Thermal regulation device

Abstract

Title: Thermal Regulation Device The invention relates to a thermal regulation device (1) for temperature-sensitive components, these components being in particular intended for energy storage and being able to be battery cells, particularly for vehicles, this thermal regulation device comprising: a housing (2) forming an enclosure configured to receive one or more components immersed in a dielectric fluid, the housing (2) being configured to be able to be placed on a base (300) which carries at least one dielectric fluid supply nozzle and one dielectric fluid discharge nozzle, and the housing (2) having a lower face facing the base (300), once placed on this base (300),a dielectric fluid circuit passing through the enclosure and having a fluid inlet (11) and a fluid outlet on the underside of the housing (2) so that they can be fluidly connected, when the housing (2) is placed on the base (300), respectively to the dielectric fluid supply and dielectric fluid outlet of the base (300). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 2,

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal regulation device

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device for components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, these components being in particular intended for energy storage and being able to be battery cells, in particular for vehicles.

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

[0003] Today, car manufacturers are seeking to provide more powerful electric or hybrid vehicles with increased electric range. To achieve this, more and more battery packs, and / or increasingly larger battery packs, are being installed on these electric or hybrid vehicles. It is known to install all or at least some of these battery packs in the vehicle floor, essentially across the entire width of the vehicle.

[0004] It is understood that, during vehicle operation, battery packs can generate a significant amount of heat and therefore be subject to temperature increases that can, in some cases, cause damage or even destruction. Consequently, cooling them is essential to maintain their condition and thus ensure the vehicle's reliability, range, and performance. Furthermore, the operation of battery packs may be less efficient at low temperatures, as the electrical or electronic components equipping these battery packs then require a warm-up period before operating at full capacity.

[0005] To achieve this, one or more thermal regulation devices intended to regulate the temperature of the battery packs are implemented to ensure the heating and / or cooling functions of the electrical or electronic components inside these battery packs and thus optimize the operation of the various components.

[0006] The present invention aims in particular to further improve the thermal regulation of components, in particular by increasing the heat exchange capacity of the device with the components to be cooled.

[0007] The invention thus relates to a thermal regulation device for components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, these components being particularly intended for energy storage and which may be battery cells, especially for vehicles, this thermal regulation device includes: - a housing forming an enclosure configured to receive one or more components immersed in a dielectric fluid, the housing being configured to be able to be placed on a base which has at least one dielectric fluid supply nozzle and one dielectric fluid outlet nozzle, and the housing having a lower face facing the base, once placed on this base, - a dielectric fluid circuit passing through the enclosure and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet on the underside of the housing so that they can be fluidly connected, when the housing is placed on the base, respectively to the dielectric fluid supply nozzle and the dielectric fluid outlet nozzle of the base.

[0008] The invention is particularly advantageous because, since the fluid inlet and outlet of the housing are located on the underside of the housing and therefore on the same side, a simple connection operation is possible between the housing and the fittings on the base. In particular, this location of the fluid inlet and outlet on the housing allows for a simpler connection operation than, for example, if the fluid inlet were on one side of the housing and the fluid outlet on the opposite side. In that case, a connection operation would be required on the side of the fluid inlet and another on the opposite side where the fluid outlet is located. In contrast, in the invention, a single operation is sufficient to install all the inlet and outlet connections, simply by placing the housing on the base.With this simple manipulation, it is possible to connect the fluid inlet of the housing to the fluid supply fitting on the base, and the fluid outlet of the housing to the fluid discharge fitting on the base.

[0009] In summary, the invention simplifies the fluid connection operations between the housing and the connection tips on the base.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet of the housing has a female shape into which the male-type fluid supply nozzle can be engaged on the base.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid outlet of the housing has a female shape into which the male-type fluid evacuation nozzle can be engaged on the base.

[0012] In one variant, it is possible to provide the fluid inlet and outlet on the housing as male forms cooperating with female forms of the supply and discharge nozzles on the base.

[0013] It may also be provided that only one of the fluid inlet and outlet of the housing is male, the other being female.

[0014] All combinations are, of course, conceivable.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the shape of the fluid inlet of the housing and / or the shape of the fluid outlet of the housing are configured so that they can be engaged on the supply nozzle and / or the discharge nozzle on the base, by a simple translational movement.

[0016] This allows for a simple fluid connection operation, without resorting, for example, to screwing or brazing / welding operations between different fluid connection elements.

[0017] The invention makes it possible to offer a "Quick Connect" type connection.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet of the housing comprises a cavity, in particular substantially cylindrical, having an axis substantially perpendicular to the lower face of the housing.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, in the case where the housing receives battery cells arranged in the direction of the height of the housing, the fluid inlet cavity extends parallel to these battery cells.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet cavity is formed in a hollow column on the housing.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet, in particular the hollow column, is located on an edge of the lower face of the housing.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, when this lower face of the housing has a generally rectangular perimeter, the fluid inlet is located on a small side of this rectangular perimeter.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet is formed on a lateral extension of the housing.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet opens onto this lower face of the housing through a hole, in particular a circular one.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid supply nozzle on the base is introduced into the fluid inlet cavity via this hole on the underside of the housing.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the lateral extension of the housing on which the fluid inlet is formed has a lower height than the height of the housing at the level of the enclosure which receives the components, in particular the battery cells.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, when the lower face of the housing is observed along an axis perpendicular to this lower face, the lateral extension of the housing on which the fluid inlet is formed has a divergent shape from the fluid inlet towards the enclosure which receives the components.

[0028] Thus the dielectric fluid which arrives in the housing at the level of the fluid inlet is distributed, thanks to this divergent shape of the lateral extension of the housing, over the entire width of the enclosure.

[0029] This improves performance in terms of pressure drop.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the divergent, or flared, shape of this lateral extension of the housing has a symmetry about a longitudinal axis of the lower face of the housing.

[0031] This axis is notably parallel to the long side of the rectangular perimeter of the lower face.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet is placed centrally on the lateral extension of the housing.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet has at the top of the cavity, opposite the hole on the underside of the housing, an opening allowing the fluid to flow in the lateral extension of the housing before reaching the housing enclosure.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the lateral extension defines an angled channel connecting, on the one hand, the top of the cavity through which the incoming fluid flow opens and, on the other hand, a lower chamber, located under the enclosure which receives the components.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower chamber is located between the lower face of the housing and the enclosure.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower fluid chamber extends substantially over the entire bottom of the enclosure.

[0037] The bent channel allows the fluid entering through the fluid inlet to be directed towards a lower area, namely the lower chamber.

[0038] The lateral extension thus allows the dielectric fluid to be directed towards the lower chamber, under the components, in particular the battery cells.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower chamber forms a reinforced fluid supply zone which can extend over all the battery cells or over only a subset of the battery cells.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the valve comprises a shutter, in particular in the form of a disc, carried by a central rod connected to the body by elastically deformable spokes.

[0041] Thus the valve can take an open position and a closed position depending on the position of the obturator.

[0042] This valve is for example made of plastic material.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, a sealing gasket is provided between the fluid supply nozzle on the base and the hollow column forming the fluid inlet cavity of the housing.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the enclosure of the housing which is configured to receive the components includes an upper fluid chamber.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper chamber is located opposite the lower chamber so that the components, in particular the battery cells, are interposed between the lower fluid chamber and the upper fluid chamber.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper fluid chamber extends against an upper face of the housing.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper fluid chamber has substantially the same surface area as the lower chamber.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower fluid chamber has the arrival of dielectric fluid from the fluid inlet and the lower and upper fluid chambers are configured so as to allow the flow of dielectric fluid from the lower chamber to the upper chamber so that the moving electric fluid exchanges heat with the components in the enclosure.

[0049] It should be noted that, when the thermal regulation device is mounted on a vehicle, the lower chamber is lower than the upper chamber. Thus, during operation, the fluid flows within the chamber from bottom to top, against the effect of gravity. A pump, external to the housing, for example an electric pump, is used to force this fluid flow.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower and upper fluid chambers are part of the fluid circuit of the thermal regulation device according to the invention.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower fluid chamber is delimited at least in part by a perforated lower plate on which the component(s) arranged in the enclosure rest.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, this lower perforated plate has a plurality of openings through which the dielectric fluid passes to flow into the enclosure.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the perforated lower plate is opposite a bottom wall of the housing so that the lower fluid chamber is delimited between the perforated lower plate and this bottom wall of the housing.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the perforated lower plate rests on support elements which are located in the lower fluid chamber.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the support elements join the perforated lower plate and the bottom wall of the housing.

[0056] Thus, the support elements serve, in particular, as mechanical reinforcement for the perforated lower plate on which the battery cell rows rest. The cells can indeed exert a significant weight on the perforated lower plate. The support elements also serve to maintain the spacing between the perforated lower plate and the bottom wall of the casing, so as to preserve the dimensions of the lower fluid chamber.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the support elements have a regular arrangement, for example in parallel rows.

[0058] The support elements ensure the flow of fluid in the lower chamber, under the cells.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the support elements are all identical to each other.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the support elements are formed by pads, in particular cylindrical ones.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the support elements are formed in one piece with either the perforated lower plate or the bottom wall of the housing.

[0062] In another embodiment of the invention, the support elements are formed by elastically deformable blades.

[0063] Advantageously, the elastically deformable blades allow the shocks encountered during driving to be absorbed and ensure the flow of fluid in the lower chamber, under the cells.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the elastically deformable blades each have an inverted V cross-section with the tip of the V in contact with the perforated lower plate and the arms of the V resting on the bottom wall of the housing.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the elastically deformable blades are arranged in parallel rows.

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the elastically deformable blades are made of metal, in particular aluminum.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper fluid chamber is delimited by a perforated upper plate provided with a plurality of openings through which the dielectric fluid from the enclosure passes.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the openings on the lower plate and the upper plate have a symmetrical arrangement.

[0069] In other words, the openings are arranged in a similar way on the lower plate and the upper plate.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper plate has openings which engage with the upper part of the components, in particular battery cells.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the openings have an individual dimension, for example a diameter, at least 10 times, or even at least 20 times, or even at least 50 times, smaller than an individual dimension, for example a diameter, of the openings on the upper plate which engage with the upper part of the components.

[0072] In other words, the openings through which the fluid passes are relatively small compared to the cross-section of the components.

[0073] According to one aspect of the invention, each component is surrounded by several openings, in particular six openings, arranged regularly around each component to be cooled.

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower and upper plates are substantially flat and parallel to each other.

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper fluid chamber communicates with the fluid outlet of the housing.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid outlet of the housing comprises a converging channel extending from the upper chamber, in particular over the entire width of the upper chamber, towards a cavity of the fluid outlet.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid outlet cavity is formed in a hollow column of the housing.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, the hollow column, in particular cylindrical in shape, is configured to form the female shape of the fluid outlet which engages with the collection nozzle on the base.

[0079] According to one aspect of the invention, the converging channel is formed on a side of the housing.

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the side is perpendicular to the lower face of the case and extends in particular on one side of the rectangular perimeter of the lower face.

[0081] According to one aspect of the invention, the converging channel has a substantially triangular shape converging towards the fluid outlet.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the shape of the divergent at the fluid inlet and the shape of the convergent at the fluid outlet makes it possible to reduce pressure losses and improve fluid distribution.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing comprises a side wall extending perpendicularly to the bottom wall of the housing.

[0084] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall delimits the perimeter of the enclosure, a perimeter which encloses the components, in particular battery cells, placed in the enclosure.

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall has undulations to conform to the shape of the cylindrical battery cells placed in the enclosure.

[0086] This allows for a compact case, with the least possible loss of space.

[0087] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet is provided with a check valve configured to prevent gas that may be present in the dielectric fluid from escaping through the fluid inlet.

[0088] Gas may appear during thermal runaway of the battery and it is required to evacuate the gases through an expansion vessel of the dielectric fluid circuit.

[0089] To evacuate these gases without losing dielectric fluid, the gas must enter through the inlet of the expansion vessel. The pressure and volume of gas can be so high that the gas is capable of flowing back up the hydraulic circuit. To ensure the correct direction of flow, the non-return valve is positioned at the inlet of the module.

[0090] According to one aspect of the invention, the check valve comprises a body fixed to a hollow column of the housing forming the fluid inlet cavity.

[0091] According to one aspect of the invention, the check valve further comprises a movable valve, in particular along the axis of the cavity.

[0092] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing includes a sealed electrical passage element mounted in a sealed manner through a wall of the housing.

[0093] According to one aspect of the invention, this sealed electrical passage element comprises a first end for attaching an electrical busbar inside the enclosure and a second end for attaching an electrical busbar outside the housing.

[0094] According to one aspect of the invention, this sealed electrical passage element is mounted in an opening in the housing.

[0095] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper plate described above of the upper chamber thus makes it possible to retain the components, in particular the battery cells.

[0096] According to one aspect of the invention, the components are electrically connected to electrical conductors, in particular joined to electrical bars.

[0097] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrical conductors have patterns allowing the components, in particular the battery cells, to be electrically connected to each other.

[0098] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrical conductors are carried by a dedicated support, also called a "busbar holder" in English.

[0099] According to one aspect of the invention, the dedicated support has openings allowing the terminals of the battery cells to be electrically connected to pass through.

[0100] The invention further relates to a module equipped with a thermal regulation device comprising a housing forming an enclosure receiving several battery cells immersed in a dielectric fluid, the housing being configured to be able to be placed on a base which has at least one dielectric fluid supply nozzle and one dielectric fluid outlet nozzle, and the housing having a lower face facing the base, once placed on this base, the thermal regulation device further comprising a dielectric fluid circuit passing through the enclosure and being provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet on the lower face of the housing so as to be able to be fluidly connected, when placing the housing on the base, respectively to the dielectric fluid supply nozzle and the dielectric fluid outlet nozzle of the base.

[0101] The invention further relates to a battery pack assembly comprising a plurality of modules as described above, each equipped with a thermal regulation device as mentioned above, and the modules being placed on a base of the battery pack assembly which carries at least one dielectric fluid supply nozzle and one dielectric fluid discharge nozzle.

[0102] The invention also relates to a base for a pack assembly as mentioned above, comprising at least one dielectric fluid supply nozzle and one dielectric fluid evacuation nozzle.

[0103] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises at least one common fluid supply conduit equipped with at least one dielectric fluid supply nozzle, in particular several dielectric fluid supply nozzles arranged along this common supply conduit.

[0104] According to one aspect of the invention, this or these dielectric fluid supply tips are connectable to the fluid inlets of the housings which contain the components, in particular the battery cells.

[0105] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises at least one common fluid drainage conduit equipped with at least one dielectric fluid drainage nozzle, in particular several dielectric fluid drainage nozzles arranged along this common supply conduit.

[0106] According to one aspect of the invention, this or these dielectric fluid evacuation tips are connectable to the fluid outlets of the housings that contain the components, in particular the battery cells.

[0107] According to one aspect of the invention, the base includes a fluidic connection flange to which the common fluid supply and discharge conduits are connected.

[0108] These fluid supply and discharge conduits can be seen as feeder conduits.

[0109] These conduits may have a polygonal cross-section, for example rectangular, or, alternatively, rounded.

[0110] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises at least one collective electrical bar, in particular extending parallel to one of the fluid supply and evacuation conduits, configured to ensure the electrical connection with the battery cells in the housings, in particular via the sealed electrical passage elements mounted on the housings.

[0111] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises two collective electric bars, one being of positive polarity and the other of negative polarity.

[0112] According to one aspect of the invention, the two collective electric bars are arranged in parallel, in particular on either side of a row of boxes.

[0113] Several independent modules, potentially identical to each other, can be placed on the base.

[0114] According to one aspect of the invention, each housing includes a cover configured to close the enclosure that received the components.

[0115] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises a floor and crossbeams placed on the floor, and the module housing(s) are intended to rest on these crossbeams, which are for example made of plastic-based composite material or metal.

[0116] According to one aspect of the invention, the crossbeams are of the profiled type, and in particular of rectangular cross section.

[0117] According to one aspect of the invention, several crossbeams are placed on the floor.

[0118] According to one aspect of the invention, the crossbeams are arranged in particular transversely to the battery modules so that each cross member supports several modules and each module rests on several cross members.

[0119] According to one aspect of the invention, each module rests on the base, in particular on the crossbeams of the base, by its bottom wall which participates in the formation of the lower chamber.

[0120] The invention further relates to a method for assembling a thermal regulation device for temperature-sensitive components on a base of a battery pack assembly, the method comprising the following steps: - to provide a housing forming an enclosure configured to receive one or more components immersed in a dielectric fluid, this housing forming a dielectric fluid circuit passing through the enclosure and being provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet on a lower face of the housing, - place the housing on a base that has at least one dielectric fluid supply port and one dielectric fluid drain port, so as to connect fluidly, when placing the housing on the base, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the housing respectively to the dielectric fluid supply nozzle and the dielectric fluid outlet nozzle of the base.

[0121] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several exemplary embodiments given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0122] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective representation of a set of packs battery according to an example of an embodiment of the invention;

[0123] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view of the battery pack assembly of [Fig.1], without the frame on the base;

[0124] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a side view representation of the battery pack assembly of the [Fig.2];

[0125] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a perspective representation of a module of the set of battery pack of the [Fig.l];

[0126] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional representation of the module of [Fig.4], showing the fluid inlet of the module;

[0127] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a perspective view of a non-return valve fitted to the inlet of fluid from the module of the [Fig.5];

[0128] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a perspective view of the upper perforated plate equipping the fluid inlet of the module of [Fig.5];

[0129] [Fig.8] Fig.8 is a cross-sectional representation of the module of Fig.4, showing the fluid outlet of the module;

[0130] [Fig.9] Fig.9 is a perspective representation of the interior of the module of the [Fig.4], showing in particular the upper perforated plate of the module;

[0131] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a cross-sectional representation of the module of the [Fig.4], showing the sealed electrical passage element;

[0132] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a cross-sectional representation of the module of the [Fig.4], showing the sealed electrical passage element from another view;

[0133] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] is a view of the base of the battery pack assembly of the [Fig. 1]

[0134] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] is a cross-sectional view of a module according to another example implementation of the invention, with support elements formed by elastically deformable blades.

[0135] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. others. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described subsequently 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.

[0136] Figures 1 and 2 show a battery pack assembly 100 comprising a plurality of modules 200 (here four in number) each equipped with a thermal regulation device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, and the modules 200 are placed on a base 300 of the battery pack assembly 100. The base 300 is surrounded by a rectangular frame 360 ​​forming together a space in which the modules 200 are housed.

[0137] As can be seen in particular in figures 4 and 5, the thermal regulation device 1 which equips each module 200 comprises a housing 2 forming an enclosure 3 receiving several battery cells 5 immersed in a dielectric fluid.

[0138] These cylindrical battery cells 5 are of the lithium-ion type. Other types of batteries can of course be considered.

[0139] The cells 5 are arranged in the enclosure 3 in parallel rows, in a staggered pattern, to gain compactness.

[0140] Each housing 2 includes a cover 201 configured to close the enclosure 3 which has received the cells 5.

[0141] As illustrated in [Fig.12], the housing 2 of each module 200 is configured to be able to be placed on the base 300 which carries, for each module 200, a dielectric fluid supply nozzle 6 (also visible in the [Fig.5] section) and a dielectric fluid drain nozzle 7 (also visible in the [Fig.7] section).

[0142] In the example described, the supply nozzles 6 are located on a common supply conduit 310 of the base 300 which serves as a feed conduit for the supply nozzles 6.

[0143] The feed nozzles 6 are identical to each other. Each feed nozzle 6 is cylindrical in shape, provided with a groove 311 for the insertion of an O-ring seal 312.

[0144] The common supply conduit 310 has a straight shape and the supply tips 6 are arranged with regular spacing on this common supply conduit 310.

[0145] This common supply conduit 310 extends along one edge of the base 300.

[0146] The drain nozzles 7 are located on a common drain conduit 320 which allows the dielectric fluid collected by the drain nozzles 7 to be drained.

[0147] The drain nozzles 7 are identical to each other. Each drain nozzle 7 is cylindrical in shape, provided with a groove 321 for the insertion of an O-ring seal 322.

[0148] The common evacuation conduit 320 has a straight shape and the evacuation nozzles 7 are arranged with regular spacing on this common evacuation conduit 320.

[0149] This common evacuation conduit 320 extends along one edge of the base 300.

[0150] As clearly visible in [Fig.2], the common discharge and supply conduits 310 and 320, here each of rectangular cross-section, are connected to a fluidic connection flange 330.

[0151] The fluidic connection flange 330 has a fluid inlet 331 to supply fluid to the common supply conduit 310 and a fluid outlet 332 to discharge fluid from the common discharge conduit 320.

[0152] The common supply conduit 310 and the common discharge conduit 320 are connected to the fluidic connection flange 330 each by a tube 335 which extends in particular perpendicularly to the common supply and discharge conduits 310 and 320.

[0153] The fluidic connection flange 330 is arranged for example halfway between the common supply and discharge conduits 310 and 320 which are parallel to each other.

[0154] For each module 200, the housing 2 has a lower face 8 opposite the base 300, once placed on this base.

[0155] For each module 200, the thermal regulation device 1 includes a circuit 10 of dielectric fluid passing through the enclosure 3 and having a fluid inlet 11 and a fluid outlet 12 on the lower face 8 of the housing 2 so as to be able to be fluidly connected, when the housing 2 is placed on the base 300, respectively to the dielectric fluid supply nozzle 6 and the dielectric fluid outlet nozzle 7 of the base 300.

[0156] Figures 5, 8 and 9 show arrows symbolizing the fluid flow of the fluid circuit 10.

[0157] The fluid inlet 11 of the housing 2 has a female shape into which the male-type fluid supply nozzle 6 can be engaged on the base 300.

[0158] The fluid outlet 12 of the housing 2 has a female shape into which the male-type fluid evacuation nozzle 7 can be engaged on the base 300.

[0159] The shape of the fluid inlet 11 of the housing and the shape of the fluid outlet 12 of the housing 2 are configured so that they can be engaged on the supply nozzle 6 and the discharge nozzle 7 on the base 300, by a simple translational movement.

[0160] This allows for a simple fluid connection operation, without requiring, for example, screwing or brazing / welding between different fluid connection elements. The invention provides a "Quick Connect" type connection.

[0161] The fluid inlet 11 has a substantially cylindrical cavity 14 having an axis Y substantially perpendicular to the lower face 8 of the housing 2.

[0162] The cylindrical battery cells 5 are arranged in the direction of the height of the housing 2 (the height being the dimension along the Y axis), and the cavity 14 of the fluid inlet 11 extends parallel to these battery cells 5.

[0163] The cavity 14 of the fluid inlet 11 is formed in a hollow column 15 on the housing 2.

[0164] The fluid inlet 11 and the hollow column 15 are located on an edge of the lower face 8 of the housing.

[0165] When this lower face 8 of the housing has a generally rectangular perimeter, the fluid inlet 11 is located on a short side of this rectangular perimeter, as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0166] The fluid inlet 11 is formed on a lateral extension 17 of the housing 2.

[0167] The fluid inlet 11 opens onto the lower face 8 through a circular hole 18.

[0168] The fluid supply nozzle 6 on the base 300 is introduced into the cavity 14 of the fluid inlet 11 via this hole 18.

[0169] The lateral extension 17 of the housing 2 on which the fluid inlet 11 is formed has a height (measured along the Y axis) lower than the height of the housing 2 at the level of the enclosure 3 which receives the battery cells.

[0170] When the lower face 8 of the housing 2 is observed along the Y axis perpendicular to this lower face 8, the lateral extension 17 of the housing 2 on which the fluid inlet 11 is formed has a divergent shape from the fluid inlet 11 towards the enclosure 3.

[0171] Thus the dielectric fluid which arrives in the housing 2 at the level of the fluid inlet 11 is distributed, thanks to this divergent shape of the lateral extension 17 of the housing 2, over the entire width of the enclosure 3.

[0172] The divergent, or flared, shape of this lateral extension 17 of the housing 2 has a symmetry about a longitudinal axis X of the lower face 8 of the housing 2.

[0173] This X axis is parallel to the long side of the rectangular perimeter of the lower face 8.

[0174] The fluid inlet 11 is placed centrally on the lateral extension 17 of the housing 2.

[0175] The fluid inlet 11 has at the top of the cavity 14, opposite the hole 18 on the lower face 8 of the housing 2, an opening 19 allowing the fluid to flow into the lateral extension 17 of the housing 2 before reaching the enclosure 3 of the housing 2.

[0176] The lateral extension 17 defines a bent channel 20 connecting, on the one hand, the top of the cavity 14 through which the incoming fluid flow opens and, on the other hand, a lower chamber 22, located under the enclosure 3.

[0177] The lower chamber 22 is located between the lower face 8 of the housing 2 and the enclosure 3, and extends substantially across the entire bottom of the enclosure 3.

[0178] The angled channel 20 allows the fluid entering through the fluid inlet 11 to be directed towards a lower area, namely the lower chamber 22.

[0179] The lateral extension 17 thus allows the dielectric fluid to be directed towards the lower chamber 22, under the battery cells 5.

[0180] The enclosure 3 includes an upper fluid chamber 24.

[0181] The upper chamber 24 is located opposite the lower chamber 22 so that that the battery cells 5 are interposed between the lower fluid chamber 22 and the upper fluid chamber 24.

[0182] The upper fluid chamber 24 extends against an upper face 25 of the housing 2, more precisely of the cover 201.

[0183] The upper fluid chamber 24 has substantially the same surface area as the lower chamber 22.

[0184] The lower fluid chamber 22 has the arrival of dielectric fluid from the fluid inlet 11 and the lower 22 and upper 24 fluid chambers are configured so as to allow the flow of dielectric fluid from the lower chamber 22 to the upper chamber 24 so that the moving electric fluid exchanges heat with the cells 5 in the enclosure 3.

[0185] It should be noted that, when the thermal regulation device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the lower chamber 22 is lower than the upper chamber 24. Thus, during operation, the fluid flows in the enclosure 3 from bottom to top, against the effect of gravity. A pump, outside the housing 2, for example of an electric type, is used to force this fluid flow.

[0186] The lower 22 and upper 24 fluid chambers are part of the fluid circuit 10 of the thermal regulation device according to the invention.

[0187] The lower fluid chamber 22 is delimited at least in part by a perforated lower plate 26 on which the cells 5 arranged in the enclosure 3 rest.

[0188] As can be clearly seen in [Fig.9], this lower perforated plate 26 has a plurality of openings 27 through which the dielectric fluid passes to flow into the enclosure 3.

[0189] The lower perforated plate 26 is opposite a bottom wall 28 of the housing 2 so that the lower fluid chamber 22 is delimited between the lower perforated plate 26 and this bottom wall 28 of the housing 2.

[0190] The lower perforated plate 26 rests on support elements 29 which are located in the lower fluid chamber 22.

[0191] The support elements 29 join the perforated lower plate 26 and the bottom wall 28 of the housing 2.

[0192] Thus, the support elements 29 serve, in particular, as mechanical reinforcement for the perforated lower plate 26 on which the battery cell rows 5 rest. The cells can indeed exert a significant weight on the perforated lower plate. The support elements 29 also serve to maintain the spacing between the perforated lower plate 26 and the bottom wall 28 of the housing 2, so as to preserve the dimensions of the lower fluid chamber 22.

[0193] The support elements 29, all identical to each other, have a regular arrangement, for example in parallel rows.

[0194] The support elements 29 ensure the flow of fluid in the lower chamber 22, under the cells 5.

[0195] In the example described, the support elements 29 are formed by cylindrical pads.

[0196] The support elements 29 are for example formed in one piece with either the perforated lower plate 26, or the bottom wall 28 of the housing 2.

[0197] In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in [Fig.13], the support elements 30 are formed by elastically deformable blades 31.

[0198] Advantageously, the elastically deformable blades 31 allow to absorb shocks encountered during driving and allow to ensure the flow in the lower chamber 22 of fluid, under the cells 5.

[0199] The elastically deformable blades 31 each have an inverted V cross-section with the tip of the V in contact with the perforated lower plate 26 and the arms of the V bearing against the bottom wall 28 of the housing 2.

[0200] The elastically deformable blades 31 are arranged in parallel rows, and are made of metal, in particular aluminum.

[0201] To return to the description of the upper fluid chamber 24, this is delimited by a perforated upper plate 32 provided with a plurality of openings 33 through which the dielectric fluid from the enclosure 3 passes, as can be seen in figures 7 and 9.

[0202] The openings 27 on the lower plate 26 and the openings 33 on the upper plate 32 have a symmetrical arrangement.

[0203] The upper plate 32 has openings 34 which engage with the upper part of the battery cells 5.

[0204] The openings 33 have an individual dimension, for example a diameter, at least 10 times, or even at least 20 times, or even at least 50 times, smaller than an individual dimension, for example a diameter, of the openings 34 on the upper plate 32 which engage with the upper part of the components.

[0205] In other words, the openings 33 through which the fluid passes are relatively small compared to the cross-section of the cells 5.

[0206] Each cell 5 is surrounded by several openings 33, in particular six openings 33, arranged regularly around each cell 5.

[0207] The lower plate 26 and upper plate 32 are substantially flat and parallel to each other.

[0208] The upper fluid chamber 24 communicates with the fluid outlet 12 of the housing 2.

[0209] As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the fluid outlet 12 of the housing 2 has a converging channel 36 extending from the upper chamber 24, over the entire width of the upper chamber 24, to a cavity 37 of the fluid outlet 12.

[0210] For this purpose, the upper perforated plate 32 includes a longitudinal fluid outlet slot 44 which marks the beginning of the converging channel 36.

[0211] The fluid outlet cavity 37 12 is formed in by a hollow column 38 of the housing 2.

[0212] This hollow column 38 of cylindrical shape is configured to form the female shape of the fluid outlet 12 which engages with the collection nozzle 7 on the base 300.

[0213] The converging channel 36 is formed on a side 39 of the housing 2, as can be seen in figures 3 and 4 for example.

[0214] This side 39 is perpendicular to the lower face 8 of the housing 2 and extends over one side of the rectangular perimeter of the lower face 8.

[0215] The converging channel 36 has a substantially triangular shape converging towards the fluid outlet 12.

[0216] The shape of the divergent at the fluid inlet 11 and the shape of the convergent at the fluid outlet 12 makes it possible to reduce pressure losses and improve the fluid distribution.

[0217] The housing 2 has a side wall 40 extending perpendicularly to the bottom wall of the housing 2.

[0218] The side wall 40 delimits the perimeter of the enclosure 3, the perimeter which encloses the battery cells 5 placed in the enclosure 3.

[0219] The side wall 40 has undulations 41 to conform to the shape of the cylindrical battery cells 5 placed in the enclosure 3, as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0220] This allows for a compact case 2, with the least possible loss of space.

[0221] The fluid inlet 11 is fitted with a non-return valve 45 configured to prevent any gas present in the fluid circuit 10 from escaping through the fluid inlet IL

[0222] Gas may appear during thermal runaway of the battery and it is required to evacuate the gases through an expansion vessel connected to the dielectric fluid circuit 10.

[0223] To evacuate these gases without losing dielectric fluid, the gas must enter through the inlet of the expansion vessel. The pressure and volume of gas can be so high that the gas is capable of flowing back up the hydraulic circuit. To ensure the correct direction of flow, the non-return valve 45 is positioned at the inlet 11 of the module.

[0224] As can be seen in figures 5 and 6, the check valve 45 has a body 46 fixed to the hollow column 15 of the housing 2 forming the fluid inlet cavity 11.

[0225] The non-return valve 45 further comprises a movable valve 47 that can be moved along the Y axis.

[0226] The valve 47 includes a shutter 48 in the form of a disc, carried by a central rod 49 connected to the body 46 by elastically deformable spokes 50.

[0227] The valve 47 can take an open position and a closed position depending on the position of the obturator 48.

[0228] This valve 47 is for example made of plastic material.

[0229] As can be seen for example in figures 4, 10 and 11, the housing 2 includes a sealed electrical passage element 55 mounted in a sealed manner through an opening in a wall 56 of the housing 2. This wall 56 is on an upper peripheral collar 54 of the housing 2.

[0230] This sealed electrical passage element 55 has a first fixing end 57 of an electrical busbar 58 (also called "busbar" in English) inside the enclosure 3 and a second fixing end 59 of an electrical busbar 60 external to the housing 2.

[0231] The cells 5 are electrically connected to the electric bars 58. The electrical connection network of cells 5 is not described in further detail, as it is well known, with positive polarity connections and negative polarity connections.

[0232] The electrical conductors 58, which may have a branching shape, are carried by a dedicated support 62, also called a "busbar holder" in English.

[0233] The dedicated support 62, in the general form of a plate arranged parallel to the upper perforated plate 32, has openings 63 allowing the terminals 64 of the battery cells 5 to be electrically connected to pass through.

[0234] The dedicated support 62 is placed on top of the cells 5, between the upper perforated plate 32 and the cover 201.

[0235] The base 300 includes two collective electrical bars 340 extending parallel to the common fluid supply and evacuation conduits 310, 320.

[0236] The collective electric bars 340 are configured to ensure the electrical connection with the battery cells 5 in the boxes 2, via the sealed electrical passage devices 55 mounted on the boxes 2.

[0237] The two collective electric bars 340 are, for one, of positive polarity and, for the other, of negative polarity.

[0238] The two collective electric bars 340 are arranged in parallel, on either side of a row of modules 200, and the external electric bars 60 join these collective bars 340 each by an elbow 341 visible on the [Fig.1 1].

[0239] The base 300 comprises a floor 350 and crossbeams 351 placed parallel to the floor 350, and the modules 200 rest on these crossbeams 351, which are for example made of composite material based on plastic or metal.

[0240] The cross members 351 are of profiled type and of rectangular cross section.

[0241] These cross members 351 are arranged transversely to the battery modules 200 of so that each cross member 351 supports a row of several modules and each module 200 rests on several cross members 351.

[0242] The assembly of a thermal regulation device 1 described above comprises the following steps: - provide a housing 2 forming an enclosure 3 configured to receive the cells 5 immersed in the dielectric fluid, - place the housing 2 on the base 300 so as to connect fluidly, when placing the housing 2 on the base 300, each fluid inlet 11 and each fluid outlet 12 of the housing 2 respectively to the dielectric fluid supply nozzle and the dielectric fluid outlet nozzle of the base 300.

Claims

Demands

1. Module (200) equipped with a thermal regulation device (1) for temperature-sensitive components, these components being in particular intended for energy storage and being able to be battery cells (5), in particular for vehicles, the thermal regulation device comprising: - a base (300) which carries at least one dielectric fluid supply nozzle (6) and a dielectric fluid discharge nozzle (7), - a housing (2) forming an enclosure (3) configured to receive one or more components immersed in a dielectric fluid, the housing (2) being configured to be able to be placed on said base (300), and the housing (2) having a lower face (8) facing the base (300), once placed on this base (300),- a dielectric fluid circuit (10) passing through the enclosure (3) and having a fluid inlet (11) and a fluid outlet (12) on the underside (8) of the housing (2) so as to be able to be fluidly connected, when the housing (2) is placed on the base (300), respectively to the dielectric fluid supply nozzle (6) and the dielectric fluid outlet nozzle (7) of the base (300).

2. Module (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the shape of the fluid inlet (11) of the housing (2) and / or the shape of the fluid outlet (12) of the housing (2) are configured so as to be able to be engaged on the supply nozzle (6) and / or the discharge nozzle (7) on the base (300), by a simple translational movement.

3. Module (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid inlet (11) of the housing (2) has a cavity (14), in particular substantially cylindrical, having an axis (Y) substantially perpendicular to the lower face (8) of the housing (2), the cavity (14) of the fluid inlet (11) being in particular formed in a hollow column (15) on the housing (2).

4. Module (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fluid inlet (11) is formed on a lateral extension (17) of the housing (2), the fluid inlet (11) opening onto the lower face (8) of the housing (2) by a hole, in particular circular, and the fluid supply nozzle on the base (300) being introduced into the fluid inlet cavity (11) via this hole on the underside (8) of the housing (2).

5. Module (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein when the lower face (8) of the housing (2) is observed along an axis perpendicular to this lower face (8), the lateral extension (17) of the housing (2) on which the fluid inlet (11) is formed has a divergent shape from the fluid inlet (11) towards the enclosure (3) which receives the components.

6. Module (200) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the lateral extension (17) defines a bent channel (20) connecting, on the one hand, the top of the cavity (14) through which the incoming fluid flow opens and, on the other hand, a lower chamber (22), located under the enclosure (3) which receives the components.

7. Module (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the lower fluid chamber (22) is delimited at least in part by a perforated lower plate (26) on which the component(s) arranged in the enclosure (3) rest, the perforated lower plate (26) being in particular opposite a bottom wall of the housing (2) so that the lower fluid chamber (22) is delimited between the perforated lower plate and this bottom wall of the housing (2) and the perforated lower plate resting in particular on support elements which are located in the lower fluid chamber (22).

8. Module (200) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the enclosure (3) of the housing (2) which is configured to receive the components comprises an upper fluid chamber (24), the upper chamber (24) being located opposite the lower chamber (22) so that the components, in particular the battery cells, are interposed between the lower fluid chamber (22) and the upper fluid chamber (24).

9. Module (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the lower fluid chamber (22) receives dielectric fluid from the fluid inlet (11), and the lower and upper fluid chambers are configured to permit the flow of dielectric fluid from the lower chamber (22) to the upper chamber (24) so ​​that the moving electric fluid come to exchange heat with the components in the enclosure (3).

10. Module (200) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the upper fluid chamber (24) communicates with the fluid outlet (12) of the housing (2).

11. Module (200) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the fluid outlet (12) of the housing (2) comprises a converging channel (36) extending from the upper chamber (24), in particular over the entire width of the upper chamber (24), to a cavity of the fluid outlet (12), the fluid outlet cavity (12) being in particular formed in by a hollow column of the housing (2).

12. Battery pack assembly (100) comprising a plurality of modules (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, each equipped with a thermal regulation device, the base (300) being common to the plurality of modules.

13. Battery pack assembly (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the base comprises at least one common supply conduit (310) of fluid having at least one supply nozzle (6) of dielectric fluid, in particular several supply nozzles of dielectric fluid arranged along this common supply conduit and at least one common discharge conduit (320) of fluid having at least one discharge nozzle (7) of dielectric fluid, in particular several discharge nozzles of dielectric fluid arranged along this common discharge conduit.

14. Method for assembling a thermal control device (1) for components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, the method comprising the following steps: - provide a housing (2) forming an enclosure (3) configured to receive one or more components immersed in a dielectric fluid, this housing forming a circuit of dielectric fluid passing through the enclosure (3) and being provided with a fluid inlet (11) and a fluid outlet (12) on a lower face (8) of the housing (2), - place the housing (2) on a base (300) which has at least one dielectric fluid supply nozzle (6) and one dielectric fluid outlet nozzle (7), so as to connect fluidly, when placing the housing (2) on the base (300), the fluid inlet (11) and the fluid outlet (12) of the housing (2) respectively to the dielectric fluid supply nozzle (6) and the dielectric fluid outlet nozzle (7) of the base (300).

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