Cooling device for an electric battery

Abstract

Cooling device for a battery, comprising: - a casing formed of two sheets of flexible material, - a circulation channel, - a fluid inlet port and an outlet port, and - at least one fluid connector (50) disposed through the inlet or outlet port, comprising: - a base (80) comprising: - a base (82) defining a central through opening (90), the base (82) defining an upper face (92) disposed against an inner face of the sheet (36), - a tube (84) integral with the base, extending through the inlet or outlet port and opening through the central opening, - a ring (88) assembled on the base and circumferentially surrounding the tube, disposed in support against an outer face of the sheet, the upper face of the base being fixed to the inner face of the sheet by at least one weld circumferentially surrounding the tube. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: 6

Description

Title of the invention: Cooling device for an electric battery Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of electric batteries, and more specifically that of the cooling of said batteries. Said batteries are for example installed on an electric or hybrid propulsion vehicle.

[0002] In this respect, the invention relates to a cooling device for an electric battery.

[0003] The invention also relates to an electric battery comprising such a cooling device. State of the prior art

[0004] In an electric cell battery, that is to say a battery comprising several independent battery elements grouped in an enclosure, the hottest elements are located in the center of the latter. As the elements are generally arranged in contact with each other by their lateral faces, in order to reduce the overall size, the heat generated by these most enclosed elements is only evacuated at the level of their lower faces.

[0005] Indirect fluid cooling is the method most commonly used by manufacturers because it is effective, fairly simple to set up and inexpensive. This method involves circulating a cooling fluid (usually a water-glycol mixture) in a cooling device located under the battery elements. The fluid acts as a heat transfer medium and draws thermal calories from the battery to evacuate them outside the enclosure during its circulation.

[0006] Therefore, heat dissipation is highly dependent on the thermal exchange resistance between the lower face of the battery elements and the cooling device.

[0007] In order to improve this thermal exchange resistance, it is known to use thermal interface materials, such as thermally conductive resins, between the cold plate of the cooling device and the lower surfaces of the battery elements, to fill the local gaps between these surfaces due to the asperities of these solid structures and their roughness. However, such a solution significantly increases the cost and mass of the battery. In addition, the thermal contact permitted by the use of such an interface material remains significantly less effective than direct mechanical contact between conductive metallic materials.

[0008] Another possibility to improve thermal contact is the use of a flexible envelope for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid instead of a rigid structure, said flexible envelope deforming freely under the effect of the circulation pressure of the heat transfer fluid and then coming to fit the contours of the lower surface of the battery elements, thereby providing good thermal contact.

[0009] The flexible envelope is designed using two multi-material, multi-layer film sheets assembled by local welding so as to form one or more fluid circulation channels. The two sheets can be separated or formed by a single sheet folded back on itself.

[0010] Such an envelope thus makes it possible to have a cooling device benefiting from good thermal contact with the battery elements to be cooled, while being light and simple to manufacture compared to previous rigid coolers.

[0011] However, the connection of an envelope made of flexible material to a cooling fluid distribution circuit, comprising rigid piping elements, can pose sealing problems, particularly in the long term and during significant thermal variations in the environment close to the connectors. Presentation of the invention

[0012] The invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by providing a battery cooling device using a flexible casing for the circulation of the cooling fluid and having improved sealing and better guaranteed over time.

[0013] To this end, the invention relates to a cooling device for an electric battery, the cooling device comprising:

[0014] - an envelope formed from two sheets of flexible material extending opposite each other from each other, the sheets having welding regions in which the sheets are secured to each other and separation regions in which the sheets are able to extend away from each other,

[0015] - at least one fluid circulation conduit extending between the sheets through at least one of the separation regions,

[0016] - at least one fluid inlet orifice defined in one of the sheets and at least one fluid outlet port defined in one of the sheets, and

[0017] - at least one fluid connector, each fluid connector being arranged at through the at least one inlet orifice or the at least one outlet orifice, fixedly mounted to the corresponding sheet,

[0018] characterized in that each fluidic connector comprises:

[0019] - a base comprising:

[0020] - a base defining a central through opening, the base defining a face upper side arranged against an internal face of the corresponding sheet, and

[0021] - a tube secured to the base, extending through the inlet orifice or the outlet orifice exit and opening through the central opening of the base,

[0022] - a ring assembled on the base and circumferentially surrounding the tube, the ring being arranged to bear against an external face of the sheet,

[0023] the upper face of the base being fixed to the internal face of the sheet by at least one weld circumferentially surrounding the tube.

[0024] Such a cooling device allows a fluid connection of the flexible envelope to a cooling fluid distribution circuit which allows improved sealing and better guaranteed over time.

[0025] Each fluid connector may comprise at least one rib extending over the base, in contact with the internal face of the sheet and circumferentially surrounding the tube, each rib defining a ridge line by which the base is fixed to the sheet by welding.

[0026] Such a feature makes it possible to have precise and simple welding lines to be produced by thermal welding on the crest lines of the ribs.

[0027] The base may have a general disc shape, and each rib may extend over a circular contour centered on the central opening of the base.

[0028] Such a characteristic makes it easier to form the welds between the base and the sheet and to have better mechanical strength of these welds.

[0029] The connector may further comprise at least one O-ring disposed between the base of the base and the internal face of the sheet, the ring exerting a force on the O-ring through the sheet.

[0030] Such a feature makes it possible to further reinforce the sealing of the connector by adding a second sealing means complementary to the welds.

[0031] The base may comprise at least two ribs spaced radially from each other relative to the tube and being fixed to the sheet by their respective crest lines, the at least two of the ribs defining between them an annular groove receiving the O-ring.

[0032] Such a feature further improves the sealing and durability of the connector, by adding a second weld line, and simplifies the installation and maintenance of the O-ring.

[0033] An inner surface of the ring and an outer surface of the tube may have corresponding threads, arranged to allow the ring to be fixed to the base.

[0034] Such a characteristic allows a simplified and reversible assembly of the ring on the tube and good pressure maintenance of the O-ring.

[0035] The ring and the tube may have corresponding snap-fastening means, arranged to allow the ring to be fixed to the base.

[0036] Such a characteristic allows a simplified and reversible assembly of the ring on the tube and good pressure maintenance of the O-ring.

[0037] Said snap-fastening means may comprise a plurality of teeth distributed circumferentially on the external surface of the tube and extending radially from said external surface, and, preferably, the same number of corresponding indentations defined by the ring.

[0038] Such a feature makes it possible to have a radially distributed mechanical force, thus improving the durability and sealing of the connector.

[0039] An internal surface of the tube may have reliefs arranged to generate turbulence in a flow of fluid through the tube.

[0040] Such a feature makes it possible to improve the mixing of the cooling fluid in the flow duct and thus to increase the cooling efficiency. In particular, these reliefs make it possible to prevent the appearance of an immobile layer of fluid along the walls which would reduce the efficiency of the heat transfer by remixing this layer of fluid in the central flow.

[0041] The reliefs may have ramp shapes extending on the internal surface of the tube in a direction transverse to a local elongation direction of the tube, projecting towards the inside of the tube.

[0042] Such a characteristic makes it possible to have reliefs that are simple to shape and have good durability, and promotes the mixing of the peripheral fluid towards the center of the flow.

[0043] The invention also relates to an electric battery comprising:

[0044] - a plurality of battery elements arranged in an enclosure,

[0045] - a device for circulating cooling fluid, and

[0046] - a cooling device as above, each fluidic connector of the cooling device being fluidically connected to the cooling fluid circulation device,

[0047] the casing being arranged to come into contact with elements to be cooled of the battery elements when a cooling fluid circulates in the at least one circulation conduit. Brief description of the figures

[0048] [Fig-1] is an exploded perspective view of the main elements of an electric battery according to the invention,

[0049] [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective view of a cooling device of the battery of [Fig.l],

[0050] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view of the cooling device of the [Fig.2],

[0051] [Fig.4] is a detailed perspective view showing assembly means of cooling device of figures 1 and 2,

[0052] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a base of a fluidic connector of the cooling device of figures 2 to 4,

[0053] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the base of [Fig.5] carrying an O-ring,

[0054] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the fluidic connector of Figures 5 and 6 assembled, and

[0055] [Fig.8] is a sectional view of the connector of Figures 5 to 7. Detailed description of the invention

[0056] [Fig.l] represents an electric battery 10 intended for energy storage, intended in particular for applications on board a vehicle, for example an electric or hybrid propulsion vehicle.

[0057] Said vehicle is for example a motor vehicle, a road or rail transport vehicle, a maritime vehicle, or other.

[0058] Alternatively, the battery 10 is intended for a fixed or mobile installation requiring a supply of electrical energy, without connection to the power supply network, or in addition to it.

[0059] The battery comprises a closed, substantially sealed enclosure 12 (only the cover is shown in the figures for the sake of clarity), and a plurality of battery elements 14, or cells, arranged in the enclosure 12 and capable of storing electrical energy.

[0060] The enclosure 12 comprises a removable upper cover, partially shown in [Fig.l], which defines passage orifices 16 intended for the supply of cooling fluid.

[0061] Each battery element 14 has a generally parallelepiped shape and thus defines an upper face 18, a lower face 20 and four lateral faces.

[0062] The expressions “upper” and “lower” are understood herein relative to a standard positioning of the battery in operating condition.

[0063] The battery elements 14 are arranged aligned in at least one row extending in an alignment direction X. An elevation direction Z and a transverse direction Y are further defined, both perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the alignment direction X, the elevation direction Z being oriented substantially vertically in a standard operating orientation of the battery 10.

[0064] The battery elements 14 may be arranged in contact with each other by their respective lateral faces, in the alignment direction X, or with small gaps between two neighboring battery elements in the alignment direction X.

[0065] Each battery element 14 comprises connectors 22 arranged on its upper face 18, on either side of said upper face in the transverse direction Y. The connectors 22 of the battery elements thus form two rows extending in the alignment direction X.

[0066] The connectors 22 of the battery cells 14 are connected to parallel bus bars 24 which extend substantially in the alignment direction X, allowing the supply of energy into the battery cells 14 for storage or withdrawal of energy from the battery cells to power an electrical device.

[0067] The battery 10, and more particularly the battery elements 14, generate heat during operation and require cooling for optimal operation and to have a satisfactory operating life and safety.

[0068] For this, the battery 10 comprises at least one device 30 for cooling elements to be cooled in the battery, shown in more detail in FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0069] The elements to be cooled may be the battery elements 14, and more specifically the lower faces 20 or lateral faces of the battery elements, or the connectors 22 of the battery elements as well as the bus bars 24, which are arranged above the upper faces of the battery elements.

[0070] In the example shown in the figures, the cooling device 30 is thus arranged to cool the connectors 22 of the battery elements and the bus bars 24, and is thus positioned in the enclosure 12, suspended from the cover, above the battery elements 14.

[0071] The cooling device 30 comprises a flexible casing 32 intended to accommodate the cooling fluid, as well as a support structure 34 adapted to improve the rigidity and strength of the cooling device 30.

[0072] The envelope 32 is formed from two sheets 36 of flexible material extending opposite one another and partially welded to one another.

[0073] Thus, the envelope 32 has welding regions 38, in which the sheets 36 are integral with one another, and separation regions 40, in which the sheets 36 are not welded to one another and are thus able to extend away from one another, defining an internal space between them.

[0074] The welding regions 38 notably follow an external contour of the envelope 32, so as to make an internal space of the envelope 32 watertight.

[0075] The sheets 36 are formed from a multi-layer film cut to obtain the desired geometry.

[0076] The film is for example a stack of layers as follows: a first layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a layer of aluminum (Al), a second layer of polyethylene terephthalate and a layer of polyethylene (PE). This type of film is commonly used in the food industry, for insulation advantageous products.

[0077] In the case of the flexible envelope 32, the aluminum layer provides very good thermal conductivity and reduces the risks of fluid permeation through the sheets, the polyethylene terephthalate layers provide good resistance to temperature and the ambient environment, and the polyethylene layer serves as an adhesive layer, for fixing the two sheets by fusion of the two polyethylene layers in contact with each other.

[0078] In the example shown, the flexible envelope 32 has a substantially rectangular shape and defines a rectangular central opening 42. The rectangular shape of the envelope 32 comprises, for example, two large sides 44, which extend in the alignment direction X, and two small sides 46, which extend in the transverse direction Y.

[0079] The envelope 32 defines lateral edges 47, in particular external lateral edges 47 extending along the long sides and the short sides, as well as internal lateral edges 47 running along the central opening 42.

[0080] The cooling device 30 further comprises at least one inlet fluid connector 50 and at least one outlet fluid connector 50, arranged in the casing and at least one fluid circulation conduit 52, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, extending between the sheets 36 of the casing from the at least one inlet connector 50 to the at least one outlet connector 50.

[0081] The separation regions 40 of the sheets 36 together define said at least one fluid circulation conduit 52 in the internal space.

[0082] In the example shown, the inlet and outlet fluid connectors 50 are positioned on the same side of the rectangular shape of the casing 32.

[0083] For example, the two fluidic connectors 50 are positioned on the same small side 46 of the rectangular shape of the envelope 32, that is to say at the level of the same end of the envelope 32 in the alignment direction X, and on either side of said rectangular shape in the transverse direction Y.

[0084] In the example shown, the casing 32 comprises a single fluid circulation conduit 52 having a U shape, that is to say that the conduit 52 extends from the inlet connector 50 along one of the large sides 44, then the small side 46 opposite the connectors 50, and along the other of the large sides 44 to the outlet connector.

[0085] More generally, the conduit 52 extends along a path forming at least one round trip on the casing 32, in order to run along the two rows of connectors 22 of the battery elements 14 and to allow the fluid connection of the inlet and the outlet at the same lateral edge 47 of the casing 32.

[0086] The conduit 52 may also extend along a serpentine path over the extent of the envelope 32, that is to say forming at least one meander, which makes it possible to increase the cooled surface.

[0087] Thus, the conduit 52 can have a V shape, a W shape, etc.

[0088] Alternatively, the envelope 32 may comprise several conduits 52 extending divergently from at least one entry point and joining at least one exit point.

[0089] Alternatively, the casing 32 may comprise a plurality of conduits 52 fluidly separated from one another.

[0090] In particular, the envelope 32 may comprise two conduits 52 which are substantially rectilinear and parallel to each other, extending along the two rows of connectors 22 and the bars 24, in the alignment direction X.

[0091] The cooling device 30 may advantageously further comprise a rigid support structure 34 for the flexible casing 32.

[0092] The expressions “rigid” and “flexible” are understood here relative to each other. In addition, the flexible nature of the envelope 32 implies that without external action, the envelope deforms under the effect of its own weight, while the rigid nature of the support structure 34 implies that it does not undergo any significant deformation under the effect of its own weight.

[0093] The support structure 34 comprises a first part 54 and a second part 56, as well as means 58 for assembling the second part 56 and the first part 54.

[0094] In the example considered, the support structure 34 and the casing 32 are intended to be arranged above the battery elements 14.

[0095] The first part 54 is therefore an upper part, arranged above the second part 56 in the elevation direction Z, the second part 56 therefore being a lower part.

[0096] The second part 56 and the first part 54 are shaped to enclose at least one of the lateral edges 47 of the envelope 32 between them, when they are assembled.

[0097] Thus, the flexible envelope 32 is held by its lateral edges 47, which are held tight in support between the first and second parts 54, 56 of the support structure 34.

[0098] The first part 54 and the second part 56 each have, for example, the shape of a flat rectangular frame, extending perpendicular to the elevation direction Z, defining a central opening 60, the first part 54 and the second part 56 thus having respective external edges and internal edges.

[0099] Advantageously, the first part 54 and the second part 56 comprise flanges 62 which extend along external lateral edges and / or lateral edges internal, projecting in the Z elevation direction.

[0100] Advantageously, the flexible envelope 32 may comprise flaps 64 extending along the internal lateral edges 47 of the envelope 32 and running along the central opening 42, said flaps 64 being held between the edges 62 of the first and second parts of the support structure 34. This further improves the holding of the flexible envelope between the two parts.

[0101] Advantageously, the rims 62 extending along the external lateral edges of the first part 54 and the second part 56 cooperate to form an external lateral rim 66 of the support structure 34, arranged to be positioned along an external contour of the set of battery elements 14, so as to simplify the installation of the cooling device and to prevent its displacement.

[0102] The second portion 56 defines at least one recess 68 intended to open at at least one of the separation regions 40 of the envelope 32, so as to allow the envelope 32 to protrude from the support structure 34 through said recess 68.

[0103] Each recess 68 has a shape identical to that of one of the fluid circulation conduits 52. Thus, in the example shown, the recess 68 is unique and has a U-shape identical to that of the fluid circulation conduit 52 of the casing 32.

[0104] This allows the casing 32 to project through the recess 68 over the entire extent of the conduit 52, to reach the elements to be cooled.

[0105] Each recess 68 has, for example, a width that is substantially constant over its length, measured transversely to the local direction of elongation of the recess 68 and of the cooling fluid conduit 52.

[0106] The first part 54 is advantageously closed opposite each recess 68 of the second part 56. This makes it possible to maintain counterpressure on the flexible envelope 32 to prevent extension in an undesired direction.

[0107] The assembly means 58 of the second part 56 to the first part 54 are for example snap-fastening assembly means comprising at least one tooth 70 extending projecting from an edge of one of the second part and the first part and at least one corresponding indentation 72 defined by the other of the second part and the first part.

[0108] For example, the assembly means 58 comprise indentations 72 distributed along the inner rim and the outer rim of the first part 54 and corresponding teeth 70 distributed along the inner rim and the outer rim of the second part 56.

[0109] Advantageously, the support structure 34 further comprises fixing means adapted to fix the support structure 34 to the cover of the enclosure 12 of electric battery.

[0110] The assembly means are for example positioned on the first part 54, along the external rim.

[0111] The means for fixing the support structure 34 may also or alternatively be adapted to fix the support structure 34 to a side or bottom wall of the enclosure 12.

[0112] The fixing means may also or alternatively be adapted to fix the support structure 34 to the battery elements 14, in particular to the lower 20, lateral or upper 18 faces of the battery elements 14.

[0113] The means for fixing the support structure 34 are, for example, means for fixing by snap-fastening, by screwing, or articulated means.

[0114] The first part 54 defines at least one orifice 74 arranged to allow the passage of each fluid connector 50 connected to the casing 32. In the example shown which comprises two connectors 50, the first part 54 defines two orifices 74.

[0115] The orifices 74 are for example substantially circular, and coincide with corresponding passage orifices 16 defined in the enclosure 12, in particular in the cover of the enclosure 12.

[0116] Alternatively, at least one of the orifices 74 is defined by the second part 56, depending on the configuration of the connectors 50.

[0117] Advantageously, the first part 54 comprises at least one stiffening rib 76, capable of improving the stiffness of the support structure 34 in bending.

[0118] The ribs 76 extend for example in the elevation direction Z, advantageously from the external edge to the internal edge of the first part 54.

[0119] In the example shown, the first part 54 comprises a plurality of such ribs 76 forming crosspieces.

[0120] The support structure 34 is formed from plastic material, in particular by separate molding of the first part 54 and the second part 56.

[0121] Alternatively, the support structure 34 may be formed by stamping, or by additive manufacturing.

[0122] Alternatively, the cooling device 30 may comprise a simplified support structure, such as a simple rigid frame enclosing the external lateral edges of the casing 32, or even no support structure 34, in particular when the casing 32 is arranged in a receptacle or directly at the bottom of the enclosure 12, in contact with the lower faces of the battery elements 14.

[0123] According to the invention, the inlet and outlet fluid connectors 50 are for example of the type shown in FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0124] The fluidic connectors 50 are arranged in respective inlet or outlet orifices provided in the sheets 36 forming the envelope 32.

[0125] Each fluid connector 50 comprises a base 80 formed of a base 82 disposed internally relative to the sheet 36 and a tube 84 secured to the base 82 and extending through the orifice of the sheet 36.

[0126] The base 82 is substantially perpendicular to the elevation direction in the example shown, while the tube 84 extends substantially along the elevation direction Z.

[0127] Each fluidic connector 50 further comprises a ring 88 assembled to the base 80, bearing on an external surface of the sheet 36.

[0128] Advantageously, each fluidic connector 50 further comprises at least one O-ring 86, disposed between the base 82 of the base 80 and the internal face of the sheet 36.

[0129] In this case, the ring 88 compresses the sheet and the said O-ring(s) 86 against the base 80.

[0130] The base 82 defines a central through opening 90 through which the tube 84 opens into the internal space of the flexible envelope 32.

[0131] For example, the base 82 has a general disc shape, concentric with the central opening 90.

[0132] The base 82 further defines an upper face 92 by which the connector 50 is fixed to the internal face of the sheet 36, by a weld circumferentially surrounding the tube 84 and extending around the orifice.

[0133] For example, the connector 50 comprises for this purpose at least one rib 94 defined on the base 82, circumferentially surrounding the tube 84, and in particular at least two ribs 94 radially spaced from each other relative to the tube 84.

[0134] The ribs 94 project from the base 82 to a ridge line 96, by which they are fixed to the inner face of the sheet 36.

[0135] The fixing of the ribs 94 to the sheet 36 is for example carried out by thermal welding of the ridge line 96 on the internal polyethylene layer of the sheet 36.

[0136] The ribs 94 are for example substantially circular and concentric.

[0137] Advantageously, the ribs 94 define between them at least one groove 98 for receiving the O-ring 86.

[0138] In the example shown, the base 80 defines two such ribs 94, which make it possible to have two welding lines to the sheet 36, and a single O-ring 86 disposed in the groove 98 formed between the two ribs 94.

[0139] The ring 88, shown in [Fig.7], is assembled to the base, for example by screwing or snap-fastening, and circumferentially surrounds the tube 84.

[0140] In the example shown, the tube 84 defines on its external surface a plurality of teeth 100 regularly distributed around its circumference and which project radially from the tube 84, while the ring 88 defines the same number of corresponding indentations 102, shaped to receive the teeth 100 by snap-fastening when fixing the ring 88 to the base 80.

[0141] Alternatively, an external surface of the tube 84 may define a thread and an internal surface of the ring 88 may define a complementary thread, said threads making it possible to fix the ring 88 to the base 80 by screwing.

[0142] Thus, the ring 88 is arranged to bear against an external face of the sheet 36 and exerts a force on the O-ring 86 through the sheet, which makes it possible to have reinforced sealing in addition to the weld lines to the ribs 94.

[0143] The tube 84 may also define a peripheral rib 104 for fixing a cooling fluid conveying pipe, which extends away from the ring 88, on the side opposite the base 82.

[0144] Advantageously, as shown in [Fig.8], an internal surface 106 of the tube 84 has reliefs 108 arranged to generate turbulence in a flow of fluid through the tube 84.

[0145] Said reliefs 108 have, for example, ramp shapes extending on the internal surface 106 of the tube 84 in a direction transverse to a local elongation direction of the tube 84, projecting towards the inside of the tube 84.

[0146] Such reliefs 108 make it possible to improve the mixing of the fluid flowing through the tube 84 and to avoid the formation of a stagnant layer of fluid along the internal surface 106, which reduces the efficiency of the heat transfer.

Claims

Claims

1. A cooling device (30) for an electric battery, the cooling device (30) comprising: - an envelope (32) formed of two sheets (36) of flexible material extending opposite one another, the envelope (32) having welding regions (38) in which the sheets (36) are secured to one another and separation regions (40) in which the sheets (36) are able to extend away from one another, - at least one fluid circulation conduit (52) extending between the sheets (36) through at least one of the separation regions (40), - at least one fluid inlet orifice defined in one of the sheets (36) and at least one fluid outlet orifice defined in one of the sheets (36), and - at least one fluid connector (50), each fluid connector (50) being arranged through the at least one inlet orifice or the at least one outlet orifice, fixedly mounted to the corresponding sheet (36), characterized in that each fluid connector (50) comprises: - a base (80) comprising: - a base (82) defining a central through opening (90), the base (82) defining an upper face (92) arranged against an internal face of the corresponding sheet (36), and - a tube (84) secured to the base (82), extending through the inlet orifice or the outlet orifice and opening through the central opening (90) of the base (82), - a ring (88) assembled on the base (80) and circumferentially surrounding the tube (84), the ring (88) being arranged to bear against an external face of the sheet (36), the upper face of the base (82) being fixed to the internal face of the sheet (36) by at least one weld circumferentially surrounding the tube (84).

2. A cooling device (30) according to claim 1, wherein each fluid connector (50) comprises at least one rib (94) extending on the base (82), in contact with the internal face of the sheet (36) and circumferentially surrounding the tube (84), each rib (94) defining a ridge line (96) by which the base (82) is fixed to the sheet (36) by welding.

3. Device according to claim 2, in which the connector further comprises at least one O-ring (86) disposed between the base (82) of the base (80) and the internal face of the sheet (36), the ring (88) exerting a force on the O-ring (86) through the sheet (36).

4. Cooling device (30) according to claim 3, in which the base (80) comprises at least two ribs (94) spaced radially from each other relative to the tube (82) and being fixed to the sheet (36) by their respective crest lines (96), the at least two of the ribs (94) defining between them an annular groove (98) receiving the O-ring (86)

5. Cooling device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which an internal surface of the ring (88) and an external surface of the tube (84) have corresponding threads, arranged to allow the fixing of the ring (88) to the base (80).

6. Cooling device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the ring (88) and the tube (84) have corresponding snap-fastening means, arranged to allow the ring (88) to be fixed to the base (80).

7. Cooling device (30) according to claim 6, wherein said snap-fastening means comprise a plurality of teeth (100) distributed circumferentially on the external surface of the tube (84) and projecting radially from said external surface, and, preferably, the same number of corresponding indentations (102) defined by the ring (88).

8. Cooling device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which an internal surface (106) of the tube (84) has reliefs (108) arranged to generate turbulence in a flow of fluid through the tube (84).

9. Cooling device (30) according to claim 8, in which the reliefs (108) have ramp shapes extending on the internal surface (106) of the tube in a direction transverse to a direction of local elongation of the tube (84), projecting towards the inside of the tube (84).

10. Electric battery (10) comprising: - a plurality of battery elements (14) arranged in an enclosure (12), - a cooling fluid circulation device, and - a cooling device (30) according to one of the claims previous, each fluid connector (50) of the cooling device being fluidically connected to the cooling fluid circulation device, the casing (32) being arranged to come into contact with elements to be cooled of the battery elements when a cooling fluid circulates in the at least one circulation conduit (52).

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