Thermal regulation device

Abstract

Title: Thermal regulation device The subject of the invention is a thermal regulation device for components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, these components being in particular intended for energy storage and possibly being battery cells, in particular for vehicles, this thermal regulation device comprising: a housing forming an enclosure configured to receive one or more components immersed in a dielectric fluid, a dielectric fluid circuit passing through the enclosure and being provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the dielectric fluid circuit also passing into a lower fluid chamber, located under the enclosure which receives the components, the lower fluid chamber being delimited at least in part by a perforated lower plate (26) on which the component(s) arranged in the enclosure bear,this perforated lower plate (26) resting on support elements which are located in the lower fluid chamber, and the support elements being formed by elastically deformable blades (31). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 13,

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 possibly being battery cells, in particular for vehicles.

[0002] It is 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.

[0003] Car manufacturers are currently seeking to provide more powerful electric or hybrid vehicles with increased electric range. To this end, 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 at the floor of the vehicle, substantially across the entire width of the vehicle.

[0004] It is understood that, during operation of the vehicle, the battery packs can release a significant amount of heat and therefore be subjected to temperature increases which can cause them to be damaged or even destroyed in certain cases. Consequently, their cooling is essential in order to keep them in good condition and thus ensure the reliability, autonomy and performance of the vehicle. Furthermore, the operation of the battery packs can be less efficient in the event of low temperatures, the electrical or electronic components equipping these battery packs then needing time to warm up before operating at full efficiency.

[0005] To do 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 different components.

[0006] The present invention aims in particular to further improve this type of thermal regulation device.

[0007] The invention thus relates to a thermal regulation device for components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, these components being in particular intended for energy storage and possibly being battery cells, in particular for vehicles, this thermal regulation device comprising: - a housing forming an enclosure configured to receive one or more components immersed in a dielectric fluid, - a dielectric fluid circuit passing through the enclosure and being provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the dielectric fluid circuit also passing into a lower fluid chamber, located under the enclosure which receives the components, - the lower fluid chamber being delimited at least in part by a perforated lower plate on which the component(s) arranged in the enclosure rest, this perforated lower plate resting on support elements which are located in the lower fluid chamber, and the support elements being formed by elastically deformable blades.

[0008] Advantageously, the elastically deformable blades make it possible to absorb shocks encountered during driving and ensure flow in the lower fluid chamber, under the cells.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the perforated lower plate comprises a plurality of openings through which the dielectric fluid passes to flow into the enclosure.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the elastically deformable blades each have an inverted V-shaped cross-section with the tip of the V in contact with the perforated lower plate and the branches of the V resting on a bottom wall of the housing.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the elastically deformable blades are arranged in parallel rows, in particular all being identical to each other.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the elastically deformable blades are made of metal, in particular aluminum.

[0013] Thus, the elastically deformable blades serve in particular as mechanical reinforcement for the perforated lower plate on which the rows of battery cells rest. The cells can in fact have 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 housing, so as to preserve the dimensions of the lower fluid chamber.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the elastically deformable blades make it possible to ensure flow in the lower fluid chamber, under the cells.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower chamber forms a reinforced fluid supply zone which can extend opposite all of the battery cells or opposite only a subset of the battery cells.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the perforated lower plate is opposite a bottom wall of the housing such that the lower fluid chamber is delimited between the perforated lower plate and this bottom wall of the housing, the housing being configured to be able to be placed, by its bottom wall, on a base which carries at least one dielectric fluid supply end piece and one dielectric fluid discharge end piece

[0017] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the elastically deformable blades join the perforated lower plate and the bottom wall of the housing.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the enclosure of the housing which is configured to receive the components comprises an upper fluid chamber, and the lower fluid chamber sees 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 comes to exchange heat with the components in the enclosure.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper fluid chamber is delimited by an openwork upper plate provided with a plurality of openings through which the dielectric fluid coming from the enclosure passes.

[0020] The invention also relates to a module provided with a thermal regulation device as described above, comprising a housing forming an enclosure receiving several battery cells immersed in a dielectric fluid, and the support elements formed by elastically deformable blades being located in the module.

[0021] The invention also relates to a battery pack assembly comprising a plurality of modules as described above, each equipped with a thermal regulation device, and the modules being placed on a base of the battery pack assembly which carries at least one dielectric fluid supply end piece and one dielectric fluid discharge end piece.

[0022] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, 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, this thermal regulation device comprising: - 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 carries at least one dielectric fluid supply end piece and one dielectric fluid discharge end piece, and the housing having a lower face facing the base, once placed on this base, - 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 fluidically connected, when placing the housing on the base, respectively to the dielectric fluid supply end and the dielectric fluid discharge end of the base.

[0023] The invention is particularly advantageous because, due to the fact that the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of the housing are on the lower face of the housing and therefore on the same side of the housing, it is possible to have a simple connection operation between the housing and the end pieces on the base. In particular, this location of the fluid inlet and outlet on the housing allows a simpler connection operation than, for example, the case where the fluid inlet would be on one face of the housing and the fluid outlet on an opposite face of the housing. In this case, a connection operation would be required on the face of the fluid inlet and another connection operation on the opposite face on which the fluid outlet is located. On the contrary, in the invention, a single operation may be sufficient for the installation of the entire inlet and outlet connection, by a simple movement of placing the housing on the base.By this simple manipulation, it is possible to engage the fluid inlet of the housing on the fluid supply nozzle on the base, and the fluid outlet of the housing on the fluid discharge nozzle on the base.

[0024] In summary, the invention makes it possible to simplify the fluid connection operations between the housing and the connection tips on the base.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet of the housing has a female shape in which the male type fluid supply nozzle on the base can engage.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid outlet of the housing has a female shape in which the male type fluid discharge nozzle on the base can engage.

[0027] In a variant, it is possible to provide the fluid inlets and outlets on the housing as male shapes cooperating with female shapes of the supply and discharge nozzles on the base.

[0028] It may also be provided that only one of the fluid inlet and outlet of the housing is male, the other being female.

[0029] All combinations are, of course, possible.

[0030] 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 as to be able to be engaged on the supply nozzle and / or the discharge nozzle on the base, by a simple translational movement.

[0031] This allows for a simple fluid connection operation, without requiring, for example, screwing or brazing / welding operations between different fluid connection elements.

[0032] The invention makes it possible to offer a “Quick Connect” type connection.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 cavity of the fluid inlet extends parallel to these battery cells.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet cavity is formed in a hollow column on the housing.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet is formed on a lateral extension of the housing.

[0039] 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 hole.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid supply nozzle on the base is introduced into the cavity of the fluid inlet via this hole on the lower face of the housing.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] This makes it possible to improve performance in terms of pressure loss.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the divergent, or flared, shape of this lateral extension of the housing has symmetry by a longitudinal axis of the lower face of the housing.

[0046] This axis is notably parallel to the long side of the rectangular perimeter of the lower face.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet is placed centrally on the side extension of the case.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet comprises at the top of the cavity, opposite the hole on the lower face of the housing, an opening allowing the fluid to circulate in the lateral extension of the housing before reaching the enclosure of the housing.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the lateral extension defines a bent channel connecting, on the one hand, the top of the cavity through which the incoming flow of fluid emerges and, on the other hand, a lower chamber, located under the enclosure which receives the components.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower chamber is located between the lower face of the housing and the enclosure.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower fluid chamber extends substantially opposite the entire bottom of the enclosure.

[0052] The bent channel allows, as it were, the fluid entering through the fluid inlet to be diverted to a lower area, namely the lower chamber.

[0053] The lateral extension thus makes it possible to direct the dielectric fluid towards the lower chamber, under the components, in particular the battery cells.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower chamber forms a reinforced fluid supply zone which can extend opposite all of the battery cells or opposite only a subset of the battery cells.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Thus the valve can take an open position and a closed position depending on the position of the shutter.

[0057] This valve is for example made of plastic.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, a seal is provided between the fluid supply nozzle on the base and the hollow column forming the cavity of the fluid inlet of the housing.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the enclosure of the housing which is configured to receive the components comprises an upper fluid chamber.

[0060] 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.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper fluid chamber extends against an upper face of the housing.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper fluid chamber has sens- probably the same area as the lower room.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower fluid chamber receives the arrival of dielectric fluid from the fluid inlet and the lower and upper fluid chambers are configured 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.

[0064] 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, in operation, the fluid circulates in the enclosure from bottom to top, against the effect of gravity. A pump, outside the housing, for example of the electric type, is used to force this flow of fluid.

[0065] 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.

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower fluid chamber is delimited at least in part by an openwork lower plate on which the component(s) arranged in the enclosure rest.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, this perforated lower plate comprises a plurality of openings through which the dielectric fluid passes to flow into the enclosure.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the perforated lower plate faces 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.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the perforated lower plate rests on support elements which are located in the lower fluid chamber.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the support elements join the perforated lower plate and the bottom wall of the housing.

[0071] Thus, the support elements serve in particular as mechanical reinforcement for the perforated lower plate on which the rows of battery cells rest. The cells can in fact have 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 housing, so as to preserve the dimensions of the lower fluid chamber.

[0072] According to one aspect of the invention, the support elements have a regular arrangement, for example in parallel rows.

[0073] The support elements ensure flow in the lower fluid chamber, under the cells.

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the support elements are all identical between them.

[0075] 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.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper fluid chamber is delimited by an openwork upper plate provided with a plurality of openings through which the dielectric fluid coming from the enclosure passes.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, the openings on the lower plate and the upper plate have a symmetrical arrangement.

[0078] In other words, the openings are arranged in a similar manner on the lower plate and the upper plate.

[0079] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper plate comprises openings which engage on the upper part of the components, in particular battery cells.

[0080] 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 the upper part of the components.

[0081] In other words, the openings through which the fluid passes are relatively small compared to the section of the components.

[0082] 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.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower and upper plates are substantially flat and parallel to each other.

[0084] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper fluid chamber communicates with the fluid outlet of the housing.

[0085] 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.

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid outlet cavity is formed by a hollow column of the housing.

[0087] According to one aspect of the invention, the hollow column, in particular of cylindrical shape, is configured to form the female shape of the fluid outlet which engages on the collection nozzle on the base.

[0088] According to one aspect of the invention, the converging channel is formed on a side of the housing.

[0089] According to one aspect of the invention, the flank is perpendicular to the lower face of the housing and extends in particular on one side of the rectangular periphery of the lower face lower.

[0090] According to one aspect of the invention, the converging channel has a substantially triangular shape converging towards the fluid outlet.

[0091] 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.

[0092] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing comprises a side wall extending perpendicular to the bottom wall of the housing.

[0093] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall delimits the perimeter of the enclosure, a perimeter which envelops the components, in particular battery cells, placed in the enclosure.

[0094] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall comprises corrugations making it possible to match the shape of the cylindrical battery cells placed in the enclosure.

[0095] This allows for a compact housing, with the least possible loss of space.

[0096] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet is provided with a non-return valve configured to prevent gas that would be present in the dielectric fluid from escaping through the fluid inlet.

[0097] Gas may appear during thermal runaway of the battery and it is required to evacuate the gases through an expansion tank of the dielectric fluid circuit.

[0098] To evacuate these gases without losing dielectric fluid, the gas must enter through the inlet of the expansion tank. The pressure and volume of gas can be so great that the gas is able to rise up the hydraulic circuit. To ensure the correct direction of flow, the non-return valve is positioned at the inlet of the module.

[0099] According to one aspect of the invention, the non-return valve comprises a body fixed to a hollow column of the housing forming the cavity of the fluid inlet.

[0100] According to one aspect of the invention, the non-return valve further comprises a movable valve, in particular along the axis of the cavity.

[0101] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing comprises a sealed electrical passage member mounted in a sealed manner through a wall of the housing.

[0102] According to one aspect of the invention, this sealed electrical passage member comprises a first end for fixing an electrical bar (also called a "busbar" in English) inside the enclosure and a second end for fixing an electrical bar external to the housing.

[0103] According to one aspect of the invention, this sealed electrical passage member is mounted in an opening of the housing.

[0104] According to one aspect of the invention, the above-described upper plate of the upper chamber thus allows the components, in particular the battery cells, to be maintained.

[0105] According to one aspect of the invention, the components are electrically connected to electrical conductors, in particular joined to electrical bars.

[0106] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrical conductors have patterns making it possible to electrically connect the components, in particular the battery cells, to each other.

[0107] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrical conductors are carried by a dedicated support, also called a “busbar holder” in English.

[0108] According to one aspect of the invention, the dedicated support comprises orifices allowing terminals of the battery cells to be electrically connected to pass through them.

[0109] The invention also relates to a module provided 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 carries at least one dielectric fluid supply end piece and one dielectric fluid discharge end piece, 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 fluidically connected, when placing the housing on the base, respectively to the dielectric fluid supply end piece and the dielectric fluid discharge end piece of the base.

[0110] The invention also 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 end piece and one dielectric fluid discharge end piece.

[0111] The invention also relates to a base of a pack assembly such as aforementioned, comprising at least one dielectric fluid supply end piece and one dielectric fluid discharge end piece.

[0112] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises at least one common fluid supply conduit provided with at least one dielectric fluid supply end piece, in particular several dielectric fluid supply end pieces arranged along this common supply conduit.

[0113] 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.

[0114] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises at least one conduit common fluid discharge pipe provided with at least one dielectric fluid discharge nozzle, in particular several dielectric fluid discharge nozzles arranged along this common supply conduit.

[0115] According to one aspect of the invention, this or these dielectric fluid evacuation tips are connectable to the fluid outlets of the housings which contain the components, in particular the battery cells.

[0116] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises a fluid connection flange to which the common fluid supply and discharge conduits are connected.

[0117] These fluid supply and discharge conduits can be seen as feeder conduits.

[0118] These conduits may have a polygonal cross-section, for example rectangular, or, alternatively, rounded.

[0119] 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 discharge conduits, configured to ensure the electrical connection with the battery cells in the housings, in particular via the sealed electrical passage members mounted on the housings.

[0120] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises two collective electrical bars, one being of positive polarity and the other of negative polarity.

[0121] According to one aspect of the invention, the two collective electrical bars are arranged in parallel, in particular on either side of a row of boxes.

[0122] Several independent modules, potentially identical to each other, can be placed on the base.

[0123] According to one aspect of the invention, each housing comprises a cover configured to close the enclosure having received the components.

[0124] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises a floor and crosspieces placed on the floor, and the module housing(s) are intended to rest on these crosspieces, which are for example made of plastic-based composite material or metal.

[0125] According to one aspect of the invention, the sleepers are of the profiled type, and in particular of rectangular cross-section.

[0126] According to one aspect of the invention, several sleepers are placed on the floor.

[0127] According to one aspect of the invention, the sleepers are in particular arranged trans versa to the battery modules so that each crossbar supports multiple modules and each module rests on multiple crossbars.

[0128] According to one aspect of the invention, each module rests on the base, in particular crosspieces of the base, by its bottom wall which participates in the formation of the lower chamber.

[0129] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a thermal regulation device for components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, on a base of a battery pack assembly, the method comprising the following steps: - 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, - placing the housing on a base which carries at least one dielectric fluid supply end piece and one dielectric fluid discharge end piece, so as to fluidly connect, when placing the housing on the base, the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of the housing respectively to the dielectric fluid supply end piece and the dielectric fluid discharge end piece of the base.

[0130] 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:

[0131] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective representation of a set of packs battery according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0132] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view of the battery pack assembly of [Fig.l], without the frame on the base;

[0133] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a side view of the battery pack assembly of the [Fig.2] ;

[0134] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective representation of a module of the set of battery pack of [Fig.l];

[0135] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional representation of the module of [Fig.4], showing the module fluid inlet;

[0136] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a non-return valve fitted to the inlet of fluid from the module of [Fig.5];

[0137] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the upper perforated plate equipping the fluid inlet of the module of [Fig.5];

[0138] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a cross-sectional representation of the module of [Fig.4], showing the fluid outlet of the module;

[0139] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a perspective representation of the interior of the module of the [Fig.4], showing in particular the upper openwork plate of the module;

[0140] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a cross-sectional representation of the module of [Fig.4], showing the sealed electrical passage member;

[0141] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a cross-sectional representation of the module of [Fig.4], showing the sealed electrical passage member in another view;

[0142] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a view of the base of the battery pack assembly of [Fig. 1]

[0143] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a sectional view of a module according to another example of implementation of the invention, with support elements formed by elastically deformable blades.

[0144] The features, variants and the different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, to the extent 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.

[0145] 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 exemplary 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 together forming a space in which the modules 200 are housed.

[0146] 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.

[0147] These battery cells 5, of cylindrical shape, are of the lithium-ion type. Other types of battery can of course be envisaged.

[0148] The cells 5 are arranged in the enclosure 3 in parallel rows, in a staggered pattern, to gain in compactness.

[0149] Each housing 2 comprises a cover 201 configured to close the enclosure 3 having received the cells 5.

[0150] 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 [Fig.5] in section) and a dielectric fluid discharge nozzle 7 (also visible in [Fig.7] in section).

[0151] In the example described, the supply tips 6 are located on a common supply conduit 310 of the base 300 which serves as a feed conduit for the supply tips 6.

[0152] 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.

[0153] The common supply conduit 310 has a rectilinear shape and the supply nozzles 6 are arranged with regular spacing on this common supply conduit 310.

[0154] This common supply conduit 310 extends along an edge of the base 300.

[0155] The evacuation tips 7 are located on a common evacuation conduit 320 which allows the dielectric fluid collected by the evacuation tips 7 to be evacuated.

[0156] The discharge nozzles 7 are identical to each other. Each discharge nozzle 7 is cylindrical in shape, provided with a groove 321 for the insertion of an O-ring seal 322.

[0157] The common exhaust duct 320 has a rectilinear shape and the exhaust nozzles 7 are arranged with regular spacing on this common exhaust duct 320.

[0158] This common exhaust duct 320 extends along an edge of the base 300.

[0159] As clearly visible in [Fig.2], the common exhaust and supply conduits 310 and 320, here each of rectangular cross-section, are connected to a fluid connection flange 330.

[0160] The fluid connection flange 330 has a fluid inlet 331 for supplying fluid to the common supply conduit 310 and a fluid outlet 332 for discharging fluid from the common discharge conduit 320.

[0161] The common supply conduit 310 and the common discharge conduit 320 are each connected to the fluid connection flange 330 by a tube 335 which extends in particular perpendicular to the common supply and discharge conduits 310 and 320.

[0162] The fluid connection flange 330 is arranged for example halfway between the common supply and discharge conduits 310 and 320 which are parallel to each other.

[0163] For each module 200, the housing 2 has a lower face 8 facing the base 300, once placed on this base.

[0164] For each module 200, the thermal regulation device 1 comprises a circuit 10 of dielectric fluid passing through the enclosure 3 and being provided with 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 fluidically connected, when the housing 2 is placed on the base 300, respectively to the dielectric fluid supply end piece 6 and the dielectric fluid discharge end piece 7 of the base 300.

[0165] Figures 5, 8 and 9 show arrows symbolizing the flow of fluid of the fluid circuit 10.

[0166] The fluid inlet 11 of the housing 2 has a female shape in which the fluid supply nozzle 6, of the male type, on the base 300 can engage.

[0167] The fluid outlet 12 of the housing 2 has a female shape in which the fluid discharge nozzle 7, of the male type, on the base 300 can engage.

[0168] 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 as to be able to be engaged on the supply nozzle 6 and the discharge nozzle 7 on the base 300, by a simple translational movement.

[0169] This allows for a simple fluid connection operation, without requiring, for example, screwing or soldering / welding operations between different fluid connection elements. The invention makes it possible to offer a “Quick Connect” type connection.

[0170] The fluid inlet 11 comprises a substantially cylindrical cavity 14 having an axis Y substantially perpendicular to the lower face 8 of the housing 2.

[0171] The battery cells 5, of cylindrical shape, 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.

[0172] The cavity 14 of the fluid inlet 11 is formed in a hollow column 15 on the housing 2.

[0173] The fluid inlet 11 and the hollow column 15 are located on an edge of the lower face 8 of the housing.

[0174] When this lower face 8 of the housing has a generally rectangular perimeter, the fluid inlet 11 is located on a small side of this rectangular perimeter, as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0175] The fluid inlet 11 is formed on a lateral extension 17 of the housing 2.

[0176] The fluid inlet 11 opens onto the lower face 8 through a circular hole 18.

[0177] The fluid supply nozzle 6 on the base 300 is introduced into the cavity 14 of the fluid inlet 11 via this hole 18.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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 in the direction of the enclosure 3.

[0180] 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, across the entire width of enclosure 3.

[0181] The divergent, or flared, shape of this lateral extension 17 of the housing 2 has a symmetry by a longitudinal axis X of the lower face 8 of the housing 2.

[0182] This X axis is parallel to the large side of the rectangular perimeter of the lower face 8.

[0183] The fluid inlet 11 is placed centrally on the lateral extension 17 of the housing 2.

[0184] The fluid inlet 11 comprises 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 circulate in the lateral extension 17 of the housing 2 before reaching the enclosure 3 of the housing 2.

[0185] The lateral extension 17 defines an angled channel 20 connecting, on the one hand, the top of the cavity 14 through which the incoming flow of fluid emerges and, on the other hand, a lower chamber 22, located under the enclosure 3.

[0186] The lower chamber 22 is located between the lower face 8 of the housing 2 and the enclosure 3, and extends substantially opposite the entire bottom of the enclosure 3.

[0187] The bent channel 20 makes it possible, as it were, to divert the fluid entering through the fluid inlet 11 to a lower area, namely the lower chamber 22.

[0188] The lateral extension 17 thus makes it possible to direct the dielectric fluid towards the lower chamber 22, under the battery cells 5.

[0189] The enclosure 3 comprises an upper fluid chamber 24.

[0190] The upper chamber 24 is located opposite the lower chamber 22 so that the battery cells 5 are interposed between the lower fluid chamber 22 and the upper fluid chamber 24.

[0191] The upper fluid chamber 24 extends against an upper face 25 of the housing 2, more precisely of the cover 201.

[0192] The upper fluid chamber 24 has substantially the same surface area as that of the lower chamber 22.

[0193] The lower fluid chamber 22 sees 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 comes to exchange heat with the cells 5 in the enclosure 3.

[0194] 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, in operation, the fluid circulates in the enclosure 3 from bottom to top, against the effect of gravity. A pump, outside the housing 2, for example of the electric type, is used to force this flow of fluid.

[0195] The lower 22 and upper 24 fluid chambers are part of the fluid circuit 10 of the thermal regulation device according to the invention.

[0196] 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.

[0197] As can be clearly seen in [Fig.9], this perforated lower plate 26 comprises a plurality of openings 27 through which the dielectric fluid passes to flow into the enclosure 3.

[0198] The perforated lower plate 26 faces a bottom wall 28 of the housing 2 so that the lower fluid chamber 22 is delimited between the perforated lower plate 26 and this bottom wall 28 of the housing 2.

[0199] The perforated lower plate 26 rests on support elements 29 which are located in the lower fluid chamber 22.

[0200] The support elements 29 join the perforated lower plate 26 and the bottom wall 28 of the housing 2.

[0201] Thus the support elements 29 serve in particular as mechanical reinforcement for the perforated lower plate 26 on which the rows of battery cells 5 rest. The cells can in fact have 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.

[0202] The support elements 29, all identical to each other, have a regular arrangement, for example in parallel rows.

[0203] The support elements 29 ensure the flow in the lower chamber 22 of fluid, under the cells 5.

[0204] In the example described, the support elements 29 are formed by cylindrical studs.

[0205] The support elements 29 are for example formed in a single piece with either the perforated lower plate 26 or the bottom wall 28 of the housing 2.

[0206] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in [Fig.13], the support elements 30 are formed by elastically deformable blades 31.

[0207] Advantageously, the elastically deformable blades 31 make it possible to absorb shocks encountered during driving and make it possible to ensure the flow in the lower chamber 22 of fluid, under the cells 5.

[0208] The elastically deformable blades 31 each have an inverted V-shaped cross-section with the tip of the V in contact with the perforated lower plate 26 and the branches of the V resting on the bottom wall 28 of the housing 2.

[0209] The elastically deformable blades 31 are arranged in parallel rows, and are made of metal, in particular aluminum.

[0210] To return to the description of the upper fluid chamber 24, the latter is delimited by an upper perforated plate 32 provided with a plurality of openings 33 through which the dielectric fluid coming from the enclosure 3 passes, as can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 9.

[0211] The openings 27 on the lower plate 26 and the openings 33 of the upper plate 32 have a symmetrical arrangement.

[0212] The upper plate 32 has openings 34 which engage the upper part of the battery cells 5.

[0213] 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 on the upper part of the components.

[0214] In other words, the openings 33 through which the fluid passes are relatively small compared to the section of the cells 5.

[0215] Each cell 5 is surrounded by several openings 33, in particular six openings 33, arranged regularly around each cell 5.

[0216] The lower 26 and upper 32 plates are substantially flat and parallel to each other.

[0217] The upper fluid chamber 24 communicates with the fluid outlet 12 of the housing 2.

[0218] As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the fluid outlet 12 of the housing 2 comprises a converging channel 36 extending from the upper chamber 24, across the entire width of the upper chamber 24, towards a cavity 37 of the fluid outlet 12.

[0219] For this purpose, the perforated upper plate 32 comprises a longitudinal fluid outlet slot 44 which marks the start of the converging channel 36.

[0220] The fluid outlet cavity 37 is formed by a hollow column 38 of the housing 2.

[0221] This hollow column 38 of cylindrical shape is configured to form the female shape of the fluid outlet 12 which engages on the collection nozzle 7 on the base 300.

[0222] The converging channel 36 is formed on a side 39 of the housing 2, as visible in FIGS. 3 and 4 for example.

[0223] This side 39 is perpendicular to the lower face 8 of the housing 2 and extends on one side of the rectangular periphery of the lower face 8.

[0224] The converging channel 36 has a substantially triangular shape converging towards the fluid outlet 12.

[0225] 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 fluid distribution.

[0226] The housing 2 comprises a side wall 40 extending perpendicular to the bottom wall of the housing 2.

[0227] The side wall 40 delimits the perimeter of the enclosure 3, a perimeter which envelops the battery cells 5 placed in the enclosure 3.

[0228] The side wall 40 comprises corrugations 41 making it possible to match the shape of the cylindrical battery cells 5 placed in the enclosure 3, as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0229] This allows the housing 2 to be compact, with the least possible loss of space.

[0230] The fluid inlet 11 is provided with a non-return valve 45 configured to prevent gas which would be present in the fluid circuit 10 from escaping through the fluid inlet IL.

[0231] Gas may appear during thermal runaway of the battery and it is required to evacuate the gases through an expansion tank connected to the dielectric fluid circuit 10.

[0232] To evacuate these gases without losing dielectric fluid, the gas must enter through the inlet of the expansion tank. The pressure and volume of gas can be so great that the gas is able to rise 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.

[0233] As visible in Figures 5 and 6, the non-return valve 45 comprises a body 46 fixed to the hollow column 15 of the housing 2 forming the cavity of the fluid inlet 11.

[0234] The non-return valve 45 further comprises a movable valve 47 movable along the Y axis.

[0235] The valve 47 comprises 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.

[0236] The valve 47 can take an open position and a closed position depending on the position of the shutter 48.

[0237] This valve 47 is for example made of plastic.

[0238] As visible for example in figures 4, 10 and 11, the housing 2 comprises a sealed electrical passage member 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.

[0239] This sealed electrical passage member 55 comprises a first end 57 for fixing an electrical bar 58 (also called a “busbar” in English) inside the enclosure 3 and a second end 59 for fixing an electrical bar 60 external to the housing 2.

[0240] The cells 5 are electrically connected to the electrical bars 58. The electrical network for connecting the cells 5 is not described in more detail, because it is well known, with positive polarity connections and negative polarity connections.

[0241] The electrical conductors 58, which may have a branching shape, are carried by a dedicated support 62, also called a “busbar holder” in English.

[0242] The dedicated support 62, in the general form of a plate arranged parallel to the upper perforated plate 32, comprises orifices 63 allowing terminals 64 of the battery cells 5 to be electrically connected to pass through them.

[0243] The dedicated support 62 is placed on the top of the cells 5, between the upper perforated plate 32 and the cover 201.

[0244] The base 300 comprises two collective electrical bars 340 extending parallel to the common fluid supply and discharge conduits 310, 320.

[0245] The collective electrical bars 340 are configured to ensure the electrical connection with the battery cells 5 in the housings 2, via the sealed electrical passage members 55 mounted on the housings 2.

[0246] The two collective electric bars 340 are, for one, of positive polarity and, for the other, of negative polarity.

[0247] The two collective electrical bars 340 are arranged in parallel, on either side of a row of modules 200, and the external electrical bars 60 join these collective bars 340 each by an elbow 341 visible in [Fig.l 1].

[0248] The base 300 comprises a floor 350 and crosspieces 351 placed parallel to the floor 350, and the modules 200 rest on these crosspieces 351, which are for example made of plastic-based composite material or metal.

[0249] The crosspieces 351 are of the profiled type and of rectangular cross section.

[0250] These crosspieces 351 are arranged transversely to the battery modules 200 of such that each crosspiece 351 supports a row of several modules and each module 200 rests on several crosspieces 351.

[0251] 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, - placing the housing 2 on the base 300 so as to fluidly connect, 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 end piece and the dielectric fluid discharge end piece of the base 300.

Claims

Claims

1. Thermal regulation device (1) for components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, these components being in particular intended for energy storage and being able to be battery cells (5), in particular for vehicles, this thermal regulation device comprising: - a housing (2) forming an enclosure (3) configured to receive one or more components immersed in a dielectric fluid, - a dielectric fluid circuit (10) passing through the enclosure (3) and being provided with a fluid inlet (11) and a fluid outlet (12), the dielectric fluid circuit also passing into a lower fluid chamber (22), located under the enclosure (3) which receives the components, - the lower fluid chamber (22) being delimited at least in part by a perforated lower plate (26) on which the component(s) arranged in the enclosure (3) bear,this perforated lower plate (26) resting on support elements which are located in the lower fluid chamber (22), and the support elements being formed by elastically deformable blades (31).,

2. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the perforated lower plate (26) comprises a plurality of openings (27) through which the dielectric fluid passes to flow into the enclosure (3).

3. Thermal regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the elastically deformable blades (31) each have an inverted V-shaped cross-section with the tip of the V in contact with the perforated lower plate (26) and the branches of the V resting on a bottom wall of the housing.

4. Thermal regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the elastically deformable blades (31) are arranged in parallel rows, being in particular all identical to each other, and the elastically deformable blades (31) are in particular made of metal, in particular aluminum.

5. Thermal regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the elastically deformable blades (31) are configured to ensure flow in the lower chamber (22) of fluid, under the cells.

6. Thermal regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the lower chamber (22) forms a reinforced fluid supply zone which can extend opposite all of the battery cells or opposite only a subset of the battery cells.

7. Thermal regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the perforated lower plate (26) is opposite a bottom wall (28) of the housing so that the lower fluid chamber (22) is delimited between the perforated lower plate (26) and this bottom wall (28) of the housing, the housing being configured to be able to be placed, by its bottom wall (28), on a base which carries at least one dielectric fluid supply end piece and one dielectric fluid discharge end piece.

8. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the elastically deformable blades (31) join the perforated lower plate (26) and the bottom wall (28) of the housing.

9. A thermal regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosure (3) of the housing which is configured to receive the components comprises an upper fluid chamber (24), and the lower fluid chamber (22) sees 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 (22) to the upper chamber so that the moving electric fluid exchanges heat with the components in the enclosure (3).

10. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the upper fluid chamber (24) is delimited by an upper perforated plate (32) provided with a plurality of openings through which the dielectric fluid coming from the enclosure (3) passes.

11. Module (200) provided with a thermal regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing forming an enclosure (3) receiving several battery cells immersed in a dielectric fluid, and the support elements formed by elastically deformable blades (31) being located in the module.

12. Battery pack assembly (100) comprising a plurality of modules (200) according to the preceding claim, each equipped with a thermal regulation device (1), and the modules being placed on a base (300) of the battery pack assembly which carries at least one dielectric fluid supply end piece and one dielectric fluid discharge end piece.

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