 is thinner than the central material band of the tube 6. Consequently, the tube 6b exhibits significantly lower thermal conductivity between the first circulation assembly 21 and the second circulation assembly 23. However, during the manufacturing of the tube 6b, a transverse cutting operation of the tube 6b, which previously emerges as a profile from an extrusion die, generates a longitudinal burr at the sealing zone 48b. Indeed, in order to avoid crushing the material forming the tube 6b and its channels 8, the cutting operation consists of a first pre-cutting step during which blades cl, c2 cut the profile on both sides in a transverse direction T, i.e., along the width of the tube 6b, and then a second The drawing stage involves separating tube 6b longitudinally from the profile. This second drawing stage causes the longitudinal burr at the sealing zone 48b, because this zone, centered within the thickness of tube 6b, has not undergone the pre-cutting stage. This longitudinal burr prevents, during the previously mentioned assembly process, any contact between the ribs 44 of the distribution box shells 11 and the sealing zone 48b at the end face 12b. Tube 6b thus provides better thermal insulation between the first circulation assembly 21 and the second circulation assembly 23, but requires an additional cutting operation to remove the longitudinal burr before assembling tube 6b with the distribution box to allow contact between the ribs 44 and the sealing zone 48b at the end face 12b.

[0013] This nevertheless requires a significant tolerance between the first corrugation of tube 6b and the distribution box fittings. If the longitudinal burr is not eliminated, then the necessary tolerance between a first corrugation of tube 6b and the center of the fittings 18a, 18b must be increased, which impairs the assembly of the corresponding control device and / or its proper functioning.

[0014] There is therefore a need for a thermal regulation device for an energy storage system, comprising a first heat transfer fluid circulation set and a second heat transfer fluid circulation set joined in the same tube while limiting the thermal conductivity and fluidic communication between these two circulation sets, and having a simple assembly, capable of allowing good alignment with another similar thermal regulation device without requiring restrictive manufacturing tolerances.

[0015] The present invention aims to remedy at least in part the drawbacks of the prior art, by providing a thermal regulation device for an energy storage system, an energy storage system comprising such a device, a method of assembling such a device and a method of manufacturing a tube of such a device, in which the tube of the device comprises two heat transfer fluid circulation assemblies sufficiently insulated from each other thermally and fluidically, while reducing the manufacturing tolerances required in particular with respect to the tube of the thermal regulation device according to the invention.

[0016] To this end, the invention proposes 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 of electrical energy storage devices, comprising: - a distribution box configured to be connected to a fluid inlet pipe and a fluid outlet pipe, the distribution box comprising a a fluid inlet chamber suitable for supplying the inlet pipe and a fluid return chamber suitable for supplying the outlet pipe, - a tube with two fluid circulation assemblies joined by a material bridge, a first fluid circulation assembly communicating with the inlet chamber and a second fluid circulation assembly communicating with the return chamber, the fluid circulation assemblies having, in cross-section of the tube, long edges inscribed on two parallel lines, the material bridge breaking the continuity of material on at least one of the parallel lines by forming at least one longitudinal material clearance on the tube, the thermal regulation device being characterized in that the distribution box has at least one rib separating the inlet chamber from the return chamber,a portion of the rib being housed in the material clearance at the junction zone of the tube with the distribution box, and in that the material bridge has a notch opening onto an end face of the tube, the distribution box having a longitudinal overthickness forming a projection of the rib and housed at least partially in the notch.

[0017] By "communicating with the inlet or return chamber," we naturally mean fluidic communication, the fluid being able to pass from a circulation system to one of these chambers. The fluid is, in particular, a heat transfer fluid such as glycol water. Furthermore, in this application, the term "longitudinal" refers to a longitudinal direction, which is understood as the direction along the principal extension dimension of the tube, that is, along its length. Similarly, a transverse direction is understood as a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, oriented along the width of the tube, that is, parallel to the long edges of the cross-section of the tube, which is made in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Each of these long edges lies on a line parallel to a line on which the other long edge lies.The term "parallel" is of course understood as "approximately parallel" due to manufacturing tolerances, i.e., within + / - 5 degrees.

[0018] The tube of the thermal regulation device according to the invention therefore has an oblong cross-section in its transverse dimension, allowing for a cutting operation as described in the prior art. In particular, and preferably, the circulation assemblies of the tube each have an alignment of channels between their long edges, the thickness of the tube at each circulation assembly, therefore orthogonally to the longitudinal and transverse directions, housing only one channel. The tube thus has a thin cross-section extending across its width, allowing for good thermal conduction with the cells of a storage system in which the thermal regulation device is used. As explained in relation to the prior art, the tube may include Corrugations (or undulations) ensure good contact with these cells when they are cylindrical. Furthermore, the tube width is generally determined by the size of the cells to be cooled, for example, the height of their cylindrical shape if the thermal control device is located between two rows of cells. If each row of cells contains n stacked cylindrical cells, the height to be considered can, of course, be multiplied by the same factor, n. Each tube width thus defined for a storage system dictates the dimensions and number of channels in the fluid circulation assemblies, this number potentially being the same or different in each of these fluid circulation assemblies.In particular, this sizing takes into account the mechanical strength of the tube, facing a maximum pressure of the fluid circulating in the channels, of several bars, and takes into account the thermal performance of the tube, in order to efficiently cool or heat the cells, and this with very good thermal homogeneity between the different channels of the same fluid circulation assembly.

[0019] Finally, the tube of the thermal regulation device according to the invention is preferably formed by extrusion, and its cross-section is therefore preferably identical along the entire length of the tube, except at its end containing the notch, which is formed, for example, during a cutting step of an extruded profile of the tube. Alternatively, the tube is machined, and the material bridge is not present along the entire longitudinal length of the tube, but on certain portions of this length, particularly at the end of the tube. The material bridge is thinner than the material strip of the prior art shown [Fig. 2]. The material bridge is a single piece and has only two ends transverse to the tube, for example, having a cross-section similar to that of [Fig. 3].

[0020] Thanks to the invention, the assembly of the thermal regulation device according to the invention does not require high precision in dimensioning the end of the tube relative to a first corrugation of the tube or, more generally, to a first contact surface intended with an element to be cooled, the first corrugation or contact surface being the one closest to the distribution box. Indeed, the notch at the end of the material bridge eliminates the longitudinal burr created during the cutting of the tube, thus allowing for better control of the relative positions of the distribution box and the tube.Furthermore, the longitudinal shim inserted in the notch greatly limits fluid circulation between the first and second circulation assemblies, regardless of the longitudinal position of the shim in the notch, since this circulation will be controlled by the transverse position of the shim relative to the lateral walls of the surrounding circulation assemblies.

[0021] When the notch extends from one of the side walls to the other, and the longitudinal thickness conforms to the shape of the side walls, the seal between the tube's circulation assemblies is complete. It should be noted that the longitudinal thickness, extending orthogonally to the transverse and longitudinal directions, can therefore merge with the rib if the latter terminates longitudinally at a bottom wall of the notch.

[0022] Preferably however, the material clearance forming on the tube a groove extending longitudinally on the tube, the rib fills the groove on a longitudinal portion of the material bridge, and the longitudinal overthickness forms a longitudinal stop suitable for coming against the bottom wall of the notch, the overthickness starting on the rib in the notch and ending at a longitudinal end of the distribution box on the side opposite the tube.

[0023] Finally, thanks to the thinness of the material bridge compared to the thickness of the tube, the thermal conduction between the first circulation set and the second circulation set is very limited.

[0024] Preferably in the invention, the distance between a lateral edge of the longitudinal reinforcement and a lateral edge of the notch is between 0.02 and 0.2 times the width of the notch. This distance is the most controllable in terms of dimensioning and ensures low fluid circulation between the circulation assemblies, even when the longitudinal reinforcement is quite far from a bottom wall of the notch, orthogonal to the lateral edges of the notch. The width of the notch is, of course, the transverse distance between the lateral edges of the notch. This dimensioning makes it possible to limit internal leakage between the first and second circulation assemblies, so as to maintain acceptable thermal efficiency of the thermal regulation device according to the invention.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the distance between an end edge of the longitudinal shim and the bottom wall of the notch is non-zero but smaller than the distance between the end face of the tube and the end edge of the longitudinal shim, these distances being measured longitudinally, i.e., along the length of the tube. This further limits the passage of fluid from one circulation assembly to another, particularly when the contours of the longitudinal shim are rounded, as is the case when the distribution box is partially formed by stamping. Preferably, therefore, the distance between the end face of the tube and the end edge of the longitudinal shim, when the tube is inserted into the distribution box, is greater than or equal to a radius of curvature characterizing a rounded edge between a lateral edge of the longitudinal shim and the end edge of the longitudinal shim..

[0026] Alternatively, the longitudinal excess thickness is in contact with the material bridge on the The bottom wall of the notch prevents any fluid flow between the circulation assemblies or limits it to a minimum when the end edge of the longitudinal rib is rounded. The longitudinal rib effectively covers the entire thickness of the tube, possibly in conjunction with another longitudinal rib or another rib, as explained later.

[0027] According to an optional feature of the invention, the distribution box comprises a receiving portion with a shape complementary to a longitudinal end portion of the tube in the junction zone, the longitudinal end of the tube being fitted into the receiving portion. This complementary shape, achieved in particular by means of the ribs mentioned above, ensures a seal between the distribution box and the tube. The tube is, for example, brazed to the distribution box once the tube has been inserted into it.

[0028] The recesses forming the chambers on the one hand, and the ribs on the other, are easily formed by stamping metal plates, each forming one of the two shells, which are then brazed or welded together to form the distribution box. Similarly, the excess thickness of the ribs is preferably formed by stamping and therefore does not necessarily correspond to an excess of material on the ribs, but to an extension of the material in the direction of the thickness of the distribution box. The shells are preferably one-piece. Alternatively, the ribs are formed by deformation of the sheet metal, or by an excess of material.

[0029] The ribs contribute to the seal between the distribution chambers by longitudinally separating the two recesses on each of the shells. When the tube is inserted into the distribution chamber, the ribs, along with the longitudinal ridge(s), form a central wall separating the two chambers along a longitudinal portion of the distribution box, extending through its entire thickness. They also fill the material gaps created by the material bridge on another longitudinal portion of the distribution box, covering the junction area, thus ensuring a seal between the tube and the distribution box. The ribs extend longitudinally from an edge of each shell, corresponding to a longitudinal end of the receiving portion, in contact with the material bridge, to an unstamped area of ​​the shell extending to the opposite edge of the shell.The unstamped areas of the shells are pressed together during assembly and then brazed, thus extending the seal longitudinally between the two chambers to the opposite edge of each shell. In this arrangement, the ribs therefore extend longitudinally beyond the walls of the material bridge from the tube towards the distribution box.

[0030] According to an optional feature of the invention, the material bridge connects the two Circulation assemblies are formed by creating two material reliefs on the tube, each corresponding to a longitudinal groove on the tube. The tube is preferably made of metallic material, such as aluminum, and formed by extrusion and then cutting.

[0031] According to an optional feature of the invention, the distribution box is formed by two shells fixed one on top of the other, each shell having a first recess forming one half of the inlet chamber and a second recess forming one half of the return chamber. The distribution box is preferably also made of a metallic material, for example, aluminum. Unlike the tube, the distribution box is preferably produced by stamping. Alternatively, the distribution box is machined. Other materials besides aluminum are of course conceivable for the tube and the distribution box, provided they are thermally conductive and have sufficient mechanical strength to avoid deformation under the pressure of the heat transfer fluid.

[0032] According to an optional feature of the invention, the distribution box has a rib on each shell, the rib separating the inlet chamber from the return chamber and filling at least on the junction area, one of the longitudinal grooves, the rib being surmounted by a longitudinal overthickness housed at least in part in the notch, the longitudinal overthicknesses being in contact with each other.

[0033] According to an optional feature of the invention, the distribution box has a rib on each shell, the rib separating the inlet chamber from the return chamber and filling at least on the junction area, one of the longitudinal grooves, the rib of one of the shells being surmounted by a longitudinal overthickness housed at least in part in the notch, said longitudinal overthickness being in contact with the rib of the other of the shells.

[0034] The invention also relates to a system comprising several temperature-sensitive components, including assemblies of electrical energy storage elements, and at least one thermal control device according to the invention. The tube of the thermal control device is closed, on the side opposite the distribution box of the thermal control device, by a return box of the thermal control device. The return box connects the first fluid circulation assembly with the second fluid circulation assembly. The thermal control devices are preferably arranged between each row of electrical energy storage elements of the system. Alternatively or in addition, thermal control devices are arranged on one of the principal faces of the system according to the invention, the principal faces being the larger faces on either side of the system..

[0035] According to an optional feature of the invention, a first and a second dis The positive thermal regulation devices of the system are configured to be connected in a sealed manner by direct cooperation of a supply pipe connected to the inlet chamber of the first thermal regulation device, with the inlet pipe connected to the inlet chamber of the second thermal regulation device, and of the outlet pipe connected to the return chamber of the second thermal regulation device, with an exhaust pipe connected to the return chamber of the first thermal regulation device.

[0036] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a thermal regulation device according to the invention, comprising: - a manufacturing step by extrusion, of a profile of the tube of the thermal regulation device, forming the circulation assemblies and the material bridge of the tube, the latter not yet being provided with a notch, - a pre-cutting step of a portion of the tube profile along parallel lines at a location spaced longitudinally by a length of the tube relative to a longitudinal end of the tube profile, - a step of separating the pre-cut part by longitudinally separating the pre-cut part from a non-pre-cut part of the tube profile, delivering the tube without a notch, and - a step of cutting the notch on one end of the material bridge of the tube from the previous step.

[0037] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a thermal regulation device according to the invention, during which: - The distribution box is formed by assembling the two shells together, one against the other. - the longitudinal end of the tube, equipped with the junction area, is inserted into the distribution box until the longitudinal excess thickness of one of the ribs is at least partially housed in the notch, and - the assembly formed by the distribution box and the tube is brazed.

[0038] In the assembly process according to the invention, the tube is obtained for example according to the manufacturing process according to the invention.

[0039] In a first variant of the assembly method according to the invention, the box or tube is moved against each other until the longitudinal overthickness is in contact with the bottom wall of the notch.

[0040] In a second embodiment of the assembly method according to the invention, the longitudinal end of the tube, provided with the junction zone, is inserted into the distribution box by moving the latter until it stops against a stop external to the thermal regulation device and located at a predetermined distance from a first corrugation of the tube, between this first corrugation and the The longitudinal end face of the tube. Thus, the distance between the first corrugation and the distribution box's tubing is controlled. Of course, if the tube does not have corrugations but other types of thermal contact zones, the external stop will be placed between an indexed position of this thermal contact zone and the longitudinal end face of the tube. In this second variant, the length of the longitudinal end inserted into the distribution box does not generally correspond to contact between the longitudinal overhang and the bottom wall of the notch, but the distance between the lateral edges of the longitudinal overhang and the lateral edges of the notch is controlled so as to acceptably manage the slight internal leakage resulting from this second variant of the assembly method according to the invention, between the first fluid circulation assembly and the second circulation assembly.This second variant makes it possible to eliminate a link in the chain of dimensions, particularly between an element of the distribution box and the longitudinal end face of the tube.

[0041] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0042] [Fig. 1] already discussed in relation to the prior art, represents in perspective part of a tube and a distribution box of a thermal regulation device of an energy storage system,

[0043] [Fig.2] represents in perspective an end face of the tube of the [Fig.2],

[0044] [Fig.3] also already commented on in relation to the prior art, represents a view from one end face of a tube of another thermal regulation device of an energy storage system,

[0045] [Fig.4] represents in perspective a thermal regulation device according the invention, in one embodiment of the invention,

[0046] [Fig.5] represents in perspective an electrical energy storage system according the invention, in this embodiment of the invention,

[0047] [Fig.6] represents a perspective close-up view of the fluidic connections between several thermal regulation devices of the electrical energy storage system of the [Fig.5],

[0048] [Fig.7] shows in cross-section an end face of a tube of the device of thermal regulation of the [Fig.4], the cross-section being made at the level of a solid part of a material bridge connecting two fluid circulation assemblies of the tube.

[0049] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of an end portion of the tube of [Fig.7], fitted into a distribution box of the thermal regulation device of the [Fig.4], formed of two shells assembled one on top of the other, but one of the shells is not shown, in order to allow visualization of the end face of the tube in the distribution box,

[0050] [Fig.9] is an enlargement of [Fig.8] at one end face of the tube, allowing for a better visualization of a notch in the material bridge opening onto this end face, as well as a longitudinal overthickness of the hull shown [Fig.8] and partially housed within the notch,

[0051] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view from a point of view opposite to that of [Fig. 8], showing the external face of the hull and part of the tube extending outside the hull,

[0052] [Fig. 11] represents steps in a process for manufacturing a tube of a thermal regulation device according to the invention, in one embodiment of the invention, and

[0053] [Fig. 12] represents steps of a method of assembling a thermal regulation device according to the invention in an embodiment of the invention.

[0054] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a thermal regulation device 4 according to the invention, comprising an aluminum tube 60, one longitudinal end of which is fitted into a distribution box 100 and the other longitudinal end into a return box 20. In this thermal regulation device 4, the fluid circulation is U-shaped, meaning that the same portion of heat transfer fluid circulates in two opposite directions S1, S2 within the tube 60. The thermal regulation device 4 includes corrugations to optimize its exchange surface with cylindrical battery cells. In particular, a first corrugation 63 of the tube is positioned so that the pipes of the distribution box 100 are coaxial with other pipes of another distribution box 100, as explained below.

[0055] More specifically, the heat transfer fluid enters the thermal control device 4 through an inlet pipe 18b connected in a sealed manner to an inlet chamber 410 (referenced [Fig.8]) of the distribution box 100, enters a first circulation set 61 of the tube 60, circulates in the first direction S1 to the return box 20 which diverts it to a second circulation set 62 of the tube 60. Once in the second circulation set 62, the heat transfer fluid circulates in the second direction S2 to a return chamber 420 (referenced [Fig.8]) of the distribution box 100, then exits through an outlet pipe 18a connected in a sealed manner to the return chamber 420. As detailed later in relation to [Fig.6], other coaxial tubes to the inlet tubes 18b and outlet tubes 18a are provided on the distribution box 100, to communicate fluidly with other distribution boxes of other thermal regulation devices according to. the invention.

[0056] The thermal regulation device 4 is indeed used to cool an electrical energy storage system 1 shown [Fig. 5], intended in particular for use in an electric or hybrid vehicle. This electrical energy storage system 1 comprises several electrical energy storage elements 2, here cylindrical cells 2, which are energy accumulators and electrically connected to each other in series.

[0057] The cylindrical cells 2 are arranged vertically, that is to say perpendicular to the plane in which the electrical energy storage system is mainly located.

[0058] The electrical energy storage system 1 comprises several thermal regulation devices 4, each comprising a tube 60, arranged between two rows 3 of cylindrical cells 2, or flanking such a row 3 at the edge of the energy storage system 1, so as to allow heat exchange between the thermal regulation devices 4 and the cylindrical cells 2. The tubes 60 are corrugated to allow an optimal exchange surface with the cylindrical cells 2. They are made, for example, of aluminum.

[0059] The arrangement of the thermal control devices 4 is such that the return boxes 20 of the thermal control devices 4 are located on the same side of the energy storage system 1, outside the rows 3 of cylindrical cells 2. Similarly, the distribution boxes 100 of the thermal control devices 4 are all located on the opposite side of the energy storage system 1, outside the rows 3 of cylindrical cells 2. Consequently, a connection system 18, detailed below, allows all the distribution boxes 100 to be connected together, so that they can receive a heat transfer fluid from a single heat transfer fluid inlet 14 for the entire energy storage system 1, and that this heat transfer fluid can be discharged through a single heat transfer fluid outlet 16 for the entire energy storage system 1.

[0060] As shown [Fig.6], the connection system 18 provides for each thermal regulation device 4 located between two rows 3 of cylindrical cells 2:

[0061] - an inlet pipe 18b serving the inlet chamber 410 of the dis box contribution 100 of the thermal regulation device 4,

[0062] - an outlet pipe 18a, referenced [Fig.4] and not visible on [Fig.6] because it is housed in another pipe of the adjacent tube, said outlet pipe being served by the return chamber 420 of the distribution box 100 of the thermal regulation device 4,

[0063] - a service pipe 18c adapted to be fitted into an inlet pipe 18b of a distribution box 100 of a thermal regulation device 4 adjacent to the thermal regulation device 4 comprising this supply pipe 18c, and

[0064] - an exhaust pipe 18e suitable for receiving an outlet pipe 18a from a box distribution 100 of a thermal regulation device 4 adjacent to the thermal regulation device 4 comprising this evacuation pipe 18e.

[0065] Each supply pipe 18c includes, in particular, a toroidal seal 36 ensuring the sealing of its connection within an inlet pipe 18b, and each outlet pipe 18a includes a toroidal seal ensuring the sealing of its connection within a discharge pipe 18e. The seals 36 are held radially tight by the connection of the corresponding pipes, which are held together by a ring 52 preventing their relative axial movement.

[0066] Of course, alternatively other connection possibilities exist and are usable.

[0067] The tube 60 of this embodiment of the invention is represented [Fig.7], seen in cross-section, that is to say in a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal direction oriented along the length of the tube 60, at the level of a solid part of a material bridge 64 connecting the first fluid circulation assembly 61 of the tube 60, and the second fluid circulation assembly 62 of the tube 60.

[0068] This cross-section shows the tube 60 on the one hand according to its width, corresponding to the largest dimension of the tube 60 on this cross-section, and in the direction of alignment of the channels 8 with respect to each other in each fluid circulation assembly 61, 62, and on the other hand according to its thickness, in a direction orthogonal to that of the width of the tube.

[0069] The width of the tube 60 is oriented along a transverse direction T and the thickness of the tube 60 along a direction E.

[0070] Similar to [Fig.3], the channels 8 are each separated by a wall 50 in the width direction of the tube 60. It can be seen that the tube 60 is very thin, on the order of a few millimeters, only one channel 8 being able to be housed in the thickness direction of the tube 60, which allows the tube 60 to be cut at the exit of an extrusion die by a first pre-cutting step and then a second drawing step.

[0071] The first fluid circulation assembly 61 therefore has in the width of the tube 60 on this cross-section, a first long edge 612 which is inscribed on a first straight line dl, and a second opposite long edge 611 which is inscribed on a second straight line d2 substantially parallel to the first straight line dl. Similarly, the second fluid circulation assembly 62 has in the width of the tube 60 on this cross-section, a first long edge 622 which is inscribed on the first line dl, and a second long edge 621 which is inscribed on the second line d2.

[0072] The material bridge 64 breaks the continuity of material on the parallel lines dl, d2 by forming a first clearance of material 66 between the two edges 612, 622 on a first longitudinal face of the tube 60, and a second clearance of material 65 between the two edges 611, 621 on a second longitudinal face of the tube 60 opposite to the first longitudinal face of the tube 60.

[0073] The tube 60 being formed by extrusion, in this embodiment of the invention, these material clearances 65, 66 extend over the entire length of the tube, forming longitudinal grooves opening outwards from the tube 60, between the circulation assemblies 61, 62.

[0074] Unlike the embodiment shown in relation to [Fig. 3], the tube 60 has a notch 642, visible [Fig. 8], formed in these longitudinal grooves and opening onto an end face 602 (referenced [Fig. 9]) of the tube 60. The end face 602 is a flat surface having the opening of the channels 8 of the circulation assemblies 61, 62. It is parallel, at the notch 642, to a bottom wall 644 of the notch 642. The notch 642 cooperates with sealing means 440 of the distribution box 100 when the tube 60 is inserted into the distribution box 100, now described in relation to [Fig. 8].

[0075] In [Fig. 8], a longitudinal direction L, to which the term "longitudinal" refers, is oriented along the length of the tube 60, orthogonally to the transverse direction T oriented along the width of the tube 60 and to the direction E oriented along the thickness of the tube 60. These directions are also used to position the distribution box 100 in Figures 8 to 10. In particular, the largest dimension of the distribution box 100 is oriented along the transverse direction T, this largest dimension being oriented along the width of the tube 60 when the latter is inserted into the distribution box 100. Similarly, an intermediate dimension of the distribution box 100, oriented in the direction of insertion of the tube 60, is oriented along the longitudinal direction L, and the smallest dimension or thickness of the distribution box 100 is oriented along the direction E.

[0076] The distribution box 100 is formed of two shells 111 assembled against each other and then brazed. Lateral mounting tabs on one of the shells allow the shells 111 to be held together during brazing. The distribution box 100 is made of aluminum in this embodiment of the invention. Alternatively, it can of course be made of another material, such as metal or polymer.

[0077] Each shell 111 has a first recess forming half of the inlet chamber 410 and a second recess forming half of the return chamber 420. These recesses are formed, for example, by stamping.

[0078] Each first recess is pierced with an orifice bordered by a cylindrical base 181 intended to receive either an inlet tube 18b or a service tube 18c.

[0079] Similarly, each second recess is pierced with an orifice bordered by a cylindrical base 183 intended to receive either an outlet pipe 18a or an evacuation pipe 18e.

[0080] The distribution box 100 extends longitudinally from a junction edge 1112 of each shell 111 with the tube 60, therefore proximal to the tube 60, to a free edge 1114 of each shell, opposite the junction edge 1112, therefore distal to the tube 60. The distribution box 100 has a receiving portion shaped complementary to at least a longitudinal portion of a junction zone 600 on the end of the tube 60, this junction zone being fitted into this receiving portion when the tube 60 is inserted into the distribution box 100. The receiving portion is complementary to the junction zone 600 at least on the longitudinal portion of this junction zone 600 extending longitudinally from the junction edge 1112 of each shell 111 to the bottom wall 644 of the notch.

[0081] It is visible in particular on [Fig.8], that the arrival chambers 410 and return chambers 420 follow the contours of the first circulation assembly 61 and respectively of the second circulation assembly 62 over the entire junction area, by the shape of the first recesses of the arrival chamber 410 on the one hand and the shape of the second recesses of the return chamber 420 on the other hand.

[0082] Each shell 111 further comprises a rib 441 separating the two chambers and conforming to the shape of one of the material clearances 65, 66 longitudinally over the entire junction zone 600. In other words, each rib 441 of a shell 111 fills an end portion of a longitudinal groove formed by a material clearance 65, 66, so that the shells 111 clamp the material bridge 64 at the junction zone 600. Due to the contact planes between each rib 441 and the material bridge 64, parallel to the transverse T and longitudinal L directions, the ribs 441 do not fill the notch 642 on the junction zone 600, in this embodiment of the invention. According to the invention, and as will be detailed below, the notch 642 is partially occupied by a longitudinal overthickness 442 forming on each rib 441 a projection in the direction E.

[0083] As can be seen in particular in Figures 9 and 10, each longitudinal thickness 442 begins on the corresponding rib 441, with an end edge 4422 located at a distance from the junction edge 1112 of the shell 111, from which the rib 441 begins, and extends longitudinally to the unstamped area of ​​the shell 111 located between the two chambers 410, 420. The longitudinal distance between the beginning of the rib 441 and the beginning of the longitudinal thickness 442, thanks to the complementary shapes of the ribs 441 and the material bridge 64 over this distance, ensures a seal between the tube 60 and the distribution box 100. The longitudinal thicknesses 442 and the ribs 441 also form the sealing means 440 between the two rooms.

[0084] The ribs 441, formed for example by stamping, help to separate the inlet chamber 410 from the return chamber 420, by forming a central wall between these two chambers, and therefore help to seal between the inlet chamber 410 and the return chamber 420.

[0085] The ribs 441 extend longitudinally between the two chambers from the joining edge 1112 of each shell 111, to an unstamped area of ​​the shell 111 extending near the free edge 1114 of the shell 111. The unstamped areas of the shells 111 are pressed together during the assembly of the shells 111 and then brazed, and thus extend longitudinally the seal between the two chambers to the free edge 1114 of each shell 111.

[0086] The ribs 441 have a thickness extending over the shell 111 in the direction E only as far as the material bridge 64 when the tube 60 is inserted into the distribution box 100. Therefore, when the tube 60 is inserted into the distribution box 100, they do not by themselves close off the circulation of the heat transfer fluid because, between the inlet chamber 410 and the return chamber 420, they are separated by the thickness e (referenced in [Fig. 9]) of the material bridge 64. The heat transfer fluid can thus pass from the channels 8 of the second circulation assembly 62 on the end face 602 of the tube 60 to the bottom wall 644 of the notch 642, and flow along this bottom wall 644 to the circulation channels 8 of the first circulation assembly 61, moving upwards along the face end 602 of tube 60.To prevent this free flow of fluid through the notch, the longitudinal thicknesses 442 extend into the notch, forming a projection on their respective rib 441 along the direction E, until they meet and obstruct, at least partially, the notch.

[0087] However, as can be seen in [Fig. 9], this seal cannot be complete if the end edge 4422 does not touch the bottom wall 644 of the notch, or if none of the lateral edges 4426, 4424 of the longitudinal overthickness 442 touches one of the lateral edges 646, 648 of the notch 642, the lateral edges of the longitudinal overthickness 442 and of the notch 642 extending in the longitudinal direction L. In an embodiment of the invention, the end edge 4422 of the longitudinal overthickness 442 touches the bottom wall 644 of the notch, or one of the lateral edges 4426, 4424 of the longitudinal overthickness 442 touches one of the lateral edges 646, 648 of the notch 642, the edge(s) corresponding to the overthickness 442 having a flat surface parallel to the bottom wall 644 or to one of the lateral edges 646, 648 of the notch 642. In this variant, a complete seal is achieved between the circulation assemblies 61, 62.

[0088] However, in the embodiment of the invention presented in relation to the Figures 8, 9 and 10, the overthickness 442 being produced by stamping, its edges are rounded, and as a result the sealing between the circulation assemblies 61, 62 is not complete but is sufficient thanks in particular to the control of the relative distances between the lateral edges 4426, 4424 of the longitudinal overthickness 442 and the lateral edges 614, 616, 624, 626 of the circulation assemblies 61, 62.

[0089] In other words, even if a complete seal is not achieved here, a sufficient seal is generated by creating a baffle to restrict fluid flow, by inserting the excess material sufficiently into the notch. For this to work, at least the end edge 4422 and the lateral ends of this end edge, which are rounded due to the stamping process, must be housed within the notch.

[0090] In this embodiment of the invention, the width of the notch is smaller than the transverse distance between the two circulation assemblies 61, 62. Consequently, the longitudinal overhang 442 is itself, at least on a portion of its longitudinal end, narrower than the width of the rib 441 whose thickness it extends, so as to fit into the notch 642. The manufacturing tolerances of the shells 111 and the tube 60 allow a distance d between one of the lateral edges 4426, 4424 of the longitudinal overhang 442 and one of the lateral edges 646, 648 of the notch 642 to be between 0.02 and 0.2 times the width of the notch 642. For guidance purposes, this distance d is approximately half a millimeter, and the width of the notch is approximately 4 millimeters. The largest dimension of the internal leakage section between the two chambers is therefore on the order of half a millimeter, or four times less than in the prior art.

[0091] In one embodiment, the notch 642 extends transversely from the lateral edges 614, 616 of the first circulation assembly 61 to the lateral edges 624, 626 of the second circulation assembly 62. In this case, the distance d between one of the lateral edges 4426, 4424 of the longitudinal overthickness 442 and one of the lateral edges 614, 616, 624, 626 of the circulation assemblies 61, 62 is between 0.02 and 0.2 times a distance between the lateral edges 614, 616 of the first circulation assembly 61 and the lateral edges 624, 626 of the second circulation assembly 62.

[0092] Furthermore, in this variant or embodiment of the invention, a distance h between the end edge 4422 of the longitudinal extension 442 and the bottom wall 644 of the notch is smaller than the distance between the end face 602 of the tube 60 and the end edge 4422 of the extension 442, these distances being measured in the longitudinal direction L. The distance h can be half a millimeter or several millimeters without the internal leakage being greater in either case, provided that the distance d is controlled and remains the same, for example, about half a millimeter. The longitudinal depth of the notch 642 is, of course, always greater than the distance h. It is on the order of one to a few millimeters, and preferably greater by at least half a millimeter than the distance h, so that the rounded shape of the contour of the overthickness 442 does not promote the circulation of fluid between the space between the lateral edges 646, 648 of the notch 642 and the lateral edges 4426, 4424 of the longitudinal overthickness 442 on the one hand, and the space between the end edge 4422 of the longitudinal overthickness 442 and the bottom wall 644 on the other hand.

[0093] In other words, the distance between the end face 602 of the tube 60 and the end edge 4422 of the longitudinal overthickness 442, when the tube 60 is inserted into the distribution box 100, is greater than or equal to a radius of curvature R characterizing a rounded edge between a lateral edge 4424, 4426 of the longitudinal overthickness and the end edge 4422 of the longitudinal overthickness 442.

[0094] A manufacturing process 300 for the tube 60 of the thermal regulation device 4 according to the invention is now described in relation to [Fig. 11]. The manufacturing process 300 comprises:

[0095] - a manufacturing step 302 by extruding a profile of the tube 60 of the device thermal regulation 4, forming the circulation assemblies 61, 62 and the material bridge 64 of the tube 60 not yet provided with the notch 642,

[0096] - a pre-cutting step 304 of a portion of the profile of the tube 60 thus manufactured, this pre-cutting carried out transversely to the tube 60 along the parallel lines dl, d2, at a location spaced longitudinally from one end of the profile of the tube 60, by the length of the tube 60, and

[0097] - a separation step 306 of the part thus pre-cut by separating longitudinally finally the pre-cut part of the rest of the profile of the tube 60; the pre-cut and separated part forms a tube 60 of the thermal regulation device 4 without a notch.

[0098] Finally, a last step is a cutting step 308 of the notch 642 on one end of the material bridge 64 of the tube 60 without a notch resulting from the separation step 306. It should be noted that in this embodiment, each pre-cutting and separation step forms one end of the remainder of the profile of the tube 60, not yet pre-cut, which will be used to manufacture another tube.

[0099] Once the tube 60 has been manufactured, an assembly method 200 of the thermal regulation device 4 according to the invention, represented [Fig. 12], is implemented.

[0100] In a first step 202 of the assembly process 200, the distribution box 100 is formed by superimposing the two shells 111 against each other.

[0101] Then in a second step 204 of the assembly process 200, a longitudinal end of the tube 60 is inserted inside the distribution box 100 until the longitudinal overthicknesses 442 on the ribs 441 of the shells 411 are housed at least in part in the notch 642 of the material bridge 64.

[0102] Finally, in a third step 206, the assembly formed by the dis- box is brazed distribution 100 and tube 60 thus inserted into distribution box 100.

[0103] In the second step 204, for example, the tube 60 is inserted into the distribution box 100 until the end edge 4422 of the longitudinal thickness 442 reaches the bottom wall 644 of the notch. This minimizes fluid circulation between the two chambers 410, 420 of the distribution box 100.

[0104] Alternatively, particularly if it is desired to eliminate a rib link between the longitudinal end of the tube 60 and a first corrugation 63 of the tube 60 proximal to this longitudinal end, in the second step 204, the longitudinal end of the tube 60 is inserted into the distribution box 100 by bringing it against an external stop to the thermal regulation device 4, positioned at a predetermined distance between the first corrugation 63 of the tube 60 and its longitudinal end. This alternative generally does not ensure contact between the end edges 4422 of the longitudinal overthicknesses 442 and the bottom wall 644 of the notch 642. Nevertheless, any internal leakage that might occur is controlled.

[0105] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the characteristics of the different embodiments or variants can be combined to carry out the invention, provided that these embodiments or variants are not incompatible with each other.

Claims

Demands

1. Thermal control device (4) for cooling and / or heating temperature-sensitive components (2), these components being in particular intended for energy storage and possibly being battery cells of electrical energy storage devices, comprising: - a distribution box (100) configured to be connected to a fluid inlet pipe (18b) and a fluid outlet pipe (18a), the distribution box having a fluid inlet chamber suitable for being supplied by the inlet pipe (18b) and a fluid return chamber suitable for supplying the outlet pipe (18a), - a tube (60) with two fluid circulation assemblies (61, 62) joined by a material bridge (64), each assembly comprising a plurality of circulation channels along which the heat transfer fluid flows from one longitudinal end of the tube to the other,a first fluid circulation assembly (61) communicating with the inlet chamber and a second fluid circulation assembly (62) communicating with the return chamber, the fluid circulation assemblies (61, 62) having in cross-section of the tube (60) long edges (621, 622, 611, 612) inscribed on two parallel lines (dl, d2), the material bridge (64) breaking the continuity of material on at least one of the parallel lines (dl, d2) by forming at least one longitudinal material clearance (65, 66) on the tube (60), the thermal regulation device (4) being characterized in that the distribution box (100) has at least one rib (441) separating the inlet chamber from the return chamber,a portion of the rib being housed in the material clearance (65) at a junction zone (600) of the tube (60) with the distribution box (100), and in that the material bridge (64) has a notch (642) opening onto an end face of the tube (60), the distribution box having a longitudinal overthickness (442) projecting from the rib (441) and housed at least partially in the notch (642).

2. Thermal regulation device (4) according to claim 1, wherein a distance (d) between a lateral edge (4426) of the longitudinal overthickness (442) and a lateral edge (646) of the notch (642) is between 0.02 and 0.2 times a width of the notch (642).

3. Thermal regulation device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the distribution box (100) has a receiving portion of complementary shape to a longitudinal end portion of the tube (60) in the junction zone (600), the longitudinal end of the tube (60) being fitted into the receiving portion.

4. Thermal regulation device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material bridge (64) connects the two circulation assemblies (61, 62) by forming two material clearances (65, 66) on the tube (60), each corresponding to a longitudinal groove on the tube (60).

5. Thermal regulation device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which, the distribution box (100) being formed by two shells (111) fixed one on top of the other, each shell (111) has a first recess (410) forming one half of the inlet chamber and a second recess (420) forming one half of the return chamber.

6. Thermal regulation device (4) according to claim 5, in which the distribution box (100) has a rib (441) on each shell (111), the rib (441) separating the inlet chamber from the return chamber and filling at least on the junction area, one of the longitudinal grooves, the rib being surmounted by a longitudinal overthickness (442) housed at least in part in the notch (642), the longitudinal overthicknesses (442) being in contact with each other.

7. Thermal regulation device (4) according to claim 5, in which the distribution box (100) has a rib (441) on each shell (111), the rib (441) separating the inlet chamber from the return chamber and filling at least on the junction area, one of the longitudinal grooves, the rib (441) of one of the shells (111) being surmounted by a longitudinal overthickness housed at least in part in the notch, said longitudinal overthickness being in contact with the rib of the other of the shells.

8. A system (1) comprising several temperature-sensitive components (2), including assemblies (3) of electrical energy storage components (2), and at least one thermal control device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, the tube (60) of the thermal control device (4) being closed, on the side opposite the distribution box (100) of the thermal control device (4), by a return box (20) of the thermal control device (4), the return box (20) communicating the first fluid circulation set (61) with the second fluid circulation set (62).

9. System (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein a first and a second thermal control device (4) are configured to be connected in a sealed manner by direct cooperation of a supply pipe (18c) connected to the inlet chamber of the first thermal control device, with the inlet pipe (18b) connected to the inlet chamber of the second thermal control device, and of the outlet pipe (18a) connected to the return chamber of the second thermal control device, with an outlet pipe (18e) connected to the return chamber of the first thermal control device.

10. Method of assembling (200) a thermal regulation device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: - the distribution box (100) is formed (202) by assembling the two shells (111) against each other, - the longitudinal end of the tube (60) having the junction zone (600) is inserted (204) inside the distribution box (100) until the longitudinal overthickness (442) of one of the ribs (441) is at least partially housed in the notch (642), and - the assembly formed by the distribution box (100) and the tube (60) is brazed (206).

11. A method for manufacturing (300) a thermal regulation device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: - a manufacturing step (302) by extrusion of a tube profile (60) of the thermal regulation device (4), forming the circulation assemblies (61, 62) and the material bridge (64) of the tube (60), the latter not yet having a notch (642), - a pre-cutting step (304) of a portion of the tube profile (60) along parallel lines (d1, d2) at a location spaced longitudinally a length of the tube (60) from a longitudinal end of the tube profile (60), - a separation step (306) of the pre-cut portion by longitudinally separating the pre-cut portion from an unpre-cut portion of the tube profile (60), delivering the tube (60) without notch (642), and - a step of cutting the notch (642) on one end of the material bridge (64) of the tube (60) from the previous step.

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