Thermal regulation device

Abstract

Title: Thermal Regulation Device The invention relates to a thermal regulation device (1) for the cooling and / or heating of at least one component (2) whose operation is sensitive to temperature, this component being in particular a power electronic module of an inverter or a battery cell, this thermal regulation device comprising: a collector base (4) configured to participate in the formation of a fluid circulation cavity (5), this collector base having a longitudinal shape open at its two opposite longitudinal ends (6), two closing members (7) each configured to hermetically seal the longitudinal ends (6) of the collector base, a cover (10) configured to close the fluid circulation cavity (5), and comprising at least one through opening forming a fluid inlet (11) or outlet (12) into the thermal regulation device,this cover (10) being fixed to the collector base (4). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal regulation device

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device for cooling and / or heating at least one component whose operation is sensitive to temperature, this component being in particular an electronic power module of an inverter or a battery cell.

[0002] It is known, in the context of cooling an electronic power card, such as that used in a DCDC converter (this converter being intended to transform a voltage of a direct current from a first voltage value to a second voltage value), to use a cooling liquid circulating in a plate which is in contact with the electronic card. Such a system involves a significant fluid flow rate and is energy-intensive. In addition, the architecture of the electronic card can complicate access, in terms of cooling, to the hottest components.

[0003] It is also known nowadays to equip electric, thermal or hybrid vehicles with electrical energy storage components allowing an electrical supply to the various elements of the vehicle. These electrical energy storage components are generally composed of electrical energy storage cells positioned in a battery pack.

[0004] The present invention aims in particular to further improve the thermal regulation of components, in particular for cooling them, by proposing thermally efficient solutions.

[0005] The invention thus relates to a thermal regulation device for cooling and / or heating at least one component whose operation is sensitive to temperature, this component being in particular an electronic power module of an inverter or a battery cell, this thermal regulation device comprising: - a collector base configured to participate in the formation of a fluid circulation cavity, this collector base having a longitudinal shape open at its two opposite longitudinal ends, - two closing members each configured to seal the longitudinal ends of the collector base, - a cover configured to close the fluid circulation cavity, and comprising at least one through opening forming a fluid inlet or outlet in the thermal regulation device, this cover being fixed to the collector base.

[0006] Thanks to the invention, the collector base being open at its two long ends tudinal, it is possible to manufacture this collector base with lengths that vary from one application to another. The collector base is then closed at its longitudinal ends by the closing members which, if necessary, can be standardized closing members. The collector base can be produced by cutting a blank cut to the desired length. We will explain this aspect in more detail later. The components to be cooled are notably chosen from battery cells, electronic components such as an electronic module with transistors, for example with IGBT transistors, or a module of a DCDC converter. These components are placed against an external face of the collector base to be cooled by conduction.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the collector base comprises two opposite longitudinal walls, parallel to each other.

[0008] The distance between these two longitudinal walls defines the width of the thermal regulation device.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the collector base may have, in cross section, a U-shape with a bottom wall to which the two longitudinal walls are connected.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the cross-section of the collector base is substantially rectangular.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the collector base is open on the side opposite the bottom wall.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the collector base receives a distribution plate arranged under the cover which forms with this distribution plate, a distribution box configured to distribute, through the distribution plate, fluid which comes from the fluid inlet on the cover.

[0013] For example, the distribution plate is previously fixed to the cover, for example by brazing or welding.

[0014] Alternatively, the distribution plate is first fixed to the collector base and then the cover is fixed to the distribution plate and the collector base.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover comprises reliefs, in particular formed by stamping, which define with the distribution plate fluid collection zones for the inlet and outlet.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the collector base is made of metal.

[0017] Alternatively, the collector base is made from plastic material.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, the collector base has a closed periphery in cross section.

[0019] In this case, the collector base comprises an upper wall opposite the bottom wall, an upper wall which comprises fluid inlet and outlet slots. This upper wall forms a distribution plate within the meaning of the invention.

[0020] The upper wall is in one piece with the rest of the collector base.

[0021] In other words, the invention provides two possible cases, one with an open profile of the collector base and the other case with a closed profile of the collector base.

[0022] In both cases described, the collector base is a profile made from a raw part cut to a predetermined length. Thus, with the same raw part, it is possible to produce different collector bases with different lengths depending on the applications.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution plate, whether it is a separate part from the collector base or a single piece with the upper wall of the collector base, is provided with fluid inlet and outlet slots.

[0024] In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the thermal regulation device comprises several fluid circulation cavities separated from each other by a partition. In this case, the fluid flow is done for example through an inlet opening into the center of the cavity and the flow then divides into two parts to exit on two opposite sides of each cavity.

[0025] The number of fluid circulation cavities may be 3 or more.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid circulation cavities are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the collector base.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the cavities may be identical to each other or, alternatively, be of different shapes and / or dimensions.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the partition(s) are formed by parts added to or in the collector base.

[0029] The partition(s) are formed by added pieces, for example in the form of an elongated block, entirely arranged inside the collector base, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the collector base.

[0030] Alternatively, the collector base comprises an insertion slot, in particular of elongated shape and in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the collector base, into which the partition is inserted. Each partition has, in cross-section, an L-shape with the largest branch of the L being inserted, in a sealed manner, through the insertion slot of the collector base. The smallest branch of the L is arranged against an external face of the collector base. Thus the partition has a portion which is outside the fluid circulation cavity. The partition is inserted through the insertion slot of the collector base from the outside.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, each cavity extends from one longitudinal wall to the other of the collector base.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the closing members are configured to plug the longitudinal ends of the collector base.

[0033] The closing members thus act as plugs which close the collector base.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the closing members may comprise a fixing tab configured to allow the thermal regulation device to be fixed to a component of its environment.

[0035] The fixing can be carried out by screws.

[0036] The fixing lug includes, for example, an orifice for the passage of a screw.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, each cavity receives a fluid distribution structure. This fluid distribution structure makes it possible to effectively disrupt the circulation of the fluid in the channel in order to improve the thermal power / liquid pressure loss dimensioning factor.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid distribution structure has a corrugated profile.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution plate comprises fluid inlet and outlet slots.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet slots are arranged between the fluid outlet slots.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet and outlet slots each have a longitudinal shape.

[0042] The invention is particularly advantageous because the different elements which form the thermal regulation device can be standardized, for example the closing members and the partitions.

[0043] It is possible to manufacture a thermal regulation device with desired dimensions, from standardized elements, the collector base being able to be common to different applications, with an adapted length.

[0044] The collector base can be obtained from a long raw part manufactured with strict tolerances in terms of dimensioning.

[0045] The thermal regulation device obtained can thus have precise dimensions.

[0046] The choice of closing members with the fixing function can be made according to the type of fixing necessary to integrate the thermal regulation device into its environment.

[0047] The invention also makes it possible to simplify the assembly process thanks to this collector base which has a relatively simple profile.

[0048] The collector base also makes it easy to adapt the production line to move from a collector base of a certain length to another length.

[0049] The invention also relates to a method of assembling a thermal regulation device as described above, the method comprising the following step:

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[0051]

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[0054]

[0055]

[0056] - manufacture the collector base from a raw piece which is cut to the desired length. According to one aspect of the invention, the method further comprises the following step: - placing in the collector base the closing members at the longitudinal ends of this collector base. According to one aspect of the invention, the method also comprises the following step: - place partitions configured to define several fluid circulation cavities in the collector base. According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the following step: - placing in one of the cavities a fluid distribution structure, in particular a distribution structure with a corrugated profile. According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the following step: - fixing a separate distribution plate on the collector base. A step can be planned as follows: - fix the cover to the collector base to close the fluid circulation cavity. It is understood that the invention allows greater flexibility in the design of the thermal regulation device, depending on the needs, in particular depending on the number of electronic components to be cooled. For example, the collector base can be manufactured with a required length by positioning the cutout where necessary. It is also possible to define "à la carte" the type of internal elements to be placed in the thermal regulation device. The invention generally allows the overall mass of the thermal regulation device to be reduced, thanks to the design of the collector base. The invention also allows better integration of the thermal regulation device at the customer's site because it is possible to produce the thermal regulation device, in particular the collector base, with more demanding tolerances.The closing members can be chosen according to the customer's specifications, in particular according to the type of fixing required in the environment of the integration of the thermal regulation device. Finally, the invention makes it possible to simplify the manufacturing process because it is possible to switch from one version of the thermal regulation device to another with a limited number of operations necessary for the change of version. For example, to adjust the length of the collector base, it is sufficient to adjust the cutting length. Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0057] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective representation of a thermal regulation device according to the invention;

[0058] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective representation of the thermal regulation device of [Fig.l], without the cover;

[0059] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective representation of the thermal regulation device of [Fig.l], without the cover or the distribution plate;

[0060] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective representation of the thermal regulation device of [Fig.l], showing the cavities;

[0061] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective representation of a distribution structure of the thermal regulation device of [Fig.l];

[0062] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective representation of a thermal regulation device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0063] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective representation of the thermal regulation device of [Fig.6], without the cover;

[0064] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a representation of different elements of the thermal regulation device of [Fig.6];

[0065] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a sectional view of the thermal control device of [Fig.6].

[0066] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0067] [Fig.l] shows a thermal regulation device 1 for cooling and / or heating components 2 whose operation is sensitive to temperature, this thermal regulation device 1 comprising: - a collector base 4 configured to participate in the formation of cavities 5 (three in number here) for fluid circulation, this collector base 4 having a longitudinal shape in direction X, open at its two opposite longitudinal ends 6, - two closing members 7 each configured to seal the longitudinal ends 6 of the collector base 4, - a cover 10 configured to close the fluid circulation cavities 5, and comprising a through opening forming a fluid inlet 11 and a through opening forming a fluid outlet 12 in the refrigeration device thermal regulation 1, this cover 10 being fixed to the collector base.

[0068] The components 2 to be cooled are notably chosen from battery cells, electronic components such as an electronic module with transistors, for example with IGBT transistors, or a module of a DCDC converter. These components 2 are placed against an external face 100 of the collector base 4 to be cooled by conduction.

[0069] The collector base 4 comprises two opposite longitudinal walls 14, parallel to each other.

[0070] The distance between these two longitudinal walls 14 defines the width of the thermal regulation device 1.

[0071] The collector base 4 has, in cross section (along a section perpendicular to the X axis), a U-shape with a bottom wall 15 to which the two longitudinal walls 14 are connected. Each longitudinal wall 14 comprises an enlargement 16 along its free edge, opposite the bottom wall 15. The enlargements 16 are configured to participate in the fixing of the cover 10 on the collector base 4.

[0072] The cross-section of the collector base 4 is substantially rectangular, and is open on the side opposite the bottom wall 15.

[0073] The collector base 4 receives a distribution plate 18 arranged under the cover 10 which forms with this distribution plate 18, a distribution box 19 configured to distribute, through the distribution plate 18, fluid which comes from the fluid inlet 11 on the cover 10.

[0074] The distribution plate 18 is previously fixed to the cover 10, for example by brazing or welding.

[0075] Alternatively, the distribution plate 18 is first fixed to the collector base 4 and then the cover 10 is fixed to the distribution plate 18 and the collector base 4.

[0076] The cover 10 comprises reliefs 20 formed by stamping, which define with the distribution plate 18 a fluid collection zone 21 for the inlet and two fluid collection zones 22 for the outlet. The collection zones 22 for the outlet are arranged on either side of the fluid collection zone 21 for the inlet, zone 21 which is central. These collection zones 21 and 22 extend over a major part of the length of the cover 10.

[0077] The cover 10 is made of metal, or of plastic material.

[0078] The collector base 4 is a profile made from a raw part cut to a predetermined length. Thus, with the same raw part, it is possible to produce different collector bases 4 with different lengths depending on the applications.

[0079] The distribution plate 18 is provided with three fluid inlet slots 24 and fluid outlet slots 25 arranged in two rows of three slots 25, as shown in can see it for example in [Fig.2].

[0080] The row of fluid inlet slots 24 (opposite the fluid collection area 21 for the inlet) is arranged between two rows of fluid outlet slots 25 (opposite the two fluid collection areas 22 for the outlet).

[0081] The fluid inlet and outlet slots 24, 25 each have a longitudinal shape in the direction of the X axis.

[0082] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the fluid circulation cavities 5 are separated from each other by a partition 30. In this case, the fluid flow takes place through a slot 24 opening in the center of the cavity 5 and the flow then divides into two parts to exit on two opposite sides of each cavity 5 through the slots 25.

[0083] The number of fluid circulation cavities 5 may be 3 or more.

[0084] The fluid circulation cavities 5 are arranged in a row in the direction longitudinal of the collector base 4.

[0085] The cavities 5 may be identical to each other or, alternatively, be of different shapes and / or dimensions.

[0086] The partition(s) 30 are formed by pieces added to the collector base 4. The partitions 30 are formed by pieces added, in the form of an elongated block, entirely arranged inside the collector base 4, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the collector base 4.

[0087] Each cavity 5 extends from one longitudinal wall 14 to the other of the collector base 4.

[0088] The closing members 7 are configured to close the longitudinal ends 6 of the collector base 4.

[0089] The closing members 7 thus act as plugs which close the collector base 4 at the ends 6.

[0090] Each closing member 7 comprises a fixing lug 31 configured to allow the fixing of the thermal regulation device 1 to a component of its environment in the motor vehicle.

[0091] The fixing can be carried out by screws or tie rods.

[0092] The fixing lug 31 comprises for example an orifice 32 for the passage of a screw or a tie rod.

[0093] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, each cavity 5 receives a fluid distribution structure 35. This fluid distribution structure 35 makes it possible to effectively disrupt the circulation of the fluid in the fluid path in order to improve the thermal power / liquid pressure drop dimensioning factor.

[0094] The fluid distribution structure 35 is provided with a plurality of openings 36, some of which face the inlet slot 24 and others face the fluid outlet slot 25, these openings 36 being configured to allow a dis fluid flow into the cavity 5, between the inlet slot 24 and the fluid outlet slot 25.

[0095] The openings 36 are arranged in three rows RI, R2 and R3 respectively along the inlet slots 24 and the fluid outlet slots 25.

[0096] The rows RI, R2 and R3 of openings 36 are equidistant from each other.

[0097] The openings 36 are formed on a top 42 of the distribution structure 35.

[0098] The distribution structure 35 is produced in a single piece, namely this distribution structure 35 is made on a single piece.

[0099] The openings 36 are obtained by cutting.

[0100] The distribution structure 35 has, in lateral profile, undulations 55.

[0101] The undulations 55 of the distribution structure 35 have a regular pitch.

[0102] Alternatively, the undulations have an irregular pitch.

[0103] The distribution structure 35 comprises a succession of peaks 42 and troughs 43 which extend over a width W of the cavity 5.

[0104] The peaks 42 and the hollows 43 are formed by flats.

[0105] The openings 36 are formed on the peaks 42 of the undulations 55.

[0106] These openings 36 are separated, in each row, from each other by an intermediate space 45 open onto the inlet and / or outlet slot.

[0107] In other words, each inlet and / or outlet slot 24, 25 has a succession of openings 36 and intermediate spaces 45.

[0108] The fluid passing through the inlet slot 24 then circulates through the openings 36 of the distribution structure 35 and in the intermediate spaces 45 between the openings 36.

[0109] The distribution structure 35 thus makes it possible to appropriately distribute the fluid which enters through the inlet slots 24.

[0110] The peaks 42 and the troughs 43 of the corrugated distribution structure 35 are connected to each other by sides 4L

[0111] These sides 41 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0112] The flanks 41 which connect the hollows 43 and the consecutive peaks 42 have louvers 50 providing lateral passages 51 for fluid through the flanks 41, allowing the fluid passing through the openings 36 of the peaks 42 to be distributed in the intermediate spaces 45 through the louvers 50.

[0113] This allows for a uniform distribution of the fluid across the corrugations 55 of the distribution structure 35.

[0114] The louvers 50 also act as a disruptor in the fluid flow, which makes it possible to improve the heat exchange capacity thanks to the presence of turbulence in the fluid.

[0115] Thanks to the undulations, the distribution structure 35 forms fluid paths next to each other.

[0116] These paths can communicate with each other to allow uniformity of the fluid in the cavity.

[0117] The distribution structure 35 can be obtained from a metal sheet in which cutouts are made to form the openings 36 and the louvers 50.

[0118] The invention is particularly advantageous because the different elements which form the thermal regulation device can be standardized, for example the closing members 7 and the partitions 30.

[0119] It is possible to manufacture a thermal regulation device with desired dimensions, from standardized elements, the collector base 4 being able to be common to different applications, with an adapted length.

[0120] The collector base 4 can be obtained from a very long raw part manufactured with severe tolerances in terms of dimensioning.

[0121] For example, the collector base may be extruded from a raw part and then machined and cut. In another embodiment, the collector is obtained by stamping a raw part and then cutting it. Other methods are conceivable, such as for example obtaining the collector by 3D printing from metal such as aluminum, or even molding the part. Preferably, the collector base is obtained by extruding a raw part and cutting it.

[0122] The invention also makes it possible to simplify the assembly process thanks to this collector base 4 which has a relatively simple profile.

[0123] The collector base 4 also makes it possible to easily adapt the production line to move from a collector base 4 of a certain length to another length.

[0124] The method of assembling the thermal regulation device 1 comprises the following step: - manufacture the collector base 4 from a raw piece which is cut to the desired length, - place in the collector base 4 the closing members 7 at the longitudinal ends of this collector base 4, - placing in the collector base 4 partitions 30 configured to define several fluid circulation cavities 5, - place in the cavities 5 a distribution structure 35 of fluid 30, - fix a separate distribution plate 18 on the collector base 4.

[0125] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 6 to 9, the collector base 44 has a closed periphery in cross section, instead of an open periphery as for the collector base 4 previously described.

[0126] In this case, the collector base 44 comprises an upper wall 38 opposite the bottom wall 15, an upper wall 38 which comprises fluid inlet and outlet slots 24, 25. This upper wall 38 forms a distribution plate 18 as described above.

[0127] The upper wall 38 is in one piece with the rest of the collector base 44.

[0128] In other words, the invention provides two possible cases, one with an open profile of the collector base 4 and the other case with a closed profile of the collector base 44.

[0129] The collector base 44 comprises insertion slots 46, of elongated shape and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the collector base 4. In each insertion slot 46 is inserted a partition 47 which plays the same role as the partition 30 of the previous example.

[0130] Each partition 47 has, in cross-section, an L-shape with the largest branch 48 of the L being inserted, in a sealed manner, through the insertion slot 46 of the collector base 4. The smallest branch 49 of the L is arranged against an external face 100 of the collector base 4. Thus the partition 47 has a portion which is outside the fluid circulation cavity 5. The partition 47 is inserted through the insertion slot 46 of the collector base 44 from the outside.

Claims

Claims

1. Thermal regulation device (1) for cooling and / or heating at least one component (2) whose operation is sensitive to temperature, this component (2) being in particular an electronic power module of an inverter or a battery cell, this thermal regulation device comprising: - a collector base (4; 44) configured to participate in the formation of a cavity (5) for circulation of fluid, this collector base (4; 44) having a longitudinal shape open at its two opposite longitudinal ends (6), - two closing members (7) each configured to seal the longitudinal ends (6) of the collector base (4;44), - a cover (10) configured to close the fluid circulation cavity (5), and comprising at least one through opening forming a fluid inlet (11) or outlet (12) in the thermal regulation device, this cover (10) being fixed to the collector base (4; 44).;

2. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the collector base (4) has, in cross section, a U-shape with a bottom wall (15) to which two opposite longitudinal walls (14) parallel to each other are connected, and the collector base (4) is open on the side opposite the bottom wall (15).

3. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the collector base (4; 44) receives a distribution plate (18) arranged under the cover (10) which forms with this distribution plate, a distribution box (19) configured to distribute, through the distribution plate (18), fluid which comes from the fluid inlet on the cover.

4. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the distribution plate (18) is provided with fluid inlet and outlet slots (24, 25).

5. Thermal regulation device (1) according to claim 1, in which the collector base (44) has a closed periphery in cross section.

6. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the collector base (44) comprises an upper wall (38) opposite the bottom wall, upper wall (38) which comprises fluid inlet and outlet slots (24, 25), and this upper wall forms a distribution plate (18).

7. Thermal regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the collector base (4; 44) is a profile made from a raw part cut to a predetermined length.

8. Thermal regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the thermal regulation device comprises several fluid circulation cavities (5) separated from each other by a partition (30).

9. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the partition(s) (30) are formed by parts added to or in the collector base (4).

10. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the collector base (44) comprises an insertion slot (46), in particular of elongated shape and in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the collector base, in which the partition (47) is inserted.

11. Thermal regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the closing members (7) comprises a fixing tab (31) configured to allow the thermal regulation device to be fixed to a component of its environment.

12. Thermal regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which each cavity (5) receives a fluid distribution structure (35), in particular a fluid distribution structure having a wavy profile.

13. Method of assembling a thermal regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following step: - manufacturing the collector base (4) from a profile from a raw part which is cut to the desired length.

14. Method according to the preceding claim, further comprising the following steps: - placing the closing members (7) in the collector base (4) at the longitudinal ends of this collector base (4), fix the cover (10) to the collector base to close the fluid circulation cavity (5).

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