Cooling device using its outer surface as a cooling surface

Abstract

Title of the invention: Cooling device using its outer surface as a cooling means Cooling device (1) comprising at least one heat exchanger (32) and a housing (2), the heat exchanger (32) comprising a first circuit (16) intended to be traversed by a cooling fluid (), and a second circuit (20) intended to be traversed by a heat transfer liquid (24), the heat exchanger (32) being housed in the housing (2) leaving a space (34) arranged between the heat exchanger (32) and the housing (2), the space (34) delimiting a third circuit (22) which at least partly surrounds the heat exchanger (32) and which is intended to be traversed by the heat transfer liquid (24), the heat exchanger (32) being configured to carry out a heat exchange between the first circuit (16) and the second circuit (20) as well as a heat exchange between the first circuit (16) and the third circuit (22).Abstract figure: Figure 4.

Description

Title of the invention: Cooling device using its outer surface as a cooling surface

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cooling devices and concerns more specifically the means implemented to optimize the cooling of certain elements equipping a vehicle likely to release heat.

[0002] Currently, it is known to equip electric or hybrid vehicles with cooling devices allowing a lowering of the temperature of certain elements of the vehicle.

[0003] During vehicle operation, the elements can release significant heat which can affect their performance, or even damage them to the point of causing them to be put out of service. Consequently, it is necessary to cool them in order to keep them in good condition and ensure the functions of the vehicle they equip.

[0004] In this context, one or more cooling devices intended to lower the temperature of the vehicle elements are implemented to ensure the cooling functions.

[0005] These cooling devices are generally traversed by a fluid which can, as required, absorb the heat emitted by each energy storage system in order to cool it.

[0006] Cooling devices may take the form of a stack of metal plates through which fluid may flow from one longitudinal end to another in order to cool the target element.

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome this drawback by providing a cooling device which allows an improvement in cooling performance. Such a cooling device is obtained by optimizing the cover of the device which is generally used as a fixing support.

[0008] The main subject of the present invention in this context is a cooling device comprising at least one heat exchanger and a housing, the heat exchanger comprising a first circuit intended to be traversed by a cooling fluid, and a second circuit intended to be traversed by a heat transfer liquid, the heat exchanger being housed in the housing leaving a space arranged between the heat exchanger and the housing, the space delimiting a third circuit which at least partly surrounds the heat exchanger and which is intended to be traversed by the heat transfer liquid, the heat exchanger being configured to carry out a heat exchange between the first circuit and the second circuit as well as an exchange of heat between the first circuit and the third circuit.

[0009] The purpose of the cooling device according to the invention is to lower the temperature of certain components which tend to release significant heat within the vehicle. The cooling device is particular in that it comprises a first circuit, a second circuit and a third circuit, the three circuits being distinct from one another and being intended to be traversed by a fluid in the liquid or gaseous state. At least one of these fluids is a heat transfer fluid which circulates in two of the three circuits, while the third circuit is traversed by a cooling fluid. This heat transfer fluid constitutes a cooling means for the components releasing heat. The heat transfer fluid is for example glycolated water while the cooling fluid is a refrigerant fluid, with or without a change of state during its cycle.

[0010] The first circuit of the heat exchanger comprises an inlet port configured to receive the cooling fluid and an outlet port configured to discharge the cooling fluid.

[0011] The heat exchanger comprises a plurality of stacked plates between which the heat transfer liquid circulates within the second circuit. A heat transfer liquid enters this second circuit via a first opening and exits via a second opening.

[0012] Furthermore, the heat exchanger is arranged within the housing so as to form a peripheral space around the heat exchanger. This space defines the third circuit in which a heat transfer liquid circulates in order to constitute a cooling function additional to that of the second circuit. The third circuit comprises a first deformation for the entry of the heat transfer liquid into the space and a second deformation for the exit of the heat transfer liquid.

[0013] According to another characteristic, the housing is closed by a cover which is arranged opposite an opening of the housing. The cover has the role of sealingly closing the housing inside which the heat exchanger is housed, in order to make possible on the one hand the circulation of the heat transfer liquid within the space forming the third circuit.

[0014] The housing opening is the passage through which the heat exchanger is inserted into the housing.

[0015] According to another characteristic, the space extends between four peripheral faces of the heat exchanger and the housing.

[0016] A first and a second face constituting the four peripheral faces of the heat exchanger are parallel to each other and extend longitudinally relative to an axis of elongation of the cooling device. A third and fourth face of the four peripheral faces are also parallel to each other and extend vertically relative to the axis of elongation of the cooling device.

[0017] It is understood here that the third and fourth faces are perpendicular to the first and second faces. The space thus forms a belt around the heat exchanger and inside the housing.

[0018] According to another characteristic, the space comprises a first cavity forming a part of the third circuit intended to be traversed by the heat transfer liquid, said first cavity extending along a fifth face of the heat exchanger.

[0019] The heat exchanger comprises a fifth face arranged opposite the opening of the housing and joining the first, second, third and fourth faces of the heat exchanger, at an angle. It is then understood that the first cavity is arranged between the heat exchanger and the cover closing the housing.

[0020] According to the invention, another cavity is arranged along a sixth face arranged opposite the bottom of the housing. In this alternative, the space forming the third circuit completely envelops the heat exchanger. The heat exchange capacities are thus improved.

[0021] According to another characteristic, the space comprises a second cavity forming a part of the third circuit intended to be traversed by the heat transfer liquid, said second cavity extending along a sixth face of the heat exchanger.

[0022] The heat exchanger comprises a sixth face arranged opposite the housing bottom and joining the first, second, third and fourth faces of the heat exchanger, at an angle. The sixth face is opposite the fifth face with respect to the heating body of the heat exchanger. It is then understood that the second cavity is arranged between the heat exchanger and the housing bottom.

[0023] According to another characteristic, the first cavity extends between an end plate of the heat exchanger and the cover.

[0024] It is understood here that the fifth face of the heat exchanger is formed by the end plate of the latter and that the first cavity is arranged between the end plate and the cover.

[0025] According to another characteristic, the second cavity extends between the bottom of the housing and the sixth face of the heat exchanger.

[0026] It is understood here that the sixth face of the heat exchanger is formed by a second end plate of the latter and that the second cavity is arranged between the second end plate and the bottom of the housing.

[0027] According to another characteristic, the housing at least partially delimits a chamber in which the heat exchanger is arranged, the cooling device comprising a partition element which at least partially delimits said chamber.

[0028] The partition element delimits the chamber into several zones intended to be traversed by the cooling fluid which comprises both the heat transfer liquid and the refrigerant fluid. A first zone ensures the passage of the heat transfer liquid in the third circuit. A second zone fluidly connects the first circuit and the third circuit and a third zone fluidly connects the first and the second circuit.

[0029] According to another characteristic, at least one spacer member which extends into the first cavity and / or into the second cavity which forms a part of the third circuit intended to be traversed by the heat transfer liquid.

[0030] According to a first alternative, the spacer member projects from a bottom of the housing and extends towards the heat exchanger. In this case, the spacer member is configured to create a gap between one of the last two end plates of the heat exchanger and the bottom of the housing in order to allow the heat transfer liquid to pass into the space formed by one or other of the cavities.

[0031] In a second alternative, the spacer member is made in one piece with the partition element and projects towards the heat exchanger, more precisely towards one of the end plates, in order to create a gap between the heat exchanger and the cover to allow the heat transfer liquid to pass between these two elements.

[0032] According to an example of this second alternative, the spacer member is a groove formed on the partition element and which projects towards the heat exchanger so as to generate a heat transfer liquid circulation zone between the heat exchanger and the partition element.

[0033] In a third alternative, the spacer member is made in one piece with the heat exchanger and extends towards the cover, the partition element or the bottom of the housing.

[0034] According to a fourth alternative, the spacer member is in the form of a part separate from the housing, the heat exchanger or the partition element. This part is then arranged between the cover of the cooling device and the heat exchanger, or between this heat exchanger and the bottom of the housing, to allow the passage of the heat transfer liquid along the fifth face or the sixth face of the heat exchanger, in addition to the other four faces of the latter.

[0035] Whatever the alternative considered, the spacer member can take the form of a lug.

[0036] According to another characteristic, a bottom of the housing has a shape complementary to a sixth face of the heat exchanger. It is understood here that the sixth face of the heat exchanger is arranged opposite the bottom of the housing and is opposite the fifth face, relative to the body of the heat exchanger.

[0037] According to another characteristic, a wedging member is arranged between a bottom of the housing and a sixth face of the heat exchanger. The shim member is configured to provide a mechanical connection between the heat exchanger and the housing while compensating for dimensional dispersions resulting from temperature changes. The shim member is, for example, a flexible member such as a gasket.

[0038] According to another characteristic, the third circuit extends from a first deformation to a second deformation, the first deformation being bordered by a sleeve made from a single material with the housing.

[0039] The first deformation is bordered by a sleeve and the second deformation is bordered by an additional sleeve. The first sleeve is made of a single material with the housing while the additional sleeve is made of a single material with the cover. The first deformation linked to the sleeve is configured for the entry of the heat transfer liquid into the space which forms the third circuit and the second deformation linked to the additional sleeve is configured for the exit of the heat transfer liquid.

[0040] According to another characteristic, the third circuit extends from a first deformation to a second deformation, the first deformation being bordered by a first tube made from the same material as the cover.

[0041] The first deformation is bordered by a first tube and the second deformation is bordered by a second tube, the two tubes both being made of a single material with the cover. The first deformation linked to the first tube is configured for the inlet of the heat transfer liquid within the space delimiting the third circuit and the second deformation linked to the second tube is configured for the outlet of the heat transfer liquid.

[0042] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0043] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a cooling device according to a first embodiment;

[0044] [Fig.2] is a side view of the cooling device of [Fig.l];

[0045] [Fig.3] illustrates the cooling device of figures 1 and 2, comprising a housing in which a heat exchanger is housed;

[0046] [Fig.4] is a sectional view of the cooling device according to Figures 1, 2 and 3;

[0047] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a cooling device according to a second embodiment;

[0048] [Fig.6] illustrates the cooling device of [Fig.5];

[0049] [Fig.7] is a sectional view of the cooling device of [Fig.6] with its partition element;

[0050] [Fig.8] illustrates the cooling device of figures 5, 6, and 7 closed by a cover;

[0051] [Fig.9] illustrates a rear portion of the cooling device of Figures 5 to 8.

[0052] The features, variants and the different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art.

[0053] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0054] In the detailed description which follows, the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse” and “vertical” refer to the orientation of a cooling device according to the invention. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a direction parallel to an axis of elongation of the cooling device, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a reference frame L, V, T illustrated in the figures. A transverse direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a width of the thermal cooling device, this transverse direction being parallel to a transverse axis T of the reference 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 reference frame L, V, T, this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the transverse axis T.

[0055] [Fig.l] thus illustrates, schematically, a cooling device 1 according to a first embodiment intended to equip a motor vehicle, for example a thermal, hybrid or all-electric vehicle for cooling a component releasing heat. This cooling device 1 is particular in that it comprises a first circuit 16, a second circuit 20 as well as a third circuit 22, this third circuit 22 being formed on a cover 4 closing the cooling device 1. The cover 4 can be used as a support for fixing the cooling device 1 relative to the vehicle. In the context of the invention, this cover 4 is a component which delimits the third circuit 22 which surrounds a heat exchanger which houses the first circuit and the second circuit 20.

[0056] As detailed in [Fig.l], this cooling device 1 is composed of a housing 2 closed by the cover 4. The cover 4 is fixed to the housing 2 by means of screwing means 6.

[0057] The housing 2 is formed by at least four walls 8 including a first wall 8a and a second wall 8b which extend in a transverse and longitudinal plane and a third wall 8c and a fourth wall 8d which extend in a vertical and longitudinal plane. It is understood here that the first wall 8a and the second wall 8b extend perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, to the third wall 8c and the fourth wall 8d. The first wall 8a, the second wall 8b, the third wall 8c and the fourth wall 8d are connected to each other by a bottom 10 of housing 2.

[0058] In addition, the housing 2 comprises a rim 43 intended to bear against the cover 4. The rim 43 frames a groove 49 configured to receive a seal in order to ensure a seal between the housing 2 and the cover 4.

[0059] The bottom 10 of the housing 2 comprises an inlet orifice 12b and an outlet orifice 12a configured for the passage of a cooling fluid intended to travel through the first circuit 16. The latter constitutes a cooling means whose role is to capture the calories present in the second circuit 20 and / or in the third circuit 22. The first circuit 16 therefore extends from the inlet orifice 12b configured to receive the cooling fluid to the outlet orifice 12a configured to evacuate the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid here is a refrigerant fluid, possibly with a change of state. This refrigerant fluid is for example known by the acronym R134a, R744 or 1234YF.

[0060] The bottom of the housing 10 further comprises a first opening 18a and a second opening 18b configured for the passage of a heat transfer liquid intended to travel through the second circuit 20. The second circuit 20 therefore extends from the first opening 18a configured to receive the heat transfer liquid to the second opening 18b configured to evacuate the heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid which circulates in the second circuit 20 is thus cooled or heated, as the case may be, by the cooling fluid which circulates in the first circuit 16.

[0061] A sleeve 26, for example made of a material with the housing 2, extends from the bottom 10 of the housing 2 and opposite the cover 4, along the orifices 12a, 12b. In a first exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 26 is configured to receive the heat transfer liquid intended to travel through the third circuit 22. The latter is a space of the cooling device in which a heat transfer liquid circulates which exchanges heat with the first circuit 16 and / or with the second circuit 20.

[0062] Thanks to the arrangement of the inlet orifice 12b and the outlet orifice 12a of the first opening 18a and the second opening 18b, and of the sleeve 26, the cooling device 1 can take several configurations. In a first configuration, the heat transfer fluid which circulates in the second circuit 20 and in the third circuit 22 comes from the same cooling loop. The heat transfer fluid is then identical. In a second configuration, the heat transfer fluid which circulates in the second circuit 20 is distinct from the heat transfer fluid which circulates in the third circuit 22 because these circuits are part of independent loops. In such a case, the heat transfer fluid may be identical but it may also be fluid of a different nature, such as glycolated water on one side, and oil on the other.

[0063] As detailed in [Fig.2], an additional sleeve 30 made of a material with the cover 4 extends along a longitudinal axis L. The additional sleeve 30 is configured to evacuate the heat transfer liquid circulating in the third circuit 22. The third circuit 22 therefore extends from the sleeve 26 configured to receive the heat transfer liquid to the additional sleeve 30. Of course, the circulation of the heat transfer liquid can be carried out in the opposite direction, the additional sleeve 30 then being configured to receive the heat transfer liquid, while the sleeve 16 is configured to evacuate the heat transfer liquid. It is noted that the additional sleeve 30 extends along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L, in a direction opposite to the direction in which the sleeve 16 extends.It is also noted that the sleeve 16 is provided at a first vertical end of the cooling device 1, while the additional sleeve 30 is arranged at a second vertical end of the cooling device 1. The heat transfer liquid therefore follows a generally “I”-shaped circulation within the third circuit 22.

[0064] As can be seen in [Fig. 3], a heat exchanger 32 is arranged inside the housing 2, leaving a space 34 between the four walls 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d of the housing 2 and the heat exchanger 32. More precisely, the space 34 surrounds at least four faces 36 of the heat exchanger, a first face 36a and a second face 36b extending in a longitudinal and transverse plane, while a third face 36c and fourth face 36d extend in a longitudinal and vertical plane. It should be understood here that the first and second faces 36a, 36b are perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the third and fourth faces 36c, 36d. The heat exchanger 32 also comprises a fifth face 38 arranged opposite an opening 40 of the housing 2 opposite the bottom 10 of the housing 2, and a sixth face 48, which is visible in [Fig.4].

[0065] The sleeve 26 opens into the space 34 via a first deformation 28 of the housing 2, to supply the heat transfer liquid to the third circuit 22, along all of the at least four faces 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d of the heat exchanger 32. The first deformation 28 is opposite a second deformation 29 of the housing 2 configured to evacuate the heat transfer liquid. The first deformation 28 and / or the second deformation 29 are distribution zones which extend along the longitudinal axis L and where the heat transfer liquid spreads to uniformly supply or collect the space 34, over its entire length.

[0066] According to this first embodiment, the heat transfer liquid enters the device cooling 1 for example through the sleeve 26 then travels through the third circuit 22 arranged in the space 34 until exiting the third circuit 22 through the additional sleeve 30 as visible in [Fig.2].

[0067] Another source of heat transfer liquid enters the cooling device 1 for example through the first opening 18a, then travels through the second circuit 20 passing through the heating body 33 of the heat exchanger 32 until it exits the second circuit 20 through the second opening 18b.

[0068] The refrigerant fluid enters the cooling device 1 for example through the inlet orifice 12b, circulates in the first circuit 16 passing through the heating body 33 of the heat exchanger 32 until it exits through the outlet orifice 12a.

[0069] In [Fig. 3], it can be seen that the heat exchanger 32 is centered in the housing 2. A thickness of the space 34 is thus identical, or substantially identical, all around the four faces of the heat exchanger 32.

[0070] As detailed in [Fig.4], the space 34 may comprise a first cavity 41a forming a part of the third circuit 22 intended to be traversed by the heat transfer liquid. The first cavity 41a extends along the fifth face 38 of the heat exchanger 32. More precisely, the first cavity 41a extends between a first end plate 42 of the heat exchanger and the cover 4. The first cavity 41a thus forms an additional zone where the heat transfer liquid can circulate, and thus exchange calories with the fluid present in the first circuit and / or with the liquid present in the second circuit 20.

[0071] Furthermore, the first cavity 41a houses a spacer member 44 arranged between the cover 4 and the fifth face 38 of the heat exchanger. The spacer member 44 is configured to maintain a gap between the heat exchanger 32 and the cover 4, so that the heat transfer liquid can travel through the portion of space 34 provided between the cover 4 and the fifth face 38 of the heat exchanger.

[0072] The invention also provides for the existence of such a spacer member 44 arranged between the bottom 10 of the housing 2 and a second end plate 64 of the heat exchanger 32.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, a spacer member 44 is arranged between the bottom 10 of the housing 2 and the sixth face 48 of the heat exchanger 32 so as to generate a gap which forms a second cavity 41b, as shown in [Fig.7] for the passage of the heat transfer liquid between the rear of the heat exchanger 32 and the bottom 10 of the housing 2. It is understood that the second cavity 41b is an integral part of the space 34. The second cavity 41b is arranged opposite a second end plate 64 opposite the first end plate 42. This second end plate 64 constitutes the sixth face 48 of the heat exchanger 32.

[0074] According to another optional aspect of the invention, the cooling device 1 comprises a wedging member 46 arranged between the bottom 10 of the housing 2 and the sixth face 48 of the heat exchanger 32. The sixth face 48 is opposite the fifth face 38 of the heat exchanger 32, relative to a heating body 33 of the heat exchanger 32. The wedging member 46 is configured to maintain the position of the heat exchanger 32 within the housing 2, while allowing certain dimensional variations of the heat exchanger 32 and / or of the housing 2 and / or of the cover 4 due to thermal expansion.

[0075] Between the fifth face 38 and the sixth face 48 of the heat exchanger 32, there is the heating body which is for example a stack of plates 47 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L. It is noted that the first circuit and the second circuit 20 pass through the heating body 33, while the third circuit 22 surrounds the heating body 33.

[0076] As can be seen in [Fig.4], the heat exchanger 32 is arranged in a chamber 74 delimited by the housing 2. According to this first embodiment, the chamber 74 is delimited at least in part by the partition element 54.

[0077] [Fig. 5] partially illustrates a cooling device 1 according to a second embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the heat exchanger 32 arranged in the housing 2 comprises a first opening 50 and a second opening 52 arranged through the fifth face 38 of the heat exchanger 32. This first opening 50 and this second opening 52 are configured to allow the entry and exit of the heat transfer liquid circulating in the second circuit 20. The other elements are organized and arranged in an identical manner to [Fig. 3] and reference will be made to the description thereof to implement them.

[0078] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it comprises a partition element 54 interposed between the opening of the housing 2 and the closing plate 4.

[0079] As detailed in Figures 6 to 9, the housing 2 is thus closed by the partition element 54. The latter delimits three distinct zones in a sealed manner, thanks to at least one sealing device 56. These three zones each extend between the partition element 54, the cover 4 and the sealing device 56.

[0080] A first zone 58 is interposed between the first deformation 28 and a first tube 66 carried by the cover 4. The heat transfer liquid can thus circulate between the space 34 and the first tube 66. In this case, the passage between the first deformation 28 and the first zone 58 is made possible by the existence of a hole 59 passing through the partition element 54.

[0081] A second zone 60 communicates fluidly with the first opening 50 configured for the passage of the heat transfer liquid flowing through the second circuit 20. This second zone 60 communicates fluidically with the second deformation 29, configured for the passage of the heat transfer liquid flowing through the third circuit 22.

[0082] A third zone 62 communicates fluidically with the second opening 52 configured for the passage of the heat transfer liquid within the second circuit 20. This third zone 62 is also in fluid communication with a second tube 70 which is carried by the cover 4.

[0083] The partition element 54 thus comprises two openings 50a, 52a intended to overlap the inlet 50 and outlet 52 openings of the heat exchanger 32. The openings 50a, 52a of the partition element 54 are therefore of substantially identical section to those of the heat exchanger 32.

[0084] According to this second embodiment, the heat transfer liquid enters the cooling device 1 for example through the first pipe 66 connected to a first deformation 28, extends into the first zone 58, passes through the hole 59 and enters the third circuit 22. The heat transfer liquid leaves the third circuit 22 through a second deformation 29 and enters the second zone 60. The heat transfer liquid which is distributed in the second zone 60 leaves the latter through the opening 50a, passes through the first opening 50 of the second circuit 20, and then travels through the latter within the heating body 33. The heat transfer liquid leaves the second circuit 20 through the opening 52a and spreads into the third zone 62. The heat transfer liquid circulates within this third zone 62 and leaves the cooling device 1 through the second pipe 70.

[0085] The cooling device 1 according to this second embodiment is thus configured so that the second circuit 20 and the third circuit 22 are arranged in series with respect to each other, these two circuits being able to exchange heat with the first circuit 16.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the partition element 54 comprises a first spacing member 44a and a second spacing member 44b projecting from the partition element 54 towards the fifth face 38 of the heat exchanger 32, in order to create a gap between the fifth face 38 of the heat exchanger 32 and said partition element 54 for the passage of the heat transfer liquid in the space 34. In this case, the spacing member 54 is a rectilinear rib, for example produced by stamping the partition element 54.

[0087] As detailed in [Fig.7], according to this second embodiment, the chamber 74 is delimited at least in part by the partition element 54.

[0088] A wedging member 46 extends from the bottom 10 of the housing 2 towards the sixth face 48 of the heat exchanger 32, as mentioned for the first embodiment.

[0089] As detailed in Figures 5 to 8, it is understood that the first zone 58 connects fin- specifically the first deformation 28 to the first tubing 66 extending from the cover 4 and that the second zone 60 fluidly connects the second deformation 29 to a second tubing 70 also extending from the cover 4. Furthermore, the second zone 60 fluidly connects the second deformation 29 to the first opening 50 so as to carry out a heat exchange between the first circuit 16 and the second circuit 20 and / or the third circuit 22.

[0090] The arrival of the heat transfer liquid is therefore via the first tube 66 arranged on an upper end 68a of the housing 2 and which extends from the cover 4 along a longitudinal axis. The upper end 68a is opposite a lower end 68b at the level of which the second tube 70 is arranged which also extends from the cover 4 along a longitudinal axis and which is configured to allow the exit of the heat transfer liquid traveling through the second and third circuits 22.

[0091] As detailed in [Fig.9], the bottom 10 of the housing 2 comprises the first orifice 12a and the second orifice 12b configured to receive or evacuate the cooling fluid flowing through the first circuit.

[0092] The bottom 10 of the housing 2 comprises a recess 72 against which the heat exchanger rests, when it is arranged in the housing 2. This recess 72 has a shape complementary to the sixth face 48 of the heat exchanger 34 in the sense that this recess penetrates into a clearance that the fifth face 38 comprises. The bottom 10 of the housing 2 thus comprises a member for centering the heat exchanger in the housing 2. This recess 72 is arranged between the first deformation 28 and the first and second orifices 12a, 12b. On either side of the recess, the heat transfer liquid can circulate and come into contact with the sixth face of the heat exchanger.

[0093] The present invention thus proposes a cooling device whose heat exchange capacities are increased by the presence of a third circuit 22 arranged at least partly around the heat exchanger and inside the housing.

[0094] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically operative combination of such means.

Claims

Claims

1. Cooling device (1) comprising at least one heat exchanger (32) and a housing (2), the heat exchanger (32) comprising a first circuit (16) intended to be traversed by a cooling fluid (14) and a second circuit (20) intended to be traversed by a heat transfer liquid, the heat exchanger (32) being housed in the housing (2) leaving a space (34) arranged between the heat exchanger (32) and the housing (2), the space (34) delimiting a third circuit (22) which at least partly surrounds the heat exchanger (32) and which is intended to be traversed by a heat transfer liquid, the heat exchanger (32) being configured to carry out a heat exchange between the first circuit (16) and the second circuit (20) as well as a heat exchange between the first circuit (16) and the third circuit (22).

2. Cooling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (2) is closed by a cover (4) which is arranged opposite an opening (40) of the housing (2).

3. Cooling device (1) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the space (34) extends between four peripheral faces (36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) of the heat exchanger (32) and the housing (2).

4. Cooling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the space (34) comprises a first cavity (41a) forming a part of the third circuit (22) intended to be traversed by the heat transfer liquid, said first cavity (41a) extending along a fifth face (38) of the heat exchanger (32).

5. Cooling device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the space (34) comprises a second cavity (41b) forming a part of the third circuit (22) intended to be traversed by the heat transfer liquid, said second cavity (41b) extending along a sixth face (48) of the heat exchanger (32).

6. Cooling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing (2) at least partially delimits a chamber (74) in which the heat exchanger (32) is arranged, the cooling device (1) comprising a partition element (54) which at least partially delimits said chamber (74).

7. Cooling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in combination with one of claims 4 to 7, comprising at least one spacer member (44) which extends into the first cavity (41a) and / or into the second cavity (41b) which forms a part of the third circuit (22) intended to be traversed by the heat transfer liquid.

8. Cooling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a wedging member (46) arranged between a bottom (10) of the housing (2) and a sixth face (48) of the heat exchanger (32).

9. Cooling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the third circuit (22) extends from a first deformation (28) to a second deformation (29), the first deformation (28) being bordered by a sleeve (26) made of a material with the housing (2).

10. Cooling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the third circuit (22) extends from a first deformation (28) to a second deformation (29), the first deformation (28) being bordered by a first tube (66) made of the same material as the cover (4).

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